Spill-proof cooking utensil capable of improving bubble breaking efficiency
By setting an inner diameter contraction section and a cold air introduction section in the exhaust pipe and the inlet pipe, the Venturi principle is used to achieve multiple mixing of steam and cold air, which solves the problem of steam overflow and low bubble breaking efficiency when cooking appliances are cooking at high temperatures, and improves the anti-overflow effect and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing cooking appliances suffer from steam overflow and low efficiency in breaking bubbles during high-temperature cooking, especially due to the single auxiliary method of cold air introduction and the low amount and efficiency of cold air introduction, resulting in poor anti-overflow effect.
The design employs an exhaust pipe and inlet pipe with a contracted inner diameter. Combining the Venturi principle, the steam and cold air are mixed and condensed multiple times through the first contraction section of the exhaust pipe, the second contraction section of the inlet pipe, and the cold air inlet section, thereby enhancing the defoaming effect.
It improves foam breaking efficiency and overflow prevention, reduces steam temperature, reduces steam discharge from the exhaust port, and enhances the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224055787U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of kitchen utensil technology, specifically relating to an anti-overflow cooking utensil that improves bubble-breaking efficiency. Background Technology
[0002] When a rice cooker is cooking, heat is generated inside the cooking cavity, and the resulting steam is released through the steam vent on the lid. When cooking rice porridge or similar dishes, a lot of bubbles are produced. If the cooking heat is too high or continuous high heat is used, the bubbles, mixed with rice water, will overflow from the vent. This not only makes cleaning difficult but also, if the steam valve isn't cleaned promptly, the rice water at the vent will solidify, making cleaning even more difficult and potentially causing blockage and preventing steam from escaping. Using low heat to reduce heating power will result in longer cooking times, negatively impacting the user experience.
[0003] The prior art also discloses a jet-type bubble breaker for use in cooking appliances, including a housing and a steam inlet, a steam outlet, and a cold air inlet channel connected to the housing. The housing has an intermediate storage chamber, which is connected to the external space through the cold air inlet channel. The steam outlet of the steam inlet and the steam inlet of the steam outlet are both connected to the intermediate storage chamber. The cross-sectional dimension of the steam inlet channel of the steam inlet gradually decreases along the steam flow direction to form a jet stream in the steam inlet channel. The steam inlet of the steam outlet channel in the steam outlet is close to the steam outlet of the steam inlet channel to receive at least a portion of the jet stream ejected from the steam inlet channel. A negative pressure gap is maintained between the outlet of the steam inlet and the inlet of the steam outlet. This negative pressure gap is used to automatically introduce the cold air that has entered the intermediate storage chamber through the cold air inlet channel into the steam outlet channel to assist in bubble breaking by means of the relatively low pressure formed by the jet stream. While this jet-type bubble breaker can achieve a certain degree of bubble breaking, its steam inlet and outlet sections are coaxially arranged, and the axial dimension of the steam outlet section is relatively short. This causes the high-speed jet from the steam inlet section to be ejected directly from the steam outlet section before it can break bubbles, resulting in overflow. If the axial dimension of the steam outlet section is increased to solve this problem, the internal pressure of the steam outlet section, due to its size and the steam within it, will be greater than the pressure at the negative pressure gap. This causes more of the cold air introduced from the cold air inlet channel to escape from the local low-pressure area at the steam outlet of the steam inlet section and the intermediate storage cavity, thereby reducing its auxiliary bubble breaking performance and significantly reducing the overflow prevention effect. Furthermore, in this technical solution, the cold air introduction assistance only comes from the pressure difference generated between the steam flow and the outside at the negative pressure gap. This single cold air introduction assistance results in low cold air introduction volume and efficiency, ultimately leading to poor bubble breaking efficiency and poor overflow prevention effect. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides an anti-overflow cooking appliance that improves bubble-breaking efficiency, thereby solving the technical problem that existing anti-overflow cooking appliances that use the Venturi tube principle to introduce cold air into the steam valve to achieve bubble breaking have a single cold air introduction aid, low cold air introduction amount and efficiency, resulting in the anti-overflow effect not meeting expectations.
[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0006] An anti-overflow cooking appliance with improved bubble-breaking efficiency includes a pot body having a cooking cavity and a lid for opening or closing the cooking cavity. The lid is provided with a steam valve assembly and a cold air vent communicating with the outside. The steam valve assembly has a mixing cavity and a steam vent communicating with the mixing cavity and the outside. The steam valve assembly includes a steam vent pipe communicating with the cooking cavity. The steam outlet of the steam vent pipe is located inside the mixing cavity, and the steam vent pipe has a first contraction section with a narrowed inner diameter. The first contraction section has an inlet. The steam valve assembly also includes an inlet pipe. Cold air introduced by the cold air vent is introduced into the first contraction section through the inlet pipe and the inlet. The inlet pipe has a second contraction section with a narrowed inner diameter and a cold air inlet section communicating with the second contraction section. The inner diameter of the opening of the cold air inlet section is larger than the inner diameter of the cold air vent. The cold air inlet section abuts against the cold air vent on the lid.
