Passage switch, passage switching method thereof, and vaporizing device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a passage switcher, a passage switching method thereof and a vaporizing device, wherein the passage switcher comprises a dynamic part and a static part, the static part has a steam channel and an air channel, the steam channel and the air channel are independent of each other, the dynamic part is movably installed on the static part to allow the dynamic part to open or close the air channel of the static part, so that the steam channel and the air channel can be integrated in the passage switcher to make the passage switcher appear as a whole component in appearance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steamer, and more particularly to a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, electric steamers are popular on the market. They are equipped with a heater to heat water and convert it into steam. The steam is then guided to the bottom of the pot and enters the interior to steam food placed inside. Existing electric steamers have relatively limited functionality, resulting in low utilization. The inventors of this invention are dedicated to solving the technical problem of integrating more functions into electric steamers while ensuring their reliability and hygiene. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher and a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the steaming apparatus integrates steaming and drying functions to improve the utilization rate of the steaming apparatus.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the steaming apparatus provides a channel switcher that allows selection of the function of the steaming apparatus between a steaming function and a drying function by changing the state of the channel switcher.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein when the steaming apparatus is selected for the steaming function, the channel switcher allows steam generated by a steam generating unit to enter a functional space and prevents steam or water in the functional space from entering a hot air generating unit. Thus, on the one hand, it helps to ensure the safety and stability of the hot air generating unit, and on the other hand, it can prevent contaminants formed by steam or water from adhering to the inner wall of the hot air generating unit, thereby ensuring the hygiene of the steaming apparatus.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the channel switcher provides a steam channel and an air channel, the steam channel connecting the functional space and the steam generating unit for guiding steam generated by the steam generating unit into the functional space to steam food placed in the functional space, and the open air channel connecting the functional space and the hot air generating unit for guiding hot air generated by the hot air generating unit into the functional space to dry items placed in the functional space.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the channel switcher provides a dynamic part and a static part, and the air duct of the channel switcher can be opened or closed by changing the position of the dynamic part relative to the static part, thereby selecting the function of the steaming apparatus.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the channel switcher provides a driving portion for driving the dynamic portion. Preferably, the driving portion is disposed inside the static portion, which helps to reduce the size of the channel switcher and improve the integration of the channel switcher.

