Food material fixing device and cooking apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a food material fixing device and a cooking equipment, the food material fixing device comprising an outer net basket and an inner net basket; the inner part of the outer net basket is provided with a placing space, the outer net basket is provided with an outer shell body defining the placing space, and the outer shell body is provided with a plurality of outer ventilation holes; the inner net basket can be placed in the placing space and is detachably connected to the outer shell body, the inner part of the inner net basket is provided with a placing cavity, the inner net basket is provided with an inner shell body defining the placing cavity, and the inner shell body is provided with a plurality of inner ventilation holes, the aperture of the inner ventilation holes being smaller than that of the outer ventilation holes. In the above scheme, the outer net basket is reused when reheating food materials and baking food materials, the space limitation of the space equipment is solved, the inner net basket is used to adsorb small particles, and the outer net basket is used to intercept large particle debris, so that the pollution during baking of food materials is controlled, the safety and efficiency of reheating and baking of space food are remarkably improved, and the food material fixing device is especially suitable for processing needs of prefabricated dishes in long-term space tasks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliances in microgravity environments, and in particular to food securing devices and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] As space exploration missions continue to deepen, the need for dietary support for astronauts during long-term stays in orbit is becoming increasingly prominent. Cooking equipment designed for the microgravity environment of space is a key technological tool for maintaining astronauts' nutritional intake and quality of life; its development and optimization are of great significance for ensuring the sustainability of deep space exploration missions.

[0003] Current cooking equipment typically uses magnetic or hook-and-loop fastening structures, with independent heating modules to reheat food. Magnetic technology uses permanent magnets or electromagnetic devices to generate attraction, while hook-and-loop fasteners secure food packaging through mechanical interlocking.

[0004] Current food securing structures in cooking equipment have the following problems: 1. Poor dimensional compatibility of magnetic and hook-and-loop fasteners makes it difficult to adapt to different sizes of food packaging, limiting the equipment's versatility; 2. In microgravity environments, food debris lacks effective restraint, and during heating, debris floats and easily enters the equipment, causing mechanical failures and hygiene risks; 3. Switching between reheating and baking functions is cumbersome and poses a risk of misoperation; 4. The securing structure physically obstructs airflow inside the equipment, reducing hot air circulation efficiency and causing localized overheating or insufficient heating of food. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a food fixing device and cooking equipment to address the problems of poor compatibility of food fixing in microgravity environments, inability to prevent food debris from floating, complicated operation, and interference with airflow during cooking.

[0006] A food ingredient fixing device includes an outer mesh basket and an inner mesh basket. The outer mesh basket has a placement space inside and an outer shell defining the placement space. The outer shell has multiple external ventilation holes. The inner mesh basket can be placed inside the placement space and is detachably connected to the outer shell. The inner mesh basket has a placement cavity inside and an inner shell defining the placement cavity. The inner shell has multiple internal ventilation holes, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the external ventilation holes.

[0007] In one embodiment, the food fixing device further includes a partition with a plurality of slots extending through the partition in the thickness direction. The partition is detachably connected to the outer shell, and the partition and the inner mesh basket are optionally placed inside the placement space.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outer basket further includes a connector connected to the outer shell, the connector having a connecting groove facing the placement space, and the partition being detachably snapped into the connecting groove.

[0009] In one embodiment, the outer net basket further includes a limiting rod located within the placement space. The limiting rod is erected within the placement space, and at least two of the limiting rods are spaced apart. The inner net basket is detachably clamped between the spaced-apart limiting rods.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting rods are all connected to and protrude from the end face of the outer shell facing the placement space, and at least two of the limiting rods are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell, and the inner mesh basket is detachably clamped between the limiting rods connected to different end faces.

[0011] In one embodiment, multiple limiting rods are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell, and the limiting rods connected to the same end face of the outer shell are arranged in parallel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outer basket further includes a support rod connected to the outer shell, the support rod being connected to and protruding from the end face of the outer shell away from the placement space, and at least two of the support rods being respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell.

[0013] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the inner mesh basket is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell, and the difference between the outer diameter of the inner mesh basket and the inner diameter of the outer shell is 5mm to 8mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the diameter of the external ventilation hole is no greater than 3 mm; and / or, the diameter of the internal ventilation hole is no greater than 1 mm.

[0015] A cooking apparatus includes a food securing device as described in any of the above embodiments, and an inner liner having a cooking space, the inner liner having a wall defining the cooking space, and an outer mesh basket detachably connected to the wall.

