Cooking device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cooking device, which comprises an inner container, an outer container, a heating device and a heating device, a cooking cavity is formed in the inner space of the inner container, and the cooking cavity is used for accommodating food to be cooked; the steam generator is communicated with the cooking chamber and is used for providing steam into the cooking chamber; the first pipeline is communicated with the steam generator and is used for supplying water of a water source to the steam generator; the driving unit is provided with an inlet and an outlet; the second pipeline is used for communicating the bottom of the cooking chamber with the inlet of the driving unit; the third pipeline is used for communicating an outlet of the driving unit with the steam generator; and the fourth pipeline is used for communicating the steam generator with the cooking chamber. According to the invention, the descaling operation can be simplified to realize automatic descaling, and residual liquid in the cooking chamber can be automatically discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance manufacturing technology, and in particular to a cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] Steam ovens are common kitchen appliances, typically consisting of an inner cavity for holding food. To meet the steaming cooking requirements of steam ovens, a steam generator is installed inside. The steam generator heats water to produce steam, which is then delivered to the inner cavity of the steam oven to steam and cook the food.

[0003] However, existing steam ovens suffer from the following problems during long-term use: First, the water entering the steam generator continuously evaporates and condenses, producing scale. This scale affects the heating efficiency and steam quality of the steam generator, thus impacting cooking results and the oven's lifespan. Second, existing descaling methods typically require manual operation by the user, which is cumbersome, inefficient, and difficult to completely remove scale from inside the steam generator. Furthermore, after the steaming function ends, a large amount of condensate and food residue often remains in the cooking chamber. If this residue is not treated promptly, it can easily breed bacteria, affecting hygiene for subsequent uses. Existing devices lack convenient methods for handling this residue.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a cooking device that solves at least one of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a cooking device that simplifies the descaling operation and achieves automatic descaling and automatic discharge of residual liquid in the cooking chamber.

[0006] The specific technical solution of this utility model embodiment is as follows:

[0007] A cooking apparatus includes: an inner pot, the interior space of which forms a cooking chamber for containing food to be cooked; a steam generator connected to the cooking chamber for supplying steam to the cooking chamber; a first pipe connected to the steam generator for supplying water from a water source to the steam generator; a drive unit having an inlet and an outlet; a second pipe connecting the bottom of the cooking chamber to the inlet of the drive unit; a third pipe connecting the outlet of the drive unit to the steam generator; and a fourth pipe connecting the steam generator to the cooking chamber.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking apparatus further includes a fifth conduit connected to the outlet of the drive unit for discharging liquid flowing from the outlet of the drive unit into the cooking apparatus.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking apparatus further includes a switching unit, which is connected to the outlet of the drive unit, the third pipeline, and the fifth pipeline, respectively; the switching unit is configured to selectively connect the outlet of the drive unit to the third pipeline or to connect the outlet of the drive unit to the fifth pipeline.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device further includes a water storage tray, which is recessed at the bottom of the cooking chamber, and has a liquid outlet at its lower part. The second pipeline is connected to the water storage tray through the liquid outlet.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking apparatus further includes a heating unit disposed at the lower part of the water storage pan for heating and evaporating the water in the water storage pan.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the internal space of the steam generator forms an inner cavity. The steam generator includes a first port, a second port, and a third port, all of which are connected to the inner cavity. The first port is connected to a first pipe and a third pipe, through which water in the first pipe and liquid in the third pipe enter the steam generator. The second port is located in the lower middle part of the steam generator and is connected to a fourth pipe, allowing liquid in the steam generator to flow into the cooking chamber through the fourth pipe. The third port is located in the upper part of the steam generator and is connected to the cooking chamber through a sixth pipe, for delivering steam generated by the steam generator to the cooking chamber.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device further includes a water storage box, wherein the water source is water in the water storage box, and the water storage box delivers water to the steam generator through the first pipeline.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the water source includes a water purification device connected to the cooking device, or a tap water system connected to the cooking device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device further includes: a water storage box and a communicating vessel, wherein a first communicating port of the communicating vessel is connected to the water source, a second communicating port of the communicating vessel is connected to the water storage box, and a third communicating port of the communicating vessel is connected to the steam generator through the first pipeline; the communicating vessel is positioned at the same height as the water storage box, and a water level detection unit is provided inside the communicating vessel.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device further includes: a first water valve and a second water valve, wherein the first water valve is disposed on the first pipeline and the second water valve is disposed on the fourth pipeline.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking apparatus further includes:

[0018] The control unit, the drive unit, the switching unit, the first water valve, and the second water valve are all communicatively connected to the control unit.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking device further includes a control panel, which is communicatively connected to the control unit, and the control panel is provided with a descaling button.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit is a centrifugal pump or a self-priming pump.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, a first heating element is provided on the upper part of the cooking chamber;

[0022] A hot air chamber is formed on the rear wall of the cooking chamber, and a hot air fan and a second heating component are installed in the hot air chamber.

[0023] The technical solution of this utility model has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0024] By setting up a drive unit, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline, a circulation system is formed. This allows the descaling solution in the cooking chamber to be drawn by the drive unit and sent to the steam generator for descaling. Then, it flows back to the cooking chamber through the fourth pipeline. Scale inside the steam generator can be removed without disassembling it, making operation simple. The circulation of the descaling solution improves the efficiency and effectiveness of descaling. The first pipeline, the fifth pipeline, and the switching unit enable automatic water inlet and drainage, achieving automatic descaling. Furthermore, the system can automatically drain residual liquid from the cooking chamber after the steaming function is completed, preventing prolonged liquid retention that could lead to odors.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the cooking device of this utility model has a reasonable overall structural design and clear pipeline layout. It not only solves the problem of complicated descaling operation of steam generator, but also solves the problem of inconvenient handling of residual liquid in the cooking chamber, which greatly improves the ease of use, service life and user experience of the cooking device.

[0026] Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of the present invention include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement this invention according to specific circumstances.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a side view of a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a top view of a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control panel of a cooking device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Reference numerals in the figures of this application:

[0036] 100. Cooking apparatus; 1. Inner pot; 2. Steam generator; 21. First inlet; 22. Second inlet; 23. Third inlet; 31. First pipe; 311. First water valve; 32. Second pipe; 33. Third pipe; 34. Fourth pipe; 341. Second water valve; 35. Fifth pipe; 36. Sixth pipe; 4. Drive unit; 5. Switching unit; 6. Water storage tray; 61. Liquid outlet; 7. Water storage box; 8. Communicating vessel; 81. Water inlet valve; 91. First heating element; 92. Second heating element; 93. Hot air blower; 10. Control panel; 101. Descaling button. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. After reading this utility model, any modifications of this utility model in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art will fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein 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 herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] This invention provides a cooking device that not only simplifies the descaling process and enables automatic descaling, but also automatically discharges residual liquid from the cooking chamber after the steaming function is completed, greatly improving the ease of use, service life, and user experience of the cooking device.

[0041] Please refer to the following for comprehensive information. Figures 1 to 7This application specification provides a cooking apparatus 100 for steaming and / or baking food. The cooking apparatus 100 may include: an inner pot 1, the internal space of which forms a cooking chamber for accommodating food to be cooked; a steam generator 2, which is connected to the cooking chamber and supplies steam to the cooking chamber; a first pipe 31, which is connected to the steam generator 2 and supplies water from a water source to the steam generator 2; a drive unit 4, which has an inlet and an outlet; a second pipe 32, which connects the bottom of the cooking chamber to the inlet of the drive unit 4; a third pipe 33, which connects the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the steam generator 2; and a fourth pipe 34, which connects the steam generator 2 to the cooking chamber.

[0042] The cooking apparatus 100 provided in this application embodiment is a multifunctional cooking apparatus 100. The cooking apparatus 100 has the function of a steamer, which can be used to steam food; the cooking apparatus 100 has the function of an oven, which can be used to bake food; the cooking apparatus 100 has a drying function, which can dry vegetables and fruits; the cooking apparatus 100 may also have a microwave function, which can process food using microwaves; the cooking apparatus 100 may also have other functions, which will not be described in detail here.