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the driving part adopts an electromagnetic driving scheme, which not only reduces the volume of the channel switcher, but also helps to keep the air duct of the channel switcher in a normally closed state, so as to prevent steam or water from entering the hot air generating unit and adhering to the inner wall of the hot air generating unit to form contaminants.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a channel switcher, a channel switching method thereof, and a steaming apparatus, wherein the steam passage of the channel switcher is always kept unobstructed, that is, the steam passage of the channel switcher is a normally open steam passage, so that when the steaming apparatus is selected in the drying mode, hot air can enter the steam passage of the channel switcher to dry it, thereby helping to ensure the hygiene of the steaming apparatus.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a path switcher is provided, comprising: One dynamic part; and A static section, wherein the static section has a steam duct and a wind duct, the steam duct and the wind duct being mutually... Independent, wherein the dynamic part is movably mounted to the static part to allow the dynamic part to open or close the air duct of the static part, such that the air duct and the air duct can be integrated into the passage switch so that the passage switch appears as a single, integrated component.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the static portion includes an upper air duct shell, a lower air duct shell, and a steam guide column. The upper air duct shell has an upper air duct perforation, and the lower air duct shell has a lower air duct perforation. The upper air duct shell and the lower air duct shell are installed on each other, and the upper air duct perforation of the upper air duct shell and the lower air duct perforation of the lower air duct shell are connected to form the air duct of the static portion. The steam guide column is disposed on the upper air duct shell, and the steam guide column is a hollow structure to form the steam passage of the static portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the static portion includes an upper air duct shell, a lower air duct shell, and a steam guide column. The upper air duct shell has an upper air duct perforation, and the lower air duct shell has a lower air duct perforation. The upper air duct shell and the lower air duct shell are integral structures, and the upper air duct perforation of the upper air duct shell and the lower air duct perforation of the lower air duct shell are connected to form the air duct of the static portion. The steam guide column is disposed on the upper air duct shell, and the steam guide column is a hollow structure to form the steam passage of the static portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam guide column extends integrally downward from the edge of the upper air duct shell.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the static portion further includes a steam distribution cover and a steam distribution space. The steam distribution cover has a central perforation and a set of steam channels. The steam distribution cover is disposed on the upper duct shell in such a manner that the top of the upper duct shell is allowed to pass through the central perforation, thereby forming the steam distribution space between the steam distribution cover and the upper duct shell. The set of steam channels of the steam distribution cover and the steam channels of the static portion are respectively connected to the steam distribution space of the static portion.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic portion includes a closing cover configured to move up and down to open or close the air duct of the static portion by allowing the bottom wall of the closing cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the upper air duct housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic portion includes a closing cover configured to move up and down to open or close the air duct of the static portion by allowing the bottom wall of the closing cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the upper air duct shell and the top wall of the steam distribution cover, respectively.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the static portion further includes an annular sealing element disposed between the upper duct housing and the steam distribution cover, wherein the top wall of the sealing element is flush with the top wall of the upper duct housing to allow the bottom wall of the closed cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the sealing element.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the top wall of the steam distribution cover has an annular cover groove, wherein the periphery of the closed cover is recessed to form a cover ring, and the cover ring of the closed cover can be retained in the annular cover groove of the steam distribution cover.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the path switcher further includes a driving portion, wherein the dynamic portion is drivably connected to the driving portion, and wherein the driving portion drives the dynamic portion to move up and down relative to the static portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driving portion is held in the air duct of the static portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the channel switcher further includes a drive portion held in the air duct of the static portion, wherein the drive portion includes an electromagnetic body, a drive rod and a reset element, the drive rod is drivably mounted on the electromagnetic body, the reset element is disposed between the bottom end of the drive rod and the electromagnetic body, and the closing cover of the dynamic portion is mounted on the top end of the drive rod.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driving part includes an electromagnetic shield, which is disposed outside the electromagnetic body.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the invention further provides a steaming apparatus, comprising a water tank, a steaming container, and a steaming body, wherein the steaming body further comprises: One steam generation unit; One hot air generating unit; A path switcher, wherein the path switcher includes a dynamic part and a static part, wherein the static part has a steam duct and a wind duct, the steam duct and the wind duct being independent of each other, wherein the dynamic part is movably mounted to the static part to allow the dynamic part to open or close the wind duct of the static part; and A housing having a housing space and a housing perforation communicating with the housing space, wherein a water tank and a steaming container are respectively installed at different positions in the housing, wherein a channel switcher, a steam generating unit and a hot air generating unit are respectively disposed in the housing space of the housing, and the top of the channel switcher protrudes from the housing through the housing perforation of the housing, wherein the steam generating unit is configured to communicate with the steam duct of the channel switcher and the water tank, and wherein the hot air generating unit is configured to communicate with the air duct of the channel switcher.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a container carrying area and a water tank carrying area, wherein the steaming container is detachably disposed in the container carrying area of ​​the housing, and the water tank is detachably installed in the water tank carrying area of ​​the housing, wherein the height position of the container carrying area of ​​the housing is lower than the height position of the water tank carrying area.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generating unit and the hot air generating unit are disposed in the housing space of the housing at a position corresponding to the water tank bearing area.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a path switching method for a path switcher, wherein the path switching method includes the following steps: (a) Allowing a passageway in a static section of a path switcher to remain open; and (b) Allowing a dynamic portion of the path switcher to move up and down relative to the static portion, so that the dynamic portion opens or closes a duct of the static portion to switch the path of the path switcher.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step (b) further includes: (b.1) When power is supplied to an electromagnetic body of a drive section of the path switcher, the electromagnetic body is allowed to drive a drive rod to move upward, thereby causing the dynamic section to move upward, so as to open the air duct of the static section; and (b.2) When power supply to the electromagnetic body of the drive section is stopped, a reset element of the drive section is allowed to drive the drive rod to move downward, thereby causing the dynamic section to move downward, so as to close the air duct of the static section.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in step (b.1), when the electromagnetic body drives the drive rod to move upward, the bottom ends of the electromagnetic body and the drive rod are allowed to compress the reset element; in step (b.2), when the reset element returns to its initial state, the drive rod is driven to move downward.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drive rod drives the dynamic part at the bottom of the dynamic part. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a steaming apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are exploded schematic diagrams from different perspectives of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural relationship between a water tank and a steaming body of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural relationship between a receiving tray and a shell of the steaming body of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are exploded schematic diagrams from different perspectives of the steaming body of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention when the steaming function is selected.

[0037] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portion of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention when the drying function is selected.

[0038] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention when the steaming function is selected.

[0039] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the steaming apparatus according to the above-described preferred embodiment of the present invention when the drying function is selected. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0041] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0042] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0043] Refer to the accompanying drawings of the specification of this invention. Figures 1 to 7B A steaming apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed and described in the following description, wherein the steaming apparatus includes a steaming body 10, a steaming container 20 and a water tank 30, wherein the steaming container 20 and the water tank 30 are respectively disposed at different positions of the steaming body 10.

[0044] The steaming device has both steaming and drying functions, and is allowed to switch between these functions. When the steaming function is selected, the steaming body 10 heats the water in the water tank 30 to convert it into steam, and guides the steam from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into a functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to steam the food placed in the functional space 21. When the drying function is selected, the steaming body 10 heats the air to generate hot air, and guides the hot air from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to dry the items placed in the functional space 21.