[0007] The exhaust pipe of this application is equipped with a first contraction section with a narrowing inner diameter. This design accelerates the steam flow before it reaches the cooking chamber, causing a pressure drop at the first contraction section. This pressure and flow rate change leads to a sudden change in the surface tension of the steam bubbles, resulting in bubble breakage or the reduction of large bubbles into smaller ones. Furthermore, cold air introduced through the cold air inlet is introduced into the first contraction section. According to the Venturi principle, the cold air from the outside is introduced into this low-pressure area, further impacting the bubbles. This not only defoams the bubbles but also cools them, causing them to condense into liquid, further enhancing the defoaming effect. Even during high-power cooking, there will be no continuous bubble overflow at the exhaust port of the steam valve assembly, significantly improving the anti-overflow effect of the cooking appliance.
[0008] Furthermore, the inclusion of a first contraction section on the exhaust pipe in this application, along with the placement of the exhaust pipe's outlet within the mixing chamber, allows for multiple mixing processes between the steam and the low-temperature gas. Specifically, as the steam passes through the first contraction section, the steam introduced through the exhaust pipe mixes with the cold air introduced through the cold air inlet within the exhaust pipe, resulting in a slight reduction in the temperature of the high-temperature steam. After this initial mixing, the steam exits through the outlet into the mixing chamber. Because the mixing chamber has a larger space than the exhaust pipe, a second, more thorough mixing occurs, further reducing the temperature of the high-temperature steam. Consequently, some of the high-temperature steam can liquefy to form condensate, reducing the water content in the steam and ultimately minimizing the discharge of high-temperature steam from the exhaust port. The presence of the mixing chamber also provides space for condensate collection.
[0009] Based on this, the steam valve assembly of this application also includes an inlet pipe. The arrangement of the inlet pipe can guide the cold air from the cold air inlet to the inlet, allowing as much cold air as possible to enter the first contraction section, thus aiding steam condensation and defoaming. Furthermore, the inlet pipe in this application also includes a second contraction section and a cold air inlet section, with the cold air inlet section abutting against the cold air inlet. The inner diameter of the cold air inlet section is larger than that of the cold air inlet, which can guide the cold air while increasing the amount of cold air introduced, allowing the cold air to smoothly enter the second contraction section. This avoids direct contact between the cold air and the mixing chamber, reducing heat exchange between them. The second contraction section creates a low-pressure zone at the inlet pipe, which not only allows for more efficient introduction of cold air into the first contraction section, improving cold air introduction efficiency, but also, according to Bernoulli's principle, the cold air velocity increases after passing through the second contraction section, allowing the cold air to gain greater jet momentum when entering the first contraction section. This helps the cold air mix more effectively with the high-temperature steam in the exhaust pipe, improving defoaming efficiency and overflow prevention.
[0010] The outlet of the second contraction section is directly connected to the inlet.
[0011] If the outlet of the second contraction section is connected to the mixing chamber (i.e., the outlet of the second contraction section is suspended to connect to the mixing chamber), and external cold air enters through the cold air inlet and the inlet pipe, first entering the mixing chamber and then the first contraction section through the inlet, the cold air will exchange heat with the hot steam in the mixing chamber after being ejected from the outlet of the second contraction section. This not only increases the temperature of the cold air but also reduces its momentum, thereby lowering the temperature, the amount of cold air introduced into the first contraction section, and the introduction efficiency, thus reducing the defoaming effect of the cold air after entering the first contraction section. If there are other connecting pipes between the outlet of the second contraction section and the inlet, the cold air will flow in these connecting pipes after being ejected from the outlet of the second contraction section and before entering the inlet, increasing additional resistance and thus increasing the friction loss of the cold air during flow, resulting in a reduction in the momentum of the cold air. This technical solution, by directly connecting the outlet of the second contraction section to the inlet, can significantly reduce the resistance loss of cold air during the flow process. This allows the cold air to quickly and efficiently enter the first contraction section from the second contraction section. Furthermore, the flow velocity of the cold air increases and the pressure decreases as it passes through the second and first contraction sections in succession, thereby creating a stronger suction effect on the external cold air. This allows more cold air to be introduced into the first contraction section, ensuring sufficient contact and mixing between the cold air and steam in the exhaust pipe. This improves both the defoaming efficiency and the cooling efficiency of the steam, and reduces the temperature of the steam when it exits from the exhaust port.
[0012] The inner diameter of the cold air inlet section gradually decreases from the side closer to the cold air outlet to the side closer to the second contraction section to form a tapered structure.
[0013] The tapered structure design of the cold air inlet section in this technical solution can reduce the energy loss of cold air during the flow process. Compared with straight pipes or pipe structures with abrupt cross-sections, the tapered structure in this technical solution can more effectively utilize the kinetic energy of the cold air and reduce the energy loss caused by the flow resistance. Moreover, the tapered structure can gradually accelerate the cold air during the flow process. As the inner diameter of the cold air inlet section gradually decreases, the flow velocity of the cold air gradually increases, thereby giving the cold air a higher velocity when entering the second contraction section. This improves the jetting effect of the cold air when it enters the inlet from the second contraction section. It can not only more effectively introduce the cold air into the first contraction section, but also enhance the mixing effect of the cold air and steam and improve the defoaming efficiency.
