Water tank structure and cooking equipment

Abstract

The water tank structure comprises a water tank body, a shell and a detection assembly, the shell is provided with an installation cavity and an opening communicated with the installation cavity, the water tank body can be inserted into the installation cavity through the opening, and the shell comprises a side wall parallel to the height direction of the water tank body. The side wall is provided with a communication port communicated with the mounting cavity; the detection assembly comprises a detection piece and two electrode plates, the detection piece is arranged at the communication port and can move relative to the shell to get close to or get away from the mounting cavity, the detection piece comprises a detection face capable of being attached to the outer wall of the water tank body, and the two electrode plates are arranged on the side face, away from the detection face, of the detection piece at intervals; the two electrode plates are parallel to each other and extend in the height direction of the water tank body. The detection surface can be attached to the outer wall of the water tank body, it is guaranteed that the distance between the electrode plate and the inner wall of the water tank body does not change, no air gap exists between the detection piece and the water tank body, and the detection precision and sensitivity of the detection assembly are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooking utensil technology, and in particular to a water tank structure and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The water tank structure of cooking equipment such as steam ovens is usually equipped with a water level sensor, such as a capacitive water level sensor, to detect the water level in the tank.

[0003] Because users frequently need to remove the water tank from the steam oven to add water or clean it, and because the capacitive water level sensor needs to be electrically connected to the steam oven, it is generally installed separately from the water tank, i.e., inside the oven. However, the position of the water tank may change slightly each time the user places it, and the gap between the water tank and the capacitive water level sensor will also change, thus affecting the detection accuracy of the capacitive water level sensor. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water tank structure and cooking equipment to address the above problems and improve the accuracy of water level detection.

[0005] This utility model first provides a water tank structure, including: a water tank body; an outer shell, having an installation cavity and an opening communicating with the installation cavity, wherein the water tank body can be inserted into the installation cavity through the opening, the outer shell includes a side wall parallel to the height direction of the water tank body, and the side wall has a communication port communicating with the installation cavity; and a detection component, including a detection element and two electrode plates, wherein the detection element is disposed at the communication port and can move relative to the outer shell to approach / move away from the installation cavity, the detection element includes a detection surface that can fit against the outer wall of the water tank body, and the two electrode plates are spaced apart on the side of the detection element opposite to the detection surface, the two electrode plates are parallel to each other and both extend along the height direction of the water tank body.

[0006] In the above-described water tank structure, after the water tank body is inserted into the mounting cavity through the opening, the detection component is controlled to move relative to the outer shell and approach the mounting cavity, so that the detection surface is in contact with the outer wall of the water tank body. Even if the user places the water tank body in a different position each time, the distance between the electrode plate and the inner wall of the water tank body will not change. Furthermore, there is essentially no air gap between the detection component and the water tank body, which avoids the air gap affecting the dielectric constant of the medium, thereby improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity of the detection component.

[0007] In one embodiment, the detection assembly further includes an elastic element disposed between the sidewall and the detection element, the elastic element deforming at least when the detection element moves away from the mounting cavity.

[0008] With this configuration, the detection component can move closer to the mounting cavity under the elastic force of the elastic element, so that the detection surface can be in close contact with the outer wall of the water tank body, preventing gaps between the detection component and the outer wall of the water tank body, and improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity of the detection component.

[0009] In one embodiment, the elastic element is configured as a torsion spring, and the two torsion arms of the torsion spring are respectively connected to the sidewall and the detection element.

[0010] This design simplifies the structure of the torsion spring, making it easier to process and assemble testing components.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a baffle protruding from one side of the sidewall away from the mounting cavity, the baffle and the sidewall forming a receiving space for accommodating the torsion spring.

[0012] With this configuration, the baffle is used to limit the position of the torsion spring and prevent it from coming out of the housing space and affecting its deformation effect.

[0013] In one embodiment, the number of elastic elements is two, and the two elastic elements are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the detection element.

[0014] With this configuration, the two elastic elements can ensure that the forces on both sides of the detection element are balanced, thereby improving the fit between the detection surface and the outer wall of the water tank body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sidewall includes a first sidewall parallel to the insertion direction of the water tank body, and the communication port is located on the first sidewall.

