Electric steamer

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric steamer which comprises a base, a cooking body, a water pan, a first heating piece and a second heating piece, the base is provided with a steam generation cavity and a water tank, the water tank supplies water to the steam generation cavity, the cooking body is arranged above the base and provided with a cooking cavity, and the water pan is arranged between the base and the cooking body. A first steam opening is formed in the bottom wall of the water pan, the first heating piece is arranged on the bottom wall of the steam generation cavity, the second heating piece is used for heating steam in the steam generation cavity, a pressure control valve is arranged at the first steam opening, and when the air pressure in the steam generation cavity is larger than the set pressure of the pressure control valve, the pressure control valve is opened, and the steam generation cavity is communicated with the cooking cavity; and when the air pressure in the steam generation cavity is smaller than the set pressure of the pressure control valve, the pressure control valve is closed, and the steam generation cavity and the cooking cavity are separated. The staying time of the steam in the steam generation cavity is prolonged, the steam can be fully heated by the second heating piece, and the cooking effect of the high-temperature steam is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, in particular to an electric steamer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Steam cooking can make food retain nutrients fully, and is one of the common cooking methods in daily life. Electric steamers are very common cooking appliances that use steam to cook food. Traditional electric steamers heat water in the bottom to generate steam to heat food in the cooking cavity. The steam generated in this way has high saturation and low temperature, and will quickly condense into a water film on the surface of the food after contacting the food, resulting in over-wet food and affecting the taste. Using high-temperature steam can effectively improve the taste of food. In the industry, high-temperature steam is currently generated by heating steam generated by primary heating.

[0003] Currently, there is a type of electric steamer that can generate high-temperature steam. The electric steamer is provided with an annular heating pipe above the water surface. When the steam rises, it passes through the annular heating pipe to be heated, thereby forming high-temperature steam. However, because the steam rises quickly, the steam has not absorbed enough heat before entering the cooking cavity, resulting in poor high-temperature cooking effect. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electric steamer that can make steam be fully heated before entering the cooking cavity.

[0005] The present application provides an electric steamer, which comprises a base, a cooking main body, a water receiving tray, a first heating member and a second heating member. The base is provided with a steam generating cavity and a water tank. The water tank and the steam generating cavity can be communicated to supply water to the steam generating cavity through the water tank. The cooking main body is arranged above the base. The cooking main body is provided with a cooking cavity. The water receiving tray is arranged between the base and the cooking main body. A first steam port is arranged on the bottom wall of the water receiving tray. The first steam port is used to communicate the steam generating cavity and the cooking cavity. The first heating member is arranged on the bottom wall of the steam generating cavity to heat water in the steam generating cavity to generate steam. The second heating member extends into the steam generating cavity to heat the steam in the steam generating cavity. A pressure control valve is arranged at the first steam port. When the air pressure in the steam generating cavity is greater than the set pressure of the pressure control valve, the pressure control valve is opened, and the steam generating cavity and the cooking cavity are communicated. When the air pressure in the steam generating cavity is less than the set pressure of the pressure control valve, the pressure control valve is closed, and the steam generating cavity and the cooking cavity are disconnected.

[0006] The electric steamer provided in this application heats water in the steam generating chamber to form steam through a first heating element, and then heats the steam through a second heating element to form high-temperature steam, thereby achieving high-temperature cooking. Because a pressure control valve is installed at the first steam outlet, the valve can control its opening and closing according to the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber, thus maintaining a certain gas pressure within the chamber. This increases the residence time of the steam in the steam generating chamber, allowing the steam to be fully heated by the second heating element, ensuring that the steam entering the cooking chamber reaches the preset temperature, thereby improving the cooking effect of high-temperature steam.

[0007] In one embodiment, the bottom of the water receiving tray is provided with an annular first partition, and the base is provided with a cavity. When the water receiving tray is assembled on the base, the first partition divides the cavity into a water tank and a steam generating chamber. The water tank is located outside the first partition, and the steam generating chamber is located inside the first partition. The steam generating chamber and the water tank are connected at the lower end of the first partition.

[0008] In this way, by dividing the water tank and the steam generating chamber by the first partition, it is possible to avoid setting up a partition structure inside the cavity. When the water tray is removed, the cavity of the base is a complete chamber, which is simple in structure and easy to clean.

[0009] In one embodiment, a second partition is provided at the bottom of the water receiving tray outside the first partition. The second partition and the first partition enclose a float cavity. The lower end of the float cavity is connected to the water tank, and the upper end of the float cavity is connected to the steam generating chamber. The water receiving tray is provided with a second steam port corresponding to the float cavity. The second steam port is connected to the cooking chamber and the float cavity. A float valve is provided in the float cavity. The float valve can rise and fall with the water level in the water tank and is used to control the opening and closing of the second steam port. The pressure control valve and the float valve work together to control the water level in the steam generating chamber below a preset water level line.