[0014] The inlet pipe is also provided with a cold air diffusion section that communicates with the second contraction section. The inner diameter of the cold air diffusion section gradually expands from the side closer to the second contraction section to the side closer to the inlet to form a gradually expanding structure.
[0015] The gradually expanding structure of the cold air diffusion section in this technical solution allows the cold air to gradually decelerate as it flows from the second contraction section towards the inlet. This effectively converts the kinetic energy of the cold air into pressure energy; that is, as the cold air velocity decreases, the pressure gradually increases, thereby increasing the pressure of the cold air entering the inlet. This ensures that the cold air and steam can fully contact and mix in the first contraction section, improving not only the cooling efficiency of the steam but also the defoaming efficiency and preventing overflow. Furthermore, the gradually expanding structure makes the flow of cold air more stable, reducing pulsation and noise during the flow process and enhancing the user experience.
[0016] The inlet pipe has a first end located inside the mixing chamber, and the first end is sealed and connected to the cold air inlet.
[0017] If the first end of the inlet pipe is not connected to the cold air inlet but is suspended, meaning the first end of the inlet pipe is connected to the mixing chamber, and the cold air enters the mixing chamber first from the cold air inlet and then enters the inlet pipe through the mixing chamber, this setup will cause the cold air to exchange heat with the steam in the mixing chamber before entering the inlet pipe, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the cold air. This reduces the defoaming and cooling effect of the cold air on the steam after entering the first contraction section. Furthermore, it will cause the steam in the mixing chamber to escape from the cold air inlet, obstructing the introduction of cold air and causing multiple "leakages" in the steam valve assembly, giving the user the illusion of a steam valve assembly malfunction. This technical solution, by sealing the first end of the inlet pipe to the cold air inlet, allows the cold air to directly enter the inlet pipe after entering from the cold air inlet and then enter the first contraction section under the guidance of the inlet pipe. This reduces the heat exchange between the cold air and the steam in the mixing chamber, improving the utilization efficiency of the cold air. It also prevents the steam in the mixing chamber from overflowing through the connection between the inlet pipe and the cold air inlet, allowing the steam in the mixing chamber to flow along a preset flow path.
[0018] The inlet pipe has a second end that is connected to the inlet port, and the inlet pipe and the exhaust pipe are integrally formed.
[0019] Based on the connection between the first end of the inlet pipe and the cold air inlet, this technical solution directly connects the outlet end of the inlet pipe to the inlet. This allows the cold air entering from the cold air inlet to be directly guided to the inlet through the inlet pipe, avoiding contact between the cold air and the steam in the mixing chamber. This reduces heat exchange and flow resistance during the cold air flow process, improving the utilization efficiency of the cold air. Furthermore, by making the inlet pipe and exhaust pipe a single molded structure, the assembly process between the inlet pipe and exhaust pipe can be eliminated. During the assembly process with the cold air inlet, there is no need to worry about air leakage at the connection point. Moreover, the single-molded design makes the inlet pipe and exhaust pipe a whole, enhancing the overall structural strength and durability. This allows the exhaust pipe to better withstand the pressure and impact of cold air introduction, reducing structural damage caused by long-term use.
[0020] The steam valve assembly further includes a sealing element for sealing the cold air inlet and the first end, the sealing element being separately formed from the inlet pipe; or, the steam valve assembly further includes a valve cover, the cold air inlet being disposed on the valve cover, the inlet pipe being integrally formed with the valve cover and extending toward the inlet.
[0021] This technical solution, by setting a seal between the inlet pipe and the cold air port or by making the inlet pipe an integral structure with the valve cover having the cold air port, can prevent steam from overflowing from the joint between the inlet pipe and the cold air port. This ensures that the steam can flow in the steam valve assembly according to the preset flow path. It not only improves the anti-overflow effect by optimizing the steam flow path, but also ensures that the steam is discharged from the vent, avoiding the illusion of a pot lid malfunction caused by multiple leaks.
[0022] The air inlet end of the inlet pipe extends to the outside of the mixing chamber.
[0023] This technical solution extends the air inlet end of the inlet pipe to the outside of the mixing chamber, which reduces the probability of hot steam discharged from the exhaust port being introduced from the cold air inlet, so that the air temperature of the inlet pipe and the first contraction section introduced from the cold air inlet is lower, thereby improving the defoaming effect.
[0024] The exhaust port and the steam outlet are located on opposite sides of the inlet pipe. At least part of the steam introduced into the exhaust pipe is discharged from the steam outlet to the mixing chamber and then discharged from the exhaust port after passing through the inlet pipe.
[0025] This technical solution sets the exhaust port and the outlet end of the exhaust pipe to be located on opposite sides of the inlet pipe. On the one hand, it extends the flow path of steam as it exits the exhaust pipe, enters the mixing chamber, and flows from the mixing chamber to the exhaust port. The extended flow path increases the friction loss during steam flow, allowing unbroken steam in the exhaust pipe to break bubbles as it flows towards the exhaust port, further improving the overflow prevention effect. On the other hand, as the steam flows from the outlet end of the exhaust pipe to the exhaust port, at least some of the steam will bypass the inlet pipe. Since the inlet pipe introduces cold air, the temperature around the inlet pipe is lower than the temperature inside the mixing chamber. When the steam bypasses the inlet pipe, it can not only break bubbles but also cool the steam, reducing the steam temperature and promoting the formation of condensate, thereby improving the overflow prevention effect.
