Exhaust structure and cooking device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, in particular to an exhaust structure and a cooking device. The exhaust structure comprises an air duct assembly provided with an air duct; at least part of the condensation pipe is located in the air duct, the condensation pipe is configured to guide steam in the cooking cavity, an overflow hole and a backflow hole are formed in the condensation pipe, and the overflow hole and the backflow hole are both located in the air duct; the water receiving box is arranged below the condensation pipe, the water receiving box is communicated with the air duct, and the water receiving box is configured to collect condensate water dripping from the backflow hole; one end of the backflow pipe is communicated with the interior of the water receiving box, and the other end of the backflow pipe is configured to be connected with a water inlet pipeline of the cooking device. According to the exhaust structure, the amount of steam flowing out of the air duct assembly can be reduced. Condensate water in the water receiving box enters the water inlet pipeline of the cooking device through the backflow pipe, so that secondary utilization of the condensate water can be achieved, the steam utilization rate is increased, and the endurance time of the cooking device is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to an exhaust structure and cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] Steam ovens and steam cookers all have steam cooking functions, using steam to cook food and meet users' needs for healthy eating. These cooking appliances release a large amount of steam during the cooking process.

[0003] Currently, cooking appliances have an exhaust structure installed on the inner pot, located outside the cooking cavity of the inner pot. The exhaust structure includes an air duct assembly and a fan. The air duct assembly is installed on the inner pot, and steam discharged from the cooking cavity can enter the air duct assembly of the exhaust structure. The fan then drives the steam to be discharged from the air outlet of the air duct assembly.

[0004] However, the steam discharged from the exhaust structure causes a large amount of water vapor to adhere to the cabinet, leading to problems such as mold growth. Furthermore, the condensation generated by the steam condensation inside the exhaust structure can easily lead to bacterial growth. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, this application provides an exhaust structure and a cooking device to solve the problems in the related technology where the exhaust structure emits a lot of steam, which can easily lead to mold growth in cabinets and the condensation water produced by condensation can cause bacterial growth.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an exhaust structure applied to a cooking apparatus having a cooking cavity, the exhaust structure comprising:

[0007] Air duct assembly, which has an air duct;

[0008] The condenser tube, at least partially located within the air duct, is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity. The condenser tube is provided with an overflow hole and a return hole, both of which are located within the air duct.

[0009] A water collection box is located below the condenser tube and is connected to the air duct. The water collection box is configured to collect condensate dripping from the return hole.

[0010] The return pipe has one end connected to the inside of the water collection box, and the other end is configured to connect to the water inlet pipe of the cooking device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, one end of the condenser is closed, and the other end is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the overflow hole is located on the upper side of the condenser tube; and / or,

[0013] The reflux hole is located on the lower side of the condenser tube.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the condenser tube includes a first tube segment, a connecting tube segment, and a second tube segment connected end to end in sequence, wherein at least two of the first tube segment, the connecting tube segment, and the second tube segment are arranged non-collinearly.

[0015] The end of the first pipe section furthest from the connecting pipe section is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity;

[0016] At least one of the first pipe section, the connecting pipe section, and the second pipe section is provided with an overflow hole, and at least one of the first pipe section, the connecting pipe section, and the second pipe section is provided with a return hole.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a plurality of heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer wall of the first pipe segment, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipe segment.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the condenser tube is a straight tube.

[0019] In one possible implementation, multiple heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer wall of the condenser tube, and the multiple heat dissipation fins are spaced apart along the extension direction of the condenser tube.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the air duct assembly includes an air duct base plate and an air duct cover plate disposed above the air duct base plate, the air duct base plate and the air duct cover plate defining an air duct.

[0021] The water collection box is installed on the bottom plate of the air duct, and the water collection box is recessed downward relative to the top surface of the bottom plate of the air duct.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the duct base plate has a recessed groove, and the water collection box is installed on the bottom wall of the groove and recessed downward relative to the bottom wall of the groove.

