Electric steamer

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric steamer which comprises a base, a water storage tank and a cooking body, the water storage tank and the cooking body are both arranged on the base, the base is provided with a steam generator and a water control tank, the steam generator is used for generating steam to be provided for the cooking body, and the water control tank is arranged between the water storage tank and the steam generator. A water control valve used for controlling the water level in the steam generator is arranged in the water control box, a water drainage opening is formed in the bottom of the water control box, the electric steamer further comprises a water receiving box movably arranged below the water drainage opening, the water drainage opening is communicated with the water receiving box through a water drainage valve, the electric steamer further comprises a locking piece, and the locking piece has a locking state and an unlocking state. When the locking piece is in the locking state, the water receiving box cannot open the drainage valve by moving; and when the locking piece is in an unlocking state, the water receiving box can open the drainage valve by moving. According to the electric steamer, residual waste water in the water control box can be conveniently cleaned through the arrangement of the water receiving box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to an electric steamer. Background Technology

[0002] An electric steamer is a household kitchen appliance that uses electric heating to steam food. Electric steamers with a water control function typically have a water control tank located below the main water tank. This tank contains a water control valve that regulates the water level in the steam generator. After use, some water usually remains in the water control tank, requiring the entire steamer to be turned upside down to drain the excess water, which is inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electric steamer that can conveniently treat residual wastewater.

[0004] An electric steamer includes a base, a water tank, and a cooking body. Both the water tank and the cooking body are mounted on the base. The base has a steam generator and a water control tank. The steam generator produces steam to supply the cooking body. The water control tank is located between the water tank and the steam generator. The water control tank contains a water control valve for controlling the water level in the steam generator. The bottom of the water control tank has a drain outlet. The electric steamer also includes a water receiving box movably located below the drain outlet. The drain outlet is connected to the water receiving box via a drain valve. The electric steamer further includes a locking mechanism with a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking mechanism is locked, the water receiving box cannot open the drain valve by movement; when the locking mechanism is unlocked, the water receiving box can open the drain valve by movement.

[0005] The electric steamer provided in this application allows for easy cleaning of residual wastewater in the water tank. First, the locking mechanism can be switched to the unlocked state. Then, the water collection box can be moved to open the drain valve, allowing the residual wastewater in the water tank to drain into the water collection box. Afterward, the water collection box can be removed and the water poured out. This completes the cleaning of the residual wastewater without needing to invert the entire base, making it very convenient. Furthermore, since the water collection box cannot be moved to open the drain valve when the locking mechanism is locked, the locking mechanism can be kept in the locked state during use. This prevents accidental movement of the water collection box that could open the drain valve, causing water from the water tank to spill onto the countertop.

[0006] In one embodiment, the base has a mounting groove with an opening to the side at its bottom. The length of the mounting groove is greater than the length of the water receiving box. The water receiving box is slidably installed in the mounting groove from the opening side. When the locking member is in the locked state, the lower end of the locking member extends at least partially into the mounting groove and is close to the bottom of the mounting groove to prevent the water receiving box from moving to the bottom of the mounting groove. When the locking member is in the unlocked state, the water receiving box can move to the bottom of the mounting groove.

[0007] Therefore, installing and removing the water collection box is very easy.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base is provided with an installation channel extending in the vertical direction, the lower end of the installation channel is connected to the installation groove, and the locking member is movably disposed in the installation channel.

[0009] Thus, by simply controlling the up and down movement of the locking component, the locked and unlocked states of the locking component can be switched, thereby restricting or releasing the movement of the water box. The structure is very simple and the operation is very convenient.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the locking member is provided with a first limiting part, the inner wall of the mounting channel is provided with a limiting rib, the first limiting part is located on the upper side of the limiting rib, and the outer wall of the locking member is also provided with a first elastic member, the two ends of the first elastic member respectively abutting against the first limiting part and the limiting rib.

[0011] Thus, when the locking member is pressed down, it moves to the locked state. At this time, the first limiting part compresses the first elastic member, and the water receiving box cannot open the drain valve by moving. When the force of pressing down on the locking member is removed, under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the first limiting part drives the locking member to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the locking member.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the locking member is further provided with a second limiting part, which is located below the limiting rib. In its natural state, the second limiting part abuts against the limiting rib.

[0013] Thus, when the downward force acting on the locking member is removed, under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the first limiting part drives the locking member to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the locking member. At this time, the second limiting part abuts against the lower end of the limiting rib. The setting of the second limiting part can prevent the locking member from coming out of the installation channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base is further provided with an installation position located at the upper end of the installation channel, the water tank is detachably installed in the installation position, the locking member is in an unlocked state in its natural state, and when the water tank is installed in the installation position, the locking member moves to a locked state under the action of the water tank.

[0015] In this way, when the water tank is installed on the base, the locking mechanism is always locked, so the water box cannot be moved to open the drain valve, thus preventing the drain valve from being opened due to accidental movement of the water box during normal use of the electric steamer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the locking member, in its natural state, has its top protruding from the mounting position; when the water tank is installed in the mounting position, the bottom of the water tank presses against the top of the locking member.

[0017] Alternatively, in its natural state, the top of the locking member does not protrude from the mounting position. The bottom of the water tank is provided with a pushing part; when the water tank is installed in the mounting position, the pushing part extends into the mounting channel and pushes against the top of the locking member.