[0010] This embodiment, by setting a second steam port and a float valve, enables steam to be discharged from the first steam port when the water level in the tank is high, and from the second steam port when the water level in the tank is low. The steam being discharged from the second steam port extends the steam flow path, which helps the steam absorb more heat before entering the cooking cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, a plurality of second steam ports are provided, and the plurality of second steam ports are arranged at circumferential intervals along the first partition.

[0012] This ensures that steam can still be evenly distributed into the cooking chamber even when the water level in the tank is low, thus guaranteeing the effectiveness of steam cooking.

[0013] In one embodiment, multiple second partitions are provided, and the multiple second partitions are arranged at circumferential intervals along the first partition. The multiple second partitions and the first partition enclose multiple float cavities. Each float cavity is provided with a float valve, and the multiple float valves and multiple second steam ports are provided in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] In this way, by setting multiple float valves, the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports can be well controlled, and the float valves can be set to be small in size, thereby making the overall size of the water receiving tray small.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second baffle is annular, and the float valve is configured as one and arranged around the first baffle. The float valve is used to simultaneously control the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports.

[0016] In this way, only one float valve is needed to control the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports, making the structure simpler and the installation more convenient.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first partition includes a limiting portion recessed toward the interior of the steam generating chamber. The limiting portion includes a limiting sidewall and a limiting bottom wall connected to the lower end of the limiting sidewall. The limiting sidewall and the limiting bottom wall form a limiting step to restrict the float valve within the float chamber.

[0018] This design prevents the float valve from detaching from the bottom of the float chamber, allowing the float valve and the water tray to form a single integrated assembly, thus facilitating the installation and removal of this assembly on the base. Furthermore, this structure enables an automatic height difference between the water level in the steam generation chamber and the water level in the water tank when the water tray is mounted on the base.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water receiving tray includes a tray body and a tray cover. The bottom wall of the tray body is provided with an annular rib protruding upwards, and the annular rib forms a through hole. The first partition and the second partition are both located on the downward-facing side of the tray body. The steam generating chamber and the float chamber are both located within the projection range of the through hole. The tray cover is detachably connected to the annular rib and closes the through hole from the top. The first steam port and the second steam port are both located on the tray cover.

[0020] Thus, by configuring the water receiving tray to include a tray body and a tray cover, and with the annular ribs of the tray cover and the tray body being detachably connected, it is convenient to install the float valve in the float cavity.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pressure control valve is a setpoint pressure control valve, which includes a mounting part and a gravity ball. The mounting part is located on the upper or lower side of the bottom wall of the water receiving pan. The mounting part is arranged around the first steam port and forms a steam channel communicating with the first steam port inside. The gravity ball is located in the steam channel and blocks the lower end of the steam channel under the action of gravity.

[0022] Thus, the gravity of the ball is the set pressure. When the air pressure in the steam generating chamber is greater than the gravity of the ball, the steam can lift the ball, allowing the steam to enter the cooking chamber from the first steam port. When the air pressure in the steam generating chamber is less than the gravity of the ball, the ball uses its gravity to block the steam passage, thereby closing the set pressure control valve.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pressure control valve is a variable pressure control valve. The set pressure includes a minimum opening threshold and a maximum opening threshold. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber is greater than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve opens, connecting the steam generating chamber and the cooking chamber. The opening degree of the variable pressure control valve increases as the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber increases. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber is greater than or equal to the maximum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve opens to its maximum opening degree. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber is less than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve closes, isolating the steam generating chamber and the cooking chamber.

[0024] Thus, this variable pressure control valve maintains a certain pressure within the steam generating chamber. By setting appropriate minimum and maximum opening thresholds, the valve's opening degree can be controlled, ensuring that the pressure inside the steam generating chamber is greater than the pressure in the water tank. This creates a water level difference between the steam generating chamber and the water tank, thereby achieving low water level control in the steam generating chamber. Furthermore, when the variable pressure control valve is open, its opening degree can be controlled according to the pressure within the steam generating chamber, allowing for slow discharge of small amounts of steam and rapid discharge of large amounts of steam, thereby improving cooking efficiency.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second heating element includes a second heating tube and a second heat-conducting cover. The second heat-conducting cover is a cover with its opening facing downwards. The second heat-conducting cover is disposed on the outside of the second heating tube. The lower end of the second heat-conducting cover and the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber are integrally formed or sealed together.

[0026] In this way, the second heat-conducting cover separates the second heating tube from the water in the steam generating chamber, preventing the second heating tube from heating water and affecting the heating efficiency of the steam. At the same time, since the second heating tube does not come into contact with water, scale formation on its surface is prevented. Furthermore, scale only forms on the part of the second heat-conducting cover that comes into contact with water, making cleaning convenient.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first heating element includes a first heating tube, a first heat-conducting plate, and a first heat-conducting cover. The first heat-conducting plate is annular, the first heating tube is disposed below the first heat-conducting plate, and the first heat-conducting cover is configured as a cover with an opening facing downward. The first heat-conducting cover is disposed on the upper side of the first heat-conducting plate, and the top surface of the first heat-conducting cover forms at least part of the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber or is disposed below the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber.

