Cooking utensil
By installing a PTC heating element at the bottom of the water collection box and controlling its temperature, the safety hazards of condensate flowing in and the problems of insufficient evaporation are solved, achieving efficient evaporation and improved safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO LEJIA ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing cooking appliances cause condensation to flow into the rice cooker or onto the countertop after the lid is opened, posing safety hazards and being unsightly. Furthermore, improperly designed heating elements can lead to insufficient evaporation of condensation and water accumulation with unpleasant odors.
A heating element, especially a PTC heating element, is installed at the bottom of the water receiving box. The heating element is controlled to automatically stop heating when the temperature is above the boiling point of water. The heating element is also embedded in the bottom wall of the water receiving container to increase the contact area and evaporation path.
It improves the evaporation rate of condensate, avoids odor generation, reduces energy consumption, and enhances safety and aesthetics.
Smart Images
Figure CN224179527U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cooking utensils Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cooking equipment technology, and specifically provides a cooking utensil. Background Technology
[0002] In existing cooking appliances, condensation on the lid often drips into the rice cooker or onto the countertop after opening, posing a safety hazard and causing an unsightly appearance. To address this issue, some cooking appliances on the market have incorporated a drip tray within the appliance body. This tray collects and holds the condensation dripping from the lid, preventing it from flowing onto the countertop. Additionally, some appliances on the market have heating elements within the drip tray, allowing the condensation to evaporate and drain, eliminating the need for manual emptying.
[0003] However, existing cooking appliances on the market place the heating element in the vertical center of the water collection box. This allows the condensate flowing into the water collection box to be heated and evaporated as it drips over the surface of the heating element. This results in insufficient evaporation due to the short contact time between the condensate and the heating element, as well as unpleasant odors caused by water accumulation in the water collection box over a long period of time, thus affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above problems, a cooking appliance is proposed that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.
[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a cooking appliance that improves the evaporation of condensate.
[0006] A further objective of this invention is to reduce the energy consumption of cooking appliances.
[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to improve the safety of using cooking utensils.
[0008] In particular, the present invention provides a cooking utensil in a first aspect, comprising:
[0009] The body has a cooking chamber;
[0010] The lid is used to open and close the cooking chamber;
[0011] A water receiving container is installed in the machine body, and a water receiving chamber is defined inside it. The water receiving chamber is used to receive condensate dripping from the machine cover.
[0012] The heating element is located at the bottom of the water receiving container and is used to heat the condensate in the water receiving chamber so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber evaporates.
[0013] Optionally, the heating element is a PTC heating element, which is configured to stop heating when its temperature rises to a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water, so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber can be completely evaporated.
[0014] Optionally, the water receiving container includes a horizontally disposed bottom wall and a circumferential side wall located above the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the circumferential side wall defining a water receiving cavity, and a heating element embedded in the bottom wall.
[0015] Optionally, the heating element is a horizontally placed flat plate, and the ratio between the projected area of the heating element in the horizontal direction and the projected area of the bottom wall in the horizontal direction is selected from any value from 0.7 to 1.
[0016] Optionally, a vent hole is provided on the circumferential sidewall to connect the water receiving cavity with the outside, so that the condensate in the water receiving cavity can be discharged to the outside after evaporation.
[0017] Alternatively, the vent is located at the top of the circumferential sidewall.
[0018] Optionally, a water collection tank for collecting condensate is provided on the top side of the machine body, and an overflow hole leading to the water receiving chamber is provided at the bottom of the water collection tank so that the condensate flows into the water receiving chamber.
[0019] Optionally, the cooking appliance also includes:
[0020] An overflow conduit, located in the body, connects the overflow hole and the water receiving chamber to guide condensate water into the water receiving chamber.
[0021] Optionally, the water receiving container includes a container lid for closing the top opening of the water receiving cavity, the container lid having a through hole, and an overflow conduit passing through the through hole and extending into the water receiving cavity.
[0022] Alternatively, the water receiving container is a component made of a high-temperature resistant material.