[0018] Alternatively, the locking component may be provided with a first magnet, and the water storage tank may be provided with a corresponding second magnet. The magnetic poles on the opposite sides of the second magnet and the first magnet are the same. When the water storage tank is installed in the mounting position, the second magnet and the first magnet repel each other, thereby causing the locking component to move to the locked state.

[0019] Thus, when the water tank is installed in the mounting position, the locking mechanism moves downward to the locked state under the action of the water tank, ensuring that the locking mechanism will not be accidentally triggered during use.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base further includes an operating platform located at the upper end of the mounting channel and a mounting position for installing the water storage tank.

[0021] The upper end of the locking component is exposed on the operating table.

[0022] Alternatively, the control panel may also be equipped with buttons that connect to the locking element.

[0023] Alternatively, the control panel may also be equipped with a control switch, and the base may also be equipped with an electric drive unit. The electric drive unit is used to drive the locking member to move under the control of the control switch, so as to switch between locked and unlocked states. The electric drive unit may be a motor or an electromagnet.

[0024] In this way, users can manually control the locking mechanism to move up and down via the top of the locking mechanism, a button, or a control switch, making it easy to switch between the locked and unlocked states of the locking mechanism.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drain valve includes a valve core that can move up and down and a second elastic member. The valve core can open the drain valve by moving upward, and the second elastic member acts on the valve core to make the valve core tend to move downward to close the drain valve. The water receiving box is provided with a control member. When the locking member is in the unlocked state, the water receiving box can move toward the bottom of the mounting groove so as to push the valve core upward by the control member.

[0026] Thus, by moving the water collection box inward, the control component applies an upward force to the valve core, thereby opening the drain valve. When the water collection box is moved outward, the control component removes the force acting on the valve core, and under the elastic force of the second elastic component, the valve core can automatically reset, thereby closing the drain valve. Therefore, when the water collection box leaves the predetermined position or is removed, the drain valve is in the closed state, preventing water in the water tank from leaking onto the countertop.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the drain outlet is provided with a sealing rib, and the valve core includes a rod, a sealing part, and a stop part. The rod passes through the drain outlet, and the sealing part and the stop part are both provided on the outer wall of the rod. The sealing part and the stop part are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the sealing rib. When the sealing part abuts against the sealing rib, the drain valve is closed; when the sealing part disengages from the sealing rib, the drain valve is opened. The second elastic element is sleeved on the rod, and its two ends abut against the sealing rib and the stop part respectively, so that the sealing part abuts against the sealing rib.

[0028] Thus, the stop portion is subjected to the downward elastic force of the second elastic element, causing the sealing portion to tend to move downward and thus abut against the upper side of the sealing baffle, thereby closing the drain outlet. When the control element pushes the valve core upward, the stop portion moves upward and compresses the second elastic element, while the sealing portion moves upward and disengages from the sealing baffle, thereby opening the drain valve and allowing water in the control tank to flow into the water receiving box through the drain outlet. When the water receiving box moves and causes the control element to move away from the valve core, under the elastic force of the second elastic element, the sealing portion abuts against the upper side of the sealing baffle again, thereby closing the drain valve. It can be seen that the drain valve structure of this embodiment is very simple.

[0029] In one embodiment, the stop portion is provided with a plurality of notches along the circumferential direction, the total flow area of ​​the notches is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the stop portion in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod portion is S2, 30%≤S1 / S2≤80%.

[0030] This ensures that when the drain valve is opened, the water in the control tank can flow smoothly through the notch on the stop part, thereby reducing the waiting time for drainage and ensuring that the stop part has sufficient strength to support the second elastic element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control component has a guide surface connecting the top wall and the side wall. The guide surface is inclined upward from one end near the bottom of the mounting groove to the end near the opening of the mounting groove. The lower end of the valve core has a tapered guide portion that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. When the water receiving box moves from the opening of the mounting groove to the bottom of the mounting groove, the guide surface pushes against the tapered guide portion, so that the valve core moves upward and opens the drain valve.

[0032] In this way, the water receiving box only needs to move towards the bottom of the installation groove to push the valve core with the guide surface, so that the valve core moves upward. This structure is very simple and makes it easy to open the drain valve.

[0033] In one embodiment, the bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a reset elastic element. When the locking element is in the unlocked state and the water receiving box is subjected to the valve opening pressure, it moves from the opening of the mounting groove to the bottom of the mounting groove, and the water receiving box compresses the reset elastic element. When the valve opening pressure is removed, the elastic force of the reset elastic element enables the water receiving box to move from the bottom of the mounting groove to the opening of the mounting groove.

[0034] Therefore, the water receiving box needs to be continuously pressured to keep the drain valve open. When the pressure is removed, the water receiving box returns to its original position under the elastic force of the reset elastic element, thus preventing the drain valve from remaining open if the user forgets to reset the water receiving box. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application when the locking element is in the locked state;

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of the layout at point B in the middle;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application, with the water tank removed and the locking mechanism in the unlocked state.

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0041] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another part of the electric steamer shown;

[0042] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application, with the drain valve visible in cross-section.

[0044] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point E in the middle;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of the present application, with the water tank removed, the locking mechanism unlocked, and the water collection box moved to the position where the drain outlet is open.

[0046] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified view of a section at point F in the middle;

[0047] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a water receiving box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a valve core according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Top view.

