A cooking appliance

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of cooking utensil, the cooking utensil includes: shell, water collecting tank, steam exhaust pipe and drainage device, shell is equipped with water collecting tank;Water collecting tank is communicated with water collecting tank by inlet pipe, to receive water from water collecting tank;Steam exhaust pipe one end is communicated with water collecting tank, other end is communicated with the outside of shell;Drainage device is configured to facilitate water in water collecting tank to be discharged via steam exhaust pipe.The cooking utensil of the utility model can evaporate the condensate produced when the pot cover is opened, to avoid the condensate backflow into the shell or spilled on the countertop, and saves the user's need to clean the water storage box frequently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a cooking utensil. Background Technology

[0002] Some cooking appliances (such as rice cookers) have a water reservoir at the back of the pot to collect and store condensation that forms on the bottom of the lid when it is opened. Currently, this reservoir is detachably attached to the pot, allowing users to easily drain the condensation and ensure its proper function. However, this manually cleaned reservoir presents inconvenience for users. The manual cleaning process not only increases user discomfort but also increases the risk of overflow, further complicating the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, this utility model is proposed to provide a cooking appliance that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem of inconvenient cleaning of water storage boxes in the prior art, so as to improve the user experience.

[0005] Specifically, this utility model embodiment proposes a cooking utensil.

[0006] The cooking appliance of this utility model includes: a shell, on which a water collection trough is provided; a water collection tank, which is connected to the water collection trough through a water inlet pipe to receive water from the water collection trough; a steam exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected to the water collection tank and the other end of which is connected to the outside of the shell; and a drainage device configured to cause water in the water collection tank to be discharged through the steam exhaust pipe.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drainage device includes a fan configured to blow airflow onto the surface of the water in the collection tank.

[0008] In some embodiments, the drainage device includes an air supply channel, a fan disposed within the air supply channel, and the outlet of the air supply channel is located at the top of the water collection tank, with the outlet of the air supply channel facing obliquely downward.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inlet of the water vapor discharge pipe is connected to the upper part of the water collection tank;

[0010] The water inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the water collection tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the diameter of the outlet of the water inlet pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes:

[0013] A water level sensor is installed inside the water collection tank to detect the water level inside the water collection tank;

[0014] The water level sensor is electrically connected to the drainage device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water collection tank includes a tank body and a water tank cover disposed at the upper opening of the tank body, and the inlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe is disposed on the water tank cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes:

[0017] An insulation cover is disposed inside the housing;

[0018] The water collection tank is located inside the shell and on the lower outer side of the insulation cover; the outlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe is located on the peripheral wall of the shell.

[0019] In some embodiments, the water inlet pipe contacts the outer wall of the insulation cover, and the water inlet pipe is wrapped around the insulation cover at least once.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outlet of the water vapor discharge pipe includes a plurality of discharge holes, each of which has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe.

[0021] The cooking appliance of this embodiment has a water collection tank inside its shell connected to a water collection box via a water inlet pipe. This allows condensation generated when the lid of the cooking appliance is opened to be collected in the water collection tank before flowing into the water collection box. A drainage device facilitates the evaporation of condensation in the water collection box and discharges it to the outside of the shell through a steam exhaust pipe. This prevents condensation from flowing back into the shell or spilling onto the countertop where the cooking appliance is placed. Furthermore, the elimination of the need for a water storage box to collect condensation saves users the trouble of frequently cleaning the water storage box, thus improving the user experience.

[0022] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooking utensil according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] Cooking appliance 10; shell 100; water collection tank 110; water inlet 111; pot lid 120; water collection tank 200; cabinet 210; overflow hole 211; water tank lid 220; water inlet pipe 300; steam exhaust pipe 400; discharge hole 410; drainage device 500; air supply channel 510; fan 520; water level sensor 600; heat preservation cover 700; pot body 800. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following reference Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0035] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" 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 should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being 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," or "below" of the second feature can mean 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.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] The cooking appliance 10 of this utility model is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figures 1-8 As shown, the cooking appliance 10 of this utility model embodiment includes a housing 100, a water collection tank 200, a steam drain pipe 400, and a drainage device 500.

[0040] The housing 100 is provided with a water collection tank 110; the housing 100 has an openable or closable pot lid 120. The water collection tank 110 is used to collect condensation generated when the pot lid 120 of the cooking appliance 10 is opened.