[0028] In this way, the first heat-conducting plate plays a role in distributing heat evenly, allowing the heat generated by the first heating tube to be evenly distributed to the bottom of the steam generation chamber, thereby facilitating the efficient heating of the water in the steam generation chamber to form steam. The first heat-conducting cover can protect the first heat-conducting plate and the first heating tube. Attached Figure Description

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a partial structural cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure when the water tank is at a high water level.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure when the water tank is at a low water level.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a half-sectional perspective view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a half-sectional perspective view of a water receiving tray according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a variable pressure control valve according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Reference numerals: 10. Base; 11. Steam generating chamber; 12. Water tank; 20. Cooking body; 21. Cooking chamber; 22. Lid; 23. Steaming rack; 24. Steamer basket; 30. Water tray; 31. First steam vent; 32. Second steam vent; 321. Flexible sealing element; 33. First partition; 331. Limiting part; 3311. Limiting side wall; 3312. Limiting bottom wall; 34. Second partition; 35. Float 37. Sub-cavity; 371. Disc body; 371. Annular rib; 38. Disc cover; 40. Pressure control valve; 41. Mounting part; 42. Gravity ball; 43. Variable pressure control valve; 431. Elastic diaphragm; 432. Cutout; 50. Float valve; 60. First heating element; 61. First heating tube; 62. First heat conduction plate; 63. First heat conduction cover; 70. Second heating element; 71. Second heating tube; 72. Second heat conduction cover. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Please see Figures 1 to 3This application provides an electric steamer, including a base 10, a cooking body 20, a water tray 30, a first heating element 60, and a second heating element 70. The base 10 has a steam generating chamber 11 and a water tank 12, which are connected to supply water to the steam generating chamber 11. The cooking body 20 is located above the base 10 and has a cooking chamber 21. The water tray 30 is located between the base 10 and the cooking body 20, and its bottom wall has a first steam outlet 31 for connecting the steam generating chamber 11 and the cooking chamber 21. The first heating element 60 is located on the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11 to heat the water inside the steam generating chamber 11 to generate steam. The second heating element 70 extends into the steam generating chamber 11 to heat the steam inside the steam generating chamber 11. A pressure control valve 40 is provided at the first steam port 31. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than the set pressure of the pressure control valve 40, the pressure control valve 40 opens, connecting the steam generating chamber 11 and the cooking chamber 21. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is less than the set pressure of the pressure control valve 40, the pressure control valve 40 closes, isolating the steam generating chamber 11 and the cooking chamber 21. The electric steamer provided in this application heats the water in the steam generating chamber 11 to form steam through the first heating element 60, and heats the steam through the second heating element 70 to form high-temperature steam, thereby achieving high-temperature cooking. Because the pressure control valve 40 is provided at the first steam port 31, the pressure control valve 40 can control its own opening and closing according to the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11, thereby maintaining a certain gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11, which increases the residence time of the steam in the steam generating chamber 11. Thus, the steam can be fully heated by the second heating element 70, so that the steam entering the cooking chamber 21 reaches the preset temperature, thereby improving the cooking effect of high-temperature steam.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cooking body 20 includes a pot lid 22, and a cooking cavity 21 is formed inside the pot lid 22. A steaming rack 23 can be installed inside the cooking cavity 21 to support the food being steamed. In addition, in other embodiments, the cooking body 20 may also include a steamer, with the cooking cavity 21 formed inside the steamer, or the steamer and the pot lid 22 enclose the cooking cavity 21. This application does not limit this, as long as the cooking body 20 has a cooking cavity 21 that can accommodate food.

