Gas circuit integration device and cooking utensil

Abstract

The utility model discloses a gas circuit integration device and a cooking utensil. The gas circuit integration device comprises a device shell and a movable partition plate assembly. A device inner cavity is defined by the device shell and used for being communicated with a cooking cavity of the cooking utensil. The movable partition plate assembly is arranged in the device inner cavity and can move between a first closed position and a first open position. When the movable partition plate assembly is located at the first closing position, the movable partition plate assembly and part of the device shell define an exhaust cavity, and the exhaust cavity is used for being communicated with the cooking cavity; the movable partition plate assembly is used for moving from a first closed position to a first open position under the action of the air pressure of steam in the cooking cavity, a contact sealing face is formed between the movable partition plate assembly and the part of the device shell, and in the projection of the gas circuit integration device in the direction perpendicular to the contact sealing face, the contact sealing face is located between the movable partition plate assembly and the part of the device shell. The area, located in the inner edge of the contact sealing face, of the air suction and exhaust cavity is 3-20 cm < 2 >. According to the application, the change of the gas path in the gas path integration device is matched with the pressure of the cooking cavity.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. CN 202422235400.2, filed on September 11, 2024, entitled "Floating Sealing Assembly, Gas Path Integration Device and Cooking Utensil", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, and more specifically to a gas path integration device for a cooking appliance and a cooking appliance using the gas path integration device. Background Technology

[0003] To improve the cooking performance of rice cookers, existing models generally include steam valves for releasing steam. Some even use air blowing into the pot for faster cooking, while others utilize air pumps to create negative pressure, increasing the rice's water absorption rate and improving its freshness. All these solutions provide consumers with a good cooking experience. However, existing solutions are simply a combination of technologies, and the steam valves in these solutions have limited functionality. Therefore, an integrated gas path device is needed to at least partially solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model description section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this application provides a gas path integration device for a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0006] A device housing, the device housing surrounding an inner cavity for communication with the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance; and

[0007] A movable partition assembly is disposed within the cavity of the device and is movable between a first closed position and a first open position.

[0008] When the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, the movable partition assembly and a portion of the device housing define an exhaust chamber, which is used to communicate with the cooking chamber;

[0009] The movable partition assembly is used to move from the first closed position to the first open position under the pressure of steam in the cooking cavity. The movable partition assembly forms a contact sealing surface with part of the device housing. In the projection of the gas path integration device in a direction perpendicular to the contact sealing surface, the area of ​​the exhaust chamber located within the inner edge of the contact sealing surface is 3-20 cm². 2 .

[0010] According to this application, the exhaust chamber is a segment of the gas path in the gas path integration device. The different positions of the movable baffle assembly result in different states of this gas path segment, thus the gas path integration device has different gas paths and can achieve different functions. The movable baffle assembly moves towards the open position driven by steam. The area within the inner edge of the contact sealing surface is also the effective area of ​​the movable baffle assembly receiving steam pressure, and this area is 3-20 cm². 2 This allows the changes in the gas path state to be adapted to the pressure in the cooking chamber, which helps the gas path integration device to automatically change its function according to the cooking progress, thus improving the user experience.

[0011] Optionally, the movable partition assembly includes a movable partition that defines the exhaust chamber with the portion of the device housing. A seal is provided between the movable partition and the portion of the device housing. When the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, the contact sealing surface is formed between the movable partition and the seal.

[0012] According to this application, the movable partition of the movable partition assembly and part of the device housing enclose the exhaust chamber and are subjected to the pressure of steam.

[0013] Optionally, the seal is fixedly disposed on the movable partition, or the seal is fixedly disposed on the portion of the device housing.

[0014] According to this application, the installation position of the seal can be flexibly set.

[0015] Optionally, in the projection of the gas path integration device in a direction perpendicular to the contact sealing surface, the area of ​​the exhaust chamber located within the inner edge of the contact sealing surface is 3-10 cm². 2 .

[0016] According to this application, the change in the gas path state is adapted to the pressure of the cooking cavity, which is beneficial for the gas path integration device to automatically change its function according to the cooking progress.

[0017] Optionally, the device cavity is provided with an installation structure, the installation structure including an installation through hole, the movable partition passing through the installation through hole and movable relative to the installation through hole between the first closed position and the first open position.

[0018] According to this application, the movable partition assembly is guided in the direction of movement by mounting through holes.

[0019] Optionally, the movable partition assembly further includes:

[0020] A telescopic component, comprising an outer peripheral portion and a middle portion, wherein the outer peripheral portion is connected to the middle portion of the telescopic component on the outer periphery of the middle portion of the telescopic component, and the outer peripheral portion of the telescopic component is used to connect to the periphery of the mounting through hole;

[0021] The movable partition is connected to the middle part of the telescopic member, which is configured to be telescopic along the axial direction of the mounting through hole to correspond to the switching of the movable partition between the first open position and the first closed position.

[0022] According to this application, when the airflow pressure in the exhaust chamber is high, the air pressure acts on the movable partition, causing the middle part of the movable partition and the telescopic component to move, thereby quickly discharging steam. When the middle part of the telescopic component returns to its original position, it drives the movable partition to return to its original position.

[0023] Optionally, the movable partition assembly further includes a pressure ring for pressing the outer periphery of the telescopic member against the periphery of the mounting through hole.

[0024] According to this application, the outer periphery of the expansion joint is securely connected to the mounting structure.

[0025] Optionally, the pressure ring is provided with a raised rib, and the mounting structure is provided with a slot for accommodating the raised rib.

[0026] According to this application, the connection between the pressure ring and the mounting structure is simple and robust, requiring no additional parts.

[0027] Optionally, the rib protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pressure ring, the groove opening and the groove bottom of the slot are opposite each other along the circumferential direction of the mounting through hole, and the inner surface of the slot facing the mounting through hole is in contact with the outer surface of the rib facing away from the mounting through hole.

[0028] According to this application, the slot applies an axial force to the pressure ring, thereby the pressure ring applies an axial force to the telescopic member, pressing the telescopic member into the mounting through hole.

[0029] Optionally, the telescopic member is used to connect to the side of the device housing opposite to the mounting through hole.

[0030] According to this application, the telescopic component is connected to the side of the mounting through hole facing away from the exhaust chamber, which facilitates the installation of the telescopic component and also allows the movable partition to have a large moving stroke, so that the first opening can be fully opened.

[0031] Optionally, the telescopic element is made of an elastic material.

[0032] According to this application, the elastic material facilitates the axial expansion and contraction of the middle part of the expansion joint.

[0033] Optionally, the middle portion of the telescopic member includes a pleated structure in the radial direction, and the pleated structure is concave and convex in the axial direction.

[0034] According to this application, the elastic material is constructed as a pleated structure, and the pleats can be opened and reset, thereby enabling axial movement.

[0035] Optionally, the movable partition is provided with a partition flange, and the middle part of the telescopic member is tightly fitted with the partition flange.

[0036] According to this application, the telescopic component and the movable partition are connected by an elastic tight fit.

[0037] Optionally,

[0038] The partition flange is constructed as a radially outward annular flange extending circumferentially, and the telescopic member has a second groove extending circumferentially in the middle portion, the opening and bottom of the second groove being radially opposite to each other to accommodate the annular flange; and / or

[0039] The telescopic member has a radially inward annular protrusion in the middle part, and the outer peripheral surface of the partition flange has a first groove extending in the circumferential direction. The opening and bottom of the first groove are opposite to each other in the radial direction to accommodate the annular protrusion.

[0040] According to this application, the connection method between the telescopic component and the movable partition is simple.

[0041] Optionally, the movable partition includes:

[0042] The partition connecting portion, wherein one end of the partition connecting portion away from the portion of the device housing is connected to the middle portion of the telescopic member; and

[0043] A partition flange is disposed on the outer periphery of the partition connection portion and is used to contact the portion of the device housing.

[0044] According to this application, the movable partition structure is simple.

[0045] Optionally,

[0046] The partition connecting part is constructed to have a hollow structure; and / or

[0047] The partition flange is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0048] According to this application, the movable partition is constructed with a hollow structure to save materials and reduce weight, and the reinforcing ribs can improve the strength of the movable partition.

[0049] Optionally, the partition flange is connected to the end of the partition connection near the end of the device housing.

[0050] According to this application, the movable partition does not interfere with the device housing.

[0051] Optionally, the mounting structure includes a guide post extending along the axial direction of the mounting through hole, the movable partition is provided with a guide hole, and the guide post is located in the guide hole.

[0052] According to this application, the guide post and guide hole facilitate the stable movement of the movable partition assembly.

[0053] Optionally, the gas path integration device further includes a repositioning component disposed in the inner cavity of the device. The repositioning component acts on the movable partition assembly to move the movable partition assembly from the first open position to the first closed position.

[0054] According to this application, the movable partition assembly is reset by the action of the return component.

[0055] Optionally, the repositioning component is located above the movable partition assembly, the movable partition assembly moves in the vertical direction, and the repositioning component is configured to act on the movable partition assembly by its own gravity or the elastic restoring force between the structures.

[0056] According to this application, the repositioning component uses its own gravity or the elastic restoring force between structures to reset the moving partition assembly. The method is simple, requires no electronic control components, and saves costs.

[0057] Optionally,

[0058] The movable partition assembly is connected to a spring, the spring being used to move the movable partition assembly from the first open position to the first closed position; or

[0059] The movable partition assembly is provided with a first magnet, and the inner cavity of the device is also provided with a second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet attract each other with magnetic force, and the direction of the magnetic force is parallel to the line connecting the first open position and the first closed position.

[0060] According to this application, the movable partition moves from the first open position to the first closed position by means of spring force or magnetic force, which is simple to control, has stable performance, and is inexpensive.

[0061] Optionally, the device cavity further includes a ventilation cavity, which is in communication with the external environment. When the movable partition assembly is in the first open position, the exhaust cavity is in communication with the ventilation cavity.

[0062] According to this application, the airflow integration device can release steam.

[0063] Optionally, when the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, the portion of the device housing provides a bottom wall for at least the exhaust chamber, the bottom wall having an opening for communicating with the cooking cavity, the movable partition assembly provides a top wall for at least the exhaust chamber, and the side walls of the exhaust chamber are provided by the portion of the device housing and / or the movable partition assembly.

[0064] According to this application, when the movable partition assembly is in the first open position, the sidewall of the exhaust chamber is cracked around its circumference, so that the opening for venting steam in the exhaust chamber has a large enough area to facilitate rapid steam discharge. Steam enters the exhaust chamber from the bottom wall and acts on the top wall of the exhaust chamber, which helps to ensure that the top wall of the exhaust chamber is subjected to balanced force.

[0065] Optionally, the contact sealing surface is approximately annular, and the inner diameter of the annulus ranges from 20 to 49 mm.

[0066] Furthermore, the inner diameter ranges from 20 to 35 mm.

[0067] According to this application, the contact sealing surface is annular, and the circular opening is easy to process.

[0068] A second aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0069] The cooking cavity is used to hold ingredients; and

[0070] The gas path integration device according to any one of the first aspects

[0071] The exhaust chamber is connected to the cooking chamber, and the movable partition assembly is configured to move from the first closed position to the first open position under the pressure of the steam in the cooking chamber.

[0072] According to this application, the exhaust chamber is a segment of the gas path in the gas path integration device. The opening and closing of the first opening of the exhaust chamber changes the state of this segment of the gas path, thus the gas path integration device has different gas paths and can achieve different functions. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening is also the effective area of ​​the movable partition assembly for receiving steam pressure, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first opening is 3-20 cm². 2 This allows the changes in the gas path state to be adapted to the pressure in the cooking chamber, which helps the gas path integration device to automatically change its function according to the cooking progress, thus improving the user experience.

[0073] Optionally, the cooking appliance further includes:

[0074] The pot body, wherein the pot body is provided with the cooking cavity; and

[0075] A lid for covering the pot body, the lid being equipped with the gas path integration device.

[0076] When the lid covers the pot body, the exhaust cavity is connected to the cooking cavity.

[0077] According to this application, the gas path integration device is installed in the cover body to facilitate the reception of steam. Attached Figure Description

[0078] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application, are provided for understanding the application. The drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the application and are used to explain the principles of the application, not to limit it.

[0079] In the attached image:

[0080] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of a cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial top view of the cooking appliance shown;

[0082] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial side sectional view of the cooking utensil shown;

[0083] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial three-dimensional exploded view of the cooking utensil shown;

[0084] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial top view of the liner in the middle;

[0085] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gas passage structure of the cooking appliance shown;

[0086] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0087] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0088] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of section A;

[0089] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0090] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Exploded side view of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0091] Figure 12 for Figure 1 Top view schematic diagram of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0092] Figure 13 for Figure 1 Bottom view of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0093] Figure 14 for Figure 1 3D exploded view of the gas path integration device in the middle;

[0094] Figure 15 for Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the lower cover of the device;

[0095] Figure 16 for Figure 7 A top view of the lower cover of the device in the diagram;

[0096] Figure 17 for Figure 7 A side sectional view of the lower cover of the device;

[0097] Figure 18 for Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pre-assembled components in the upper partition;

[0098] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Top view of the pre-assembled components in the upper partition;

[0099] Figure 20 for Figure 18 A side sectional view of the upper partition pre-assembled component;

[0100] Figure 21 for Figure 14A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the pre-assembled components of the lower partition;

[0101] Figure 22 for Figure 21 Top view of the pre-assembled components in the lower partition;

[0102] Figure 23 for Figure 21 A side sectional view of the lower partition pre-assembled component;

[0103] Figure 24 for Figure 7 A bottom view of the lower partition in the middle;

[0104] Figure 25 for Figure 1 A side-view dissection schematic diagram of the gas path integration device, wherein the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position and the floating seal assembly is in the second closed position;

[0105] Figure 26 for Figure 1 A side-view dissection schematic diagram of the gas path integration device, wherein the movable partition assembly is located in the first open position and the floating seal assembly is located in the second open position;

[0106] Figure 27 for Figure 7 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the movable partition assembly;

[0107] Figure 28 for Figure 7 Side view of the movable partition assembly in the diagram;

[0108] Figure 29 for Figure 7 Top view of the movable partition assembly in the middle;

[0109] Figure 30 for Figure 7 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the floating sealing assembly;

[0110] Figure 31 for Figure 7 Side view of the floating sealing assembly in the diagram;

[0111] Figure 32 for Figure 7 A bottom view of the floating sealing assembly in the diagram;

[0112] Figure 33 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of the cooking appliance according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 34 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 35 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 36 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 37 This is a side cross-sectional view of the gas path integration device of the cooking appliance according to the sixth embodiment of this application;

[0117] Figure 38 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the seventh embodiment of this application;

[0118] Figure 39 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the eighth embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 40 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the ninth embodiment of this application;

[0120] Figure 41 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the gas path integration device of the cooking appliance according to the tenth embodiment of this application;

[0121] Figure 42 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of the gas path integration device of the cooking appliance according to the eleventh embodiment of this application.