[0026] The steam valve assembly includes a valve cover located above the exhaust pipe, the valve cover having a baffle extending toward the mixing chamber, the baffle being located between the exhaust port and the inlet pipe, and a steam passage gap existing between the baffle and the exhaust pipe.
[0027] In this technical solution, the setting of baffles and the existence of steam gaps can further extend the steam flow path. Moreover, the steam can experience diverse flow cross-sectional areas as it enters the exhaust pipe, exits through the exhaust pipe into the mixing chamber, flows through the steam gap, and finally exits through the exhaust port. This results in various changes in the steam flow velocity, significantly improving the defoaming efficiency and thus enhancing the anti-overflow effect. Attached Figure Description
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:
[0029] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the pot lid according to one embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The enlarged view of part A shows the general direction of steam flow indicated by the arrows.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the exhaust pipe according to one embodiment of this application;
[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the exhaust pipe according to one embodiment of this application.
[0033] in,
[0034] 1. Exhaust pipe; 11. Steam inlet passage; 12. Exhaust passage; 13. First contraction section; 14. Inlet; 15. Installation section;
[0035] 2. Mixing chamber;
[0036] 3. Inlet pipe; 31. Second contraction section; 32. Cold air inlet section; 33. First end; 34. Second end;
[0037] 4. Valve cover; 41. Exhaust port; 42. Air vent; 43. Baffle rib;
[0038] 5. First sealing element;
[0039] 6. Liner;
[0040] 7. Inner cover;
[0041] 8. Reflux valve. Detailed Implementation
[0042] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0043] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.
[0044] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0045] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an anti-overflow cooking appliance with improved bubble-breaking efficiency includes a pot body with a cooking cavity and a pot lid for opening or closing the cooking cavity. The pot lid is provided with a steam valve assembly and a cold air vent 42 communicating with the outside. The steam valve assembly has a mixing chamber 2 and a steam vent 41 communicating with the outside. The steam valve assembly includes a steam vent pipe 1 communicating with the cooking cavity. The steam outlet of the steam vent pipe 1 is located in the mixing chamber 2, and the steam vent pipe 1 has a first contraction section 13 with a narrowed inner diameter. The first contraction section 13 is provided with an inlet 14. The steam valve assembly also includes an inlet pipe 3. The cold air introduced by the cold air vent 42 is introduced into the first contraction section 13 through the inlet pipe 3 and the inlet 14. The inlet pipe 3 is provided with a second contraction section 31 with a narrowed inner diameter and a cold air inlet section 32 communicating with the second contraction section 31. The inner diameter of the opening of the cold air inlet section 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the cold air vent 42. The cold air inlet section 32 abuts against the cold air vent 42 on the pot lid.
[0048] The exhaust pipe 1 of this application is provided with a first contraction section 13 with a narrowed inner diameter. This allows steam to flow through the exhaust pipe 1 into the cooking chamber, where it is accelerated, resulting in a pressure drop. This pressure and flow rate change cause a sudden change in the surface tension of the bubbles, leading to bubble breakage or the reduction of large bubbles into smaller ones. Furthermore, cold air introduced through the cold air inlet is introduced into the first contraction section 13. According to the Venturi principle, the cold air from the outside is introduced into this low-pressure area, further impacting the bubbles. This not only defoams the bubbles but also cools them, causing them to condense into liquid, further enhancing the defoaming effect. Even during high-power cooking, no continuous bubbles will overflow from the exhaust port 41 of the steam valve assembly, significantly improving the anti-overflow effect of the cooking appliance.
[0049] Furthermore, the inclusion of the first contraction section 13 on the exhaust pipe 1 in this application, and the placement of the steam outlet of the exhaust pipe 1 within the mixing chamber 2, allows for multiple mixing of the steam and the low-temperature gas. Specifically, when the steam passes through the first contraction section 13, the steam introduced from the exhaust pipe 1 mixes with the cold air introduced from the cold air inlet within the exhaust pipe 1 for the first time, resulting in a certain reduction in the temperature of the high-temperature steam. After this first mixing, the steam exits through the outlet into the mixing chamber 2. Because the mixing chamber 2 has a larger space than the exhaust pipe 1, a second, more thorough mixing occurs, further reducing the temperature of the high-temperature steam. Consequently, some of the high-temperature steam can liquefy to form condensate, reducing the water content in the steam and ultimately reducing the amount of high-temperature steam discharged from the exhaust port 41. The presence of the mixing chamber 2 also provides space for the collection of condensate.