[0041] The water collection tank 200 is connected to the water collection trough 110 via the water inlet pipe 300 to receive water from the water collection trough 110. One end of the water vapor discharge pipe 400 is connected to the water collection tank 200, and the other end is connected to the outside of the housing 100. The drainage device 500 is configured to cause the water in the water collection tank 200 to be discharged through the water vapor discharge pipe 400.

[0042] The specific working process of the cooking appliance 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] When the cooking appliance 10 in this embodiment is turned on, the condensate produced falls into the water collection tank 110. The condensate in the water collection tank 110 is collected and flows into the water collection box 200 through the water inlet pipe 300. The drainage device 500 causes the condensate in the water collection box 200 to evaporate and is discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the steam drain pipe 400.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, in this embodiment of the cooking appliance 10, the water collection tank 110 inside the housing 100 is connected to the water collection tank 200 via a water inlet pipe 300. This allows the condensate generated when the lid 120 of the cooking appliance 10 is opened to be collected first by the water collection tank 110 and then flow into the water collection tank 200. The drainage device 500 promotes the evaporation of the condensate in the water collection tank 200 and discharges it to the outside of the housing 100 through the steam exhaust pipe 400. This prevents condensate from flowing back into the housing 100 or spilling onto the countertop where the cooking appliance 10 is placed. Furthermore, there is no need to use a water storage box to collect the condensate, saving users the trouble of frequently cleaning the water storage box and thus improving the user experience.

[0045] The cooking appliance 10 of this embodiment is an electric rice cooker. The outer casing 100 also houses a pot body 800 for holding food, and the lid 120 of the cooking appliance 10 covers the pot body 800. A water collection tank 110 is located below the lid 120 to collect condensate generated when the lid 120 is opened.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-7 As shown, the drainage device 500 includes a fan 520 configured to blow airflow onto the surface of the water in the water collection tank 200. That is, the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan 520 blows onto the water surface, causing the condensate in the water collection tank 200 to evaporate rapidly. Furthermore, the airflow generated by the fan 520 also causes the water vapor formed by the evaporation of the condensate to be quickly discharged from the water vapor drain pipe 400 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0047] In addition, the fan 520 can also exchange the air in the water collection tank 200 with the outside, thereby preventing mold from growing in the water collection tank 200 and causing odors in the cooking appliance 10 of this embodiment, thus improving the user experience.

[0048] Optionally, fan 520 is an axial fan 520.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the drainage device 500 includes an air supply channel 510, a fan 520 disposed within the air supply channel 510, and the outlet of the air supply channel 510 is located at the top of the water collection tank 200, with the outlet facing diagonally downwards. In other words, the outlet of the air supply channel 510 is located at the highest point within the water collection tank 200, preventing condensate accumulated in the water collection tank 200 from being directly discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the outlet of the air supply channel 510.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the inlet of the water vapor discharge pipe 400 is connected to the upper part of the water collection tank 200, and the water inlet pipe 300 is connected to the bottom of the water collection tank 200. That is, the lower end of the water vapor discharge pipe 400 is inserted into the upper space of the water collection tank 200, and the water inlet pipe 300 extends into the bottom space inside the water collection tank 200, so that the lower end of the water vapor discharge pipe 400 is higher than the outlet of the water inlet pipe 300. This prevents the condensate in the water inlet pipe 300 from flowing into the water collection tank 200 and prevents the condensate from directly entering the water vapor discharge pipe 400 with the airflow.

[0051] In some embodiments, the outlet diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 is smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe 400. This results in a smaller flow rate in the water inlet pipe 300, preventing a sudden increase in the amount of condensate entering the water collection tank 200, which could prevent the condensate in the water collection tank 200 from evaporating in time, and preventing water vapor discharge pipe 400 from overflowing.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the cooking appliance 10 of this embodiment also includes a water level sensor 600, which is disposed inside the water collection tank 200 to detect the water level in the water collection tank 200. The water level sensor 600 is electrically connected to the drainage device 500. That is, by using the water level sensor 600 to detect the condensate water level in the water collection tank 200, the drainage device 500 can operate according to the condensate water level data, thereby ensuring that water vapor can be quickly discharged to the outside of the housing 100 while also achieving energy saving.