[0122] Figure 43 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the gas path integration device of a cooking appliance according to the twelfth embodiment of this application;

[0123] Figure 44 for Figure 43 Exploded side view of the floating seal assembly in the diagram;

[0124] Figure 45 for Figure 43 The side view of the gas path integration device is shown as a schematic diagram.

[0125] Figure 46 for Figure 43 A bottom-view perspective view of the pre-assembled lower partition of the gas path integration device shown.

[0126] Figure 47 for Figure 43 A top-view perspective view of the pre-assembled upper partition of the gas path integration device;

[0127] Figure 48 for Figure 43 The diagram shown is a bottom view of the integrated gas path device.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0129] 10: Cover body 11: Liner

[0130] 11A: Liner receiving slot; 12: Removable cover

[0131] 13: Face cover 14: Airflow generator

[0132] 15: Airflow inlet 16: Airflow outlet

[0133] 17A: Top temperature sensor; 17B: Bottom temperature sensor

[0134] 18: Exhaust channel 19: Intake channel

[0135] 20: Pot body 21: Inner pot

[0136] 22: Cooking cavity 28: Heating device

[0137] 30: Gas circuit integration device; 31: Device cover

[0138] 31A: Top wall of the cover; 31B: Side wall of the cover

[0139] 31C: Top cover annular wall; 32: Upper partition.

[0140] 32A: Partition plate; 32B: Upper tank sidewall

[0141] 32C: Lower tank sidewall; 32D: Partition plate connection part

[0142] 32E: Through hole

[0143] 33: Lower separator 33A: Vent hole

[0144] 33B: Mounting structure; 33C: Mounting through hole

[0145] 33D: Through hole; 33E: Card slot

[0146] 34: Lower cover of the device

[0147] 34A: Bottom wall of the lower cover; 34B: Side wall of the lower cover

[0148] 34C, 34D: Through-hole; 35: Second check valve

[0149] 36: Moving partition assembly; 37: Floating seal assembly

[0150] 38: Device housing 39: Device internal cavity

[0151] 41: First opening 42: Second opening

[0152] 43: Third opening; 45: First blocking element

[0153] 46: Side of the blocking component 47: Middle part of the blocking component

[0154] 48: Guide post; 49: Second blocking component

[0155] 51: First common cavity wall; 52: Second common cavity wall

[0156] 53: Upper partition pre-assembled component 54: Lower partition pre-assembled component

[0157] 55: Outer shell opening; 55A: First outer shell opening

[0158] 55B: Second outer casing opening; 56: Exhaust pipe

[0159] 57: Third ventilator tube 58: First ventilator tube

[0160] 59: Second vent pipe; 61: Telescopic component

[0161] 61A: Outer periphery of the telescopic component; 61B: Middle part of the telescopic component

[0162] 61C: Pleated structure; 61E: Annular protrusion

[0163] 61H: Second groove; 64: Movable partition

[0164] 64A: Partition flange plate; 64B: Partition connection part

[0165] 64C: Receiving groove; 64D: Guide hole

[0166] 64E: First groove; 64F, 64G: Through holes

[0167] 64H: Partition flange; 65: Pressure ring

[0168] 66: Pressure ring connection part; 67: Pressure ring

[0169] 68: Convex ribs

[0170] 69: Reinforcing ribs; 71: Floating components

[0171] 71A: First end of the floating component; 71B: Second end of the floating component

[0172] 71C: Floating component connection part; 71E: First mounting groove

[0173] 71F: Second mounting slot; 75: Sealing component

[0174] 76: Diaphragm mounting hole; 77: Limiting component

[0175] 78: Counterweight 79: Elastic component

[0176] 81: Air chamber

[0177] 82: Switching chamber; 83: Exhaust / exhaust chamber

[0178] 83A: Bottom wall of the exhaust chamber; 83B: Annular wall

[0179] 83C: Exhaust port; 83D: Extraction port

[0180] 83E: Steam exhaust side; 83F: Cold air connection side

[0181] 84: Ventilation chamber 84A: Bottom wall of the ventilation chamber

[0182] 85: Exhaust chamber; 86: Combined chamber

[0183] 91A: First seal; 91B: Second seal

[0184] 91C: Third seal; 91D: Fourth seal

[0185] 91E: Fifth seal; 92A: First spring

[0186] 92B: Second spring; 92C: Third spring

[0187] 93A: First magnet; 93B: Second magnet

[0188] 94A: First rotating buckle; 94B: Second rotating buckle

[0189] 94C: Third rotating buckle; 94D: Fourth rotating buckle

[0190] 95: Temperature-sensitive deformation component; 96: Flexible component

[0191] 97: First positioning part; 97A: Positioning column

[0192] 97B: Positioning rib; 98: Second positioning section

[0193] 98A: Positioning hole; 98B: Positioning groove

[0194] 99: Contact sealing surface

[0195] 100: Cooking utensils

[0196] 110: Gas path structure 111: First gas path

[0197] 112: Second air passage; 113: Third air passage

[0198] 114: Fourth gas path 115: Fifth gas path

[0199] 130: Drive component 131: Lever

[0200] 132: Drive unit DA: Axial direction

[0201] DC: Circumferential direction; DR: Radial direction

[0202] PA: Axis Detailed Implementation

[0203] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0204] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0205] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0206] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0207] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0208] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0209] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0210] This application provides a cooking utensil.

[0211] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in a first embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 according to this application may include a pot body 20 and a lid 10. The pot body 20 includes, for example, a pot inner 21. Typically, the pot body 20 may have a cylindrical (or other shaped) receiving cavity, and the pot inner 21 can be freely placed into or removed from the receiving cavity to facilitate cleaning of the pot inner 21. The pot inner 21 is, for example, made of a metal material and constructed as a rotating body with an opening and an inner cavity formed by the pot wall. The capacity of the pot inner 21 is typically less than 6L, for example, the capacity of the pot inner 21 may be 2L or 4L, etc. The pot inner 21 has a pot opening for placing and removing food, and the internal space of the pot inner 21 forms a cooking cavity 22 for holding and heating food. The lid 10 is pivotally connected to the pot body 20 via a pivot axis for closing the pot body 20.

[0212] The cooking appliance 100 has a heating device 28. The heating device 28 is usually located at the bottom of the pot body 20, below the inner pot 21. The heating device 28 is used to heat the inner pot 21 and the food inside, thereby realizing the cooking function. The heating device 28 can be configured as a heating plate, an electromagnetic heating coil, or the like.

[0213] The cooking appliance 100 has a top temperature sensor 17A, which is typically located on the lid 10, for detecting the top temperature of the cooking cavity 22. A bottom temperature sensor 17B is also located in the pot body 20 for detecting the bottom temperature of the cooking cavity 22. The bottom temperature sensor 17B is, for example, in contact with the bottom wall of the inner pot 21.

[0214] In addition, the cooking appliance 100 also includes a control device (not shown) for controlling the cooking process. This control device may be, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU). The control device is electrically connected to the heating device 28 and the temperature sensor, so that the control device can control the operation of the heating device 28 based on the detected value of the temperature sensor.

[0215] It should be noted that, in this application, the directional terms “up” and “down” are those directions determined based on the cooking appliance 100 when it is placed upright and the lid 10 is in the closed state.

[0216] It should be noted that although some structures of the cooking appliance 100 are illustrated here, these examples are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the structure of the cooking appliance 100 in the embodiments of this application.

[0217] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the lid 10 includes, for example, a top cover 13, a liner 11, and a removable cover 12. The liner 11 forms the skeleton of the lid 10, and various components of the lid 10 (e.g., the top temperature sensor 17A) are mounted on the liner 11. The liner 11 is pivotally connected to the pot body 20, for example, so that the lid 10 can close the pot body 20. The top cover 13 forms the outer shell of the lid 10 and is mounted on the liner 11. The removable cover 12 is detachably connected to the liner 11 and is located at the bottom of the lid 10. The removable cover 12 is used to close the opening of the inner pot 21.

[0218] The cooking process of cooking appliance 100 includes, for example, a preheating process, a water absorption process, a boiling process, a boiling maintenance process, a rice cooking process, and a heat preservation process. The preheating process is used to initially heat the ingredients. In the water absorption process, the ingredients fully absorb water to improve texture. In the boiling process, the temperature is heated to near boiling using high heat, and then maintained in the boiling maintenance process to ensure the ingredients are basically cooked. The rice cooking process dries out any remaining free moisture, further cooking the ingredients. Finally, the heat preservation process keeps the food warm so that the user can enjoy hot food.

[0219] To improve cooking quality, negative pressure is typically applied to the cooking chamber 22 during the water absorption process, meaning the air pressure inside the cooking chamber 22 is lower than the ambient air pressure. This negative pressure environment helps the food fully absorb water. Negative pressure is also applied to the cooking chamber 22 during the heat preservation process, which helps keep the food fresh. To improve cooking efficiency, cold air is blown into the cooking chamber 22 during the boiling maintenance process, meaning ambient air is discharged into the cooking chamber 22 to prevent overflow. Therefore, during the boiling maintenance process, the heating device 28 can maintain a relatively high power, which helps the food cook quickly.

[0220] To achieve the above functions, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The cooking appliance 100 also includes an airflow generating device 14 and an airflow integration device 30. The airflow generating device 14, the airflow integration device 30 and the cooking cavity 22 are organically connected to form the airflow structure 110 of the cooking appliance 100. The airflow structure 110 can exhaust steam, draw negative pressure and blow cold air into the cooking cavity 22.

[0221] The airflow generating device 14 is a component that promotes airflow, such as an air pump. The airflow generating device 14 includes an airflow inlet 15 and an airflow outlet 16. When the airflow generating device 14 is operating, airflow enters the airflow generating device 14 from the airflow inlet 15 and exits the airflow generating device 14 from the airflow outlet 16. The airflow generating device 14 is electrically connected to a control device, for example, to operate under the control of the control device.

[0222] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the gas path integration device 30 has a device housing 38, which encloses an inner cavity 39. The device housing 38 can be formed by the outer shell or partial outer shell of multiple components of the gas path integration device 30 in an assembled state. The device housing 38 is provided with an outer shell opening 55, through which the inner cavity 39 communicates with the external environment. The inner cavity 39 is provided with a first gas path 111 (see the red arrow airflow path in the figure), a second gas path 112 (see the brown arrow airflow path in the figure), a third gas path 113 (see the blue arrow airflow path in the figure), a fourth gas path 114 (see the green arrow airflow path in the figure), and a fifth gas path 115 (see the purple arrow airflow path in the figure). Each gas path, or airflow channel, can be composed of any structure that allows gas to pass through, such as pipes, cavities, or openings. In other words, the pipes, cavities, openings, etc., that each airflow path passes through are all components of that gas path.

[0223] Specifically, the first air passage 111 connects the cooking cavity 22 and the airflow inlet 15, with airflow flowing from the cooking cavity 22 to the airflow inlet 15. The second air passage 112 connects the airflow outlet 16 and the outer shell opening 55, with airflow flowing from the airflow outlet 16 to the outer shell opening 55. The third air passage 113 connects the cooking cavity 22 and the outer shell opening 55, with airflow flowing from the cooking cavity 22 to the outer shell opening 55. The fourth air passage 114 connects the outer shell opening 55 and the airflow inlet 15, with airflow flowing from the outer shell opening 55 to the airflow inlet 15. The fifth air passage 115 connects the airflow outlet 16 and the cooking cavity 22. Thus, using the first air passage 111 and the second air passage 112, a negative pressure can be drawn into the cooking cavity 22 when the airflow generating device 14 is operating. Using the third air passage 113, steam can be discharged from the cooking cavity 22. Using the fourth air passage 114 and the fifth air passage 115, cold air can be blown into the cooking cavity 22 when the airflow generating device 14 is operating.

[0224] The first air passage 111 and the second air passage 112 are connected in a suction mode where the air passage integration device 30 draws air from the cooking cavity 22. The third air passage 113 is connected in a steam exhaust mode where the air passage integration device 30 exhausts steam from the cooking cavity 22. The fourth air passage 114 and the fifth air passage 115 are connected in a blowing mode where the air passage integration device 30 introduces air into the cooking cavity 22.

[0225] The first air passage 111, the second air passage 112, the fourth air passage 114, and the fifth air passage 115 are connected to the airflow generating device 14, and the airflow direction within them is determined by the airflow generating device 14. The first air passage 111 and the fourth air passage 114 are upstream air passages of the airflow generating device 14. The second air passage 112 and the fifth air passage 115 are downstream air passages of the airflow generating device 14. The third air passage 113 is not connected to the airflow generating device 14, and the airflow direction within it is determined by the air pressure at both ends of the passage. When the food boils, a large amount of hot steam is generated in the cooking chamber 22. The steam pressure is higher than the ambient air pressure, so the airflow flows from the cooking chamber 22 to the outer shell opening 55.

[0226] It can be seen that the gas path integration device 30 is connected to both the airflow generating device 14 and the cooking chamber 22, or in other words, the inner cavity 39 of the device is connected to both the airflow generating device 14 and the cooking chamber 22. The gas path integration device 30 integrates the gas path for drawing negative pressure, exhausting steam and blowing cold air for the cooking chamber 22. The integrated design reduces the number of parts of the cooking appliance 100 and makes assembly easier.

[0227] Preferably, both the air path integration device 30 and the airflow generating device 14 are disposed on the cover 10, for example, mounted on the liner 11. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cover 11 is provided with a cover receiving groove 11A for accommodating the air path integration device 30. The air path integration device 30 is, for example, detachably mounted in the cover receiving groove 11A, thereby facilitating user cleaning. Understandably, the faceplate 13 is provided with an opening at a position corresponding to the cover receiving groove 11A.

