Water tank device and cooking equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a water tank device and cooking equipment, the water tank device comprises a water tank assembly, the water tank assembly comprises a cover body and a tank body with an opening, the cover body covers the opening of the tank body, a transparent area is arranged on the cover body, the tank body is provided with a water storage cavity, and the transparent area is arranged along the height direction of the cover body; the display assembly comprises a floater and a guide structure, the guide structure corresponds to the transparent area and is arranged in the height direction of the transparent area, and the floater is arranged on the guide structure in a lifting mode and floats along with changes of the water level in the water storage cavity. When a user prepares to use the equipment, due to the arrangement of the guide structure and the floater, the floater can float up and down along with the change of the water level in the water storage cavity, the floater and the transparent area are oppositely arranged, and the actual position of the floater can represent the actual water level in the water storage cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of household appliances, in particular to a water tank device and cooking equipment. Background Art

[0002] Steaming and baking equipment, such as steamers, typically have a water tank inside to ensure the texture of the food. This water tank is pumped into the steam generator or inner pot via a water pump, where it is heated to form steam. The amount of water in the water tank affects the machine's operating time.

[0003] Existing water tanks are either external to the steamer or built into the steamer's inner tank. External water tanks lack a level indicator, making it impossible to determine the water level, or the level indicator is more complex, resulting in higher overall costs. For water tanks built into the steamer's inner tank, the steamer door must be opened to remove and refill water. If the water tank is initially low, opening the door during cooking will cause the steam temperature to drop, requiring reheating after refilling, resulting in lower cooking efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a water tank device and cooking equipment to address the above problems so as to improve cooking efficiency.

[0005] The utility model provides a water tank device for use in cooking equipment, comprising: a water tank assembly, comprising a cover body and a box body with an opening, the cover body being arranged to cover the opening of the box body, the cover body being provided with a transparent area, the box body having a water storage cavity, the transparent area being arranged along the height direction of the cover body; and a display assembly, comprising a float and a guide structure, the guide structure being arranged corresponding to the transparent area and arranged along the height direction of the transparent area, the float being arranged on the guide structure in a liftable manner, and floating as the water level in the water storage cavity changes.

[0006] In the aforementioned cooking device, when a user is ready to use the cooking device, the guide structure and the float allow the float to float up and down as the water level in the water storage chamber changes. The float and the transparent area are positioned relative to each other, and the actual position of the float indicates the actual water level in the water storage chamber. This is then displayed to the user through the transparent area, allowing the user to know the current water level in the water storage chamber before cooking. This avoids the need to add water midway during cooking due to lack of knowledge of the water level in the water tank, thereby improving cooking efficiency. Furthermore, the display assembly of the water tank device of the present application does not use electrical components, resulting in simple installation, high reliability, and unaffected by the operating environment of the electrical equipment.

[0007] In one embodiment, the guide structure includes a guide post and a guide groove opened in the guide post, the float is arranged in the guide groove in a liftable manner, and the guide groove has a notch opposite to the transparent area.

[0008] With this arrangement, the guide groove can guide the float to rise and fall along the length of the guide groove, while limiting the float from being affected by water level changes or water surface fluctuations, thereby stably rising and falling along the setting direction of the guide groove, making it easier for users to accurately observe the water level in the water storage chamber.

[0009] In one embodiment, there are two guide pillars, and slide grooves are provided on both sides of the guide pillars along the height direction of the guide pillars. Both ends of the float are provided with protrusions, and each protrusion is slidably set in one of the slide grooves.

[0010] With this arrangement, the chute provided on the guide column cooperates with the protrusions at both ends of the float, which is conducive to improving the smoothness of the float when it rises and falls with changes in water level, while preventing the float from slipping or shifting from the guide groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, a balancing hole is provided on the top wall of the box.

[0012] This arrangement prevents the box body from being deformed due to pressure changes in the water storage chamber when the water level in the water storage chamber changes.

[0013] In one embodiment, a scale bar is provided on the transparent area along the height direction of the transparent area.

[0014] With this setting, the scale bar on the transparent area can help customers accurately identify the current water storage volume in the water storage chamber. When the user uses the cooking device to cook, the above-mentioned scale bar can help the user accurately display the water storage volume required for cooking, which is convenient for the user to accurately grasp the water storage volume required for cooking ingredients, reduce the user's learning cost of this cooking device, and improve the smoothness of the interaction of this cooking device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the water tank assembly further includes a water inlet and a water outlet communicated with the water storage chamber, and the water inlet is openably and closably provided on the cover.

