Water tank structure and cooking equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water tank structure and cooking equipment. The water tank structure comprises a water tank base, a water tank and a buoy, the water tank is detachably installed in the water tank base in the horizontal direction, the buoy penetrates through the water tank in the vertical direction and can ascend and descend along with the height change of the liquid level in the water tank, and the water tank base is further provided with an induction module; when the water tank is installed in place in the water tank base, the sensing module corresponds to the part, protruding out of the water tank, of the buoy, and the sensing module can detect the displacement of the part in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. The water level and the position of the water tank are detected simultaneously through the single sensing module, a traditional independent water level sensor and a microswitch are omitted, the structure is simplified, cost is reduced, and meanwhile the occupied space is reduced. In addition, a double detection mechanism in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction ensures the use reliability, and the misjudgment or water leakage risk caused by the fact that the water tank is not installed in place is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of cooking equipment, and in particular to a water tank structure and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cooking appliances that require water volume control, such as steam ovens, generally adopt a split detection scheme to monitor the water tank status: on the one hand, a capacitive or float-type water level sensor is used to detect the liquid level to determine whether the water volume is sufficient; on the other hand, a mechanical micro switch is used to detect whether the water tank is installed in place.

[0003] While this design can achieve basic water volume monitoring, the two detection structures have a large number of components, making installation difficult and costly, and their reliability is relatively low. On the other hand, they may reduce the volume of the water tank or hinder the integration of other functional modules, which is not conducive to the compact design of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water tank structure and cooking equipment with higher integration to address the problems of the large number of components and high space occupation of the current water tank status detection structure.

[0005] This application provides a water tank structure, including a water tank base 10, a water tank 20, and a float 30. The water tank 20 is detachably installed in the water tank base 10 in the horizontal direction. The float 30 passes through the water tank 20 in the vertical direction and can rise and fall with the change of the liquid level in the water tank 20. The water tank base 10 is also provided with a sensing module 12.

[0006] When the water tank 20 is installed in the water tank base 10, the sensing module 12 corresponds to the part of the float 30 that protrudes outward from the water tank 20, and the sensing module 12 can detect the displacement of this part in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water tank 20 includes a water tank body 21 and a sliding seat 22 fixed to the top of the water tank body 21. The float 30 includes a float 31, a connecting rod 32, and a sensing block 33 fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The float 31 is located inside the water tank 20 and can rise and fall with the change of liquid level. The connecting rod 32 passes through the water tank 20 in the vertical direction. The sensing block 33 is located outside the water tank 20 and is slidably connected to the sliding seat 22 in the vertical direction. The sensing module 12 can detect the displacement of the sensing block 33 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sensing block 33 includes a first limiting member 331, a connecting member 332, and a second limiting member 333, which are fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The second limiting member 333 is located inside the sliding seat 22, the connecting member 332 passes through the sliding seat 22 along the vertical direction, and the first limiting member 331 is located outside the sliding seat 22.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sensing module 12 is capable of detecting the displacement of the first limiting member 331 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sensing block 33 includes at least two of the connecting members 332, and each of the connecting members 332 is arranged at equal intervals around the connecting rod 32.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water tank base 10 includes a water tank base body 11 and a sensing module 12 fixed to the top of the water tank base body 11. The water tank base body 11 has a receiving cavity 111 with the same opening direction and a sliding groove 112. The sliding groove 112 connects the receiving cavity 111 to the outside in a vertical direction. The sensing module 12 is disposed at the end of the sliding groove 112 away from the opening. The water tank 20 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, and the sliding seat 22 is slidably connected to the sliding groove 112.

[0012] In one embodiment, the sensing module 12 has a sensing cavity 121, the opening direction of the sensing cavity 121 is the same as that of the receiving cavity 111, and when the water tank 20 is installed in the water tank seat 10, the sliding seat 22 is located in the sensing cavity 121.