[0050] Reference numerals: 10. Base; 11. Steam generator; 12. First heat source; 13. Second heat source; 14. Mounting position; 15. Mounting channel; 151. Limiting rib; 16. Mounting groove; 17. Slide groove; 20. Cooking body; 21. Cooking cavity; 30. Water tank; 31. Boosting part; 41. Water control tank; 411. Drain outlet; 4111. Sealing baffle; 412. Water inlet; 42. Water control valve; 50. Locking element; 511. First limiting part; 512. 52. Second limiting part; 60. First elastic element; 61. Drain valve; 61. Valve core; 611. Rod part; 6112. Slot; 612. Sealing part; 613. Stop part; 6131. ​​Notch; 614. Conical guide part; 62. Second elastic element; 70. Water receiving box; 71. Slide rail; 72. Clearance opening; 80. Control element; 81. Guide surface; 82. Support top wall; 83. Support side wall; 90. Reset elastic element; 91. Third elastic element; 92. Reset housing. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0052] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is 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 can mean that the first feature is 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.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] Please see Figures 1 to 5This application provides an electric steamer, including a base 10, a water tank 30, and a cooking body 20. Both the water tank 30 and the cooking body 20 are mounted on the base 10. The base 10 is equipped with a steam generator 11 and a water control tank 41. The steam generator 11 generates steam to supply the cooking body 20. The water control tank 41 is located between the water tank 30 and the steam generator 11, and contains a water control valve 42 for controlling the water level in the steam generator 11. The bottom of the water control tank 41 has a drain outlet 411. The electric steamer also includes a water receiving box 70 movably located below the drain outlet 411. The drain outlet 411 is connected to the water receiving box 70 via a drain valve 60, so that when the drain valve 60 is opened, water in the water control tank 41 can flow into the water receiving box 70. The base 10 contains a movable locking member 50, which has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking member 50 is in the locked state, ... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water receiving box 70 cannot be moved to open the drain valve 60; when the locking element 50 is in the unlocked state, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the water receiving box 70 can be moved to open the drain valve 60. Thus, when there is residual wastewater in the water control tank 41, the locking element 50 can be switched to the unlocked state first, and then the water receiving box 70 can be moved to open the drain valve 60. The residual wastewater in the water control tank 41 can then be discharged into the water receiving box 70 through the drain outlet 411. Afterwards, the water receiving box 70 can be removed and the water poured out. This completes the cleaning of residual wastewater without needing to completely invert the base 10, which is very convenient. Furthermore, since the water receiving box 70 cannot open the drain valve 60 by moving it when the locking element 50 is in the locked state, the locking element 50 can be kept in the locked state during use. This prevents accidental movement of the water receiving box 70 that would open the drain valve 60, causing water in the water control tank 41 to flow onto the countertop.

[0057] It is understandable that the cooking body 20 has a cooking cavity 21, and a steam generator 11 is located below the cooking cavity 21. The steam generated by the steam generator 11 can enter the cooking cavity 21 to cook food. Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the cooking body 20 includes a pot lid, and a cooking cavity 21 is formed inside the pot lid. A steaming rack can be installed inside the cooking cavity 21 to support the food being steamed. In addition, in other embodiments, the cooking body 20 may also include a steamer, with the cooking cavity 21 formed inside the steamer, or the steamer and the pot lid enclose the cooking cavity 21. This application does not limit this, as long as the cooking body 20 has a cooking cavity 21 that can accommodate food.

[0058] The steam generator 11 may only have a first heat source 12 to heat water and generate steam, which is then directly delivered to the cooking cavity 21 of the cooking body 20. Alternatively, the steam generator 11 may have a second heat source 13 in addition to the first heat source 12 to heat the steam generated from the water to form high-temperature steam before delivering it to the cooking cavity 21 of the cooking body 20. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, as long as the steam generator 11 can generate steam and deliver it to the cooking cavity 21 of the cooking body 20.

[0059] Further, please see Figures 6 to 8 The base 10 has a mounting groove 16 at its bottom that opens to the side. The length of the mounting groove 16 is greater than the length of the water receiving box 70. The water receiving box 70 is slidably installed into the mounting groove 16 from the opening side. When the locking member 50 is in the locked state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the locking member 50 extends at least partially into the mounting groove 16 and is close to the bottom of the mounting groove 16 to prevent the water receiving box 70 from moving to the bottom of the mounting groove 16; when the locking member 50 is in the unlocked state, as Figure 5 As shown, the water collection box 70 can be moved to the bottom of the mounting slot 16. This makes installing and removing the water collection box 70 very easy.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the mounting groove 16 is provided with a sliding groove 17, and the outer wall of the water receiving box 70 is provided with a sliding rail 71. The sliding rail 71 and the sliding groove 17 are slidably engaged, so that the water receiving box 70 is slidably installed in the mounting groove 16. However, it is not limited to this, the sliding groove 17 and the sliding rail 71 can also be interchanged.

[0061] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The base 10 has an installation channel 15 extending vertically, with the lower end of the installation channel 15 connected to the installation groove 16. The locking member 50 is movably disposed within the installation channel 15. Thus, by controlling the up-and-down movement of the locking member 50, the locked and unlocked states of the locking member 50 can be switched, thereby restricting or releasing the movement of the water box 70. This structure is very simple and easy to operate.