[0045] Specifically, the steaming body 10 includes a shell 11, a channel switch 12, a steam generating unit 13, and a hot air generating unit 14. The shell 11 has a shell space 1101 and a shell opening 1102 communicating with the shell space 1101. The channel switch 12, the steam generating unit 13, and the hot air generating unit 14 are respectively disposed in the shell space 1101 of the shell 11, and the top of the channel switch 12 protrudes from the shell 11 through the shell opening 1102 of the shell 11.

[0046] More specifically, the channel switch 12 includes a static portion 121 and a dynamic portion 122, wherein the static portion 121 has a steam duct 12101 and an air duct 12102, the steam duct 12101 and the air duct 12102 being independent of each other, wherein the dynamic portion 122 is movably mounted to the static portion 121 to allow the dynamic portion 122 to open or close the air duct 12102 of the static portion 121, so that the steam duct 12101 and the air duct 12102 can be integrated into the channel switch 12 so that the channel switch 12 appears as a single, integrated component.

[0047] The steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the channel switcher 12 is configured to connect the steam generating unit 13 and the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20. The steam generating unit 13 is configured to connect to the water tank 30. When the steaming device is selected for the steaming function, the steam generating unit 13 can heat the water in the water tank 30 to convert it into steam. The steam is allowed to enter the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 through the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 at the bottom of the steaming container 20 to steam the food placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0048] When the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the channel switch 12 is opened, it connects the hot air generating unit 14 and the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20. When the drying function of the steaming device is selected, the hot air generating unit 14 can heat the air to generate hot air. The hot air is allowed to enter the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 through the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 at the bottom of the steaming container 20 to dry the items placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0049] In other words, the channel switch 12 can guide steam into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 and guide hot air into the functional space 21 from the bottom of the steaming container 20.

[0050] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 4 The housing 11 has a container carrying area 1103 and a water tank carrying area 1104. The steaming container 20 is detachably disposed in the container carrying area 1103 of the housing 11. When the steaming container 20 is disposed in the container carrying area 1103 of the housing 11, the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the channel switch 12 connects the steam generating unit 13 and the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20, and the air passage 12102 of the static part 121 can connect the hot air generating unit 14 and the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20. The water tank 30 is detachably installed in the water tank carrying area 1104 of the housing 11. When the water tank 30 is installed in the water tank carrying area 1104 of the housing 11, the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the water tank 30.

[0051] Preferably, the height of the container-bearing area 1103 of the housing 11 is lower than the height of the water tank-bearing area 1104. In this way, the steam generating unit 13 and the hot air generating unit 14 can be positioned in the housing space 1101 of the housing 11 corresponding to the water tank-bearing area 1104, rather than in the housing space 1101 corresponding to the container-bearing area 1103. This helps to reduce the height of the container-bearing area 1103 of the housing 11, thereby reducing the overall height of the steaming body 10 and the steaming container 20 when the steaming container 20 is installed in the container-bearing area 1103 of the housing 11, ensuring the stability of the steaming device, and also facilitating the miniaturization of the steaming device.

[0052] Reference Appendix Figure 5A and Figure 5B The housing 11 includes a face cover 111 and a bottom shell 112, the face cover 111 and the bottom shell 112 are mounted to each other to form the housing space 1101 between the face cover 111 and the bottom shell 112, and the housing opening 1102 of the housing 11 is formed in the face cover 111.

[0053] The cover 111 has a first support end 1111 and a second support end 1112 corresponding to the first support end 1111. The height of the first support end 1111 is lower than the height of the second support end 1112. The container support area 1103 of the shell 11 is formed at the first support end 1111 of the cover 111, so that the steaming container 20 can be supported by the first support end 1111 of the cover 111. The water tank support area 1104 of the shell 11 is formed at the second support end 1112 of the cover 111, so that the water tank 30 can be supported by the second support end 1112 of the cover 111.

[0054] Preferably, the faceplate 111 of the housing 11 is an injection molded part, which is injection molded from plastic material, so that the faceplate 111 and the bottom shell 112 have a height difference. Correspondingly, the bottom shell 112 can also be an injection molded part, which is injection molded from plastic material, so that the shape of the bottom shell 112 is adapted to the shape of the faceplate 111.

[0055] Reference Appendix Figure 4 The cover 111 further has a cover groove 1113, which is formed by the first bearing end 1111 of the cover 111 sinking down, and the cover groove 1113 surrounds the housing opening 1102 of the housing 11, so that when the steaming device is selected for the steaming function, water dripping from the steaming container 20 can be collected into the cover groove 1113 of the cover 111.