[0016] With this configuration, after the water tank body is inserted into the installation cavity through the opening, the side wall of the water tank body parallel to the insertion direction fits against the detection surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection element is provided with a first guide portion on the side near the opening, the first guide portion being configured as an arc surface or an inclined surface; and / or, the insertion end of the water tank body is provided with a second guide portion on the side near the first sidewall, the second guide portion being configured as an arc surface or an inclined surface.

[0018] With this configuration, during the process of inserting the water tank body into the installation cavity through the opening, the second guide part can slide and cooperate with the first guide part, so that the detection element moves towards the side away from the installation cavity, avoiding interference of the detection element with the insertion or removal of the water tank body, making the operation simple and convenient.

[0019] In one embodiment, the detection element further includes a limiting portion protruding from a side of the detection element opposite to the detection surface, the limiting portion being able to abut against a side of the sidewall opposite to the mounting cavity.

[0020] With this design, the limiting part can restrict the movement range of the detection component, preventing the detection component from extending too deep into the mounting cavity through the connecting port or falling completely into the mounting cavity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the detection assembly further includes a detection plate, both of which are disposed on the detection plate, and the detection plate is snapped and fixed to the side of the detection element opposite to the detection surface.

[0022] This design allows users to easily disassemble or replace the electrode plates, and the two electrode plates are fixed relative to each other, ensuring that the distance between the two electrode plates remains unchanged, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection component.

[0023] This utility model also provides a cooking device, including the water tank structure described above. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a water tank structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 Provided by this utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0027] Figure 3 Provided by this utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0028] Figure 4 Provided by this utility model Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the water tank not fully inserted into the installation cavity;

[0029] Figure 5 Provided by this utility model Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure;

[0030] Figure 6 Provided by this utility model Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0031] Figure 7 Provided by this utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 8 Provided by this utility model Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram at point C.

[0033] Reference numerals: 1. Water tank body; 11. Second guide part; 2. Outer shell; 21. Mounting cavity; 22. Opening; 23. Side wall; 231. First side wall; 232. Second side wall; 24. Connecting port; 25. Baffle; 26. Accommodation space; 27. Protrusion; 3. Detection component; 31. Detection element; 311. Detection surface; 312. Limiting part; 313. First guide part; 314. Buckle; 315. Protrusion; 32. Detection plate; 321. Electrode plate; 33. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] The water tank structure of cooking appliances such as steam ovens typically includes a water level sensor, such as a capacitive water level sensor, to detect the water level inside the tank. Because users frequently need to remove the water tank from the steam oven to add water or clean it, and since the capacitive water level sensor needs to be electrically connected to the oven, it is usually installed separately from the water tank, i.e., inside the oven. However, the position of the water tank may change slightly each time the user places it, and the gap between the water tank and the capacitive water level sensor may also change, thus affecting the detection accuracy of the capacitive water level sensor.

[0040] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this utility model first provides a water tank structure to improve the accuracy of water level detection.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, specifically, the water tank structure includes a water tank body 1, an outer shell 2, and a detection component 3. The outer shell 2 has an installation cavity 21 and an opening 22 communicating with the installation cavity 21. The water tank body 1 can be inserted into the installation cavity 21 through the opening 22. The outer shell 2 includes a side wall 23 parallel to the height direction of the water tank body 1. The side wall 23 has a communication port 24 communicating with the installation cavity 21. The detection component 3 includes a detection element 31 and two electrode plates 321. The detection element 31 is located at the communication port 24 and can move relative to the outer shell 2 to approach or move away from the installation cavity 21. The detection element 31 includes a detection surface 311 that can fit against the outer wall of the water tank body 1. The two electrode plates 321 are spaced apart on the side of the detection element 31 that is away from the detection surface 311. The two electrode plates 321 are parallel to each other and both extend along the height direction of the water tank body 1.

