Steam generator and cooking equipment
By incorporating separators and a multi-heating structure into the steam generator, the problem of steam condensation was solved, thereby improving steam temperature and food quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHUNMI TECHNOLOGY (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing steam cooking equipment produces low-temperature supersaturated steam that easily condenses into water droplets, affecting the appearance and taste of food.
The steam generator's internal cavity is divided into a generating chamber, a heating chamber, and a steam outlet chamber by a separator. The steam is heated multiple times by a first heating element and a second heating element to increase the steam temperature.
It reduces the water mist content in the steam, increases the steam temperature, and prevents steam condensation from affecting the appearance and taste of food.
Smart Images
Figure CN224219954U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steam generator technology, and in particular to a steam generator and cooking equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Existing steam cooking equipment, such as steam ovens and steam ovens, mainly uses steam to heat food inside the cooking chamber. The steam generated by their steam generators is usually ordinary low-temperature supersaturated steam at 100°C. It is humid and low in temperature, and easily condenses into water droplets when it comes into contact with the surface inside the cooking chamber. The condensed water droplets fall onto the food in the cooking chamber, affecting the appearance and taste of the food. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam generator and cooking equipment that can reduce the water vapor contained in the steam used for cooking food, while increasing the temperature of the steam.
[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A steam generator includes a housing, a first partition, a second partition, a first heating element, and a second heating element. The housing has an inner cavity, and the housing is provided with a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity and a steam outlet communicating with the inner cavity. The first partition and the second partition are located in the inner cavity and divide the inner cavity into a generating cavity, a heating cavity, and a steam outlet cavity. The first partition has a first communication structure communicating with the heating cavity and the generating cavity, and the second partition has a second communication structure communicating with the heating cavity and the steam outlet cavity. The generating cavity is connected to the water inlet, and the steam outlet cavity is connected to the steam outlet cavity. The first heating element is configured to heat the generating cavity to generate steam. The second heating element is configured to heat the steam in the steam outlet cavity.
[0006] Optionally, a bubble wrapping element is provided within the first connecting structure.
[0007] Optionally, the second connecting structure and the steam outlet are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the outer casing along its own length direction.
[0008] Optionally, the heating chamber is disposed above the generating chamber, and / or the heating chamber is disposed around the steam outlet chamber.
[0009] Optionally, the first partition is located below the second partition, the second partition is configured as a groove-shaped structure with an open top, and the second partition and the top wall of the outer casing together form the steam outlet cavity.
[0010] Optionally, the second separator is fixedly connected to the first separator.
[0011] Optionally, the first separator is provided with reinforcing ribs.
[0012] Optionally, the first heating element is disposed at the bottom of the outer casing, and a heat-conducting element is disposed between the first heating element and the outer casing.
[0013] Optionally, the housing includes a drain pipe disposed on one side of the bottom of the housing and communicating with the generating cavity.
[0014] Optionally, a first monitoring element is provided at the water inlet, which is used to monitor whether water is being replenished into the generating chamber.
[0015] Optionally, the second heating element is at least partially disposed inside the steam outlet chamber.
[0016] Optionally, the outer casing is provided with a steam outlet pipe, the first end of the steam outlet pipe is located inside the steam outlet cavity and extends along the length direction of the outer casing, the second end of the steam outlet pipe is located outside the steam outlet cavity, and the end of the steam outlet pipe located inside the steam outlet cavity is the steam outlet.
[0017] Optionally, the steam generator further includes a second monitoring element for monitoring the steam outlet temperature of the steam outlet chamber.
[0018] The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber and a steam generator as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the steam outlet chamber of the steam generator is in communication with the cooking chamber.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] The steam generator and cooking equipment of this invention can heat the generated steam multiple times, thus reducing the water vapor contained in the steam used for cooking food, while increasing the temperature of the steam and preventing steam condensation from affecting the appearance and taste of the food. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of the steam generator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along the middle AA direction;
[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along the BB direction;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the steam generator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view of the steam generator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the steam generator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the steam generator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a top view of the first separator in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A sectional view along the CC direction;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a top view of the second separator in an embodiment of this utility model.