[0050] Based on this, the steam valve assembly of this application is also provided with an inlet pipe 3. The arrangement of the inlet pipe 3 can form a guiding path for the cold air from the cold air port 42 to the inlet port 14, so that as much cold air as possible can enter the first contraction section 13, which helps the steam condensation and bubble breaking. Furthermore, the inlet pipe 3 in this application is also provided with a second contraction section 31 and a cold air inlet section 32, and the cold air inlet section 32 abuts against the cold air outlet 42. The inner diameter of the opening of the cold air inlet section 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the cold air outlet 42, which can guide the cold air while increasing the cold air inlet volume, so that the cold air can be smoothly introduced into the second contraction section 31, avoiding direct contact between the cold air and the mixing chamber 2, reducing the heat exchange between the cold air and the mixing chamber 2. The setting of the second contraction section 31 can form a low-pressure area at the inlet pipe 3, which can not only introduce the cold air into the first contraction section 13 more efficiently and improve the cold air inlet efficiency, but also, according to Bernoulli's principle, the cold air velocity increases after passing through the second contraction section 31, so that the cold air can obtain greater jet momentum when entering the first contraction section 13, thereby helping the cold air to mix more effectively with the high-temperature steam in the exhaust pipe 1, improving the defoaming efficiency and the anti-overflow effect.
[0051] The exhaust pipe 1 in this application includes an inlet steam passage 11 and an exhaust steam passage 12. The inlet steam passage 11 and the exhaust steam passage 12 can be composed of two detachable structures or can be a single integrally formed exhaust pipe 1. When it is a single integrally formed exhaust pipe 1, along the steam flow direction, the front part of the exhaust pipe 1 corresponds to the inlet steam passage 11, and the rear part of the exhaust pipe corresponds to the exhaust steam passage 12.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 4As shown, there is a bend between the steam inlet channel 11 and the steam outlet channel 12. This design allows the steam generated in the cooking chamber to be blocked and redirected when entering the steam outlet pipe 1, enabling liquefaction and condensation of the steam during the redirection process. Especially during the cooking of rice or soup, rice water, starch, or small ingredients may enter the steam inlet channel 11 as the cooking chamber boils. Because of the bend, these ingredients are blocked and fall back into the cooking chamber, reducing the chance of the steam outlet pipe 1 becoming blocked.
[0053] In this application, the steam outlet of the exhaust passage 12 is connected to the mixing chamber 2. When the fluid flowing out from the steam outlet of the exhaust passage 12 enters the mixing chamber 2, it undergoes a pressure release process. This pressure change helps to break bubbles, thereby further eliminating unbroken bubbles. After the foam breaks, it will be buffered in the mixing chamber 2 under its own weight to avoid clogging the exhaust port 41. Moreover, the foam breaking at the connection point caused by the pressure change between the steam outlet of the exhaust passage 12 and the mixing chamber 2 can reduce the resistance of the exhaust passage 12, allowing steam and foam to be discharged more smoothly and improving exhaust efficiency.
[0054] Furthermore, if the foam cannot be broken in time during the steam discharge process, the presence of the foam will generate local disturbances and resistance in the steam flow. These disturbances and resistances can easily lead to turbulence in the steam flow process, thereby increasing the noise. This application can break the foam before the steam flows into the mixing chamber 2 through the cooperation of the first contraction section 13 and the introduction of cold air. After the foam breaks, these local disturbances and resistances are reduced, the steam flow is smoother, and the fluid interface becomes more continuous, thereby reducing the generation of turbulence and significantly reducing the exhaust noise.
[0055] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the pot lid includes a liner 6 and an inner cover 7 detachably mounted on the liner 6. The steam valve assembly includes a valve cover 4 mounted on the liner 6. The valve cover 4 may also be integrally formed on the liner 6. The liner 6 and / or the valve cover 4 are provided with a first sealing element 5, which has a lower sealing lip capable of sealing against the upper surface of the inner cover 7. The valve cover 4, the first sealing element 5, and the inner cover 7 cooperate to form a mixing chamber 2. The exhaust pipe 1 is installed on the inner cover 7 and can be removed from the liner 6 along with the inner cover 7, facilitating thorough cleaning of the inner cover 7 and the exhaust pipe 1 by the user. After the inner cover 7 is removed, the mixing chamber 2 can be directly exposed to the user's view, allowing for thorough cleaning of the inner wall of the mixing chamber 2 and preventing the accumulation of dirt and grime in the steam valve assembly, which could lead to bacterial growth. Furthermore, the exhaust pipe 1 is detachably mounted on the inner cover 7 for disassembly and cleaning. Specifically, the inner cover 7 has a steam outlet, and the exhaust pipe 1 is connected to the steam outlet. The exhaust pipe 1 has a mounting part 15 at its lower end, which is used to connect and install with the steam outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the exhaust pipe 1 is a silicone tube with a groove at its lower end, and the inner cover 7 is a metal inner cover 7, which is connected and installed with the steam outlet by deformation of the groove. In other embodiments, the exhaust pipe 1 can also be connected and installed with the steam outlet by means of threads or snaps.
