Electric steamer

Abstract

This application relates to an electric steamer, including a base, a cooking body, and a water tank. Both the cooking body and the water tank are mounted on the base. The base includes a steam generator, a water control tank, and a water collection box. The steam generator produces steam to supply the cooking body. The water tank supplies water to the steam generator through the water control tank. The steam generator and / or the water control tank have drain outlets for draining water into the water collection box, and a drain valve is provided at the drain outlet. The base has an operating component for controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve. The water tank is detachably mounted on the base. When the water tank is mounted on the base, the drain valve is closed, and the water tank prevents the operating component from moving. When the water tank is removed from the base, the operating component can move to open the drain valve. This electric steamer allows for easy cleaning of residual wastewater in the water control tank. By providing a detachable water tank, when the water tank is mounted on the base, the water tank prevents the operating component from moving, avoiding accidental triggering of the operating component and causing the drain valve to open during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking appliances 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 cooking body, and a water tank. Both the cooking body and the water tank are mounted on the base. The base includes a steam generator, a water control tank, and a water receiving box. The steam generator produces steam to supply the cooking body. The water tank supplies water to the steam generator through the water control tank. The steam generator and / or the water control tank have a drain outlet for draining water into the water receiving box. A drain valve is provided at the drain outlet. The base has an operating component for controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve. The water tank is detachably mounted on the base. When the water tank is mounted on the base, the drain valve is closed, and the water tank prevents the operating component from moving. When the water tank is detached from the base, the operating component can move to open the drain valve.

[0005] The electric steamer provided in this application allows for easy cleaning of residual wastewater. When residual wastewater remains in the steamer, the drain valve is opened via an operating mechanism, allowing the wastewater to drain into a collection box. The collection box can then be removed and the water poured out, completing the cleaning process without needing to invert the entire base, making it very convenient. Furthermore, by incorporating a removable water tank, which prevents the operating mechanism from moving when installed on the base, accidental activation of the drain valve during use is avoided.

[0006] In one embodiment, the operating element is disposed on the side wall of the base and located below the water storage tank.

[0007] In this way, it is not easy to accidentally trigger the operating components, and the operating components are easy to observe, so that the operating components can be controlled in a timely and convenient manner when drainage is required.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base has a mounting position and a mounting groove located below the mounting position. The water storage tank is installed in the mounting position, and the water receiving box is located in the mounting groove. The base also has a mounting channel extending along its own height direction. The mounting channel connects the mounting position and the mounting groove. A vertically moving longitudinal transmission component is provided in the mounting channel. When the water storage tank is removed from the base, the movement of the operating component can control the vertically moving longitudinal transmission component to move downward. The downward movement of the vertically moving longitudinal transmission component can open the drain valve.

[0009] In this way, the operating component only needs to control the vertical movement of the longitudinal transmission component to control the opening and closing of the drain valve, making the control method very simple.

[0010] In one embodiment, one end of the operating member extends into the mounting channel and is positioned corresponding to the upper end of the longitudinal transmission member. The other end of the operating member is configured as a button. The bottom of the water tank is provided with a blocking part. When the water tank is installed on the base, the blocking part at least partially blocks the longitudinal transmission member and the operating member to prevent the operating member from moving toward the longitudinal transmission member. When the water tank is removed from the base, the operating member can move toward the longitudinal transmission member and push the longitudinal transmission member downward.

[0011] Thus, when the water tank is removed from the base, simply pressing the operating component controls the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission component, making operation very simple. The water tank features a barrier to prevent the operating component from moving towards the longitudinal transmission component when the tank is installed on the base, thereby preventing the longitudinal transmission component from moving downward and opening the drain valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the operating member has a first inclined surface at one end near the longitudinal transmission member. The first inclined surface is inclined from top to bottom in a direction away from the longitudinal transmission member. The top end of the longitudinal transmission member has a first mating surface, which is a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface.

[0013] Thus, by engaging the first inclined plane and the first mating surface, the horizontal movement of the operating component can be converted into the vertical movement of the longitudinal transmission component. This engagement structure is very simple, and the force transmission is smooth. Pressing the operating component can easily control the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission component, resulting in a good operating feel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sidewall of the mounting channel is provided with a first through hole, the operating member passes through the first through hole, the operating member is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, the first limiting part is located inside the mounting channel, the second limiting part is located outside the mounting channel, a first elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the operating member, the two ends of the first elastic member abut against the outside of the sidewall of the mounting channel and the second limiting part respectively, and in the natural state, the first limiting part abuts against the inside of the sidewall of the mounting channel.

[0015] Thus, by providing the first elastic element, when the force applied to the pressing operation element is removed, the operation element can move away from the longitudinal transmission element, achieving automatic reset and facilitating the next pressing of the operation element. The first limiting part prevents the operation element from dislodging from the first through hole under the elastic force of the first elastic element, and the second limiting part provides a force to the first elastic element, allowing the elastic force of the first elastic element to be transmitted to the operation element, thereby enabling the operation element to automatically reset.