[0046] Further, please see Figure 2 and Figure 3The water receiving tray 30 has an annular first partition 33 at its bottom, and the base 10 has a cavity. When the water receiving tray 30 is assembled onto the base 10, the first partition 33 divides the cavity into a water tank 12 and a steam generating chamber 11. The water tank 12 is located outside the first partition 33, and the steam generating chamber 11 is located inside the first partition 33. The steam generating chamber 11 and the water tank 12 are connected at the lower end of the first partition 33. In this way, by dividing the water tank 12 and the steam generating chamber 11 by the first partition 33, the partition structure inside the cavity can be avoided. When the water receiving tray 30 is removed, the cavity of the base 10 is a complete chamber, which is simple in structure and easy to clean. Meanwhile, since the first partition 33 is annular, when the water receiving tray 30 is assembled, after the lower end of the first partition 33 is submerged in the cavity, a closed chamber is formed inside the first partition 33. The air inside the first partition 33 then pushes the water outwards, so that when the water receiving tray 30 is in place, the water level inside the first partition 33 is lower than the water level outside the second partition 34. In other words, the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 is lower than the water level in the water tank 12. The first heating element 60 only needs to heat the lower water level in the steam generating chamber 11 to generate steam. Therefore, this electric steamer can generate steam quickly. Furthermore, since the steam generating chamber 11 and the water tank 12 are connected at the lower end of the first partition 33, the water tank 12 can replenish the steam generating chamber 11 with water in a timely manner after the steam generating chamber 11 is consumed, allowing the steam generating chamber 11 to continuously generate steam.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, when the water receiving tray 30 is assembled on the base 10, the lower end of the first partition 33 does not contact the bottom wall of the cavity, thus enabling communication between the steam generating chamber 11 and the water tank 12, allowing water in the water tank 12 to be replenished into the steam generating chamber 11 in a timely manner. However, this is not the only possibility. In other embodiments, the lower end of the first partition 33 may have a connecting port. This connecting port may or may not penetrate the lower end surface of the first partition 33. In this case, when the water receiving tray 30 is assembled on the base 10, the steam generating chamber 11 and the water tank 12 can be connected through the connecting port, allowing water in the water tank 12 to also be replenished into the steam generating chamber 11 in a timely manner. Furthermore, this embodiment can provide multiple connecting ports, which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the first partition 33. This facilitates water replenishment from the water tank 12 to the steam generating chamber 11.

[0048] Further, please see Figure 3 and Figure 7The bottom of the water receiving tray 30 is provided with a second partition 34 outside the first partition 33. The second partition 34 and the first partition 33 enclose a float cavity 35. The lower end of the float cavity 35 is connected to the water tank 12, and the upper end of the float cavity 35 is connected to the steam generating chamber 11. The water receiving tray 30 is provided with a second steam port 32 for the float cavity 35. The second steam port 32 is connected to the cooking chamber 21 and the float cavity 35. A float valve 50 is provided in the float cavity 35. The float valve 50 can rise and fall with the rise and fall of the water level in the water tank 12 and is used to control the opening and closing of the second steam port 32. The pressure control valve 40 and the float valve work together to control the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 below the preset water level line A. It can be understood that "below the preset water level line A" includes "the preset water level line A". That is to say, the water in the steam generating chamber 11 can be at the height of the preset water level line A or below the preset water level line A. This embodiment, by setting a second steam port 32 and a float valve 50, allows steam to be discharged from the first steam port 31 when the water level in the water tank 12 is high, and from the second steam port 32 when the water level in the water tank 12 is low. The steam being discharged from the second steam port 32 effectively extends the steam's flow path, allowing the steam to absorb more heat before entering the cooking cavity 21. Specifically, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4Initially, the water level in the water tank 12 is high, the float valve 50 is in the high position, and the second steam port 32 is closed. At this time, steam cannot escape from the second steam port 32. Since the lower ends of the float chamber 35 and the first partition 33 are submerged, the portion of the float chamber 35 above the water surface and the portion of the steam generating chamber 11 above the water surface form a closed chamber. When this closed chamber is formed, the air inside compresses the water towards the water tank 12, causing the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 to be lower than the water level in the water tank 12. After operation begins, the first heating element 60 heats the water in the steam generating chamber 11 to generate steam. Because of the pressure control valve 40, a certain pressure is maintained in the steam generating chamber 11, which compresses the water towards the water tank 12. Simultaneously, water consumption causes the water level to drop. When the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 exceeds the set pressure of the pressure control valve 40, the pressure control valve 40 opens, allowing steam to escape from the first steam port 31 into the cooking chamber 21. After steam is discharged, the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 decreases. When the pressure on the side of the water tank 12 at the lower end of the first partition 33 is greater than the pressure on the side of the steam generating chamber 11, water in the water tank 12 will flow into the steam generating chamber 11, thereby raising the water level in the steam generating chamber 11. When the pressure on the side of the water tank 12 at the lower end of the first partition 33 is equal to the pressure on the side of the steam generating chamber 11, the water tank 12 will no longer continue to replenish water to the steam generating chamber 11, thus the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 can be dynamically controlled at the height of the preset water level line A. As steam is continuously consumed, when the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is lower than the set pressure of the pressure control valve 40, the pressure control valve 40 closes, and steam can no longer be discharged from the first steam port 31. As water is continuously consumed, the water level in the water tank 12 gradually decreases. When the water tank 12 drops to a lower water level, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the float valve 50 descends to the position where the second steam port 32 is opened. At this time, the steam in the steam generating chamber 11 can be discharged into the cooking chamber 21 through the second steam port 32. Therefore, this embodiment can control the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 to be below the preset water level line A through the combined action of the pressure control valve 40 and the float valve 50. Furthermore, when there is a large amount of water in the water tank 12, steam can be discharged into the cooking chamber 21 through the first steam port 31. When there is only a small amount of water in the water tank 12, and the steam pressure generated is insufficient to open the pressure control valve 40, steam can also be discharged into the cooking chamber 21 through the second steam port 32, preventing the small amount of water from being unable to be used for cooking. It is understood that the "lower water level" mentioned in this document refers to the water level in the water tank 12 when the float valve 50 descends to the position where the steam generating chamber 11 is opened. This "lower water level" is not necessarily as... Figure 5 The water level is flush with the preset water level line A.