[0043] The cooking device 100 provided in this application embodiment can be an embedded cooking device 100 or a freestanding cooking device 100; the embedded cooking device 100 is installed in an embedded manner, specifically, the cooking device 100 can be embedded in a cabinet, thereby meeting the user's needs for neatness and aesthetics.

[0044] In this embodiment, the internal space of the inner pot 1 of the cooking device 100 forms a cooking chamber for holding food to be cooked. The inner pot 1 can be made of stainless steel, which has good corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity; the shape of the inner pot 1 can be round, square, or other shapes suitable for cooking; the upper or front part of the inner pot 1 can be provided with an openable and closable door for easy insertion and removal of food by the user.

[0045] In this embodiment, the steam generator 2 is connected to the cooking chamber and is used to supply steam to the cooking chamber. The steam generator 2 can be installed at the top, bottom, or side of the cooking device 100 to facilitate communication with the cooking chamber. In this embodiment, the example of the steam generator 2 being installed at the top of the cooking device 100 is mainly used for illustration. When the steam generator 2 is installed at the bottom or side, it can be adapted with reference to this application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first pipe 31 is connected to the steam generator 2 and is used to supply water from a water source to the steam generator 2. The water source can be the water storage box 7 inside the cooking appliance 100, or it can be an external water purification device or a tap water system. The first pipe 31 can be made of high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel pipes or specific plastic pipes.

[0047] In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 has an inlet and an outlet for driving liquid to flow in the pipeline. The drive unit 4 can be located at the bottom or side of the cooking device 100 for easy connection to various pipelines. The second pipeline 32 connects the bottom of the cooking chamber to the inlet of the drive unit 4. One end of the second pipeline 32 is connected to the liquid outlet 61 at the bottom of the cooking chamber, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the drive unit 4. The second pipeline 32 can be made of the same material as the first pipeline 31. The third pipeline 33 connects the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the steam generator 2. One end of the third pipeline 33 is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4, and the other end is connected to the water inlet of the steam generator 2. The third pipeline 33 can be made of the same material as the first pipeline 31. The first pipeline 31 and the third pipeline 33 can be connected to the water inlet of the steam generator 2 respectively, or they can be connected to the water inlet of the steam generator 2 through a T-connector. No specific limitation is made here.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fourth pipe 34 is used to connect the steam generator 2 to the cooking chamber. One end of the fourth pipe 34 is connected to the outlet of the steam generator 2, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the cooking chamber. The fourth pipe 34 can be made of the same material as the first pipe 31. When the steam generator 2 is located at the top of the cooking device 100, the liquid in the steam generator 2 can enter the cooking chamber through the fourth pipe 34 due to gravity. When the steam generator 2 is located at the bottom or side of the cooking device 100, other methods can be used to allow the liquid in the steam generator 2 to enter the cooking chamber through the fourth pipe 34, such as pump drive.

[0049] Through the above structural design, the cooking apparatus 100 of this embodiment can achieve the following functions:

[0050] In normal cooking mode, water from the water source enters the steam generator 2 through the first pipe 31. The steam generator 2 heats the water into steam, and the steam enters the cooking chamber to heat the food.

[0051] In descaling mode, the user can put descaling solution into the cooking chamber. The drive unit 4 draws in the descaling solution through the second pipe 32 and then sends it into the steam generator 2 through the third pipe 33. The descaling solution reacts with the scale in the steam generator 2, dissolving the scale. After a period of reaction, the descaling solution in the steam generator 2 can be discharged back into the cooking chamber through the fourth pipe 34, completing one descaling cycle. Through multiple cycles, the scale inside the steam generator 2 can be effectively removed.

[0052] In some implementations, such as Figure 1 or Figure 4 As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 may further include a fifth pipe 35, which is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4 and is used to discharge liquid flowing from the outlet of the drive unit 4 into the cooking apparatus 100. One end of the fifth pipe 35 is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4, and the other end is connected to the drain of the cooking apparatus 100. The fifth pipe 35 may be made of the same material as the other pipes. By providing the fifth pipe 35, the cooking apparatus 100 of this embodiment can discharge the descaling liquid containing scale after descaling is completed, avoiding the descaling liquid remaining inside the cooking apparatus 100 and affecting the subsequent cooking effect. The outlet end of the fifth pipe 35 may be connected to a kitchen sink or a sewer, which is not specifically limited here.