[0062] Furthermore, the outer wall of the locking member 50 is provided with a first limiting part 511, and the inner wall of the mounting channel 15 is provided with a limiting rib 151. The first limiting part 511 is located above the limiting rib 151. The outer wall of the locking member 50 is also fitted with a first elastic member 52, with both ends of the first elastic member 52 abutting against the first limiting part 511 and the limiting rib 151, respectively. Thus, when the locking member 50 is pressed down, the locking member 50 moves to the locked state, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the first limiting part 511 compresses the first elastic member 52, and the water receiving box 70 cannot open the drain valve 60 by movement. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the downward pressure on the locking member 50 is removed, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 52, the first limiting part 511 drives the locking member 50 to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the locking member 50. Figure 5 As shown.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first elastic element 52 is a spring, which has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0064] Furthermore, the outer wall of the locking member 50 is also provided with a second limiting part 512, which is located below the limiting rib 151. In its natural state, the second limiting part 512 abuts against the limiting rib 151. Thus, when the downward force acting on the locking member 50 is removed, under the elastic force of the first elastic member 52, the first limiting part 511 drives the locking member 50 to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the locking member 50. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the second limiting part 512 abuts against the lower end of the limiting rib 151, and the setting of the second limiting part 512 can prevent the locking part 50 from coming out of the installation channel 15.

[0065] In this embodiment, the locking member 50 is a rod with a very simple structure. The first limiting part 511 is a protruding rib integrally formed on the outer wall of the locking member 50, and the second limiting part 512 is a sealing ring installed on the outer wall of the locking member 50. Thus, the second limiting part 512 is detachable, which facilitates the installation of the first elastic member 52 on the outside of the locking member 50 and the installation of the locking member 50 in the installation channel 15.

[0066] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, the base 10 also has a mounting position 14 located at the upper end of the mounting channel 15. The water tank 30 is detachably mounted on the mounting position 14. The locking member 50 is in an unlocked state in its natural state. When the water tank 30 is mounted on the mounting position 14, the locking member 50 moves to a locked state under the action of the water tank 30. Thus, when the water tank 30 is mounted on the base 10, the locking member 50 is always in a locked state, so that the water receiving box 70 cannot be moved to open the drain valve 60, avoiding the situation where the drain valve 60 is opened due to accidental movement of the water receiving box 70 during normal use of the electric steamer.

[0067] There are several ways to move the locking member 50 to the locked state using the water tank 30. In one embodiment, the top of the locking member 50 protrudes from the mounting position 14 in its natural state. When the water tank 30 is installed in the mounting position 14, the bottom of the water tank 30 presses against the top of the locking member 50. Thus, when the water tank 30 is installed in the mounting position 14, the bottom wall of the water tank 30 can press against the locking member 50, thereby causing the locking member 50 to move downward to the locked state.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment, the locking member 50, in its natural state, does not protrude from the mounting position 14 at its top. The bottom of the water tank 30 is provided with a pushing part 31. When the water tank 30 is installed in the mounting position 14, the pushing part 31 extends into the mounting channel 15 and pushes against the top of the locking member 50. Thus, when the water tank 30 is removed, the locking member 50 will not protrude from the mounting position 14. When the water tank 30 is removed, it is less likely that the locking member 50 will move downwards due to accidental operation, thereby ensuring that the locking member 50 will not limit the connection to the water receiving box 70 after the water tank 30 is removed, allowing the water receiving box 70 to move normally and open the drain valve 60 to drain water.

[0069] In another embodiment, the locking member 50 is provided with a first magnet at its upper end, and the water storage tank 30 is provided with a corresponding second magnet. The opposing magnetic poles of the second magnet and the first magnet are the same, for example, both are S poles or both are N poles. When the water storage tank 30 is installed in the mounting position 14, the second magnet and the first magnet repel each other, causing the locking member 50 to move into the locked state. In this way, the locking member 50 can be set so that it is still completely within the mounting channel 15 when the water storage tank 30 is removed. Therefore, when the water storage tank 30 is removed, it is not easy for the locking member 50 to move downward by accident, thus ensuring that the locking member 50 will not limit the water receiving box 70 after the water storage tank 30 is removed, so that the water receiving box 70 can move normally and open the drain valve 60 to drain water. In addition, the bottom of the water storage tank 30 can be set to be flat, so that the water storage tank 30 can be placed directly on the table or countertop after being removed from the base 10.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the downward movement of the locking member 50 is controlled by the water storage tank 30. When the water storage tank 30 is installed on the base 10, the locking member 50 moves downward to the locked state. When the water storage tank 30 is removed from the base 10, the locking member 50 moves upward to the unlocked state under the elastic force of the first elastic member 52. However, this is not a limitation. In other embodiments, the downward movement of the locking member 50 may not be controlled by the water storage tank 30.

