Microwave cooking appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a microwave cooking appliance. The microwave cooking appliance comprises a cavity, a chamber arranged in the cavity, a microwave source arranged on the cavity, and an antenna connected to the microwave source and partially arranged in the chamber, the antenna being configured to feed microwaves generated by the microwave source into the chamber. The microwave cooking appliance is configured to heat the antenna to a temperature greater than the condensation temperature of water vapor. The microwave cooking appliance can heat the antenna to a temperature greater than the condensation temperature of water vapor, thereby preventing water vapor from condensing on the antenna to some extent, and ensuring the efficiency of the antenna to some extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a microwave cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cooking appliances offer an increasing variety of cooking methods to meet users' needs for heating food using different methods on the same appliance. Among related technologies, cooking appliances typically employ both microwave heating and steam heating. When operating in microwave heating mode, the appliance generates microwaves, which are fed into the cooking cavity via an antenna to heat the food inside. When operating in steam heating mode, steam is introduced into the cooking cavity to heat the food. However, water vapor condenses inside and / or on the surface of the antenna, forming liquid water, which can affect the antenna's efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a microwave cooking appliance to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] One microwave cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application includes:

[0005] The cavity contains a chamber.

[0006] A microwave source, wherein the microwave source is disposed on the cavity;

[0007] An antenna connected to the microwave source, the antenna being partially located within the cavity, the antenna being configured to feed microwaves generated by the microwave source into the cavity;

[0008] The microwave cooking appliance is configured to heat the antenna so that its temperature is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0009] The aforementioned microwave cooking appliance can heat the antenna, making its temperature higher than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor. This can, to some extent, prevent water vapor from condensing on the antenna, thus ensuring the antenna's efficiency to a certain degree.

[0010] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance has a steam function and a microwave function mode. The microwave cooking appliance includes a steam generator located outside the cavity. The microwave cooking appliance is configured to: control the microwave source to operate at a preset power to heat the antenna within a first preset time after the steam function and microwave function mode are activated, so that the temperature of the antenna is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0011] In the steam function and microwave function modes, the operation of the microwave source and the steam generator is controlled.

[0012] In some implementations, the preset power is the maximum power of the microwave source.

[0013] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance has a steam function mode, and the microwave cooking appliance includes a heating element and a steam generator, with the heating element located inside the cavity and the steam generator located outside the cavity;

[0014] The microwave cooking appliance is configured to: control the operation of the steam generator and control the heating element and microwave source to be turned off in the steam function mode;

[0015] Within a second preset time period after the steam function mode ends, the heating element is controlled to heat the antenna so that the temperature of the antenna is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a first portion located within the cavity, the first portion having a minimum horizontal distance of 30 mm or more from the heating element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating element forms a heating area, and the first portion is located within the heating area.

[0018] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance includes an antenna cover located within the cavity, the antenna cover having a receiving cavity, the antenna including a first portion located within the cavity, the first portion being received in the receiving cavity, and the antenna cover being made of a microwave-permeable material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the antenna extends into the cavity from the top of the cavity, and the antenna cover is mounted on the top of the cavity, the antenna cover being tapered in a downward direction along the top of the cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a first portion located inside the cavity and a second portion located outside the cavity. The microwave cooking appliance includes a fan assembly, a heat dissipation duct, an air inlet, and an air outlet. The second portion is located in the heat dissipation duct. The fan assembly is configured to allow gas to enter the heat dissipation duct from the air inlet to exhaust the second portion during startup, and then exit the heat dissipation duct from the air outlet.