[0023] The portion of the condenser tube with the reflux hole is projected vertically into the groove.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a cooking device, including an inner pot, an exhaust pipe, a water tank, a water inlet pipe, and the aforementioned exhaust structure;

[0025] The inner liner has a cooking cavity, and the exhaust pipe connects the cooking cavity to the condenser pipe of the exhaust structure. The water tank is installed on the inner liner, the water inlet pipe is connected to the water tank, and the return pipe of the exhaust structure is connected to the water inlet pipe.

[0026] The exhaust structure and cooking device provided in this application include an air duct assembly, a condenser pipe, a water collection box, and a return pipe. The condenser pipe is at least partially located within the air duct of the air duct assembly, allowing steam from the cooking chamber of the cooking device to be introduced into it. The portion of the condenser pipe located within the air duct has an overflow hole and a return hole. After the steam in the cooking chamber flows through the condenser pipe to its portion within the air duct, the steam in the condenser pipe can exchange heat with the cold air flowing through the air duct. Some of the steam can condense into condensate inside the condenser pipe and drip from the return hole; uncondensed steam can flow out from the overflow hole into the air duct and be discharged by the air flowing inside the air duct. The water collection box is located below the condenser pipe and is connected to the air duct, collecting water dripping from the return hole. The return pipe connects the interior of the water collection box to the water inlet pipe of the cooking device, allowing the condensate in the water collection box to flow back to the water inlet pipe of the cooking device. This reduces the amount of steam escaping from the ductwork, preventing excessive moisture loss and making the cabinets less prone to mold. Furthermore, the reduced steam entering the ductwork from the condenser reduces the likelihood of excessive condensation buildup inside the ductwork, which could lead to bacterial growth. The condensate from the condenser is first collected in a drip tray, and then flows back into the cooking appliance's inlet pipe via a return pipe, allowing for secondary use of the condensate, improving steam efficiency, and extending the cooking appliance's runtime. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the side of the cooking device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the side of the cooking apparatus provided in the embodiment of this application at the location of the air duct assembly;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the cooking device shown.

[0031] Figure 4 An exploded view of the exhaust structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper side of the first type of condenser tube provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure on the lower side of the condenser tube is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the upper structure of the second type of condenser tube provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure on the lower side of the condenser tube is shown.

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the connection of the exhaust pipe, the duct cover, and the third type of condenser pipe provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the upper structure of the fourth type of condenser tube provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled air duct base plate, water receiving box, and water inlet pipe provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 100 - Air duct assembly; 110 - Air duct; 120 - Air duct base plate; 121 - Groove; 130 - Air duct cover plate;

[0041] 200 - Condenser tube; 210 - Overflow hole; 220 - Return hole; 230 - First pipe section; 240 - Second pipe section; 250 - Connecting pipe section; 260 - Heat dissipation fins;

[0042] 300-Water receiving box;

[0043] 400-Return pipe;

[0044] 500-fan;

[0045] 20-Inner Liner;

[0046] 30 - Exhaust pipe;

[0047] 40 - Water inlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0051] The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” (if any) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or display that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or display.

[0053] In existing technology, cooking appliances have an exhaust structure installed on the inner pot, located outside the cooking cavity of the inner pot. The exhaust structure includes a duct assembly and a fan. The duct assembly is installed on the inner pot, and steam discharged from the cooking cavity directly enters the duct assembly of the exhaust structure. The fan then drives the steam to be discharged from the outlet of the duct assembly. However, a large amount of steam directly enters the duct assembly from the cooking cavity. On the one hand, this large amount of steam, after being discharged from the duct assembly, adheres to the cabinet, easily leading to mold growth. On the other hand, the large amount of steam condenses in the duct assembly, producing a lot of condensate, which easily leads to bacterial growth within the duct assembly.

