Humidity control device and cooking utensil
By designing a humidity control device and a layered condensation system in the steam oven, the problems of unadjustable humidity and channel blockage are solved, achieving precise humidity control and channel separation, thus improving the performance and service life of the steam oven.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing steam ovens lack humidity control mechanisms, making it impossible to adjust humidity according to the needs of different foods, and the shared exhaust channel for hot air and steam is prone to clogging.
Design a humidity control device that controls the relative positions of the first and second main bodies through a drive device to form independent steam and hot gas emission channels, and is equipped with a humidity sensor and controller to achieve precise humidity regulation, combined with a stratified condensation system to separate steam and hot gas.
It achieves precise control of humidity inside the steam oven, avoids channel blockage, extends the service life of the equipment, and improves cooking results.
Smart Images
Figure CN224070230U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically relating to a humidity control device and a cooking utensil. Background Technology
[0002] A steam oven is a kitchen appliance that combines traditional baking and steam cooking technologies. During operation, it not only heats the food but also sprays steam into the oven, increasing the humidity inside. This steam penetration compensates for the drying defects of traditional baking, resulting in better cooking results.
[0003] While steam ovens have solved the problem of "burnt on the outside and raw on the inside" found in traditional ovens, they still have several issues. For example, steam ovens lack humidity control mechanisms and rely solely on temperature sensors to detect the temperature inside the cavity for cooking. This means there's no humidity detection within the cavity, and in steam-baking mode, the continuous generation of steam makes it impossible to match the required humidity for different foods, resulting in poor cooking performance. Secondly, existing steam ovens use a common exhaust channel for both steam and hot air. This means that hot air is exhausted during normal baking, and steam is exhausted through the same exhaust channel. Hot air usually contains impurities such as oil. After prolonged use, baking oil adheres to the channel, and when combined with the high-temperature steam exhausted from the same channel, it causes blockage, affecting the overall performance of the machine. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a humidity control device that can control the separate discharge of humidity, hot air and steam, and a cooking appliance using the humidity control device.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a humidity control device, which includes a driving device, a first main body, and a second main body;
[0006] The driving device, the first main body, and the second main body are arranged sequentially from top to bottom, and the driving device can drive the first main body to move downward.
[0007] The first main body is sleeved inside the second main body, and a spring is also provided inside the first main body and the second main body, the spring being able to drive the first main body to move upward;
[0008] The first body has a first exhaust hole, and the second body has a second exhaust hole. The first exhaust hole and the second exhaust hole are arranged in the same straight line direction. When the driving device drives the first body to move downward, the first exhaust hole and the second exhaust hole overlap to form a first exhaust channel.
[0009] Preferably, the first body is further provided with a third vent hole, which is located above the first vent hole. When the spring drives the first body to move upward, the third vent hole forms a second vent channel.
[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the second main body extends in the axial direction to form a first support portion, and the spring abuts against the first support portion and the inner wall of the first main body.
[0011] Preferably, the first body includes a second support portion and an upper cover, the second support portion is disposed above the upper cover, the output shaft of the drive device is disposed toward the second support portion, and a sealing ring is also sleeved on the upper cover.
[0012] More preferably, the second body includes a lower cover and a connecting piece, the connecting piece being disposed on the outer periphery of the lower cover for connection with an external device; the lower cover has an inner cavity that extends vertically, the outer diameter of the upper cover corresponds to the inner diameter of the inner cavity, and the upper cover is inserted into the inner cavity.
[0013] Preferably, the humidity control device further includes a humidity sensor and a controller. The humidity sensor, controller and drive device are electrically connected. When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity is greater than a preset value, the controller controls the output shaft of the drive device to move downward, driving the first body to move downward, thereby opening the first exhaust channel.
[0014] This utility model also provides a cooking appliance, which includes an appliance body and a humidity control device as described in any of the above claims. The appliance body forms a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity has a connecting opening. The humidity control device is disposed on the connecting opening and is used to control the humidity in the receiving cavity.
[0015] Preferably, the main body of the appliance is provided with a condensation system, which is located outside the receiving cavity, and the humidity control device is located inside the condensation system. Water vapor in the receiving cavity is discharged into the condensation system through the first exhaust channel of the humidity control device.
