Steam valve, cover and cooking appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances provides a kind of steam valve, cover and cooking utensil.Steam valve, including shell, steam passage is formed in shell interior, shell is equipped with inlet and outlet, inlet and outlet communicate steam passage;Gravity ball, can float in steam passage, it is suitable for switching between the state of lifting and the state of pressing down by the steam pressure in steam passage;Steam passage is equipped with the downwardly extending blocking rib structure, blocking rib structure is equipped between gravity ball and outlet, steam in steam passage is suitable for flowing to outlet after striding blocking rib structure.The steam valve according to the present application, the setting of blocking rib structure makes steam must pass a tortuous path during discharge, which helps to further reduce the flow rate of steam, reduce the phenomenon of splashing condensate, reduce the possibility of noise generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to steam valves, covers and cooking utensils. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional cooking appliances enhance cooking results by maintaining a low-pressure environment inside the pot. This low-pressure environment is typically achieved through a gravity ball inside the steam valve on the lid. The gravity ball uses its own weight to seal and release pressure within the pot. However, during operation, when the pressure inside the pot overcomes the gravity ball's weight and is about to release pressure, steam will concentrate and forcefully break through the ball's resistance. This sudden release of steam can easily cause liquid to spill out from the edge of the lid. Furthermore, the violent steam flow and sudden pressure change can produce noticeable condensation splashing and significant exhaust noise, affecting the user experience and environmental hygiene. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this application proposes a steam valve that reduces condensate splashing during steam discharge, reduces noise, and improves the user experience.

[0004] This application also proposes a cover.

[0005] This application also proposes a cooking utensil.

[0006] The steam valve according to the first aspect of the present application includes: The housing has a steam passage formed inside it, and the housing is provided with a steam inlet and a steam outlet, which are connected to the steam passage. The gravity sphere is floatingly disposed within the steam channel and is adapted to switch between a lifted state and a depressed state by the steam pressure within the steam channel. The steam passage is provided with a downwardly extending baffle structure, which is located between the gravity sphere and the steam outlet. The steam in the steam passage is adapted to flow to the steam outlet after crossing the baffle structure.

[0007] According to the steam valve of the present application embodiment, the baffle structure makes the steam have to go through a tortuous path during the discharge process, which helps to further reduce the steam flow rate, reduce the phenomenon of condensate splashing, and reduce the possibility of noise generation.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the baffle structure includes a first long baffle and a first short baffle disposed opposite to each other. The first long baffle is adapted to block and guide steam flowing toward the steam outlet to the first short baffle opposite to it. The steam outlet is located on the side away from the first long baffle.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam passage includes a steam vent hole with a steam vent gap, so that in the depressed state, the gravity ball will not completely block the steam vent hole; the steam vent gap is located on the side not close to the baffle structure.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the exhaust hole is an elliptical hole, the exhaust gap is located in the direction of the major axis of the elliptical hole, and the steam outlet is located on one side in the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical hole.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the housing is provided with a limiting rib, and the limiting distance between the limiting rib and the gravity ball is H. In the lifted state, the gravity ball contacts the limiting rib, and in the pressed state, the gravity ball contacts the vent hole.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, a fan blade assembly is included, the fan blade assembly being rotatably disposed in the steam channel, the fan blade assembly being adapted to rotate by the steam flow through the steam channel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the housing includes: Steam valve seat, equipped with steam inlet; A support base is connected to the steam valve seat, and a first cavity is formed between the support base and the steam valve seat. The steam inlet is connected to the first cavity. A steam valve cover is connected to the support base, and the steam valve cover is provided with a steam outlet; a gravity ball cavity is formed between the support base and the steam valve cover, the first cavity is connected to the gravity ball cavity, and the gravity ball cavity is connected to the steam outlet; A gravity sphere is floatingly disposed in the gravity sphere cavity, and the gravity sphere is adapted to switch between a lifted state and a depressed state by the steam pressure of the first cavity; The steam valve cover is provided with a downwardly extending baffle structure. The gravity ball cavity is located on the first side of the baffle structure, and the steam outlet is located on the second side of the baffle structure. The first side and the second side are opposite to each other. The baffle structure is used to block the steam in the gravity ball cavity and allow the steam to flow to the steam outlet after passing through the baffle structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the first cavity is disposed below the support base, the gravity ball cavity is disposed above the support base, the steam valve includes a gravity ball cover, the gravity ball cover is connected to the support base and disposed at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity, the gravity ball cover is provided with a steam vent hole, in the lifted state, the gravity ball leaves the gravity ball cover, the steam vent hole connects the first cavity and the gravity ball cavity, in the pressed state, the gravity ball contacts the steam vent hole.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the gravity ball cover is a silicone pad, and / or, The gravity ball cover is detachably connected to the support base.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, when the steam valve includes a fan blade assembly, a fan blade cavity is formed between the steam valve cover and the support base, the first cavity connecting the fan blade cavity and the gravity ball cavity, and the fan blade assembly is rotatably disposed in the fan blade cavity.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, when the steam valve includes a fan blade assembly, the steam valve seat is provided with a first mounting base, the support base is provided with a second mounting base, the first mounting base and the second mounting base communicate to form a steam outlet channel, the inlet of the steam outlet channel is the steam inlet, the steam inlet is located on the first mounting base, the outlet of the steam outlet channel is located on the second mounting base, the fan blade assembly is rotatably mounted on the second mounting base, and the outlet of the steam outlet channel faces the fan blade of the fan blade assembly.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this application, one of the first mounting base and the second mounting base is provided with a narrow opening structure.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve cover has a first region and a second region, the first region being located above the gravity sphere and the second region being located above the fan blade assembly, and at least one of the first region and the second region being transparent.