[0053] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 may further include: a switching unit 5, which is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4, the third pipe 33 and the fifth pipe 35 respectively; the switching unit 5 is configured to selectively connect the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the third pipe 33 or connect the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the fifth pipe 35.

[0054] The switching unit 5 can be a three-way valve with one inlet and two outlets. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4, and the two outlets are connected to the third pipe 33 and the fifth pipe 35, respectively. By controlling the state of the three-way valve, the liquid from the outlet of the drive unit 4 can be sent to the steam generator 2 or discharged from the cooking device 100. In descaling mode, the three-way valve first connects the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the third pipe 33, so that the descaling liquid enters the steam generator 2 for descaling. After descaling is completed, the three-way valve connects the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the fifth pipe 35, so that the descaling liquid containing scale is discharged from the cooking device 100.

[0055] The switching unit 5 can also be a three-way pipe and two solenoid valves. The three-way pipe is connected to the outlet of the drive unit 4, the third pipe 33, and the fifth pipe 35, respectively. The two solenoid valves are respectively installed on the third pipe 33 and the fifth pipe 35. By controlling the on and off states of the two solenoid valves, the liquid at the outlet of the drive unit 4 can be selected to be sent into the steam generator 2 or discharged from the cooking device 100. In the descaling mode, the solenoid valve on the third pipe 33 is first opened and the solenoid valve on the fifth pipe 35 is closed, so that the descaling liquid enters the steam generator 2 from the outlet of the drive unit 4 for descaling. After descaling is completed, the solenoid valve on the third pipe 33 is closed and the solenoid valve on the fifth pipe 35 is opened, so that the descaling liquid containing scale is discharged from the cooking device 100.

[0056] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cooking device 100 also includes a water storage tray 6, which is recessed at the bottom of the cooking chamber. A liquid outlet 61 is provided at the bottom of the water storage tray 6, and a second pipe 32 communicates with the water storage tray 6 through the liquid outlet 61. The water storage tray 6 can be made of the same material as the inner liner 1, and its shape can match the shape of the bottom of the cooking chamber. The liquid outlet 61 is located on the bottom or side wall of the water storage tray 6 to facilitate liquid drainage.

[0057] By providing a water storage tray 6, the cooking apparatus 100 of this embodiment can concentrate the descaling liquid in the water storage tray 6 during descaling mode, making it easy for the drive unit 4 to draw the descaling liquid in through the second pipe 32. At the same time, the water storage tray 6 can also collect condensate generated during cooking, preventing condensate from directly contacting food and affecting its taste.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cooking device 100 further includes a heating unit disposed at the lower part of the water storage pan 6 for heating and evaporating the water in the water storage pan 6; the heating unit may be an electric heating wire, an electric heating tube or other type of heating element, and its power should be sufficient to heat and evaporate the water in the water storage pan 6; the heating unit may be directly installed at the bottom of the water storage pan 6 or fixed below the water storage pan 6 by a bracket.

[0059] By incorporating a heating unit, during cooking, the heating unit heats and evaporates the water in the water storage pan 6, generating auxiliary steam. After cooking, the heating unit evaporates any remaining water in the water storage pan 6, preventing water from stagnating for extended periods and promoting bacterial growth. Simultaneously, in descaling mode, the heating unit can also heat the descaling solution in the water storage pan 6, improving descaling efficiency.

[0060] In some implementations, such as Figure 5As shown, the internal space of the steam generator 2 forms an inner cavity. The steam generator 2 includes a first port 21, a second port 22 and a third port 23, all of which are connected to the inner cavity. The first port 21 is connected to the first pipe 31 and the third pipe 33. Water in the first pipe 31 and liquid in the third pipe 33 enter the steam generator 2 through the first port 21. The first port 21 can be located at the top, side, or bottom of the steam generator 2 to facilitate the entry of water or liquid. The second port 22 is located in the lower middle part of the steam generator 2 and is connected to the fourth pipe 34. It is used to allow liquid in the steam generator 2 to flow into the cooking chamber through the fourth pipe 34. The position of the second port 22 should be lower than the water level in the inner cavity of the steam generator 2 to ensure that the liquid can flow out smoothly. The third port 23 is located in the upper part of the steam generator 2 and is connected to the cooking chamber through the sixth pipe 36. It is used to send the steam generated by the steam generator 2 into the cooking chamber. The position of the third port 23 should be higher than the water level in the inner cavity of the steam generator 2 to ensure that only steam can flow out through the third port 23. Through the above structural design, the steam generator 2 of this embodiment can realize the entry and discharge of liquid and the output of steam, meeting the needs of the cooking device 100 in different modes.