[0228] For example, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the lid 10 is provided with an exhaust channel 18 and an intake channel 19. When the lid 10 closes the pot body 20, both the exhaust channel 18 and the intake channel 19 are connected to the cooking cavity 22. The gas path integration device 30 has an exhaust pipe 56, a third vent pipe 57, a first vent pipe 58, and a second vent pipe 59. The exhaust pipe 56, the third vent pipe 57, the first vent pipe 58, and the second vent pipe 59 are all connected to the inner cavity 39 of the device. When the gas path integration device 30 is installed on the lid 10, the exhaust pipe 56 is connected to the exhaust channel 18, and the second vent pipe 59 is connected to the intake channel 19, so that the inner cavity 39 of the device is connected to the cooking cavity 22. The third vent pipe 57 is connected to the airflow inlet 15. The first vent pipe 58 is connected to the airflow outlet 16. Here, the connection between the two components can be a direct docking or a connection through conduits, pipes, or other pipelines. The port of the pipeline can also be understood as the interface of the component. For example, the interfaces of the cover 10 and the airflow generating device 14 for connecting with the air path integration device 30 are all located on the bottom wall of the receiving groove 11A, and the interfaces of the air path integration device 30 are all located on the lower surface of the device housing 38, thereby facilitating the connection of the air path structure 110.

[0229] The first air passage 111 and the fourth air passage 114 are upstream air passages of the airflow generating device 14. They can share the third vent pipe 57, meaning the third vent pipe 57 is on both the first air passage 111 and the fourth air passage 114. The third vent pipe 57 is also called a tubular connection. The second air passage 112 and the fifth air passage 115 are downstream air passages of the airflow generating device 14. They can share the first vent pipe 58, meaning the first vent pipe 58 is on both the second air passage 112 and the fifth air passage 115.

[0230] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the inner cavity 39 of the device may include an air blowing chamber 81, a switching chamber 82, an exhaust chamber 83, a ventilation chamber 84, and an exhaust chamber 85. The outer shell opening 55 is located on the cavity walls of the ventilation chamber 84 and the exhaust chamber 85, but not on the cavity walls of the air blowing chamber 81, the switching chamber 82, and the exhaust chamber 83. Therefore, the ventilation chamber 84 and the exhaust chamber 85 are always in communication with the external environment. The exhaust chamber 83 is connected to both the exhaust pipe 56 and the third ventilation pipe 57, and thus is always in communication with the cooking cavity 22 and the airflow inlet 15. The first ventilation pipe 58 is connected to the switching chamber 82, so the switching chamber 82 is always in communication with the airflow outlet 16. The air blowing chamber 81 is connected to the second ventilation pipe 59, and thus is always in communication with the cooking cavity 22.

[0231] The structure of the airflow integration device 30 located on the first airflow path 111 includes, in sequence along the airflow direction, an exhaust pipe 56, an exhaust / exhaust chamber 83, and a third vent pipe 57. The structure of the airflow integration device 30 located on the second airflow path 112 includes, in sequence along the airflow direction, a first vent pipe 58, a switching chamber 82, and an exhaust chamber 85. The switching chamber 82 and the exhaust chamber 85 are adjacent. The structure of the airflow integration device 30 located on the third airflow path 113 includes, in sequence along the airflow direction, an exhaust pipe 56, an exhaust / exhaust chamber 83, and a vent chamber 84. The exhaust / exhaust chamber 83 and the vent chamber 84 are adjacent. The structure of the airflow integration device 30 located on the fourth airflow path 114 includes, in sequence along the airflow direction, a vent chamber 84, an exhaust / exhaust chamber 83, and a third vent pipe 57. The structure of the airflow integration device 30 located on the fifth airflow path 115 includes, in sequence along the airflow direction, a first vent pipe 58, a switching chamber 82, a blowing chamber 81, and a second vent pipe 59. The switching chamber 82 and the blowing chamber 81 are adjacent.

[0232] The switching chamber 82 and the blowing chamber 81 are collectively referred to as the combined chamber 86. The combined chamber 86 connects the first vent pipe 58 and the second vent pipe 59. The combined chamber 86 connects the first vent pipe 58 and the cooking chamber 22. The combined chamber 86 connects the airflow outlet 16 and the second vent pipe 59. The combined chamber 86 connects the airflow outlet 16 and the cooking chamber 22.

[0233] To make the gas path integration device 30 compact, multiple gas paths share components. To ensure the orderly operation of the gas path integration device 30, multiple valve devices are installed in the internal cavity 39 of the device to control the opening and closing of the gas paths.

[0234] For example, a third opening 43 is provided on the second air passage 112 on the shared cavity wall 51 (also called the first shared cavity wall 51) of the switching cavity 82 and the exhaust cavity 85. When the third opening 43 is open, the second air passage 112 is open. When the second air passage 112 is open, the air passage downstream of the airflow generating device 14 in the air passage that draws negative pressure from the cooking cavity 22 is open. When the third opening 43 is closed, the second air passage 112 is blocked. When the second air passage 112 is blocked, the air passage that draws negative pressure from the cooking cavity 22 is blocked, specifically the air passage downstream of the airflow generating device 14 in the negative pressure drawing air passage is blocked.

[0235] The second one-way valve 35 in the inner cavity 39 of the device is used to open and close the third opening 43. When the second one-way valve 35 opens the third opening 43, the second air passage 112 is open, allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the switching chamber 82 to the exhaust chamber 85 (that is, allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the first vent pipe 58 to the exhaust chamber 85, allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the first vent pipe 58 to the outer shell opening 55, allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the air outlet 16 to the exhaust chamber 85, and allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the air outlet 16 to the outer shell opening 55). When the second one-way valve 35 is open, the air passage integration device 30 is in the suction mode, and the suction and exhaust chamber 83, the third vent pipe 57, the airflow generating device 14, the first vent pipe 58, the switching chamber 82, and the exhaust chamber 85 form a connected suction air passage. When the second one-way valve 35 closes the third opening 43, the second air passage 112 is blocked.

[0236] A second opening 42 is provided on the common cavity wall 52 (also called the second common cavity wall 52) of the switching cavity 82 and the blowing cavity 81 in the fifth air passage 115. When the second opening 42 is open, the fifth air passage 115 is open. When the fifth air passage 115 is open, the air passage downstream of the airflow generator 14 in the air passage that blows cold air into the cooking cavity 22 is open. When the five-way valve 37 closes the second opening 42, the fifth air passage 115 is blocked. When the fifth air passage 115 is blocked, the air passage that blows cold air into the cooking cavity 22 is blocked, specifically the air passage downstream of the airflow generator 14 in the cold air blowing air passage is blocked.

[0237] The second opening 42 is located in the air passage in the inner cavity 39 of the device for connecting the air outlet 16 and the cooking cavity 22.

[0238] A fifth one-way valve 37 (also called a floating seal assembly 37) in the device cavity 39 is used to open and close the second opening 42. When the fifth one-way valve 37 opens the second opening 42, the fifth air passage 115 is open, allowing airflow to flow unidirectionally from the switching chamber 82 to the blowing chamber 81 (that is, allowing airflow unidirectionally from the first vent pipe 58 to the blowing chamber 81, from the first vent pipe 58 to the second vent pipe 59, from the first vent pipe 58 to the cooking chamber 22, from the air outlet 16 to the blowing chamber 81, from the air outlet 16 to the second vent pipe 59, and from the air outlet 16 to the cooking chamber 22). When the fifth one-way valve 37 closes the second opening 42, the fifth air passage 115 is blocked. For example, the floating seal assembly 37 is movable relative to the second opening 42 (that is, the device cavity 39 or the device housing 38) between a second open position and a second closed position. When the floating sealing assembly 37 is in the second open position, it opens the second opening 42, at which point the switching chamber 82 is connected to the blowing chamber 81, and the first vent pipe 58, the switching chamber 82, the blowing chamber 81, and the second vent pipe 59 form a connected air passage. When the floating sealing assembly 37 is in the second closed position, it closes the second opening 42, at which point the switching chamber 82 is isolated from the blowing chamber 81. Both the second opening 42 and the floating sealing assembly 37 are located between the switching chamber 82 and the blowing chamber 81.

[0239] like Figure 7 As shown, the axial direction of the second opening 42 is DA. A floating seal assembly 37 extends through the second opening 42 and is movable within the second opening 42 in the axial direction DA between a second open position and a second closed position. At least a portion of the floating seal assembly 37 (e.g., the portion of the floating seal assembly 37 for traversing within the second opening 42) has a gap with the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 42. When the floating seal assembly 37 is in the second closed position (the position shown in the figure), the floating seal assembly 37 blocks the second opening 42. When the floating seal assembly 37 is in the second open position, the floating seal assembly opens the second opening 42, allowing airflow to pass through the gap between the floating seal assembly 37 and the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 42.

[0240] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that, during the water absorption and / or heat preservation processes, the second air passage 112 is open and the fifth air passage 115 is blocked; during the boiling maintenance process, the second air passage 112 is blocked and the fifth air passage 115 is open. In other words, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that, during the water absorption and / or heat preservation processes, the second one-way valve 35 opens the third opening 43 and the fifth one-way valve 37 closes the second opening 42; during the boiling maintenance process, the second one-way valve 35 closes the third opening 43 and the fifth one-way valve 37 opens the second opening 42. Both the second air passage 112 and the fifth air passage 115 are located downstream of the airflow generating device 14 and are used to discharge the airflow discharged from the airflow generating device 14. When negative pressure is required, the downstream air passage for negative pressure is connected to the environment but not to the cooking chamber 22; when cold air is required, the downstream air passage for cold air is connected to the cooking chamber 22 but not to the environment. Thus, the airflow is guided in an orderly and directional manner to achieve the desired effect. Figure 7 It can be clearly seen that the downstream air passages of the airflow generating device 14 (the brown second air passage 112 and the purple fifth air passage 115) are split in the shared switching chamber 82 after passing through the shared first vent pipe 58.

[0241] The first air passage 111, the third air passage 113, and the fourth air passage 114 share the exhaust chamber 83. Understandably, when negative pressure is applied to the cooking chamber 22, the exhaust chamber 83 cannot be connected to the external environment, but only to the cooking chamber 22. When steam is discharged from the cooking chamber 22, the exhaust chamber 83 needs to be connected to the outside environment so that the steam can be released into the environment. When cold air is blown into the cooking chamber 22, the exhaust chamber 83 also needs to be connected to the outside environment so that cold ambient air can enter the airflow generating device 14. Therefore, the third air passage 113 and the fourth air passage 114 also share the ventilation chamber 84, which is always connected to the environment. The exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 are connected through a first opening 41. When the first opening 41 is open, the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 are connected. When the first opening 41 is closed, the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 are isolated.

[0242] A movable partition assembly 36 in the device cavity 39 defines an exhaust chamber 83 with a portion of the device housing 38. In other words, the movable partition assembly 36 and the device housing 38 each provide a portion of the cavity wall of the exhaust chamber 83, and at least one of the movable partition assembly 36 and the device housing 38 is provided with a cavity space for forming the exhaust chamber 83. For example, the movable partition assembly 36 is movable relative to the device housing 38 (i.e., the device cavity 39) between a first open position and a first closed position. When the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first open position, the movable partition assembly 36 is disengaged from the portion of the device housing 38 and forms a first opening 41 between itself and the portion of the device housing 38 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9That is, relative movement occurs between different parts of the cavity wall of the exhaust cavity 83, causing the cavity wall to crack, and the opened crack is the first opening 41; when the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first closed position, the movable partition assembly 36 contacts the part of the device housing 38, the different parts of the cavity wall of the exhaust cavity 83 re-fit, and the crack of the first opening 41 is closed.

[0243] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that, during the water absorption and / or heat preservation processes, the first opening 41 is closed, and the exhaust chamber 83 is not connected to the external environment, but only to the cooking chamber 22; during the boiling maintenance process, the first opening 41 is opened, and the exhaust chamber 83 is connected to the venting chamber 84, thereby connecting the exhaust chamber 83 to the environment. In other words, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that, during the water absorption and / or heat preservation processes, the movable partition assembly 36 closes the first opening 41; during the boiling maintenance process, the movable partition assembly 36 opens the first opening 41. The first air passage 111 and the fourth air passage 114 are both located upstream of the airflow generating device 14 and are both used to supply gas to the airflow generating device 14. When negative pressure is required, the gas entering the airflow generating device 14 is ensured to be air from the cooking chamber 22; when cold air is required, ambient cold air can enter the airflow generating device 14. Thus, the airflow is guided in an orderly and directional manner to achieve the desired effect.

[0244] Furthermore, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that when the second gas passage 112 is open, the first opening 41 is closed, and the fifth gas passage 115 is blocked, thus allowing the negative pressure gas passage to operate normally; when the fifth gas passage 115 is open, the first opening 41 is open, thus allowing the cold air gas passage to operate normally. Therefore, the first opening 41 and the second opening 42 open synchronously (or simultaneously) and close synchronously (or simultaneously). For example, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that the movable partition assembly 36 and the floating sealing assembly 37 can interact (they are mutually acting components) to achieve linkage between them. For example, when the movable partition assembly 36 opens the first opening 41, the movable partition assembly 36 causes the floating sealing assembly 37 to open the second opening 42. In other words, when the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first open position, the movable partition assembly 36 presses the floating sealing assembly 37 against the second open position. For example, when the movable partition assembly 36 closes the first opening 41, the movable partition assembly 36 causes the floating sealing assembly 37 to close the second opening 42. For example, when the floating seal assembly 37 closes the second opening 42, the floating seal assembly 37 causes the movable partition assembly 36 to close the first opening 41. Of course, the movable partition assembly 36 and the floating seal assembly 37 can also operate under the control of a control device, and their synchronous actions can be achieved through software programs.

[0245] The function of the floating seal assembly 37 can also be understood as returning or resetting the movable partition assembly 36, and can also be regarded as the returning component of the movable partition assembly 36.