[0053] For example, when the condensate water level in the collection tank 200 is higher than the preset water level (e.g., when the condensate water level is 2mm), the fan 520 starts to run to form an airflow that blows onto the surface of the condensate water.

[0054] Specifically, the water level sensor 600 includes a sensor housing, an inductor coil, a magnet assembly, and a water-cooled grinding disc. The sensor housing has a pressure port. The magnet assembly is located at the bottom of the coil and can move up and down under pressure to change its distance from the coil. When the water-cooled grinding disc is pressed, it can lift the magnet assembly, and the pressure is transmitted through a vent pipe. When the condensate level in the water collection tank 200 rises, the increased water pressure pushes the water-cooled grinding disc upwards. The grinding disc moves the magnet assembly closer to the coil, increasing the inductance and thus reflecting the condensate level in the water collection tank 200.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the water collection tank 200 includes a tank body 210 and a water tank cover 220 disposed at the upper opening of the tank body 210. The inlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe 400 is disposed on the water tank cover 220. This makes the water collection tank 200 in this embodiment detachable. After the water tank cover 220 is opened, the upper opening of the tank body 210 is open, which facilitates the maintenance and replacement of components inside the tank body 210 (e.g., the water level sensor 600).

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the housing 210 is provided with an overflow hole 211. The overflow hole 211 is located at the top of the housing 210 to prevent excessive water accumulation inside the housing 210 and to prevent condensate from entering the fan 520 and damaging the fan 520.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cooking appliance 10 of this embodiment of the present invention also includes a heat preservation cover 700, which is disposed inside the housing 100. A water collection tank 200 is disposed inside the housing 100, and the water collection tank 200 is located on the lower outer side of the heat preservation cover 700.

[0058] The outlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe 400 is located on the peripheral wall of the shell 100. An insulation cover 700 is installed inside the shell 100, serving to insulate the space within the shell 100; its surface temperature is relatively high (typically above 100 degrees Celsius). The insulation cover 700 heats the condensate in the external water collection tank 200 to increase the evaporation rate of the condensate in the water collection tank 200.

[0059] Optionally, the water collection tank 200 is made of aluminum. Because aluminum has good thermal conductivity, it improves the heat exchange efficiency between the water collection tank 200 and the insulation cover 700, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the condensate in the water collection tank 200.

[0060] Alternatively, the water collection tank 200 can also be made of copper. Because copper has good thermal conductivity, it improves the heat exchange efficiency between the water collection tank 200 and the insulation cover 700, thereby increasing the evaporation efficiency of the condensate inside the water collection tank 200.

[0061] Alternatively, the water collection tank 200 can also be made of other heat-conducting materials with good thermal conductivity.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the water inlet pipe 300 contacts the outer wall of the insulation cover 700, and the water inlet pipe 300 is wrapped around the insulation cover 700 at least once. The water inlet pipe 300 can be wrapped around the insulation cover 700 one, two, three or more times.

[0063] It should be noted that the number of turns of the water inlet pipe 300 around the insulation cover 700 needs to be determined according to the specific specifications of the cooking appliance 10, so it is not limited here.

[0064] The condensate in the water collection tank 110 collects and flows into the water inlet pipe 300 from one end. Due to the thermal connection between the water inlet pipe 300 and the insulation cover 700, the temperature of the surface of the insulation cover 700 is conducted to the water inlet pipe 300, and then to the condensate inside, causing some of the condensate to heat up and evaporate, forming water vapor. Thus, the heating of the condensate in the water inlet pipe 300 by the insulation cover 700 and the airflow generated by the fan 520 work together to promote rapid evaporation of the condensate, thereby improving the evaporation effect and ensuring that all the condensate flowing out of the water collection tank 110 is successfully evaporated and discharged to the outside of the casing 100.

[0065] Optionally, the inlet pipe 300 is made of aluminum. Because aluminum has good thermal conductivity, it improves the heat exchange efficiency between the inlet pipe 300 and the insulation cover 700, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the condensate in the inlet pipe 300.

[0066] Alternatively, the inlet pipe 300 can also be made of copper. Since copper has good thermal conductivity, it improves the heat exchange efficiency between the inlet pipe 300 and the insulation cover 700, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the condensate in the inlet pipe 300.

[0067] Alternatively, the inlet pipe 300 can also be made of other heat-conducting materials with good thermal conductivity.