[0021] In some embodiments, the microwave source is located in the heat dissipation duct, and the microwave source, the antenna, and the fan assembly are arranged sequentially along the airflow direction.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microwave cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded view of a microwave cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a microwave cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the heating element and the first part in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] Microwave cooking appliance 100, cavity 12, microwave source 14, antenna 16, chamber 18, first part 20, second part 22, steam generator 24, heating element 26, control box assembly 28, upper heating element 30, first straight segment 31, second straight segment 32, third straight segment 34, curved segment 36, first upper heating element 38, second upper heating element 40, first heating area 42, second heating area 44, antenna cover 46, fan assembly 48, heat dissipation duct 50, air inlet 52, air outlet 54, outer cover 56, fan 58. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joint" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a microwave cooking appliance 100 including a cavity 12, a microwave source 14, and an antenna 16. A chamber 18 is provided inside the cavity 12. The microwave source 14 is disposed on the cavity 12. The antenna 16 is connected to the microwave source 14, and the antenna 16 is partially located within the chamber 18. The antenna 16 is configured to feed microwaves generated by the microwave source 14 into the chamber 18. The microwave cooking appliance 100 is configured to heat the antenna 16 so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0036] The microwave cooking appliance 100 described above can heat the antenna 16, making the temperature of the antenna 16 higher than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor. This can, to a certain extent, prevent water vapor from condensing on the antenna 16, thereby ensuring the efficiency of the antenna 16 to a certain extent.

[0037] Specifically, water vapor refers to gaseous water, and the liquefaction temperature of water vapor is related to gas pressure. At normal pressure, the liquefaction temperature of water vapor is 100°C. Heating the antenna 16 to a temperature greater than 100°C can, to some extent, prevent water vapor from condensing on the antenna 16 to form liquid water. It is understood that in other embodiments, the temperature of the heating antenna 16 can be set according to the actual environment, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0038] Optionally, in one embodiment, the microwave source 14 and the antenna 16 are located on the top of the cavity 12. The microwave source 14 may include a radio frequency module. The radio frequency module is connected to the antenna 16. When the radio frequency module is working, it can generate microwaves. The microwaves can be transmitted to the antenna 16. The antenna 16 feeds the microwaves into the cavity 18 to heat the food in the cavity 18.

[0039] The RF antenna 16 was designed with an air dielectric simulation for matching between the dielectric layer and the metal cavity wall. In actual operation, if condensation fills the cavity of the antenna 16 or accumulates on its surface, it's equivalent to a change in the dielectric constant, which affects the efficiency of the antenna 16. In this embodiment, the microwave cooking appliance 100 heats the antenna 16, raising its temperature above the liquefaction temperature of water vapor, thus preventing condensation and ensuring its efficiency. The efficiency of the antenna 16 is an indicator of its ability to convert input power into radiated power. It is defined as the ratio of radiated power to input power, reflecting the effectiveness of the antenna 16 in converting electromagnetic wave energy.

[0040] This application does not specifically limit the shape and material of the cavity 12. Optionally, the cavity 12 may be generally rectangular in shape, and the cavity 12 may be made of metallic material.

[0041] This application does not specifically limit the number and structure of the antennas 16. Optionally, in Figures 1 to 3 In the microwave cooking appliance 100, there are two antennas 16, which are spaced apart on the top of the cavity 12.

[0042] Antenna 16 includes a first portion 20 located within cavity 18 and a second portion 22 located outside cavity 18. In one embodiment, the first portion 20 is located on the lower surface of the top plate of cavity 12, and the second portion 22 is located on the upper surface of the top plate of cavity 12. The lower surface of the top plate is the surface of the top plate facing cavity 18, and the upper surface of the top plate is the surface of the top plate facing away from cavity 18. The first portion 20 being located within cavity 18 can increase the input power of microwaves.

[0043] In one embodiment, the microwave cooking appliance 100 has microwave, steam, and grilling functions, and can be a microwave-steam-grill combo. Specifically, the microwave cooking appliance 100 also includes a steam generator 24 and a heating element 26. The steam generator 24 is mounted on the cavity 12 and located outside the cavity 18, while the heating element 26 is located inside the cavity 18. Figure 3 In the middle, the steam generator 24 is installed on the outer surface of the back plate of the cavity 12, and the heating tube 26 is installed on the lower surface of the top plate of the cavity 12.