[0020] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve cover has a third region adjacent to the first region and the second region, and the third region is an opaque region.

[0021] The cover according to the second aspect of this application includes the steam valve described above.

[0022] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve is a separate, independent component on the cover; or, The cover has the housing of the steam valve integrally formed on it, and the steam passage and baffle structure of the steam valve are formed on the housing.

[0023] A cooking appliance according to a third aspect of this application includes: The pot body has an open top; The lid is connected to the pot body and is movably mounted on the pot body between a closed position and an open position, together forming a cooking cavity. The lid is provided with the aforementioned steam valve, and the steam inlet of the steam valve is connected to the cooking cavity.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam valve provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steam path structure of the steam valve provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam valve provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a steam valve structure provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top view of the steam valve provided in the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the CC cross-sectional structure of the steam valve provided in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is one of the assembly structure diagrams of the support base and fan blade assembly and gravity ball cover provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is the second schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support base, fan blade assembly, and gravity ball cover provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooking appliance provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure of the cooking appliance provided in the embodiment.

[0036] Figure label: 10. Cover; 20. Pot body; 21. Cooking cavity; 100. Steam valve; 101. Steam inlet; 102. Steam outlet; 103. First chamber; 104. Gravity ball chamber; 105. Fan blade chamber; 110. Steam valve seat; 111. Steam outlet passage; 114. First assembly seat; 115. Narrow opening structure; 120. Support base; 121. Second assembly base; 122. Second long retaining rib; 123. Second short retaining rib; 124. Limiting rib; 130. Gravity sphere; 140. Steam valve cover; 141. First long baffle; 142. First short baffle; 143. First area; 144. Second area; 145. Cover body; 146. First viewing window; 147. Second viewing window; 148. Baffle structure; 150. Fan blade assembly; 160. Reflux valve; 170. Gravity ball cover; 173. Exhaust vent; 174. Mounting protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but should not be used to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections, wherein a fixed connection can include an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In the embodiments of 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 is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply 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 that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "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 the embodiments of this application. 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0042] The following is combined Figures 1 to 10 This application describes the steam valve 100, the cover 10, and the cooking appliance.

[0043] It should be noted that this application primarily uses the rice cooker as an example of a cooking utensil for detailed description. However, it is important to understand that the cooking utensil mentioned in this application is not limited to rice cookers. In fact, it can be a variety of household appliances such as induction cookers, coffee makers, and electric kettles. Here, we do not impose strict limitations on the specific type of cooking utensil, in order to accommodate a wider range of application scenarios and needs.

[0044] According to the steam valve 100 proposed in the first aspect embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figures 1 to 3 The steam valve includes a housing and a gravity ball 130. A steam channel is formed inside the housing. The housing has a steam inlet 101 and a steam outlet 102, which are connected to the steam channel. The gravity ball 130 is floatable in the steam channel and is suitable for switching between a raised state and a lowered state by the steam pressure in the steam channel. The steam channel has a downwardly extending baffle structure 148, which is located between the gravity ball 130 and the steam outlet 102. The steam in the steam channel is suitable for flowing to the steam outlet 102 after crossing the baffle structure 148.