[0061] In some implementations, such as Figure 1 or Figure 4 As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 also includes a water storage box 7. The water in the water storage box 7 serves as the water source, and the water is delivered to the steam generator 2 via the first pipe 31. The water storage box 7 can be detachably installed on the top of the housing, allowing the user to easily remove it when needed for adding water or cleaning. By incorporating the water storage box 7, the cooking apparatus 100 can still operate normally without an external water source, thus expanding its applicability.

[0062] In some embodiments, the water source may be a water purification device connected to the cooking appliance 100, or a tap water system connected to the cooking appliance 100.

[0063] When the water source is a water purification device, the water purification device can be connected to the first pipe 31 of the cooking device 100. The water purification device can be a household water purifier, a reverse osmosis water purifier, or other types of water purification devices. By using the water provided by the water purification device, impurities and minerals in the water can be reduced, the descaling cycle can be extended, and users can avoid frequent descaling, thus improving the user experience.

[0064] When the water source is a tap water system, the tap water system can be connected to the first pipe 31 of the cooking device 100. A filter device can be installed on the connecting pipe to filter impurities in the tap water. By directly using water from the tap water system, the inconvenience of frequent water additions can be avoided, thus improving the convenience of the cooking device 100.

[0065] Based on the previous implementation method, such as Figure 4 The cooking apparatus 100 may further include a water storage box 7 and a communicating vessel 8. The first port of the communicating vessel 8 is connected to a water source, the second port of the communicating vessel 8 is connected to the water storage box 7, and the third port of the communicating vessel 8 is connected to the steam generator 2 via a first pipe 31. The communicating vessel 8 is positioned at the same height as the water storage box 7, and a water level detection unit is installed inside the communicating vessel 8.

[0066] The communicating vessel 8 connects the water storage box 7 to the water source, thereby directing water supplied by the water source to the water storage box 7 or the steam generator 2. When the water source is a water purifier, the water purifier can supply purified water to the water storage box 7 through the communicating vessel 8. In this embodiment, the water source is mainly illustrated by a water purifier. Of course, the water source may also be in other forms, such as a water softener or tap water, and is not limited to the above description. An inlet valve 81 can be installed on the pipeline connecting the communicating vessel 8 and the water source. The inlet valve 81 is used to control the connection between the water source and the water storage box 7. When the inlet valve 81 is open, the water source can replenish water to the communicating vessel 8 and / or the water storage box 7.

[0067] The height and position of the communicating vessel 8 and the water storage box 7 are matched, and the water level in the communicating vessel 8 is the same as the water level in the water storage box 7. The water level in the water storage box 7 can be obtained by detecting the water level in the communicating vessel 8. A water level detection unit can be installed in the communicating vessel 8 to detect the water level in the communicating vessel 8. The cooking device 100 may also include a controller electrically connected to the water inlet valve 81 and the water level detection unit. During use, the controller can control the opening and closing state of the water inlet valve 81 based on the water level information detected by the water level detection unit to achieve automatic water replenishment. After water replenishment, the controller can close the water inlet valve 81 in time, thereby accurately controlling the water level in the water storage box 7 and achieving quantitative water replenishment. In addition, by setting up the communicating vessel 8, the water level in the water storage box 7 can be indirectly controlled by controlling the water level in the communicating vessel 8 during water replenishment. That is, by using the communicating vessel 8 as an intermediate buffer container, it is possible to prevent problems such as disordered water level control and overflow in the water storage box 7 when there are fluctuations in the water supply flow at the water source (such as excessive flow).