[0016] In one embodiment, a limiting rib is provided in the installation channel, a first stop is provided on the outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member, the first stop is located above the limiting rib, and a second elastic member is sleeved on the outer side of the longitudinal transmission member, with the two ends of the second elastic member abutting against the first stop and the limiting rib respectively.

[0017] Thus, when the operating member pushes the longitudinal transmission member downward, the first stop will compress the second elastic member. When the operating member removes the downward force on the longitudinal transmission member, under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the first stop will drive the longitudinal transmission member upward, thereby automatically resetting the longitudinal transmission member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member is further provided with a second stop portion, which is located below the limiting rib. In its natural state, the second stop portion abuts against the lower part of the limiting rib.

[0019] Thus, when the downward force acting on the longitudinal transmission component is removed, under the elastic force of the second elastic component, the first stop part drives the longitudinal transmission component to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the longitudinal transmission component. At this time, the second stop part abuts against the lower part of the limiting rib. The setting of the second stop part can prevent the longitudinal transmission component from coming out of the installation channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the drain outlet extends horizontally and into the water receiving box. The drain valve includes a horizontally movable valve core, which can open and close the drain valve by moving horizontally. The mounting groove is provided with a horizontally movable transverse transmission member, one end of which corresponds to the valve core and the other end of which corresponds to the longitudinal transmission member. The downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member can control the horizontal transmission member to move horizontally, thereby controlling the valve core to move horizontally and open the drain valve.

[0021] With this configuration, the drain valve and the transverse transmission components are arranged horizontally, which reduces the space occupied in the height direction of the base, thus making the internal structure of the base very compact.

[0022] In one embodiment, the transverse transmission member has a second inclined surface at one end near the longitudinal transmission member. The second inclined surface slopes downward from top to bottom in a direction away from the drain valve. The lower end of the longitudinal transmission member has a second mating surface, which is a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface.

[0023] Thus, through the engagement of the second inclined plane and the second mating surface, the downward vertical movement of the longitudinal transmission component can be converted into the horizontal movement of the lateral transmission component towards the valve core. This, in turn, pushes the valve core to open the drain valve, thereby achieving drainage. This mating structure is very simple, and the force transmission is smooth. The downward movement of the longitudinal transmission component can easily control the horizontal movement of the lateral transmission component, resulting in highly flexible control over the opening of the drain valve.

[0024] In one embodiment, the mounting groove is provided with a fixing plate, the fixing plate and the base enclose a limiting cavity, the limiting cavity has openings at both ends, the two ends of the transverse transmission member pass through the two openings respectively, the transverse transmission member is provided with a limiting baffle, the limiting baffle is located in the limiting cavity, the limiting baffle can stop against the inner wall of the limiting cavity to limit the movement stroke of the transverse transmission member.

[0025] Thus, by setting a fixed plate, the transverse transmission component can be horizontally slidably installed in the mounting groove. By setting a limiting rib and cooperating with the inner wall of the limiting cavity, the travel of the transverse transmission component can be limited, thereby preventing the transverse transmission component from falling off the fixed plate during horizontal movement.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the drain outlet is provided with a sealing rib. The valve core includes a rod, a sealing part, and a stop rib. The rod passes through the drain outlet, and the sealing part and the stop rib are both connected to the rod. The sealing part is located on the side of the sealing rib away from the transverse transmission member, and the stop rib is located on the side of the sealing rib close to the transverse transmission member. The drain valve also includes a third elastic element, which is sleeved on the outside of the rod and its two ends abut against the sealing rib and the stop rib, respectively. In the natural state, the sealing part abuts against the sealing rib, and the drain valve is in the closed state. When the valve core moves away from the transverse transmission member, the sealing part disengages from the sealing rib, and the drain valve is in the open state.

[0027] Thus, when no external force is applied, the valve core moves towards the lateral transmission member under the elastic force of the third elastic element, causing the sealing part to abut against the sealing rib, thereby closing the drain valve. When the lateral transmission member moves towards the valve core and pushes against it, the stop rib compresses the third elastic element, and simultaneously the sealing part moves away from the lateral transmission member, disengaging from the sealing rib, thus opening the drain valve. Water from the steam generator or water control tank can then flow into the water collection box through the drain port. When the longitudinal transmission member moves upward under the elastic force of the second elastic element, the sealing part abuts against the sealing rib again under the elastic force of the third elastic element, thus closing the drain valve again. Simultaneously, the valve core pushes the lateral transmission member to reset. It is evident that the third elastic element not only resets the valve core but also the lateral transmission member, thereby simplifying the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional half-section structural diagram of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application when the drain valve is closed;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the layout at point A in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application, with the water tank removed and the drain valve in the open position.

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application from another location;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application, with the water control valve in the cross section.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of an electric steamer according to an embodiment of this application with the water collection box removed;

[0038] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the electric steamer with the fixing plate removed.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a transverse transmission component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a valve core according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Top view.