[0071] Specifically, the base 10 also includes an operating platform located at the upper end of the mounting channel 15 and a mounting position for installing the water tank 30. The mounting position is located on one side of the operating platform, so that the water tank installed at the mounting position will not obstruct the mounting channel. In one embodiment, the upper end of the locking member 50 is exposed on the operating platform, so that the user can manually control the locking member 50 to move up and down, thereby facilitating the switching between the locked and unlocked states of the locking member 50. It is worth mentioning that "exposed on the operating platform" means exposed outside the operating platform. The upper end of the locking member 50 can protrude from the operating platform or be flush with the operating platform. This application does not limit this, as long as the user can press the locking member 50 from the outside. In another embodiment, the operating platform also includes a button connected to the locking member 50, so that the locking member 50 can be controlled to move up and down by pressing the button. The button can be set as a button with a press-lock and a reset function. For example, when the button is pressed for the first time, the button moves downward and is locked by the press-lock. At this time, the locking part 50 moves down to the locked state. When the button is pressed again, the press-lock unlocks, the button resets upward, and the locking part 50 moves upward to the unlocked state.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the movement of the locking member 50 is controlled by a mechanical structure (non-electric structure), but it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the movement of the locking member 50 can also be controlled by an electric structure. For example, in one embodiment, the operating table is also provided with a control switch, and the base 10 is also provided with an electric drive unit. The electric drive unit is used to drive the locking member 50 to move under the control of the control switch to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state. In this way, the operation is more convenient by controlling the movement of the locking member 50 by electricity. The electric drive unit can be a motor or an electromagnet. This application does not limit this, as long as the electric drive unit can control the movement of the locking member 50 under the action of electricity. It is understood that the control switch can include multiple keys such as a lock key and an unlock key. The lock key is used to control the electric drive unit to drive the locking member 50 to move downward to the locked state, and the unlock key is used to control the electric drive unit to drive the locking member 50 to move upward to the unlocked state, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking control of the docking water box 70 by operating different keys.

[0073] Please see Figure 9The drain valve 60 includes a valve core 61 that can move up and down and a second elastic member 62. The valve core 61 moves upward to open the drain valve 60, while the second elastic member 62 acts on the valve core 61 to cause it to move downward and close the drain valve 60. A control member 80 is provided inside the water collection box 70. When the locking member 50 is unlocked, the water collection box 70 can move towards the bottom of the mounting groove 16, so that the control member 80 pushes the valve core 61 upward. Thus, by moving the water collection box 70 inward, the control member 80 applies an upward force to the valve core 61, thereby opening the drain valve 60. When the water collection box 70 is moved outward, the control member 80 removes the force acting on the valve core 61, and under the elastic force of the second elastic member 62, the valve core 61 automatically resets, thereby closing the drain valve 60. Therefore, when the water collection box 70 leaves its predetermined position or is removed, the drain valve 60 is in a closed state, preventing water from the water tank 41 from leaking onto the countertop.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second elastic element 62 is a spring, which has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0075] The inner wall of the drain outlet 411 is provided with a sealing rib 4111. The valve core 61 includes a rod portion 611, a sealing portion 612, and a stop portion 613. The rod portion 611 passes through the drain outlet 411. The sealing portion 612 and the stop portion 613 are both located on the outer wall of the rod portion 611, and the sealing portion 612 and the stop portion 613 are located on the upper and lower sides of the sealing rib 4111, respectively. When the sealing portion 612 abuts against the sealing rib 4111, the drain valve 60 is closed; when the sealing portion 612 disengages from the sealing rib 4111, the drain valve 60 is opened. The second elastic member 62 is sleeved on the rod portion 611, and its two ends abut against the sealing rib 4111 and the stop portion 613, respectively, so that the sealing portion 612 abuts against the sealing rib 4111. Thus, the stop portion 613 is subjected to the downward elastic force of the second elastic member 62, causing the sealing portion 612 to tend to move downward and thus abut against the upper side of the sealing rib 4111, thereby closing the drain valve 60. When the control member 80 pushes the valve core 61 upward, the stop portion 613 moves upward and compresses the second elastic member 62, while the sealing portion 612 moves upward and disengages from the sealing rib 4111, thereby opening the drain valve 60. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, water in the water tank 41 can flow into the water receiving box 70 through the drain port 411. When the water receiving box 70 moves and the control element 80 moves away from the valve core 61, under the elastic force of the second elastic element 62, the sealing part 612 abuts against the upper side of the sealing baffle 4111 again, thereby closing the drain valve 60, as shown. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the drain valve 60 in this embodiment has a very simple structure.

[0076] Furthermore, the stop portion 613 is a raised rib integrally formed on the rod portion 611, and the sealing portion 612 is a sealing ring installed on the outer wall of the rod portion 611. Thus, the sealing portion 612 is detachable, facilitating the installation of the second elastic element 62 on the outside of the rod portion 611 and the installation of the drain valve 60 on the drain outlet 411. In this embodiment, the outer wall of the rod portion 611 is provided with a groove 6112, and the sealing portion 612 is a silicone sealing ring installed in the groove 6112. This facilitates installation and provides a good sealing effect.

[0077] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 The stop portion 613 has multiple notches 6131 along its circumference. The total flow area of ​​the notches 6131 is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the stop portion 613 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod portion 611 is S2, where 30% ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 80%. This ensures that when the drain valve 60 is opened, the water in the water control tank 41 can flow smoothly through the notches 6131 on the stop portion 613, reducing the waiting time for drainage and ensuring that the stop portion 613 has sufficient strength to support the second elastic member 62. It is understood that the "total flow area of ​​the notches 6131" refers to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the notches 6131 in the direction perpendicular to the water flow, and the "cross-sectional area of ​​the stop portion 613 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod portion 611" includes the total flow area of ​​the notches 6131 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion without notches 6131. ​​In this embodiment, the stop portion 613 is a ring structure located on the outer wall of the rod portion 611, and the "cross-sectional area of ​​the stop portion 613" refers to the area of ​​the ring. Of course, the stop portion 613 can also be of other shapes. In this embodiment, the stop portion 613 is provided with six notches 6131, but it is not limited to this, and the number of notches 6131 can also be other numbers.