[0045] According to the steam valve of the present application embodiment, the baffle structure makes the steam have to go through a tortuous path during the discharge process, which helps to further reduce the steam flow rate, reduce the phenomenon of condensate splashing, and reduce the possibility of noise generation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the steam valve 100 includes a steam valve seat 110, a support 120, a steam valve cover 140, and a gravity ball 130. The steam valve seat 110 has a steam inlet 101. The support 120 is connected to the steam valve seat 110, and a first cavity 103 is formed between the support 120 and the steam valve seat 110. The steam inlet 101 communicates with the first cavity 103. The steam valve cover 140 is connected to the support 120, and the steam valve cover 140 has a steam outlet 102. A gravity ball cavity 104 is formed between the support 120 and the steam valve cover 140, and the first cavity 103 communicates with the gravity ball cavity 104. 4. The gravity ball cavity 104 is connected to the steam outlet 102; the gravity ball 130 is floatingly disposed in the gravity ball cavity 104, and the gravity ball 130 is adapted to switch between the rising state and the lowering state through the steam pressure of the first cavity 103; the steam valve cover 140 is provided with a downwardly extending baffle structure 148, the gravity ball cavity 104 is disposed on the first side of the baffle structure 148, and the steam outlet 102 is disposed on the second side of the baffle structure 148, the first side and the second side are opposite to each other, the baffle structure 148 is used to block the steam in the gravity ball cavity 104, and allow the steam to flow to the steam outlet 102 after crossing the baffle structure 148.

[0047] According to the steam valve of the present application embodiment, the floating design of the gravity ball 130 enables the steam valve to automatically adjust the steam discharge according to the steam pressure, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of steam discharge. The baffle structure 148 blocks the steam in the gravity ball cavity 104, so that the steam must cross the baffle structure 148 before flowing to the steam outlet 102, which helps to reduce the phenomenon of condensate splashing.

[0048] Understandably, the gravity sphere 130 can automatically adjust its position according to changes in steam pressure, controlling the steam flow path and thus improving the efficiency and stability of steam discharge. When the steam pressure increases, the gravity sphere 130 is lifted, opening the steam passage and allowing steam to be discharged; when the steam pressure decreases or disappears, the gravity sphere 130 is pressed down due to gravity, closing the steam passage.

[0049] The baffle structure 148 forces steam to cross it before it can flow out, which helps optimize the steam flow path. As the steam crosses the baffle structure 148, the change in path and the reduction in speed prevent condensate from splashing, thus maintaining the purity of the steam and the cleanliness of the discharge.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this application, a first cavity 103 is disposed below a support base 120, a gravity ball cavity 104 is disposed above a support base 120, and a steam valve includes a gravity ball cover 170. The gravity ball cover 170 is connected to the support base 120 and is disposed at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity 104. The gravity ball cover 170 is provided with a steam vent 173. In the lifted state, the gravity ball 130 leaves the gravity ball cover 170, and steam enters the gravity ball cavity 104 from the first cavity 103 through the steam vent 173. In the pressed state, the gravity ball 130 contacts the steam vent 173.

[0051] The first cavity 103 is located below the support base 120 and is used to initially receive steam entering from the steam inlet 101. The gravity ball cavity 104 is located above the support base 120 and is connected to the steam outlet 102, forming a complete steam flow path. The gravity ball cover 170 is tightly connected to the support base 120 and is located at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity 104. The exhaust hole 173 on it is the only channel for steam to enter the gravity ball cavity 104 from the first cavity 103.

[0052] Under steam pressure, the gravity ball 130 can freely switch between a raised and a depressed state. When the steam pressure is high enough, the gravity ball 130 rises away from the gravity ball cover 170, at which point the vent hole 173 is unobstructed, allowing a large amount of steam to enter the gravity ball cavity 104 and flow smoothly to the steam outlet 102. When the steam pressure decreases or the weight of the gravity ball 130 is sufficient to overcome the steam pressure, the gravity ball 130 descends to contact and partially or completely block the vent hole 173, thereby precisely regulating the steam flow. This design not only improves the efficiency and stability of steam discharge but also enables the steam valve to automatically adjust according to the actual needs during the cooking process.