[0013] In one embodiment, the water tank structure further includes an elastic member 40 with its two ends respectively disposed on the float 30 and the water tank 20.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elastic element 40 is a spring sleeved on the connecting rod 32, with one end of the spring abutting against the float 31 and the other end abutting against the inner top wall of the water tank body 21.

[0015] This application also provides a cooking device, including the water tank structure described above.

[0016] The aforementioned water tank structure uses a single sensing module 12 to simultaneously detect the water level and the position of the water tank 20, eliminating the need for traditional independent water level sensors and microswitches. This simplifies the structure, reduces costs, and minimizes space requirements. Furthermore, the dual detection mechanism in both vertical and horizontal directions ensures reliable operation and avoids the risk of misjudgment or leakage due to the water tank not being installed correctly. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the water tank structure of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0021] Reference numerals: 10, water tank base; 11, water tank base body; 111, receiving cavity; 112, slide groove; 12, sensing module; 121, sensing cavity; 20, water tank; 21, water tank body; 22, sliding seat; 30, float; 31, float; 32, connecting rod; 33, sensing block; 331, first limiting member; 332, connecting member; 333, second limiting member; 40, elastic member. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," 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 or an electrical 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" 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.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Please combine Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a water tank structure, including a water tank base 10, a water tank 20, and a float 30. The water tank 20 is detachably installed in the water tank base 10 in the horizontal direction. The float 30 penetrates the water tank 20 in the vertical direction and can rise and fall with the change of liquid level in the water tank 20. The water tank base 10 is also provided with a sensing module 12. When the water tank 20 is installed in the water tank base 10, the sensing module 12 corresponds to the part of the float 30 that protrudes outward from the water tank 20, and the sensing module 12 can detect the displacement of this part in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0029] In this application, the water level and the position of the water tank 20 are detected simultaneously by a single sensing module 12, eliminating the need for traditional independent water level sensors and microswitches, simplifying the structure, reducing costs, and minimizing space occupation; in addition, the dual detection mechanism in the vertical and horizontal directions ensures reliability and avoids the risk of misjudgment or leakage due to the water tank not being installed in place.

[0030] Specifically, the water level detection principle is as follows: After the water tank 20 is installed in place, the float 31 of the float 30 floats up and down with the liquid surface, driving the sensing block 33 to rise and fall in the vertical direction; the sensing module 12 determines whether the water level is too low by detecting the vertical displacement of the sensing block 33 (such as through an optocoupler, Hall sensor or magnetic induction switch); when the water level is lower than the warning value, that is, when the liquid level in the water tank 20 is low, the float 31 moves down with the liquid surface, thereby causing the sensing block 33 to leave the sensing area and triggering a water shortage alarm.

[0031] The principle of water tank position detection is as follows: When water tank 20 is pulled out for installation, if it is not fully inserted into water tank seat 10, the sensing block 33 will be misaligned in the horizontal direction and deviate from the sensing area of ​​sensing module 12, triggering a position abnormality signal.

[0032] Please combine Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the water tank 20 includes a water tank body 21 and a sliding seat 22 fixed to the top of the water tank body 21. The float 30 includes a float 31, a connecting rod 32 and a sensing block 33 fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The float 31 is located inside the water tank 20 and can rise and fall with the change of liquid level. The connecting rod 32 passes through the water tank 20 in the vertical direction. The sensing block 33 is located outside the water tank 20 and is slidably connected to the sliding seat 22 in the vertical direction. The sensing module 12 can detect the displacement of the sensing block 33 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0033] It is understandable that the sliding block 22 can constrain the sensing block 33 to move only in the vertical direction, avoiding false triggering due to horizontal deviation.

[0034] Please combine Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensing block 33 includes a first limiting member 331, a connecting member 332 and a second limiting member 333 fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The second limiting member 333 is located inside the sliding seat 22, the connecting member 332 passes through the sliding seat 22 in the vertical direction, and the first limiting member 331 is located outside the sliding seat 22.