[0042] Reference numerals: 10. Base; 11. Steam generator; 111. Drain outlet; 112. Sealing baffle; 113. Second pipe; 12. Water control tank; 121. Water control valve; 122. Water inlet; 123. First pipe; 13. First heat source; 14. Second heat source; 15. Mounting position; 16. Mounting channel; 161. First through hole; 162. Limiting rib; 17. Mounting groove; 20. Cooking body; 21. Cooking cavity; 30. Water storage tank; 31. Barrier part; 40. Drain valve; 41. Valve core; 411. Rod part; 4 111, Slot; 412, Sealing part; 413, Stop rib; 4131, Notch; 42, Third elastic element; 50, Operating element; 51, First inclined surface; 52, First limiting part; 53, Second limiting part; 54, First elastic element; 60, Longitudinal transmission element; 61, First mating surface; 62, Second mating surface; 63, First stop part; 64, Second stop part; 65, Second elastic element; 70, Lateral transmission element; 71, Second inclined surface; 72, Limiting rib; 80, Fixing plate; 81, Limiting cavity; 90, Water receiving box. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Please see Figures 1 to 6This application provides an electric steamer, including a base 10, a cooking body 20, and a water tank 30. Both the cooking body 20 and the water tank 30 are mounted on the base 10. The base 10 is equipped with a steam generator 11, a water control tank 12, and a water receiving box 90. The steam generator 11 generates steam to supply the cooking body 20, and the water tank 30 supplies water to the steam generator 11 through the water control tank 12. The steam generator 11 and / or the water control tank 12 are provided with a drain outlet 111 for draining water into the water receiving box 90. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain outlet 111, and an operating element 50 for controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve 40 is provided on the base 10. The water tank 30 is detachably mounted on the base 10. When the water tank 30 is mounted on the base 10, the drain valve 40 is closed, and the water tank 30 prevents the operating element 50 from moving. When the water tank 30 is removed from the base 10, the operating element 50 can move to open the drain valve 40. It is understandable that "the water storage tank 30 supplies water to the steam generator 11 through the water control tank 12" means that the water control tank 12 can control the flow of water in the water storage tank 30 to the steam generator 11. Therefore, when there is residual wastewater in the electric steamer, the residual wastewater will remain in the steam generator 11 and / or the water control tank 12, and the water in the steam generator 11 and the water control tank 12 can flow between each other. When there is residual wastewater in the electric steamer, the drain valve 40 is opened by the operating component 50, and the residual wastewater can be discharged into the water collection box 90 through the drain outlet 111. Then, the water collection box 90 can be removed and the water poured out. This completes the cleaning of residual wastewater. The entire cleaning process does not require the base 10 to be completely inverted, which is very convenient. Furthermore, by setting a detachable water storage tank 30, and using the water storage tank 30 to prevent the operating component 50 from moving when the water storage tank 30 is installed on the base 10, the situation of accidentally triggering the operating component 50 and causing the drain valve 40 to open during use is avoided.

[0049] 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 3 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.

[0050] The steam generator 11 may only have a first heat source 13 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 14 in addition to the first heat source 13 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.

[0051] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the water control tank 12 is located below the water storage tank 30. The steam generator 11 and the water control tank 12 are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction, and the steam generator 11 and the water control tank 12 are always connected. In this embodiment, a first pipe 123 is provided between the water control tank 12 and the steam generator 11, and the steam generator 11 is connected to the water control tank 12 through the first pipe 123. The water control tank 12 is equipped with a water control valve 121, which controls the water storage tank 30 to supply water to the water control tank 12, thereby supplying water to the steam generator 11.

