Steam generating device and cooking utensil

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of cooking utensils, and particularly discloses a steam generating device and a cooking utensil. Comprising a first-stage steam generator, a second-stage steam generator, a liquid storage cavity and a water tank, one end of the first-stage steam generator communicates with the liquid storage cavity and the water tank, the other end of the first-stage steam generator communicates with one end of the second-stage steam generator, the other end of the second-stage steam generator extends and penetrates through the liquid storage cavity, and a steam outlet in the other end is higher than the highest water level in the liquid storage cavity; the primary steam generator is used for generating primary steam, and the secondary steam generator conducts secondary heating on the primary steam to generate high-temperature steam. The device is more reasonable in structural arrangement and higher in reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, specifically to a steam generating device and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] In modern kitchens, steam cooking is widely popular because it heats food quickly and evenly while preserving nutrients. However, existing steam generators have some structural design shortcomings, such as insufficient steam generation efficiency and room for improvement in stability and safety. These issues, to some extent, limit further improvements in the performance of cooking appliances and fail to meet users' demands for a high-quality cooking experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a two-stage heating steam generator, which rapidly generates basic steam through a first-stage steam generator and then heats the steam to increase its temperature through a second-stage steam generator. At the same time, it optimizes the water circuit layout and heat dissipation structure to solve the problems of low steam temperature, unstable water control and poor thermal efficiency of traditional equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a steam generating device for use in cooking appliances, comprising a primary steam generator, a secondary steam generator, a liquid storage chamber, and a water tank, wherein the liquid storage chamber is connected to the water tank; one end of the primary steam generator is connected to both the liquid storage chamber and the water tank, and the other end is connected to one end of the secondary steam generator, wherein the other end of the secondary steam generator extends through the liquid storage chamber and the steam outlet of the other end is higher than the highest water level line in the liquid storage chamber; the primary steam generator is used to generate primary steam, and the secondary steam generator reheats the primary steam to generate high-temperature steam.

[0005] Through the above technical solution, the first-stage steam generator quickly converts the liquid supplied by the storage chamber and water tank into primary steam. The second-stage steam generator reheats the primary steam to form high-temperature steam. Its steam outlet is higher than the highest water level line of the storage chamber, which can effectively prevent condensate backflow. At the same time, the design of the second-stage steam generator penetrating the storage chamber can utilize waste heat to preheat the water in the storage chamber, reducing energy loss.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution is that, in the working state, the bottom surface of the water tank is lower than the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber.

[0007] The above technical solution involves installing a steam generator on the back of the liquid storage chamber, which limits the liquid storage space. The water tank can increase the steam supply to the liquid storage chamber and the first-stage steam generator.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution is that the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber and the bottom surface of the water tank are connected by a water pipe, and the water tank is provided with a transparent observation window for observing the internal water level.

[0009] Through the above technical solution, the water pipe connection ensures unobstructed water flow between the liquid storage chamber and the water tank, while the transparent observation window allows users to intuitively observe the water level in the water tank, facilitating timely water replenishment and ensuring the continuous and stable operation of the steam generator. This enhances the user's convenience and the device's practicality.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution is provided: there are two water tanks, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber and are both connected to the liquid storage chamber. The two water tanks are connected to each other through a connecting pipe located at the bottom to ensure that the water levels in the two water tanks are consistent.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, the dual-tank design increases the water storage capacity and extends the continuous working time of the steam generator. At the same time, by balancing the water level through the connecting pipe, the stability of the water supply is further improved. Even when the water level in the two tanks changes, the water level in both tanks can be kept consistent, avoiding problems such as uneven water supply caused by water level differences, thus improving the performance and reliability of the device.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution also includes a heat sink, wherein the heat sink, the primary steam generator, and the secondary steam generator are arranged in a triangular pattern in space, and the distance between the heat sink and the secondary steam generator is smaller than the distance between the heat sink and the primary steam generator.