[0078] Please see Figure 7 The vertical movement of the valve core 61 is H2, where 2mm ≤ H2 ≤ 15mm. If this movement H2 is too small, water leakage will be slow when the drain valve 60 is opened; if this movement H2 is too large, the valve core 61 may easily interfere with the surrounding structure, affecting its normal operation. In this embodiment, 2mm ≤ H2 ≤ 15mm, thus ensuring that the water in the water tank 41 can flow smoothly when the drain valve 60 is opened, and that the valve core 61 will not affect the normal operation of the surrounding structure.

[0079] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 12The control component 80 is a support rib installed inside the water receiving box 70. The control component 80 has a guide surface 81 connecting the top wall and side walls. The guide surface 81 is inclined upwards from the end near the bottom of the mounting groove 16 towards the end near the opening of the mounting groove 16. The lower end of the valve core 61 has a tapered guide portion 614 that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. When the water receiving box 70 moves from the opening of the mounting groove 16 towards the bottom of the mounting groove 16, the guide surface 81 pushes against the tapered guide portion 614, causing the valve core 61 to move upwards and open the drain valve 60. Thus, the water receiving box 70 only needs to move towards the bottom of the mounting groove 16 to use the guide surface 81 to push the valve core 61 upwards. This structure is very simple and makes it easy to open the drain valve 60.

[0080] Furthermore, for ease of description, the top wall of the control component 80 is defined as the supporting top wall 82, and the side wall of the control component 80 is defined as the supporting side wall 83. The supporting top wall 82 is connected to the upper end of the guide surface 81 and extends horizontally to the side wall of the water receiving box 70. The supporting side wall 83 is connected to the lower end of the guide surface 81 and extends vertically downward to the bottom wall of the water receiving box 70. In this way, the control component 80 extends to the side wall and bottom wall of the water receiving box 70, resulting in higher structural strength and less susceptibility to deformation.

[0081] Understandably, the side wall of the water receiving box 70 is provided with a clearance opening 72 to avoid the drain outlet 411 and the drain valve 60, so as to ensure that the water receiving box 70 can be smoothly installed on the base 10 and removed from the base 10.

[0082] Furthermore, the bottom of the mounting groove 16 is provided with a reset elastic element 90. When the locking element 50 is in the unlocked state and the water receiving box 70 is subjected to the valve opening pressure, moving from the opening of the mounting groove 16 towards the bottom of the mounting groove 16, the water receiving box 70 compresses the reset elastic element 90, such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown; when the valve opening pressure is removed, the elastic force of the reset elastic element 90 allows the water receiving box 70 to move from the bottom of the mounting groove 16 to the opening of the mounting groove 16, as shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. Thus, the water receiving box 70 needs to be continuously pressured to keep it in the open drain valve 60 position. When the pressure is removed, the water receiving box 70 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the reset elastic element 90, thus preventing the drain valve 60 from remaining open if the user forgets to reset the water receiving box 70.

[0083] Please see Figure 7In this embodiment, the reset elastic member 90 includes a third elastic member 91 and a reset housing 92 sleeved on the outside of the third elastic member 91. The reset housing 92 passes through the bottom wall of the mounting groove 16, and one end is stopped on the side of the bottom wall of the mounting groove 16 away from the water receiving box 70. The third elastic member 91 can be configured as a spring. The two ends of the third elastic member 91 abut against the reset housing 92 and the base 10 respectively, so that the reset housing 92 extends into the mounting groove 16.

[0084] Furthermore, when the locking member 50 is in the unlocked state and the water receiving box 70 is installed in the mounting groove 16 of the base 10, the reset elastic member 90 is attached to one side of the water receiving box 70, the distance between the central axis of the supporting top wall 82 and the valve core 61 is L1, and the length of the reset elastic member 90 extending into the mounting groove 16 is L2, L2>L1, ensuring that when the water receiving box 70 moves toward the bottom of the mounting groove 16, the control member 80 can lift the valve core 61, thereby opening the drain valve 60.

[0085] In this embodiment, the water receiving box 70 is set to manual operation. That is, the valve opening pressure mentioned above is a manual thrust. The user manually pushes the water receiving box 70 to move it, thereby using the control component 80 to push the valve core 61 and open the drain valve 60. Of course, in other embodiments, the water receiving box 70 can also be connected to a water box drive component, which controls the movement of the water receiving box 70. The valve opening pressure mentioned above is the thrust exerted by the water box drive component on the water receiving box 70. The water box drive component can be a motor or a cylinder. This application does not limit this, as long as the water box drive component can control the movement of the water receiving box 70. It is understood that the water box drive component can be electrically connected to the controller of the electric steamer. The controller controls the action of the water box drive component. The controller can be electrically connected to a control panel. The control panel can be equipped with control buttons. Pressing or touching the control buttons can control the water box drive component, thereby controlling the movement of the water receiving box 70 through the water box drive component, thereby realizing the automatic drainage of the water tank 41. The control panel can also be connected to an electric drive unit that controls the movement of the locking element 50. This allows the control buttons on the control panel to switch the locking element 50 between unlocked and locked states. When the locking element 50 is in the unlocked state, the control panel controls the water tank drive unit, which in turn controls the movement of the water receiving box 70, thus achieving automatic drainage of the water control tank 41. Furthermore, the control panel can be equipped with a water emptying reminder, such as an audible or visual reminder, so that users can promptly empty any remaining wastewater, preventing bacterial growth from residual wastewater in the water control tank 41. Additionally, an automatic control program can be set to automatically control the water tank drive unit after cooking, which in turn controls the movement of the water receiving box 70, thereby achieving automatic drainage of the water control tank 41. Alternatively, a sensor can be installed on the base 10 to detect whether the water tank 30 is installed on the base 10. When the water tank 30 is detected to be removed from the base 10, the locking component 50 is automatically switched to the unlocked state, and the water box drive component is automatically controlled to move. The water box drive component controls the movement of the water receiving box 70, thereby realizing the automatic drainage of the water tank 41. In addition, there are many other ways to control the movement of the water receiving box 70, and this application does not limit them.