[0052] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The water control tank 12 is equipped with an inlet 122, and the water storage tank 30 is connected to the water control tank 12 through the inlet 122. The water control valve 121 is used to control the opening and closing of the inlet 122. In this embodiment, the water control valve 121 is a float valve, which is located inside the water control tank 12. The float valve can rise and fall with the water level in the water control tank 12, thereby opening and closing the inlet 122. Since the steam generator 11 and the water control tank 12 are always connected, the water level in the water control tank 12 is the same as the water level in the steam generator 11. This float valve can control the water level in the steam generator 11 below a preset water level line. Specifically, when the water level in the steam generator 11 drops below the preset water level line, the float valve drops to the position of opening the inlet 122, allowing water in the water storage tank 30 to flow into the control water tank 12 and then into the steam generator 11, thereby replenishing the steam generator 11 with water through the water storage tank 30 and 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, the float valve rises to the position of closing the inlet 122, isolating the water storage tank 30 and the control water tank 12, so that the water storage tank 30 will not replenish the steam generator 11 with water. The float valve can directly cooperate with the inlet 122 to open and close the inlet 122; alternatively, the float valve can cooperate with the inlet 122 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 122. This application does not limit the cooperation structure between the float valve and the inlet 122, as long as the rise and fall of the float valve can control the opening and closing of the inlet 122. 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. Of course, the water control valve 121 can also be a water control valve 121 of other structures, such as a solenoid valve, and the water control valve 121 can also be located outside the water control tank 12, as long as water level control can be achieved, keeping the water level in the steam generator 11 always below the preset water level line. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0053] Please see Figures 2 to 6 In this embodiment, a second pipe 113 is connected to the bottom of the steam generator 11. The end of the second pipe 113 furthest from the steam generator 11 forms a drain outlet 111. That is, the drain outlet 111 is connected to the steam generator 11 through the second pipe 113, allowing water in the steam generator 11 to drain through the drain outlet 111 to the water collection box 90. Water in the water control tank 12 can first flow into the steam generator 11 and then be discharged into the water collection box 90 through the drain outlet 111. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 and Figure 6The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow path of water in the water control tank 12 and the steam generator 11 when the drain valve 40 is open. The second pipe 113 can be a rigid pipe, such as a metal or plastic pipe, or a flexible pipe, such as a rubber or metal flexible pipe; this application does not limit this. Furthermore, the arrangement of the drain outlet 111 is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the drain outlet can also be connected to the water control tank, in which case the water in the water control tank can be discharged to the water receiving box through the drain outlet, and the water in the steam generator can first flow into the water control tank and then be discharged into the water receiving box through the drain outlet. Alternatively, the drain outlet can be located on a main drain pipe, which is connected to the steam generator and the water control tank through two branch drain pipes. When the drain outlet is open (i.e., when the drain valve is opened), residual wastewater in the steam generator and the water control tank can flow through the branch drain pipes to the main drain pipe, and then be discharged into the water receiving box through the drain outlet on the main drain pipe. This application does not limit the arrangement of the drain outlet, as long as the water in the steam generator and the water control tank can be discharged into the water receiving box when the drain outlet is open.

[0054] Further, please see Figure 3 and Figure 7 The inner bottom wall of the water control tank 12 is higher than, lower than, or flush with the inner bottom wall of the steam generator 11, and the height difference between the inner bottom wall of the water control tank 12 and the inner bottom wall of the steam generator 11 is H1, where 0mm ≤ H1 ≤ 5mm. This ensures that water in the water control tank 12 can flow smoothly into the steam generator 11, while also ensuring high heating efficiency of the steam generator 11.

[0055] Furthermore, the capacity of the water collection box 90 is V1, the capacity of the steam generator 11 below the preset water level is V2, and the capacity of the water control tank 12 below the preset water level 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 collection box 90 can hold all the residual wastewater, and that water is not easily spilled when the water collection box 90 is removed.

[0056] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the operating element 50 is disposed on the side wall of the base 10 and located below the water storage tank 30. This reduces the likelihood of accidental triggering of the operating element 50 and makes it easy to observe, allowing for timely and convenient control of the operating element 50 when drainage is required.

[0057] Furthermore, the base 10 is provided with a mounting position 15 and a mounting groove 17 located below the mounting position 15. The water storage tank 30 is installed in the mounting position 15, and the water receiving box 90 is located in the mounting groove 17. The base 10 is also provided with a mounting channel 16 extending along its own height, which connects the mounting position 15 and the mounting groove 17. A vertically movable longitudinal transmission member 60 is provided in the mounting channel 16. When the water storage tank 30 is removed from the base 10, the operation member 50 can move to control the vertically movable longitudinal transmission member 60 to move downward, which can open the drain valve 40. In this way, the operation member 50 only needs to control the vertical movement of the longitudinally movable longitudinal transmission member 60 to control the opening and closing of the drain valve 40, making the control method very simple.

[0058] Furthermore, one end of the operating member 50 extends into the mounting channel 16 and is positioned corresponding to the upper end of the longitudinal transmission member 60, while the other end of the operating member 50 is configured as a button. The bottom of the water tank 30 is provided with a blocking part 31. When the water tank 30 is installed on the base 10, the blocking part 31 at least partially blocks the longitudinal transmission member 60 and the operating member 50, preventing the operating member 50 from moving towards the longitudinal transmission member 60. When the water tank 30 is removed from the base 10, the operating member 50 can move towards the longitudinal transmission member 60, pushing the longitudinal transmission member 60 downwards. Thus, when the water tank 30 is removed from the base 10, simply pressing the operating member 50 controls the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60, making operation very simple. By providing the blocking part 31, the water tank 30 ensures that when the water tank 30 is installed on the base 10, the operating member 50 cannot move towards the longitudinal transmission member 60, thereby preventing the longitudinal transmission member 60 from moving downwards and controlling the opening of the drain valve 40.

[0059] In this embodiment, the blocking part 31 is sleeve-shaped. When the water storage tank 30 is installed on the base 10, the blocking part 31 surrounds the outer side of the upper end of the longitudinal transmission member 60, thus effectively preventing the operating member 50 from moving towards the longitudinal transmission member 60. However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the blocking part 31 can also be a flat plate or an arc-shaped plate, as long as the blocking part 31 at least partially blocks the longitudinal transmission member 60 and the operating member 50, and can prevent the operating member 50 from moving towards the longitudinal transmission member 60.

