Cooking utensil

Abstract

The utility model provides a cooking utensil. The cooking utensil comprises a steam generator, and the steam generator comprises a switch assembly; the evaporation container comprises a water inlet, a steam generation cavity and an air outlet, the switch assembly has an opening state and a closing state, the switch assembly is communicated with the water inlet in the opening state, and the switch assembly blocks the water inlet in the closing state; the heating element is connected with the evaporation container; the trigger assembly can execute a trigger action according to the temperature of the trigger assembly, and the trigger action is used for switching the switch assembly from the closed state to the open state or switching the switch assembly from the open state to the closed state; wherein at least one part of the trigger assembly is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container. The technical effect of improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of cooking equipment, and more specifically, to a cooking appliance. Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, to prevent the food from having insufficient moisture content and dry texture, a steam generating device can be provided to replenish water for the food.

[0003] On the steam generating device, automatic water inlet and steam preparation need to be realized by two sets of independently operating electronic control mechanisms. However, the reliability of arranging two sets of independent electronic control mechanisms is poor, and problems such as dry burning of the steam generating device and food soaking in water are likely to occur.

[0004] Therefore, how to overcome the above technical defects has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] For this purpose, the utility model provides a cooking appliance.

[0007] In view of this, the utility model provides a cooking appliance, which includes a steam generator. The steam generator includes: a switch assembly; an evaporation container, including a water inlet, a steam generation chamber, and an air outlet. The switch assembly includes an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the switch assembly communicates with the water inlet, and in the closed state, the switch assembly blocks the water inlet; a heating element, connected to the evaporation container; a trigger assembly, which can perform a trigger action according to its own temperature, and the trigger action is used to switch the switch assembly from the closed state to the open state, or from the open state to the closed state; wherein, at least a part of the trigger assembly is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container.

[0008] This application defines a cooking appliance, and specifically, the cooking appliance includes products such as an air fryer, a steamer, a steam oven, and a pressure cooker.

[0009] Specifically, a steam generator is provided on the cooking appliance. The steam generator includes an evaporation container and a heating element. A steam generation chamber is formed in the evaporation container, and a water inlet and an air outlet communicating with the steam generation chamber are provided on the evaporation container. The heating element is connected to the evaporation container, and the activated heating element can transfer the heat generated by itself to the evaporation container to increase the temperature of the evaporation container. During the steam preparation process, a liquid enters the steam generation chamber through the water inlet, and the high-temperature evaporation container heated by the heating element heats the liquid into high-temperature steam, and finally conducts the high-temperature steam into the cooking chamber through the air outlet.

[0010] The cooking appliance further includes a switch assembly and a trigger assembly. The switch assembly is connected to the water inlet of the evaporation container. The switch assembly can control the opening and closing of the water inlet by switching its own state. When the water inlet is open, liquid can flow into the evaporation container to start generating steam. When the water inlet is closed, the liquid is blocked by the switch assembly and cannot flow into the evaporation container.

[0011] The trigger assembly can sense the heating temperature of the steam generation chamber or make at least part of the trigger assembly reach a temperature close to that of the evaporation container and the heating element. Subsequently, the trigger assembly can perform a trigger action according to the temperatures of the evaporation container and the heating element. This trigger action acts on the switch assembly, specifically, it can switch the switch assembly from the closed state to the open state by contacting the switch assembly, thereby opening the water inlet of the evaporation container, or switch the switch assembly from the open state to the closed state by contacting the switch assembly, thereby closing the water inlet of the evaporation container.

[0012] Thus, through the trigger assembly, the bracket and the switch assembly, the linkage between the heating element and the switch assembly is realized, so that after the heating element is turned on, the switch assembly can automatically open the water inlet of the evaporation container when the temperatures of the evaporation container and the heating element reach the standard, or after the heating element and the water inlet of the evaporation container are turned on, the switch assembly can automatically close the water inlet of the evaporation container when the temperatures of the evaporation container and the heating element reach the standard, thereby realizing automatic water supply for the evaporation container. On the one hand, it can keep the water inlet in the closed state when the temperature of the evaporation container does not reach the steam generation temperature, avoiding the liquid that has not been heated to the steam state from directly pouring into the cooking cavity. On the other hand, it can timely open the water inlet when the temperature of the evaporation container reaches the standard steam generation temperature, avoiding dry burning and damage of the evaporation container. Thus, the problems of dry burning and water soaking in the related art are solved. At the same time, the linkage between the heating element and the switch assembly realized by the trigger assembly can reduce the electrical control complexity of the steam generator, which is beneficial to reducing the cost of the steam generator. Furthermore, the technical effects of optimizing the structure of the steam generator, improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator, and reducing the production cost of the steam generator are achieved.

[0013] On this basis, after the steam generator stops working, the heating element stops heating, and the temperature of the trigger assembly gradually decreases. However, within a short period of time after stopping work, the temperature of the trigger assembly cannot drop to the automatically reset state, resulting in the switch assembly remaining in the open state, and the liquid in the liquid storage assembly continues to be added to the evaporation container. However, since the heating element has stopped heating, the liquid continuously added to the evaporation container cannot be fully vaporized. If the switch assembly cannot be switched to the closed state in time, there will be a hidden danger of liquid pouring into the cooking cavity. And even if the liquid does not pour into the cooking cavity, the excessive liquid accumulated in the evaporation container will be sprayed into the cooking cavity after the steam generator is turned on next time.

[0014] In response to this, at least a part of the triggering component is defined to be in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container. After shutdown, liquid enters the evaporation container, and the liquid will quickly cool the evaporation container, reducing the temperature of the outer surface of the evaporation container. In this state, the heat on the triggering component will migrate to the evaporation container under the action of the temperature difference. This heat migration process can accelerate the cooling process of the triggering component and accelerate the triggering component's recovery to the state before performing the triggering action, thereby timely switching the switch component to the closed state, reducing the amount of liquid accumulated in the evaporation container, reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity, and further achieving the technical effects of improving the practicability and reliability of the steam generator.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned steam generator provided by the present utility model may further have the following additional technical features:

[0016] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the triggering component includes: a bracket, at least a part of which is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container; a triggering member disposed on the bracket.

[0017] In this technical solution, the triggering component includes a bracket and a triggering member. According to the connection relationship, the bracket is divided into a first section and a second section. The triggering member is installed on the first section, and the second section is at least in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container. During the heating process, the bracket can at least transfer the heat on the evaporation container to the triggering member, so that the triggering member is heated to perform the triggering action of opening the switch component, or the triggering member is cooled to perform the triggering action of closing the switch component.

[0018] Among them, the bracket can provide positioning and support for the triggering member, thereby ensuring that the triggering member can be accurately arranged at the predetermined installation position, ensuring that the triggering action of the triggering member can act on the switch component, and further achieving the technical effects of improving the reliability of the triggering component and reducing the failure rate of the steam generator.

[0019] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the evaporation container includes an evaporation tube; the heating element is an electric heating tube, and the electric heating tube is arranged side by side with the evaporation tube.

[0020] In this technical solution, the evaporation container is tubular. A steam generation cavity is formed inside the tubular evaporation container, and water inlets and air outlets are formed at both ends of the tubular evaporation container. Specifically, liquid enters the steam generation cavity from the water inlet, and the liquid is gradually heated and vaporized during the flow process, and finally high-temperature steam is generated and discharged from the air outlet of the evaporation container.

[0021] On this basis, an electric heating tube is selected as the heating element, and the tubular evaporation container and the electric heating tube are arranged side by side. For example, when a straight tube is selected as the evaporation container, the electric heating tube also extends along a straight line, and the electric heating tube is arranged parallel to the circumference of the evaporation container. When an arc tube is selected as the evaporation container, the electric heating tube also extends along an arc line, and the electric heating tube is arranged on the inner ring side or the outer ring side of the arc-shaped evaporation container.

[0022] The narrow and long evaporation container and electric heating tube can effectively utilize the narrow and long space in the cooking appliance, so that the evaporation container and the electric heating tube can be arranged without excessively changing the original structural layout and original size of the cooking appliance. On the other hand, the evaporation container and the electric heating tube arranged side by side have a high degree of overlap in the liquid flow direction, which can effectively utilize the heat radiated by the evaporation container, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the electric heating tube to the evaporation container. In this way, the technical effect of optimizing the structural layout of the cooking appliance, improving the steam production efficiency, reducing the difficulty of arranging the cooking appliance, and providing convenient conditions for the miniaturization design of the cooking appliance is achieved.