[0013] Through the above technical solution, because the secondary steam generator has a high temperature, the reasonable layout of the heat dissipation components and the steam generator position relationship prioritizes heat dissipation for high-temperature components, enabling the heat dissipation components to more effectively dissipate heat from the secondary steam generator, preventing the secondary steam generator from being damaged due to prolonged high-temperature operation, extending the service life of the device, and the triangular distribution structure also ensures the stable operation of the entire steam generating device, improving the safety and reliability of the device.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution also includes a circuit board, wherein the heat sink at least partially covers the circuit board.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, the heat sink protects the circuit board from heat dissipation, ensuring that the circuit board can work stably in high-temperature environments, avoiding failures or performance degradation caused by overheating of the circuit board, further improving the reliability of the entire device, and ensuring the normal control and operation of the steam generator.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution is that the first-stage steam generator is connected to one end of the water pump, and the other end of the water pump is connected to the liquid storage chamber through a water pipe. The connection position of the water pump to the liquid storage chamber is higher than the connection position of the second-stage steam generator passing through the liquid storage chamber, so that the position of the second-stage steam generator passing through the liquid storage chamber is located in the low water level area of ​​the liquid storage chamber.

[0017] Through the above technical solution, the connection position between the water pump and the liquid storage chamber is higher than the penetration position of the secondary steam generator. This ensures that the pipe section of the secondary steam generator passing through the liquid storage chamber is always in a low water level region, reducing resistance caused by water level fluctuations during steam transportation and improving steam output efficiency. Simultaneously, it prevents water from entering the steam channel of the secondary steam generator, ensuring steam purity, preventing scale and other impurities from affecting steam quality, improving steam quality, and further enhancing cooking results.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, a further technical solution is that a liquid level sensor is connected between the water pump and the liquid storage chamber.

[0019] Through the above technical solution, the liquid level sensor monitors the water level in the storage chamber in real time. When the water level is lower than the safety threshold, it will link the water pump to adjust the water supply speed or trigger an alarm, thereby realizing intelligent water level control. This further improves the safety and reliability of the device and avoids problems such as steam interruption due to water shortage, ensuring the stable operation of the steam generator.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a cooking appliance, including the steam generating device of the first aspect.

[0021] Through the above technical solution, the cooking appliance has a high-efficiency and stable steam generation function, which can provide high-quality steam for the cooking process, thereby improving cooking efficiency and effect, meeting users' needs for a high-quality cooking experience, and enhancing the overall performance and competitiveness of the cooking appliance.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, a further technical solution also includes a body, a tray, and a switch assembly. The liquid storage chamber is disposed within the body, and the switch assembly is disposed on the body. The switch assembly includes an actuating element, a heat insulation element, a magnet, a reset element, and a Hall switch. The heat insulation element is disposed between the actuating element and the magnet. The reset element is used to push the actuating element, the heat insulation element, and the magnet to reset. The Hall switch is used to sense the position of the magnet. When the tray is placed above the liquid storage chamber, the tray presses down on the actuating element by gravity and causes the magnet to move closer to the Hall switch.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, this ingeniously designed switch assembly automatically triggers the switch upon placement of the tray, enabling intelligent operation of the cooking appliance. This improves user convenience and reduces the possibility of human error, further enhancing the appliance's intelligence and user experience. The switch assembly uses a magnetic triggering mechanism to activate the steam generator only when the tray is properly installed, avoiding the safety hazards of steam leakage or energy waste caused by misoperation.

[0024] In summary, this application has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0025] 1. Significantly Improved Steam Quality and Cooking Efficiency: Through an innovative two-stage heating structure, the first-stage steam generator rapidly produces basic steam, while the second-stage generator further enhances the steam temperature, reaching over 280℃, far exceeding the steam temperature of traditional single-stage heating devices. This high-temperature steam can penetrate food more efficiently, achieving rapid and even heating, shortening cooking time while preserving the food's nutrients. For example, when cooking meat, the high-temperature steam can make the meat more tender and reduce cooking time by approximately 30%, significantly improving cooking efficiency and food quality.

[0026] 2. Breakthrough Water Path Optimization and Intelligent Water Control: The unique dual-tank interconnection design, combined with a low-positioned tank layout, not only ensures a stable water supply but also avoids steam interruption issues caused by water level fluctuations in traditional devices through a water level balancing mechanism. A dual monitoring system, consisting of a transparent observation window and a liquid level sensor, enables precise water level control. When the water level falls below the safe value, the liquid level sensor automatically triggers the water pump shutdown protection, while the transparent observation window provides a clear prompt for the user to add water. This intelligent water control mechanism effectively solves the problems of damage due to water shortage or unstable steam quality in traditional devices, significantly improving the reliability of the device and the convenience of user operation.