[0060] Furthermore, the operating member 50 has a first inclined surface 51 at one end near the longitudinal transmission member 60. The first inclined surface 51 slopes downwards away from the longitudinal transmission member 60. The top of the longitudinal transmission member 60 has a first mating surface 61, which can be a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface. In this way, by engaging the first inclined surface 51 and the first mating surface 61, the horizontal movement of the operating member 50 can be converted into the vertical movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60. This engagement structure is very simple, and the force transmission is smooth. Pressing the operating member 50 can easily control the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60, providing a good operating feel.

[0061] Please see Figure 3 The maximum horizontal travel of the operating member 50 is L1. The distance between the lowest point of the end of the first inclined surface 51 of the operating member 50 and the highest point of the longitudinal transmission member 60 in the horizontal direction is L2, where L1 > L2. Thus, when the operating member 50 moves toward the longitudinal transmission member 60, the upper end of the longitudinal transmission member 60 can move to the lowest point of the operating member 50, thereby the operating member 50 can effectively drive the longitudinal transmission member 60 to move downward.

[0062] Furthermore, the side wall of the mounting channel 16 is provided with a first through hole 161, through which the operating member 50 passes. The operating member 50 is provided with a first limiting part 52 and a second limiting part 53. The first limiting part 52 is located inside the mounting channel 16, and the second limiting part 53 is located outside the mounting channel 16. A first elastic member 54 is sleeved on the outside of the operating member 50. The two ends of the first elastic member 54 abut against the outer side of the side wall of the mounting channel 16 and the second limiting part 53, respectively. In the natural state, the first limiting part 52 abuts against the inner side of the side wall of the mounting channel 16. Thus, by providing the first elastic member 54, when the force of pressing the operating member 50 is removed, the operating member 50 can move away from the longitudinal transmission member 60, realizing automatic reset, thereby facilitating the next pressing of the operating member 50. The first limiting part 52 can prevent the operating member 50 from dislodging from the first through hole 161 under the elastic force of the first elastic member 54. The second limiting part 53 provides the first elastic member 54 with a point of force application, so that the elastic force of the first elastic member 54 can be transmitted to the operating member 50, thereby enabling the operating member 50 to automatically reset.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first elastic element 54 is a spring, which has a simple structure and is easy to install. The first limiting part 52 is a retaining ring installed on the outer wall of the operating member 50. The retaining ring can be a rubber ring or a silicone ring. The second limiting part 53 is a protruding rib provided on the outer wall of the operating member 50. Thus, when installing the operating member 50, the first elastic element 54 can be first sleeved on the outside of the operating member 50, and one end of the operating member 50 can be inserted into the installation channel 16 through the first through hole 161. Then, the retaining ring can be installed on the outer wall of the operating member 50, thereby completing the installation of the operating member 50 on the base 10.

[0064] In this embodiment, the installation channel 16 is configured as a stepped channel that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This provides a larger space at the upper end of the installation channel 16, which facilitates the insertion of the barrier part 31 of the water storage tank 30 into the installation channel 16 and makes it easier for the operating component 50 to be installed on the side wall at the upper end of the installation channel 16.

[0065] In this embodiment, the longitudinal transmission member 60 is controlled to move downward by pressing the operating member 50. The structure is simple and easy to operate. However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the operating member can also be a knob. Rotating the operating member controls the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member. The obstruction on the water tank is used to limit the rotation of the operating member. For example, the obstruction can be a pin, and the operating member has a limiting hole. Inserting the pin into the limiting hole can limit the rotation of the operating member. There are various ways to control the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member by rotating the operating member. For example, a first bevel gear is fixed on the operating member, and a second bevel gear is sleeved on the longitudinal transmission member. The first and second bevel gears mesh, and the second bevel gear is threadedly connected to the longitudinal transmission member. Rotating the operating member will cause the first bevel gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second bevel gear to rotate. By limiting the second bevel gear in the vertical direction, the longitudinal transmission member can move downward. Of course, the operating member can also control the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member in other ways, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6 The installation channel 16 is provided with a limiting rib 162, and the outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member 60 is provided with a first stop 63, which is located above the limiting rib 162. A second elastic member 65 is sleeved on the outer side of the longitudinal transmission member 60, with its two ends abutting against the first stop 63 and the limiting rib 162, respectively. Thus, when the operating member 50 pushes the longitudinal transmission member 60 downward, the first stop 63 compresses the second elastic member 65. When the operating member 50 removes the downward force on the longitudinal transmission member 60, under the elastic force of the second elastic member 65, the first stop 63 drives the longitudinal transmission member 60 upward, thereby automatically resetting the longitudinal transmission member 60.

[0067] In one embodiment, the second elastic element 65 is a spring, which has a simple structure and is easy to install.