[0056] To prevent condensate from contaminating the cover 111 during steaming and to facilitate cleaning of condensate after steaming, the housing 11 further includes a receiving tray 113. The receiving tray 113 has a central perforation 1131 and a receiving groove 1132 surrounding the central perforation 1131. The receiving tray 113 is detachably installed in the cover groove 1113 of the housing 11. When the receiving tray 113 is installed in the cover groove 1113 of the housing 11, the top of the channel switch 12 is located at the central perforation 1131 of the receiving tray 113. Thus, when the steaming device is selected for the steaming function, the condensate dripping from the steaming container 20 can be collected in the receiving groove 1132 of the receiving tray 113.

[0057] The cover 111 further has a cover perforation 1114, which is formed at the second bearing end 1112 of the cover 111 and communicates with the housing space 1101 of the housing 11. The water inlet of the steam generating unit 13 is configured to correspond to the cover perforation 1114 of the cover 111. When the water tank 30 is installed on the second bearing end 1112 of the cover 111, the water outlet of the water tank 30 is configured to correspond to the cover perforation 1114 of the cover 111. The water outlet of the water tank 30 and the water inlet of the steam generating unit 13 are directly or indirectly connected to allow the water contained in the water tank 30 to enter the steam generating unit 13.

[0058] It is worth mentioning that the specific structure of the steam generating unit 13 is not limited in the steaming device of the present invention, as long as it can heat the water entering the steam generating unit 13 from the water tank 30, convert it into steam, and pass the steam into the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12.

[0059] For example, in the appendix Figures 1 to 7B In this specific example of the steaming apparatus shown, the steam generating unit 13 includes a steam generator 131 and an electromagnetic pump 132 connected to the steam generator 131. The water inlet of the steam generator 131 is provided with a cover perforation 1114 corresponding to the cover 111. The water outlet of the electromagnetic pump 132 is provided with a steam passage 12101 connected to the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12. After the water in the water tank 30 enters the steam generator 131, the steam generator 131 can heat it and convert it into steam. The steam is subsequently pressurized by the electromagnetic pump 132 and enters the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12. The steam is then guided by the passage switcher 12 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to steam the food placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0060] It is worth mentioning that the specific structure of the hot air generating unit 14 is not limited in the steaming device of the present invention, as long as it can heat the air and pass the air into the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the channel switcher 12.

[0061] For example, in the appendix Figures 1 to 7BIn this specific example of the steaming apparatus shown, the hot air generating unit 14 consists of an electric heating module 141 and a fan 142. The electric heating module 141 is configured to heat air; for example, the electric heating module 141 may integrate an electric heating film to allow the electric heating module 141 to be configured to heat air. The fan 142 is configured to blow the air heated by the electric heating module 141 toward the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12. If the dynamic part 122 of the passage switcher 12 opens the air duct 12102, the hot air can be guided by the passage switcher 12 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to dry the items placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0062] Further, see attached document. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The steaming body 10 includes a flow guide 15, which connects the hot air generating unit 14 and the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the channel switch 12. The fan 142 of the hot air generating unit 14 can blow the air heated by the electric heating module 141 through the flow guide 15 to the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the channel switch 12.

[0063] Specifically, the drainage portion 15 includes a drainage wall 151, a drainage cover 152, and a drainage cavity 153. The drainage wall 151 protrudes from the inner wall of the bottom shell 112 and extends from the second supporting end 1112 of the cover 111 to the first supporting end 1111. The drainage cover 152 is placed on the drainage wall 151 to form the drainage cavity 153 between the drainage wall 151 and the drainage cover 152. Preferably, the drainage wall 151 extends integrally from the inner wall of the bottom shell 112, so that the drainage wall 151 protrudes from the inner wall of the bottom shell 112.

[0064] Reference Appendix Figures 5A to 6BThe static portion 121 of the channel switcher 12 includes an upper air duct shell 1211 and a lower air duct shell 1212. The upper air duct shell 1211 has an upper air duct through-hole 12110, and the lower air duct shell 1212 has a lower air duct through-hole 12120. The upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212 are mounted to each other, and the upper air duct through-hole 12110 of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 12120 of the lower air duct shell 1212 are connected to allow the upper air duct through-hole 12110 of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct through-hole 12120 of the lower air duct shell 1212 to form the air duct 12102 of the static portion 121.

[0065] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6B The bottom of the lower air duct shell 1212 of the static portion 121 is mounted on the drainage wall 151 of the drainage portion 15, and the lower air duct perforation 12120 of the lower air duct shell 1212 corresponds to and communicates with the drainage cavity 153 of the drainage portion 15, so as to allow the air duct 12102 of the static portion 121 to communicate with the drainage cavity 153 of the drainage portion 15. Preferably, the lower air duct shell 1212 of the static portion 121 and the drainage cover 152 of the drainage portion 15 are integral structures. For example, the lower air duct shell 1212 of the static portion 121 and the drainage cover 152 of the drainage portion 15 can be integrally molded by injection molding. Optionally, in other examples of the steaming apparatus of the present invention, the bottom of the lower air duct shell 1212 of the static portion 121 can be mounted on the bottom shell 112, and the lower air duct perforation 12120 of the lower air duct shell 1212 corresponds to and communicates with the drainage cavity 153 of the drainage portion 15.