[0031] In the picture:
[0032] 1. Outer shell; 11. Shell; 12. Shell cover; 13. Water inlet pipe; 14. Drain pipe; 15. Steam outlet pipe; 16. Steam outlet; 17. Generating chamber; 18. Heating chamber; 19. Steam outlet chamber; 2. First partition; 21. Main body; 22. Flanged edge; 23. First connecting structure; 24. Reinforcing rib; 3. Second partition; 31. Tank body; 32. Folded edge; 33. Second connecting structure; 34. Third limiting part; 4. First heating element; 5. Second heating element; 6. Bubble-filling element; 7. First monitoring element; 8. Second monitoring element; 9. Heat-conducting element; 91. Main body; 92. First limiting part; 93. Second limiting part. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.
[0034] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0036] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0037] This utility model provides a steam generator and a cooking device. The steam generator can generate steam and increase the steam temperature by heating the steam multiple times, thereby reducing the possibility of steam condensation. The cooking device includes the steam generator and a cooking chamber connected to the steam generator to heat food using the steam generated by the steam generator.
[0038] refer to Figures 1-10 As shown, the steam generator proposed in the embodiment of this utility model includes a shell 1, a first partition 2, a second partition 3, a first heating element 4, and a second heating element 5. The shell 1 has an inner cavity, and is also provided with a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity and a steam outlet 16 communicating with the inner cavity. The water inlet is used to replenish water into the inner cavity, and the steam outlet 16 is used to discharge steam from the inner cavity. The first partition 2 and the second partition 3 are both disposed in the inner cavity and divide the inner cavity into a generating chamber 17, a heating chamber 18, and a steam outlet 19. The first partition 2 is provided with a connection between the generating chamber 17 and the heating chamber 19. The first connecting structure 23 of the 8 and the second separating member 3 are provided with a second connecting structure 33 connecting the heating chamber 18 and the steam outlet chamber 19. The water inlet is connected to the generating chamber 17, that is, the water inlet is provided on the wall of the housing 11 that forms the generating chamber 17. Water can enter the generating chamber 17 through the water inlet. The first heating member 4 is used to heat the generating chamber 17 so that the water in the generating chamber 17 forms steam. The steam outlet 16 is connected to the steam outlet chamber 19, that is, the steam outlet 16 is provided on the wall of the housing 11 that forms the steam outlet chamber 19. The second heating member 5 is used to heat the steam in the steam outlet chamber 19.
[0039] The steam generator described above uses the first separator 2 and the second separator 3 to divide the inner cavity of the outer shell 1 into three chambers. The generating chamber 17 is used to generate steam. The heat from the steam outlet chamber 19 can be transferred to the heating chamber 18 through the second separator 3. The heating chamber 18 performs initial heating on the steam, while the steam outlet chamber 19 performs secondary heating on the steam. This allows the supersaturated steam generated in the generating chamber 17 to be heated twice, thereby increasing the steam temperature. This reduces the possibility of steam condensation when the cooking equipment heats food, improves the taste of the food, and enhances its appearance.
[0040] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in order to allow the steam generated in the generating chamber 17 to enter the heating chamber 18 more smoothly, in one embodiment, the heating chamber 18 is located above the generating chamber 17, so that the steam generated in the generating chamber 17 can rise directly into the heating chamber 18. In this case, the first partition 2 serves as the bottom wall of the heating chamber 18 and the top wall of the generating chamber 17.
[0041] Specifically, the first separator 2 is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the outer shell 1 so that the steam in the generating chamber 17 can only enter the heating chamber 18 through the first connecting structure 23. Moreover, a bubble-piercing element 6 is provided in the first connecting structure 23. After the steam generated in the generating chamber 17 is heated by the first heating element 4, when it enters the heating chamber 18 through the first connecting structure 23, the bubble-piercing element 6 provided in the first connecting structure 23 can pierce the steam bubbles generated in the generating chamber 17, preventing the steam bubbles from clogging the first connecting structure 23.