[0049] Furthermore, multiple second steam ports 32 are provided, and the multiple second steam ports 32 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first partition 33. This is beneficial to ensure that steam can still be evenly output to the cooking chamber 21 when the water tank 12 is at a low water level, thereby ensuring the effect of steam cooking.

[0050] Please see Figure 3 In one embodiment, a flexible seal 321 is provided at the second steam port 32. When the float valve 50 abuts against the flexible seal 321, the second steam port 32 is closed; when the float valve 50 disengages from the flexible seal 321, the second steam port 32 is opened. By providing the flexible seal 321, the float valve 50 can better seal the second steam port 32, thereby preventing air leakage when the second steam port 32 is closed. The flexible seal 321 can be made of silicone. One end of the flexible seal 321 is connected to the second steam port 32, and the other end is provided with a deformable structure. When the float valve 50 abuts against the end of the flexible seal 321, the deformable structure can be compressed, thereby forming a good seal between the float valve 50 and the flexible seal 321.

[0051] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, multiple second partitions 34 are configured, and these multiple second partitions 34 and the first partition 33 enclose multiple float chambers 35. Each float chamber 35 is equipped with a float valve 50, and the multiple float valves 50 are correspondingly arranged with multiple second steam ports 32. In this way, by configuring multiple float valves 50, the opening and closing of the multiple second steam ports 32 can be well controlled, and the float valves 50 can be made smaller in size, thereby making the overall size of the water receiving tray 30 smaller.

[0052] However, this is not the only embodiment. In another embodiment, the second partition 34 is annular, and a single float valve 50 is provided, surrounding the first partition 33. The float valve 50 is used to simultaneously control the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports 32. In this way, only one float valve 50 is needed to control the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports 32, resulting in a simpler structure and easier installation.

[0053] Further, please see Figure 3 and Figure 7The first partition 33 includes a limiting portion 331 recessed towards the interior of the steam generating chamber 11. The limiting portion 331 includes a limiting sidewall 3311 and a limiting bottom wall 3312 connected to the lower end of the limiting sidewall 3311. The limiting sidewall 3311 and the limiting bottom wall 3312 form a limiting step to confine the float valve 50 within the float chamber 35. This prevents the float valve 50 from detaching from the lower side of the float chamber 35, allowing the float valve 50 and the water receiving tray 30 to form a single integrated assembly, facilitating the installation and removal of this integrated assembly on the base 10. Furthermore, this structure enables an automatic height difference between the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 and the water level in the water tank 12 when the water receiving tray 30 is assembled on the base 10. Specifically, during use, a certain amount of water can be added to the cavity first, and then the water receiving tray 30 can be assembled on the base 10. The buoyancy of the water will cause the float valve 50 to rise and close the second steam port 32. At this time, the pressure control valve 40 closes the first steam port 31. The lower ends of the first partition 33 and the second partition 34 are sealed by water, so the air inside the steam generating chamber 11 cannot escape. As a result, the water level in the steam generating chamber 11 will drop to or near the preset water level line A, while the water level in the water tank 12 will be higher than the preset water level line A.

[0054] Further, please see Figure 3 and Figure 7 The water receiving tray 30 includes a tray body 37 and a tray cover 38. An annular rib 371 protrudes upwards from the bottom wall of the tray body 37, forming a through hole inside the annular rib 371. A first partition 33 and a second partition 34 are both located on the downward-facing side of the tray body 37. The steam generating chamber 11 and the float chamber 35 are both located within the projection range of the through hole. The tray cover 38 is detachably connected to the annular rib 371 and closes the through hole from the top. A first steam port 31 and a second steam port 32 are both located on the tray cover 38. Thus, by configuring the water receiving tray 30 to include a tray body 37 and a tray cover 38, and by detachably connecting the annular rib 371 to the tray body 37, it is convenient to install the float valve 50 inside the float chamber 35.

[0055] In one embodiment, the disc cover 38 and the annular rib 371 are threaded together, making it very convenient to install and remove the disc cover 38 and the disc body 37, and ensuring a secure connection between them. However, this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the disc cover 38 and the annular rib 371 can also be fixedly connected by snap-fit ​​or screw connection. This application does not limit this, as long as the disc cover 38 and the annular rib 371 can be detachably connected.

[0056] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7In this embodiment, one or more first steam vents 31 are provided, and the first steam vents 31 are located in the central area of ​​the lid 38. In this way, regardless of whether the steam enters the cooking cavity 21 from the first steam vent 31 or from the second steam vent 32, it can be quickly and evenly distributed into the cooking cavity 21.