[0054] After repeated consideration and verification, the inventors discovered that by installing a condenser tube inside the air duct assembly, steam flowing from the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance can enter the condenser tube, where the cold air flowing within the air duct assembly condenses the steam. Overflow and return holes are created on the portion of the condenser tube located within the air duct assembly. Condensate from the condensation of steam in the condenser tube drips from the return holes, while uncondensed steam exits through the overflow holes. A drip tray collects the condensate dripping from the return holes, and a return pipe connects the drip tray to the water inlet pipe of the cooking appliance. The condensate in the drip tray can then enter the liquid inlet pipe of the cooking appliance via the return pipe, achieving secondary utilization of the condensate, improving steam utilization, and extending the cooking appliance's operating time. This reduces the amount of steam directly entering the air duct assembly, making the cabinet less prone to mold growth, and preventing bacterial growth due to the accumulation of condensate inside the air duct assembly.

[0055] In view of this, the inventors designed an exhaust structure and cooking device. The condenser pipe receives steam discharged from the cooking chamber of the cooking device. At least part of the condenser pipe is located within the air duct of the air duct assembly, and the portion of the condenser pipe within the air duct has an overflow hole and a return hole. The steam exchanges heat with the cold air flowing inside the air duct assembly within the condenser pipe. Part of the steam in the condenser pipe condenses to form condensate, which drips down through the return hole on the condenser pipe. A water collection box is installed below the condenser pipe to collect the condensate dripping from the return hole. A return pipe connects the water collection box to the liquid inlet pipe of the cooking device. The condensate in the water collection box enters the liquid inlet pipe through the return pipe, enabling the reuse of the condensate. Uncondensed steam in the condenser pipe can overflow from the overflow hole, reducing the amount of steam directly entering the air duct assembly.

[0056] The technical solutions of the exhaust structure and cooking device provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 4As shown in the embodiment of this application, the exhaust structure is applied to a cooking device. The cooking device has a cooking cavity, and the exhaust structure includes an air duct assembly 100, a condenser pipe 200, a water collection box 300, and a return pipe 400. The air duct assembly 100 has an air duct 110. Exemplarily, the air duct assembly 100 can be installed on the outside of the inner pot 20 of the cooking device, such as on the top of the inner pot 20. The air duct 110 can extend along the front-rear direction of the cooking device. The air inlet of the air duct 110 can be located on the rear side of the air duct assembly 100, and the air outlet of the air duct 110 can be located on the front side of the air duct assembly 100.

[0058] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the exhaust structure also includes a fan 500, which is located behind the duct assembly 100, i.e., on the side of the duct assembly 100 facing away from the panel. The outlet of the fan 500 is connected to the inlet of the duct 110. The fan 500 can drive external cold air to circulate within the duct 110. Positioning the fan 500 behind the duct assembly 100 facilitates the connection between the fan 500 and the duct assembly 100, and also prevents steam from the duct assembly 100 from entering the fan 500, ensuring reliable operation of the fan 500.

[0059] The condenser pipe 200 is at least partially located within the air duct 110, and is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity. The condenser pipe 200 may be entirely or partially located within the air duct 110. An exhaust pipe 30 can be used to connect the cooking cavity of the cooking device to the end of the condenser pipe 200, and the end of the condenser pipe 200 and the end of the exhaust pipe 30 can be connected by a connector or by interlocking.

[0060] The condenser tube 200 is provided with an overflow hole 210 and a return hole 220, both of which are located within the air duct 110. It is understood that the overflow hole 210 and the return hole 220 are both located on the portion of the condenser tube 200 within the air duct 110. This embodiment does not limit the shape and size of the overflow hole 210 and the return hole 220; those skilled in the art can configure them as needed. For example, multiple overflow holes 210 and multiple return holes 220 are provided, with the multiple overflow holes 210 and multiple return holes 220 spaced apart along the extension direction of the condenser tube 200. With the multiple overflow holes 210 spaced apart along the extension direction of the condenser tube 200, uncondensed vapor in the condenser tube 200 can enter the air duct 110 through the multiple overflow holes 210, mix with the air in the air duct 110, and then be discharged from the air outlet of the air duct 110. The above configuration makes the vapor content of the gas discharged from the air duct assembly 100 more uniform, and the gas discharged from the air duct assembly 100 is less likely to cause local corrosion of the cabinet.