[0023] Based on the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that in the aforementioned technical solution of this utility model, by placing the heating element at the bottom of the water receiving container, the contact time between the condensate in the water receiving chamber and the heating element is increased, effectively improving the evaporation efficiency. Therefore, the cooking appliance of this utility model effectively improves the evaporation efficiency, increases the degree of evaporation of the condensate in the water receiving chamber, and avoids problems such as odor caused by long-term water accumulation in the water receiving box, thereby effectively improving the user experience.
[0024] Furthermore, this invention's cooking appliance employs a PTC heating element as its heating component. The PTC heating element stops heating when its temperature reaches a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water, allowing the condensate in the water receiving chamber to completely evaporate. Therefore, this invention utilizes the constant-temperature heating characteristic of the PTC heating element. While condensate remains in the water receiving chamber, the PTC heating element maintains a constant temperature. After the condensate has completely evaporated, the temperature of the PTC heating element continues to rise until it automatically stops heating when it reaches a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water. This ensures that the PTC heating element automatically stops heating after the condensate in the water receiving chamber has completely evaporated, effectively avoiding unnecessary energy loss caused by the heating element continuing to operate without water, thus reducing the energy consumption of the cooking appliance. In addition, by automatically stopping the heating element, this invention prevents the heating element from dry-burning, thereby improving the safety of the cooking appliance.
[0025] Furthermore, the cooking appliance of this invention, by embedding the heating element in the bottom wall of the water container, avoids the heating element being directly exposed to a humid environment, thereby improving the safety of the heating element and thus improving the safety of the cooking appliance.
[0026] Other beneficial effects of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the improvement purpose, features and advantages of this utility model. Attached Figure Description
[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, some embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same reference numerals may indicate the same or similar components or parts in different drawings; the drawings of this utility model are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:
[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance (open lid state) in some embodiments of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance (with lid closed) in some embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 is a 3D view of the cooking appliance in Figures 1 and 2 with the lid and outer shell hidden;
[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 along the AA direction;
[0032] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 4;
[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the heating element and water container in Figures 4 and 5 with the container lid hidden.
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 10. Cooking utensils;
[0036] 100. Body; 110. Cooking cavity; 120. Water collection tank; 121. Bottom of the tank; 122. Overflow hole; 130. Outer shell; 131. Lid opening button; 140. Hinge structure;
[0037] 200. Engine cover;
[0038] 300. Water receiving container; 310. Water receiving cavity; 311. Top opening; 312. Vent hole; 321. Bottom wall; 322. Circumferential side wall; 330. Container lid; 331. Through hole; 340. Base;
[0039] 400. Heating components;
[0040] 500. Overflow pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0041] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are intended to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0042] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the direction or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the corresponding device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can also refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances. For example, unless otherwise specified, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" can specifically refer to any feasible connection form such as bolt connection, screw connection, welding, insertion, riveting, fusion welding, or snap-fit.
[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments of this invention, the cooking appliance 10 includes a body 100 and a lid 200. The body 100 has a cooking cavity 110, and the lid 200 is used to open and close the cooking cavity 110. The body 100 includes an outer shell 130 and an inner liner disposed within the outer shell 130, wherein the cooking cavity 110 is defined. The outer shell 130 is also provided with a lid-opening button 131, which is used to open the closed lid 200 by pressing the lid-opening button 131. When the lid 200 is open, the condensate on it flows downward to the top of the body 100.
[0045] As shown in Figure 3, in some embodiments of this utility model, the cooking appliance 10 further includes a water receiving container 300. This water receiving container 300 is disposed within the body 100, and defines a water receiving cavity 310 therein for receiving condensate dripping from the lid 200. Specifically, the water receiving container 300 is disposed between the outer shell 130 and the inner liner, that is, the water receiving cavity 310 is spaced apart from the cooking cavity 110. Furthermore, the water receiving cavity 310 communicates with the top space of the body 100, so that condensate dripping from the lid 200 onto the top of the body 100 can flow into the water receiving cavity 310.
[0046] As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments of this utility model, the cooking appliance 10 further includes a heating element 400. The heating element 400 is disposed at the bottom of the water receiving container 300 and is used to heat the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 evaporates.
[0047] The cooking appliance 10 of this invention, by placing the heating element 400 at the bottom of the water receiving container 300, increases the contact time between the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 and the heating element 400, effectively improving evaporation efficiency. Therefore, the cooking appliance 10 of this invention effectively improves the evaporation of condensate in the water receiving chamber 310, avoiding problems such as odors caused by long-term water accumulation in the water receiving box, thereby effectively improving the user experience.