[0023] Specifically, when the steam generator is mounted to the cooking appliance, the tubular evaporation container extends in a height direction of the cooking appliance, or the tubular evaporation container extends in a horizontal direction.

[0024] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the bracket contacts the outer surface of the evaporation tube, and the bracket contacts the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

[0025] In this technical solution, the second section is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation tube and the outer surface of the electric heating tube at the same time. Compared with the trigger assembly, the heat exchange area between the electric heating tube and the air is larger, and the cooling speed of the electric heating tube is greater than the cooling speed of the trigger assembly. Part of the heat on the trigger assembly is transferred to the evaporation tube through the second section, and the other part is transferred to the electric heating tube through the second section, thereby accelerating the speed of the switch assembly returning to the closed state and reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking chamber.

[0026] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the bracket contacts the outer surface of the evaporation tube, and the bracket avoids the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

[0027] In this technical solution, the second section only contacts the outer surface of the evaporator tube. By attaching the second section to the outer surface of the evaporator tube, the heat on the trigger assembly can be quickly transferred to the evaporator tube, thereby increasing the cooling speed of the trigger assembly and accelerating the speed at which the switch assembly returns to the closed state, thereby reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking chamber.

[0028] On this basis, compared with the evaporator tube with liquid filled inside, the cooling speed of the electric heating tube is slower. By placing the second section away from the outer surface of the electric heating tube, the heat on the electric heating tube can be prevented from affecting the cooling speed of the trigger component, thereby speeding up the speed at which the switch component returns to the closed state and reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking chamber.

[0029] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the evaporation container further includes a rib, and the rib connects the evaporation tube and the electric heating tube; the bracket contacts the rib, and the bracket avoids the outer surfaces of the evaporation tube and the electric heating tube.

[0030] In this technical solution, the evaporation container further includes a rib, and the rib is disposed on the outer surface of the evaporation tube, and the rib connects the evaporation tubes arranged side by side and the electric heating tube together.

[0031] On this basis, the second section only contacts the rib, and the second section avoids the outer surfaces of the evaporation tube and the heating tube. The outer surfaces of the evaporation tube and the electric heating tube are arc-shaped surfaces, and it is difficult to closely attach the second section to the arc-shaped surface. External factors such as vibration will cause the second section to separate from the arc-shaped surface, thereby affecting the heat conduction speed.

[0032] In response to this, the outer surface of the rib is flatter than the outer surfaces of the evaporation tube and the electric heating tube. The second section is less difficult to fit with the outer surface of the rib. Even if the steam generator shakes and impacts, the second section and the rib still have a high probability of being closely attached and will not separate due to a small displacement, thereby achieving the technical effects of improving the heat conduction stability and reducing the failure rate of the trigger component.

[0033] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the heating element can heat the trigger component.

[0034] In this technical solution, the heating element can directly or indirectly heat the trigger component, so that the trigger component can rise in temperature along with the heating element after the heating element is turned on, ensuring that the trigger component can make a trigger action in time, thereby ensuring the timeliness of the action of the switch component and ensuring that the steam generator can produce high-temperature steam in time after the cooking appliance executes the steam cooking process.

[0035] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the cooking appliance further includes: a flow disturbing member disposed in the evaporation container; wherein, the flow disturbing member includes a spiral spring.

[0036] In this technical solution, a flow disturbing member is disposed in the evaporation container, and the flow disturbing member can disturb the liquid entering the evaporation container, thereby improving the heating effect of the high-temperature evaporation container on the liquid and improving the production efficiency of high-temperature steam.

[0037] Specifically, when the evaporation tube is selected as the evaporation container, the flow disturbing member can be selected as a spiral spring, and the spiral spring penetrates into the evaporation tube.

[0038] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the switch assembly includes: a valve body connected to the evaporation container and including an inlet communicating with the water inlet; a valve core disposed in the valve body, the valve core including a first position and a second position. When the valve core is in the first position, the valve core blocks the inlet, and when the valve core is in the second position, the inlet is opened; wherein, the triggering action is used to drive the valve core to move to the second position, or the triggering action is used to drive the valve core to move to the first position.

[0039] In this technical solution, the switch assembly includes a valve body and a valve core. An inlet is provided on the valve body, and the inlet communicates with the water inlet. The liquid needs to pass through the inlet first and then flow into the water inlet. The valve core is movably installed on the valve body, and the valve core has a first position and a second position on the valve body. When the valve core is in the first position, the valve core blocks the inlet on the valve body to block the liquid outside the valve body. Correspondingly, when the valve body is in the second position, the valve core opens the inlet, and the liquid can flow into the water inlet through the inlet, that is, supply water to the steam generation chamber.

[0040] Among them, the valve core and the trigger assembly are linked. The trigger assembly can drive the valve core to move to the second position through the triggering action. After the heating element is turned on, the trigger assembly can be heated by contacting the heating element and / or the evaporation container. The heated trigger assembly performs the triggering action, and this triggering action can push the valve core to the second position, so that the inlet automatically opens after the heating element is turned on, thereby realizing automatic water supply for the evaporation container and avoiding the problem of dry burning of the evaporation container. Furthermore, the technical effects of improving the automation degree of the steam generator, improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator are achieved.

[0041] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the valve body further includes: an elastic part connected to the valve body and the valve core for driving the valve core to reset to the first position.

[0042] In this technical solution, the switch assembly includes an elastic part, and the valve core is connected to the valve body through the elastic part. During the process that the trigger assembly pushes the valve core to move through the triggering action, the elastic part deforms and accumulates elastic potential energy. After the steam preparation is completed, the temperatures of the evaporation container and the heating element drop, the trigger assembly no longer applies the triggering action to the valve core, and the elastic part releases the elastic potential energy to reset the valve core to the first position, thereby realizing the automatic reset of the valve core to avoid liquid from pouring into the cooking cavity.

[0043] It can be seen that by setting the elastic part and the trigger assembly, the valve core can be automatically switched on and off along with the start and stop of the steam preparation process, thereby realizing full-automatic water supply and eliminating the complex electric control mechanism and the reset transmission mechanism. Furthermore, the technical effects of optimizing the structure of the steam generator, improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator, and reducing the structural complexity of the steam generator are achieved.

[0044] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the triggering component includes: a driving member disposed on the bracket, at least part of the driving member being formed by a shape memory metal; and a push rod connected to the driving member, and the deformed driving member pushes the valve core through the push rod.

[0045] In this technical solution, the triggering component includes a driving member and a push rod. The driving member is connected to the evaporation container and / or the heating element, and at least part of the driving member is formed by a shape memory metal, and the shape memory metal has the property of changing its shape along with the temperature. After the heating element is turned on, the heat is transferred from the evaporation container and / or the heating element to the driving member, and the shape of the driving member changes during the heating process, thereby driving the push rod on the driving member to perform a triggering action.

[0046] Specifically, when the temperature of the driving member is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the driving member is in the first shape, and the push rod is separated from the second end of the valve core. At this time, the valve core is held in the first position under the action of the elastic part, that is, the switch assembly is in the closed state. When the temperature of the driving member rises to the second temperature threshold, the driving member changes to the second shape. During this deformation process, the push rod contacts and pushes the second end of the valve core, so that the cover plate can be lifted, thereby opening the inlet on the valve cover.

[0047] It can be seen that the driving member in this technical solution can automatically adjust its shape according to the temperature of the evaporation container and / or the heating element, so as to cooperate with the push rod, the valve core and the elastic part to realize the automatic opening and closing of the inlet, ensuring that the inlet can be automatically opened after the heating element starts working and automatically closed after the heating element stops working, and ensuring that the supply of liquid can match the start and stop of the steam preparation process. At the same time, compared with the technical solution of driving the valve core to act through an electric control mechanism, using shape memory metal can reduce the structural complexity of the steam generator and reduce the cost of the steam generator.

[0048] In some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the cooking appliance further includes: a main body including a cooking cavity, the steam generator is disposed on the main body, and the air outlet is communicated with the cooking cavity; and a water supply assembly disposed on the main body, and the water supply assembly is connected to the switch assembly.