[0044] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance 100 may have microwave function (such as a microwave oven), or microwave and steam function (such as a microwave-steam combo), or microwave and grilling function (such as a microwave-grill combo), and this application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0045] When the microwave cooking appliance 100 operates in microwave mode, the heating element 26 and steam generator 24 are turned off, the microwave source 14 operates to generate microwaves, and the antenna 16 feeds the microwaves into the cavity 18, using the microwaves to heat the food inside the cavity 18. When the microwave cooking appliance 100 operates in steam mode, the heating element 26 and microwave source 14 are turned off, the steam generator 24 operates to generate steam, and the steam is introduced into the cavity 18, using the steam to heat the food inside the cavity 18. When the microwave cooking appliance 100 operates in grilling mode, the microwave source 14 and steam generator 24 are turned off, the heating element 26 operates to heat the air inside the cavity 18, using the hot air inside the cavity 18 to heat the food inside the cavity 18.

[0046] Optionally, the microwave cooking appliance 100 can also operate in a combination of two or all three of the above-mentioned modes. In such a combination mode, the microwave cooking appliance 100 can run the three modes or two of the above-mentioned modes simultaneously or in a certain sequence during a cooking program, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0047] Optionally, the microwave cooking appliance 100 includes a control box assembly 28, which is located on the front side of the top of the cavity 12. The front side of the control box assembly 28 has an operation area, through which the user can select the mode of the microwave cooking appliance 100 and set the parameters of the microwave cooking appliance 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance 100 has a steam function and a microwave function mode. The microwave cooking appliance 100 includes a steam generator 24 located outside the chamber 18. The microwave cooking appliance 100 is configured to control the microwave source 14 to operate at a preset power to heat the antenna 16 within a first preset time after the steam function and microwave function mode are turned on, so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0049] In both steam and microwave modes, control the operation of microwave source 14 and steam generator 24.

[0050] Therefore, the microwave heating antenna 16 can be utilized.

[0051] Specifically, in this embodiment, the microwave cooking appliance 100 has both steam and microwave modes. In this mode, the user can first place the food into the cavity 18, and then use both the steam and microwave functions to heat the food. Optionally, the steam and microwave functions can operate simultaneously, meaning that the food in the cavity 18 can be heated using both steam and microwave simultaneously. Optionally, the steam and microwave functions can operate alternately, meaning that the food in the cavity 18 is heated using steam for a period of time, and then heated using microwave for another period of time. Optionally, when the steam and microwave functions operate alternately, the food in the cavity 18 can be heated first using steam and then microwaved, or the food in the cavity 18 can be heated first using microwave and then steamed; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0052] The control box assembly 28 may include a controller that can determine the operating mode of the microwave cooking appliance 100 based on user operations on the operating area. In one embodiment, the steam function and microwave function modes may be modes selected by the user during operation on the operating area. In another embodiment, the steam function and microwave function modes may be modes set by a terminal device communicatively connected to the microwave cooking appliance 100, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, personal computers, wearable smart devices (smart helmets, smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart glasses), etc.

[0053] In one implementation, after selecting the steam and microwave function modes, the user can input a start command in the operating area or terminal device. Upon receiving the start command, the controller can activate the steam and microwave function modes of the microwave cooking appliance 100. During the first preset time period after the steam and microwave function modes are activated, before the cavity 12 is fully filled with steam, the controller can control the microwave source 14 to operate at a preset power to heat the antenna 16, ensuring that the temperature of the antenna 16 exceeds the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0054] In one embodiment, after the user selects the steam and microwave functions for a certain period of time, the controller activates the steam and microwave functions of the microwave cooking appliance 100. Within a first preset time after the steam and microwave functions are activated, if the cavity 12 is not fully filled with steam, the controller can control the microwave source 14 to operate at a preset power to heat the antenna 16, ensuring that the temperature of the antenna 16 exceeds the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0055] When the microwave source 14 operates at a preset power, the generated microwaves are fed into the cavity 18 via the antenna 16. The microwaves can heat the antenna 16, thereby increasing its temperature above the liquefaction temperature of water vapor. The first preset duration required for the antenna 16 to reach a temperature above the liquefaction temperature of water vapor at the preset power can be pre-calibrated and stored based on simulation and testing.