[0016] The food securing device provided in the above solution, by setting an outer mesh basket and an inner mesh basket fitted inside the outer mesh basket, and by making the diameter of the internal ventilation holes in the inner mesh basket smaller than the diameter of the external ventilation holes in the outer mesh basket, not only avoids the food securing device interfering with the airflow of the food during cooking in the cooking equipment, but also avoids the problem of food debris falling and floating during the cooking process, taking baking as an example. At the same time, it has no restrictions on the size of the food; the food can simply be placed inside the inner mesh basket, making it simple to operate, improving efficiency and user experience. By reusing the outer mesh basket when reheating and baking food, it solves the space constraints of space equipment. Furthermore, by using the inner mesh basket to adsorb small particles and the outer mesh basket to intercept large particles of debris, it controls contamination during baking, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of reheating and baking space food, and is especially suitable for the pre-prepared food processing needs in long-term space missions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the food ingredient fixing device in one embodiment of this application. Figure 1 .

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the inner net basket.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Diagram of the usage status of the food ingredient fixing device Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial structural diagram of the food ingredient fixing device.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 100. Food securing device; 110. Outer mesh basket; 111. Placement space; 112. Outer shell; 1121. Outer box; 1122. Outer cover; 1123. Locking device; 113. Connecting device; 1131. Connecting groove; 114. Limiting rod; 115. Support rod; 120. Inner mesh basket; 121. Placement cavity; 122. Inner shell; 1221. Inner box; 1222. Inner cover; 123. Handle; 130. Partition; 131. Slot. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Furthermore, where the terms "external" or "second" appear, these terms are 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 with "external" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the outer feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the outer feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the outer feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the outer feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the outer feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0029] One embodiment of this application provides a cooking device, which can be used in a microgravity environment. The cooking device includes a food fixing device 100 as described in any of the following embodiments, and also includes an inner pot with a cooking space. The inner pot has a wall defining the cooking space, and an outer mesh basket 110 is detachably connected to the wall. The food fixing device 100 is located inside the cooking space to cook the food located inside the food fixing device 100.

[0030] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a food fixing device 100 according to an embodiment of this application. The food fixing device 100 provided in this embodiment can be applied to cooking equipment in a microgravity environment to fix the food to be cooked.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the food securing device 100 includes an outer mesh basket 110 and an inner mesh basket 120. The outer mesh basket 110 has a placement space 111 for holding the inner mesh basket 120 and the partition 130 described below. The outer mesh basket 110 has an outer shell 112 defining the placement space 111. The outer shell 112 has multiple external ventilation holes for connecting the cooking space and the placement space 111, allowing airflow from the cooking space to enter the placement space 111 for cooking the food. In this embodiment, the outer shell 112 includes... Figure 1The outer frame and the outer covering mesh (not shown) wrapped around the outer frame are illustrated. In this embodiment, the outer casing 112 includes a plurality of parallel rods on each end face, with the distance between adjacent rods being much larger than the diameter of the external ventilation holes. The outer covering mesh is wrapped around the outer periphery of the outer casing 112 to prevent large food particles located in the placement space 111 from falling out. Exemplarily, the outer frame is made of a high-temperature resistant material, such as stainless steel. Exemplarily, the outer covering mesh is a metal mesh, but this is not a limitation.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 112 includes an outer box 1121 and an outer cover 1122 that fit together. The outer box 1121 includes an open placement space 111, and the outer cover 1122 can cover the openness of the placement space 111 so that the inner mesh basket 120 or the partition 130 described below can be placed into the placement space 111. The outer box 1121 and the outer cover 1122 together form an enclosed placement space 111 to prevent the inner mesh basket 120 or the partition 130 described below from shifting when placed in the placement space 111.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer casing 112 also includes a locking member 1123, which is used to lock the closed outer box 1121 and outer cover 1122 to prevent the outer cover 1122 from rotating during cooking. In this embodiment, the outer box 1121 and outer cover 1122 are respectively provided with protrusions, and the locking member 1123 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the two protrusions to lock the outer box 1121 and outer cover 1122. In some embodiments, the locking member 1123 can also be linked with the door of the cooking device so that when the door is closed, the locking member 1123 locks the outer box 1121 and outer cover 1122.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner mesh basket 120 can be placed inside the placement space 111, and the inner mesh basket 120 is detachably connected to the outer shell 112, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the inner mesh basket 120 has a placement cavity 121 inside, which is used to hold food. The inner mesh basket 120 has an inner shell 122 defining the placement cavity 121. The inner shell 122 has multiple internal ventilation holes (not shown) for connecting the placement space 111 and the placement cavity 121, so that hot airflow in the placement space 111 can enter the placement cavity 121 to cook the food located in the placement cavity 121. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the inner shell 122 is a stainless steel mesh, but this is not a limitation. The diameter of the internal ventilation holes is smaller than the diameter of the external ventilation holes to prevent small food particles from falling through the internal ventilation holes during cooking. The outer mesh basket 110 and the inner mesh basket 120 cooperate with each other. The inner mesh basket 120 adsorbs small particles, and the outer mesh basket 110 intercepts large particles, thereby controlling contamination during food baking and significantly improving the safety and efficiency of reheating and baking space food.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner housing 122 includes an inner box body 1221 and an inner cover body 1222 that fit together. The inner box body 1221 has an open placement cavity 121, and the inner cover body 1222 can cover the openness of the placement cavity 121 to prevent the food inside the placement cavity 121 from floating out. In this embodiment, the inner mesh basket 120 also includes a handle 123 connected to the inner housing 122 to facilitate the inner mesh basket 120 being moved into and out of the placement space 111.