[0066] It is worth mentioning that the installation method of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212 is not limited in the steaming apparatus of the present invention. For example, the installation positions of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212 can have a stepped structure to increase the sealing performance of the installation positions of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212. Optionally, in other examples of the steaming apparatus of the present invention, the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212 can be an integral structure, that is, the upper air duct shell 1211 and the lower air duct shell 1212 can be integrally molded by injection molding.

[0067] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6BThe static portion 121 of the channel switcher 12 further includes a steam guide column 1213, which is disposed on the upper air duct shell 1211, and the steam guide column 1213 is a hollow structure forming the steam passage 12101 of the static portion 121. Preferably, the steam guide column 1213 extends integrally downward from the edge of the upper air duct shell 1211, so that the steam passage 12101 and the air duct 12102 of the static portion 121 are independent of each other.

[0068] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6B The static portion 121 of the channel switcher 12 further includes a steam distribution cover 1214 and a steam distribution space 12103. The steam distribution cover 1214 has a central perforation 12141 and a set of steam channels 12142. The steam distribution cover 1214 is installed on the upper air duct shell 1211 in such a way that the top of the upper air duct shell 1211 can pass through the central perforation 12141. The steam distribution space 12103 of the static portion 121 is formed between the upper air duct shell 1211 and the steam distribution cover 1214. The set of steam channels 12142 of the steam distribution cover 1214 and the steam channels 12101 of the static portion 121 are respectively connected to the steam distribution space 12103. Steam is first allowed to enter the steam distribution space 12103 through the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121, and then allowed to enter the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 from the bottom plate of the steaming container 20 through a set of steam passages 12142 of the steam distribution cover 1214.

[0069] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6BThe dynamic part 122 includes a closing cover 1221, wherein the closing cover 1221 is configured to move up and down to open or close the air duct 12102 of the static part 121. Specifically, when the closing cover 1221 is driven upward, there is a gap between the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 and the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211, and a gap between the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 and the top wall of the steam distribution cover 1214, such that the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 is opened to allow hot air to enter the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 through the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 to dry the items placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20. When the closing cover 1221 is driven to move downward, the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 contacts the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211 and the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 contacts the top wall of the steam distribution cover 1214, thereby closing the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 to prevent condensate dripping from the steaming container 20 from entering the air duct 12102 of the static part 121.

[0070] Optionally, in other examples of the steaming apparatus of the present invention, the closing cover 1221 of the dynamic part 122 may not extend to the upper part of the steam distribution cover 1214, so that when the closing cover 1221 is driven upward, the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 and the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211 have a gap to allow the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 to be opened, and when the closing cover 1221 is driven downward, the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 and the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211 contact to allow the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 to be closed.

[0071] Preferably, refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6BWhen the air duct 12102 of the static section 121 is closed, in order to further prevent condensate dripping from the steaming container 20 from entering the air duct 12102 of the static section 121, the static section 121 further includes an annular sealing element 1215. The sealing element 1215 is disposed between the upper air duct shell 1211 and the steam distribution cover 1214, and the top wall of the sealing element 1215 is flush with the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211. Thus, on the one hand, the sealing element 1215 can increase the... The sealing between the upper duct shell 1211 and the steam distribution cover 1214 prevents steam entering the steam distribution space 12103 of the static portion 121 from entering the duct 12102 of the static portion 121 through the gap between the upper duct shell 1211 and the steam distribution cover 1214. On the other hand, the sealing element 1215 can enhance the closing effect of the duct 12102 of the static portion 121 to prevent condensate dripping from the steaming container 20 from entering the duct 12102 of the static portion 121. Preferably, the top wall of the sealing element 1215 has a rough surface.

[0072] Preferably, the top wall of the steam distribution cover 1214 has an annular cover groove 12143 and a set of drainage grooves 12144 communicating with the annular cover groove 12143. The periphery of the closing cover 1221 is sunken to form a cover ring 12211. The cover ring 12211 of the closing cover 1221 can be held in the annular cover groove 12143 of the steam distribution cover 1214 to further increase the closing effect between the closing cover 1221 and the steam distribution cover 1214. The set of drainage grooves 12144 of the steam distribution cover 1214 is used to drain the condensate entering the annular cover groove 12143.

[0073] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6B The static portion 121 further includes an annular waterproof element 1216, which is disposed between the upper duct shell 1211 and the cover 111 of the housing 11 to increase the sealing between the static portion 121 and the cover 111 of the housing 11. Preferably, the waterproof element 1216 and the cover 111 of the housing 11 have a stepped structure to increase the waterproof performance of the waterproof element 1216.