[0048] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a water collection tank 120 for collecting condensate is provided on the top side of the body 100. When the lid 200 is opened, the condensate on it flows downward into the water collection tank 120. Specifically, the water collection tank 120 is arranged in a ring around the outer periphery of the cooking cavity 110, preventing the condensate dripping from the lid 200 from flowing directly into the cooking cavity 110, thereby improving the quality of the food in the cooking cavity 110 and further enhancing the user experience.
[0049] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the bottom 121 of the water collection tank 120 has an overflow hole 122 leading to the water receiving cavity 310, so that condensate can flow into the water receiving cavity 310. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the overflow hole 122 is located above the water receiving container 300. Under the action of gravity, the condensate in the water collection tank 120 can collect in the overflow hole 122 and flow from the overflow hole 122 to the water receiving container 300.
[0050] The cooking appliance 10 of this utility model, by opening an overflow hole 122 at the bottom 121 of the water collection tank 120 leading to the water receiving cavity 310, ensures that the condensate in the water collection tank 120 flows into the water receiving cavity 310, effectively preventing the condensate from flowing into the cooking cavity 110 or the countertop where the cooking appliance 10 is placed, thereby improving the safety and aesthetics of the cooking appliance 10, and further enhancing the user experience.
[0051] In one specific embodiment of this utility model, as shown in FIG1, the body 100 and the cover 200 are connected by a hinge structure 140. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3, the overflow hole 122 can be arranged adjacent to the hinge structure 140 so that the condensate dripping when the cover 200 is opened can flow into the water receiving cavity 310 as soon as possible, avoiding excessive accumulation of condensate in the water collection tank 120, thereby reducing the possibility of condensate overflowing from the body 100, and further improving the safety and aesthetics of the cooking appliance 10.
[0052] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water receiving container 300 can be installed at the top of the body 100 and directly connected to the overflow hole 122 to quickly collect the condensate in the water collection tank 120.
[0053] In some other embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the water receiving container 300 can be installed at the bottom of the body 100 to improve the installation stability of the water receiving container 300. Specifically, the water receiving container 300 is located below the overflow hole 122 to stably receive the condensate flowing down from the overflow hole 122.
[0054] In a specific embodiment of this utility model, as shown in FIG5, a base 340 is provided below the water receiving container 300. The water receiving container 300 is fixed to the bottom of the body 100 by the base 340, which effectively prevents the water receiving container 300 from moving inside the body 100, thereby further improving the installation stability of the water receiving container 300.
[0055] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cooking appliance 10 may further include an overflow conduit 500. The overflow conduit 500 is disposed in the body 100 and connects the overflow hole 122 and the water receiving chamber 310 to guide condensate water into the water receiving chamber 310. That is, the overflow conduit 500 is disposed between the overflow hole 122 and the water receiving chamber 310. Specifically, the overflow conduit 500 may extend vertically, with its upper end fixedly connected to the overflow hole 122 and its lower end extending into the water receiving container 300 to prevent condensate water flowing from the overflow hole 122 from splashing onto the outside of the water receiving container 300 during its flow.
[0056] The cooking appliance 10 of this invention, by setting an overflow conduit 500 between the overflow hole 122 and the water receiving cavity 310, ensures that all the condensate in the water collection tank 120 can flow into the water receiving cavity 310 under the guidance of the overflow conduit 500, effectively preventing condensate from flowing to other parts of the appliance body 100, thereby improving the safety of using the cooking appliance 10. In addition, under the guidance of the overflow conduit 500, the condensate flowing down from the overflow hole 122 can flow smoothly along the inner wall of the overflow conduit 500, effectively reducing the noise generated by the condensate during the flow process, and further enhancing the user experience.
[0057] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in FIG5, the water receiving container 300 may include a container lid 330, which is used to close the top opening 311 of the water receiving cavity 310. In addition, the container lid 330 is provided with a through hole 331, and the overflow conduit 500 passes through the through hole 331 and extends into the water receiving cavity 310, so that all the condensate in the water collection tank 120 can flow into the water receiving cavity 310, further ensuring that the condensate will not splash to the outside of the water receiving container 300 during the flow, thereby further improving the safety of using the cooking appliance 10.