[0036] In this embodiment, the opening ratio of both the inner mesh basket 120 and the outer mesh basket 110 is not less than 70%, that is, the area of ​​the outer ventilation hole accounts for 70% or more of the surface area of ​​the outer mesh basket 110, and the area of ​​the inner ventilation hole accounts for 70% or more of the surface area of ​​the inner mesh basket 120, thereby ensuring that the airflow in the cooking equipment can flow smoothly.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the outer diameter of the inner mesh basket 120 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell 112, and the difference between the outer diameter of the inner mesh basket 120 and the inner diameter of the outer shell 112 is 5mm to 8mm, so that the inner mesh basket 120 can be smoothly pushed into and pushed out of the placement space 111.

[0038] In one embodiment, the diameter of the external ventilation hole is no greater than 3 mm, so as to ensure high efficiency of hot airflow in the cooking space and the placement space 111, while intercepting large particles of food debris.

[0039] In one embodiment, the diameter of the internal ventilation hole is no greater than 1 mm, thereby preventing tiny food fragments from falling through the internal ventilation hole during cooking, especially when baking food.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the food ingredient fixing device 100 further includes a partition 130, which has a plurality of slots 131 extending through the partition 130 in the thickness direction for clamping food ingredients. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the partition 130 consists of an edge frame and multiple rods mounted between the edge frame. The gaps between adjacent rods form slots 131 for clamping food ingredients, which is especially convenient for reheating food ingredients. The food ingredients to be reheated can be directly inserted into the slots 131. The partition 130 is detachably connected to the outer casing 112 to adapt to different usage scenarios.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, either the partition 130 or the inner mesh basket 120 is placed inside the placement space 111. Figure 1As shown, when the inner basket 120 is placed in the placement space 111, the food can be placed inside the inner basket 120. In this case, the food securing device 100 is particularly suitable for baking food. The food is placed directly into the placement cavity 121 of the inner basket 120, and then the inner basket 120 is placed into the placement cavity 121 of the outer basket 110. This reduces the risk of food debris escaping from the food securing device 100. Figure 3 As shown, when the partition 130 is placed in the placement space 111, the food is directly inserted into the slot 131 of the partition 130. At this time, the food fixing device 100 is particularly suitable for reheating food. When reheating food, the outer packaging of the food is usually reheated at the same time, and there is no risk of food fragments scattering. The food to be reheated is directly inserted into the slot 131, and then the partition 130 is placed into the placement cavity 121 of the outer mesh basket 110.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the outer mesh basket 110 further includes a connector 113 connected to the outer casing 112. The connector 113 has a connecting groove 1131 facing into the placement space 111, and the partition 130 is detachably snapped into the connecting groove 1131. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, there are multiple connectors 113, with at least two connectors 113 connected to opposite end faces of the outer casing 112 and arranged opposite each other. The two sides of the partition 130 are respectively inserted into the oppositely arranged connectors 113 to achieve a detachable connection with the outer mesh basket 110. For example, there are two connectors 113 connected to the same end face of the outer casing 112, and the two sides of the partition 130 can slide relative to the connectors 113 within the connecting groove 1131 to allow the partition 130 to be pulled out relative to the outer mesh basket 110.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the outer net basket 110 further includes a limiting rod 114 located within the placement space 111. The limiting rod 114 is erected within the placement space 111, and at least two limiting rods 114 are spaced apart, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the inner net basket 120 is detachably clamped between the spaced limiting rods 114, thereby limiting the position of the inner net basket 120 in the placement space 111 by the limiting rods 114, and preventing the inner net basket 120 from shifting in the placement space 111.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, all limiting rods 114 are connected to and protrude from the end face of the outer casing 112 facing the placement space 111, and at least two limiting rods 114 are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer casing 112, thereby achieving this. The limiting rods 114 are mounted within the placement space 111. Figure 1 As shown, the inner mesh basket 120 is detachably clamped between limiting rods 114 connected to different end faces. In other embodiments, the limiting rods 114 may also have two ends connected to different end faces of the outer shell 112, thereby achieving installation within the placement space 111, without limitation.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, multiple limiting rods 114 are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell 112. The limiting rods 114 connected to the same end face of the outer shell 112 are arranged in parallel to make the inner mesh basket 120 sandwiched between the limiting rods 114 more stable. In this embodiment, the limiting rods 114 have a "U" shaped structure, but this is not a limitation.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the outer mesh basket 110 further includes a support rod 115 connected to the outer shell 112. The support rod 115 is connected to and protrudes from the end face of the outer shell 112 away from the placement space 111, and at least two support rods 115 are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell 112, so that the food fixing device 100 can be detachably connected to the wall of the cooking equipment. Correspondingly, the wall of the cooking equipment is provided with a sliding groove that matches the support rod 115, so that the support rod 115 can slide relative to the wall of the cooking equipment, thereby enabling the outer mesh basket 110 to be detachably connected to the wall.