[0035] The first limiting member 331 and the second limiting member 333 together constrain the vertical travel of the sensing block 33 within the sliding seat 22 to achieve longitudinal limiting and prevent the float 30 from derailing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensing module 12 can detect the displacement of the first limiting member 331 in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0037] Specifically, the first limiting member 331 is located outside the sliding seat 22 and serves as the top limiting structure of the sensing block 33. The sensing module 12 integrates bidirectional displacement detection functions in the horizontal and vertical directions, and can monitor the real-time position of the first limiting member 331 through Hall sensors, photoelectric sensors, or other commonly used sensing elements.

[0038] When the water tank 20 is installed in place, the first limiting member 331 is within the detection range of the sensing module 12; if the water tank 20 is not fully pushed into the water tank seat 10 (horizontal displacement deviation), or the float 30 causes the first limiting member 331 to move down due to the liquid level being too low (vertical displacement exceeding the limit), the sensing module 12 will trigger a signal loss and generate an early warning.

[0039] It is understandable that, since the first limiting member 331 is located outside the sliding seat 22 and is directly exposed to the detection area of ​​the sensing module 12, it avoids signal attenuation or delay caused by factors such as mechanical damping or oil contamination that may occur in the internal structure of the connecting member 332 or the second limiting member 333, ensuring fast and accurate displacement capture and effectively improving detection accuracy and response speed.

[0040] In addition, the external design of the first limiting member 331 simplifies the installation path of the sensing module 12, eliminating the need to penetrate the complex internal cavity structure of the sliding seat 22, and facilitating calibration and maintenance.

[0041] More specifically, the projection of the first limiting member 331 along the vertical direction covers the sliding seat 22 to increase the area of ​​the first limiting member 331, thereby increasing its limiting effect and the sensing accuracy of the sensing module 12.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensing block 33 includes at least two connectors 332. Each connector 332 is circumferentially spaced around the axis of the connecting rod 32, and a first limiting member 331 and a second limiting member 333 are fixed at both ends of each connector 332 respectively. The connectors 332 and the guide holes of the sliding seat 22 form a sliding pair to ensure that the sensing block 33 always moves along the set trajectory during the lifting process and avoids horizontal deviation.

[0043] It is understandable that the circumferentially spaced connectors 332 evenly transmit the buoyancy of the float 30 and the elastic force of the elastic element 40 to the sliding seat 22, avoiding uneven distribution of friction caused by unilateral force. For example, when the float 30 tilts, the symmetrical connectors 332 automatically correct the movement trajectory through multi-point support, preventing a surge in sliding resistance or local jamming caused by uneven loading, which can effectively improve the long-term operational reliability of the water tank structure of this application.

[0044] Please combine Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the water tank base 10 includes a water tank base body 11 and a sensing module 12 fixed to the top of the water tank base body 11. The water tank base body 11 has a receiving cavity 111 with the same opening direction and a slide groove 112. The slide groove 112 connects the receiving cavity 111 and the outside in the vertical direction, serving as a motion guide channel for the sliding seat 22.

[0045] The sensing module 12 is located at the end of the slide groove 112 away from the opening, that is, on the top of the water tank base body 11, relatively inside, to avoid exposure and damage from bumps; the water tank 20 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, and the sliding seat 22 is slidably connected to the slide groove 112.

[0046] The water tank 20 is installed horizontally by sliding along the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111, forming a double guide with the sliding seat 22 in the sliding groove 112. Compared with installation by rotation or other movement methods, the sliding method does not require complex hinges or locking mechanisms. The water tank 20 can be quickly installed and removed by linear push and pull, and the horizontal displacement trajectory is fixed, which can ensure the positional accuracy of the water tank 20 after installation.

[0047] Furthermore, the sliding groove 112 and the receiving cavity 111 cooperate to form a "double track" limit, so that even if the water tank 20 is frequently pulled out, horizontal displacement can still be avoided by the contact between the inner wall of the sliding groove 112 and the sliding seat 22, ensuring the horizontal alignment accuracy of the sensing module 12 and the sensing block 33.