[0016] Preferably, the condensation system includes a condenser, which has upper and lower layers. A third vent is provided on the first main body. The third vent is located above the first vent and forms a second vent channel. The first vent channel is connected to the lower layer of the condenser, and the second vent channel is connected to the upper layer of the condenser.
[0017] Preferably, the condensation system is provided with a downwardly extending connecting portion, the connecting portion extending into the receiving cavity, and the second main body is correspondingly connected to the connecting portion;
[0018] The condensation system is further provided with a snap-fit part, and the second main body abuts against the snap-fit part to limit the position of the humidity control system in the condensation system.
[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the humidity control device and cooking appliance of this solution have at least the following beneficial effects:
[0020] 1. The humidity control device of this solution has a first exhaust hole on the first main body and a second exhaust hole on the second main body. When the first main body is moved downward until the first exhaust hole and the second exhaust hole overlap, a first exhaust channel is formed to discharge steam. The first exhaust channel can be controlled by controlling the drive device to control whether the first exhaust channel is formed and the size of the first exhaust channel, so as to achieve humidity control.
[0021] 2. In a further improvement to this solution, a third exhaust port is provided on the first main body. The third exhaust port is located above the first exhaust port to form a second exhaust channel. When the first exhaust channel is not connected, the second exhaust channel is used to discharge hot gas, realizing separate discharge channels for steam and hot gas, and preventing pollution and blockage due to sharing the same channel for discharge.
[0022] 3. The cooking appliance provided in this solution uses the humidity control device mentioned above and adopts a corresponding condensation system. It adopts a layered condenser design, which is connected to the first exhaust channel and the second exhaust channel respectively, so that hot air and steam are discharged through separate channels, avoiding oil stains from clogging the steam channel, preventing the generation of odors, and ensuring the performance of the whole machine. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become clearer through a more detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the drawings, and the drawings are not intentionally drawn to scale with actual dimensions; the focus is on illustrating the gist of this invention.
[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the humidity control device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 2 An exploded view of the humidity control device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the humidity control device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the state of the humidity control device forming the first exhaust channel provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0028] Figure 5A schematic diagram showing the formation of the second exhaust channel in the humidity control device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cooking utensil provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A in the middle. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand this utility model and implement it. However, the embodiments are not intended to limit this utility model. In this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0032] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to and integrated with the other element, or there may be an intervening element present. The terms "mounted," "one end," "the other end," and similar expressions used in this invention are for illustrative purposes only.
[0033] Please refer to Figures 1-5 This utility model provides a humidity control device 100, which includes a drive device 10, a first body 20, and a second body 30. The drive device 10, the first body 20, and the second body 30 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The drive device 10 can drive the first body 20 to move downward. It can be understood that the output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 faces the first body 20 and can drive the first body 20 to move downward. For example, the output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 is connected to the first body 20. When the output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 extends, that is, when the output shaft 101 moves downward, it can drive the first body 20 to move downward. When the output shaft 101 retracts, it can drive the first body 20 to move downward. The output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 only faces the first body 20 and is not directly connected to the first body 20. When the output shaft 101 extends downward, it can drive the first body 20 to move downward.
[0034] The first body 20 is fitted inside the second body 30. A spring 40 is also provided inside the first body 20 and the second body 30. The spring 40 can drive the first body 20 to move upward. It can be understood that the spring 40 is located inside the first body 20 and the second body 30, that is, it is confined within the first body 20 and the second body 30. The upper end of the spring 40 abuts against the inner wall of the first body 20, and the lower end of the spring 40 abuts against the inner wall of the second body 30. When the driving device 10 drives the first body 20 to move downward, the spring 40 is in a compressed state inside the first body 20 and the second body 30. The spring 40 exerts upward and downward forces on the first body 20 and the second body 30, respectively. When the output shaft 101 of the driving device 10 retracts, its force on the first body 20 is canceled. At this time, the spring 40 drives the first body 20 to move upward.