[0016] With this arrangement, the water inlet can be opened and closed on the cover body, which is beneficial for adding water to the water storage chamber during use. On the other hand, it is also beneficial for closing the water inlet when not in use to prevent dust and the like from entering the water tank through the water inlet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the water tank assembly further includes a water adding assembly, which is disposed at the water inlet and is telescopically disposed on the cover.

[0018] With this arrangement, the water adding assembly that is retractably arranged on the cover body makes it easy for the user to add water to the water storage cavity at any time during the cooking process.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water adding assembly includes an elastic member and a water adding joint, the water adding joint includes a water inlet section and a water outlet section connected to the water inlet section, one end of the elastic member abuts against the water tank assembly, and the other end abuts against the water inlet section.

[0020] With this arrangement, when the water storage chamber needs to be added with water, the elastic part can make the water adding connector pop out smoothly, so that the user can pay attention to the water level in the water storage chamber while adding water to the water storage chamber, avoiding the user taking the water storage chamber to add water, improving the smoothness of the water adding process, and improving the user's interactive experience when adding water.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water adding joint further includes a limiting portion, and the limiting portion is provided at the water outlet section.

[0022] With such a configuration, the limit portion can prevent the user from pulling the water storage chamber out axially for too long when preparing to add water to the water storage chamber, thereby improving the stability of the water storage chamber when adding water, reducing the support of the water tank device by the user when adding water, and improving the safety of the user adding water.

[0023] The present application also includes a cooking device, including a device body and a water tank device, wherein the water tank device is arranged on the top wall of the device body.

[0024] Such a setting is conducive to the convenience of adding water and easy maintenance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional structure of the cooking device in this application;

[0026] Figure 2 For this application Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the local three-dimensional structure from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 3 For this application Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the partial three-dimensional structure of the intermediate water tank assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 For this application Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the local structure from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 5 For this application Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-section structure with AA as the cutting line;

[0030] Figure 6 For this application Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at a in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 For this application Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the local a1 at point a in the middle;

[0032] Figure 8 For this application Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-section structure with BB as the cutting line;

[0033] Figure 9 For this application Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at point b in the middle.

[0034] Figure numerals: 100, cooking equipment; 1, water tank device; 10, water tank assembly; 11, cover body; 111, transparent area; 112, scale bar; 12, box body; 121, opening; 122, water storage chamber; 123, balance hole; 13, water inlet; 14, water outlet; 15, water adding assembly; 151, elastic member; 152, water adding joint; 153, water inlet section; 154, water outlet section; 155, limiting part; 20, display assembly; 21, float; 211, protrusion; 22, guide structure; 221, guide column; 222, guide groove; 223, notch; 224, slide; 2, equipment body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "mounted on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "set on" another component, it may be directly set on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "fixed to" another component, it may be directly fixed to the other component or there may be a central component.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Steaming and baking equipment, such as steamers, typically have a water tank inside to ensure the texture of the food. This water tank is pumped into the steam generator or inner pot via a water pump, where it is heated to form steam. The amount of water in the water tank affects the machine's operating time.

[0039] Existing water tanks are either external to the steamer or built into the steamer's inner tank. External water tanks lack a level indicator, making it impossible to determine the water level, or the level indicator is more complex, resulting in higher overall costs. For water tanks built into the steamer's inner tank, the steamer door must be opened to remove and refill water. If the water tank is initially low, opening the door during cooking will cause the steam temperature to drop, requiring reheating after refilling, resulting in lower cooking efficiency.

[0040] In order to solve the above problems, Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention provides a water tank device 1 and a cooking device 100 to improve cooking efficiency. The cooking device 100 may be a steam oven or the like.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 2 、 Figures 4 and 5 and Figure 8 As shown, specifically, the present application provides a water tank device 1 for use in a cooking device 100, so that the user can always know the water level status in the water tank. The water tank device 1 includes a water tank assembly 10 and a display assembly 20 disposed on the water tank assembly 10. The water tank assembly 10 includes a cover 11 and a housing 12 having an opening 121. The cover 11 covers the opening 121 of the housing 12. The cover 11 is provided with a transparent area 111. The housing 12 has a water storage cavity 122, and the transparent area 111 is arranged along the height direction of the cover 11. The display assembly 20 includes a float 21 and a guide structure 22. The guide structure 22 is arranged corresponding to the transparent area 111 and along the height direction of the transparent area 111. The float 21 is arranged on the guide structure 22 so as to be able to rise and fall, and floats with changes in the water level in the water storage cavity 122.