[0042] refer to Figure 8 As shown, the first partition 2 includes a main body 21 and flanges 22. The shape of the main body 21 matches the shape of the inner cavity of the outer shell 1. For example, if the inner cavity of the outer shell 1 is rectangular, then the main body 21 is also rectangular. Multiple flanges 22 are spaced around the main body 21 and are formed by bending downwards from the edge of the main body 21. The flanges 22 abut against the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The flanges 22 give the first partition 2 a certain degree of elasticity, thereby better achieving an interference fit with the inner wall of the outer shell 1. It should be emphasized that the gap formed between adjacent flanges 22 belongs to the first connecting structure 23. At the same time, multiple through holes are spaced apart on both sides of the main body 21 along its width direction. The through holes also belong to the first connecting structure 23. For example, the bubble wrap 6 is an integrally formed triangular structure with the tip pointing downwards on the first partition 2 to reduce the processing difficulty.
[0043] The first heating element 4 can be disposed either inside the generating chamber 17 or outside the outer casing 1. (See reference) Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment, in order to generate more steam within the limited space of the generating chamber 17, the first heating element 4 is disposed outside the outer shell 1. For example, the first heating element 4 is disposed at the bottom of the outer shell 1. In addition, in order to conduct the heat generated by the first heating element 4 to the generating chamber 17 in a timely and uniform manner, a heat-conducting element 9 is disposed between the first heating element 4 and the outer shell 1. Exemplarily, the first heating element 4 adopts a double set of U-shaped electric heating tubes, and the U-shaped groove formed by the double set of U-shaped electric heating tubes faces the short side of the outer shell 1 to increase the contact area with the heat-conducting element 9 and accelerate the steam generation speed. The heat-conducting element 9 adopts a heat-conducting aluminum plate. The double set of U-shaped electric heating tubes, the heat-conducting aluminum plate, and the outer shell 1 are fused together by a high-frequency brazing process, so that the heat generated by the double set of U-shaped electric heating tubes can be better conducted to the heat-conducting aluminum plate and then transferred to the generating chamber 17. The heat-conducting aluminum plate has the characteristics of fast heat conduction and heat transfer, which can make the bottom of the outer shell 1 quickly and evenly heated.
[0044] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the heat-conducting component 9 includes a body portion 91, a first limiting portion 92, and a second limiting portion 93. Multiple first limiting portions 92 are spaced apart along the outer periphery of the body portion 91, and the first limiting portions 92 are bent upwards relative to the body portion 91. The outer shell 1 is confined within a first limiting space formed by the multiple first limiting portions 92. At this time, the outer shell 1 and the heat-conducting component 9 achieve circumferential limiting, reducing the difficulty of connecting the outer shell 1 and the heat-conducting component 9. Multiple second limiting portions 93 are disposed on opposite sides of the body portion 91 along its own length direction, and the second limiting portions 93 are bent downwards relative to the body portion 91. The first heating component 4 is confined within a second limiting space formed by the multiple second limiting portions 93. At this time, the first heating component 4 and the heat-conducting component 9 achieve limiting along the width direction of the body portion 91, reducing the difficulty of connecting the first heating component 4 and the heat-conducting component 9.
[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer casing 1 is also provided with a water inlet pipe 13 for easy connection to an external water inlet pipe, with the water inlet formed at one end of the water inlet pipe 13. Simultaneously, the outer casing 1 is also provided with a drain pipe 14, which is used to drain scale generated during the water heating process. Exemplarily, both the water inlet pipe 13 and the drain pipe 14 are located at the bottom of the outer casing 1. The drain pipe 14 connects to the generating chamber 17, and to facilitate better flow of scale towards the drain pipe 14, the drain pipe 14 is located on one side of the bottom of the outer casing 1. By tilting the outer casing 1 towards the drain pipe 14, the scale can flow towards the drain pipe 14 and then be discharged through it.