[0049] In this technical solution, the cooking appliance includes a main body, a cooking cavity is formed in the main body, the steam generator is disposed on the main body, the air outlet of the steam generator is communicated with the cooking cavity, and the high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator can heat the food in the cooking cavity after passing through.

[0050] On this basis, the cooking appliance further includes a liquid storage assembly, which is arranged on the body, and the liquid storage assembly is connected to the evaporation container through a switch assembly. When the switch assembly is turned on, the liquid stored in the liquid storage assembly can enter the evaporation container, and then high-temperature steam can be produced. Correspondingly, when the switch assembly is turned off, the liquid in the liquid storage assembly is blocked by the switch assembly and cannot enter the evaporation container, and then the production of high-temperature steam stops. By providing a water supply assembly, the cooking appliance can be used without being connected to a water source, thereby improving the practicality of the cooking appliance and enhancing the user experience.

[0051] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the body includes: a pot body, a cooking cavity is located inside the pot body, and an evaporation container is arranged in the pot body; a lid body, which is hinged to the pot body through a hinge portion. The water supply assembly includes: a liquid storage tank, which is arranged on the lid body; a water inlet pipe, and the water inlet pipe communicates with the liquid storage tank and the switch assembly, and the water inlet pipe avoids the hinge portion.

[0052] In this technical solution, the body includes a pot body and a lid body. A cooking cavity is enclosed inside the pot body, and the top of the pot body includes an opening communicating with the cooking cavity. The lid body is hinged to the body, and the lid body can be buckled on the body. After the buckling action of the lid body is completed, the lid body covers the opening, thereby forming a sealed cooking environment.

[0053] On this basis, the water supply assembly includes a liquid storage tank and a water inlet pipe. The liquid storage tank is arranged on the lid body, and the steam generator is arranged on the pot body. The liquid storage tank and the steam generator are connected through the water inlet pipe. Specifically, the first end of the water inlet pipe communicates with the liquid storage tank, and the second end of the water inlet pipe communicates with the switch assembly.

[0054] Among them, the water inlet pipe avoids the hinged area between the lid body and the pot body to prevent interference between the hinged structure and the water inlet pipe, thereby ensuring the reliability of water supply and reducing the failure rate of the steam generator.

[0055] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description section or be understood through the practice of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0056] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 3 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 4 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0061] Figure 5 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0062] Figure 6 Shows an exploded view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0063] Figure 7 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0064] Figure 8 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0065] Figure 9 Is Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of the steam generator in the A area in the shown embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0067] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 A partial enlarged view of the steam generator in the B area in the shown embodiment;

[0068] Figure 12 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a trigger assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0069] Figure 13 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0070] Figure 14 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0071] Figure 15 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0072] Figure 16 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0073] Figure 17 Shows a system block diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0074] Figure 18The system block diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0075] Figure 19 The system block diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown;

[0076] Figure 20 The structural schematic diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model is shown.

[0077] Among them, Figures 1 to 20 The corresponding relationship between the reference numerals and the component names in

[0078] 100 steam generator, 102 lid, 110 water supply assembly, 112 base, 114 liquid storage tank, 116 water inlet pipe, 120 switch assembly, 122 valve body, 1221 valve seat, 1222 valve cover, 1223 inlet, 1224 valve plate, 1225 flow channel, 1226 sealing groove, 1227 sealing rib, 1228 relief hole, 124 valve core, 1242 cylinder, 1244 cover plate, 126 elastic part, 130 evaporation container, 1302 water inlet, 1304 air outlet, 132 evaporation pipe, 134 rib, 140 heating element, 150 trigger assembly, 151 bracket, 1512 first section, 1514 second section, 1502 trigger part, 152 driving part, 1522 inner ring, 1524 shape memory alloy ring, 154 push rod, 162 exhaust pipe, 170 housing, 200 cooking appliance, 210 pot body, 2102 cooking cavity, 212 hinge part, 220 hot air assembly, 222 motor, 224 fan blade, 226 heating part, 230 power supply module, 231 first path, 232 second path, 233 first switch, 234 second switch, 235 fuse, 236 timer, 237 indicator light, 238 temperature controller. Detailed implementation manners

[0079] In order to more clearly understand the above objects, features and advantages of the present utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific implementation manners. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0080] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present utility model. However, the present utility model can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0081] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 20 Describe the cooking appliance 200 according to some embodiments of the present utility model.

[0082] AsFigure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , an embodiment of the present utility model provides a cooking appliance 200, which includes a steam generator 100. The steam generator 100 includes: a water supply assembly 110; a switch assembly 120 connected to the water supply assembly 110; an evaporation container 130 including a water inlet, a steam generation chamber and an air outlet, the water inlet being connected to the switch assembly 120. The switch assembly 120 includes an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the switch assembly 120 connects the water supply assembly 110 and the water inlet, and in the closed state, the switch assembly 120 blocks the water supply assembly 110 and the water inlet; a heating element 140 connected to the evaporation container 130; a trigger assembly 150 that can perform a trigger action according to its own temperature, and the trigger action is used to switch the switch assembly 120 to the open state; a bracket 151 including a first section 1512 and a second section 1514, the trigger assembly 150 is connected to the first section 1512, and the second section 1514 is at least in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container 130.

[0083] This application defines a steam generator 100 for a cooking appliance 200. Specifically, the steam generator 100 can be applied to products such as air fryers, steamers, steam convection ovens, pressure cookers, etc.

[0084] Specifically, the steam generator 100 includes an evaporation container 130 and a heating element 140. A steam generation chamber is formed in the evaporation container 130, and a water inlet and an air outlet communicating with the steam generation chamber are provided on the evaporation container 130. The heating element 140 is connected to the evaporation container 130, and the activated heating element 140 can transfer the heat generated by itself to the evaporation container 130 to increase the temperature of the evaporation container 130. During the steam preparation process, the liquid enters the steam generation chamber through the water inlet, and the high-temperature evaporation container 130 heated by the heating element 140 heats the liquid into high-temperature steam, and finally guides the high-temperature steam into the cooking chamber 2102 through the air outlet.

[0085] The cooking appliance 200 further includes a switch assembly 120 and a trigger assembly 150. The switch assembly 120 is connected to the water inlet of the evaporation container 130. The switch assembly 120 can control the opening and closing of the water inlet by switching its own state. When the water inlet is open, the liquid can flow into the evaporation container 130 to start steam preparation. When the water inlet is closed, the liquid is blocked by the switch assembly 120 and cannot flow into the evaporation container 130.

[0086] The trigger assembly 150 includes a bracket 151. According to the connection relationship, the bracket 151 is divided into a first section 1512 and a second section 1514. The trigger assembly 150 is installed on the first section 1512, and the second section 1514 is at least in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container 130. During the heating process, the bracket 151 can at least transfer the heat on the evaporation container 130 to the trigger assembly 150, so that the trigger assembly 150 is heated to perform a trigger action.

[0087] Enable the trigger assembly 150 to sense the heating temperature of the steam generation chamber, or enable at least part of the trigger assembly 150 to reach a temperature close to that of the evaporation container 130 and the heating element 140. Subsequently, the trigger assembly 150 can perform a trigger action according to the temperatures of the evaporation container 130 and the heating element 140. This trigger action acts on the switch assembly 120, and specifically can switch the switch assembly 120 from the closed state to the open state by contacting the switch assembly 120, thereby opening the water inlet of the evaporation container 130.

[0088] Thus, through the trigger assembly 150, the bracket 151 and the switch assembly 120, the linkage between the heating element 140 and the switch assembly 120 is realized. After the heating element 140 is turned on, the switch assembly 120 can automatically open the water inlet of the evaporation container 130 when the temperatures of the evaporation container 130 and the heating element 140 reach the standard, thereby realizing the automatic water supply of the evaporation container 130. On the one hand, the water inlet can be kept in the closed state when the temperature of the evaporation container 130 does not reach the steam preparation temperature, avoiding the liquid that has not been heated to the steam state from directly pouring into the cooking chamber 2102. On the other hand, the water inlet can be opened in time when the temperature of the evaporation container 130 reaches the steam preparation temperature, avoiding dry burning and damage of the evaporation container 130. Thus, the problems of dry burning and water soaking in the related art are solved. At the same time, the linkage between the heating element 140 and the switch assembly 120 realized by the trigger assembly 150 can reduce the electrical control complexity of the steam generator 100, which is beneficial to reducing the cost of the steam generator 100. Furthermore, the technical effects of optimizing the structure of the steam generator 100, improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator 100, and reducing the production cost of the steam generator 100 are achieved.