[0056] After the first preset time period ends, the controller can control the microwave cooking appliance 100 to operate according to the steam function and microwave function modes. After the steam function and microwave function modes are turned on, the antenna 16 is heated during the first preset time period, resulting in a higher temperature for the antenna 16. During operation after the first preset time period ends, water vapor is less likely to condense into liquid water on the antenna 16, thus ensuring the efficiency of the antenna 16.

[0057] This application does not specifically limit the first preset duration and preset power. In one example, the first preset duration can be 2 minutes, that is, within 2 minutes after the steam function and microwave function modes are turned on, the microwave source 14 is controlled to operate at the preset power.

[0058] In some implementations, the preset power is the maximum power of the microwave source 14. This causes the antenna 16 to heat up more quickly, reducing cooking time. Specifically, during the first preset period after the steam and microwave functions are activated, the microwave source 14 can operate at its maximum power, causing the antenna 16 to heat up faster. Consequently, the temperature of the antenna 16 exceeds the liquefaction temperature of water vapor more quickly, allowing it to enter the steam and microwave functions more rapidly, thus reducing cooking time.

[0059] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance 100 has a steam function mode. The microwave cooking appliance 100 includes a heating element 26 and a steam generator 24. The heating element 26 is located inside the chamber 18, and the steam generator 24 is located outside the chamber 18.

[0060] The microwave cooking appliance 100 is configured to control the operation of the steam generator 24 and the shutdown of the heating element 26 and the microwave source 14 in the steam function mode.

[0061] Within a second preset time period after the steam function mode ends, the heating element 26 is controlled to heat the antenna 16 so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0062] Therefore, after the steam function mode ends, the antenna 16 can be dried.

[0063] Specifically, in steam mode, the controller can control the operation of the steam generator 24 and the water pump, as well as control the heating element 26 and the microwave source 14 to shut down. The water pump pumps water from the water tank to the steam generator 24, which then generates steam from the water and introduces it into the chamber 18 to heat the food inside. Therefore, in steam mode, the chamber 18 is relatively steamy.

[0064] Within the second preset time period after the steam function mode ends, the heating tube 26 can be controlled to operate, and the heating tube 26 heats the antenna 16, so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor, thereby quickly drying the antenna 16 and preventing water residue from remaining on the antenna 16 and affecting the efficiency of the antenna 16.

[0065] This application does not specify a particular duration for the second preset duration. In one example, the second preset duration could be 5 minutes, meaning that within 5 minutes after the steam function mode ends, the heating element 26 is turned on to heat the antenna 16, so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is greater than the liquefaction temperature of the water vapor.

[0066] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the cavity 12, the heating element 26 includes an upper heating element 30 and a lower heating element (not shown). The upper heating element 30 is installed on the lower surface of the top plate of the cavity 12, and the lower heating element is located near the bottom of the cavity 18. The upper heating element 30 is closer to the antenna 16. Optionally, after the steam function mode ends, for a second preset time period, the upper heating element 30 can be controlled to heat the antenna 16 so that the temperature of the antenna 16 is higher than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

[0067] In some embodiments, the antenna 16 includes a first portion 20 located within the chamber 18, and the minimum horizontal distance between the first portion 20 and the heating tube 26 is greater than or equal to 30 millimeters (mm).

[0068] This ensures that the distance between the first part 20 and the heating tube 26 meets the temperature requirements of the antenna 16, thus guaranteeing the performance of the antenna 16.