[0042] In the cooking device 100 described above, due to the arrangement of the guide structure 22 and the float 21, the float 21 can float up and down as the water level in the water storage chamber 122 changes. The float 21 and the transparent area 111 are arranged relative to each other, and the actual position of the float 21 can represent the actual water level in the water storage chamber 122. This is then displayed to the user through the transparent area 111, allowing the user to know the current water level in the water storage chamber 122 before cooking. This avoids the need to add water midway during cooking due to lack of knowledge of the water level in the water storage chamber 122, thereby improving cooking efficiency. Furthermore, the display assembly 20 of the water tank device 1 of the present application does not use electrical components, resulting in simple installation, high reliability, and unaffected by the environment in which electrical equipment is used.

[0043] See also Figure 4 Figure 6 to Figure 7 In the cooking device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the guide structure 22 includes a guide post 221 and a guide groove 222 provided on the guide post 221. The float 21 is arranged in the guide groove 222 so as to be movable. The guide groove 222 has a notch 223 opposite to the transparent area 111. The guide groove 222 is provided on the guide post 221 so that the user can directly observe the height of the water level in the water storage chamber 122.

[0044] The float 21 can be guided to rise and fall along the length of the guide groove 222, while limiting the float 21 from being affected by changes in the water level or fluctuations on the water surface, thereby stably rising and falling along the direction in which the guide groove 222 is set. Furthermore, in other embodiments, other structures such as slide rails can also be used to determine the path for the float 21 to rise and fall, and the present invention does not impose any specific restrictions on this embodiment.

[0045] See also Figures 6 and 7 In the cooking device 100 provided by the present embodiment, a guide post 221 is provided with a chute 224 on each sidewall thereof along its height. The float 21 is provided with protrusions 211 at both ends, each protrusion 211 slidably disposed within a chute 224. The chute 224 on the guide post 221 and the protrusions on both ends of the float 21 cooperate to improve the smoothness of the float 21's rise and fall as the water level changes, while also preventing the float 21 from slipping or shifting out of the guide chute 222. Specifically, the guide post 221 includes two sidewalls and a bottom wall. The sidewalls and bottom wall form a notched guide channel. The chute 224 is provided on both sidewalls to guide the float 21 during its floating process. In other embodiments, two guide posts 221 may be provided, spaced apart to form a notched guide channel between them. Each guide post has a chute on its opposing sidewalls, allowing the two protrusions of the float 21 to slide into and engage with the chute.

[0046] In addition, protrusions 211 are provided at both ends of the float 21, and each protrusion 211 is slidably set in a slide groove 224. In other embodiments of the present application, the number of protrusions 211 of the float 21 can also be implemented as more than two or less than two, as long as the float 21 can be prevented from slipping out of the guide groove 222. For example, the protrusions 211 of the float 21 are set to three, and corresponding slide grooves are opened on the two side walls and one bottom wall of the guide column for one-to-one correspondence.

[0047] See also Figure 5In the cooking device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present invention, a balancing hole 123 is provided on the top wall of the housing 12. The balancing hole 123 on the top wall of the housing 12 helps to improve the structural stability of the housing 12 and prevents the water storage chamber 122 from deforming due to pressure changes in the water storage chamber 122 when the water level in the water storage chamber 122 changes.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of balancing holes 123 is implemented as one. In other embodiments of the present application, the number of balancing holes 123 can also be implemented as greater than or equal to two, as long as the stability of the box 12 during use can be improved. The embodiments of the present utility model do not make specific restrictions here.