[0035] The first body 20 has a first exhaust hole 201, and the second body 30 has a second exhaust hole 301. The first exhaust hole 201 and the second exhaust hole 301 are arranged in the same straight line direction. When the driving device 10 drives the first body 20 to move downward, the first exhaust hole 201 and the second exhaust hole 301 overlap to form a first exhaust channel 50. It can be understood that the first exhaust hole 201 and the second exhaust hole 301 being arranged in the same straight line direction means that they are arranged in the same straight line in the vertical direction. When the first body 20 moves downward, the first exhaust hole 201 can overlap with the second exhaust hole 301. For example, the first body 20 and the second body 30 have the following relative position states: First state: The first body 20 does not move towards the second body 30. At this time, the first exhaust port 201 and the second exhaust port 301 do not overlap, that is, the first exhaust channel 50 is not formed. The first exhaust port 201 is blocked by the second body 30, and the second exhaust port 301 is blocked by the first body 20, meaning that no exhaust can be emitted from either the first exhaust port 201 or the second exhaust port 301. Second state: The first body 20 moves towards the second body 30. At this time, the first exhaust port 201 and the second exhaust port 301 partially overlap, forming the first exhaust channel 50. The cross-sectional area of the first exhaust channel 50 can change with the relative position of the first body 20 and the second body 30. Different cross-sectional areas of the first exhaust channel 50 can achieve different exhaust effects, thereby controlling the amount of steam emitted and thus controlling humidity. Third state: The first body 20 continues to move downwards, causing the first exhaust port 201 and the second exhaust port 301 to completely overlap. At this time, the cross-sectional area of the first exhaust channel 50 is the largest, that is, the exhaust volume is the largest.
[0036] This embodiment controls the relative positions of the first exhaust port 201 and the second exhaust port 301 by controlling the relative positions of the first main body 20 and the second main body 30, thereby controlling the efficiency of exhaust volume by controlling whether the first exhaust channel 50 is formed and the size of the cross-sectional area of the first exhaust channel 50, so as to achieve humidity control. The humidity control device 100 has a simple structure and accurate control.
[0037] Please refer to Figures 1-5 In this embodiment, the first body 20 also has a third vent 202, which is located above the first vent 201. When the spring 40 drives the first body 20 to move upward, the third vent 202 forms a second vent channel 60. It is understood that "above the second vent 301" means closer to the upper part of the first body 20, not limited to directly above the second vent 301; it can be located at any position above it. The specific position depends on the structure of the humidity control device 100 installed in different cooking appliances 80. When the first body 20 moves downward to form the first vent channel 50, the third vent 202 is blocked by the second body 30, and the second vent channel 60 is in a closed state. When the spring 40 drives the first body 20 to move upward, the first vent 201 and the second vent 301 are blocked respectively, and the third vent 202 gradually emerges, thus forming the second vent channel 60. When the third vent 202 is fully exposed, the second vent channel 60 is fully formed, at which point the exhaust volume is at its maximum. By cleverly designing the positional relationship of the first exhaust port 201, the second exhaust port 301, and the third exhaust port 202, as well as the relationship formed by the first exhaust channel 50 and the second exhaust channel 60, the first exhaust channel 50 and the second exhaust channel 60 can be made to work separately. The first exhaust channel 50 is used to discharge steam, and the second exhaust channel is used to discharge hot air, so that steam and hot air are discharged separately, the exhaust channels will not be blocked, and the service life of the cooking appliance 80 is extended.
[0038] Please refer to Figures 1-5In this embodiment, the lower end of the second body 30 extends towards the axial direction to form a first support portion 302, and the spring 40 abuts against the first support portion 302 and the inner wall of the first body 20. It can be understood that the lower end of the second body 30 refers to the side away from the first body 20, and the axial direction refers to the center of the cross-section of the second body 30. The spring 40 is disposed between the first body 20 and the second body 30 and abuts against the first support portion 302 and the inner wall of the first body 20. When the first body 20 moves downward, the spring 40 is compressed, generating a force that separates the first body 20 and the second body 30, causing them to move towards each other. For example, when the humidity control device 100 is installed on the cooking appliance 80, the second body 30 is relatively fixed, so the force of the spring 40 acts on the first body 20, causing the first body 20 to move upward. By using the spring 40 to drive the first body 20, the structure is simple, reducing the need for a power unit, saving space, and simplifying wiring.