[0053] According to one embodiment of this application, the baffle structure 148 includes a first long baffle 141 and a first short baffle 142 disposed opposite to each other. The first long baffle 141 is adapted to block and guide steam flowing toward the steam outlet 102 to the opposite first short baffle 142. The steam outlet 102 is located on the side away from the first long baffle 141.

[0054] The baffle structure 148 includes a first long baffle 141 and a first short baffle 142 arranged opposite each other. The first long baffle 141 serves as the main steam shielding and guiding component, effectively guiding the steam in the gravity sphere cavity 104 to the opposite first short baffle 142. After the steam is shielded by the first long baffle 141, it changes its flow direction along the surface of the baffle structure 148 and flows towards the first short baffle 142. This change in flow path not only helps reduce condensate splashing but also improves the purity of the steam and the emission efficiency.

[0055] Meanwhile, the steam outlet 102 is located on the side close to the first long baffle 141. Steam that crosses the first short baffle 142 and leaves the gravity ball cavity 104 needs to go around the gravity ball cavity 104 to reach the steam outlet 102 on the side close to the first long baffle 141, thereby extending the steam flow path and slowing down the steam flow speed, which helps to reduce noise and condensate splashing during the steam discharge process.

[0056] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam passage includes a steam vent 173, which has a steam vent gap. In the depressed state, the gravity ball 130 will not completely block the steam vent 173. The steam vent gap is located on the side not close to the baffle structure.

[0057] Under pressure, even if the gravity sphere 130 contacts the vent hole 173, it will not completely seal the steam passage. This design not only improves the efficiency of steam discharge but also effectively avoids pressure rise and potential safety hazards caused by steam accumulation. At the same time, the condensate in the gravity sphere cavity 104 can fall back into the first cavity 103 through the vent gap, preventing condensate from accumulating in the gravity sphere cavity 104.

[0058] The steam vent gap is positioned on the side away from the baffle structure 148, which helps to prevent resonance between the steam and the baffle structure 148 when steam passes through the vent hole 173 at high speed, thereby effectively preventing the generation of whistling noise. The steam valve in this embodiment can achieve quiet operation while maintaining efficient steam discharge.

[0059] According to one embodiment of this application, the gravity ball cover 170 is provided with a mounting protrusion, which has a positioning function. When the gravity ball cover 170 is installed on the support base 120, it can be determined that the orientation of the exhaust gap is not located on the side close to the baffle structure 148. For details, please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the vent hole 173 is one of an elliptical hole, a square hole, a triangular hole, or a polygonal hole.

[0061] According to one embodiment of this application, the exhaust port 173 is an elliptical hole, the exhaust gap is located in the direction of the major axis of the elliptical hole, and the steam outlet 102 is located on one side in the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical hole.

[0062] Understandably, even when the gravity sphere 130 contacts the vent 173 under pressure, it only partially obstructs the steam passage along its minor axis. Because steam has greater flow space along the major axis of the elliptical orifice, it can still flow smoothly through the vent gap. This design not only improves steam discharge efficiency but also effectively avoids pressure increases and potential safety hazards caused by steam accumulation.

[0063] Reference Figures 5-8 The direction of the minor axis of the elliptical hole is shown in the figure, which can effectively reduce the possibility of producing a whistle.

[0064] According to one embodiment of this application, the gravity ball cover 170 is a silicone pad. The silicone pad is heat-resistant, wear-resistant, easy to clean, and has good sealing performance. It is also less likely to resonate with the gravity ball 130, and the gravity ball 130 does not produce significant noise when blown by steam. Furthermore, the softness and elasticity of the silicone pad help achieve a tight fit with the support base 120.

[0065] According to one embodiment of this application, the gravity ball cover 170 is detachably connected to the support base 120. Users can easily remove the gravity ball cover 170 for cleaning or replacement as needed, without disassembling the entire steam valve. This design not only simplifies maintenance but also helps users promptly identify and resolve sealing performance issues between the gravity ball cover 170 and the support base 120, ensuring the normal operation of the steam valve. Simultaneously, the detachable connection reduces user maintenance costs; when the gravity ball cover 170 wears or ages due to long-term use, users can easily remove and replace it with a new one.