[0047] In one embodiment, each corner of the outer net basket 110 and the inner net basket 120 is rounded to avoid snagging floating objects.

[0048] In the above-described food securing device 100, when food needs to be reheated, the food, along with its outer packaging, is directly inserted into the slot 131 of the partition 130, and then the partition 130 is placed into the placement cavity 121 of the outer mesh basket 110. When food needs to be baked, the food is simply placed directly into the placement cavity 121 of the inner mesh basket 120, and then the inner mesh basket 120 is placed into the placement cavity 121 of the outer mesh basket 110. By reusing the outer mesh basket 110 for both reheating and baking, the space constraints of space equipment are overcome. Furthermore, the inner mesh basket 120 adsorbs small particles, while the outer mesh basket 110 intercepts large debris, thereby controlling contamination during baking and significantly improving the safety and efficiency of reheating and baking space food. This is particularly suitable for the pre-prepared food processing needs of long-term space missions.

[0049] The food fixing device 100 provided in the above solution, by setting an outer mesh basket 110 and an inner mesh basket 120 fitted inside the outer mesh basket 110, and by making the diameter of the inner ventilation hole of the inner mesh basket 120 smaller than the diameter of the outer ventilation hole of the outer mesh basket 110, not only avoids the food fixing device 100 interfering with the airflow of the food being cooked in the cooking equipment, but also avoids the problem of food crumbs falling and floating during the cooking process, taking baking food as an example. At the same time, it has no restrictions on the size of the food; the food can simply be placed inside the inner mesh basket 120. The operation is simple, improving the efficiency and user experience.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A food ingredient fixing device, characterized in that, The food ingredient securing device includes: An outer mesh basket has an internal storage space. The outer mesh basket has an outer shell defining the storage space, and the outer shell has multiple external ventilation holes. An inner mesh basket is placed inside the placement space and is detachably connected to the outer shell. The inner mesh basket has a placement cavity inside and an inner shell that defines the placement cavity. The inner shell has multiple internal ventilation holes with a diameter smaller than that of the external ventilation holes.

2. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The food securing device also includes a partition, which has multiple slots extending through it in the thickness direction. The partition is detachably connected to the outer shell, and either the partition or the inner mesh basket is placed inside the placement space.

3. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer mesh basket also includes a connector connected to the outer shell, the connector having a connecting groove facing the placement space, and the partition being detachably snapped into the connecting groove.

4. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer net basket also includes a limiting rod located within the placement space. The limiting rod is erected within the placement space, and at least two of the limiting rods are spaced apart. The inner net basket is detachably clamped between the spaced-apart limiting rods.

5. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting rods are all connected to and protrude from the end face of the outer shell facing the placement space, and at least two of the limiting rods are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell. The inner mesh basket is detachably clamped between the limiting rods connected to different end faces.

6. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opposite end faces of the outer shell are respectively connected to a plurality of limiting rods, and the limiting rods connected to the same end face of the outer shell are arranged in parallel.

7. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer mesh basket also includes a support rod connected to the outer shell. The support rod is connected to and protrudes from the end face of the outer shell away from the placement space, and at least two of the support rods are respectively connected to the opposite end faces of the outer shell.

8. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the inner mesh basket is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer shell, and the difference between the outer diameter of the inner mesh basket and the inner diameter of the outer shell is 5mm to 8mm.

9. The food ingredient fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the external ventilation hole is no greater than 3mm; And / or, the diameter of the internal ventilation hole is not greater than 1 mm.

10. A cooking device, characterized in that, The device includes the food securing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes an inner liner having a cooking space, the inner liner having a wall defining the cooking space, and the outer mesh basket being detachably connected to the wall.

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