[0089] On this basis, after the steam generator 100 stops working, the heating element 140 stops heating, and the temperature of the trigger assembly 150 gradually decreases. However, within a short period of time after stopping work, the temperature of the trigger assembly 150 cannot drop to automatically reset to the state before the triggering action is executed, resulting in the switch assembly 120 remaining in the open state, and the liquid in the water supply assembly 110 continues to be added to the evaporation container 130. However, since the heating element 140 has stopped heating, the liquid continuously added to the evaporation container 130 cannot be fully vaporized. If the switch assembly 120 cannot be switched to the closed state in time, there will be a risk of liquid pouring into the cooking cavity 2102. Moreover, even if the liquid does not pour into the cooking cavity 2102, the excessive liquid accumulated in the evaporation container 130 will be sprayed into the cooking cavity 2102 after the steam generator 100 is turned on next time.

[0090] In response, this technical solution defines that the second section 1514 of the bracket 151 is at least in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container 130. After shutdown, liquid enters the evaporation container 130, and the liquid will quickly cool the evaporation container 130, reducing the temperature of the outer surface of the evaporation container 130. In this state, the heat on the trigger assembly 150 will migrate to the evaporation container 130 under the action of the temperature difference. This heat migration process can accelerate the cooling process of the trigger assembly 150, accelerating the trigger assembly 150 to return to the state before the triggering action is executed, so as to timely switch the switch assembly 120 to the closed state, thereby reducing the amount of liquid accumulated in the evaporation container 130, reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity 2102, and further achieving the technical effect of improving the practicability and reliability of the steam generator 100.

[0091] As Figure 3 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the trigger assembly 150 includes: a bracket 151, at least a part of the bracket 151 is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container 130; a trigger member 1502, disposed on the bracket 151.

[0092] In this technical solution, the trigger assembly 150 includes a bracket 151 and a trigger member 1502. According to the connection relationship, the bracket 151 is divided into a first section 1512 and a second section 1514, wherein the trigger member 1502 is installed on the first section 1512, and the second section 1514 is at least in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container 130. During the heating process, the bracket 151 can at least transfer the heat on the evaporation container 130 to the trigger member 1502, so that the trigger member 1502 is heated to execute the triggering action of opening the switch assembly 120, or the trigger member 1502 is cooled to execute the triggering action of closing the switch assembly 120.

[0093] Among them, the bracket 151 can provide positioning and support for the trigger component 1502, so as to ensure that the trigger component 1502 can be accurately arranged at the predetermined installation position, ensure that the triggering action of the trigger component 1502 can act on the switch component 120, and further achieve the technical effects of improving the reliability of the trigger component 150 and reducing the failure rate of the steam generator 100.

[0094] As Figure 2 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the evaporation container 130 includes an evaporation tube 132; the heating element 140 is an electric heating tube, and the electric heating tube is arranged side by side with the evaporation tube 132.

[0095] In this technical solution, the evaporation container 130 is tubular, a steam generation chamber is formed inside the tubular evaporation container 130, and water inlets and air outlets are formed at both ends of the tubular evaporation container 130. Specifically, liquid enters the steam generation chamber from the water inlet, and the liquid is gradually heated and vaporized during the flowing process, and finally high-temperature steam is generated and discharged from the evaporation container 130 through the air outlet.

[0096] On this basis, an electric heating tube is selected as the heating element 140, and the tubular evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube are arranged side by side. For example, when a straight tube is selected as the evaporation container 130, the electric heating tube also extends linearly, and the electric heating tube is arranged parallel to the circumference of the evaporation container 130. When an arc-shaped tube is selected as the evaporation container 130, the electric heating tube also extends along an arc, and the electric heating tube is arranged on the inner ring side or the outer ring side of the arc-shaped evaporation container 130.

[0097] The long and narrow evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube can effectively utilize the long and narrow space inside the cooking appliance 200 to arrange the evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube without excessively changing the original structural layout and original size of the cooking appliance 200. On the other hand, the evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube arranged side by side have a high degree of overlap in the liquid flow direction, and the heat radiated from the evaporation container 130 can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the electric heating tube for the evaporation container 130. Furthermore, the technical effects of optimizing the structural layout of the cooking appliance 200, improving the steam output efficiency, reducing the arrangement difficulty of the cooking appliance 200, and providing convenient conditions for the miniaturization design of the cooking appliance 200 are achieved.

[0098] Specifically, when the steam generator 100 is installed in the cooking appliance 200, the tubular evaporation container 130 extends in the height direction of the cooking appliance 200, or the tubular evaporation container 130 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0099] As Figure 3 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the second section 1514 contacts the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132 and the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

[0100] In this technical solution, the second section 1514 is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132 and the outer surface of the electric heating tube at the same time. Compared with the trigger assembly 150, the electric heating tube has a larger heat exchange area with the air, and the cooling speed of the electric heating tube is greater than that of the trigger assembly 150. A part of the heat on the trigger assembly 150 is transferred to the evaporation tube 132 through the second section 1514, and the other part is transferred to the electric heating tube through the second section 1514, thereby accelerating the speed at which the switch assembly 120 returns to the closed state and reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity 2102.

[0101] As Figure 4 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the second section 1514 is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132, and the second section 1514 avoids the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

[0102] In this technical solution, the second section 1514 is only in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132. By attaching the second section 1514 to the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132, the heat on the trigger assembly 150 can be quickly transferred to the evaporation tube 132, thereby increasing the cooling speed of the trigger assembly 150, accelerating the speed at which the switch assembly 120 returns to the closed state, and further reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity 2102.

[0103] On this basis, compared with the evaporation tube 132 filled with liquid inside, the cooling speed of the electric heating tube is slower. By avoiding the outer surface of the electric heating tube with the second section 1514, the heat on the electric heating tube can be prevented from affecting the cooling speed of the trigger assembly 150, so as to accelerate the speed at which the switch assembly 120 returns to the closed state and reduce the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity 2102.

[0104] As Figure 4 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the second section 1514 is located at the bottom of the evaporation tube 132.

[0105] In this technical solution, when the steam generator 100 is in a predetermined working posture, the evaporation tube 132 is arranged approximately horizontally. In this case, the liquid poured into the evaporation tube 132 will accumulate in the evaporation tube 132, and the liquid directly contacts the bottom surface of the evaporation tube 132. Therefore, the cooling speed of the bottom surface of the evaporation tube 132 is relatively fast.

[0106] For this reason, by arranging the second section 1514 at the bottom of the evaporation tube 132, the second section 1514 can be made to contact the bottom surface with a relatively fast cooling speed preferentially, thereby accelerating the cooling speed of the trigger assembly 150, accelerating the speed at which the switch assembly 120 returns to the closed state, and further reducing the probability of liquid entering the cooking cavity 2102.

[0107] As Figure 5As shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the evaporation container 130 further includes a rib 134, and the rib 134 connects the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube; the second section 1514 contacts the rib 134, and the second section 1514 avoids the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132 and the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

[0108] In this technical solution, the evaporation container 130 further includes a rib 134, the rib 134 is arranged on the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132, and the rib 134 connects the juxtaposed evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube together.

[0109] On this basis, the second section 1514 only contacts the rib 134, and the second section 1514 avoids the outer surface of the evaporation tube 132 and the outer surface of the heating tube. The outer surfaces of the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are arc-shaped surfaces, and it is difficult to closely attach the second section 1514 to the arc-shaped surface. External factors such as vibration will cause the second section 1514 to separate from the arc-shaped surface, thereby affecting the heat conduction speed.

[0110] In response to this, the outer surface of the rib 134 is flatter than the outer surfaces of the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube. The fitting difficulty between the second section 1514 and the outer surface of the rib 134 is lower. Even if the steam generator 100 shakes and impacts, there is still a high probability that the second section 1514 and the rib 134 will be closely attached and will not separate due to small displacements, thereby achieving the technical effects of improving the heat conduction stability and reducing the failure rate of the trigger assembly 150.