[0049] See also Figure 4 In the cooking device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a scale bar 112 is provided on the transparent area 111 along its height direction. The scale bar 112 provided on the transparent area 111 can help the user accurately identify the current water storage level in the water storage chamber 122. After the user uses the cooking device 100 to cook, the scale bar 112 can help the user accurately display the water storage level required for cooking, making it easier for the user to accurately understand the water storage level required for cooking ingredients, reducing the user's learning cost for the cooking device 100, and improving the smoothness of the interaction with the cooking device 100.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a scale bar 112 is provided on the transparent area 111, which can help the user accurately identify the current water storage volume in the water storage chamber 122. In other embodiments of the present application, a water level gauge can also be installed in the water storage chamber 122 to display the current water volume in the water storage chamber 122. As long as it can help the user accurately identify the water storage volume in the water storage chamber 122, the embodiments of the present utility model are not specifically limited here.

[0051] See also Figures 5 and 6 In the cooking device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the water tank assembly 10 further includes a water inlet 13 and a water outlet 14 communicating with the water storage chamber 122. The water inlet 13 is openably and closably provided on the cover 11. Providing the water inlet 13 and the water outlet 14 communicating with the water storage chamber 122 facilitates the cooking device 100 to smoothly use the water in the water storage chamber 122. The openably and closably provided water inlet 13 on the cover 11 facilitates adding water to the water storage chamber 122 during use. Furthermore, the water inlet 13 can be closed when not in use to prevent dust and the like from entering the water storage chamber 122 through the water inlet 13.

[0052] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the water inlet and outlet 14 in the water storage chamber 122 is directly connected to the water storage chamber 122. In other embodiments of the present application, the water inlet and outlet 14 of the water storage chamber 122 can also be implemented as indirectly connected through a filter element to improve the water quality of the water stored in the water storage chamber 122, avoid the formation of scale in the water storage chamber 122, and improve the cleanliness of the water storage chamber 122.

[0053] Moreover, in this embodiment, the water inlet 13 is openably and closably provided on the cover 11. In other embodiments of the present application, the water inlet 13 may also be implemented on the box 12. As long as it is convenient for the user to add water to the water storage chamber 122, the embodiment of the utility model does not impose any specific restrictions here.

[0054] See also Figure 8 In the cooking device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the water tank assembly 10 further includes a water adding assembly 15, which is disposed at the water inlet 13 and is retractably mounted on the cover 11. The retractable water adding assembly 15 on the cover 11 facilitates the user's convenience in adding water, allowing the user to add water to the water storage chamber 122 at any time during the cooking process.

[0055] See also Figures 8 and 9 In the cooking device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the water adding assembly 15 includes an elastic member 151 and a water adding connector 152. The water adding connector 152 includes a water inlet section 153 and a water outlet section 154 connected to the water inlet section 153. One end of the elastic member 151 abuts against the water tank assembly 10, and the other end abuts against the water inlet section 153. When the water storage chamber 122 needs to be filled with water, the elastic member 151 can cause the water adding connector 152 to pop out smoothly, allowing the user to simultaneously monitor the water level in the water storage chamber 122 while filling the water storage chamber, avoiding the user having to remove the water storage chamber 122 to add water, improving the smoothness of the water adding process, and enhancing the user's interactive experience when adding water.

[0056] It should be noted that in this embodiment, one end of the elastic member 151 abuts against the water tank assembly 10, and the other end abuts against the water inlet section 153, so that the user can use a snap-on or magnetic structure to complete the function of the elastic member 151 in this embodiment. As long as it can improve the smoothness of the water adding process and improve the user's interactive experience when adding water, the embodiment of the utility model does not make specific restrictions here.

[0057] See also Figures 8 and 9In the cooking device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the water filling connector 152 further includes a stopper 155, which is disposed at the water outlet section 154. The stopper 155 disposed at the water outlet section 154 prevents the user from pulling the water storage chamber 122 outwards too far in the axial direction when adding water to the water storage chamber 122, thereby improving the stability of the water storage chamber 122 during water addition, reducing the amount of support the user places on the water storage chamber 122 during water addition, and improving safety for the user.

[0058] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a limiting portion 155 is provided on the water outlet section 154 to limit the axial limit when the user draws out the water storage chamber 122 to add water. The limiting portion 155 is implemented as a cylindrical boss. In other embodiments of the present application, the limiting portion 155 can also be implemented as a quadrilateral, pentagonal or polygonal boss, or a spring or other component that can implement limiting. As long as it can prevent the user from pulling the water tank out for too long during the process of adding water, the embodiment of the utility model does not make specific restrictions here.