[0056] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inner cover 7 is provided with a reflux hole and a reflux valve 8 that is floatingly mounted on the inner cover 7 to open or close the reflux hole. When the pressure in the cooking chamber rises to a certain threshold, it can push the reflux valve 8 to float up to close the reflux hole, preventing steam from flowing back into the mixing chamber 2. When the pressure in the cooking chamber drops to a certain threshold, the reflux valve 8 falls down under its own weight and the weight of the liquid in the mixing chamber 2 to open the reflux hole, and the liquid accumulated in the mixing chamber 2 falls back into the cooking chamber through the reflux hole. Furthermore, a part of the inner cover 7 is sunken to form a liquid collection tank communicating with the mixing chamber 2, so that the mixing chamber 2 can collect condensate and the soup that falls back after the bubbles break. The reflux hole is located on the bottom wall of the liquid collection tank to facilitate liquid reflux.
[0057] The structure of the inlet tube in this application can adopt any of the following embodiments:
[0058] Implementation method one: such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the outlet of the second contraction section 31 is directly connected to the inlet 14.
[0059] If the outlet of the second contraction section is connected to the mixing chamber 2, i.e., the outlet of the second contraction section is suspended to connect to the mixing chamber, and the outside cold air enters through the cold air inlet and the inlet pipe, first entering the mixing chamber and then entering the first contraction section through the inlet, the cold air will exchange heat with the hot steam in the mixing chamber after being ejected from the outlet of the second contraction section. This not only increases the temperature of the cold air but also reduces its momentum, thereby reducing the temperature, the amount of cold air introduced into the first contraction section, and the introduction efficiency, thus reducing the defoaming effect of the cold air after entering the first contraction section. If there are other connecting pipes between the outlet of the second contraction section and the inlet, the cold air will flow in these connecting pipes after being ejected from the outlet of the second contraction section and before entering the inlet, increasing additional resistance and thus increasing the friction loss of the cold air during the flow process, resulting in a reduction in the momentum of the cold air. This embodiment directly connects the outlet of the second contraction section 31 to the inlet 14, which can significantly reduce the resistance loss of the cold air during the flow process. This allows the cold air to enter the first contraction section 13 quickly and efficiently from the second contraction section 31. As the cold air passes through the second contraction section 31 and the first contraction section 13 in succession, the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases, thereby forming a stronger suction effect on the cold air from the outside. This allows more cold air to be introduced into the first contraction section 13, ensuring sufficient contact and mixing of the cold air and steam in the exhaust pipe 1. This improves both the defoaming efficiency and the cooling efficiency of the steam, and reduces the temperature of the steam when it is discharged from the exhaust port 41.
[0060] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the inner diameter of the cold air inlet section 32 gradually decreases from the side near the cold air outlet 42 to the side near the second contraction section 31 to form a tapered structure. That is, along the flow direction of the cold air, the cold air inlet section 32 is located upstream of the second contraction section 31.
[0061] The tapered structure design of the cold air inlet section 32 in this embodiment can reduce the energy loss of cold air during the flow process. Compared with straight pipes or pipe structures with abrupt cross-sections, the tapered structure in this technical solution can more effectively utilize the kinetic energy of the cold air and reduce the energy loss caused by the flow resistance. Moreover, the tapered structure can gradually accelerate the cold air during the flow process. As the inner diameter of the cold air inlet section 32 gradually decreases, the flow velocity of the cold air gradually increases, thereby giving the cold air a higher speed when entering the second contraction section 31. This improves the jetting effect of the cold air when it enters the inlet 14 from the second contraction section 31. It can not only more effectively introduce the cold air into the first contraction section 13, but also enhance the mixing effect of the cold air and steam and improve the defoaming efficiency.
[0062] Furthermore, the second contraction section 31 and the cold air inlet section 32 are integrally injection molded, and the cold air inlet section 32 has a thin-walled structure, giving it a certain degree of elasticity. After the steam valve assembly is assembled, the cold air inlet section 32 connects and seals with the cold air port 42. The cold air inlet section 32 not only guides the flow of cold air but also seals the joint between the inlet pipe 3 and the cold air port 42, preventing cold air leakage into the mixing chamber 2 and preventing steam in the mixing chamber 2 from overflowing from the cold air port 42.
[0063] In another embodiment not shown, along the flow direction of the cold air, the cold air inlet section 32 is located upstream of the second contraction section 31. The cold air inlet section 32 has a variable diameter structure so that the inner diameter of the cold air inlet section 32 tends to decrease from the air inlet end to the air outlet end, and the inner diameter of the second contraction section 31 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the air outlet end of the cold air inlet section 32.
[0064] Implementation Method Two: This implementation method is not illustrated. In this implementation method, the inlet pipe is further provided with a cold air diffusion section that communicates with the second contraction section. The inner diameter of the cold air diffusion section gradually increases from the side closer to the second contraction section to the side closer to the inlet, forming a gradually expanding structure. That is, along the flow path of the cold air, the cold air diffusion section is located downstream of the second contraction section to further guide the flow of cold air.
[0065] The gradually expanding structure of the cold air diffusion section in this second embodiment allows the cold air to gradually decelerate as it flows from the second contraction section towards the inlet. This effectively converts the kinetic energy of the cold air into pressure energy; that is, as the cold air velocity decreases, the pressure gradually increases, thereby increasing the pressure of the cold air entering the inlet. This ensures that the cold air and steam can fully contact and mix in the first contraction section, improving not only the cooling efficiency of the steam but also the defoaming efficiency and preventing overflow. Furthermore, the gradually expanding structure makes the flow of cold air more stable, reducing pulsation and noise during the flow process and enhancing the user experience.