[0068] Furthermore, the outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member 60 is also provided with a second stop 64, which is located below the limiting rib 162. In its natural state, the second stop 64 abuts against the lower part of the limiting rib 162. Thus, when the downward force acting on the longitudinal transmission member 60 is removed, under the elastic force of the second elastic member 65, the first stop 63 drives the longitudinal transmission member 60 to move upward, thereby automatically resetting the longitudinal transmission member 60. Figure 4 As shown, at this time, the second stop 64 abuts against the lower part of the limiting rib 162, and the setting of the second stop 64 can prevent the longitudinal transmission member 60 from coming out of the installation channel 16.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first stop 63 is a step integrally formed on the outer wall of the longitudinal operating member 50, but it is not limited to this. The first stop 63 can also be a rib integrally formed on the longitudinal operating member 50. The second stop 64 is a retaining ring installed on the outer wall of the longitudinal operating member 50. The retaining ring is a rubber ring or a silicone ring. In this way, the second stop 64 is detachable, which facilitates the installation of the second elastic member 65 on the outside of the longitudinal transmission member 60 and facilitates the installation of the longitudinal transmission member 60 in the installation channel 16.

[0070] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6 The drain outlet 111 extends horizontally and into the water receiving box 90. The drain valve 40 includes a horizontally movable valve core 41, which can open and close the drain valve 40 by moving horizontally. The mounting groove 17 is provided with a horizontally movable transverse transmission member 70, one end of which corresponds to the valve core 41, and the other end corresponds to the longitudinal transmission member 60. The downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60 can control the horizontal transmission member 70 to move horizontally, thereby controlling the valve core 41 to move horizontally and open the drain valve 40. With this arrangement, the drain valve 40 and the transverse transmission member 70 are arranged horizontally, which can reduce the space occupied in the height direction of the base 10, thus making the internal structure of the base 10 very compact.

[0071] Furthermore, the transverse transmission member 70 has a second inclined surface 71 at one end near the longitudinal transmission member 60. The second inclined surface 71 slopes downwards towards the direction away from the drain valve 40. The lower end of the longitudinal transmission member 60 has a second mating surface 62, which can be a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface. Thus, through the engagement of the second inclined surface 71 and the second mating surface 62, the downward vertical movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60 can be converted into the horizontal movement of the transverse transmission member 70 towards the valve core 41, thereby pushing the valve core 41 to open the drain valve 40 and achieve drainage. This mating structure is very simple, and the force transmission is smooth. The downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60 can easily control the horizontal movement of the transverse transmission member 70, providing very flexible control over the opening of the drain valve 40.

[0072] Furthermore, the vertical distance between the highest point of the longitudinal transmission member 60 and the lowest point of the end of the operating member 50 with the first inclined surface 51 is H2, and the vertical distance between the lowest point of the longitudinal transmission member 60 and the lowest point of the end of the transverse transmission member 70 with the second inclined surface 71 is H3, where H2 > H3. This ensures that the downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member 60 can effectively drive the transverse transmission member 70 to move toward the valve core 41.

[0073] like Figure 4 , Figures 9 to 11As shown, the mounting groove 17 is provided with a fixing plate 80. The fixing plate 80 and the base 10 enclose a limiting cavity 81. The limiting cavity 81 has openings at both ends, and the two ends of the transverse transmission member 70 pass through the two openings respectively. The transverse transmission member 70 is provided with a limiting rib 72, which is located inside the limiting cavity 81. The limiting rib 72 can stop against the inner wall of the limiting cavity 81 to limit the movement stroke of the transverse transmission member 70. In this way, by setting the fixing plate 80, the transverse transmission member 70 can be horizontally slidably installed in the mounting groove 17. By setting the limiting rib 72 and cooperating with the inner wall of the limiting cavity 81, the movement stroke of the transverse transmission member 70 can be limited, thereby preventing the transverse transmission member 70 from falling off the fixing plate 80 during horizontal movement.

[0074] It is understood that the fixing plate 80 can be fixedly connected to the base 10 by screws, which makes the installation of the transverse transmission component 70 very convenient. Of course, the fixing plate 80 can also be connected to the mounting groove 17 of the base 10 by snap-fit ​​or other means, and this application does not limit this.

[0075] In this embodiment, the mounting groove 17 has an opening on the side of the base 10. The water receiving box 90 is slidably installed in the mounting groove 17 in the horizontal direction. The water receiving box 90 is detachable, so it can be taken out by pulling it out, making it very convenient to pour water.