[0039] Please refer to Figures 1-5 In this embodiment, the first body 20 includes a second support portion 203 and an upper cover 204. The second support portion 203 and the upper cover 204 are fixedly connected. The second support portion 203 is disposed above the upper cover 204. The output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 is disposed towards the second support portion 203. It can be understood that when the output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 extends, it abuts against the second support portion 203 and drives the second support portion 203 to move downward. The second support portion 203 is also used to limit the position of the first body 20. Further, a sealing ring 205 is also sleeved on the upper cover 204. When the first body 20 moves downward to the formation of the first exhaust channel 50, the top end of the second body 30 abuts against the sealing ring 205, so that the top ends of the first body 20 and the second body 30 form a seal, preventing steam from leaking from the top and entering other parts of the cooking appliance 80 when the first exhaust channel 50 is formed, thus ensuring safety.
[0040] More preferably, the second body 30 includes a lower cover 303 and a connecting piece 304. The connecting piece 304 is disposed on the outer periphery of the lower cover 303 for connection with external equipment. The lower cover 303 has a through-cavity 305, and the outer diameter of the upper cover 204 corresponds to the inner diameter of the through-cavity 305. The upper cover 204 is inserted into the through-cavity 305. It can be understood that the connecting piece 304 is used to restrict or fix the position of the second body 30 when the humidity control device 100 is installed with the cooking appliance 80. The through-cavity 305 of the lower cover 303 is used to introduce steam or hot air into the humidity control device 100 and to connect the upper cover 204. The upper cover 204 has an open structure on one side, with the open side facing the second body 30.
[0041] Please refer to Figure 6In other embodiments, the humidity control device 100 further includes a humidity sensor 70 and a controller (not shown in the figure). The humidity sensor 70, the controller, and the drive device 10 are electrically connected. When the humidity sensor 70 detects that the humidity is greater than a preset value, the controller controls the output shaft 101 of the drive device 10 to move downward, causing the first main body 20 to move downward, thereby opening the first exhaust channel 50. Based on the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 70 and the humidity required by the user when cooking different foods, the controller can control the drive device 10 to determine whether the first exhaust channel 50 is open and the size of the open area, thereby achieving precise humidity control.
[0042] Please refer to Figures 6-7 This utility model embodiment also provides a cooking appliance 80, which includes an appliance body 801 and a humidity control device 100 as described above. A receiving cavity 802 is formed within the appliance body 801, and the receiving cavity 802 has a connecting port 803. The humidity control device 100 is disposed on the connecting port 803 for controlling the humidity within the receiving cavity 802. For example, a humidity sensor 70 is disposed within the receiving cavity 802, capable of detecting the humidity value within the receiving cavity 802 in real time. The connecting port 803 is located at the upper part of the receiving cavity 802, and the humidity control device 100 is connected to the connecting port 803. Hot air or steam within the receiving cavity 802 is discharged through the connecting port 803 and separately discharged onto the humidity control device 100. Specifically, when the cooking appliance 80 is in normal baking mode, the second exhaust channel 60 is opened to release hot air, and the first exhaust channel 50 is closed at this time; when the cooking appliance 80 is in steam baking mode, the first exhaust channel 50 is opened as needed, and the second exhaust channel 60 is closed at this time, so as to separate the release of steam and hot air and prevent the two channels from contaminating each other.
[0043] Please refer to Figures 6-7 In this embodiment, a condensation system 804 is provided on the main body 801 of the appliance. The condensation system 804 is located outside the receiving cavity 802, and the humidity control device 100 is located inside the condensation system 804. Water vapor in the receiving cavity 802 is discharged into the condensation system 804 through the first exhaust channel 50 of the humidity control device 100. It can be understood that the condensation system 804 is used to condense hot air and steam, preventing high-temperature hot air or steam from being directly discharged outside the cooking appliance 80. It can also be used to recover oil stains in the hot air and water in the steam.