[0061] In other embodiments, the number of overflow holes 210 or return holes 220 may also be one. When the number of overflow holes 210 is one, the overflow hole 210 can be a waist-shaped hole. When the number of return holes 220 is one, the return hole 220 can be a waist-shaped hole.

[0062] The condenser tube 200 can be made of metal or other materials with good thermal conductivity. When the steam in the condenser tube 200 exchanges heat with the cold air flowing in the air duct 110, some of the steam condenses into condensate in the condenser tube 200. The condensate in the condenser tube 200 can drip down from the return hole 220. The uncondensed steam in the condenser tube 200 can overflow from the condenser tube 200 through the overflow hole 210 and enter the air duct 110. The air flowing in the air duct 110 carries the steam overflowing from the condenser tube 200 out of the air duct 110.

[0063] A water collection box 300 is located below the condenser pipe 200 and is connected to the air duct 110. The water collection box 300 is configured to collect condensate dripping from the return hole 220. That is, the condensate dripping from the return hole 220 can fall into the water collection box 300 while suspended in mid-air. Schematic, the water collection box 300 has a receiving cavity and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity. The opening is located at the top of the water collection box 300, and the condensate dripping from the return hole 220 can fall into the receiving cavity through the opening of the water collection box 300. To ensure that the condensate dripping from the return hole 220 can reliably fall into the water collection box 300, the water collection box 300 is located further downstream of the air duct 110 than the return hole 220 on the condenser pipe 200. This allows the condensate dripping from the return hole 220 to enter the water collection box 300 under the influence of the airflow in the air duct 110. Those skilled in the art can set the relative positions of the water receiving box 300 and the condenser pipe 200 along the air flow direction in the air duct 110 according to the size of the gap between the water receiving box 300 and the condenser pipe 200 and the air flow rate in the air duct 110, and no unique limitation is made here.

[0064] One end of the return pipe 400 is connected to the interior of the water collection box 300, and the other end of the return pipe 400 is configured to connect to the water inlet pipe 40 of the cooking appliance. A through hole for condensate to flow out can be provided on the water collection box 300, and one end of the return pipe 400 is connected to this through hole. The condensate in the water collection box 300 can enter the water tank of the cooking appliance via the return pipe 400 and the water inlet pipe 40. The condensate can be reused, extending the water tank's operating time.

[0065] In the exhaust structure provided in this embodiment, steam in the cooking chamber of the cooking device flows through the condenser pipe 200 to its portion located in the air duct 110, where it can exchange heat with the cold air flowing in the air duct 110. Some of the steam can condense into condensate inside the condenser pipe 200 and drip from the return hole 220. Uncondensed steam can flow out through the overflow hole 210 on the condenser pipe 200 into the air duct 110 and be discharged by the air flowing inside the air duct 110. A water collection box 300 is located below the condenser pipe 200 and is connected to the air duct 110. The water collection box 300 collects the water dripping from the return hole 220. A return pipe 400 connects the interior of the water collection box 300 to the water inlet pipe 40 of the cooking device, allowing the condensate in the water collection box 300 to flow back to the water inlet pipe 40 of the cooking device. This reduces the amount of steam escaping from the duct assembly 100, preventing excessive moisture loss and minimizing its impact on external humidity levels in the kitchen and other spaces. This also reduces the likelihood of mold growth in cabinets. Furthermore, the reduced amount of steam entering the duct 110 from the condenser pipe 200 minimizes the accumulation of condensate inside the duct assembly 100, thus reducing the risk of bacterial growth. The condensate formed in the condenser pipe 200 is first collected in the water collection box 300. This condensate then flows through the return pipe 400 into the water inlet pipe 40 of the cooking appliance, enabling secondary use of the condensate, improving steam utilization, and extending the cooking appliance's operating time.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figures 4-10 As shown, one end of the condenser pipe 200 is closed, and the other end is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity. That is, one end of the condenser pipe 200 is open, and the other end is closed. The open end of the condenser pipe 200 is connected to the end of the exhaust pipe 30 furthest from the cooking cavity, thus allowing steam from the cooking cavity to be introduced into the condenser pipe 200. The closed end of the condenser pipe 200 can be located inside the air duct 110 or extend out of the air duct assembly 100; this is not a specific limitation.