[0027] 3. Innovative Heat Dissipation Architecture Ensures Long-Term Operation: The triangular layout of the heat sink and steam generator not only optimizes space utilization but also significantly reduces the operating temperature of the secondary steam generator through close-range heat dissipation, extending its service life by approximately 20%. The heat sink's coverage and protection of the circuit board ensures stable operation even in high-temperature environments, reducing the failure rate by approximately 30%. This innovative heat dissipation structure overcomes the problems of low thermal efficiency and short lifespan caused by poor heat dissipation in traditional steam generators, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the device.

[0028] 4. Intelligent Interaction Enhances User Experience: The cooking appliance's switch assembly utilizes a magnetic induction trigger mechanism, automatically controlling the switch state through the weight of the tray, achieving truly contactless intelligent operation. This design not only reduces wear and tear on mechanical parts but also eliminates the risk of user misoperation. For example, the appliance automatically starts when the user places the tray and automatically stops when the tray is removed, requiring no manual intervention. This intelligent interactive design significantly enhances the user experience while reducing safety hazards caused by improper operation, making the cooking process safer and more convenient.

[0029] 5. Compact Structure and Energy-Saving Optimization: Through the rational layout of its components, this device achieves efficient steam generation within a limited space. The dual-stage heating structure, combined with a precise water control system, increases energy utilization by approximately 20%, reducing energy consumption while maintaining high performance, meeting the demands of modern kitchens for energy-efficient equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the steam generating device of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the steam generator of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the steam generator of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooking utensil used in this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the cooking utensil used in this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the cooking utensil used in this application;

[0037] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified structural diagram of area A in the middle.

[0038] Figure label:

[0039] 1. Liquid storage chamber; 11. Water pipe; 12. First pipeline; 13. Control panel; 2. Water tank; 21. Connecting pipe; 3. Steam outlet; 4. Switch assembly; 41. Actuating element; 42. Heat insulation element; 43. Magnet; 44. Spring; 45. Hall effect switch; 5. First-stage steam generator; 51. Temperature measuring element; 6. Second-stage steam generator; 61. Second pipeline; 62. Third pipeline; 7. Water pump; 71. Fourth pipeline; 72. Fifth pipeline; 8. Fan; 9. Circuit board; 10. Body; 20. Tray; 201. Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0043] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Please see Figures 1-3This embodiment discloses a steam generating device for use in steam-heated cooking appliances. Its core components include a primary steam generator 5, a secondary steam generator 6, a heat sink, a circuit board 9, a liquid storage chamber 1, and a water tank 2. In this embodiment, the heat sink is a fan 8. The components are connected by precise piping and spatial arrangement to form a highly efficient steam generation system: the liquid storage chamber 1 and the water tank 2 are connected via a bottom water pipe 11, and the water tank 2 provides a continuous water source to the liquid storage chamber 1; the water inlet of the primary steam generator 5 is connected to both the liquid storage chamber 1 and the water tank 2, while its outlet is connected to the air inlet of the secondary steam generator 6. The outlet of the secondary steam generator 6 penetrates the liquid storage chamber 1 and extends upwards, ensuring that the steam outlet 3 is higher than the highest water level in the liquid storage chamber 1, structurally preventing condensate backflow.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 To address the heat dissipation issue of high-temperature components, the device employs a triangular layout design: the fan 8, the primary steam generator 5, and the secondary steam generator 6 form a stable triangular structure in space. The fan 8 is closer to the higher-temperature secondary steam generator 6, prioritizing its heat dissipation and effectively reducing the operating temperature of the secondary steam generator 6, thus extending its service life. The design of the fan 8 also protects the circuit board 9, with a portion of its structure covering it. Through conduction and convection heat dissipation, it ensures the stable operation of the circuit board 9 in high-temperature environments, preventing control failures due to overheating and improving the overall reliability of the device. The fan 8 at least partially covers the circuit board 9 to enhance its heat dissipation effect.

[0047] There are two water tanks 2, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber 1 and are both connected to the liquid storage chamber 1. The two water tanks 2 are connected to each other through a connecting pipe 21 located at the bottom to ensure that the water levels of the two water tanks 2 are consistent.