[0068] Furthermore, the water inlet pipe 300 is spirally wound around the insulation cover 700. By making the water inlet pipe 300 spirally wound around the insulation cover 700 a greater number of times, not only is the length of the water inlet pipe 300 extended, but the water inlet pipe 300 is also evenly distributed on the insulation cover 700 in the vertical direction, thereby improving the heat exchange effect between the water inlet pipe 300 and the insulation cover 700, and further improving the evaporation effect of the condensate.

[0069] In other embodiments, the inlet pipe 300 is a coil extending vertically, so that the condensate flowing out of the water collection tank 110 can flow smoothly down the inlet pipe 300 into the water collection box 200. Moreover, since the inlet pipe is coiled, the time for the condensate to flow in the inlet pipe 300 is extended, so that the condensate in the inlet pipe 300 can fully exchange heat with the heat insulation cover 700, thereby improving the evaporation effect of the condensate in the inlet pipe 300.

[0070] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 is 2 mm to 5 mm. Optionally, the inner diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 is 2 mm to 5 mm. Optionally, the inner diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 is 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Optionally, the inner diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 is 3 mm to 4 mm. This avoids the overall size of the cooking appliance 10 being too large, thus reducing the space occupied by the cooking appliance 10 in this embodiment.

[0071] The inner diameter of the water inlet pipe 300 includes, but is not limited to, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.4mm, 4mm, 4.5mm or 5mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outlet of the water vapor discharge pipe 400 includes multiple discharge holes 410, the diameter of each discharge hole 410 being smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe 400.

[0073] Specifically, the inner wall of the housing 100 is provided with a plurality of discharge holes 410 extending to the outside of the housing 100. The plurality of discharge holes 410 correspond to the air outlet of the water vapor discharge pipe 400, and the diameter of each discharge hole 410 is smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe 400. This allows the water vapor discharged from the water vapor discharge pipe 400 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the plurality of discharge holes 410. Moreover, since the diameter of the discharge holes 410 is smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe 400, it makes it difficult for foreign objects (such as insects) to enter the housing 100.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a vertically penetrating water inlet hole 111 is provided on the bottom wall of the water collection tank 110, and the upper end of the water inlet pipe 300 is connected to the water inlet hole 111. The water inlet hole 111 is a downward-facing constricted through hole to facilitate the collection of condensate in the water collection tank 110 and its downward flow into the water inlet hole 111.

[0075] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: A housing (100) is provided with a water collection tank (110); A water collection tank (200) is connected to the water collection trough (110) via a water inlet pipe (300) to receive water from the water collection trough (110); A water vapor discharge pipe (400) is provided, one end of which is connected to the water collection tank (200), and the other end is connected to the outside of the shell (100). A drainage device (500) is configured to cause water in the water collection tank (200) to be discharged through the water vapor discharge pipe (400).

2. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device (500) includes a fan configured to blow airflow onto the surface of the water in the collection tank (200).

3. The cooking utensil according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drainage device (500) includes an air supply channel (510), the fan is disposed in the air supply channel (510), the outlet of the air supply channel (510) is located at the top of the water collection tank (200), and the outlet of the air supply channel (510) faces downwards.

4. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the water vapor discharge pipe (400) is connected to the upper part of the water collection tank (200); The water inlet pipe (300) is connected to the bottom of the water collection tank (200).

5. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the outlet of the water inlet pipe (300) is smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe (400).

6. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A water level sensor (600) is installed inside the water collection tank (200) to detect the water level inside the water collection tank (200); The water level sensor (600) is electrically connected to the drainage device (500).

7. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water collection tank (200) includes a tank body (210) and a water tank cover (220) disposed at the upper opening of the tank body (210), and the inlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe (400) is disposed on the water tank cover (220).

8. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A heat insulation cover (700) is disposed inside the housing (100); The water collection tank (200) is located inside the shell (100) and on the lower outer side of the heat insulation cover (700); the outlet of the water vapor exhaust pipe (400) is located on the peripheral wall of the shell (100).

9. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water inlet pipe (300) contacts the outer wall of the heat insulation cover (700), and the water inlet pipe (300) is wrapped around the heat insulation cover (700) at least once.

10. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outlet of the water vapor discharge pipe (400) includes a plurality of discharge holes (410), the diameter of each discharge hole (410) being smaller than the inner diameter of the water vapor discharge pipe (400).

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