[0044] Please refer to Figures 6-7In a preferred embodiment, the condensation system 804 includes a condenser 805, which comprises upper and lower layers. Each layer of the condenser 805 has multiple spaced-apart condensing fins. Hot gas or steam cools and condenses when passing through the condensing fins. A third exhaust port 202 is provided on the first main body 20, which is located above the first exhaust port 201 and forms a second exhaust channel 60. The first exhaust channel 50 connects to the lower layer 809 of the condenser 805, and the second exhaust channel 60 connects to the upper layer 808 of the condenser 805. By connecting the first exhaust channel 50 and the second exhaust channel 60 to the upper and lower layers 809 of the condenser 805 respectively, hot gas and steam are further prevented from being discharged in the same channel, thus preventing oil and water vapor from mixing and clogging the channel.
[0045] Please refer to Figures 6-7 In this embodiment, the condensation system 804 is provided with a downwardly extending connecting part 806, which extends into the receiving cavity 802, and the second body 30 is correspondingly connected to the connecting part 806. It can be understood that by extending the connecting part 806 into the receiving cavity 802, a seal can be achieved between the receiving cavity 802 and the humidity control device 100 to prevent oil or steam leakage.
[0046] The condensing system 804 is also provided with a snap-fit part 807, and the second body 30 abuts against the snap-fit part 807 to limit the position of the humidity control system in the condensing system 804.
[0047] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" 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. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "preferred embodiment," "another embodiment," "other embodiment," or "specific example," 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 may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0049] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.
Claims
1. A humidity control device, characterized by, The device comprises a driving device, a first body and a second body; The driving device, the first body and the second body are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, and the driving device can drive the first body to move downward; The first body is sleeved in the second body, and a spring is arranged in the first body and the second body, which can drive the first body to move upward; A first exhaust hole is formed in the first body, a second exhaust hole is formed in the second body, the first exhaust hole and the second exhaust hole are arranged in the same direction, and when the driving device drives the first body to move downward, the first exhaust hole and the second exhaust hole overlap to form a first exhaust passage.
2. The humidity control device of claim 1, wherein The first body is further provided with a third exhaust hole, which is arranged above the first exhaust hole, and when the spring drives the first body to move upward, the third exhaust hole forms a second exhaust passage.
3. The humidity control device of claim 1, wherein, The end of the lower end of the second body extends to the axial direction to form a first support part, and the spring abuts between the first support part and the inner wall of the first body.
4. The humidity control device of claim 1, wherein, The first body comprises a second support part and an upper cover, the second support part is arranged above the upper cover, the output shaft of the driving device is arranged towards the second support part, and a sealing ring is further sleeved outside the upper cover.
5. The humidity control device of claim 4, wherein The second body comprises a lower cover and a connecting piece, the connecting piece is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the lower cover and is used for connecting with external equipment; the lower cover is provided with an inner cavity penetrating from top to bottom, the outer diameter of the upper cover corresponds to the inner diameter of the inner cavity, and the upper cover is inserted into the inner cavity.
6. The humidity control device of claim 1, wherein, The humidity control device further comprises a humidity sensor and a controller, the humidity sensor, the controller and the driving device are electrically connected, when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity is greater than a preset value, the controller controls the output shaft of the driving device to move downward to drive the first body to move downward, so as to open the first exhaust passage.
7. A cooking appliance characterized by, The device comprises a device body and a humidity control device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, an accommodating cavity is formed in the device body, the accommodating cavity is provided with a communication port, and the humidity control device is arranged on the communication port and used for controlling the humidity in the accommodating cavity.
8. The cooking appliance of claim 7, wherein, A condensation system is arranged on the device body, the condensation system is arranged outside the accommodating cavity, the humidity control device is arranged in the condensation system, and the water vapor in the accommodating cavity is discharged into the condensation system through the first exhaust passage of the humidity control device.
9. The cooking appliance of claim 8, wherein, The condensation system comprises a condenser, the condenser comprises two layers of upper and lower layers, a third exhaust hole is formed in the first body, the third exhaust hole is arranged above the first exhaust hole and forms a second exhaust passage, the first exhaust passage is communicated to the lower layer of the condenser, and the second exhaust passage is communicated to the upper layer of the condenser.
10. The cooking appliance of claim 7, wherein, The condensation system is provided with a downwardly extending connecting part, the connecting part extends into the accommodating cavity, and the second body is connected with the connecting part in correspondence; The condensing system is further provided with a clamping part, the second main body abuts against the clamping part, so as to limit the position of the humidity control system in the condensing system.