[0067] It is worth mentioning that the gas in the condenser 200 can be discharged through the overflow hole 210 to ensure that the steam in the cooking cavity can smoothly enter the condenser 200.

[0068] By sealing the end of the condenser tube 200 away from the exhaust pipe 30, excessive steam in the condenser tube 200 is prevented from flowing out from this end, while also preventing excessively high steam flow rates in the condenser tube 200, which could lead to incomplete condensation. The steam flow rate in the condenser tube 200 can be controlled by adjusting the number and size of the overflow holes 210 and reflux holes 220.

[0069] like Figures 4-10 As shown, the overflow hole 210 is located on the upper side of the condenser tube 200. Specifically, the overflow hole 210 is located on the upper side wall of the condenser tube 200, meaning that at least half of the overflow hole 210 is located above the axis of the condenser tube 200. Positioning the overflow hole 210 on the upper side of the condenser tube 200 facilitates the overflow of uncondensed vapor from the condenser tube 200 and prevents condensate from easily overflowing from the overflow hole 210.

[0070] like Figures 4-10 As shown, the reflux hole 220 is located on the lower side of the condenser tube 200. Specifically, the reflux hole 220 is located on the lower side wall of the condenser tube 200, meaning that at least half of the reflux hole 220 is located below the axis of the condenser tube 200. This arrangement facilitates the smooth drainage of condensate from the condenser tube 200 through the reflux hole 220.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figures 4-8 As shown, the condenser pipe 200 includes a first pipe section 230, a connecting pipe section 250, and a second pipe section 240 connected end to end in sequence. At least two of the first pipe section 230, the connecting pipe section 250, and the second pipe section 240 are non-collinearly arranged. Specifically, the condenser pipe 200 defined by the first pipe section 230, the connecting pipe section 250, and the second pipe section 240 is a non-straight pipe. The end of the first pipe section 230 away from the connecting pipe section 250 is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the first pipe segment 230 and the second pipe segment 240 can be arranged parallel to each other, and the first pipe segment 230 and the second pipe segment 240 can be spaced apart along the gas flow direction in the air duct 110, wherein the first pipe segment 230 can be located upstream of the second pipe segment 240. The connecting pipe segment 250 can be an arc-shaped pipe segment or a straight pipe segment. Figures 4-8 As shown, the first pipe section 230, the second pipe section 240, and the connecting pipe section 250 together form an approximate "U" shaped structure.

[0073] At least one of the first pipe section 230, the connecting pipe section 250, and the second pipe section 240 is provided with an overflow hole 210, and at least one of the first pipe section 230, the connecting pipe section 250, and the second pipe section 240 is provided with a return hole 220. For example, such as... Figures 5-8 As shown, multiple overflow holes 210 can be provided on the first pipe section 230 and the second pipe section 240 respectively, and multiple return holes 220 can be provided on the first pipe section 230 and the second pipe section 240 respectively.

[0074] By using the above settings, the contact area between the condenser 200 and the cold air in the air duct 110 is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange effect between the steam and the cold air in the condenser 200. More steam can be condensed in the condenser 200 to form condensate, reducing the amount of steam entering the air duct 110 from the condenser 200, and further extending the operating time of the cooking device.

[0075] In other embodiments, the first pipe segment 230, the second pipe segment 240, and the connecting pipe segment 250 may also form an approximate "Z" shaped structure.

[0076] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 260 are provided on the outer side wall of the first pipe section 230, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins 260 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipe section 230.