[0066] According to one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The support base 120 and / or steam valve cover 140 are provided with limiting ribs 124. The limiting distance between the limiting ribs 124 and the gravity ball 130 is H. In the lifted state, the maximum height of the gravity ball 130 away from the gravity ball cover 170 is H, and the gravity ball 130 contacts the limiting ribs 124. In the pressed state, the gravity ball 130 is located at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity 104, and the gravity ball 130 contacts the steam vent 173.

[0067] The function of the limiting rib 124 is to restrict the relative movement between the gravity ball cover 170 and the gravity ball 130. By properly setting the position and shape of the limiting rib 124, the maximum height of the gravity ball 130 away from the gravity ball cover 170 in the raised state can be ensured by the limiting distance H. This helps prevent the gravity ball 130 from rising or falling excessively during movement, thereby avoiding damage to the steam valve structure or steam leakage.

[0068] Determining the limiting distance H requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as the working pressure of the steam valve, the steam flow rate, the weight of the gravity ball 130, and the overall structure of the steam valve. Through precise calculation and experimental verification, a reasonable limiting distance H value can be determined to ensure that the gravity ball 130 can smoothly leave the gravity ball cover 170 in the lifted state, and can stably remain at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity 104 in the pressed state.

[0069] According to one embodiment of this application, a fan blade assembly 150 is included, a fan blade cavity 105 is formed between a steam valve cover 140 and a support base 120, a first cavity 103 connects the fan blade cavity 105 and a gravity ball cavity 104, and the fan blade assembly 150 is rotatably disposed in the fan blade cavity 105.

[0070] The fan blade assembly 150, as an important functional component, is rotatably disposed within the fan blade cavity 105. When steam enters the first cavity 103, a portion of the steam directly enters the gravity ball cavity 104, driving the gravity ball 130 to move; the remaining steam enters the fan blade cavity 105, driving the fan blade assembly 150 to rotate. The rotation of the fan blade assembly 150 not only helps to evenly disperse the steam but also improves the steam flow efficiency, ensuring the smooth operation of the steam valve. Simultaneously, this rotational action can also display the steam discharge status to the user.

[0071] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve seat 110 is provided with a first mounting seat 114, and the support seat 120 is provided with a second mounting seat 121. The first mounting seat 114 and the second mounting seat 121 are connected to form a steam outlet channel 111. The inlet of the steam outlet channel 111 is a steam inlet 101, which is located on the first mounting seat 114. The outlet of the steam outlet channel 111 is located on the second mounting seat 121. The fan blade assembly 150 is rotatably mounted on the second mounting seat 121. The outlet of the steam outlet channel 111 faces the fan blade of the fan blade assembly 150. One of the first mounting seat 114 and the second mounting seat 121 is provided with a narrow opening structure 115.

[0072] In this embodiment, a first mounting base 114 and a second mounting base 121 are respectively provided on the steam valve seat 110 and the support base 120, forming a connected steam outlet channel 111. The second mounting base 121 provides the mounting base for the fan blade assembly 150 and, together with the first mounting base 114, constitutes the steam outlet channel 111 for steam flow. The steam inlet 101 is located on the first mounting base 114, serving as the inlet for steam to enter the steam outlet channel 111; while the outlet of the steam outlet channel 111 is located on the second mounting base 121, facing the fan blades of the fan blade assembly 150, so that when the steam flows out of the steam outlet channel 111, it can directly impact the fan blades and drive them to rotate.

[0073] To improve the steam velocity and dispersion in the steam outlet channel 111, this embodiment provides a narrow-mouth structure 115 in one of the first mounting base 114 and the second mounting base 121. The narrow-mouth structure 115 increases the steam velocity by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the steam flow, thereby improving the rotational efficiency of the fan blade assembly 150. Simultaneously, the narrow-mouth structure 115 also disperses the steam, allowing it to be better distributed to all parts of the fan blade assembly 150, further promoting uniform steam flow and uniform force distribution on the fan blades.

[0074] In one embodiment, the opening diameter of the narrow-mouth structure 115 is 2mm-5mm.

[0075] According to one embodiment of this application, the second mounting base 121 is provided with a second long baffle 122 and a second short baffle 123 disposed opposite to each other. The second long baffle 122 is adapted to block the steam in the steam outlet passage 111 and guide it to the opposite second short baffle 123. The inlet of the gravity ball cavity 104 is located on the side close to the second long baffle 122.