[0048] In addition, by placing the sensing module 12 on the top of the water tank base body 11, it not only avoids external impacts or oil contamination from affecting the detection, but also facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the sensing module 12 for maintenance.

[0049] In some other embodiments, the inner wall of the chute 112 may be provided with a wear-resistant coating or embedded with ball bearing tracks to reduce sliding friction; or an anti-detachment flange may be provided at the opening end of the chute 112 to prevent the water tank 20 from falling off when it is excessively pulled out.

[0050] Please combine Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the sensing module 12 has a sensing cavity 121, the opening direction of the sensing cavity 121 is the same as that of the receiving cavity 111, and when the water tank 20 is installed in the water tank seat 10, the sliding seat 22 is located in the sensing cavity 121.

[0051] Specifically, the sensing module 12 has a cover-like structure, and the opening direction of its sensing cavity 121 is consistent with that of the receiving cavity 111, forming a forward-facing open detection space. When the water tank 20 is fully inserted into the water tank seat 10, the sliding seat 22 is embedded inside the sensing cavity 121. At this time, the distance between the first limiting member 331 of the sensing block 33 and the detection surface of the sensing module 12 is less than 5mm, realizing high-precision displacement detection.

[0052] It is understandable that, since the sensing cavity 121 forms a semi-enclosed detection space, and the opening direction is consistent with the pushing and pulling direction of the water tank 20, it can ensure that the sliding seat 22 and the sensing block 33 on its top can enter the cavity without obstruction, and the cover structure can isolate external electromagnetic interference (such as the magnetic field generated by the motor of the steam oven) and improve the stability of the detection signal.

[0053] In addition, after the sliding seat 22 enters the sensing cavity 121, the sensing module 12 and the sensing block 33 are automatically aligned by the mechanical limit of the inner wall of the cavity, without the need for manual calibration; at the same time, the sealing of the cover structure can prevent condensation or oil from directly contacting the internal circuit of the sensing module 12, thus extending its service life.

[0054] In some other embodiments, the housing of the sensing module 12 integrates heat dissipation fins to adapt to the high-temperature environment of the steam oven.

[0055] Please combine Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the water tank structure also includes an elastic element 40 with its two ends respectively disposed on the float 30 and the water tank 20. The elastic element 40 is in a pre-compressed state during initial installation, providing a downward pre-tightening force to the float 30.

[0056] Specifically, when the water level is below the warning value, the float 31 completely leaves the liquid surface, and the elastic force of the elastic element 40 pushes the float 30 down to the mechanical limit point, triggering a water shortage alarm by separating the sensing block 33 from the sensing module 12.

[0057] When the float 30 rises after the water is full, the elastic element 40 assists the float 30 to quickly return to its original position through its own rebound, reducing mechanical wear.

[0058] It is understandable that when the liquid level in the water tank 20 is stable, the buoyancy of the float 31 and the elastic force of the elastic element 40 are balanced, keeping the vertical position of the sensing block 33 constant. When the liquid level in the water tank 20 fluctuates due to external vibration or tilting, the elastic element 40 compensates for unnecessary minor fluctuations in the float 30 through elastic deformation, preventing the sensing module 12 from falsely triggering an alarm due to instantaneous displacement, and ensuring detection reliability.

[0059] In addition, the pre-compression design of the elastic element 40 can adapt to different water viscosities, preventing the float 30 from getting stuck due to liquid viscosity.

[0060] In some embodiments, the elastic element 40 is a two-stage spring, with a low stiffness in the front stage to balance liquid level fluctuations and a high stiffness in the rear stage to trigger low water level locking.

[0061] In some embodiments, a corrugated protective sleeve is added to the outside of the elastic element 40 to prevent scale or impurities from entering the spring gap.

[0062] Please combine Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the elastic element 40 is a spring sleeved on the connecting rod 32. One end of the spring abuts against the float 31, and the other end abuts against the annular boss (not shown) on the inner top wall of the water tank body 21. A guide hole for the connecting rod 32 to pass through is provided in the center of the annular boss.