[0068] In some implementations, such as Figure 1As shown, the cooking apparatus 100 may further include: a first water valve 311 and a second water valve 341; the first water valve 311 is disposed on the first pipe 31 to control whether water from the water source enters the steam generator 2; the second water valve 341 is disposed on the fourth pipe 34 to control whether liquid in the steam generator 2 flows into the cooking chamber; the first water valve 311 and the second water valve 341 may be solenoid valves, ball valves, or other types of valves, and their on / off states can be controlled by electrical signals. By setting the first water valve 311 and the second water valve 341, the cooking apparatus 100 of this embodiment can precisely control the flow of water and liquid to meet the needs of different modes.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus 100 may further include: a control unit; the drive unit 4, the switching unit 5, the first water valve 311, and the second water valve 341 are all communicatively connected to the control unit. The control unit can control the working states of the drive unit 4, the switching unit 5, the first water valve 311, and the second water valve 341 according to user operation or a preset program, thereby realizing various functions of the cooking apparatus 100. For example, in descaling mode, the control unit can control the drive unit 4 to start, the switching unit 5 to connect the outlet of the drive unit 4 to the third pipe 33, the first water valve 311 to close, and the second water valve 341 to open, allowing the descaling liquid to circulate and achieve automatic descaling. By setting a control unit, the cooking apparatus 100 of this embodiment can achieve automated control, simplifying user operation steps and improving the intelligence level of the cooking apparatus 100.

[0070] In some implementations, such as Figure 7As shown, the cooking appliance 100 may further include: a control panel 10; the control panel 10 is communicatively connected to the control unit, and a descaling button 101 is provided on the control panel 10. The control panel 10 may be in the form of a touch screen or physical buttons, and is located on the front or top of the cooking appliance 100 for easy user operation. In addition to the descaling button 101, the control panel 10 may also be equipped with a power button, a mode selection button, a temperature adjustment button, a time setting button, etc., to meet various user operation needs. The descaling button 101 may be a physical button or a virtual button on a touch screen. By pressing the descaling button 101, the user can start the descaling function of the cooking appliance 100. The descaling button 101 may be equipped with an indicator light. When the descaling function is started, the indicator light will light up to indicate to the user that the descaling function is in progress. Alternatively, during the descaling process, the control panel 10 may display the current descaling status, such as "filling water", "descaling", "draining", etc., to let the user know the descaling progress; when descaling is completed, the control panel 10 may display a "descaling complete" prompt to notify the user that descaling has been completed. By setting up the control panel 10 and the descaling button 101, the cooking device 100 in this embodiment can realize the automatic descaling function and provide a user-friendly interface, which is convenient for users to operate and improves the user experience.

[0071] In some embodiments, the drive unit 4 can be a centrifugal pump or a self-priming pump. A centrifugal pump is a common fluid transport device. Its working principle is to convert mechanical energy into the kinetic and potential energy of the fluid using a high-speed rotating impeller. Centrifugal pumps are characterized by simple structure, large flow rate, and high efficiency, making them suitable for transporting clean liquids. A self-priming pump is a pump capable of drawing in liquid on its own. Its working principle is to draw in liquid using the vacuum state inside the pump. Self-priming pumps are characterized by strong self-priming ability and good resistance to cavitation, making them suitable for transporting liquids containing gas. Depending on the specific needs of the cooking device 100, either a centrifugal pump or a self-priming pump can be selected as the drive unit 4. For example, if the cooking device 100 is mainly used to transport clean water, a simple and low-cost centrifugal pump can be selected; if the cooking device 100 needs to treat descaling liquid containing air bubbles, a self-priming pump with strong self-priming ability can be selected.