[0046] refer to Figure 7As shown, a first monitoring element 7 is installed at the water inlet. The first monitoring element 7 is used to monitor whether water is being replenished into the generating chamber 17. The first monitoring element 7 can be a thermistor. When water enters the water inlet, the temperature detected by the thermistor drops significantly. Alternatively, the first monitoring element 7 can also be a flow meter. The flow meter can not only monitor whether water enters the generating chamber 17, but also monitor the volume of water entering the generating chamber 17.
[0047] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heating chamber 18 is arranged around the steam outlet chamber 19 so that the heat of the heating chamber 18 can be transferred to the heating chamber 18 in a timely manner, thereby initially heating the steam. At this time, the second partition 3 is located above the first partition 2 and is set as a groove-shaped structure with an open top. The second partition 3, together with the side wall of the outer shell 1 and the first partition 2, forms an annular heating chamber 18, and at the same time, together with the top wall of the outer shell 1, forms a steam outlet chamber 19.
[0048] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, in order to better achieve contact between the second partition 3 and the top wall of the outer casing 1 to form the steam outlet cavity 19, the second partition 3 includes a groove portion 31 and a folded edge portion 32. The folded edge portion 32 is arranged around the groove portion 31 and is bent outward from the outer edge of the groove portion 31. The folded edge portion 32 abuts against the top wall of the outer casing 1. The second connecting structure 33 can be a connecting groove provided on the folded edge portion 32. The top wall of the outer casing 1 closes the upward-facing opening of the connecting groove to form a connecting channel connecting the steam outlet cavity 19 and the heating cavity 18. Specifically, the second partition 3 also includes a third limiting portion 34. A plurality of third limiting portions 34 are arranged at intervals around the folded edge portion 32. The third limiting portions 34 abut against the inner wall of the outer casing 1 to achieve circumferential limiting of the second partition 3.
[0049] Specifically, the connecting groove and the steam outlet 16 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the outer casing 1 along its own length direction to prevent steam entering the steam outlet chamber 19 through the connecting groove from being discharged from the steam outlet chamber 19 without being heated. It can be understood that multiple connecting grooves can be provided on the second partition 3 to accelerate the efficiency of steam entering the steam outlet chamber 19.
[0050] To facilitate regular cleaning and maintenance of the interior of the outer casing 1, the outer casing 1 includes a housing 11 and a cover 12. The cover 12 is detachably fitted onto the housing 11 and, together with the second partition 3, forms a steam outlet cavity 19. For example, the cover 12 is flange-connected to the housing 11. Based on the premise that the heating cavity 18 surrounds the steam outlet cavity 19, the second partition 3 is fixedly connected to the first partition 2 to achieve a stable connection between the second partition 3 and the housing 11. Specifically, the first partition 2 and the second partition 3 are connected by fasteners, not limited to rivets. To improve the structural strength of the first partition 2 and thus provide support for it, the main body 21 of the first partition 2 is provided with reinforcing ribs 24 arranged along its own length. At least two reinforcing ribs 24 are arranged along the width of the first partition 2, and multiple fasteners pass through the reinforcing ribs 24 and connect to the second partition 3.
[0051] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second heating element 5 is at least partially disposed inside the steam outlet chamber 19 to fully utilize the heat generated by the second heating element 5 while reducing the dissipation of the heat generated by the second heating element 5. Exemplarily, the second heating element 5 is a U-shaped electric heating tube, and the housing cover 12 is provided with a clearance hole for the wiring terminal of the second heating element 5 to pass through. Specifically, the clearance hole is opened on the top of the housing cover 12.