[0057] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 7 In one embodiment, the pressure control valve 40 is a set-value pressure control valve, thus the set pressure is a fixed value. In this embodiment, the set-value pressure control valve includes a mounting part 41 and a gravity ball 42. The mounting part 41 is located on the upper or lower side of the bottom wall of the water receiving tray 30, and is arranged around the first steam port 31, forming a steam channel communicating with the first steam port 31. The gravity ball 42 is located in the steam channel, and under the action of gravity, the gravity ball 42 blocks the lower end of the steam channel. Thus, the weight of the gravity ball 42 is the set pressure. When the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than the weight of the gravity ball 42, the steam can lift the gravity ball 42, so that the steam can enter the cooking chamber 21 from the first steam port 31; when the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is less than the weight of the gravity ball 42, the gravity ball 42 uses its weight to block the steam channel, thereby closing the set-value pressure control valve. Furthermore, the lower part of the steam passage can be designed as a cone shape with a larger top and a smaller bottom, which is beneficial for the gravity ball 42 to block the lower end of the steam passage.

[0058] Understandably, when the gas pressure inside the steam generating chamber 11 equals the set pressure of the set pressure control valve, the set pressure control valve remains in its original state. Specifically, if the set pressure control valve is initially closed, and the gas pressure inside the steam generating chamber 11 is less than the set pressure, the valve will remain closed even when the gas pressure rises to the set pressure. It will only open when the gas pressure exceeds the set pressure. Conversely, if the set pressure control valve is initially open, and the gas pressure inside the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than the set pressure, the valve will remain open even when the gas pressure drops to the set pressure. It will only close when the gas pressure falls below the set pressure.

[0059] Please combine Figure 8In another embodiment, the pressure control valve 40 can be configured as a variable pressure control valve 43, with a set pressure including a minimum opening threshold and a maximum opening threshold. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve 43 opens, connecting the steam generating chamber 11 and the cooking chamber 21, and the opening degree of the variable pressure control valve 43 increases as the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 increases; when the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than or equal to the maximum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve 43 opens to its maximum opening degree; when the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is less than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve closes, isolating the steam generating chamber 11 and the cooking chamber 21. Thus, the variable pressure control valve 43 can maintain a certain pressure in the steam generating chamber 11. By setting appropriate minimum and maximum opening thresholds, the opening degree of the variable pressure control valve 43 can be controlled, thereby ensuring that the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 is greater than the air pressure in the water tank 12, creating a water level difference between the steam generating chamber 11 and the water tank 12, and thus achieving low water level control in the steam generating chamber 11. Furthermore, when the variable pressure control valve 43 is open, its opening degree can be controlled according to the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 11, thereby achieving slow discharge of small amounts of steam and rapid discharge of large amounts of steam, thus improving cooking efficiency.

[0060] In one embodiment, the variable pressure control valve 43 can be configured as an elastic diaphragm 431 with a notch 432. The elastic diaphragm 431 is sealed to the first steam port 31. The elastic force of the elastic diaphragm 431 can close the notch 432. As the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11 increases, the notch 432 can be gradually opened, thereby controlling the opening degree of the notch 432 according to the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber 11, that is, controlling the opening degree of the first steam port 31.

[0061] Please see Figure 3 Furthermore, the first heating element 60 includes a first heating tube 61, a first heat-conducting plate 62, and a first heat-conducting cover 63. The first heat-conducting plate 62 is annular, the first heating tube 61 is located below the first heat-conducting plate 62, and the first heat-conducting cover 63 is a cover with its opening facing downwards, covering the upper side of the first heat-conducting plate 62. The top surface of the first heat-conducting cover 63 forms at least part of the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11 or is located below the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11. In this way, the first heat-conducting plate 62 plays a role in uniformly distributing heat, allowing the heat generated by the first heating tube 61 to be evenly distributed to the bottom of the steam generating chamber 11, thereby facilitating the efficient heating of water in the steam generating chamber 11 to form steam. The first heat-conducting cover 63 can protect the first heat-conducting plate 62 and the first heating tube 61.

[0062] The second heating element 70 includes a second heating tube 71 and a second heat-conducting cover 72. The second heat-conducting cover 72 is a downward-facing cover that covers the outside of the second heating tube 71. The lower end of the second heat-conducting cover 72 is integrally formed or sealed to the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11. In this way, the second heat-conducting cover 72 separates the second heating tube 71 from the water in the steam generating chamber 11, preventing the second heating tube 71 from heating water and affecting the heating efficiency of the steam. At the same time, since the second heating tube 71 does not come into contact with water, scale formation on its surface is prevented. Furthermore, scale will only form on the part of the second heat-conducting cover 72 that comes into contact with water, making cleaning convenient.