[0077] Metal sheets can be used as heat dissipation fins 260. For example, after the first pipe segment 230 passes through multiple heat dissipation fins 260, it can be fixed to each heat dissipation fin 260 by welding. The heat dissipation fins 260 can be square, round, or other suitable shapes. The multiple heat dissipation fins 260 are arranged parallel to each other, and the extension direction of each heat dissipation fin 260 can be parallel to the airflow direction in the air duct 110 to avoid the heat dissipation fins 260 obstructing the flow of cold air in the air duct 110 through the condenser pipe 200. This embodiment does not limit the number of heat dissipation fins 260 or the distance between two adjacent heat dissipation fins 260; those skilled in the art can set them as needed. For example, the length of the portion of the first pipe segment 230 with heat dissipation fins 260 can be equal to half the length of the condenser pipe 200. To prevent the heat dissipation fins 260 from obstructing the overflow of steam in the first pipe segment 230 from the overflow hole 210, the overflow hole 210 on the first pipe segment 230 can be located between two heat dissipation fins 260.

[0078] By setting multiple heat dissipation fins 260 on the condenser tube 200, the heat exchange efficiency between the steam in the condenser tube 200 and the cold air in the air duct 110 is increased, allowing the steam in the condenser tube 200 to condense more quickly. The end of the first pipe section 230 away from the connecting pipe section 250 is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity, so that the steam in the condenser tube 200 has the highest temperature when it is located in the first pipe section 230. Setting multiple heat dissipation fins 260 on the outer wall of the first pipe section 230 can reliably improve the heat exchange efficiency between the steam in the condenser tube 200 and the cold air in the air duct 110 while controlling the cost of the condenser tube 200.

[0079] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the condenser tube 200 is a straight tube. That is to say, the axis of the condenser tube 200 extends in a straight line. Compared with other shapes of condenser tubes 200, making the condenser tube 200 a straight tube helps to reduce the cost of the condenser tube 200 and the exhaust structure.

[0080] When the condenser tube 200 is a straight tube, multiple overflow holes 210 and multiple return holes 220 can be provided on the condenser tube 200. The multiple overflow holes 210 and multiple return holes 220 can be arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the condenser tube 200, so as to make the vapor content of the gas discharged from the air duct assembly 100 more uniform, and at the same time facilitate the discharge of condensate in the condenser tube 200.

[0081] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 260 are provided on the outer side wall of the condenser tube 200, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins 260 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the condenser tube 200.

[0082] The condenser tube 200 can be equipped with heat dissipation fins 260 throughout the section of the condenser tube 200 located in the air duct 110, or the heat dissipation fins 260 can be installed only on the section of the condenser tube 200 near the exhaust pipe 30. Multiple heat dissipation fins 260 are arranged in parallel to each other.

[0083] The above settings can increase the heat exchange efficiency between the steam in the condenser tube 200 and the cold air in the air duct 110, so that the steam in the condenser tube 200 can condense more quickly.

[0084] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the air duct assembly 100 includes an air duct base plate 120 and an air duct cover plate 130 disposed above the air duct base plate 120. The air duct base plate 120 and the air duct cover plate 130 define an air duct 110. Schematic, the air duct base plate 120 can be installed on the top of the inner pot 20 of the cooking appliance, and the air duct cover plate 130 is disposed above the air duct base plate 120 and fixed to it. The air duct base plate 120 and the air duct cover plate 130 together define an approximately cylindrical air duct assembly 100, with the air duct 110 located inside this cylindrical shape. Optionally, the width of the air duct cover plate 130 on the air outlet side of the air duct 110 is greater than the width of the air duct cover plate 130 on the air inlet side of the air duct 110, and the height of the air duct 110 on the air outlet side is less than the height of the air duct 110 on the air inlet side.