[0059] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present application also includes a cooking device 100, a device body 2 and a water tank device 1, wherein the water tank device 1 is arranged on the top wall of the device body 2. It is convenient to add water and to facilitate maintenance.

[0060] See also Figures 1 to 9 In specific implementation, this solution mainly includes the equipment body 2, the water tank device 1, the control lining plate and the like. The upper mounting plate is installed above the inner tank, the control lining plate is installed above the main body, and a transparent area 111 is glued on the control lining plate. A cover body 11 is installed on the right side of the control lining plate. The box body 12 is fixed together with the cover body 11 by screws. The water tank assembly 10 is placed into the box body 12 from the front of the control lining plate. A transparent area 111 is designed in front of the water tank assembly 10. Scale lines are designed on the transparent area 111. The scale lines are marked according to the actual water level of the water storage chamber 122. At the same time, a blank unprinted area is designed on the transparent area 111, which is in line with the floating area inside the water storage chamber 122. The width of the float 21 is consistent, and a vertical guide structure 22 is designed in front of the water storage chamber 122. The float 21 is assembled through the bosses and the groove body on both sides, and can move vertically up and down around the slide 224. When there is water in the water storage chamber 122, the float 21 moves synchronously with the rise or fall of the water level. At the same time, the color of the float 21 is black or dark, and the color contrast of the float 21 in the water is obvious, so that the user can quickly and clearly read the water level without taking out the water storage chamber 122; of course, in other embodiments of the present application, the color of the float 21 can also be implemented as other colors, as long as it is convenient for the user to observe the water level of the water storage chamber 122, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0061] In order to enable the user to add water without opening the cover body 11, a water adding assembly 15 is designed next to the water storage chamber 122, and a water adding joint 152 is designed on the cover body 11. A hollow structure is designed inside the water adding joint 152, and a cylindrical water inlet section 153 is designed. The cylindrical water inlet section 153 is directly connected to the water storage chamber 122, and a limiting portion 155 of a cylindrical boss is designed on the water adding joint 152. When the water adding joint 152 is pulled out, it is used to shorten the pulling stroke of the water storage chamber 122; two elastic parts 151 are designed on the water storage chamber 122. When the user needs to add water to the water storage chamber 122, the water adding joint 152 of the water storage chamber 122 is pressed, and the water adding joint 152 pops out. When adding water, the user pays attention to the water level of the water storage chamber 122 on the right side, so that the water adding operation can be achieved without taking the water storage chamber 122.

[0062] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0063] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementations of the present invention. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present utility model patent shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water tank device for use in cooking equipment, characterized in that: include: A water tank assembly, comprising a cover and a box body with an opening, wherein the cover is arranged to cover the opening of the box body, the cover body is provided with a transparent area, the box body has a water storage cavity, and the transparent area is arranged along the height direction of the cover body; and The display component includes a float and a guide structure. The guide structure is arranged corresponding to the transparent area and along the height direction of the transparent area. The float is arranged on the guide structure in a liftable manner and floats as the water level in the water storage chamber changes.

2. The water tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that The guide structure includes a guide column and a guide groove opened in the guide column. The float is arranged in the guide groove in a liftable manner. The guide groove has a notch opposite to the transparent area.

3. The water tank device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the height direction of the guide column, two side walls of the guide column are provided with sliding grooves, and two ends of the float are provided with protrusions, and each protrusion is slidably arranged in one of the sliding grooves.

4. The water tank device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A balancing hole is provided on the top wall of the box body.

5. The water tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A scale bar is provided on the transparent area along the height direction of the transparent area.

6. The water tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that The water tank assembly further comprises a water inlet and a water outlet communicated with the water storage cavity, and the water inlet is openably and closably arranged on the cover body.

7. The water tank device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The water tank assembly further comprises a water adding assembly, which is arranged at the water inlet and is telescopically arranged on the cover body.

8. The water tank device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water adding assembly includes an elastic member and a water adding joint, the water adding joint includes a water inlet section and a water outlet section connected to the water inlet section, one end of the elastic member abuts against the water tank assembly, and the other end abuts against the water inlet section.

9. The water tank device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water adding joint further comprises a limiting portion, which is arranged at the water outlet section.

10. A cooking device, characterized in that: The device comprises an equipment body and a water tank device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the water tank device is arranged on the top wall of the equipment body.

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