[0074] Specifically, the cover 111 of the housing 11 has a mounting boss 1115 surrounding the housing opening 1102 of the housing 11, wherein the upper air duct shell 1211 and the waterproof element 1216 are stacked and mounted on the mounting boss 1115 of the cover 111. The waterproof element 1216 is thus positioned between the upper air duct shell 1211 and the cover 111 to increase the sealing between the static part 121 and the cover 111 of the housing 11.

[0075] Continue to refer to the appendix Figures 5A to 6B The path switcher 12 further includes a drive portion 123 for driving the dynamic portion 122. Preferably, the drive portion 123 is disposed inside the static portion 121 to reduce the size of the path switcher 12 and improve its integration. Specifically, the drive portion 123 is held in the lower air duct perforation 12120 of the lower air duct housing 1212, so that the drive portion 123 is disposed inside the static portion 121.

[0076] In the appendix Figures 1 to 7B In this specific example of the steaming apparatus shown, the drive section 123 employs an electromagnetic drive scheme to reduce the volume of the channel switch 12 and keep the air duct 12102 of the static section 121 of the channel switch 12 normally closed, thereby preventing steam or water from entering the hot air generating unit 14 and adhering to the inner wall of the hot air generating unit 14 to form contaminants.

[0077] Specifically, the driving part 123 includes an electromagnetic body 1231, a driving rod 1232, and a reset element 1233. The driving rod 1232 is drivably mounted on the electromagnetic body 1231, the reset element 1233 is disposed between the bottom end of the driving rod 1232 and the electromagnetic body 1231, and the dynamic part 122 is mounted on the top end of the driving rod 1232.

[0078] When the electromagnetic body 1231 is not energized, the reset element 1233 remains in the initial state, and the drive rod 1232 keeps the closing cover 1221 of the dynamic part 122 in the following state: the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 is in contact with the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211, the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 is in contact with the top wall of the sealing element 1215, and the cover ring 12211 of the closing cover 1221 is held in the annular cover groove 12143 of the steam distribution cover 1214. At this time, the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 is kept in the closed state.

[0079] When the electromagnetic body 1231 is energized, it drives the drive rod 1232 to move the dynamic part 122 upward, causing the closed cover 1221 of the dynamic part 122 to remain in the following state: there is a gap between the bottom wall of the closed cover 1221 and the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211; there is a gap between the bottom wall of the closed cover 1221 and the top wall of the sealing element 1215; and the cover ring 12211 of the closed cover 1221 disengages from the annular cover groove 12143 of the steam distribution cover 1214. At this time, the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 is kept in the open state. Furthermore, the bottom end of the drive rod 1232 and the electromagnetic body 1231 press against the reset element 1233, causing the reset element 1233 to deform and accumulate elastic potential energy.

[0080] When the electromagnetic body 1231 is de-energized, the reset element 1233 returns to its initial state, driving the drive rod 1232 to move the dynamic part 122 downwards, so that the closing cover 1221 of the dynamic part 122 is held in the following state: the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 is in contact with the top wall of the upper air duct shell 1211, the bottom wall of the closing cover 1221 is in contact with the top wall of the sealing element 1215, and the cover ring 12211 of the closing cover 1221 is held in the annular cover groove 12143 of the steam distribution cover 1214. At this time, the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 is held in the closed state.

[0081] Preferably, the reset element 1233 is a compression spring, which is fitted onto the bottom end of the drive rod 1232 to prevent the reset element 1233 from disengaging from the bottom end of the drive rod 1232 and the electromagnetic body 1231, thereby ensuring the reliability and stability of the drive part 123.

[0082] Furthermore, the dynamic part 122 includes a mounting element 1222 that extends integrally downward from the closing cover 1221, wherein the top end of the drive rod 1232 is mounted on the mounting element 1222 of the dynamic part 122.

[0083] Furthermore, the drive section 123 includes an electromagnetic shield 1234, which is placed over the electromagnetic body 1231 to keep the electromagnetic body 1231 in a relatively enclosed environment and prevent hot air entering the air duct 12102 of the static section 121 from affecting the performance of the electromagnetic body 1231. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic shield 1234 allows the drive section 123 to form a single module, facilitating the assembly of the steaming device.

[0084] Appendix Figure 7A The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the steaming device when the steaming function is selected, wherein the reset element 1233 of the drive section 123 keeps the dynamic section 122 in a state where the air duct 12102 of the static section 121 is closed, the steam generating unit 13 heats the water entering the steam generating unit 13 from the water tank 30 and converts it into steam, and the steam is guided by the steam duct 12101 of the static section 121 of the passage switcher 12 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to steam the food placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0085] Appendix Figure 7B The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the steaming apparatus when the drying function is selected. The electromagnetic body 1231 and the drive rod 1232 of the drive part 123 cooperate to drive the closing cover 1221 of the dynamic part 122 to move upward and open the air duct 12102 of the static part 121. The hot air generated by the hot air generating unit 14 heating the air is guided by the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 of the channel switcher 12 from the bottom of the steaming container 20 into the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20 to steam the items placed in the functional space 21 of the steaming container 20.