[0246] When the first opening 41 is opened, the third steam passage 113 is also simultaneously opened. Thus, the steam exhaust and cold air blowing into the cooking cavity 22 can be performed simultaneously. Preferably, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that the first opening 41 opens under the action of steam pressure in the cooking cavity 22, or in other words, the movable partition assembly 36 opens the first opening 41 under the action of steam pressure in the cooking cavity 22. When the movable partition assembly 36 and the floating sealing assembly 37 are linked, the floating sealing assembly 37 opens the second opening 42 under the action of steam pressure in the cooking cavity 22, or in other words, the second opening 42 opens under the action of steam pressure in the cooking cavity 22. That is, during the process of the movable partition assembly 36 moving from the first closed position to the first open position under the action of steam pressure in the cooking cavity 22, the movable partition assembly 36 contacts the floating sealing assembly 37 located in the second closed position, and then forces the floating sealing assembly 37 to move together with the movable partition assembly 36, thereby causing the floating sealing assembly 37 to move to the second open position. Therefore, the opening of the first opening 41 does not require the participation of electronic control components, making control simple and cost-effective. Furthermore, when the steam in the cooking chamber 22 can drive the moving baffle assembly 36 to move, it indicates that a large amount of steam has been generated in the cooking chamber 22, for example, during the boiling process. At this time, the first opening 41 opens, which can both release steam and blow cold air, just meeting the need to prevent overflow during the boiling process.

[0247] In this application, the force by which steam pushes open the movable partition assembly 36 to open the first opening 41 is, for example, 0.1N to 5N, preferably 0.2N to 1N.

[0248] Understandably, the control device can determine the temperature in the cooking chamber 22 based on the sensing data from the temperature sensor, thereby accurately determining whether to enter the sustained boiling process. After determining that the sustained boiling process has been entered, the airflow generating device 14 is controlled to operate. Those skilled in the art can experimentally adjust the control software and component parameters so that before the control software confirms that the sustained boiling process has been entered, the moving baffle assembly 36 has already opened the first opening 41 under the action of the steam in the cooking chamber 22.

[0249] Furthermore, to simplify control, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that the second open position is above the second closed position, and the floating sealing assembly 37 moves from the second open position to the second closed position by its own weight. Further, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that the floating sealing assembly 37 is above the movable partition assembly 36, and the movable partition assembly 36 is above the first opening 41 (the floating sealing assembly 37 and the first opening 41 are located on opposite sides of the movable partition assembly 36 along the axial direction DA), and the first open position is above the first closed position. When the floating sealing assembly 37 moves from the second open position to the second closed position by its own weight, it also causes the movable partition assembly 36 to move from the first open position to the first closed position by its own weight. That is, during the process of the floating sealing assembly 37 moving from the second open position to the second closed position by its own weight, it contacts the movable partition assembly 36 located in the first open position, and then forces the movable partition assembly 36 to move together with the floating sealing assembly 37, thereby moving the movable partition assembly 36 to the first closed position.

[0250] Furthermore, to simplify control, the cooking appliance 100 is configured such that the second one-way valve 35 opens the third opening 43 under the action of the air pressure in the switching chamber 82 (i.e., the air pressure in the first vent pipe 58, the air pressure at the air outlet 16, and the air pressure in the second air passage 112). In other words, the second one-way valve 35 has an open position or open state driven by the air pressure in the switching chamber 82. When the air pressure in the switching chamber 82 drops, the second one-way valve 35 closes (is in the closed position or closed state). The second one-way valve 35 includes, for example, an elastic member that deforms under air pressure to open the third opening 43 and returns to its original shape through its elasticity to close the third opening 43. Thus, the air passage integration device 30 does not require connection to electrical control components, simplifying control, saving costs, and simplifying the assembly of the cooking appliance 100.

[0251] like Figure 7 As shown, the second one-way valve 35 is constructed as an elastic diaphragm covering the third opening 43. When there is airflow in the switching chamber 82, the airflow deforms the elastic diaphragm, for example, by flipping it upwards as shown in the figure, exposing the third opening 43 and thus opening the second air passage 112. When the airflow pressure is insufficient, the elastic diaphragm recovers under its own elasticity, re-covering the third opening 43 and blocking the second air passage 112.

[0252] Understandably, the force required to elastically deform the second one-way valve 35 needs to be less than the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37. This ensures that during the water absorption and / or heat preservation processes, the airflow from the airflow generator 14 experiences less resistance at the second one-way valve 35, causing the airflow to tend to flow towards the third opening 43. In other words, when the air pressure in the switching chamber 82 is less than the weight corresponding to the preset weight of the floating sealing assembly 37, the floating sealing assembly 37 is in the second closed position. Those skilled in the art can experimentally determine the power of the airflow generator 14, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37, and the elastic deformation capability of the second one-way valve 35, so that the airflow from the airflow generator 14 can deform the second one-way valve 35 without lifting the floating sealing assembly 37, thus achieving the opening of the second air passage 112 and the blocking of the fifth air passage 115 when negative pressure is applied.

[0253] When the floating sealing assembly 37 opens the second opening 42, the second opening 42 becomes a passage. The second one-way valve 35 closes the third opening 43, thus the resistance at the third opening 43 is greater than the resistance at the second opening 42. Therefore, when the second opening 42 is open, the airflow in the switching chamber 82 chooses the path of least resistance and flows out of the switching chamber 82 through the second opening 42, rather than through the third opening 43. In other words, when the second opening 42 is open, the second opening 42 makes the switching chamber 82 not a closed cavity, preventing the maintenance of a high air pressure in the switching chamber 82, thus preventing the air pressure from deforming the second one-way valve 35.

[0254] The first opening 41, the second opening 42, and the third opening 43 are all openings in their respective air paths, and can also be regarded as a small section of airflow channel.

[0255] Due to the position of the cross-section Figure 7 The cross-sectional view failed to show the complete fifth air passage 115. Figure 8 The cross-sectional view failed to show the complete second air passage 112.

[0256] The following describes a specific exemplary structure of the gas path integration device 30.

[0257] like Figures 10 to 26 As shown, the gas path integration device 30 has a basically radially symmetrical shape, with its axis PA extending in the vertical direction, that is, the axial direction DA of the gas path integration device 30 is in the vertical direction. In the projection along the axial direction DA, the device housing 38 is a circle with the axis PA as the center.

[0258] The gas path integration device 30 includes an upper cover 31 (also called a first cover), an upper partition 32 (also called a first partition), a lower partition 33 (also called a second partition), and a lower cover 34 (also called a second cover). The upper cover 31 and the lower cover 34 each form part of the device housing 38, together enclosing the device cavity 39. The lower cover 34 is located below the upper cover 31, facing the cooking cavity 22 and contacting the bottom wall of the receiving slot 11A. The exhaust pipe 56, the third vent pipe 57, the first vent pipe 58, and the second vent pipe 59 all extend from the lower surface of the lower cover 34.

[0259] The device's upper cover 31 is generally shaped like a top hat, including a top wall 31A, a side wall 31B, and an annular wall 31C. The side wall 31B is generally a cylinder extending in the axial direction DA. The top wall 31A is connected to the upper end of the side wall 31B, forming the top of the hat and constituting the top wall of the gas path integration device 30. The inner peripheral edge of the annular wall 31C is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the side wall 31B and extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the side wall 31B, forming a brim. The device's lower cover 34 is generally bowl-shaped, including a bottom wall 34A and a side wall 34B. The axial direction of the side wall 34B is also the axial direction DA. The bottom wall 34A is connected to the lower end of the side wall 34B, constituting the bottom wall of the gas path integration device 30, for contacting the bottom of the receiving groove 11A. The bottom wall 34A of the lower cover extends along a plane, thereby reducing the difficulty of manufacturing. The outer periphery of the annular wall 31C of the upper cover is located above the periphery of the upper opening of the side wall 34B of the lower cover.

[0260] Both the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 are disposed in the inner cavity 39 of the device to divide the inner cavity 39 of the device into multiple cavities.

[0261] The lower partition 33 is, for example, constructed in a disc shape, with its outer peripheral edge connected to the inner peripheral surface of the lower cover sidewall 34B. The lower partition 33 is connected to the device lower cover 34, for example, via a third rotary latch 94C (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 14 The upper separator 32 is located above the lower separator 33.

[0262] The upper partition 32 abuts against the top wall 31A of the upper cover at its upper end and against the lower partition 33 at its lower end. The upper partition 32 has a double-layer structure, with both the upper and lower layers being generally circular grooves with the axial direction DA as their axis. The upper and lower grooves share a common bottom, resulting in opposite opening directions for the two grooves. Specifically, the upper partition 32 includes a partition plate 32A, an upper groove sidewall 32B, and a lower groove sidewall 32C. The partition plate 32A extends, for example, horizontally, forming the bottom of the upper and lower grooves. The upper groove sidewall 32B is, for example, a cylinder extending along the axial direction DA, connected to the upper surface of the partition plate 32A, thus opening the upper groove upwards. The upper end of the upper groove sidewall 32B abuts against the top wall 31A of the upper cover. The lower groove sidewall 32C is also, for example, a cylinder extending along the axial direction DA, connected to the lower surface of the partition plate 32A, thus opening the lower groove downwards. The lower end of the lower groove sidewall 32C abuts against the lower partition 33. The lower groove sidewall 32C and the lower partition 33 are connected, for example, by a second rotary latch 94B (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0263] The radial dimension of the upper tank sidewall 32B is smaller than the radial dimension of the lower tank sidewall 32C. The radial dimension of the upper tank sidewall 32B is also smaller than the radial dimension of the partition plate 32A. The radial dimension of the lower tank sidewall 32C is the same as that of the partition plate 32A. The upper tank sidewall 32B, lower tank sidewall 32C, and partition plate 32A are connected at their centers, so that the partition plate 32A as a whole forms the bottom of the lower tank, while the middle portion of the partition plate 32A forms the bottom of the upper tank. In other words, the bottom of the lower tank includes the bottom of the upper tank, and the bottom of the upper tank is the middle portion of the bottom of the lower tank.

[0264] Reference Figure 7 The opening of the upper groove of the upper partition 32 is covered by the top wall 31A of the upper cover, and the space of the upper groove forms an air blowing chamber 81. That is, the top wall 31A of the upper cover, the partition 32A, and the side wall 32B of the upper groove surround the air blowing chamber 81. Among them, the top wall 31A of the upper cover forms the top wall of the air blowing chamber 81, the partition 32A forms the bottom wall of the air blowing chamber 81, and the side wall 32B of the upper groove forms the side wall of the air blowing chamber 81. The air blowing chamber 81 is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0265] The opening of the lower groove of the upper partition 32 is covered by the lower partition 33, and the space of the lower groove forms a switching cavity 82. That is, the lower partition 33, the partition plate 32A, and the lower groove sidewall 32C enclose the switching cavity 82. Among them, the partition plate 32A forms the top wall of the switching cavity 82, the lower partition 33 forms the bottom wall of the switching cavity 82, and the lower groove sidewall 32C forms the sidewall of the switching cavity 82. The switching cavity 82 is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0266] The upper cover sidewall 31B is located on the outer periphery of the upper partition 32. The upper part of the upper cover sidewall 31B is located above the partition 32A. The lower part of the upper cover sidewall 31B is located below the partition 32A and on the outer periphery of the lower groove sidewall 32C. The lower part of the upper cover sidewall 31B is connected to the lower groove sidewall 32C, for example, via a third rotary snap 94C (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 14 Because the upper groove of the upper partition 32 is narrower than the lower groove, an annular space exists between the upper groove sidewall 32B and the upper cover sidewall 31B, which constitutes the exhaust chamber 85. That is, the exhaust chamber 85 is essentially enclosed by the outer periphery of the upper cover top wall 31A (the portion outside the air blowing chamber 81), the outer periphery of the partition 32A (the portion outside the air blowing chamber 81), the upper groove sidewall 32B, and the upper part of the upper cover sidewall 31B. Specifically, the outer periphery of the upper cover top wall 31A forms the top wall of the exhaust chamber 85, the outer periphery of the partition 32A forms the bottom wall of the exhaust chamber 85, the upper groove sidewall 32B forms the outer wall of the exhaust chamber 85, and the upper cover sidewall 31B forms the inner wall of the exhaust chamber 85.

[0267] Understandably, the bottom wall of the upper groove of the upper partition 32, i.e., the middle part of the partition 32A, is the second common cavity wall 52 shared by the blowing chamber 81 and the switching chamber 82. The second opening 42 is provided in the second common cavity wall 52. The outer periphery of the partition 32A is the first common cavity wall 51 shared by the exhaust chamber 85 and the switching chamber 82. The third opening 43 is provided in the first common cavity wall 51. In other words, the partition 32A includes the second common cavity wall 52 and the first common cavity wall 51 connected in the radial direction, with the first common cavity wall 51 located on the outer periphery of the second common cavity wall 52. The upper groove sidewall 32B is connected to the boundary line between the first common cavity wall 51 and the second common cavity wall 52. Since the first common cavity wall 51 is annular, multiple third openings 43 and second one-way valves 35 can be provided.

[0268] The space between the lower partition 33 and the lower cover 34 of the device forms an exhaust chamber 83 and a venting chamber 84. See details... Figure 15 and Figure 16 The bottom wall 34A of the lower cover is provided with an annular wall 83B extending in the axial direction DA. The annular wall 83B is located in the inner cavity 39 of the device. The inner space of the annular wall 83B is used to form at least a portion of the exhaust cavity 83, and the outer space of the annular wall 83B is used to form the venting cavity 84. The middle portion of the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover forms the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust cavity 83, and the annular wall 83B forms at least a portion of the side wall of the exhaust cavity 83. The outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover forms the bottom wall of the venting cavity 84, the side wall 34B of the lower cover forms the side wall of the venting cavity 84, and the lower partition 33 forms the top wall of the venting cavity 84. The annular wall 83B is constructed, for example, as a cylindrical wall.