[0042] It should be noted that the side of the detection element 31 facing away from the detection surface 311 is parallel to the detection surface 311. When the detection surface 311 is in contact with the outer wall of the water tank body 1, the side of the detection element 31 facing away from the detection surface 311 is parallel to the outer wall of the water tank body 1, and the two electrode plates 321 are coplanar. The insertion direction of the water tank body 1 is defined as the X-axis direction shown in the figure, the width direction of the water tank body 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction shown in the figure, and the height direction of the water tank body 1 is defined as the Z-axis direction shown in the figure.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, when the two electrode plates 321 are energized, a semi-circular electric field E is formed between them. According to the formula for calculating the capacitance of a parallel plate, C = ε·A / d, where ε is the dielectric constant of the medium, A is the area of ​​the electrode plate 321, and d is the distance between the two electrode plates 321, the dielectric constant ε is related to the water level. The area A of the electrode plate 321 and the distance d between the two electrode plates 321 remain constant. Therefore, the capacitance C depends on the dielectric constant ε. Thus, when the water level in the tank 1 changes, the dielectric constant ε changes, causing the capacitance C to change. Therefore, the water level in the tank 1 can be determined based on the change in capacitance C.

[0044] In the water tank structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model, after the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the detection component 31 is controlled to move relative to the outer shell 2 and approach the mounting cavity 21, so that the detection surface 311 is in contact with the outer wall of the water tank body 1. Even if the user places the water tank body 1 in a different position each time, the distance between the electrode plate 321 and the inner wall of the water tank body 1 will not change, and there is basically no air gap between the detection component 31 and the water tank body 1, avoiding the air gap from affecting the dielectric constant ε of the medium, thereby improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity of the detection component 3. The detection component 3 can be electrically connected to components such as the main board in the cooking device, so that the cooking device can prompt the user about the water level of the water tank body 1 based on the detection result of the detection component 3. When it is necessary to add water to the water tank body 1 or clean the water tank body 1, the water tank body 1 can be pulled out of the mounting cavity 21 from the opening 22.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the detection assembly 3 also includes an elastic element 33, which is disposed between the side wall 23 and the detection element 31. The elastic element 33 deforms at least when the detection element 31 moves away from the mounting cavity 21. The elastic element 33 can also be in a deformed state when the detection element 31 is located closest to the mounting cavity 21. When the elastic element 33 deforms, it can apply an elastic force towards the mounting cavity 21 to the detection element 31. After the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the detection element 31 can move closer to the mounting cavity 21 under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 33, so that the detection surface 311 can be tightly attached to the outer wall of the water tank body 1, further preventing gaps between the detection element 31 and the outer wall of the water tank body 1, and improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity of the detection assembly 3.