[0086] It is worth mentioning that when the steaming device is selected in drying mode, the steam generating unit 13 is kept in a powered-off or standby state to avoid generating steam. When the steaming device is selected in drying mode, the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 is unobstructed. At this time, hot air can enter the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 to dry the moisture adhering to the inner wall of the steam guide column 1213 of the static part 121, thus ensuring the hygiene of the steaming device. Preferably, hot air can enter the interior of the steam generating unit 13 through the steam passage 12101 of the static part 121 of the passage switcher 12 and dry its interior to ensure the hygiene of the steaming device.

[0087] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further provides a path switching method for the path switcher 12, wherein the path switching method includes the following steps: (a) Allowing the steam passage 12101 of the static portion 121 of the pathway switch 12 to remain unobstructed; and (b) Allow the dynamic part 122 of the path switcher 12 to move up and down relative to the static part 121 so that the dynamic part 122 opens or closes the air duct 12102 of the static part 121 to switch the path of the path switcher 12.

[0088] Furthermore, step (b) further includes: (b.1) When power is supplied to the electromagnetic body 1231 of the drive section 123 of the path switcher 12, the electromagnetic body 1231 is allowed to drive the drive rod 1232 upward, thereby causing the dynamic section 122 to move upward, so as to open the air duct 12102 of the static section 121; and (b.2) When power is stopped to the electromagnetic body 1231 of the drive section 123, the reset element 1233 of the drive section 123 is allowed to drive the drive rod 1232 to move downward, thereby causing the dynamic section 122 to move downward, so as to close the air duct 12102 of the static section 121.

[0089] Preferably, in step (b.1), when the electromagnetic body 1231 drives the drive rod 1232 to move upward, the bottom ends of the electromagnetic body 1231 and the drive rod 1232 are allowed to compress the reset element 1233; in step (b.2), when the reset element 1233 returns to its initial state, the drive rod 1232 is driven to move downward.

[0090] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are merely examples, and features of different embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain implementation methods that are readily conceivable according to the content disclosed in the present invention but are not explicitly shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0091] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The objectives of the present invention have been fully and effectively achieved. The functions and structural principles of the present invention have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and any variations or modifications may be made to the implementation of the present invention without departing from the stated principles.

Claims

1. A path switcher, characterized in that, include: One dynamic part; and A static part, wherein the static part has a steam duct and a wind duct, the steam duct and the wind duct being independent of each other, wherein the dynamic part is movably mounted to the static part to allow the dynamic part to open or close the wind duct of the static part, such that the steam duct and the wind duct can be integrated into the passage switch so that the passage switch appears as a single, integrated component. The static portion includes an upper duct shell, a lower duct shell, and a steam guide column. The upper duct shell has an upper duct perforation, and the lower duct shell has a lower duct perforation. The upper and lower duct shells are installed on each other, and the upper duct perforation of the upper duct shell and the lower duct perforation of the lower duct shell are connected to form the duct of the static portion. The steam guide column is disposed on the upper duct shell and has a hollow structure to form the steam passage of the static portion.

2. The channel switcher according to claim 1, wherein the steam guide column extends integrally downward from the edge of the upper air duct shell.

3. The path switcher according to claim 1, wherein the static portion further includes a steam distribution cover and a steam distribution space, the steam distribution cover having a central perforation and a set of steam channels, the steam distribution cover being disposed on the upper duct shell such that the top of the upper duct shell is inserted through the central perforation to form the steam distribution space between the steam distribution cover and the upper duct shell, the set of steam channels of the steam distribution cover and the steam channels of the static portion being respectively connected to the steam distribution space of the static portion.

4. The channel switcher of claim 1, wherein the dynamic portion includes a closing cover configured to move up and down to open or close the duct of the static portion by allowing the bottom wall of the closing cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the upper duct housing.

5. The channel switch of claim 3, wherein the dynamic portion includes a closing cover configured to move up and down to open or close the duct of the static portion by allowing the bottom wall of the closing cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the upper duct shell and the top wall of the steam distribution cover, respectively.

6. The channel switch of claim 5, wherein the static portion further comprises an annular sealing element disposed between the upper duct housing and the steam distribution cover, and the top wall of the sealing element is flush with the top wall of the upper duct housing to allow the bottom wall of the closing cover to contact or move away from the top wall of the sealing element.