[0269] The annular wall 83B has two ends arranged oppositely along the axial direction DA, one end of which is connected to the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber. The annular wall 83B is connected to the boundary between the middle portion and the outer periphery of the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover. The lower partition 33 is located above the annular wall 83B. The lower partition 33 and the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover are located on opposite sides of the annular wall 83B along the axial direction DA. A movable partition assembly 36 is disposed on the lower partition 33, and the movable partition assembly 36 and the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover are located on opposite sides of the annular wall 83B along the axial direction DA. The movable partition assembly 36 is configured to be movable relative to the annular wall 83B along the axial direction DA between a first open position and a first closed position. When the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first open position, a first opening 41 is formed between the movable partition assembly 36 and the end of the annular wall 83B that is not connected to the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber. Thus, the venting chamber 84 is located on the outer periphery of the annular wall 83B and surrounds the first opening 41. When the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first closed position, it contacts the end of the annular wall 83B that is not connected to the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber, forming at least the top wall of the exhaust chamber 83. The first opening 41 can be understood as being formed on the side wall of the exhaust chamber 83. When the first opening 41 is opened, the side wall of the exhaust chamber 83 splits circumferentially. The exhaust chamber 83 can also be understood as an airflow channel, and the first opening 41 can be understood as the opening of this airflow channel. The first opening 41 is located between the movable partition 64 and the annular wall 83B, that is, between the movable partition assembly 36 and the device housing 38.

[0270] The exhaust chamber 83 has an exhaust port 83C on its wall, which is connected to the exhaust pipe 56, thus connecting the exhaust chamber 83 to the cooking chamber 22. The exhaust chamber 83 also has an extraction port 83D on its wall, which is connected to the third vent pipe 57, thus connecting the exhaust chamber 83 to the airflow inlet 15. The exhaust port 83C and the extraction port 83D are preferably located on the same wall of the exhaust chamber 83, for example, both on the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber. Therefore, the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover, the third vent pipe 57, and the exhaust pipe 56 can be integrally formed.

[0271] An opening 55 is provided on the upper cover 31 of the device. See, for example. Figure 12 The housing opening 55 includes a first housing opening 55A disposed on the annular wall 31C. See also Figure 24 A vent 33A is provided near the edge of the lower partition 33. (See also...) Figure 7 The vent 33A and the first outer casing opening 55A are arranged along the axial direction DA. The vent chamber 84 is connected to the first outer casing opening 55A through the vent 33A, thereby communicating with the environment. See also Figure 10 and Figure 11The housing opening 55 also includes a second housing opening 55B located on the upper part of the side wall 31B of the upper cover. The second housing opening 55B is used to allow the exhaust chamber 85 to communicate with the environment. See also Figure 1 When the gas path integration device 30 is installed on the cover 10, the device cover 31 protrudes from the upper surface of the face cover 13, for example, to facilitate communication between the first housing opening 55A and the second housing opening 55B and the environment.

[0272] A first vent pipe 58 is disposed in the lower partition 33. The first vent pipe 58 extends axially DA through the venting cavity 84 within the device cavity 39 and exits through a through hole 34C on the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover. The first vent pipe 58 can be integrally formed with the lower partition 33, thereby integrally forming the first vent pipe 58 with the cavity wall of the switching cavity 82, and integrally forming the first vent pipe 58 with the cavity wall of the combined cavity 86. A second vent pipe 59 is disposed in the middle portion of the partition 32A (see...). Figure 8 This refers to the bottom wall of the air blowing chamber 81. The second air pipe extends axially along the direction DA in the inner cavity 39 of the device, passing through the switching chamber 82 and the ventilation chamber 84, and exits through the through hole 34D on the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover. The lower partition 33 is provided with a through hole 33D for the second air pipe 59 to pass through (see...). Figure 24 The first vent pipe 58 and the second vent pipe 59 are both located outside the annular wall 83B, so as not to affect the air passage function of the exhaust chamber 83.

[0273] As mentioned earlier, the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 are connected by a second rotating latch 94B, meaning they need to rotate relative to each other. Since the second vent pipe 59 needs to pass through the lower partition 33, it cannot be integrally formed with the upper partition 32. The second vent pipe 59 is detachably connected to the partition 32A. Figure 8 As shown, the partition 32A is provided with a partition connecting portion 32D for detachable connection with the second vent pipe 59. The partition connecting portion 32D is, for example, constructed as an internally threaded pipe (or hole) extending in the axial direction DA, and the outer periphery of the second vent pipe 59 is provided with external threads, which are screwed into the partition connecting portion 32D. When the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 are engaged in place, the partition connecting portion 32D is aligned with the through hole 33D of the lower partition 33.

[0274] When assembling the gas circuit integration device 30, first install the second one-way valve 35 and the floating seal assembly 37 onto the partition 32A, and then install the movable partition assembly 36 onto the lower partition 33. Next, screw the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 together. Then, screw the lower cover 34 onto the lower partition 33, and finally screw the upper cover 31 onto the upper partition 32. Finally, install the second vent pipe 59 onto the partition connection portion 32D.

[0275] To avoid affecting the function of the various cavities within the device's internal cavity 39, multiple sealing elements are also provided within the device's internal cavity. To ensure that the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 are not connected during negative pressure suction mode, a first sealing element 91A is provided between the movable partition assembly 36 and the device housing 38. The first sealing element 91A is, for example, a sealing ring, for example, straddling the end of the annular wall 83B (see...). Figure 9 A second sealing element 91B is provided between the lower groove sidewall 32C of the upper partition 32 and the edge of the lower partition 33 to seal the switching chamber 82. Simultaneously, the upper cover sidewall 31B is close to the lower groove sidewall 32C, so that the second sealing element 91B is also connected between the upper cover sidewall 31B and the edge of the lower partition 33. Thus, the second sealing element 91B seals the exhaust chamber 85, the switching chamber 82, and the ventilation chamber 84. A third sealing element 91C is provided between the upper groove sidewall 32B of the upper partition 32 and the top wall 31A of the upper cover to seal the blowing chamber 81 and the exhaust chamber 85. The third sealing element 91C is, for example, a sealing ring, for example, straddling the end of the upper groove sidewall 32B (see...). Figure 8 To avoid affecting the airflow function of the switching chamber 82, a fourth sealing element 91D is provided at the through hole 33D of the lower partition 33, which is used to seal the second vent pipe 59 in contact with the through hole 33D, thereby preventing the switching chamber 82 from communicating with the vent chamber 84. A fifth sealing element 91E is provided in the through hole 32E of the partition connecting part 32D, which seals the second vent pipe 59 in connection with the partition connecting part 32D, thus sealing the air blowing chamber 81 and the switching chamber 82.

[0276] The venting chamber 84 is designed for communication with the environment, therefore, sealing is not required at the through holes 34C and 34D. Understandably, when the lower cover 34 and the lower partition 33 are screwed together, the first vent pipe 58 is already located in through hole 34C, and the second vent pipe 59 is already located in through hole 34D. Sufficient space is provided in through holes 34C and 34D to allow the corresponding vent pipes to move within them. Figure 13 As shown, through holes 34C and 34D are both elongated holes. When the lower cover 34 of the device just contacts the lower partition 33 along the axial direction DA, the two air pipes are located at one end of the corresponding elongated hole (as shown in the black mark position in the figure). After the lower cover 34 of the device and the lower partition 33 are screwed together (as shown in the red arrow direction in the figure), the two air pipes are located at the other end of the corresponding elongated hole (as shown in the blue mark position in the figure).

[0277] like Figure 14 and Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the second check valve 35, the floating seal assembly 37, the upper partition 32, and the third seal 91C can be pre-assembled to form the upper partition pre-assembly assembly 53 (also called the first pre-assembly assembly). Figure 14 and Figures 21 to 23As shown, the movable partition assembly 36 and the lower partition 33 can be pre-assembled to form the lower partition pre-assembly assembly 54 (also called the second pre-assembly assembly). The upper partition pre-assembly assembly 53 and the lower partition pre-assembly assembly 54 are connected by the second rotary buckle 94B. After the upper partition pre-assembly assembly 53 and the lower partition pre-assembly assembly 54 are connected, the upper cover 31 is connected to the upper partition pre-assembly assembly 53 by the first rotary buckle 94A, and the lower cover 34 is connected to the lower partition pre-assembly assembly 54 by the third rotary buckle 94C.

[0278] The following describes the structure and installation method of the movable partition assembly 36.

[0279] See Figure 24 The lower partition 33 is provided with a mounting structure 33B for mounting the movable partition assembly 36. The mounting structure 33B includes a mounting through hole 33C. The movable partition assembly 36 passes through the mounting through hole 33C. The mounting through hole 33C is, for example, a circular hole. The axial direction of the first opening 41 is parallel to the axial direction of the mounting through hole 33C, both being axial directions DA. Figure 9 As shown, the first opening 41 is spaced apart from the mounting through hole 33C along the axial direction DA. The movable partition assembly 36 is connected to the mounting through hole 33C and is movable relative to the mounting through hole 33C along the axial direction DA between a first open position and a first closed position.

[0280] like Figures 7 to 9 and Figures 27 to 29 As shown, the movable partition assembly 36 includes a telescopic member 61, a movable partition 64, and a pressure ring 65.

[0281] The telescopic member 61 is connected to the periphery of the mounting through hole 33C and can extend and retract between a first open position and a first closed position in the axial direction DA of the mounting through hole 33C. A movable partition 64 and a portion of the device housing 38 define an exhaust / exhaust chamber 83. The movable partition 64 passes through the mounting through hole 33C and is connected to the telescopic member 61 to move synchronously with the telescopic member 61 between the first open position and the first closed position. Thus, the opening and closing of the first opening 41 is achieved by the movement of the movable partition 64.

[0282] The telescopic member 61, for example, has a radially symmetrical structure, including an outer peripheral portion 61A and a middle portion 61B. The outer peripheral portion 61A is connected to the middle portion 61B at the outer periphery of the middle portion 61B. The outer peripheral portion 61A is annular and is used to connect to the periphery of the mounting through hole 33C. The middle portion 61B is configured to extend through the mounting through hole 33C and is movable relative to the outer peripheral portion 61A in the axial direction DA within the mounting through hole 33C between a first open position and a first closed position.

[0283] The movable partition 64 is connected to the side of the telescopic member's intermediate portion 61B facing the first opening 41, and moves synchronously with the telescopic member's intermediate portion 61B between the first open position and the first closed position. In the first embodiment, the movable partition 64 moves from the first closed position (see [link to original text]) under the action of steam pressure. Figure 25 Move to the first open position (see) Figure 26 This causes the middle part 61B of the telescopic component to move from the first closed position to the first open position. Under the action of the floating sealing assembly 37, the middle part 61B of the telescopic component moves from the first open position to the first closed position, thereby causing the movable partition 64 to move from the first open position to the first closed position.

[0284] The main body of the pressure ring 65 is a pressure ring 67, which is circular in shape and matches the shape of the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member. The pressure ring 67 contacts the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member, clamping it between the pressure ring 67 and the mounting structure 33B, i.e., pressing the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member against the circumference of the mounting through hole 33C. This fixes the position of the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member, thus fixing its relative position to the first opening 41. The outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member can then move axially in the central through hole of the pressure ring 67 in the direction DA. The pressure ring 65 also includes a pressure ring connecting portion 66 for connecting to the mounting structure 33B, for example, detachably connecting to the mounting structure 33B. For example, the pressure ring connecting portion 66 is located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface of the pressure ring 67 and is connected to the mounting structure 33B by bolts. The telescopic member 61 is connected to the side of the mounting through hole 33C away from the first opening 41, thereby facilitating the installation of the pressure ring 65.

[0285] The telescopic member 61 is preferably made of an elastic material. It is understood that, since the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member is connected to the periphery of the mounting through-hole 33C, the telescopic member 61 can seal the mounting through-hole 33C, thereby isolating the switching chamber 82 from the ventilation chamber 84, and also isolating the switching chamber 82 from the exhaust chamber 83. The middle portion 61B of the telescopic member includes a pleated structure 61C. The pleated structure 61C is constructed to extend radially in the direction DR and to be concave and convex in the axial direction DA. Due to the use of an elastic material, the pleated structure 61C can be stretched open and reset. When the pleated structure 61C is stretched open, the middle portion 61B of the telescopic member moves away from the outer periphery 61A along the axial direction DA, causing the movable partition 64 to move away from the first opening 41 along the axial direction DA, thereby opening the first opening 41. When the pleated structure 61C is restored, the middle portion 61B of the telescopic member moves along the axial direction DA toward the outer periphery 61A of the telescopic member, causing the movable partition 64 to move along the axial direction DA toward the first opening 41, thereby closing the first opening 41. In other words, the movable partition 64 has a first open position and a first closed position, and the middle portion 61B of the telescopic member is constructed to be telescopic along the axial direction DA to correspond to the switching of the movable partition 64 between the first open position and the first closed position.

[0286] The movable partition 64 may include a partition connecting portion 64B and a partition flange 64A. The partition connecting portion 64B extends in the axial direction DA, and the end of the partition connecting portion 64B away from the first opening 41 is connected to the side of the telescopic member intermediate portion 61B facing the first opening 41. The partition flange 64A is disposed on the outer periphery of the partition connecting portion 64B for contacting the device housing 38, i.e., opening and closing the first opening 41. The outer diameter of the partition flange 64A is not less than the diameter of the first opening 41. The partition connecting portion 64B extends through the mounting through hole 33C, and is movable in the mounting through hole 33C in the axial direction DA relative to the mounting through hole 33C between a first open position and a first closed position.

[0287] The partition connecting portion 64B can have a smaller radial dimension to save material. Correspondingly, the mounting through-hole 33C, the expansion joint 61, and the pressure ring 65 can all have smaller dimensions. The radial dimension of the partition flange 64A can be larger than the diameter of the mounting through-hole 33C, so that the partition flange 64A is always located on the side of the mounting through-hole 33C facing the first opening 41, that is, the partition flange 64A is always located in the vent chamber 84. The partition flange 64A is connected to the axial DA end of the partition connecting portion 64B, thereby reducing the axial DA dimension of the partition connecting portion 64B.

[0288] Preferably, the telescopic member's intermediate portion 61B is detachably connected to the movable partition 64. The movable partition 64 (specifically, the partition connecting portion 64B) is provided with a partition flange 64H, and the telescopic member's intermediate portion 61B is tightly fitted with the partition flange 64H. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the movable partition 64 is constructed with a radially outwardly extending annular partition flange 64H, and the inner peripheral surface of the telescopic member's intermediate portion 61B facing the first opening 41 is constructed with a circumferentially extending second groove 61H, the groove opening and groove bottom of the second groove 61H facing each other in the radial direction DR, for accommodating the annular flange 64H. The movable partition 64 is made of, for example, a rigid material (plastic, metal, etc.), and the elasticity of the telescopic member 61 allows the partition flange 64H to be tightly fitted with the other partition flange 64H. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the telescopic member's middle portion 61B facing the first opening 41 is provided with a radially inwardly extending annular protrusion 61E, and the outer circumferential surface of the partition flange 64H is provided with a circumferentially extending first groove 64E. The opening and bottom of the first groove 64E are opposite each other in the radial direction DR to accommodate the annular protrusion 61E. The movable partition 64 can utilize the elasticity of the telescopic member 61 to deform it, allowing the annular protrusion 61E to enter the first groove 64E.