[0085] For example, the duct cover 130 includes a top wall and two oppositely arranged side walls. The duct cover 130 can be formed by stamping a metal sheet. The bottom ends of the two side walls of the duct cover 130 can be connected to the duct base plate 120 respectively. The condenser pipe 200 can pass through the side walls of the duct cover 130 and be fixed by the side walls of the duct cover 130. Alternatively, the condenser pipe 200 can be entirely located within the duct 110 and fixed to the duct cover 130 or the duct base plate 120 by a bracket.

[0086] A water collection box 300 is installed on the duct base plate 120, and the water collection box 300 is recessed downward relative to the top surface of the duct base plate 120. Specifically, the water collection box 300 is lower than the top surface of the duct base plate 120. In one possible implementation, a through hole can be formed in the duct base plate 120, the water collection box 300 is installed below the duct base plate 120, and the receiving cavity of the water collection box 300 communicates with the through hole in the duct base plate 120. In another possible implementation, a portion of the duct base plate 120 can be stamped, and the stamped area of ​​the duct base plate 120 is recessed downward to form the water collection box 300.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the portion of the duct base plate 120 located outside the water collection box 300 is inclined. When condensate drips from the return hole 220 of the condenser pipe 200 onto the duct base plate 120, the condensate on the duct base plate 120 can be guided into the water collection box 300 through the inclined surface of the duct base plate 120.

[0088] In this embodiment, when some condensate drips from the return hole 220 of the condenser pipe 200 onto the duct base plate 120, the condensate on the duct base plate 120 can flow into the duct base plate 120 relatively smoothly because the water collection box 300 is lower than the top surface of the duct base plate 120, thus preventing the condensate from accumulating on the duct base plate 120.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 11 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the duct base plate 120 has a downwardly recessed groove 121, and a water receiving box 300 is installed on the bottom wall of the groove 121 and is recessed downward relative to the bottom wall of the groove 121. For example, the groove 121 can be formed on the duct base plate 120 by stamping. A through hole can be provided at the bottom of the groove 121, and the water receiving box 300 is installed below the duct base plate 120, with the receiving cavity of the water receiving box 300 communicating with the through hole at the bottom of the groove 121. The number of grooves 121 can be one or more, for example... Figure 11As shown, two grooves 121, namely a first groove 121 and a second groove 121, can be formed on the duct base plate 120. The first groove 121 is recessed downward relative to the top surface of the duct base plate 120, and the second groove 121 can be set at the bottom of the first groove 121, and the second groove 121 is recessed downward relative to the bottom of the first groove 121. A through hole can be provided at the bottom of the second groove 121, and a water receiving box 300 is installed below the duct base plate 120, with the receiving cavity of the water receiving box 300 communicating with the through hole at the bottom of the second groove 121.

[0090] The portion of the condenser tube 200 with the return hole 220 is projected vertically into the groove 121. Schematic, the groove 121 collects condensate dripping from the return hole 220 of the condenser tube 200, ensuring a stable flow of condensate into the groove 121. The groove 121 is positioned relatively downstream of the condenser tube 200 within the air duct 110, allowing condensate dripping from the return hole 220 to fall into the groove 121 under the influence of flowing air within the air duct 110. Understandably, the groove 121 restricts the flow of condensate from its interior to the outside of the groove 121.

[0091] In this embodiment, a groove 121 is used to collect condensate dripping from the return hole 220, limiting the flow range of the condensate on the duct base plate 120. The water collection box 300 is recessed relative to the bottom of the groove 121, allowing the condensate in the groove 121 to reliably flow into the water collection box 300. Furthermore, the water collection box 300 does not need to have a large area; collecting a small amount of condensate in the water collection box 300 is sufficient to ensure that the liquid level in the water collection box 300 meets the requirements for condensate to flow into the return pipe 400, making it easier to reuse the condensate.

[0092] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this application also provides a cooking device, which can be a steam oven or steam oven or other cooking device with steam cooking function. The cooking device includes an inner liner 20, an exhaust pipe 30, a water tank, a water inlet pipe 40 and the exhaust structure mentioned above.