[0066] This second embodiment does not limit whether the cold air diffuser section is directly connected to the inlet. In one embodiment, the outlet of the cold air diffuser section is connected to the mixing chamber. After the cold air is output from the cold air diffuser section, it first enters the mixing chamber and then enters the inlet from the mixing chamber. The cold air diffuser section can extend the guidance of the cold air and improve the utilization efficiency of the cold air. In another embodiment, the outlet of the cold air diffuser section is directly connected to the inlet, so that the cold air output from the cold air diffuser section directly enters the inlet.
[0067] Implementation Method 3: This implementation method is not illustrated. In this implementation method, the outlet of the second contraction section is not connected to other pipeline structures, but is directly connected to the mixing chamber. After the cold air is output from the second contraction section, it first enters the mixing chamber and then enters the inlet from the mixing chamber.
[0068] The relative positional relationship between the air inlet end of the inlet pipe and the cold air outlet in this application can be any of the following embodiments:
[0069] Implementation Method Four: (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown, the inlet pipe 3 has a first end 33 located inside the mixing chamber 2, which is sealed and connected to the cold air inlet 42. If the first end 33 of the inlet pipe 3 is not connected to the cold air inlet 42, but is suspended, that is, the first end 33 of the inlet pipe 3 is connected to the mixing chamber 2, the cold air enters the mixing chamber 2 first from the cold air inlet 42, and then enters the inlet pipe 3 through the mixing chamber 2. This setting will cause the cold air to exchange heat with the steam in the mixing chamber 2 before entering the inlet pipe 3, resulting in an increase in the temperature of the cold air. This will reduce the defoaming and cooling effect of the cold air on the steam after entering the first contraction section 13. On the other hand, it will cause the steam in the mixing chamber 2 to be discharged from the cold air inlet 42, which will not only hinder the introduction of cold air, but also cause multiple "leakages" in the steam valve assembly, giving users the illusion that the steam valve assembly is malfunctioning. This technical solution connects the first end 33 of the inlet pipe 3 with the cold air port 42 in a sealed connection. On the one hand, the cold air can enter the inlet pipe 3 directly after entering from the cold air port 42, and enter the first contraction section 13 under the guidance of the inlet pipe 3. This reduces the heat exchange between the cold air and the steam in the mixing chamber 2 and improves the utilization efficiency of the cold air. On the other hand, it can prevent the steam in the mixing chamber 2 from overflowing through the joint between the inlet pipe 3 and the cold air port 42, so that the steam in the mixing chamber 2 can flow according to the preset flow path.
[0070] Furthermore, this fourth embodiment also achieves an internally concealed arrangement of the inlet pipe 3, avoiding the inlet pipe 3 being exposed on the pot lid and improving the consistency of the pot lid's appearance.
[0071] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inlet pipe 3 has a second end 34 that is connected to the inlet port 14, and the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1 are integrally formed.
[0072] Based on the connection between the first end 33 of the inlet pipe 3 and the cold air port 42, this embodiment directly connects the outlet end of the inlet pipe 3 to the inlet port 14. This allows the cold air entering from the cold air port 42 to be directly guided to the inlet port 14 through the inlet pipe 3, avoiding contact between the cold air and the steam in the mixing chamber 2. This reduces heat exchange and flow resistance during the cold air flow process, improving the utilization efficiency of the cold air. Furthermore, by making the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1 an integral structure, the assembly process between the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1 can be eliminated. During the assembly process with the cold air port 42, there is no need to worry about air leakage at the connection point between the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1. Moreover, the integral design makes the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1 a whole, enhancing the strength and durability of the overall structure. This allows the exhaust pipe 1 to better withstand the pressure and impact when the cold air is introduced, reducing structural damage caused by long-term use.
[0073] Furthermore, the steam valve assembly also includes a second seal for sealing the cold air port 42 and the first end 33. The second seal is separately formed from the inlet pipe 3. By adding a second seal between the cold air port 42 and the inlet pipe 3, steam can be prevented from overflowing from the cold air port 42, and cold air can be directly introduced into the inlet pipe 3 after entering from the cold air port 42, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of steam.
[0074] Unlike the embodiment described above where the inlet pipe 3 and the exhaust pipe 1 are integrally formed, in another embodiment (not shown), the steam valve assembly also includes a valve cover, with a cold air port located on the valve cover. The inlet pipe is integrally formed with the valve cover and extends towards the inlet port. This embodiment can prevent steam from overflowing from the joint between the inlet pipe and the cold air port, ensuring that steam flows within the steam valve assembly along a preset flow path. This not only improves the anti-overflow effect by optimizing the steam flow path but also ensures that steam is discharged from the exhaust port, avoiding the misconception that the pot lid is malfunctioning due to multiple leaks.