[0046] In one embodiment, the elastic element 33 is configured as a torsion spring, with its two torsion arms connected to the side wall 23 and the detection element 31, respectively. Specifically, the housing 2 also includes a protrusion 27 protruding from the side of the side wall 23 away from the mounting cavity 21. The detection element 31 has a protrusion 315 on the side near the protrusion 27. Both the protrusion 27 and the protrusion 315 have insertion holes, and the two torsion arms of the torsion spring are respectively inserted into the insertion holes of the protrusion 27 and the protrusion 315. The torsion spring is torsion-driven at least when the detection element 31 moves away from the mounting cavity 21. Thus, the torsion spring has a simple structure, facilitating the processing and assembly of the detection assembly 3.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the housing 2 also includes a baffle 25 protruding from the side wall 23 away from the mounting cavity 21. The baffle 25 and the side wall 23 form a receiving space 26 for accommodating the torsion spring. The baffle 25 is used to limit the position of the torsion spring and prevent it from falling out of the receiving space 26 and affecting its deformation effect, thereby ensuring that at least when the detection element 31 moves away from the mounting cavity 21, the torsion spring can be twisted and apply an elastic force to the detection element 31 toward the mounting cavity 21. The baffle 25 can extend from the protrusion 27 toward the side near the communication port 24.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic element 33 can also be configured as a tension spring, with both ends of the spring connected to the side wall 23 and the detection element 31 respectively. The spring is stretched at least when the detection element 31 moves away from the mounting cavity 21. Alternatively, the elastic element 33 can also be configured as a silicone rubber element or other elastic element, as long as it is ensured that the elastic element 33 can apply an elastic force toward the mounting cavity 21 to the detection element 31 at least when the detection element 31 moves away from the mounting cavity 21. This embodiment of the present invention does not impose specific limitations here.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, there can be two elastic elements 33, which are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the detection element 31. Along the insertion direction of the water tank body 1, the two elastic elements 33 can be positioned opposite each other at both ends of the detection element 31. When the elastic element 33 is a torsion spring, the protrusion 27 and the protrusion 315 both extend along the height direction of the water tank body 1. Alternatively, along the insertion direction of the water tank body 1, the two elastic elements 33 can be positioned opposite each other on both sides of the detection element 31. When the elastic element 33 is a torsion spring, the protrusion 27 and the protrusion 315 both extend along the insertion direction of the water tank body 1. The two elastic elements 33 ensure that the forces on both sides of the detection element 31 are balanced, thereby improving the fit between the detection surface 311 and the outer wall of the water tank body 1, and preventing a situation where one side of the detection surface 311 is in contact with the outer wall of the water tank body 1 while the other side is separated from it. Of course, the number of elastic elements 33 can also be one, three, four, or more. Preferably, the multiple elastic elements 33 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the detection element 31.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the detection element 31 also includes a limiting portion 312 protruding from the side of the detection element 31 facing away from the detection surface 311. The limiting portion 312 can abut against the side of the side wall 23 facing away from the mounting cavity 21. The limiting portion 312 can limit the range of motion of the detection element 31, preventing the detection element 31 from extending too deeply into the mounting cavity 21 through the connecting port 24, thus affecting the insertion or extraction of the water tank body 1 into the mounting cavity 21. It also prevents the detection element 31 from falling completely into the mounting cavity 21 through the connecting port 24. Specifically, the limiting portion 312 has an L-shaped cross-section, and the protrusion 315 is connected to the end of the limiting portion 312 away from the detection surface 311.

[0051] like Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the detection assembly 3 also includes a detection plate 32, with two electrode plates 321 disposed on the detection plate 32. The detection plate 32 is snapped and fixed to the side of the detection element 31 facing away from the detection surface 311. This facilitates the user's disassembly and replacement of the electrode plates 321, and the relative fixation of the two electrode plates 321 further ensures that the distance d between the two electrode plates 321 remains unchanged, improving the detection accuracy of the detection assembly 3. Specifically, the detection element 31 also includes multiple latches 314 disposed on the side of the detection element 31 facing away from the detection surface 311, and the edge of the detection plate 32 is snapped and fixed to the multiple latches 314. Furthermore, the L-shaped limiting part 312 can also limit the position of the detection plate 32, preventing the detection plate 32 from sliding relative to the detection element 31, further improving the stability and reliability of the connection between the detection plate 32 and the detection element 31.

[0052] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the sidewall 23 includes a first sidewall 231 parallel to the insertion direction of the water tank body 1, and a communication port 24 is provided on the first sidewall 231. After the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the sidewall of the water tank body 1 parallel to the insertion direction of the water tank body 1 is in contact with the detection surface 311. Of course, in other embodiments, the sidewall 23 also includes a second sidewall 232 arranged opposite to the opening 22 and perpendicular to the insertion direction of the water tank body 1, and a communication port 24 is provided on the second sidewall 232. After the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the inserted end of the water tank body 1 can be in contact with the detection surface 311.