[0076] Furthermore, the inner wall of the drain outlet 111 is provided with a sealing rib 112. The valve core 41 includes a rod portion 411, a sealing portion 412, and a stop rib 413. The rod portion 411 passes through the drain outlet 111, and the sealing portion 412 and the stop rib 413 are both connected to the rod portion 411. The sealing portion 412 is located on the side of the sealing rib 112 away from the transverse transmission member 70, and the stop rib 413 is located on the side of the sealing rib 112 close to the transverse transmission member 70. The drain valve 40 also includes a third elastic member 42, which is sleeved on the outside of the rod portion 411, and its two ends abut against the sealing rib 112 and the stop rib 413, respectively. In the natural state, the sealing portion 412 abuts against the sealing rib 112, and the drain valve 40 is in the closed state; when the valve core 41 moves away from the transverse transmission member 70, the sealing portion 412 disengages from the sealing rib 112, and the drain valve 40 is in the open state. Thus, when no external force is applied, under the elastic force of the third elastic element 42, the valve core 41 moves towards the transverse transmission member 70, causing the sealing part 412 to abut against the sealing rib 112, thereby keeping the drain valve 40 in the closed state. When the transverse transmission member 70 moves towards the valve core 41 and pushes against it, the stop rib 413 compresses the third elastic element 42, and simultaneously the sealing part 412 moves away from the transverse transmission member 70, thereby disengaging from the sealing rib 112, thus keeping the drain valve 40 in the open state. Figure 6As shown, water in the steam generator 11 or water control tank 12 can flow into the water receiving box 90 through the drain port 111. When the longitudinal transmission member 60 moves upward under the elastic force of the second elastic member 65, under the elastic force of the third elastic member 42, the sealing part 412 abuts against the sealing baffle 112 again, thereby closing the drain valve 40 again. Figure 4 As shown, simultaneously, the valve core 41 pushes the transverse transmission member 70 to reset. It is evident that the third elastic member 42 not only resets the valve core 41 but also the transverse transmission member 70, thus simplifying the structure. In this embodiment, the stop rib 413 is located at the end of the rod portion 411, and the end of the stop rib 413 facing the transverse transmission member 70 is a plane, as is the end of the transverse transmission member 70 facing the stop rib 413. This facilitates the transverse transmission member 70 in moving the valve core 41 and also facilitates the valve core 41 in pushing the transverse transmission member 70 to reset.

[0077] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Furthermore, the horizontal distance between the lowest point of the second inclined surface 71 of the transverse transmission member 70 and the side wall of the longitudinal transmission member 60 facing the valve core 41 is L3, and the horizontal distance between the end of the transverse transmission member 70 facing the valve core 41 and the end of the valve core 41 facing the transverse transmission member 70 (i.e., the end of the valve core 41 where the stop rib 413 is provided) is L4, where L3 > L4. This ensures that when the longitudinal transmission member 60 moves downward and drives the transverse transmission member 70 to move towards the valve core 41, the drain valve 40 can be opened. Furthermore, 2L4 < L3 < 10L4 ensures that the leakage space is sufficient when the drain valve 40 is opened, while not causing the structure to be too large and occupy too much space.

[0078] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 6 Furthermore, the stop rib 413 is a protruding rib integrally formed on the rod portion 411, and the sealing portion 412 is a sealing ring installed on the outer wall of the rod portion 411. Thus, the sealing portion 412 is detachable, facilitating the installation of the third elastic element 42 on the outside of the rod portion 411 and the installation of the drain valve 40 on the drain outlet 111. In this embodiment, the outer wall of the rod portion 411 is provided with a groove 4111, and the sealing portion 412 is a silicone sealing ring installed in the groove 4111. This facilitates installation and provides a good sealing effect.

[0079] Further, please see Figure 12 and Figure 13The stop rib 413 has multiple notches 4131 along its circumferential direction. The total flow area of ​​the notches 4131 is S1, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the stop rib 413 perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod 411 is S2, where 30% ≤ S1 / S2 ≤ 80%. This ensures that when the drain valve 40 is opened, the water in the water control tank 12 can flow out smoothly through the notches 4131 on the stop rib 413, reducing the waiting time for drainage and ensuring that the stop rib 413 has sufficient strength to support the third elastic member 42. It can be understood that the "total flow area of ​​the notches 4131" refers to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the notches 4131 perpendicular to the water flow direction, and the "cross-sectional area of ​​the stop rib 413 perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod 411" includes the total flow area of ​​the notches 4131 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion without notches 4131. In this embodiment, the stop rib 413 is a ring structure provided on the outer wall of the rod 411, and the "cross-sectional area of ​​the stop rib 413" refers to the area of ​​the ring. Of course, the stop rib 413 can also be in other shapes. In this embodiment, the stop rib 413 is provided with four notches 4131, but it is not limited to this, and the number of notches 4131 can also be other numbers.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 cooking body (20), and a water tank (30), wherein the cooking body (20) and the water tank (30) are both disposed on the base (10), the base (10) being provided with a steam generator (11), a water control tank (12), and a water receiving box (90), wherein the steam generator (11) is used to generate steam to supply the cooking body (20), and the water tank (30) supplies water to the steam generator (11) through the water control tank (12). Its features are, The steam generator (11) and / or the water control tank (12) are provided with a drain outlet (111) for draining water into the water receiving box (90). A drain valve (40) is provided at the drain outlet (111). An operating component (50) for controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve (40) is provided on the base (10). The water tank (30) is detachably installed on the base (10). When the water tank (30) is installed on the base (10), the drain valve (40) is closed and the water tank (30) can prevent the operating member (50) from moving. When the water tank (30) is removed from the base (10), the operating member (50) can move to open the drain valve (40).

2. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating component (50) is located on the side wall of the base (10) and below the water storage tank (30).