[0289] Preferably, the partition flange 64A is provided with reinforcing ribs 69 to enhance its strength. The reinforcing ribs 69 protrude from the surface of the partition flange 64A. Preferably, the reinforcing ribs 69 are located on the side of the partition flange 64A facing the first opening 41, thereby reducing the axial dimension DA of the partition connection portion 64B. The reinforcing ribs 69 may be constructed as annular ribs, for example, and may be located inside the annular wall 83B.

[0290] Furthermore, the mounting structure 33B is provided with at least one guide post 48 extending axially towards the first opening 41 in the direction DA. For example, at least one guide post 48 extending axially in the direction DA is provided on the side of the lower partition 33 facing the lower cover 34 of the device. The partition flange plate 64A of the movable partition 64 is provided with at least one guide hole 64D for accommodating the guide post 48. The guide post 48 is correspondingly provided with the guide hole 64D, and the guide post 48 is movable in the axial direction DA within the guide hole 64D. Thus, the guide post 48 and the guide hole 64D enable the movable partition 64 to move stably in the axial direction DA. Multiple guide posts 48 and guide holes 64D can be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. Figure 24 As shown, the guide post 48 is located around the opening of the mounting through hole 33C. Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the guide post 48 is located outside the annular wall 83B, that is, outside the first opening 41, and in the venting cavity 84. Correspondingly, the guide hole 64D is also located outside the first opening 41.

[0291] like Figure 27 As shown, the partition flange 64A is also provided with a through hole 64F for the first vent pipe 58 to pass through and a through hole 64G for the second vent pipe 59 to pass through. The first vent pipe 58 and the second vent pipe 59 also guide the movement of the movable partition 64. Figure 24 It can be seen that the guide post 48, the first vent pipe 58, and the second vent pipe 59 are roughly distributed on the same circle with the axis PA as the center.

[0292] As mentioned earlier, the steam exhaust third air passage 113 and the cold air blowing fourth air passage 114 of the cooking appliance 100 are simultaneously connected, meaning that steam exhaust and cold air blowing occur simultaneously. The two air passages share the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84. In the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84, the airflow directions of the third air passage 113 and the fourth air passage 114 are opposite and the airflow temperatures are different.

[0293] To prevent the hot steam that needs to move along the third gas path 113 from entering the fourth gas path 114, such as... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a first blocking member 45 is also provided on the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber, located between the exhaust port 83D and the exhaust port 83C. The first blocking member 45 protrudes from the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber towards the interior of the exhaust chamber 83, preventing airflow between the exhaust port 83D and the exhaust port 83C to a certain extent. In other words, the first blocking member 45 divides the exhaust chamber 83 into a steam exhaust side 83E and a cold air connection side 83F. It is understood that the exhaust port 83C is located on the steam exhaust side 83E, and the exhaust port 83D is located on the cold air connection side 83F.

[0294] Furthermore, a second blocking member 49 is provided in the venting cavity 84. The lower side of the second blocking member 49 is connected to the bottom wall 34A and the side wall 34B of the lower cover, and its upper edge conforms to the bottom shape of the lower partition 33, thereby substantially dividing the venting cavity 84 into two. Preferably, the second blocking member 49 is located in the extending direction of the first blocking member 45, that is, on the extension line of the first blocking member 45, and together with the first blocking member 45, it serves to separate the hot and cold airflows. Due to the radial arrangement of the exhaust cavity 83 and the venting cavity 84, two second blocking members 49 are provided in the venting cavity 84, respectively corresponding to the two sides 46 of the first blocking member 45 extending on the extension line of the first blocking member 45.

[0295] like Figure 7As shown, hot steam enters the exhaust chamber 83 from the exhaust pipe 56 via the blue third gas path 113. Due to the obstruction of the first blocking member 45, most of the steam enters the ventilation chamber 84 from the side of the first blocking member 45 facing the exhaust port 83C, and then is discharged into the environment from the side of the second blocking member 49 facing the exhaust port 83C. The reinforcing rib 69 extends toward the exhaust chamber 83 and is located inside the annular wall 83B. The reinforcing rib 69 and the first blocking member 45 are staggered in the axial direction DA, thereby forming a double-layer obstruction with the first blocking member 45 to a certain extent, further preventing the hot steam from moving toward the exhaust port 83D. Preferably, the reinforcing rib 69 is located between the first blocking member 45 and the annular wall 83B in the radial direction DR. The portions of the exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 located on the side of the two obstructions facing the exhaust port 83C are occupied by hot steam, while the ambient cold air tends to enter the ventilation chamber 84 from the side of the second obstruction 49 facing the exhaust port 83D, and then enter the exhaust chamber 83 from the side of the first obstruction 45 facing the exhaust port 83D.

[0296] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown, preferably, the two side edges 46 of the first blocking member 45, spaced apart along the width direction, are connected to the annular wall 83B to more fully block the suction port 83D and the exhaust port 83C. Preferably, the middle portion 47 of the first blocking member 45, along the width direction, protrudes from the annular wall 83B along the axial direction DA toward the movable partition assembly 36 to more fully block the suction port 83D and the exhaust port 83C. The partition connecting portion 64B of the movable partition assembly 36 includes a receiving groove 64C (see...). Figure 28 The opening of the receiving groove 64C faces the first opening 41, and the receiving groove 64C is used to receive the middle portion 47 of the first blocking member 45. In this way, the middle portion 47 of the first blocking member 45 can have a certain height, which is beneficial for isolating hot steam and cold ambient air. In order to accommodate the shape of the mounting through hole 33C, the partition connecting part 64B is generally cylindrical, so the receiving groove 64C is a circular groove. In order to extend the effective length of the middle portion 47 of the first blocking member 45, the middle portion 47 of the first blocking member 45 includes an arc-shaped plate, the axis of which largely coincides with the axis of the annular wall 83B. The curvature of the arc-shaped plate is, for example, 90 degrees to 180 degrees. The first blocking member 45, the annular wall 83B, the exhaust pipe 56, the third vent pipe 57, and the device lower cover 34 can be integrally formed.

[0297] Understandably, the receiving slot 64C is also part of the cavity space of the exhaust chamber 83, thus the movable partition 64 provides the top wall and part of the side wall of the exhaust chamber 83.

[0298] Preferably, the axis of the exhaust port 83C largely coincides with the axis of the annular wall 83B, so that steam can act evenly on the moving baffle 64. Preferably, the diameter of the exhaust port 83C is larger than the diameter of the extraction port 83D, which is conducive to the rapid entry of steam into the extraction and exhaust chamber 83 and its occupation of the third gas path 113.

[0299] When the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first open position, the air path integration device 30 is in the air blowing mode that introduces air into the cooking cavity 22. An interconnected internal air blowing path (air path for blowing cold air into the cooking space 22) can be formed between the outer shell opening 55, the vent chamber 84, the first opening 41, the exhaust chamber 83 (specifically, the cold air connection side 83F), the third vent pipe 57, the airflow generator 14, the first vent pipe 58, the combined cavity 86, and the second vent pipe 59. Specifically, a connected cold air inlet path is formed between the outer shell opening 55, the vent chamber 84, the first opening 41, and the cold air connection side 83F. Ambient air enters the airflow generator 14 via the exhaust chamber 84, the tubular connection 57, and the airflow inlet 15. Simultaneously, the air path integration device 30 is also in the steam exhaust mode, forming a steam exhaust path between the exhaust pipe 56, the steam exhaust side 83E, the first opening 41, the vent chamber 84, and the outer shell opening 55. When the movable partition assembly 36 is in the first closed position, the gas path integration device 30 is in the suction mode for evacuating the cooking chamber 22. The exhaust chamber 83 and the ventilation chamber 84 are isolated. The exhaust pipe 56, the exhaust chamber 83, the third ventilation pipe 57, the airflow generator 14, the first ventilation pipe 58, and the combination chamber 86 (specifically the switching chamber 82) can form a connected external suction path (a gas path for drawing negative pressure from the cooking space 22). The gas in the cooking chamber 22 enters the airflow generator 14 through the exhaust pipe 56, the exhaust chamber 83, the tubular connection 57, and the airflow inlet 15.

[0300] In this application, preferably, the axes of the device upper cover 31, upper partition 32, lower partition 33, device lower cover 34, mounting through hole 33C, movable partition assembly 36 and annular wall 83B are all the axis PA of the gas path integration device 30.

[0301] In some embodiments not shown in this application, the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover does not extend along a plane, and its middle portion and the outer peripheral portion are not in the same plane. For example, its middle portion is recessed downward relative to the outer peripheral portion. For example, the annular wall 83B forms part of the outer surface of the device housing 38.

[0302] The structure and installation method of the floating seal assembly 37 are described below.

[0303] As previously stated, the floating sealing assembly 37 extends through the second opening 42. Figures 30 to 32As shown, the floating sealing assembly 37 includes a floating member 71 and a sealing member 75. The floating member 71 extends through a second opening 42 and is movable in the second opening 42 in the axial direction DA. The floating member 71 includes a first end 71A and a second end 71B disposed opposite to each other in the axial direction DA. The first end 71A extends out of the second opening 42. At least a portion of the floating member 71 has a gap with the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 42. The sealing member 75 is connected to the first end 71A of the floating member and is used to seal one end of the second opening 42. For example, the radial dimension of the sealing member 75 is larger than the radial dimension of the second opening 42, so that the sealing member 75 closes the second opening 42 by covering it. At the same time, the sealing member 75 also provides a limit position when the floating member 71 moves toward the second end 71B of the floating member.

[0304] The sealing element 75 preferably comprises an elastic material. The sealing element 75 can also be understood as a seal. The sealing element 75 is, for example, constructed as an elastic diaphragm that covers one end (one side) of the second opening 42. The elastic diaphragm is provided with a diaphragm mounting hole 76 through which the first end portion 71A of the floating element passes, such that the elastic diaphragm is fitted around the outer periphery of the first end portion 71A of the floating element. For example, the outer periphery of the first end portion 71A of the floating element is provided with a first mounting groove 71E extending in the circumferential direction for receiving the portion of the elastic diaphragm located around the opening of the diaphragm mounting hole 76, i.e., the elastic diaphragm is engaged in the first mounting groove 71E.

[0305] The sealing element 75 is, for example, a circular (annular) elastic seal with a radial dimension of, for example, 2-10 mm on the outer circumference of the circle.

[0306] The second end 71B of the floating member also extends out of the second opening. The floating sealing assembly 37 also includes a limiting member 77 connected to the second end 71B of the floating member, the radial dimension of which is larger than the radial dimension of the second opening 42. Thus, the limiting member 77 provides a limit position when the floating member 71 moves toward the first end 71A of the floating member. The limiting member 77 is, for example, fitted around the outer periphery of the second end 71B of the floating member. For example, the limiting member 77 can be constructed as a limiting ring made of an elastic material. The outer periphery of the second end 71B of the floating member is, for example, provided with a second mounting groove 71F extending in the circumferential direction for receiving the limiting member 77, that is, the limiting member is engaged in the second mounting groove 71F.

[0307] The floating member 71 also includes a floating member connecting portion 71C located between the first end 71A and the second end 71B of the floating member. The floating member connecting portion 71C extends through the second opening 42 and is movable in the second opening 42 in the axial direction DA between a second open position and a second closed position. A gap exists between the floating member connecting portion 71C and the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 42. For example, when the sealing member 75 contacts the periphery of one side of the second opening 42, the floating sealing assembly 37 is in the second closed position. When the sealing member 75 leaves the partition 32A, the floating sealing assembly 37 is in the second open position. In the second open position, the floating member connecting portion 71C is located in the second opening 42 with a gap to the inner wall of the second opening 42, allowing airflow to pass through the gap and opening the fifth air passage 115. In other words, the sealing member 75 is connected to the floating member 71 and moves synchronously with the floating member 71. The sealing member 75 is used to open the gap when the floating member 71 is in the second open position and to seal the gap when the floating member 71 is in the second closed position.

[0308] For example, the radial dimension of the floating member connecting portion 71C is smaller than the radial dimension of the second opening 42, thereby creating a clearance fit between the floating member connecting portion 71C and the second opening 42. The radial dimension of the floating member connecting portion 71C is 0.1 mm to 10 mm smaller than the radial dimension of the second opening 42. More preferably, the radial dimension of the floating member connecting portion 71C is 0.2 mm to 2 mm smaller than the radial dimension of the second opening. Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface of the floating member connecting portion 71C may be provided with at least one third groove extending in the axial direction DA, creating a gap between the floating member connecting portion 71C and the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 42.

[0309] In the first embodiment, the axial direction DA is the vertical direction. The first end 71A of the floating member is located above the second end 71B of the floating member, and the first end 71A of the floating member is located above the second opening 42, while the second end 71B of the floating member is located below the second opening 42. The second end 71B of the floating member is used to receive the action of the movable partition assembly 36 to move upward from the second closed position to the second open position. The floating sealing assembly 37 moves downward from the second open position to the second closed position by its own weight. The mass (preset weight) of the floating sealing assembly 37 is, for example, 1g to 50g. More preferably, the mass of the floating sealing assembly 37 is, for example, 5g to 20g.

[0310] As previously mentioned, the preset weight of the floating sealing assembly 37 needs to be compatible with the deformation capacity of the second one-way valve 35. Understandably, when steam lifts the movable baffle assembly 36, the steam overcomes the weight of the movable baffle 64, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37, and the deformation force of the telescopic member 61, causing the movable baffle 64 to move away from the first seal 91A on the annular wall 83B. When the steam pressure is insufficient to overcome the weight of the movable baffle 64, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37, and the deformation force of the telescopic member 61, the movable baffle 64 adheres to the first seal 91A, resulting in a certain pressure (e.g., 3 kPa to 4 kPa) in the cooking cavity 22. Therefore, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37 can be adapted to the micro-pressure in the cooking cavity 22. For example, the floating sealing assembly 37 also includes a counterweight 78, which is disposed at the first end 71A of the floating member, above the sealing member 75. The total weight of the floating sealing assembly 37 can be adjusted to a suitable value by adjusting the weight of the counterweight 78.