[0069] Specifically, antenna 16 is mounted on cavity 12, and a portion of antenna 16 extends into cavity 18. This portion of antenna 16 extending into cavity 18 is the first part 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle section, the upper heating element 30 is closer to the first part 20. The distance between the first part 20 and the heating element 26 can be the same as the distance between the upper heating element 30 and the first part 20. The upper heating element 30 is spaced apart from the antenna 16. The horizontal distance can refer to the distance between the outer contour of the first part 20 and the outer contour of the upper heating element 30 in the horizontal direction when the microwave cooking appliance 100 is normally placed. Please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the upper heating element 30 is arranged around the first part 20, and there are multiple horizontal distances between the first part 20 and the upper heating element 30. The minimum value of these horizontal distances is greater than or equal to 30 mm, which ensures that the temperature of the upper heating element 30 has a small impact on the antenna 16 when it is working, and that the distance between the first part 20 and the heating element 26 meets the temperature requirements of the antenna 16, thus ensuring the performance of the antenna 16.

[0070] The minimum horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the heating element 26 is greater than or equal to 30 mm. In some examples, the minimum horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the heating element 26 can be 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm, 36 mm, 38 mm, 40 mm, 42 mm, 44 mm, 46 mm, 48 mm, 50 mm, or other values ​​greater than or equal to 30 mm. The upper limit of the minimum horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the heating element 26 can be determined based on empirical values, actual needs, or other factors, and is not specifically limited here.

[0071] Please combine Figure 4 The first part 20 has a circular outer contour, and the heating tube 26 has a first straight segment 31, a second straight segment 32, a third straight segment 34, and a curved segment 36. The first straight segment 31 is located on the left side of the first part 20, the second straight segment 32 is located on the front side of the first part 20, the third straight segment 34 is located on the rear side of the first part 20, and the curved segment 36 is located on the right side of the first part 20.

[0072] On the left side of the first part 20, the horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the first straight line segment 31 is D1. Along the direction from front to back, D1 first decreases and then increases. The minimum value of D1 is greater than or equal to 30mm.

[0073] On the front side of the first part 20, the horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the second straight segment 32 is D2. Along the direction from left to right, D2 first decreases and then increases. The minimum value of D2 is greater than or equal to 30mm.

[0074] Behind the first part 20, the horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the third straight segment 34 is D3. Along the direction from right to left, D3 first decreases and then increases. The minimum value of D3 is greater than or equal to 30mm.

[0075] To the right of the first part 20, the horizontal distance between the first part 20 and the curved section 36 is D4. Along the direction from front to back, D4 remains constant, or decreases then increases, or increases then decreases, or undergoes other regular or irregular changes. The minimum value of D4 is greater than or equal to 30 mm. The minimum value among D1, D2, D3, and D4 is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0076] The above is only an implementation description of the specific positional relationship between the heating tube 26 and the antenna 16 shown in the figure. The specific positions of the heating tube 26 and the antenna 16 can also be other positions, and this application does not make specific limitations on them.

[0077] This application does not specifically limit the shape and material of the antenna 16. In one example, the antenna 16 may be made of copper and plated with gold to ensure the service life of the antenna 16. The antenna 16 may be cylindrical, or composed of cylinders of different diameters connected together, or other forms of structure, which are not specifically limited herein.

[0078] Optionally, the cooking appliance 100 has a grilling function mode, in which the heating element 26 can be turned on to heat the food in the heating chamber 18, while the microwave source 14 and the steam generator 24 are turned off.

[0079] Optionally, the antenna 16 can be detachably mounted on the cavity 12 to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the antenna 16. Detachable mounting methods include, but are not limited to, threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, and interference fits.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heating element 26 forms a heating area, and the first portion 20 is located within the heating area.

[0081] In this way, the spatial configuration of cavity 12 can be optimized.