[0111] As Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the water supply assembly 110 includes: a base 112, arranged on the cover body 102; a liquid storage tank 114, detachably arranged on the base 112; the steam generator 100 further includes: a water inlet pipe 116, connecting the base 112 and the switch assembly 120.

[0112] In this embodiment, the water supply assembly 110 includes a base 112 and a liquid storage tank 114. The base 112 is arranged on the cover body 102, and the liquid storage tank 114 is detachably connected to the base 112, providing convenient conditions for the user to supplement or pour the liquid in the liquid storage tank 114.

[0113] Among them, a liquid storage cavity is formed in the liquid storage tank 114. A drain port is provided at the bottom of the liquid storage tank 114, and the sealing valve is installed in the drain port. An installation position is provided on the base 112. When the liquid storage tank 114 is assembled to the installation position, the base 112 pushes up the sealing valve to automatically open the drain port, and the liquid in the liquid storage tank 114 can flow to the switch assembly 120. Conversely, after the liquid storage tank 114 is removed from the base 112, the sealing valve automatically resets to the closed position through the spring to block the drain port, thereby preventing the liquid in the liquid storage tank 114 from leaking.

[0114] On this basis, the steam generator 100 further includes a water inlet pipe 116. The first end of the water inlet pipe 116 is connected to the base 112 and is in communication with the drain port. The second end of the water inlet pipe 116 is connected to the switch assembly 120 and is in communication with the evaporation container 130 through the switch assembly 120.

[0115] The switch assembly 120, the heating element 140, and the evaporation tube can be arranged on the cover body 102. In this case, the water inlet pipe 116 can facilitate the structural layout of the water supply assembly 110 and the switch assembly 120 on the cover body 102, so as to guide the liquid to the switch assembly 120 away from the water supply assembly 110 through the water inlet pipe 116.

[0116] The switch assembly 120, the heating element 140, and the evaporation tube can be arranged outside the cover body 102, for example, arranged on the pot body 210 or the base of the steam generator 100. In this case, the water inlet pipe 116 is used to lead the liquid out of the area where the cover body 102 is located.

[0117] Such as Figure 1 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 13 As shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the steam generator 100 further includes: a housing 170. The evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 are arranged inside the housing 170, and the housing 170 is used to connect the pot body 210.

[0118] In this embodiment, the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 are arranged outside the cover body 102. The steam generator 100 further includes a housing 170. Specifically, the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 are installed on the housing 170 to realize the positioning and support of the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 through the housing 170, and ensure the relative position stability among the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150.

[0119] On this basis, the housing 170 is used to connect the pot body 210 on the cooking appliance 200, so as to fix the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 on the pot body 210 through the housing 170, thereby realizing the up-and-down arrangement of the water supply assembly 110 and the evaporation container 130. When the switch assembly 120 is in the on state, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 114 flows into the evaporation container 130 via the water inlet pipe 116 and the switch assembly 120 under the action of gravity, thus eliminating liquid driving mechanisms such as water pumps, and further achieving the technical effects of reducing the cost of the steam generator 100 and the structural complexity of the steam generator 100.

[0120] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the heating element 140 can heat the trigger assembly 150.

[0121] In this technical solution, the heating element 140 can directly or indirectly heat the trigger assembly 150, so that the trigger assembly 150 can heat up along with the heating element 140 after the heating element 140 is turned on, ensuring that the trigger assembly 150 can make a trigger action in time, thereby ensuring the timeliness of the action of the switch assembly 120 and ensuring that the steam generator 100 can generate high-temperature steam in time after the cooking appliance 200 executes the steam cooking process.

[0122] In some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the cooking appliance 200 further includes: a flow disturbing member disposed in the evaporation container 130; wherein, the flow disturbing member includes a spiral spring.

[0123] In this technical solution, a flow disturbing member is provided in the evaporation container 130, and the flow disturbing member can disturb the liquid entering the evaporation container 130, thereby improving the heating effect of the high-temperature evaporation container 130 on the liquid and improving the production efficiency of high-temperature steam.

[0124] Specifically, when the evaporation tube is selected as the evaporation container 130, the flow disturbing member can be selected as a spiral spring, and the spiral spring penetrates into the evaporation tube.

[0125] As Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the switch assembly 120 includes: a valve body 122, connected to the water supply assembly 110 and the evaporation container 130, including an inlet 1223 communicating the water supply assembly 110 and the water inlet 1302; a valve core 124 disposed in the valve body 122, the valve core 124 includes a first position and a second position, when the valve core 124 is in the first position, the valve core 124 blocks the inlet 1223, when the valve core 124 is in the second position, the inlet 1223 is opened; wherein, the trigger action is used to drive the valve core 124 to move to the second position.

[0126] Figure 8 and Figure 9 In Figure 9 , the arrow indicates the flow direction of the liquid.

[0127] Figure 10 In Figure 10 , arrow a1 indicates the flow direction of the liquid, and arrow a2 indicates the flow direction of the high-temperature steam.

[0128] Figure 11 In Figure 11 , the arrow indicates the flow direction of the liquid.

[0129] In this embodiment, the switch assembly 120 includes a valve body 122 and a valve core 124. An inlet 1223 is provided on the valve body 122, and the inlet 1223 is communicated with the water inlet 1302. The liquid needs to pass through the inlet 1223 first and then flow into the water inlet 1302. The valve core 124 is movably installed on the valve body 122, and the valve core 124 has a first position and a second position on the valve body 122. When the valve core 124 is in the first position, the valve core 124 blocks the inlet 1223 on the valve body 122 to block the liquid outside the valve body 122. Correspondingly, when the valve body 122 is in the second position, the valve core 124 opens the inlet 1223, and the liquid can flow into the water inlet 1302 through the inlet 1223, that is, supply water to the steam generation chamber.

[0130] Among them, the valve core 124 and the trigger assembly 150 are linked. The trigger assembly 150 can drive the valve core 124 to move to the second position through a triggering action. After the heating element 140 is turned on, the trigger assembly 150 can be heated by contacting the heating element 140 and / or the evaporation container 130. The heated trigger assembly 150 performs a triggering action, and this triggering action can push the valve core 124 to the second position, so that the inlet 1223 automatically opens after the heating element 140 is turned on, thereby realizing the automatic water supply of the evaporation container 130 and avoiding the dry burning problem of the evaporation container 130. Furthermore, the technical effects of improving the automation degree of the steam generator 100, and improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator 100 are achieved.

[0131] Such as Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown in Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 , in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the valve body 122 includes: a valve seat 1221, which is connected to the evaporation container 130; a valve cover 1222, which is connected to the valve seat 1221 and the water supply assembly 110, and the inlet 1223 is provided on the valve cover 1222; a valve plate 1224, which is arranged between the valve seat 1221 and the valve cover 1222 and is connected to the valve core 124. The valve cover 1222 and the valve plate 1224 enclose a flow channel 1225 that communicates the inlet 1223 and the water inlet 1302.

[0132] In this embodiment, the valve body 122 includes a valve seat 1221, a valve cover 1222, and a valve plate 1224. The valve plate 1224 is arranged on the valve seat 1221, and the valve cover 1222 connected to the valve seat 1221 presses the valve plate 1224 onto the valve seat 1221 to prevent the valve plate 1224 from loosening or being misaligned between the valve cover 1222 and the valve seat 1221. Among them, an inlet 1223 is opened on the valve cover 1222, and a flow channel 1225 is enclosed between the valve plate 1224 and the valve cover 1222. One end of the flow channel 1225 communicates with the inlet 1223 on the valve cover 1222, and the other end of the valve cover 1222 communicates with the water inlet 1302 of the evaporation container 130.

[0133] On this basis, a valve core 124 is provided on the valve plate 1224, and an avoidance hole 1228 is provided on the valve seat 1221. The valve core 124 is exposed in the avoidance hole 1228. Relative to the valve seat 1221, the valve core 124 has a first position and a second position. When the valve core 124 is in the first position, the valve core 124 blocks the inlet 1223 on the valve cover 1222, and the liquid in the liquid storage cavity is blocked by the valve core 124 and cannot enter the flow channel 1225. When the valve core 124 is in the second position, the valve core 124 opens the inlet 1223 on the valve cover 1222, and the liquid can enter the flow channel 1225 through the inlet 1223 and finally flow into the evaporation container 130.