[0086] The electric steamer provided in this application can discharge the water in the water control tank 41 into the water receiving box 70 by setting a drain port 411 and a drain valve 60 at the bottom of the water control tank 41, thereby solving the problem of the difficulty in cleaning the residual wastewater in the water control tank 41.

[0087] Please see Figure 8 The steam generator 11 is connected to the water control tank 41. A water control valve 42 is installed inside the water control tank 41. The water control valve 42 controls the opening and closing of the water storage tank 30 and the water control tank 41, thereby controlling the water level in the steam generator 11. The water control valve 42 can control the water level in the steam generator 11 to be below the preset water level line A. Please refer to... Figure 6As shown. In one embodiment, the water control valve 42 is configured as a float valve, and the water control tank 41 has a water inlet 412. The water storage tank 30 is connected to the water control tank 41 through the water inlet 412. The float valve is used to control the opening and closing of the water inlet 412. When the water level in the steam generator 11 drops below the preset water level line A, the float valve drops to the position of opening the water inlet 412, allowing water in the water storage tank 30 to flow into the water control tank 41 and then into the steam generator 11, thereby replenishing water to the steam generator 11 through the water storage tank 30, causing the water level in the steam generator 11 to rise. When the water level in the steam generator 11 rises above the preset water level line A, the float valve rises to the position of closing the water inlet 412, isolating the water storage tank 30 and the water control tank 41, so that the water storage tank 30 will not replenish water to the steam generator 11. The float valve can directly cooperate with the inlet 412 to open and close the inlet 412; alternatively, the float valve can cooperate with the inlet 412 via a lever structure. The rise and fall of the float valve drives the lever structure to rotate, and the sealing component on the lever structure opens and closes the inlet 412. This application does not limit the cooperation structure between the float valve and the inlet 412, as long as the rise and fall of the float valve can control the opening and closing of the inlet 412. The float valve control method is simple and can keep the water level in the steam generator 11 always below the preset water level line A. Of course, the water control valve 42 can also be a water control valve of other structures, as long as it can achieve water level control and keep the water level in the steam generator 11 always below the preset water level line. This application does not impose any restrictions on this. In this embodiment, the water control tank 41 is located below the water storage tank 30. Thus, when the water control valve 42 is opened, water in the water storage tank 30 flows into the water control tank 41 under gravity, and then flows through the water control tank 41 to the steam generator 11. The structure is relatively simple. However, it is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the steam generator 11, the water control tank 41, and the water storage tank 30 are arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the water control valve 42 can be an electrically controlled valve. The amount of water supplied from the water storage tank 30 to the steam generator 11 is controlled by adjusting the opening degree and the duration of the opening of the water control valve 42. A water level sensor can be installed inside the steam generator 11. The water level sensor detects the water level in the steam generator 11, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the water control valve 42, so that the water level in the steam generator 11 is always kept below the preset water level line A.

[0088] Please see Figure 6 Furthermore, the inner bottom wall of the water control tank 41 is higher than, lower than, or flush with the inner bottom wall of the steam generator 11. When the inner bottom wall of the water control tank 41 is higher than the inner bottom wall of the steam generator 11, the height difference between the inner bottom wall of the water control tank 41 and the inner bottom wall of the steam generator 11 is H1, and H1 ≤ 5mm. This ensures that the water in the water control tank 41 can flow smoothly into the steam generator 11.

[0089] Furthermore, the capacity of the water receiving box 70 is V1, the capacity of the steam generator 11 below the preset water level line A is V2, and the capacity of the water control tank 41 below the preset water level line A is V3, where 1.05(V2+V3)≤V1≤5(V2+V3). It is understood that after cooking, the maximum amount of residual wastewater in the electric steamer is V2+V3. This configuration ensures that the water receiving box 70 can hold all the residual wastewater, and that the wastewater is not easily spilled when the water receiving box 70 is removed.

[0090] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0091] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric steamer, comprising a base (10), a water tank (30), and a cooking body (20), wherein the water tank (30) and the cooking body (20) are both disposed on the base (10), the base (10) is provided with a steam generator (11) and a water control tank (41), the steam generator (11) is used to generate steam to supply the cooking body (20), the water control tank (41) is disposed between the water tank (30) and the steam generator (11), and the water control tank (41) is provided with a water control valve (42) for controlling the water level in the steam generator (11). Its features are, The water control tank (41) is provided with a drain outlet (411) at the bottom. The electric steamer also includes a water receiving box (70) movably disposed below the drain outlet (411). The drain outlet (411) is connected to the water receiving box (70) through a drain valve (60). The electric steamer also includes a locking component (50), which has a locked state and an unlocked state. When the locking component (50) is in the locked state, the water receiving box (70) cannot open the drain valve (60) by moving it. When the locking component (50) is in the unlocked state, the water receiving box (70) can open the drain valve (60) by moving it.

2. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) has a mounting groove (16) with an opening facing the side at its bottom. The length of the mounting groove (16) is greater than the length of the water receiving box (70). The water receiving box (70) is slidably installed in the mounting groove (16) from the opening side. When the locking member (50) is in the locked state, the lower end of the locking member (50) extends at least partially into the mounting groove (16) and is close to the bottom of the mounting groove (16) to prevent the water receiving box (70) from moving to the bottom of the mounting groove (16). When the locking element (50) is in the unlocked state, the water receiving box (70) can be moved to the bottom of the mounting slot (16).

3. The electric steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (10) is provided with an installation channel (15) extending in the vertical direction. The lower end of the installation channel (15) is connected to the installation groove (16). The locking member (50) is movably disposed in the installation channel (15).

4. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the locking member (50) is provided with a first limiting part (511), and the inner wall of the installation channel (15) is provided with a limiting rib (151). The first limiting part (511) is located on the upper side of the limiting rib (151). The outer wall of the locking member (50) is also provided with a first elastic member (52). The two ends of the first elastic member (52) abut against the first limiting part (511) and the limiting rib (151) respectively.

5. The electric steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer wall of the locking member (50) is also provided with a second limiting part (512), which is located on the lower side of the limiting rib (151). In the natural state, the second limiting part (512) abuts against the limiting rib (151).

6. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (10) is also provided with an installation position (14) located at the upper end of the installation channel (15). The water tank (30) is detachably installed in the installation position (14). The locking member (50) is in the unlocked state in its natural state. When the water tank (30) is installed in the installation position (14), the locking member (50) moves to the locked state under the action of the water tank (30).

7. The electric steamer according to claim 6, characterized in that, In its natural state, the top of the locking member (50) protrudes from the mounting position (14). When the water tank (30) is installed in the mounting position (14), the bottom of the water tank (30) presses against the top of the locking member (50). Alternatively, in its natural state, the top of the locking member (50) does not protrude from the mounting position (14), and the bottom of the water tank (30) is provided with a pushing part (31). When the water tank (30) is installed in the mounting position (14), the pushing part (31) extends into the mounting channel (15) and pushes against the top of the locking member (50). Alternatively, the locking member (50) is provided with a first magnet, and the water storage tank (30) is provided with a corresponding second magnet. The magnetic poles of the second magnet and the first magnet are the same on opposite sides. When the water storage tank (30) is installed in the mounting position (14), the second magnet and the first magnet repel each other, so that the locking member (50) moves to the locked state.

8. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (10) is also provided with an operating platform located at the upper end of the installation channel (15) and an installation position (14) for installing the water storage tank (30). The upper end of the locking member (50) is exposed on the operating table. Alternatively, the control panel may also be provided with buttons connected to the locking member (50). Alternatively, the operating table may also be provided with a control switch, and the base (10) may also be provided with an electric drive unit. The electric drive unit is used to drive the locking member (50) to move under the control of the control switch, so as to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state. The electric drive unit may be a motor or an electromagnet.

9. The electric steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drain valve (60) includes a valve core (61) that can move up and down and a second elastic element (62). The valve core (61) can open the drain valve (60) by moving upward, and the second elastic element (62) acts on the valve core (61) to make the valve core (61) tend to move downward to close the drain valve (60). The water receiving box (70) is provided with a control component (80). When the locking component (50) is in the unlocked state, the water receiving box (70) can move toward the bottom of the mounting groove (16) so as to push the valve core (61) upward through the control component (80).

10. The electric steamer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the drain outlet (411) is provided with a sealing baffle (4111). The valve core (61) includes a rod (611), a sealing part (612), and a stop part (613). The rod (611) passes through the drain outlet (411). The sealing part (612) and the stop part (613) are both provided on the outer wall of the rod (611), and the sealing part (612) and the stop part (613) are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the sealing baffle (4111). When the sealing part (612) abuts against the sealing baffle (4111), the drain valve (60) is closed; when the sealing part (612) disengages from the sealing baffle (4111), the drain valve (60) is opened. The second elastic member (62) is sleeved on the rod portion (611), and its two ends abut against the sealing rib (4111) and the stop portion (613) respectively, so that the sealing portion (612) abuts against the sealing rib (4111).

11. The electric steamer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The stop (613) has a plurality of notches (6131) along the circumferential direction, the total flow area of ​​the notches (6131) is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the stop (613) in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod (611) is S2, 30%≤S1 / S2≤80%.

12. The electric steamer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control component (80) is provided with a guide surface (81) connecting the top wall and the side wall. The guide surface (81) is inclined upward from the end near the bottom of the mounting groove (16) to the end near the opening of the mounting groove (16). The lower end of the valve core (61) is provided with a tapered guide part (614) that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. When the water receiving box (70) moves from the opening of the mounting groove (16) to the bottom of the mounting groove (16), the guide surface (81) pushes against the tapered guide part (614) so ​​that the valve core (61) moves upward and opens the drain valve (60).

13. The electric steamer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the mounting groove (16) is provided with a reset elastic element (90). When the locking element (50) is in the unlocked state and the water receiving box (70) is subjected to the valve opening pressure, it moves from the opening of the mounting groove (16) to the bottom of the mounting groove (16), and the water receiving box (70) compresses the reset elastic element (90). When the valve opening pressure is removed, the elastic force of the reset elastic element (90) enables the water receiving box (70) to move from the bottom of the mounting groove (16) to the opening of the mounting groove (16).

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