[0058] Of course, in other embodiments of this utility model, those skilled in the art may omit the overflow conduit 500 and container cover 330 as needed, as long as the water receiving container 300 is located below the overflow hole 122 and can stably receive the condensate flowing down from the overflow hole 122.
[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heating element 400 can be a PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is configured to stop heating when its temperature rises to a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water, so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 can be completely evaporated. Specifically, the PTC heating element maintains a constant temperature while there is still condensate in the water receiving chamber 310. After the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 has been completely evaporated, the temperature of the PTC heating element continues to rise until it automatically stops heating when its temperature rises to a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water.
[0060] In one specific embodiment, the preset temperature can be set to 105°C, which means the maximum heating temperature of the PTC heating element is 105°C. In this embodiment, the control program of the PTC heating element can be set as follows: each time the cooking appliance 10 starts cooking, the PTC heating element starts heating. If the temperature of the PTC heating element reaches 105°C, it means that the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 has completely evaporated, and the protection current of the PTC heating element becomes less than zero. At this time, the PTC heating element automatically stops heating.
[0061] The cooking appliance 10 of this utility model uses a PTC heating element as the heating element 400, which effectively utilizes the constant temperature heating characteristics of the PTC heating element. This ensures that the PTC heating element automatically stops heating after the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 has completely evaporated, effectively avoiding unnecessary energy loss caused by the heating element 400 continuing to work in the absence of water, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the cooking appliance 10.
[0062] In addition, the cooking appliance 10 of this utility model improves the safety of use by automatically stopping the heating element 400 from heating.
[0063] Of course, in other embodiments of this utility model, those skilled in the art can also use other types of heating elements and thermostats to replace the PTC heating element as needed, such as using an NTC heating element and thermostat, and stop heating when the thermostat detects that the temperature of the NTC heating element has risen to a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water, so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber 310 can be completely evaporated.
[0064] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the water receiving container 300 may include a horizontally arranged bottom wall 321 and a circumferential side wall 322 located above the bottom wall 321. The bottom wall 321 and the circumferential side wall 322 define a water receiving cavity 310, and a heating element 400 is embedded in the bottom wall 321. Specifically, the heating element 400 may be embedded in a groove in the vertical center of the bottom wall 321 to intermittently heat the condensate in the water receiving cavity 310 via the bottom wall 321, thereby avoiding direct contact between the heating element 400 and the condensate.
[0065] The cooking appliance 10 of this invention, by embedding the heating element 400 in the bottom wall 321 of the water receiving container 300, avoids the heating element 400 being directly exposed to a humid environment, thereby improving the safety of the heating element 400 and thus improving the safety of the cooking appliance 10. In addition, the water receiving container 300 and the heating element 400 have simple structures and are easy to install, effectively reducing production costs.
[0066] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heating element 400 can be a horizontally placed flat plate, and the ratio between the projected area of the heating element 400 in the horizontal direction and the projected area of the bottom wall 321 in the horizontal direction is selected from any value between 0.7 and 1. Specifically, the ratio between the projected area of the heating element 400 in the horizontal direction and the projected area of the bottom wall 321 in the horizontal direction is selected from any value between 0.8 and 1. In one specific embodiment, the ratio between the projected area of the heating element 400 in the horizontal direction and the projected area of the bottom wall 321 in the horizontal direction can be 0.85.
[0067] Therefore, the heating element 400 is laid on the bottom of the water receiving cavity 310 as large an area as possible to fully exchange heat with the condensate in the water receiving cavity 310, thereby further improving the evaporation efficiency of the condensate.
[0068] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water receiving container 300 can be a component made of a high-temperature resistant material. Specifically, the box body composed of the bottom wall 321 and the circumferential side walls 322 can be a one-piece die-cast aluminum part. In addition, the container lid 330 can be a component made of high-temperature resistant nylon reinforced with glass fiber. Furthermore, the base 340 can be a component made of high-temperature resistant nylon reinforced with glass fiber.