[0134] After the heating element 140 is turned on, the triggering assembly 150 executes a triggering action, which can push the valve core 124 to the second position, so that the inlet 1223 is automatically opened after the heating element 140 is turned on, thereby realizing automatic water supply for the evaporation container 130 and avoiding the problem of dry burning of the evaporation container 130. Furthermore, the technical effects of improving the automation degree of the steam generator 100 and enhancing the safety and reliability of the steam generator 100 are achieved.

[0135] At the same time, compared with the embodiment of independently controlling the switch assembly 120 according to an electric control instruction, the reliability of the heating element 140 and the switch assembly 120 linked under the action of the triggering assembly 150 is stronger, not affected by circuit faults, and can further improve the safety and reliability of the evaporation container 130.

[0136] Such as Figure 6 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the valve body 122 further includes: an elastic part 126, connected to the valve plate 1224 and the valve core 124, and used to drive the valve core 124 to reset to the first position.

[0137] In this embodiment, the switch assembly 120 includes an elastic portion 126, and the valve core 124 is connected to the valve plate 1224 through the elastic portion 126. When the trigger assembly 150 pushes the valve core 124 to move through the triggering action, the elastic portion 126 is deformed and accumulates elastic potential energy. After the steam preparation is completed, the temperature of the evaporation container 130 and the heating element 140 drops, and the trigger assembly 150 no longer applies the triggering action to the valve core 124. The elastic portion 126 releases the elastic potential energy to reset the valve core 124 to the first position, thereby realizing the automatic reset of the valve core 124 to prevent liquid from pouring into the cooking chamber 2102.

[0138] It can be seen that by providing the elastic part 126 and the trigger assembly 150, the valve core 124 can be automatically switched on and off along with the start and stop of the steam preparation process, thereby realizing fully automatic water supply and eliminating the need for complex electric control mechanisms and reset transmission mechanisms. This further achieves the technical effect of optimizing the structure of the steam generator 100, improving the safety and reliability of the steam generator 100, and reducing the complexity of the structure of the steam generator 100.

[0139] like Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, in some technical schemes of the utility model, optionally, the valve seat 1221 includes an avoidance hole 1228, the inlet 1223, the avoidance hole 1228 and the trigger assembly 150 are arranged relatively to each other, and the valve core 124 includes: a column 1242, which is penetrated by the inlet 1223 and the avoidance hole 1228 and is connected to the valve plate 1224, and the trigger assembly 150 that performs the triggering action abuts against the first end of the column 1242; a cover plate 1244, which is connected to the second end of the column 1242 and is located on the side of the inlet 1223 away from the valve plate 1224.

[0140] In this embodiment, the avoidance hole 1228 on the valve seat 1221 is arranged opposite to the inlet 1223 on the valve cover 1222, and the valve core 124 includes a column 1242 and a cover plate 1244. The column 1242 is penetrated through the inlet 1223 and the avoidance hole 1228. The first end of the column 1242 penetrates to the outside of the inlet 1223. The cover plate 1244 is connected to the first end of the column 1242, and the second end of the column 1242 penetrates to the outside of the avoidance hole 1228, so that the trigger assembly 150 can push the column 1242 to the second position by contacting the second end of the column 1242.

[0141] Specifically, when the valve core 124 is in the first position, the cover plate 1244 covers the outside of the inlet 1223. The pressure exerted by the liquid on the cover plate 1244 presses the cover plate 1244 tightly against the inlet 1223, thereby achieving sealing by means of the liquid pressure, and further achieving the technical effect of improving the sealing reliability of the valve core 124. After the heating element 140 is turned on, the triggering assembly 150 pushes the cover plate 1244 to be lifted by the push column 1242, and the liquid can then enter the flow channel 1225 through the gap between the column 1242 and the inlet 1223.

[0142] As Figure 6 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the valve body 122 further includes: a sealing groove 1226, provided in one of the valve cover 1222 and the valve plate 1224, and surrounding the flow channel 1225; a sealing rib 1227, provided in the other of the valve cover 1222 and the valve plate 1224, and located in the sealing groove 1226.

[0143] In this embodiment, a groove is provided on the side of the valve cover 1222 facing the valve seat 1221, and the groove communicates with the inlet 1223. After the connection between the valve cover 1222 and the valve seat 1221 is completed, the valve plate 1224 covers the groove. At the same time, an outlet is also provided on the side of the valve plate 1224 facing the valve seat 1221. The outlet penetrates through the valve seat 1221 and communicates with the water inlet 1302 on the evaporation container 130.

[0144] By providing this groove, it is beneficial to expand the flow area of the flow channel 1225, thereby increasing the water supply flow rate and ensuring that the steam output rate of the cooking appliance 200 can meet the cooking requirements.

[0145] On this basis, a sealing groove 1226 is further provided on the side of the valve cover 1222 facing the valve seat 1221, and the sealing groove 1226 surrounds the periphery of the groove. The valve body 122 further includes a sealing rib 1227. The sealing rib 1227 is provided on the side of the valve plate 1224 facing the valve cover 1222, and the sealing rib 1227 is annular. The shape of the sealing rib 1227 is adapted to the shape of the sealing groove 1226.

[0146] During the assembly process, the sealing rib 1227 is inserted into the sealing groove 1226 to prevent the liquid in the flow channel 1225 from diffusing to the periphery of the sealing rib 1227 and avoid liquid leakage from the gap between the valve seat 1221 and the valve cover 1222. At the same time, the sealing groove 1226 and the sealing rib 1227 can also play a positioning role, which can ensure that the elastic valve body 122 and the valve core 124 can be accurately installed in the predetermined position.

[0147] As Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the triggering component 1502 includes: a driving member 152, connected to the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140, at least part of the driving member 152 is formed by a shape memory metal; a push rod 154, connected to the driving member 152, and the deformed driving member 152 pushes the valve core 124 through the push rod 154.

[0148] In this embodiment, the triggering component 1502 includes a driving member 152 and a push rod 154. The driving member 152 is connected to the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140, and at least part of the driving member 152 is formed by a shape memory metal, and the shape memory metal has the property of changing its shape along with the change of temperature. After the heating member 140 is turned on, the heat is transferred from the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140 to the driving member 152, and the shape of the driving member 152 changes during the heating process, thereby driving the push rod 154 on the driving member 152 to perform a triggering action.

[0149] Specifically, when the temperature of the driving member 152 is less than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the driving member 152 is in the first shape, and the push rod 154 is separated from the second end of the valve core 124. At this time, the valve core 124 is kept in the first position under the action of the elastic part 126, that is, the switch assembly 120 is in the closed state. When the temperature of the driving member 152 rises to the second temperature threshold, the driving member 152 changes to the second shape. During this deformation process, the push rod 154 contacts and pushes the second end of the valve core 124, so that the cover plate 1244 can be lifted, thereby opening the inlet 1223 on the valve cover 1222.

[0150] It can be seen that the driving member 152 in this embodiment can automatically adjust its shape according to the temperature of the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140, so as to cooperate with the push rod 154, the valve core 124 and the elastic part 126 to realize the automatic opening and closing of the inlet 1223, ensuring that the inlet 1223 can be automatically opened after the heating member 140 starts to work and automatically closed after the heating member 140 stops working, and ensuring that the liquid supply can match the start and stop of the steam preparation process. At the same time, compared with the embodiment in which the valve core 124 is driven by an electric control mechanism, the use of shape memory metal can reduce the structural complexity of the steam generator 100 and reduce the cost of the steam generator 100.

[0151] As Figure 12 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the driving member 152 includes: an inner ring 1522, connected to the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140; a shape memory metal ring 1524, connected to the inner ring 1522 and surrounding the inner ring 1522, and the heated shape memory metal ring 1524 bends towards the direction where the valve core 124 is located.

[0152] In this embodiment, the driving member 152 includes an inner ring 1522 and a shape memory alloy ring 1524. The inner ring 1522 is made of a non-shape memory alloy material, that is, the shape of the inner ring 1522 does not change with temperature. Among them, the inner ring 1522 is connected to the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140, and specifically, the inner ring 1522 can be fixed to the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140 by screws. Selecting the inner ring 1522 made of a non-metallic material can ensure the positioning stability of the driving member 152 on the evaporation container 130 and / or the heating member 140, and prevent the driving member 152 from loosening or even falling off after frequently changing its shape.