7. The channel switch according to claim 5, wherein the top wall of the steam distribution cover has an annular cover groove, wherein the periphery of the closed cover is recessed to form a cover ring, and the cover ring of the closed cover can be retained in the annular cover groove of the steam distribution cover.

8. The path switcher according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the path switcher further includes a driving portion, the dynamic portion being drivably connected to the driving portion, wherein the driving portion drives the dynamic portion to move up and down relative to the static portion.

9. The path switcher of claim 8, wherein the drive portion is held in the duct of the static portion.

10. The path switcher according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the path switcher further comprises a drive portion held in the air duct of the static portion, wherein the drive portion comprises an electromagnetic body, a drive rod and a reset element, the drive rod being drivably mounted to the electromagnetic body, the reset element being disposed between the bottom end of the drive rod and the electromagnetic body, and the closing cover of the dynamic portion being mounted to the top end of the drive rod.

11. The path switcher according to claim 10, wherein the drive portion includes an electromagnetic shield that is disposed outside the electromagnetic body.

12. A path switcher, characterized in that, include: One dynamic part; and A static part, wherein the static part has a steam duct and a wind duct, the steam duct and the wind duct being independent of each other, wherein the dynamic part is movably mounted to the static part to allow the dynamic part to open or close the wind duct of the static part, such that the steam duct and the wind duct can be integrated into the passage switch so that the passage switch appears as a single, integrated component. The static portion includes an upper air duct shell, a lower air duct shell, and a steam guide column. The upper air duct shell has an upper air duct perforation, and the lower air duct shell has a lower air duct perforation. The upper air duct shell and the lower air duct shell are an integral structure, and the upper air duct perforation of the upper air duct shell and the lower air duct perforation of the lower air duct shell are connected to form the air duct of the static portion. The steam guide column is disposed on the upper air duct shell and is a hollow structure to form the steam passage of the static portion.

13. The path switcher of claim 12, wherein the path switcher further comprises a driving portion, the dynamic portion being drivably connected to the driving portion, wherein the driving portion drives the dynamic portion to move up and down relative to the static portion.

14. The path switcher of claim 13, wherein the drive portion is held in the duct of the static portion.

15. A steaming apparatus, characterized in that, It includes a water tank, a steaming container, and a steaming body, wherein the steaming body further includes: One steam generation unit; One hot air generating unit; The path switcher according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and A housing having a housing space and a housing perforation communicating with the housing space, wherein a water tank and a steaming container are respectively installed at different positions in the housing, wherein a channel switcher, a steam generating unit and a hot air generating unit are respectively disposed in the housing space of the housing, and the top of the channel switcher protrudes from the housing through the housing perforation of the housing, wherein the steam generating unit is configured to communicate with the steam duct of the channel switcher and the water tank, and wherein the hot air generating unit is configured to communicate with the air duct of the channel switcher.

16. The steaming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the housing has a container carrying area and a water tank carrying area, wherein the steaming container is detachably disposed in the container carrying area of ​​the housing, and the water tank is detachably installed in the water tank carrying area of ​​the housing, wherein the height position of the container carrying area of ​​the housing is lower than the height position of the water tank carrying area.

17. The steaming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the steam generating unit and the hot air generating unit are disposed in the housing space of the housing at a position corresponding to the water tank bearing area.

18. A path switching method for a path switcher, characterized in that, The path switching method includes the following steps: (a) Allowing a passageway in a static section of a path switcher to remain open; and (b) Allowing a dynamic portion of the path switcher to move up and down relative to the static portion, so that the dynamic portion opens or closes a duct of the static portion to switch the path of the path switcher, wherein the static portion includes an upper duct shell, a lower duct shell, and a steam guide column, the upper duct shell having an upper duct perforation, the lower duct shell having a lower duct perforation, the upper duct shell and the lower duct shell being mounted to each other, and the upper duct perforation of the upper duct shell and the lower duct perforation of the lower duct shell being connected to form the duct of the static portion, the steam guide column being disposed on the upper duct shell, the steam guide column being a hollow structure to form the steam passage of the static portion.

19. The path switching method according to claim 18, wherein step (b) further comprises: (b.1) When power is supplied to an electromagnetic body of a drive section of the path switcher, the electromagnetic body is allowed to drive a drive rod to move upward, thereby causing the dynamic section to move upward, so as to open the air duct of the static section; and (b.2) When power supply to the electromagnetic body of the drive section is stopped, a reset element of the drive section is allowed to drive the drive rod to move downward, thereby causing the dynamic section to move downward, so as to close the air duct of the static section.

20. The path switching method according to claim 19, wherein in step (b.1), when the electromagnetic body drives the drive rod to move upward, the bottom ends of the electromagnetic body and the drive rod are allowed to compress the reset element, and in step (b.2), when the reset element returns to its initial state, the drive rod is driven to move downward.

21. The path switching method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the drive rod drives the dynamic part at the bottom of the dynamic part.

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