[0069] In some embodiments of this utility model, as shown in FIG6, a vent hole 312 is provided on the circumferential sidewall 322 to connect the water receiving cavity 310 with the outside, so that the condensate in the water receiving cavity 310 evaporates and is discharged to the outside. Specifically, the vent hole 312 can be a strip-shaped hole extending in the horizontal direction.
[0070] Referring again to Figure 6, the circumferential sidewall 322 can be composed of multiple sidewalls arranged sequentially. The vent 312 can be formed on one sidewall, and the ratio between its length in the extending direction and the dimension of the sidewall parallel to the extending direction is selected from any value between 0.7 and 1. Specifically, the ratio between the length of the vent 312 in the extending direction and the dimension of the sidewall parallel to the extending direction is selected from any value between 0.75 and 0.9. In one specific embodiment, the ratio between the length of the vent 312 in the extending direction and the dimension of the sidewall parallel to the extending direction can be 0.8. Furthermore, the vent 312 can also be continuously formed on multiple sidewalls.
[0071] Therefore, the vent 312 is opened on the circumferential sidewall 322 as large an area as possible, which effectively improves the discharge efficiency of water vapor in the water receiving cavity 310, thereby further improving the evaporation efficiency of condensate.
[0072] Referring again to Figure 6, the vent 312 can be located at the top of the circumferential sidewall 322 to increase the capacity of the water receiving cavity 310 to hold condensate, thereby improving the space utilization rate within the water receiving container 300. Furthermore, by placing the vent 312 at the top of the circumferential sidewall 322, the cooking appliance 10 of this invention allows the water vapor formed by the evaporation of condensate to flow smoothly out through the upper vent 312 as it rises, further ensuring the efficiency of water vapor discharge and thus further improving the evaporation efficiency of condensate.
[0073] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make appropriate adjustments to the technical solution of this utility model based on some of the embodiments described above. However, such adjustments will not deviate from the technical principles and concepts of this utility model and should still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0074] The technical solution of this utility model has been described in conjunction with several embodiments above. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, those skilled in the art can disassemble and combine the technical solutions in the above embodiments, and can also make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features. Any changes, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the technical concept and / or technical principles of this utility model will fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0075] Finally, it should be noted that in this invention, the term "connection" refers to fluid communication, allowing fluid (e.g., air, liquid) to flow between two interconnected entities. Furthermore, this "connection" can be either a leak-free flow of fluid between two interconnected entities, or a flow with slight leakage between two interconnected entities.
Claims
1. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The body has a cooking chamber; The lid is used to open and close the cooking chamber; A water receiving container is disposed in the body, and a water receiving cavity is defined therein, which is used to receive condensate dripping from the cover; a heating element is disposed at the bottom of the water receiving container, which is used to heat the condensate in the water receiving cavity so that the condensate in the water receiving cavity evaporates.
2. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is a PTC heating element, which is configured to stop heating when its temperature rises to a preset temperature higher than the boiling point of water, so that the condensate in the water receiving chamber can be completely evaporated.
3. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water receiving container includes a horizontally arranged bottom wall and a circumferential side wall located above the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the circumferential side wall defining the water receiving cavity, and the heating element is embedded in the bottom wall.
4. The cooking utensil according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heating element is a horizontally placed flat plate, and the ratio between the projected area of the heating element in the horizontal direction and the projected area of the bottom wall in the horizontal direction is selected from any value between 0.7 and 1.
5. The cooking utensil according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circumferential sidewall is provided with a vent hole that connects the water receiving cavity to the outside, so that the condensate in the water receiving cavity can be discharged to the outside after evaporation.
6. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vent is located at the top of the circumferential sidewall.
7. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top side of the machine body is provided with a water collection tank for collecting condensate, and the bottom of the water collection tank is provided with an overflow hole leading to the water receiving cavity so that the condensate flows into the water receiving cavity.
8. The cooking utensil according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes an overflow conduit, disposed in the body, for connecting the overflow hole and the water receiving chamber to guide condensate water into the water receiving chamber.
9. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water receiving container includes a container lid for closing the top opening of the water receiving cavity. The container lid has a through hole, and the overflow conduit passes through the through hole and extends into the water receiving cavity.
10. The cooking utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The water receiving container is a component made of high-temperature resistant material.