[0153] The shape memory alloy ring 1524 is sleeved around the inner ring 1522, and the push rod 154 is connected to the shape memory alloy ring 1524. After the heating member 140 is turned on, the heated shape memory alloy ring 1524 warps in the direction of the valve core 124, thereby driving the push rod 154 to swing in the direction of the valve core 124. Finally, the valve core 124 is pushed to the second position by the push rod 154 to prevent the evaporation container 130 from dry burning. Correspondingly, after the heating member 140 is turned off, the temperature of the shape memory alloy ring 1524 drops, and the shape memory alloy ring 1524 returns to a flat state. The push rod 154 connected thereto moves away from the valve core 124, and the valve core 124 automatically resets to the first position under the action of the elastic portion 126 and the liquid pressure to prevent the liquid from directly pouring into the cooking cavity 2102.

[0154] As Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the steam generator 100 further includes: an exhaust pipe 162, which is connected to the air outlet 1304.

[0155] In this embodiment, the cooking appliance 200 further includes an exhaust pipe 162. The first end of the exhaust pipe 162 is connected to the air outlet 1304, and the second end of the exhaust pipe 162 communicates with the cooking cavity 2102 to introduce the prepared high-temperature steam into the cooking cavity 2102.

[0156] By providing the exhaust pipe 162, the layout freedom of the switch assembly 120, the evaporation container 130, and the cooking cavity 2102 can be improved, which provides convenient conditions for reasonably arranging the internal structure of the cooking appliance 200.

[0157] As Figure 6 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the evaporation container 130 is tubular; the heating member 140 is an electric heating tube, and the electric heating tube is arranged side by side with the evaporation container 130.

[0158] In this embodiment, the evaporation container 130 is tubular. A steam generation chamber is formed inside the tubular evaporation container 130, and water inlets 1302 and air outlets 1304 are formed at both ends of the tubular evaporation container 130. Specifically, liquid enters the steam generation chamber through the water inlets 1302. During the flowing process, the liquid is gradually heated and vaporized, and finally high-temperature steam is generated and discharged from the evaporation container 130 through the air outlets 1304.

[0159] On this basis, an electric heating tube is selected as the heating element 140, and the tubular evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube are arranged side by side. For example, when a straight tube is selected as the evaporation container 130, the electric heating tube also extends linearly, and the electric heating tube is arranged parallel to the periphery of the evaporation container 130. When an arc-shaped tube is selected as the evaporation container 130, the electric heating tube also extends along an arc, and the electric heating tube is arranged on the inner ring side or the outer ring side of the arc-shaped evaporation container 130.

[0160] The long and narrow evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube can effectively utilize the long and narrow space inside the cooking appliance 200 to arrange the evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube without excessively changing the original structural layout and original dimensions of the cooking appliance 200. On the other hand, the evaporation container 130 and the electric heating tube arranged side by side have a high degree of overlap in the liquid flow direction, and the heat radiated from the evaporation container 130 can be effectively utilized, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the electric heating tube for the evaporation container 130. Furthermore, the technical effects of optimizing the structural layout of the cooking appliance 200, improving the steam output efficiency, reducing the arrangement difficulty of the cooking appliance 200, and providing convenient conditions for the miniaturized design of the cooking appliance 200 are achieved.

[0161] Specifically, when the steam generator 100 is installed in the cooking appliance 200, the tubular evaporation container 130 extends in the height direction of the cooking appliance 200, or the tubular evaporation container 130 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0162] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, in some embodiments of the present utility model, optionally, the cooking appliance 200 includes: a pot body 210 including a cooking cavity 2102; the steam generator 100 as described in any of the above embodiments, a lid body 102 is connected to the pot body 210 and covers the cooking cavity 2102, and a switch assembly 120, an evaporation container 130, a heating element 140, and a trigger assembly 150 are arranged in the pot body 210, and the air outlet 1304 is communicated with the cooking cavity 2102.

[0163] In this embodiment, a cooking appliance 200 provided with the steam generator 100 in any of the above embodiments is defined. Therefore, the cooking appliance 200 has the advantages of the steam generator 100 in any of the above embodiments and can achieve the technical effects that the steam generator 100 in any of the above embodiments can achieve. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0164] On this basis, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a pot body 210. The pot body 210 includes a base and an inner pot. An inwardly concave mounting groove is provided on the base, and the inner pot is embedded in the mounting groove. An opening is provided at the top of the inner pot, and a cooking cavity 2102 is enclosed in the inner pot. The lid 102 is connected to the pot body 210 and is pivotally arranged on the pot body 210. The closed lid 102 can block the opening at the top of the inner pot through the closing surface to create a sealed cooking space, and the food is heated by the high-temperature inner pot and high-temperature steam in the cooking cavity 2102. At the same time, the switch assembly 120, the evaporation container 130, the heating element 140, and the trigger assembly 150 are mounted on the pot body 210 through the housing 170. After the water from the water supply assembly 110 flows into the evaporation container 130 from top to bottom under the action of gravity, it is heated to high-temperature steam by the heating element 140, and finally the high-temperature steam is introduced into the inner pot through the exhaust pipe 162.

[0165] As Figure 13 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, in some technical solutions of the present invention, optionally, the steam generator 100 further includes a water inlet pipe 116. The water inlet pipe 116 is connected to the water supply assembly 110 and the switch assembly 120. The cooking appliance 200 further includes: a hinge portion 212 provided on the pot body 210, and the lid 102 is hinged to the hinge portion 212; the water inlet pipe 116 is wound around the hinge portion 212.

[0166] In this embodiment, the steam generator 100 further includes a water inlet pipe 116. The first end of the water inlet pipe 116 is connected to the base 112 in the water supply assembly 110 and is communicated with the drain port. The second end of the water inlet pipe 116 is connected to the switch assembly 120 and is communicated with the evaporation container 130 through the switch assembly 120.

[0167] On this basis, a hinge portion 212 is further provided on the pot body 210. The lid 102 is hinged to the pot body 210 through the hinge portion 212, that is, the lid 102 can be opened or closed to the cooking cavity 2102 through a flipping action. Among them, the water inlet pipe 116 is wound around the hinge portion 212 from top to bottom and is connected to the switch assembly 120 on the pot body 210 after bypassing the hinge portion 212. During the flipping process of the lid 102, the water inlet pipe 116 on the hinge portion 212 is bent synchronously to reduce the possibility of interference of the water inlet pipe 116 during the flipping process of the lid 102, thereby achieving the technical effects of optimizing the structural layout of the cooking appliance 200 and improving the structural reliability of the cooking appliance 200.

[0168] As Figure 7 , Figure 13 , Figure 17 and Figure 18As shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the steam generator 100 further includes an exhaust pipe 162. The first end of the exhaust pipe 162 is connected to the air outlet 1304; the exhaust pipe 162 is wound around the hinge portion 212. The second end of the exhaust pipe 162 is located at the cover body 102 and faces the cooking cavity 2102, or the second end of the exhaust pipe 162 is located at the pot body 210 and communicates with the cooking cavity 2102.

[0169] In this embodiment, the cooking appliance 200 further includes an exhaust pipe 162. The first end of the exhaust pipe 162 is connected to the air outlet 1304 on the evaporation container 130, and the second end of the exhaust pipe 162 communicates with the cooking cavity 2102 to introduce the prepared high-temperature steam into the cooking cavity 2102.

[0170] Specifically, the exhaust pipe 162 is wound around the hinge portion 212 from bottom to top. After the exhaust pipe 162 bypasses the hinge portion 212, the second end of the exhaust pipe 162 extends to the fastening surface of the cover body 102, and the orientation of the second end of the exhaust pipe 162 is the same as the orientation of the fastening surface. Then the high-temperature steam can be discharged into the cooking cavity 2102. During the flipping process of the cover body 102, the exhaust pipe 162 on the hinge portion 212 is bent synchronously, so as to reduce the possibility of interference of the exhaust pipe 162 during the flipping process of the cover body 102, and further achieve the technical effects of optimizing the structural layout of the cooking appliance 200 and improving the structural reliability of the cooking appliance 200.