[0072] In some implementations, such as Figure 6As shown, a first heating element 91 is disposed at the upper part of the cooking chamber; a hot air chamber is disposed on the rear wall of the cooking chamber, and a hot air fan 93 and a second heating element 92 are disposed within the hot air chamber. The first heating element 91 can be an electric heating wire, an electric heating tube, or other type of heating element, and is disposed at the upper part of the cooking chamber for heating food. The first heating element 91 may include two heating tubes, which are spaced apart. The hot air chamber is an independent space disposed on the rear wall of the cooking chamber, and is disposed within the hot air chamber, containing the hot air fan 93 and the second heating element 92. The hot air fan 93 can be an axial flow fan, a centrifugal fan, or other type of fan, used to generate airflow; the second heating element 92 can be an electric heating wire, an electric heating tube, or other type of heating element, used to heat the airflow. The combination of the hot air fan 93 and the second heating element 92 generates hot air, which is blown into the cooking chamber through the air outlet on the rear wall of the cooking chamber to bake the food with hot air. By setting up a first heating component 91, a hot air chamber, a hot air fan 93, and a second heating component 92, the cooking device 100 in this embodiment can realize multiple cooking methods such as steam cooking, top-heat baking, and hot air baking, to meet the diverse cooking needs of users.

[0073] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0074] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0075] The above are merely a few embodiments of this utility model. Although the embodiments disclosed in this utility model are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any person skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in this utility model. However, the patent protection scope of this utility model shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus, characterized by, The cooking device comprises: a liner, an inner space of the liner forming a cooking chamber for accommodating food to be cooked; a steam generator in communication with the cooking chamber for providing steam into the cooking chamber; a first pipeline in communication with the steam generator for supplying water from a water source to the steam generator; a driving unit having an inlet and an outlet; a second pipeline for communicating a bottom of the cooking chamber with the inlet of the driving unit; a third pipeline for communicating the outlet of the driving unit with the steam generator; a fourth pipeline for communicating the steam generator with the cooking chamber.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking device further comprises: a fifth pipeline in communication with the outlet of the driving unit for discharging liquid flowing out of the outlet of the driving unit from the cooking device.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooking device further comprises: a switching unit in communication with the outlet of the driving unit, the third pipeline and the fifth pipeline respectively; the switching unit is configured to selectively communicate the outlet of the driving unit with the third pipeline or the fifth pipeline.

4. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cooking device further comprises: a water storage tray recessed in the bottom of the cooking chamber, a lower part of the water storage tray being provided with a liquid outlet, the second pipeline being in communication with the water storage tray through the liquid outlet.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The cooking device further comprises: a heating unit arranged in the lower part of the water storage tray for heating and evaporating water in the water storage tray.

6. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein an inner space of the steam generator forms an inner cavity, the steam generator comprises a first port, a second port and a third port, the first port, the second port and the third port are all in communication with the inner cavity; the first port is in communication with the first pipeline and the third pipeline, water in the first pipeline and liquid in the third pipeline enter the steam generator through the first port; the second port is arranged in a middle lower part of the steam generator, the second port is in communication with the fourth pipeline for allowing liquid in the steam generator to flow into the cooking chamber through the fourth pipeline; the third port is arranged in an upper part of the steam generator and is in communication with the cooking chamber through a sixth pipeline for sending steam generated by the steam generator into the cooking chamber.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The cooking device further comprises: a water storage box, the water source is water in the water storage box, the water storage box supplies water to the steam generator through the first pipeline.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The water source comprises a water purification device connected with the cooking device, or a tap water system connected with the cooking device.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooking device further comprises a water storage box and a communicating device, a first communicating port of the communicating device is communicated with the water source, a second communicating port of the communicating device is communicated with the water storage box, and a third communicating port of the communicating device is communicated with the steam generator through the first pipeline; the communicating device is matched with the height position of the water storage box, and a water level detection unit is arranged in the communicating device.

10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The cooking device further comprises a first water valve and a second water valve, the first water valve is arranged on the first pipeline, and the second water valve is arranged on the fourth pipeline.

11. The cooking apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The cooking device further comprises: A control unit, the driving unit, the switching unit, the first water valve and the second water valve are in communication connection with the control unit.

12. The cooking apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The cooking device further comprises a control panel, the control panel is in communication connection with the control unit, and a descaling button is arranged on the control panel.

13. The cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The driving unit is a centrifugal pump or a self-priming pump.

14. The cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein, A first heating assembly is arranged on the upper portion of the cooking chamber. A hot air chamber is formed on the rear wall of the cooking chamber, and a hot air fan and a second heating assembly are arranged in the hot air chamber.

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