[0082] Specifically, the first part 20 is located within the heating area enclosed by the heating tube 26, which can make full use of the space of the cavity 18, reduce the extra space for installing the antenna 16, and thus optimize the spatial configuration of the cavity 12, enabling a miniaturized microwave cooking appliance 100.

[0083] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the cavity 18, two upper heating tubes 30 are provided: a first upper heating tube 38 and a second upper heating tube 40. The first upper heating tube 38 is closer to the outer side of the cavity 12 than the second upper heating tube 40. The first upper heating tube 38 forms a first heating region 42, and the second upper heating tube 40 forms a second heating region 44. A part of the first heating region 42 overlaps with the second heating region 44, and the first part 20 is located within the second heating region 44.

[0084] Optionally, two antennas 16 are provided in the second heating area 44, which can improve heating efficiency and heating uniformity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the microwave cooking appliance 100 includes an antenna cover 46 located within a cavity 18, the antenna cover 46 having a receiving cavity (not shown), the antenna 16 including a first portion 20 located within the cavity 18, the first portion 20 being received in the receiving cavity, and the antenna cover 46 being made of a microwave-permeable material.

[0086] Therefore, it can be ensured to a certain extent that liquid water will not be generated on antenna 16.

[0087] Specifically, the first part 20 of the antenna 16 located in the cavity 18 is housed within the cavity, isolating the first part 20 from the space outside the cavity 18. This can, to a certain extent, prevent water vapor in the cavity 18 from coming into contact with the first part 20 and condensing on the first part 20 to form liquid water.

[0088] The radome 46 is made of a microwave-permeable material, ensuring that its placement does not obstruct the normal operation of the antenna 16. This application does not specifically limit the material of the radome 46. Optionally, the radome 46 can be made of high-temperature resistant ceramic, allowing microwaves to penetrate without obstruction.

[0089] This application does not specify the mounting method of the radome 46. Optionally, the radome 46 can be fixed to the cavity 12 with screws, or it can be fixed to the flange of the antenna 16 with screws or nuts.

[0090] In some embodiments, the antenna 16 extends into the cavity 18 from the top of the cavity 18, and the antenna cover 46 is mounted on the top of the cavity 12, with the antenna cover 46 tapering downwards along the top of the cavity 12.

[0091] This allows the water droplets from the antenna cover 46 to fall to the bottom of the chamber 18.

[0092] Specifically, the antenna cover 46 is disposed inside the cavity 18 and covers the first part 20. The antenna cover 46 separates the first part 20 from the cavity 18. When the microwave cooking appliance 100 is operating, the antenna cover 46 comes into contact with water vapor in the cavity 18. The water vapor condenses on the outer surface of the antenna cover 46 to form liquid water, which can drip down the antenna cover 46. The antenna cover 46 has a tapering shape from the top of the cavity 12 downwards, which facilitates the water droplets on the antenna cover 46 to fall to the bottom of the cavity 18.

[0093] Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the radome 46 is frustum-shaped.

[0094] In some embodiments, the antenna 16 includes a first portion 20 located within the cavity 18 and a second portion 22 located outside the cavity 18. The microwave cooking appliance 100 includes a fan assembly 48, a heat dissipation duct 50, an air inlet 52, and an air outlet 54. The second portion 22 is located in the heat dissipation duct 50. The fan assembly 48 is configured to allow gas to enter the heat dissipation duct 50 from the air inlet 52 to exhaust the second portion 22 during startup, and then exit the heat dissipation duct 50 from the air outlet 54.

[0095] This allows water vapor near the second part 22 to be expelled, preventing water vapor from condensing in the second part 22 after the microwave cooking appliance 100 cools down.