[0171] As Figure 7 、 Figure 13 and Figure 18 As shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the cooking appliance 200 further includes: a hot air assembly 220, which is arranged on the cover body 102 and is used for blowing high-temperature air flow into the cooking cavity 2102.

[0172] In this embodiment, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a hot air assembly 220. The hot air assembly 220 is arranged on the cover body 102 and is oppositely arranged with the cooking cavity 2102. The opened hot air assembly 220 can blow high-temperature air flow into the cooking cavity 2102 to quickly heat the surface of the food through the high-temperature air flow, and further achieve the technical effects of broadening the functions of the cooking appliance 200 and improving the quality of the cooked food.

[0173] As Figure 14 and Figure 19 As shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the hot air assembly 220 includes: a motor 222, which is arranged on the cover body 102; a fan blade 224, which is connected to the motor 222; and a heating member 226, which is arranged on the cover body 102 and is used for heating the fan blade 224.

[0174] In this embodiment, the hot air assembly 220 includes a motor 222, a fan blade 224, and a heating element 226. The motor 222 is fixed on the cover body 102. The fan blade 224 is connected to the rotating shaft on the motor 222. After the motor 222 is turned on, the fan blade 224 rotates with the rotating shaft to form an air flow flowing into the cooking cavity 2102. The heating element 226 is arranged on the periphery of the fan blade 224. The turned-on heating element 226 can heat the fan blade 224 to blow out high-temperature air flow through the high-temperature fan blade 224.

[0175] As Figure 20 shown, in some technical solutions of the present utility model, optionally, the cooking appliance 200 further includes: a power supply module 230 for supplying power to the motor 222 and the heating element 140; a first path 231 with the motor 222 arranged therein; a second path 232 with the heating element 140 arranged therein; a first switch member 233, both the first path 231 and the second path 232 are electrically connected to the power supply module 230 through the first switch member 233; a second switch member 234 arranged in the second path 232 for controlling the on-off of the second path 232.

[0176] In this embodiment, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a power supply module 230, and the power supply module 230 is used for supplying power to the motor 222 and the heating element 140.

[0177] On this basis, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a first path 231, a second path 232, a first switch member 233, and a second switch member 234. Among them, the motor 222 is arranged on the first path 231, the heating element 140 is arranged on the second path 232. The first path 231 and the second path 232 are connected in parallel and then electrically connected to the power supply module 230 through the first switch member 233, that is, the first switch member 233 can control the start and stop of both the motor 222 and the heating element 140 simultaneously. The second switch member 234 is arranged on the second path 232, and the second switch member 234 can independently control the start and stop of the heating element 140.

[0178] By arranging the first path 231, the second path 232, the first switch member 233, and the second switch member 234, the heating element 140 can only be turned on after the motor 222 starts working, so as to ensure that the high-temperature steam discharged from the air outlet 1304 can be taken away by the air flow generated by the blower in time after entering the cooking cavity 2102, avoid the high-temperature steam from diffusing to the area where the motor 222 is located, ensure that the steam will not affect the operation of the motor 222, and further achieve the technical effect of improving the safety and reliability of the cooking appliance 200.

[0179] Specifically, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a timer 236 and a fuse 235 connected in series with the first switch member 233. A third path is further included. The third path is connected in parallel with the first path 231 and the second path 232. The heating element 226 in the hot air assembly 220 is disposed on the third path, and a thermostat 238 is further disposed on the third path. The thermostat 238 is connected to the bracket 151, and the thermostat 238 can control the on-off of the third path according to the temperature of the bracket 151.

[0180] Specifically, the cooking appliance 200 further includes an indicator light 237 connected in parallel with the motor 222 to feedback the working state of the hot air assembly 220 through the indicator light 237.

[0181] In any of the above embodiments, the cooking appliance 200 is: an air fryer, a steamer or a steam oven.

[0182] Figure 19 A system block diagram of the cooking appliance 200 is shown. During the working process, the heated evaporation container 130 can transfer heat to the trigger assembly 150 and the switch assembly 120 through the bracket 151. The trigger assembly 150 switches the switch assembly 120 to the on state through a trigger action, and the water in the water supply assembly 110 can enter the evaporation tube through the switch assembly 120 under the action of gravity, and is discharged into the cooking cavity 2102 after being heated into high-temperature steam by the evaporation tube.

[0183] In an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are of an integrally die-cast structure, or the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are connected by a first connecting member, or the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are welded.

[0184] The evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are arranged side by side in the height direction of the steam generator 100, the evaporation tube 132 is located above the electric heating tube, or the evaporation tube 132 and the electric heating tube are arranged side by side in a second direction perpendicular to the height direction of the steam generator 100.

[0185] The inner ring 1522 and the bracket 151 are connected by a second connecting member, or the inner ring 1522 is welded to the bracket 151, or the inner ring 1522 and the bracket 151 are of an integral structure.

[0186] It should be clear that in the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings of the present utility model, the term "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly defined. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for more conveniently describing the present utility model and making the description process simpler, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have the specific orientation described, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as limitations on the present utility model; terms such as "connection", "installation", "fixation", etc. should all be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection between multiple objects, a detachable connection between multiple objects, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection between multiple objects, or an indirect connection between multiple objects through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances of the above data.

[0187] In the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings of the present utility model, the description of terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "specific embodiments", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings of the present utility model, the schematic expression of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0188] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not used to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present utility model. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance, comprising a steam generator, characterized in that: The steam generator comprises: Switch assembly; The evaporation container comprises a water inlet, a steam generating chamber and an air outlet, wherein the switch assembly comprises an on state and a off state, wherein the switch assembly is connected to the water inlet in the on state and blocks the water inlet in the off state; A heating element connected to the evaporation container; A trigger component, wherein the trigger component can perform a trigger action according to its own temperature, and the trigger action is used to switch the switch component from the closed state to the open state, or from the open state to the closed state; Wherein, at least a portion of the trigger assembly is in contact with the outer surface of the evaporation container.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trigger component comprises: a support, at least a portion of which contacts an outer surface of the evaporation container; The trigger component is arranged on the bracket.

3. The cooking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The evaporation container includes an evaporation tube; The heating element is an electric heating tube, and the electric heating tube and the evaporation tube are arranged side by side.

4. The cooking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bracket contacts the outer surface of the evaporation tube, and the bracket contacts the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

5. The cooking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bracket contacts the outer surface of the evaporation tube, and the bracket avoids the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

6. The cooking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The evaporation container further comprises a convex rib, wherein the convex rib connects the evaporation tube and the electric heating tube; The bracket contacts the convex rib, and the bracket avoids the outer surface of the evaporation tube and the outer surface of the electric heating tube.

7. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The heating element can heat the trigger component.

8. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also includes: A spoiler, disposed in the evaporation container; Wherein, the spoiler comprises a coil spring.

9. The cooking device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The switch assembly comprises: a valve body connected to the evaporation container and comprising an inlet connected to the water inlet; A valve core is provided on the valve body, the valve core includes a first position and a second position, when the valve core is in the first position, the valve core blocks the inlet, and when the valve core is in the second position, the inlet is opened; The triggering action is used to drive the valve core to move to the second position, or the triggering action is used to drive the valve core to move to the first position.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that The valve body also includes: The elastic part is connected to the valve body and the valve core, and is used to drive the valve core to return to the first position.

11. The cooking device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The trigger component comprises: A driving member, disposed on the bracket, wherein the driving member is at least partially formed of memory metal; A push rod is connected to the driving member, and the deformed driving member pushes the valve core through the push rod.

12. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also includes: A body, comprising a cooking cavity, the steam generator is arranged on the body, and the gas outlet is communicated with the cooking cavity; A water supply component is arranged on the main body, and the water supply component is connected to the switch component.

13. The cooking device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The body comprises: A pot body, wherein the cooking cavity is located in the pot body, and the evaporation container is arranged in the pot body; a cover body is hinged to the pot body through a hinge part; The water supply assembly comprises: A liquid storage tank, arranged on the cover body; A water inlet pipe is connected to the liquid storage tank and the switch assembly, and the water inlet pipe avoids the hinged part.

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