[0063] On the one hand, the connecting rod 32 is used as an axial movement guide to limit the lateral displacement of the spring and avoid the spring force direction from deviating from the axis due to the bending of the spring; on the other hand, it is integrated into the movement path of the float 30 to save lateral installation space, which is especially suitable for the internal layout of a highly compact steam oven.

[0064] In some embodiments, the gap between the spring and the connecting rod 32 is controlled at 0.5mm to 1mm, which allows the spring to extend and retract freely while avoiding direct contact between the two to prevent friction noise. At the same time, the guide hole of the annular boss is fitted with a nylon bushing to reduce mechanical vibration when the connecting rod 32 is raised or lowered.

[0065] Furthermore, in some embodiments, an elastic buffer pad, such as a silicone ring, is added to the inner top wall of the water tank body 21 to absorb the impact force when the spring rebounds.

[0066] In some embodiments, the spring is threadedly connected to the annular boss to change the initial compression of the spring by adjusting the height position of the annular boss, thereby matching the spring force requirements of different float weights 31 or liquid densities such as clean water and high-concentration salt water, and improving the versatility of water level detection.

[0067] This application also provides a cooking device, including the water tank structure described above.

[0068] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0069] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water tank structure, characterized in that, The system includes a water tank base (10), a water tank (20), and a float (30). The water tank (20) is detachably installed in the water tank base (10) in the horizontal direction. The float (30) passes through the water tank (20) in the vertical direction and can rise and fall with the change of liquid level in the water tank (20). The water tank base (10) is also provided with a sensing module (12). When the water tank (20) is installed in the water tank seat (10), the sensing module (12) corresponds to the part of the float (30) that protrudes outward from the water tank (20), and the sensing module (12) can detect the displacement of this part in the horizontal and vertical directions.

2. The water tank structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank (20) includes a water tank body (21) and a sliding seat (22) fixed to the top of the water tank body (21). The float (30) includes a float (31), a connecting rod (32) and a sensing block (33) fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The float (31) is located inside the water tank (20) and can rise and fall with the change of liquid level. The connecting rod (32) passes through the water tank (20) in the vertical direction. The sensing block (33) is located outside the water tank (20) and is slidably connected to the sliding seat (22) in the vertical direction. The sensing module (12) can detect the displacement of the sensing block (33) in the horizontal and vertical directions.

3. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensing block (33) includes a first limiting member (331), a connecting member (332) and a second limiting member (333) fixed in sequence along the vertical direction. The second limiting member (333) is located inside the sliding seat (22), the connecting member (332) passes through the sliding seat (22) in the vertical direction, and the first limiting member (331) is located outside the sliding seat (22).

4. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing module (12) can detect the displacement of the first limiting member (331) in the horizontal and vertical directions.

5. The water tank structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensing block (33) includes at least two of the connecting members (332), and each of the connecting members (332) is arranged at equal intervals around the connecting rod (32) in the circumferential direction.

6. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water tank base (10) includes a water tank base body (11) and a sensing module (12) fixed to the top of the water tank base body (11). The water tank base body (11) has a receiving cavity (111) with the same opening direction and a sliding groove (112). The sliding groove (112) connects the receiving cavity (111) and the outside in a vertical direction. The sensing module (12) is located at the end of the sliding groove (112) away from the opening. The water tank (20) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity (111), and the sliding seat (22) is slidably connected to the sliding groove (112).

7. The water tank structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sensing module (12) has a sensing cavity (121), the opening direction of the sensing cavity (121) is the same as that of the receiving cavity (111), and when the water tank (20) is installed in the water tank seat (10), the sliding seat (22) is located in the sensing cavity (121).

8. The water tank structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water tank structure also includes elastic elements (40) with both ends respectively disposed on the float (30) and the water tank (20).

9. The water tank structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic element (40) is a spring sleeved on the connecting rod (32). One end of the spring abuts against the float (31), and the other end abuts against the inner top wall of the water tank body (21).

10. A cooking device, characterized in that, Includes the water tank structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images