[0093] The inner liner 20 has a cooking cavity, the exhaust pipe 30 connects the cooking cavity to the condenser pipe 200 of the exhaust structure, the water tank is installed on the inner liner 20, the water inlet pipe 40 is connected to the water tank, and the return pipe 400 of the exhaust structure is connected to the water inlet pipe 40.

[0094] Indicatively, the cooking apparatus also includes a panel located on the front side of the inner pot 20, on which an exhaust port is provided. The exhaust port is connected to the air outlet of the air duct 110 of the air duct assembly 100, and the gas flowing out from the air outlet of the air duct 110 can be discharged from the cooking apparatus through the exhaust port on the panel.

[0095] The cooking appliance provided in this application, due to the aforementioned exhaust structure, reduces the amount of steam directly entering the air duct assembly 100 from the cooking cavity, making the cabinet less prone to mold and reducing bacterial growth inside the air duct assembly 100. The exhaust structure also allows for the secondary use of condensate, improving steam utilization and extending the cooking appliance's operating time.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An exhaust structure, characterized in that, The exhaust structure is applied to a cooking device having a cooking cavity, and the exhaust structure includes: Air duct assembly (100) having air duct (110); A condenser tube (200), at least partially located within the air duct (110), is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity. The condenser tube (200) is provided with an overflow hole (210) and a return hole (220), both of which are located within the air duct (110). A water collection box (300) is disposed below the condenser tube (200), the water collection box (300) is connected to the air duct (110), and the water collection box (300) is configured to collect condensate dripping from the return hole (220); A return pipe (400) is provided, one end of which is connected to the interior of the water receiving box (300), and the other end of which is configured to connect to the water inlet pipe (40) of the cooking device.

2. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the condenser tube (200) is closed, and the other end of the condenser tube (200) is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity.

3. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overflow hole (210) is located on the upper side of the condenser tube (200); and / or, The reflux hole (220) is located on the lower side of the condenser tube (200).

4. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser tube (200) includes a first tube segment (230), a connecting tube segment (250), and a second tube segment (240) connected end to end in sequence, wherein at least two of the first tube segment (230), the connecting tube segment (250), and the second tube segment (240) are arranged non-collinearly; The end of the first pipe section (230) away from the connecting pipe section (250) is configured to introduce steam into the cooking cavity; At least one of the first pipe section (230), the connecting pipe section (250) and the second pipe section (240) is provided with the overflow hole (210), and at least one of the first pipe section (230), the connecting pipe section (250) and the second pipe section (240) is provided with the return hole (220).

5. The exhaust structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first pipe section (230) is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (260), and the plurality of heat dissipation fins (260) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first pipe section (230).

6. The exhaust structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser tube (200) is a straight tube.

7. The exhaust structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the condenser tube (200) is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation fins (260), and the plurality of heat dissipation fins (260) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the condenser tube (200).

8. The exhaust structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The air duct assembly (100) includes an air duct base plate (120) and an air duct cover plate (130) disposed above the air duct base plate (120), the air duct base plate (120) and the air duct cover plate (130) defining the air duct (110). The water receiving box (300) is installed on the air duct base plate (120), and the water receiving box (300) is recessed downward relative to the top surface of the air duct base plate (120).

9. The exhaust structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom plate (120) of the air duct has a recessed groove (121) that is recessed downwards. The water receiving box (300) is installed on the bottom wall of the groove (121) and is recessed downwards relative to the bottom wall of the groove (121). The portion of the condenser tube (200) with the reflux hole (220) is projected vertically into the groove (121).

10. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, It includes an inner liner (20), an exhaust pipe (30), a water tank, a water inlet pipe (40), and an exhaust structure as described in any one of claims 1-9; The inner liner (20) has a cooking cavity, the exhaust pipe (30) connects the cooking cavity to the condenser pipe (200) of the exhaust structure, the water tank is installed on the inner liner (20), the water inlet pipe (40) is connected to the water tank, and the return pipe (400) of the exhaust structure is connected to the water inlet pipe (40).

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