[0311] The force exerted by steam on the movable baffle assembly 36 is related to the effective area of ​​the movable baffle 64. The effective area of ​​the movable baffle 64 is the area of ​​the portion exposed in the exhaust / exhaust chamber 83 projected along the axial direction DA; or, when the movable baffle assembly 36 is in the first closed position, the area of ​​the portion of the movable baffle 64 accessible to steam projected along the axial direction DA. When the movable baffle assembly 36 is in the first closed position, the effective area of ​​the movable baffle 64 accessible to steam is the area of ​​the movable baffle 64 located inside the annular wall 83B projected along the axial direction DA. Preferably, the inner diameter of the annular wall 83B is 10 mm to 100 mm, more preferably 10 mm to 50 mm, even more preferably 10 mm to 40 mm or 15 mm to 50 mm, even more preferably 20 mm to 30 mm, or 20 mm to 49 mm, or 20 mm to 35 mm. The dimensions of the first seal 91A match the diameter of the annular wall 83B.

[0312] The force exerted by the steam pressure on the movable partition 64 needs to overcome the gravity of the floating sealing assembly 37, the gravity of the movable partition 64, and the elastic force of the telescopic member 61.

[0313] First, it is necessary to analyze the suitable weight of the floating seal assembly 37. For example... Figure 25As shown, when negative pressure is drawn from the cooking chamber 22, the floating sealing assembly 37 remains in the second closed position, i.e., pressed against the second opening 42, due to its own weight. At this time, the air pump operates, causing the first vent pipe 58 to blow air into the switching chamber 82, for example, making the air pressure in the switching chamber 82 P1. The cooking chamber 22 is connected to the switching chamber 82 through the air pump and the first vent pipe 58, so the air pressure in the cooking chamber 22 is also approximately P1. The blowing chamber 81 is connected to the cooking chamber 22 through the second vent pipe 59, so the air pressure in the blowing chamber 81 is also P1. The air pressure in both the switching chamber 82 and the blowing chamber 81 exerts an upward force F on the floating sealing assembly 37, which can be roughly considered as the product of the air pressure P1 and the area of ​​the sealing member 75 (assuming the air pressure acts on the sealing member 75). Typically, the negative pressure in the cooking cavity 22 is -5 kPa ≤ P1 ≤ -40 kPa (relative to standard atmospheric pressure). When the radial dimension of the sealing element 75 is 2-10 mm, the force F is approximately 0.0157 N to 3.14 N. To ensure that the floating sealing assembly 37 remains in the second closed position under its own weight, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37 must be no less than 2F. Therefore, the weight of the floating sealing assembly 37 can be slightly greater than 2F, or approximately equal to 2F, meaning the mass of the floating sealing assembly 37 is between 1.57 g and 628 g.

[0314] The weight of the movable partition 64 and the elastic force of the telescopic member 61 are approximately 0.5N to 1N. Therefore, the force required for steam to act on the movable partition is approximately 0.5157N to 4.14N. During cooking, the steam pressure in the cooking chamber 22 is typically 0kPa to 4kPa (relative to standard atmospheric pressure). Thus, the effective area of ​​the movable partition 64 can be 3cm². 2 Up to 20cm 2 .

[0315] like Figure 7 As shown, when a first sealing element 91A is provided between the movable partition assembly 36 and the lower cover 34 of the device, a contact sealing surface 99 is formed between the movable partition assembly 36 and the lower cover 34 of the device. The contact sealing surface 99 is formed between the movable partition 64 and the first sealing element 91A. When the first sealing element 91A is a circular sealing ring, the contact sealing surface 99 is generally annular in shape. The effective area of ​​the movable partition 64 that receives vapor pressure can also be understood as the cross-sectional area of ​​the cylindrical space enclosed by the first sealing element 91A. The effective area of ​​the movable partition 64 that receives vapor pressure is the area within the inner edge of the exhaust chamber 83 located in the direction perpendicular to the contact sealing surface 99 in the projection of the gas path integration device 30. Preferably, this effective area is 3 cm². 2 Up to 20cm 2 More preferably, 3cm 2 Up to 10cm 2When the contact sealing surface 99 is annular, the inner diameter d of the annulus is approximately 20mm to 49mm, for example, 20mm to 35mm.

[0316] The first vent pipe 58 is located outside the annular wall 83B, and the distance from its center point to the centerline point (axis PA) of the annular wall 83B is, for example, 17.5 mm to 60 mm, preferably 22.5 mm to 35 mm.

[0317] The second vent pipe 59 is located outside the annular wall 83B, and the distance from its center point to the centerline point (axis PA) of the annular wall 83B is, for example, 12.5 mm to 55 mm, preferably 17.5 mm to 30 mm.

[0318] In an embodiment not shown in this application, the gas path integration device is configured such that the second closed position is above the second open position. The floating sealing assembly 37 moves upward under the action of an external force, such as steam pressure, to block the airflow passage, and moves downward under its own weight to open the airflow passage. In this embodiment, the sealing member 75 is disposed at the second end 71B of the floating member. In this embodiment, the floating sealing assembly 37 can still alter the gas path in the gas path integration device, and its combination with other components in the device cavity can enable the gas path integration device to have multiple functions.

[0319] Other embodiments of this application are described below, and the contents that are the same as those in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

[0320] exist Figure 33 The second embodiment shown and Figure 34 In the third embodiment shown, the movable partition assembly 36 (e.g., its movable partition 64) is connected to an elastic element, such as a spring, and moves from a first open position to a first closed position under the action of the spring.

[0321] like Figure 33 As shown, the second spring 92B is sleeved on the outer periphery of the guide post 48. One end of the second spring 92B abuts against the mounting structure 33B of the lower partition 33, and the other end abuts against the partition flange plate 64A. When the movable partition 64 is opened by steam, the second spring 92B is compressed. When the steam pressure is insufficient, the second spring 92B returns to its original state, pushing the movable partition 64 back to the first closed position.

[0322] like Figure 34 As shown, the first spring 92A extends along the axial direction DA, with one end connected to the bottom wall 83A of the exhaust chamber and the other end connected to the movable partition 64. For example, the first spring 92A extends into the receiving groove 64C and connects to the partition connection part 64B. When the movable partition 64 is pushed open by steam, the first spring 92A is stretched. When the steam pressure is insufficient, the first spring 92A returns to its original state, pulling the movable partition 64 back to the first closed position.

[0323] like Figure 35 As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the movable partition 64 is provided with a first magnet 93A, and a second magnet 93B is provided in the inner cavity 39 of the device, for example, on the inner side of the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover. The first magnet 93A and the second magnet 93B attract each other magnetically, and the direction of this magnetic force is parallel to the axial direction DA. Since the internal structure of the venting cavity 84 is relatively simple, the second magnet 93B is located on the bottom wall 84A of the venting cavity, that is, on the outer side of the annular wall 83B. Correspondingly, the first magnet 93A is located on the partition flange 64A outside the first opening 41. Multiple pairs (e.g., 2-4 pairs) of the first magnet 93A and the second magnet 93B can be evenly distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0324] In the second to fourth embodiments, the movable partition assembly 36 no longer relies on the gravity of the floating sealing assembly 37, but rather on the force of other restoring components to move from the first open position to the first closed position. After the movable partition assembly 36 returns to its original position, the floating sealing assembly 37 can return to its original position under its own weight. In this embodiment, the force driving the movable partition assembly 36 towards the first open position is relatively greater, thereby allowing for a relatively higher pressure in the cooking chamber 22 before steam is released.

[0325] exist Figure 36 In the fifth embodiment shown, the floating sealing assembly 37 moves from the second open position to the second closed position under the action of the third spring 92C. The third spring 92C is located between the top wall 31A of the upper cover and the floating member 71. When steam pushes the floating sealing assembly 37 to the second open position through the moving baffle assembly, the third spring 92C is compressed. When the steam pressure decreases, the third spring 92C returns to its original position, pushing the floating sealing assembly 37 back in the opposite direction, and then pushing the moving baffle assembly 36 back to the first closed position via the floating sealing assembly 37. It is understood that in this embodiment, the axial direction DA may not be the vertical direction.

[0326] Figure 37 The sixth embodiment shown is similar to the fifth embodiment, and also uses an elastic element to act on the floating sealing assembly 37, wherein the spring is replaced by a flexible element 96, such as an elastic collar.

[0327] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, when the movable partition assembly 36 moves toward the first open position, the movable partition assembly 36 causes the floating sealing assembly 37 to move toward the second open position; when the floating sealing assembly 37 moves toward the second closed position, the floating sealing assembly 37 causes the movable partition assembly 36 to move toward the first closed position. When the axial direction DA is vertical, the floating sealing assembly 37 can reduce its own weight because the elastic element applies a force to the floating sealing assembly 37 to block the second opening 42.

[0328] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the elastic element applies a preset pressure to the floating sealing assembly. When the air pressure in the switching chamber 82 is less than the preset pressure, the elastic element causes the floating sealing assembly 37 to be in the second closed position.

[0329] exist Figure 38 In the seventh embodiment shown, the elastic element is replaced by a temperature-sensitive deformable component 95, such as a memory spring or a bimetallic strip. In this embodiment, the axial direction DA is the vertical direction. The temperature-sensitive deformable component 95 is, for example, disposed on the side of the sealing component 75 facing the second opening 42. At low temperatures, the temperature-sensitive deformable component 95 is in a contracted state, and the floating sealing assembly 37 uses its own weight to block the second opening 42 with the sealing component 75. When the cooking process enters the boiling maintenance phase, all parts of the cooking appliance 100 heat up, and the gas path integration device 30 also heats up. After the temperature rises, the temperature-sensitive deformable component 95 automatically deforms and expands, pushing the sealing component 75 away from the second opening 42. After the temperature drops, the memory spring regains its elasticity and is compressed by the counterweight 78, allowing the sealing component 75 to cover the periphery of the second opening 42. After the temperature drops, the bimetallic strip returns to its original shape, allowing the floating sealing assembly 37 to fall back.

[0330] exist Figure 39 In the eighth embodiment shown, the floating sealing assembly 37 moves between a second open position and a second closed position under the action of the drive assembly 130 of the cooking appliance. The drive assembly 130 includes, for example, a lever 131 and a drive device 132. The drive device 132 applies force to one end of the lever 131, and the other end of the lever 131 applies force to the moving sealing assembly 37. In this embodiment, the drive device 132 can be electrically connected to a control device, thereby coordinating with the control of cooking processes in the control software to position the floating sealing assembly 37 in the corresponding cooking process. For example, when the control software confirms entry into the boiling maintenance process, the drive device 132 drives the lever 131 to move the floating sealing assembly 37 to the second open position; when the control software confirms entry into the heat preservation process, the drive device 132 drives the lever 131 to move the floating sealing assembly 37 to the second closed position. When the floating sealing assembly 37 moves towards the second closed position, it causes the moving partition assembly 36 to move towards the first closed position. Therefore, the axial direction DA may not be the vertical direction.

[0331] exist Figure 40In the ninth embodiment shown, the drive assembly 130 is replaced by an electromagnet, and the floating sealing assembly 37 is constructed to include a ferromagnetic material. The electromagnet is, for example, disposed on the inner side of the top wall 31A of the upper cover. The electromagnet is connected to a control circuit, which is connected to a control device, so that the energization and de-energization of the electromagnet can be coordinated with the cooking process. For example, when the control software confirms entry into the boiling maintenance process, the control circuit is turned on, the electromagnet is energized, and the floating sealing assembly 37 is magnetically attracted to the second open position; when the control software confirms entry into the heat preservation process, the control circuit is turned off, the electromagnet is de-energized, and the floating sealing assembly 37 moves to the second closed position under its own gravity. That is, the axial direction DA is the vertical direction. When the floating sealing assembly 37 moves toward the second closed position, it causes the moving partition assembly 36 to move toward the first closed position.

[0332] The second to ninth embodiments describe various ways in which the movable partition assembly 36 closes the first opening 41, and various ways in which the floating sealing assembly 37 opens and closes the second opening 42. Those skilled in the art can reasonably combine different embodiments to more specifically control the movement of the movable partition assembly 36 and the floating sealing assembly 37 according to specific needs. It is understood that when the floating sealing assembly 37 does not need to return to the second closed position by its own weight, the axial direction of the second opening 42 may not be vertical. When the floating sealing assembly 37 does not need to move to the second open position by the action of the movable partition assembly 36, and the movable partition assembly 36 does not need to return to the first closed position by the action of the floating sealing assembly 37, the movable partition assembly 36 and the floating sealing assembly 37 can be set independently.

[0333] exist Figure 41 In the tenth embodiment shown, the second one-way valve 35 is constructed as a gravity ball. The axial direction of the third opening 43 is vertical. The gravity ball sits on the third opening 43 by its own weight to close the third opening 43, and can be lifted by the airflow of the airflow generating device 14 to open the third opening 43.

[0334] exist Figure 42 In the eleventh embodiment shown, the second one-way valve 35 is constructed as a pneumatic float. The axial direction of the third opening 43 is vertical. The pneumatic float sits on the third opening 43 by its own weight to close the third opening 43, and can be lifted by the airflow of the airflow generating device 14 to open the third opening 43.

[0335] exist Figures 43 to 48 In the twelfth embodiment shown, the floating sealing assembly 37 is supplemented with an elastic element 79. For example... Figures 43 to 45As shown, the elastic element 79 is disposed between the second end 71B of the floating element and the second opening 42. The elastic element 79 is configured as a spring, for example, sleeved on the outer periphery of the floating element 71. When the spring is configured as a compression spring, the floating element 71 moves from the second open position to the second closed position under the action of the elastic element 79. That is, the floating element 71 can return to the second closed position without relying on its own weight. Accordingly, the axial direction DA may not be vertical. In this case, the counterweight effect of the counterweight 78 is weakened, and it is more suitable as an additional limiting element (similar to limiting element 77), that is, preventing the floating element 71 from moving along the axial direction DA and dislodging from the second opening. The additional limiting element is located on the side of the sealing element 75 opposite to the second opening 42, and the radial dimension of the additional limiting element is larger than the inner diameter of the second opening.