[0053] like Figures 5 to 6 As shown, in one embodiment, when the connecting port 24 is located on the first side wall 231, in order to ensure that the detection surface 311 can fit against the outer wall of the water tank body 1 after the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21, when the water tank body 1 is not inserted, the distance between the detection surface 311 and the side wall 23 opposite to the connecting port 24 is preferably less than or equal to the width of the water tank body 1. In order to prevent the detection element 31 from interfering with the insertion or removal of the water tank body 1, the detection element 31 is provided with a first guide portion 313 on the side near the opening 22, and a second guide portion 11 is provided on the side of the insertion end of the water tank body 1 near the first side wall 231. The first guide portion 313 and the second guide portion 11 are configured as arc surfaces or inclined surfaces. During the process of inserting the water tank body 1 into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the second guide part 11 can slide and engage with the first guide part 313, causing the detection element 31 to move towards the side away from the mounting cavity 21. After the water tank body 1 is fully inserted into the mounting cavity 21, the detection surface 311 can be made to fit against the outer wall of the water tank body 1 under the elastic force of the elastic element 33. In this way, the detection element 31 can be prevented from interfering with the insertion or removal of the water tank body 1, and during the process of inserting the water tank body 1 into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, there is no need for manual control by the user or the addition of additional structures to make the detection element 31 move towards the side away from the mounting cavity 21, making the operation simple and convenient. Of course, in other embodiments, only the side of the detection element 31 near the opening 22 may have the first guide part 313, or only the side of the insertion end of the water tank body 1 near the first sidewall 231 may have the second guide part 11, as long as it is ensured that when the water tank body 1 is inserted into the mounting cavity 21 through the opening 22, the water tank body 1 can push the detection element 31 towards the side away from the mounting cavity 21.

[0054] This utility model embodiment also provides a cooking device, including the water tank structure described above. The cooking device can be a steam oven, steam oven, or other equipment that requires water during the cooking process; this utility model embodiment does not impose specific limitations here.

[0055] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above 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.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water tank structure characterized by comprising: The water tank structure comprises: a water tank body (1); a shell (2) provided with a mounting cavity (21) and an opening (22) in communication with the mounting cavity (21), the water tank body (1) being capable of being inserted into the mounting cavity (21) through the opening (22), the shell (2) comprising a side wall (23) parallel to the height direction of the water tank body (1), the side wall (23) being provided with a communication opening (24) in communication with the mounting cavity (21); and a detection assembly (3) comprising a detection piece (31) and two electrode plates (321), the detection piece (31) being arranged at the communication opening (24) and being capable of moving relative to the shell (2) to approach / leave the mounting cavity (21), the detection piece (31) comprising a detection surface (311) capable of being attached to the outer wall of the water tank body (1), the two electrode plates (321) being arranged at the side of the detection piece (31) away from the detection surface (311) in a spaced manner, and the two electrode plates (321) being parallel to each other and extending along the height direction of the water tank body (1).

2. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized by The detection assembly (3) further comprises elastic pieces (33) arranged between the side wall (23) and the detection piece (31), the elastic pieces (33) being deformed at least when the detection piece (31) moves away from the mounting cavity (21).

3. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized by The elastic pieces (33) are arranged as torsional springs, and the two torsional arms of the torsional springs are connected with the side wall (23) and the detection piece (31) respectively.

4. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized by The shell (2) further comprises a baffle (25) protruding from the side of the side wall (23) away from the mounting cavity (21), and the baffle (25) and the side wall (23) form a containing space (26) for containing the torsional springs.

5. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized by The number of the elastic pieces (33) is two, and the two elastic pieces (33) are oppositely arranged at the two sides of the detection piece (31).

6. The water tank structure according to claim 1, wherein The side wall (23) comprises a first side wall (231) parallel to the insertion direction of the water tank body (1), and the communication opening (24) is arranged at the first side wall (231).

7. The water tank structure according to claim 6, characterized by The side of the detection piece (31) close to the opening (22) is provided with a first guide portion (313) arranged as an arc surface or an inclined surface; and / or The side of the insertion end of the water tank body (1) close to the first side wall (231) is provided with a second guide portion (11) arranged as an arc surface or an inclined surface.

8. The water tank structure according to claim 1, wherein The detection piece (31) further comprises a limiting portion (312) protruding from the side of the detection piece (31) away from the detection surface (311), and the limiting portion (312) is capable of abutting against the side of the side wall (23) away from the mounting cavity (21).

9. The water tank structure according to claim 1, wherein The detection assembly (3) further comprises a detection plate (32), and the two electrode plates (321) are arranged at the detection plate (32), and the detection plate (32) is clamped and fixed to the side of the detection piece (31) away from the detection surface (311).

10. A cooking apparatus, characterized by, The water tank structure comprises the water tank structure according to any one of claims 1-9.

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