[0048] One end of the primary steam generator 5 is connected to the connecting pipe 21 sequentially via the fourth pipe 71, the water pump 7, and the fifth pipe 72. The liquid storage chamber 1 is connected to the connecting pipe 21 via the first pipe 12. The other end of the primary steam generator 5 is connected to one end of the secondary steam generator 6 via the second pipe 61. The other end of the secondary steam generator 6 is connected to the steam outlet 3 via the third pipe 62.

[0049] The working principle of the steam generator: Water pump 7 delivers water from water tank 2 or storage chamber 1 to primary steam generator 5 via fifth pipe 72. Primary steam generator 5 heats the water to 100°C steam and then delivers it to secondary steam generator 6 via second pipe 61. Secondary steam generator 6 generates steam above 300°C and discharges it from steam outlet 3 via third pipe 62. During operation, if air is present or blocked in either first pipe 12 or connecting pipe 21, the other pipe can continue to supply water to water pump 7. Water tank 2 and storage chamber 1 maintain internal water balance through water pipe 11 to ensure overall water supply.

[0050] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The primary function of the first-stage steam generator 5 is to rapidly heat the liquid water transported from the storage chamber 1 and water tank 2 into primary steam. This primary steam then enters the second-stage steam generator 6 for secondary heating. A special design feature of the second-stage steam generator 6 is its pipe section penetrating the storage chamber 1. During the transport of high-temperature steam, this pipe section utilizes waste heat to preheat the water in the storage chamber 1, reducing energy consumption. Because the steam outlet 3 of the second-stage steam generator 6 is higher than the highest water level line of the storage chamber 1, even during steam condensation, condensate will not flow back into the storage chamber 1, ensuring the dryness of the steam passage and the quality of the steam. The first-stage steam generator 5 is connected to the storage chamber 1 via a water pump 7. The connection point of the water pump 7 to the storage chamber 1 is higher than the inlet of the second-stage steam generator 6 penetrating the storage chamber 1, ensuring that the pipe section of the second-stage steam generator 6 penetrating the storage chamber 1 is always in the low water level region of the storage chamber 1. This avoids water level fluctuations causing resistance to steam transport, prevents liquid water from entering the steam passage, reduces scale formation, and improves steam purity. In addition, this structure can reduce the risk of excessively high temperature caused by the absence of water in the liquid storage chamber 1.

[0051] A liquid level sensor installed between the water pump 7 and the liquid storage chamber 1 monitors the water level in real time. When the water level is lower than the safety threshold, the sensor links the water pump 7 to adjust the water supply speed. If the water level continues to drop to the lowest threshold, an alarm is triggered, realizing intelligent water level control and ensuring the safe operation of the device.

[0052] Please see Figure 3In operation, the bottom of water tank 2 is lower than the bottom of liquid storage chamber 1. This height difference arrangement utilizes gravity to assist water supply, ensuring stable water replenishment to liquid storage chamber 1 during steam generation. Liquid storage chamber 1 and water tank 2 are connected by a water pipe 11 of matching diameter to ensure unobstructed water flow. A transparent observation window is provided on the outside of water tank 2, allowing users to visually monitor the water level and replenish water promptly to avoid steam interruption. For large-capacity applications, the device employs a dual-water-tank design. Two water tanks 2 are positioned on either side of liquid storage chamber 1 and connected by a bottom connecting pipe 21. The structure of the connecting pipe 21 ensures that the water levels in both tanks 2 remain consistent. Even if one tank 2 consumes water more quickly, water level balance can be achieved through the connecting pipe 21, thereby extending the continuous operating time of the device and improving water supply stability.

[0053] This invention solves the problems of low steam temperature, unstable water control, and poor thermal efficiency in traditional steam generators through a dual-stage heating structure and optimized water circuit layout.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] Please see Figures 4-7 This embodiment discloses a cooking appliance including the steam generator of Embodiment 1. The appliance body 10 has a liquid storage chamber 1 fixedly installed inside, and a tray 20 and a switch assembly 4 externally configured. The switch assembly 4 employs a magnetic triggering mechanism: when the tray 20 is placed above the liquid storage chamber 1, the weight of the tray 20 presses down on the actuating element 41, causing the magnet 43 connected to the actuating element 41 to move towards the Hall switch 45. The Hall switch 45 senses the change in the position of the magnet 43 and triggers the steam generator to start. After the tray 20 is removed, a reset element pushes the actuating element 41, the heat insulation element 42, and the magnet 43 back to their original positions. The Hall switch 45 loses its sensing signal, and the appliance automatically stops. The heat insulation element 42 is disposed between the actuating element 41 and the magnet 43 to prevent the heat generated by the tray 20 from affecting the performance of the magnet 43, ensuring the long-term reliability of the magnetic control mechanism. This contactless intelligent interactive design not only improves the convenience of user operation but also avoids the risk of steam leakage caused by accidental start-up through tray 20 positioning detection, achieving a dual optimization of safety and intelligence.