[0052] To further and effectively heat the steam entering the steam outlet chamber 19, a steam outlet pipe 15 is provided on the shell cover 12. The first end of the steam outlet pipe 15 is located inside the steam outlet chamber 19 and between the U-shaped grooves formed by the second heating element 5. The first end of the steam outlet pipe 15 extends along the length of the shell 11, and the second end is located outside the steam outlet chamber 19 for connecting to the cooking chamber. The end of the steam outlet pipe 15 located inside the steam outlet chamber 19 is the steam outlet 16. After the steam enters the steam outlet chamber 19 through the connecting groove, it flows towards the steam outlet 16. During the flow, the second heating element 5 heats it. Then, the steam enters the steam outlet pipe 15 through the steam outlet 16, and during the flow towards the second end, the second heating element 5 heats it again, thereby achieving a higher temperature.
[0053] In one embodiment, the steam generator further includes a second monitoring element 8, which is communicatively connected to the first heating element 4 and / or the second heating element 5. The second monitoring element 8 is used to monitor the steam outlet temperature of the steam outlet chamber 19, thereby adjusting the heating power of the first heating element 4 and / or the second heating element 5, and thus controlling the temperature of the steam discharged from the steam outlet pipe 15.
[0054] Since the cooking equipment includes the aforementioned steam generator, it possesses all the effects of a steam generator, which will not be described in detail here.
[0055] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A steam generator, characterized in that, The steam generator includes: The outer shell (1) has an inner cavity, and the outer shell (1) is provided with a water inlet communicating with the inner cavity and a steam outlet (16) communicating with the inner cavity; A first partition (2) and a second partition (3) are located in the inner cavity and divide the inner cavity into a generating cavity (17), a heating cavity (18) and a steam outlet cavity (19). The first partition (2) has a first communication structure (23) connecting the heating cavity (18) and the generating cavity (17). The second partition (3) has a second communication structure (33) connecting the heating cavity (18) and the steam outlet cavity (19). The generating cavity (17) is connected to the water inlet, and the steam outlet cavity (19) is connected to the steam outlet (16). A first heating element (4) is configured to heat the generating chamber (17) to generate steam; The second heating element (5) is configured to heat the steam in the steam outlet chamber (19).
2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bubble-packing element (6) is provided inside the first connecting structure (23).
3. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting structure (33) and the steam outlet (16) are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the outer shell (1) along its own length direction.
4. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating chamber (18) is disposed above the generating chamber (17), and / or the heating chamber (18) is disposed around the steam outlet chamber (19).
5. The steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first partition (2) is located below the second partition (3), the second partition (3) is configured as a groove-shaped structure with an open top, and the second partition (3) and the top wall of the outer shell (1) together form the steam outlet cavity (19).
6. The steam generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second separator (3) is fixedly connected to the first separator (2).
7. The steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first separator (2) is provided with reinforcing ribs (24).
8. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first heating element (4) is disposed at the bottom of the outer shell (1), and a heat-conducting element (9) is disposed between the first heating element (4) and the outer shell (1).
9. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outer casing (1) includes a drain pipe (14) disposed on one side of the bottom of the outer casing (1) and the drain pipe (14) communicates with the generating chamber (17).
10. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, A first monitoring element (7) is provided at the water inlet, which is used to monitor whether water is being added to the generating chamber (17).
11. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second heating element (5) is at least partially disposed inside the steam outlet chamber (19).
12. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) is provided with a steam outlet pipe (15). The first end of the steam outlet pipe (15) is located inside the steam outlet cavity (19) and extends along the length direction of the outer shell (1). The second end of the steam outlet pipe (15) is located outside the steam outlet cavity (19). The end port of the steam outlet pipe (15) located inside the steam outlet cavity (19) is the steam outlet (16).
13. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The steam generator also includes a second monitoring element (8) for monitoring the steam outlet temperature of the steam outlet chamber (19).
14. A cooking apparatus, including a cooking chamber, characterized in that, The cooking apparatus includes a steam generator as described in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the steam outlet chamber (19) of the steam generator is in communication with the cooking chamber.