3. The electric steamer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) is provided with an installation position (15) and an installation groove (17) located below the installation position (15). The water storage tank (30) is installed in the installation position (15), and the water receiving box (90) is located in the installation groove (17). The base (10) is also provided with an installation channel (16) extending along its own height direction, the installation channel (16) connecting the installation position (15) and the installation groove (17). The installation channel (16) is provided with a vertically moving transmission component (60). When the water storage tank (30) is removed from the base (10), the operation component (50) can control the vertically moving transmission component (60) to move downward. The downward movement of the vertically moving transmission component (60) can open the drain valve (40).

4. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the operating element (50) extends into the mounting channel (16) and is positioned corresponding to the upper end of the longitudinal transmission element (60). The other end of the operating element (50) is configured as a button. The bottom of the water storage tank (30) is provided with a barrier (31). When the water storage tank (30) is installed on the base (10), the barrier (31) at least partially blocks the longitudinal transmission member (60) and the operating member (50) to prevent the operating member (50) from moving toward the longitudinal transmission member (60). When the water tank (30) is removed from the base (10), the operating member (50) can move toward the longitudinal transmission member (60) and push the longitudinal transmission member (60) downward.

5. The electric steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operating member (50) has a first inclined surface (51) at one end near the longitudinal transmission member (60). The first inclined surface (51) is inclined from top to bottom in a direction away from the longitudinal transmission member (60). The top end of the longitudinal transmission member (60) has a first mating surface (61). The first mating surface (61) is a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface.

6. The electric steamer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side wall of the installation channel (16) is provided with a first through hole (161), and the operating member (50) passes through the first through hole (161). The operating member (50) is provided with a first limiting part (52) and a second limiting part (53). The first limiting part (52) is located inside the installation channel (16), and the second limiting part (53) is located outside the installation channel (16). The outside of the operating member (50) is provided with a first elastic member (54). The two ends of the first elastic member (54) abut against the outside of the side wall of the installation channel (16) and the second limiting part (53) respectively. In the natural state, the first limiting part (52) abuts against the inside of the side wall of the installation channel (16).

7. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The installation channel (16) is provided with a limiting rib (162), and the outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member (60) is provided with a first stop (63). The first stop (63) is located above the limiting rib (162), and the outer side of the longitudinal transmission member (60) is provided with a second elastic member (65). The two ends of the second elastic member (65) abut against the first stop (63) and the limiting rib (162) respectively.

8. The electric steamer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the longitudinal transmission member (60) is also provided with a second stop (64), which is located below the limiting rib (162). In its natural state, the second stop (64) abuts against the lower part of the limiting rib (162).

9. The electric steamer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drain outlet (111) extends horizontally and into the water receiving box (90). The drain valve (40) includes a valve core (41) that can move horizontally. The valve core (41) can open and close the drain valve (40) by moving horizontally. The mounting groove (17) is provided with a horizontally movable transverse transmission member (70), one end of which corresponds to the valve core (41), and the other end of which corresponds to the longitudinal transmission member (60). The downward movement of the longitudinal transmission member (60) can control the horizontal transmission member (70) to move in the horizontal direction, thereby controlling the valve core (41) to move in the horizontal direction and opening the drain valve (40) through the horizontal transmission member (70).

10. The electric steamer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transverse transmission member (70) has a second inclined surface (71) at one end near the longitudinal transmission member (60). The second inclined surface (71) is inclined from top to bottom in a direction away from the drain valve (40). The lower end of the longitudinal transmission member (60) has a second mating surface (62). The second mating surface (62) is a spherical surface, an arc surface, a conical surface, or an inclined surface.

11. The electric steamer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting groove (17) is provided with a fixing plate (80), and the fixing plate (80) and the base (10) enclose a limiting cavity (81). The limiting cavity (81) has openings at both ends, and the two ends of the transverse transmission member (70) pass through the two openings respectively. The transverse transmission member (70) is provided with a limiting rib (72), which is located in the limiting cavity (81). The limiting rib (72) can stop against the inner wall of the limiting cavity (81) to limit the travel of the transverse transmission member (70).

12. The electric steamer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the drain outlet (111) is provided with a sealing baffle (112). The valve core (41) includes a rod (411), a sealing part (412), and a stop baffle (413). The rod (411) passes through the drain outlet (111). The sealing part (412) and the stop baffle (413) are both connected to the rod (411). The sealing part (412) is located on the side of the sealing baffle (112) away from the transverse transmission member (70), and the stop baffle (413) is located on the side of the sealing baffle (112) close to the transverse transmission member (70). The drain valve (40) also includes a third elastic element (42), which is sleeved on the outside of the rod (411) and its two ends abut against the sealing rib (112) and the stop rib (413) respectively. In its natural state, the sealing part (412) abuts against the sealing baffle (112), and the drain valve (40) is in the closed state; when the valve core (41) moves away from the transverse transmission member (70), the sealing part (412) disengages from the sealing baffle (112), and the drain valve (40) is in the open state.

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