[0056] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The switch assembly 4 includes an actuator 41, a heat insulation component 42, a magnet 43, a spring 44, and a Hall effect switch 45. The actuator 41 is slidably connected to the body 10. The heat insulation component 42 is disposed between the actuator 41 and the magnet 43, which can reduce the influence of the temperature of the tray 20 on the magnet 43, and reduce the performance instability of the magnet 43 due to high temperature, thus affecting the switching effect. The Hall effect switch 45 is disposed on the side away from the actuator 41 and is fixedly connected to the body 10. The magnet 43 is connected to the spring 44, and the spring 44 can provide the magnet 43 with a reset force.

[0057] The dual-stage heating structure allows steam temperatures to reach over 280℃, significantly improving the efficiency of food penetration compared to traditional single-stage devices, shortening cooking time and preserving nutrients. A dual-tank water system integrated with a level sensor enables precise water level control and stable replenishment. A triangular heat dissipation layout effectively protects high-temperature components and circuit boards, reducing failure rates and extending service life. The magnetic switch assembly 4 features intelligent design to enhance user experience and safety. The overall structure is compact, improving energy efficiency by approximately 20%, meeting the demands of modern kitchens for efficient, safe, and intelligent cooking equipment.

[0058] The steam generating device provided by this utility model has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, applied to cooking utensils, characterized in that, It includes a primary steam generator, a secondary steam generator, a liquid storage chamber, and a water tank, wherein the liquid storage chamber is connected to the water tank; one end of the primary steam generator is connected to both the liquid storage chamber and the water tank, and the other end is connected to one end of the secondary steam generator; the other end of the secondary steam generator extends through the liquid storage chamber, and the steam outlet of the other end is higher than the highest water level line in the liquid storage chamber; the primary steam generator is used to generate primary steam, and the secondary steam generator reheats the primary steam to generate high-temperature steam.

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In operation, the bottom surface of the water tank is lower than the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber.

3. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber and the bottom surface of the water tank are connected by a water pipe, and the water tank is provided with a transparent observation window for observing the internal water level.

4. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two water tanks, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the liquid storage chamber and are both connected to the liquid storage chamber. The two water tanks are connected to each other through a connecting pipe at the bottom to ensure that the water levels in the two water tanks are consistent.

5. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat sink, wherein the heat sink, the primary steam generator and the secondary steam generator are arranged in a triangular shape in space, and the distance between the heat sink and the secondary steam generator is smaller than the distance between the heat sink and the primary steam generator.

6. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a circuit board, with the heat sink at least partially covering the circuit board.

7. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary steam generator is connected to one end of a water pump, and the other end of the water pump is connected to the liquid storage chamber through a water pipe. The connection position of the water pump to the liquid storage chamber is higher than the connection position of the secondary steam generator passing through the liquid storage chamber, so that the position of the secondary steam generator passing through the liquid storage chamber is located in the low water level area of ​​the liquid storage chamber.

8. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, A liquid level sensor is connected between the water pump and the liquid storage chamber.

9. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, Includes the steam generating apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The cooking utensil according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a body, a tray, and a switch assembly. The liquid storage chamber is disposed within the body, and the switch assembly is disposed on the body. The switch assembly includes an actuating element, a heat insulation element, a magnet, a reset element, and a Hall switch. The heat insulation element is disposed between the actuating element and the magnet. The reset element is used to push the actuating element, the heat insulation element, and the magnet to reset. The Hall switch is used to sense the position of the magnet. When the tray is placed above the liquid storage chamber, the tray presses down on the actuating element by gravity and causes the magnet to move closer to the Hall switch.

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