[0336] Specifically, the elastic element 79 can be disposed between the second end 71B of the floating member and the channel opening on the side of the second opening 42 near the second end 71B of the floating member, for example, between the second end 71B of the floating member and the partition 32A. Further, the elastic element 79 can be disposed between the channel opening on the side of the second opening 42 near the second end 71B of the floating member and the limiting element 77, for example, between the partition 32A and the limiting element 77. Since the limiting element 77 needs to abut against the elastic element 79, a component with better rigidity can be selected, such as a retaining ring, a snap ring, or a pin. Thus, the limiting element 77 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second end 71B of the floating member, or constructed as a partial protrusion on the outer surface of the second end 71B of the floating member, such that the dimension of the floating sealing assembly 37 at the limiting element 77 in the radial direction of the second opening 42 is larger than the inner diameter of the second opening.

[0337] The elastic element 79 can also be disposed between the second opening 42 and the second end 71B of the floating element in other ways.

[0338] Figure 36 , Figure 37 and Figure 43 In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic element also returns the movable partition assembly 36 to its original position when it returns the floating seal assembly 35 to the second closed position. Therefore, the elastic element is also the repositioning component of the movable partition assembly 36, and the elastic element acts on the movable partition assembly 36 through the inter-structure elastic restoring force.

[0339] like Figure 43 and Figure 45As shown, the first seal 91A can also be provided in the movable partition 64, for example, in the reinforcing rib 69 of the movable partition 64. In this embodiment, the annular wall 83B is omitted, and the sidewall of the exhaust chamber 83 is entirely provided by the movable partition 64 and the first seal 91A, while the lower cover 34 only provides the bottom wall of the exhaust chamber 83. The first opening 41 is located between the end of the sealing ring of the first seal 91A that contacts the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover and the bottom wall 34A of the lower cover.

[0340] like Figure 43 and Figure 46 As shown, the pressure ring connection portion 66 of the pressure ring 65 of the movable partition assembly 36 can be engaged with the mounting structure 33B of the lower partition 33. For example, the pressure ring 65 has a rib 68 in the pressure ring connection portion 66. The mounting structure 33B has a groove 33E for accommodating the rib 68. The rib 68 is provided, for example, in the pressure ring 67 and protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pressure ring 67. The opening and bottom of the groove 33E are opposite each other along the circumferential direction DC of the mounting through hole 33C (this circumferential direction DC also corresponds to the circumferential direction DA of the axial direction). When installing the pressure ring 65, the pressure ring 65 is pressed against the telescopic member 61, and then the pressure ring 65 is rotated in the opposite direction along the circumference of the pressure ring 65 so that the rib 68 is screwed into the groove 33E. The groove 33E limits the pressure ring 65 in the axial direction DA, which also limits the telescopic member 61 in the axial direction DA. The inner surface of the slot 33E facing the mounting through hole 33C contacts the outer surface of the rib 68 facing away from the mounting through hole 33C, so that the pressure ring 65 applies a force along the axial direction DA, causing the pressure ring 65 to press the telescopic member 61.

[0341] To ensure the expansion joint 61 is securely installed, multiple pressure ring connection parts 66 are typically provided. The pressure ring connection parts 66 can be connected to the mounting structure 33B by fasteners (e.g., bolts) and / or snap-fit. Understandably, snap-fit ​​is more convenient than fasteners; therefore, fasteners can be used on one pressure ring connection part 66, while snap-fit ​​can be used on the others.

[0342] like Figure 45 and Figure 46 As shown, the second vent pipe 59 is integrally formed with the cavity wall of the combined cavity 86, for example, the second vent pipe 59 is integrally formed with the cavity wall of the switching cavity 82, and for example, the second vent pipe 59 is integrally formed with the lower partition 33. Therefore, the number of components in the airway integration device 30 is reduced, and assembly is easier. In this embodiment, as... Figure 46 and Figure 47As shown, the upper cover 31 and lower cover 34 are connected, for example, by a fourth rotary latch 94D. The upper cover 31 is no longer latched to the upper partition 32, and the lower cover is no longer latched to the lower partition 33. The upper cover 31 and lower cover 34 directly sandwich the upper partition 32 and lower partition 33 in the middle. Once the pre-assembled components 53 and 54 are assembled, the overall assembly of the gas path integration device 30 will be simpler. From Figure 48 It can be seen that the through hole 34C of the lower cover 34 of the device, which is used to allow the first vent pipe 58 to pass through, does not need to reserve rotation space for the first vent pipe 58 (comparison). Figure 15 and Figure 16 In other words, it does not need to be set as a long hole.

[0343] like Figure 45 As shown, the side wall 34B of the lower cover 34 of the device has a tapered inward shape, which allows the lower cover side wall 34B to support the lower partition 33. The lower partition 33 supports the upper partition 32. Dimensional errors in the axial direction DA can be absorbed by the elasticity of the second seal 91B and the third seal 91C at both ends of the upper partition 32.

[0344] The partition connecting part 32D of the upper partition 32 is constructed as a tubular body. The first end of the tubular body (e.g., the upper end in the figure) is connected to the air blowing chamber 81, and the second end (e.g., the lower end in the figure) is in contact with the first end (e.g., the upper end in the figure) of the second air pipe 59, for example, through a fifth sealing member 91E.

[0345] The upper partition 32 is placed directly on the lower partition 33. To facilitate alignment of the partition connecting portion 32D with the second vent pipe 59, the upper partition 32 is provided with at least one first positioning portion 97, located within the switching cavity 82. The switching cavity 82 also contains at least one second positioning portion 98, corresponding to the first positioning portion 97. When the first positioning portion 97 is connected to the corresponding second positioning portion 98, the second end of the tubular body of the partition connecting portion 32D contacts the first end of the second vent pipe 59. The second positioning portion 98 is, for example, provided on the lower partition 33.

[0346] Specifically, the connection between the first positioning part 97 and the second positioning part 98 can be such that one of them is inserted into the other, for example, one of them is inserted into the other along the axial direction DA (that is, the extension direction of the second vent pipe 59). For example, one of them can be configured as a positioning hole 98A, and the other as a positioning post 97A, for insertion into the positioning hole 98A. Alternatively, one of them can be configured as a positioning groove 98B, and the other as a positioning rib 97B, for insertion into the positioning groove 98B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning part 97 is inserted into the second positioning part 98. Of course, the second positioning part 98 can also be inserted into the first positioning part 97. Alternatively, when multiple first positioning parts 97 and multiple second positioning parts 98 are provided, the connection can include both the first positioning part 97 being inserted into the second positioning part 98 and the second positioning part 98 being inserted into the first positioning part 97.

[0347] Preferably, the first positioning part 97 and the second positioning part 98 are configured as a foolproof structure, thereby ensuring that the user can align the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 before contacting them (specifically, align the partition connecting part 32D with the second vent pipe 59 before contacting them). For example, Figure 46 and Figure 47 As shown, in the switching cavity 82, a positioning hole 98A and a positioning post 97A are provided on one side of the cavity, and a positioning groove 98B and a positioning rib 97B are provided on the opposite side. If the positioning hole 98A and the positioning post 97A are not aligned when the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 are fastened together (and the positioning groove 98B and the positioning rib 97B are also not aligned), then at least one of the positioning hole 98A, the positioning post 97A, the positioning groove 98B, and the positioning rib 97B will come into contact with other structures in the switching cavity 82, causing interference and preventing the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 from contacting each other. Therefore, the user adjusts the relative angular position between the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 until the positioning hole 98A and the positioning post 97A are aligned, and the positioning groove 98B and the positioning rib 97B are aligned, so that the upper partition 32 and the lower partition 33 can approach each other along the axial direction DA until they contact each other.

[0348] Of course, the positioning connection between the first positioning part 97 and the second positioning part 98 can also be achieved in other ways. The foolproof design for the engagement of the upper separator 32 and the lower separator 33 can also be achieved in other ways.

[0349] Those skilled in the art can combine the different implementation methods described above in a reasonable manner.

[0350] Of course, the gas path integration device 30 can also be constructed in other forms to integrate the gas path for drawing negative pressure, discharging steam and blowing cold air.

[0351] The processes and steps described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above process can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0352] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0353] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0354] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0355] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A gas path integration device for cooking appliances, characterized in that, include: A device housing that encloses an inner cavity of the device, the inner cavity of the device being used to communicate with the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance; and A movable partition assembly is disposed within the cavity of the device and is movable between a first closed position and a first open position. When the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, the movable partition assembly and a portion of the device housing define an exhaust chamber, which communicates with the cooking chamber; the movable partition assembly is used to move from the first closed position to the first open position under the pressure of steam in the cooking chamber. The movable partition assembly forms a contact sealing surface with the portion of the device housing. In the projection of the gas path integration device in a direction perpendicular to the contact sealing surface, the area of ​​the exhaust chamber located within the inner edge of the contact sealing surface is 3-20 cm². 2 .

2. The gas path integration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable partition assembly includes a movable partition that defines the exhaust chamber with the portion of the device housing. A seal is provided between the movable partition and the portion of the device housing. When the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, a contact sealing surface is formed between the movable partition and the seal.

3. The gas path integration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seal is fixedly disposed on the movable partition, or the seal is fixedly disposed on the portion of the device housing.

4. The gas path integration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the projection of the gas path integration device in a direction perpendicular to the contact sealing surface, the area of ​​the exhaust chamber located within the inner edge of the contact sealing surface is 3-10 cm². 2 .

5. The gas path integration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The device has an installation structure in its inner cavity, the installation structure includes an installation through hole, the movable partition passes through the installation through hole, and is movable relative to the installation through hole between the first closed position and the first open position.

6. The gas path integration device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The movable partition assembly also includes: A telescopic component, comprising an outer peripheral portion and a middle portion, wherein the outer peripheral portion is connected to the middle portion of the telescopic component on the outer periphery of the middle portion of the telescopic component, and the outer peripheral portion of the telescopic component is used to connect to the periphery of the mounting through hole; The movable partition is connected to the middle part of the telescopic member, which is configured to be telescopic along the axial direction of the mounting through hole to correspond to the switching of the movable partition between the first open position and the first closed position.

7. The gas path integration device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movable partition assembly also includes a pressure ring, which is used to press the outer periphery of the telescopic member against the periphery of the mounting through hole.

8. The gas path integration device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure ring is provided with a raised rib, and the mounting structure is provided with a slot for accommodating the raised rib.

9. The gas path integration device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rib protrudes outward along the radial direction of the pressure ring, the groove opening and the groove bottom are opposite each other along the circumferential direction of the mounting through hole, and the inner surface of the groove facing the mounting through hole is in contact with the outer surface of the rib facing away from the mounting through hole.

10. The gas path integration device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic member is used to connect to the side of the device housing opposite to the mounting through hole.

11. The gas path integration device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic component is made of elastic material.

12. The gas path integration device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The telescopic component includes a radially pleated structure in the middle section, and the pleated structure is concave and convex in the axial direction.

13. The gas path integration device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movable partition is provided with a partition flange, and the middle part of the telescopic member is tightly fitted with the partition flange.

14. The gas path integration device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The partition flange is constructed as a radially outward annular flange extending circumferentially, and the telescopic member has a second groove extending circumferentially in the middle portion, the opening and bottom of the second groove being radially opposite to each other to accommodate the annular flange; and / or The telescopic member has a radially inward annular protrusion in the middle part, and the outer peripheral surface of the partition flange has a first groove extending in the circumferential direction. The opening and bottom of the first groove are opposite to each other in the radial direction to accommodate the annular protrusion.

15. The gas path integration device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movable partition includes: The partition connecting portion, wherein one end of the partition connecting portion away from the portion of the device housing is connected to the middle portion of the telescopic member; and A partition flange is disposed on the outer periphery of the partition connection portion and is used to contact the portion of the device housing.

16. The gas path integration device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The partition connecting part is constructed to have a hollow structure; and / or The partition flange is provided with reinforcing ribs.

17. The gas path integration device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The partition flange is connected to the end of the partition connection near the end of the device housing.

18. The gas path integration device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting structure includes a guide post extending along the axial direction of the mounting through hole, the movable partition is provided with a guide hole, and the guide post is located in the guide hole.

19. The gas path integration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas path integration device further includes a return component, which is disposed in the inner cavity of the device. The return component acts on the movable partition assembly to move the movable partition assembly from the first open position to the first closed position.

20. The gas path integration device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The repositioning component is located above the movable partition assembly, which moves in the vertical direction. The repositioning component is configured to act on the movable partition assembly by its own gravity or the elastic restoring force between the structures.

21. The gas path integration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable partition assembly is connected to a spring, the spring being used to move the movable partition assembly from the first open position to the first closed position; or The movable partition assembly is provided with a first magnet, and the inner cavity of the device is also provided with a second magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet attract each other with magnetic force, and the direction of the magnetic force is parallel to the line connecting the first open position and the first closed position.

22. The gas path integration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a ventilation chamber that is connected to the external environment. When the movable partition assembly is in the first open position, the exhaust chamber is connected to the ventilation chamber.

23. The gas path integration device according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the movable partition assembly is in the first closed position, the portion of the device housing provides a bottom wall for at least the exhaust chamber, the bottom wall having an opening for communicating with the cooking cavity, the movable partition assembly provides a top wall for at least the exhaust chamber, and the side walls of the exhaust chamber are provided by the portion of the device housing and / or the movable partition assembly.

24. The gas path integration device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, The contact sealing surface is approximately annular, and the inner diameter of the annulus ranges from 20 to 49 mm.

25. The gas path integration device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The inner diameter ranges from 20 to 35 mm.

26. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The cooking cavity is used to hold the ingredients; and The gas path integration device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, The exhaust chamber is connected to the cooking chamber, and the movable partition assembly is configured to move from the first closed position to the first open position under the pressure of the steam in the cooking chamber.

27. The cooking utensil according to claim 26, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes: The pot body, wherein the pot body is provided with the cooking cavity; and A lid for covering the pot body, the lid being equipped with the gas path integration device. When the lid covers the pot body, the exhaust cavity is connected to the cooking cavity.

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