[0096] Specifically, the second part 22 may be the top of the antenna 16. Optionally, in one embodiment, the microwave cooking appliance 100 includes an outer cover 56 and a control box assembly 28 located outside the cavity 18. The outer cover 56 is disposed on top of the cavity 12 and covers the fan assembly, antenna 16, and microwave source 14. An air inlet 52 is provided on the back of the outer cover 56. The control box assembly 28 is located on the top of the cavity 12 near the front. An air outlet 54 may be formed between the control box assembly 28 and the cavity 12. This forms a heat dissipation duct 50 with air intake at the back and air outlet at the front of the microwave cooking appliance 100. Figure 3 In the middle, the solid arrow indicates the airflow direction within the heat dissipation duct 50.

[0097] Optionally, the fan assembly 48 is a centrifugal fan assembly. The fan assembly 48 and the microwave source 14 are located within the heat dissipation duct 50. Please refer to... Figure 3 Along the airflow direction, the microwave source 14, antenna 16, and fan assembly 48 are arranged sequentially. Thus, the microwave source 14 is closest to the air inlet 52. The cold air entering the heat dissipation duct 50 from the outside can first dissipate heat from the microwave source 14, which on the one hand ensures the performance of the microwave source 14 to a certain extent; on the other hand, the air flowing towards the antenna 16 is at a higher temperature, which can heat the second part 22 to a certain extent, drying it. Afterwards, the air is discharged to the air outlet 54 via the fan assembly 48. Therefore, the air inside the heat dissipation duct 50 is relatively dry, preventing water vapor from condensing in the second part 22 after the microwave cooking appliance 100 cools down.

[0098] Optionally, in Figure 3 In the middle, the fan assembly 48 includes two fans 58, which can accelerate the airflow speed and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the microwave source 14.

[0099] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with an embodiment or example that are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above 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 one or more embodiments or examples.

[0100] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A microwave cooking appliance, characterized in that, include: The cavity contains a chamber. A microwave source, wherein the microwave source is disposed on the cavity; An antenna connected to the microwave source, the antenna being partially located within the cavity, the antenna being configured to feed microwaves generated by the microwave source into the cavity; The microwave cooking appliance is configured to heat the antenna so that its temperature is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

2. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cooking appliance has a steam function and a microwave function mode. The microwave cooking appliance includes a steam generator located outside the cavity. The microwave cooking appliance is configured to: control the microwave source to operate at a preset power to heat the antenna within a first preset time after the steam function and microwave function mode are turned on, so that the temperature of the antenna is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor. In the steam function and microwave function modes, the operation of the microwave source and the steam generator is controlled.

3. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preset power is the maximum power of the microwave source.

4. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cooking appliance has a steam function mode. The microwave cooking appliance includes a heating element and a steam generator. The heating element is located inside the cavity, and the steam generator is located outside the cavity. The microwave cooking appliance is configured to: control the operation of the steam generator and control the heating element and microwave source to be turned off in the steam function mode; Within a second preset time period after the steam function mode ends, the heating element is controlled to heat the antenna so that the temperature of the antenna is greater than the liquefaction temperature of water vapor.

5. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The antenna includes a first portion located within the cavity, and the minimum horizontal distance between the first portion and the heating tube is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

6. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heating element forms a heating area, and the first part is located within the heating area.

7. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave cooking appliance includes an antenna cover located inside the cavity, the antenna cover having a receiving cavity, the antenna including a first part located inside the cavity, the first part being received in the receiving cavity, and the antenna cover being made of a microwave-permeable material.

8. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The antenna extends into the cavity from the top of the cavity, and the antenna cover is installed on the top of the cavity, with the antenna cover tapering downwards along the top of the cavity.

9. The microwave cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The antenna includes a first part located inside the cavity and a second part located outside the cavity. The microwave cooking appliance includes a fan assembly, a heat dissipation duct, an air inlet, and an air outlet. The second part is located in the heat dissipation duct. The fan assembly is configured to allow gas to enter the heat dissipation duct from the air inlet to exhaust the second part when it is started, and then exit the heat dissipation duct from the air outlet.

10. The microwave cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The microwave source is located in the heat dissipation duct, and the microwave source, the antenna, and the fan assembly are arranged sequentially along the airflow direction.

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