[0075] Implementation Method 5: This implementation method 5 is not illustrated. In this implementation method 5, the air inlet end of the inlet pipe extends to the outside of the mixing chamber. By extending the air inlet end of the inlet pipe to the outside of the mixing chamber, this implementation method 5 reduces the probability of hot steam discharged from the exhaust port being introduced from the cold air inlet, thereby reducing the air temperature introduced from the cold air inlet into the inlet pipe and the first contraction section, and improving the defoaming effect.
[0076] As a preferred embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the exhaust port 41 and the steam outlet are located on opposite sides of the inlet pipe 3. At least part of the steam introduced into the exhaust pipe 1 is discharged from the steam outlet to the mixing chamber 2 and then discharged from the exhaust port 41 after passing through the inlet pipe 3. This embodiment sets the exhaust port 41 and the outlet end of the exhaust pipe 1 on opposite sides of the inlet pipe 3. On the one hand, it extends the flow path of steam as it exits the exhaust pipe 1 into the mixing chamber 2 and flows from the mixing chamber 2 to the exhaust port 41. The extension of the flow path increases the friction loss during the steam flow process, allowing the unbroken steam in the exhaust pipe 1 to break bubbles as it flows to the exhaust port 41, further improving the overflow prevention effect. On the other hand, as the steam flows from the outlet end of the exhaust pipe 1 to the exhaust port 41, at least some of the steam will bypass the inlet pipe 3. Since the inlet pipe 3 introduces cold air, the temperature around the inlet pipe 3 is lower than the temperature inside the mixing chamber 2. When the steam bypasses the inlet pipe 3, it can not only break bubbles but also cool the steam, reducing the steam temperature and helping to form condensate, thereby improving the overflow prevention effect.
[0077] As a preferred embodiment of this implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the steam valve assembly includes a valve cover 4 located above the exhaust pipe 1. The valve cover 4 is provided with a baffle 43 extending toward the mixing chamber 2. The baffle 43 is located between the exhaust port 41 and the inlet pipe 3, and there is a steam passage gap between the baffle 43 and the exhaust pipe 1.
[0078] In this technical solution, the setting of baffle 43 and the existence of steam gap can further extend the steam flow path. Moreover, the steam can experience diverse flow cross-sectional areas during the process of entering the exhaust pipe 1, exiting from the exhaust pipe 1 into the mixing chamber 2, flowing through the steam gap and finally exiting from the exhaust port 41. This results in various changes in the steam flow velocity, greatly improving the defoaming efficiency and thus improving the anti-overflow effect.
[0079] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.
[0080] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.
[0081] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The technical features or structures in the foregoing different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to form other specific technical solutions as needed. For those skilled in the art, this application can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An anti-spillage cooking appliance having improved bubble breaking efficiency, comprising a pot body having a cooking cavity and a pot cover for opening or closing the cooking cavity, characterized in that, The steam valve assembly has a mixing cavity and a steam discharge port communicating the mixing cavity with the outside, the steam valve assembly includes a steam discharge pipe communicating with the cooking cavity, the steam discharge end of the steam discharge pipe is located in the mixing cavity, and the steam discharge pipe has a first contraction section with a contracted inner diameter, the first contraction section is provided with an introduction port, the steam valve assembly further includes an introduction pipe, the cold air introduced by the cold air port is guided into the first contraction section through the introduction pipe and the introduction port, the introduction pipe is provided with a second contraction section with a contracted inner diameter and a cold air introduction section communicating with the second contraction section, the inner diameter of the mouth of the cold air introduction section is greater than the inner diameter of the cold air port, and the cold air introduction section is in abutment with the cold air port on the pot cover.
2. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the gas outlet end of the second contraction section directly communicates with the introduction port.
3. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the cold air introduction section gradually decreases from the side close to the cold air port to the side close to the second contraction section to form a tapered structure.
4. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the introduction pipe is further provided with a cold air diffusion section communicating with the second contraction section, the inner diameter of the cold air diffusion section gradually increases from the side close to the second contraction section to the side close to the introduction port to form a gradually expanding structure.
5. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the introduction pipe has a first end located in the mixing cavity, and the first end is in sealed abutment communication with the cold air port.
6. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 5, wherein the introduction pipe has a second end in abutment communication with the introduction port, and the introduction pipe and the steam discharge pipe are integrally formed.
7. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 5, wherein the steam valve assembly further includes a sealing member for sealing the cold air port and the first end, and the sealing member is separately formed with the introduction pipe; alternatively, the steam valve assembly further includes a valve cover, the cold air port is arranged on the valve cover, and the introduction pipe is integrally formed with the valve cover and extends towards the introduction port.
8. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the gas inlet end of the introduction pipe extends to the outside of the mixing cavity.
9. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the steam discharge port and the steam discharge end are located on two opposite sides of the introduction pipe, and at least part of the steam introduced into the steam discharge pipe is discharged from the steam discharge end to the mixing cavity, passes through the introduction pipe, and is then discharged from the steam discharge port.
10. The anti-overflow cooking appliance of claim 9, wherein The steam valve assembly comprises a valve cover above the steam exhaust pipe, the valve cover is provided with a baffle rib extending towards the mixing cavity, the baffle rib is located between the steam exhaust port and the introduction pipe, and there is a steam gap between the baffle rib and the steam exhaust pipe.