[0063] The height of the preset water level line A needs to be set appropriately. If the preset water level line A is too high, the steam generation rate will be slow, and the water will have more contact with the second heat-conducting cover 72 of the second heating element 70, thus affecting the heating efficiency of the steam. If the preset water level line A is too low, dry burning may occur. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the distance between the preset water level line and the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11 is H1, and the distance between the highest point of the second heat-conducting cover 72 and the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber 11 is H3, where 0.2 ≤ H1 / H3 ≤ 0.3. Thus, the height of the preset water level line A is neither too high nor too low, ensuring rapid steam generation while minimizing the impact on the heating efficiency of the second heating element 70 and reducing the occurrence of dry burning.

[0064] Furthermore, the first heat-conducting plate 62 is annular with an outer diameter of φ1, and the second heat-conducting cover 72 is cylindrical with an outer diameter of φ2, where 20mm ≤ 0.5(φ1-φ2) ≤ 30mm. 0.5(φ1-φ2) represents the distance between the outer wall of the second heat-conducting cover 72 and the peripheral edge of the first heat-conducting plate 62. If 0.5(φ1-φ2) is too large, the amount of low-temperature steam generated by the first heating element 60 heating water will be excessive, causing the heating temperature of the low-temperature steam by the second heating element 70 to decrease, resulting in insufficient high-temperature steam. If 0.5(φ1-φ2) is too small, the amount of low-temperature steam generated by the first heating element 60 heating water will be insufficient, resulting in less high-temperature steam entering the cooking cavity 21 and a slower temperature rise within the cooking cavity 21. In this embodiment, 20mm≤0.5(φ1-φ2)≤30mm ensures that the distance between the outer wall of the second heat-conducting cover 72 and the peripheral edge of the first heat-conducting plate 62 is moderate, which can ensure that the amount of low-temperature steam generated by the first heating element 60 heating water is sufficient, and that the second heating element 70 can heat the low-temperature steam to a sufficiently high temperature, thus ensuring both the amount of high-temperature steam entering the cooking cavity 21 and the temperature of the high-temperature steam, thereby ensuring the effect of high-temperature cooking of food.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second heating tube 71 is spiral-shaped, equivalent to having a multi-layered annular structure, which provides a good heating effect on the rising steam in the steam generating chamber 11. Of course, the second heating tube 71 can also be other shapes, as long as it extends a certain distance in the vertical direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second heat-conducting cover 72 is cylindrical, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second heat-conducting cover 72 can be elliptical, square, hexagonal, or other shapes, and this application does not limit it in this regard. In this embodiment, the first heat-conducting plate 62 is annular, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first heat-conducting plate 62 can also be square, elliptical, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shapes, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0067] The projected area of ​​the first heat-conducting plate 62 on the horizontal plane is S1, and the projected area of ​​the second heat-conducting cover 72 on the horizontal plane is S2, where 0.2 ≤ S2 / S1 ≤ 0.3. S2 / S1 represents the size relationship between the heat radiation areas of the second heating element 70 and the first heating element 60. If S2 / S1 is too large, the amount of low-temperature steam formed by the first heating element 60 heating water will be too large, causing the heating temperature of the low-temperature steam by the second heating element 70 to drop, resulting in insufficient high-temperature steam. If S2 / S1 is too small, the amount of low-temperature steam formed by the first heating element 60 heating water will be too small, resulting in less high-temperature steam entering the cooking cavity 21 and a slower temperature rise in the cooking cavity 21. In this embodiment, 0.2≤S2 / S1≤0.3 ensures that the amount of low-temperature steam generated by the first heating element 60 heating water is sufficient, and the second heating element 70 can heat the low-temperature steam to a sufficiently high temperature, thus ensuring both the amount of high-temperature steam entering the cooking chamber 21 and the temperature of the high-temperature steam, thereby ensuring the effect of high-temperature cooking of food.

[0068] Furthermore, the second heat-conducting cover 72 has an air inlet on its side wall and an air outlet on its top wall, with the lowest point of the air inlet higher than the preset water level line A. This allows steam to enter the second heat-conducting cover 72 through the air inlet, enabling it to contact the second heating tube 71 and improving the heating effect. The fact that the lowest point of the air inlet is higher than the preset water level line A ensures that water will not enter the second heat-conducting cover 72, thus ensuring that the second heating tube 71 only heats steam and not water, guaranteeing its heating efficiency.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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. An electric steamer, characterized in that, include: The unit comprises a base (10), a cooking body (20), a water tray (30), a first heating element (60), and a second heating element (70). The base (10) is equipped with a steam generating chamber (11) and a water tank (12). The water tank (12) and the steam generating chamber (11) are connected to each other so that water can be supplied to the steam generating chamber (11) through the water tank (12). The cooking body (20) is located above the base (10). The cooking body (20) has a cooking cavity (21). The water receiving tray (30) is located between the base (10) and the cooking body (20). The bottom wall of the water receiving tray (30) has a first steam port (31). The first steam port (31) is used to connect the steam generating cavity (11) and the cooking cavity (21). The first heating element (60) is disposed on the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber (11) to heat the water in the steam generating chamber (11) to generate steam. The second heating element (70) extends into the steam generating chamber (11) to heat the steam in the steam generating chamber (11). A pressure control valve (40) is provided at the first steam port (31). When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) is greater than the set pressure of the pressure control valve (40), the pressure control valve (40) opens, and the steam generating chamber (11) and the cooking chamber (21) are connected. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) is less than the set pressure of the pressure control valve (40), the pressure control valve (40) closes, and the steam generating chamber (11) and the cooking chamber (21) are isolated.

2. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the water receiving tray (30) is provided with an annular first partition (33), and the base (10) is provided with a cavity. When the water receiving tray (30) is assembled on the base (10), the first partition (33) divides the cavity into the water tank (12) and the steam generating chamber (11). The water tank (12) is located outside the first partition (33), and the steam generating chamber (11) is located inside the first partition (33). The steam generating chamber (11) and the water tank (12) are connected at the lower end of the first partition (33).

3. The electric steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the water receiving tray (30) is provided with a second partition (34) outside the first partition (33). The second partition (34) and the first partition (33) enclose a float cavity (35). The lower end of the float cavity (35) is connected to the water tank (12), and the upper end of the float cavity (35) is connected to the steam generating chamber (11). The water receiving tray (30) is provided with a second steam port (32) corresponding to the float chamber (35). The second steam port (32) connects the cooking chamber (21) and the float chamber (35). The float chamber (35) is equipped with a float valve (50). The float valve (50) can rise and fall with the water level in the water tank (12) and is used to control the opening and closing of the second steam port (32). The pressure control valve (40) and the float valve (50) work together to control the water level in the steam generating chamber (11) below the preset water level line.

4. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second steam port (32) is configured as a plurality of them, and the plurality of second steam ports (32) are arranged at circumferential intervals along the first partition (33).

5. The electric steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second partition (34) is configured in multiple ways, and the multiple second partitions (34) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first partition (33). The multiple second partitions (34) and the first partition (33) enclose multiple float cavities (35). Each float cavity (35) is provided with a float valve (50). The multiple float valves (50) and the multiple second steam ports (32) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

6. The electric steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second partition (34) is annular, and the float valve (50) is set as one and arranged around the first partition (33). The float valve (50) is used to simultaneously control the opening and closing of multiple second steam ports (32).

7. The electric steamer according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The first partition (33) includes a limiting part (331) recessed toward the interior of the steam generating chamber (11). The limiting part (331) includes a limiting sidewall (3311) and a limiting bottom wall (3312) connected to the lower end of the limiting sidewall (3311). The limiting sidewall and the limiting bottom wall (3312) form a limiting step so that the float valve (50) is restricted within the float chamber (35).

8. The electric steamer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water receiving tray (30) includes a tray body (37) and a tray cover (38). The bottom wall of the tray body (37) is provided with an annular rib (371) protruding upwards. The annular rib (371) forms a through hole. The first partition (33) and the second partition (34) are both located on the downward side of the tray body (37). The steam generating chamber (11) and the float chamber (35) are both located within the projection range of the through hole. The tray cover (38) is detachably connected to the annular rib (371) and closes the through hole from the top. The first steam port (31) and the second steam port (32) are both located on the tray cover (38).

9. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure control valve (40) is a fixed-value pressure control valve. The fixed-value pressure control valve includes a mounting part (41) and a gravity ball (42). The mounting part (41) is located on the upper or lower side of the bottom wall of the water receiving pan (30). The mounting part (41) is arranged around the first steam port (31) and forms a steam channel communicating with the first steam port (31) inside. The gravity ball (42) is located in the steam channel and blocks the lower end of the steam channel under the action of gravity.

10. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure control valve (40) is a variable pressure control valve, and the set pressure includes a minimum opening threshold and a maximum opening threshold. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) is greater than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve opens, the steam generating chamber (11) and the cooking chamber (21) are connected, and the opening degree of the variable pressure control valve increases as the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) increases; When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) is greater than or equal to the maximum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve opens to the maximum opening degree. When the gas pressure in the steam generating chamber (11) is less than the minimum opening threshold, the variable pressure control valve closes, and the steam generating chamber (11) and the cooking chamber (21) are isolated.

11. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heating element (70) includes a second heating tube (71) and a second heat-conducting cover (72). The second heat-conducting cover (72) is a cover with its opening facing downwards. The second heat-conducting cover (72) is placed on the outside of the second heating tube (71). The lower end of the second heat-conducting cover (72) and the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber (11) are integrally formed or sealed together.

12. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heating element (60) includes a first heating tube (61), a first heat-conducting plate (62), and a first heat-conducting cover (63). The first heat-conducting plate (62) is annular. The first heating tube (61) is located below the first heat-conducting plate (62). The first heat-conducting cover (63) is a cover with its opening facing downward. The first heat-conducting cover (63) covers the upper side of the first heat-conducting plate (62). The top surface of the first heat-conducting cover (63) forms at least part of the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber (11) or is located below the bottom wall of the steam generating chamber (11).

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