[0076] Understandably, the second mounting base 121 has a second long baffle 122 and a second short baffle 123 arranged opposite each other. Steam entering the steam outlet channel 111 will first encounter the obstruction of the second long baffle 122. Guided by the second long baffle 122, the steam changes its flow direction and eventually reaches the second short baffle 123. After crossing the second short baffle 123, the steam leaves the gravity ball cavity 104. Since the inlet of the gravity ball cavity 104 is located on the side close to the second long baffle 122, the steam needs to circulate around the first cavity 103 to reach the steam outlet 102 on the side close to the second long baffle 122, thus extending the steam flow path.

[0077] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve cover 140 has a first region 143 and a second region 144, the first region 143 being located above the gravity sphere 130 and the second region 144 being located above the fan blade assembly 150, and at least one of the first region 143 and the second region 144 being transparent.

[0078] According to the steam valve of this application embodiment, the gravity ball 130 can switch between a raised state and a depressed state under the action of steam pressure. This design can effectively control the amount of steam emitted, avoid excessive steam accumulation, and also prevent external air from flowing back into the cooking appliance, keeping the appliance clean and hygienic. The fan blade assembly 150 rotates through the steam flow. This design can not only accelerate the emission of steam, but also provide visual feedback through the rotation of the fan blades, allowing the user to intuitively observe the steam emission situation, thereby enhancing the user's perception of the appliance's operating status. At least one of the first region 143 and the second region 144 of the steam valve cover 140 is made transparent, allowing the user to directly observe the working status of the gravity ball 130 and the fan blade assembly 150, further enhancing the user's intuitive perception of the steam emission situation and improving the safety and convenience of use.

[0079] Understandably, the steam valve provided in this application not only improves the user experience of cooking appliances but also enhances safety. This design makes the steam emission process more visible, allowing users to intuitively observe the steam emission and thus better understand the appliance's operating status, ensuring a smooth cooking process.

[0080] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve cover 140 has a third region adjacent to the first region 143 and the second region 144, and the third region is an opaque region.

[0081] The third area is adjacent to the first area 143 and the second area 144. This layout design makes the steam valve cover 140 more visually distinct. By reducing the complexity of the visual appearance, users can focus more on the operation of the gravity ball 130 and the fan blade assembly 150.

[0082] The third area can be made opaque through methods such as frosting, screen printing, and electroplating.

[0083] According to one embodiment of this application, please refer to Figures 4 to 6 The steam valve cover 140 includes a cover body 145, a first viewing window 146 and a second viewing window 147. The cover body 145 has a first through hole corresponding to the first region 143 and a second through hole corresponding to the second region 144. The first viewing window 146 is detachably connected to the first through hole and the second viewing window 147 is detachably connected to the second through hole.

[0084] The first viewing window 146 and the second viewing window 147 correspond to the first region 143 and the second region 144, respectively, and provide windows for observing the internal condition of the steam valve. The cover body 145 is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole corresponding to the first region 143 and the second region 144, respectively. The first viewing window 146 and the second viewing window 147 are detachably connected to their respective through holes. This connection method not only facilitates installation and disassembly but also allows users to replace the viewing windows with different materials, shapes, or sizes as needed to meet specific observation or maintenance requirements.

[0085] In one embodiment, the first window 146 and the second window 147 are connected to the cover body 145 by snap-fit.

[0086] According to one embodiment of this application, a reflux valve 160 is also included, which is disposed at the bottom of the first cavity 103.

[0087] The reflux valve 160 is located at the bottom of the first chamber 103. The first chamber 103 can collect the water condensed after the steam cools down. When cooking is not required, the user can open the reflux valve 160 to pour out the water.

[0088] The cover 10 according to the second aspect of this application includes the steam valve described above. This makes the overall structure of the cooking appliance more compact, while also facilitating user installation and maintenance.

[0089] In practical applications, when the cooking appliance starts working, the steam generated in the cooking chamber 21 enters the fan blade chamber 105 through the steam outlet 111 and then descends to the first chamber 103. As the steam pressure increases, the steam rises into the gravity ball chamber 104, pushing the gravity ball 130 upwards, opening the steam channel. The steam is then discharged to the outside through the steam outlet 102 via the gravity ball chamber 104. When the cooking process ends or the steam pressure decreases, the gravity ball 130 is pressed down under gravity, closing the steam channel and preventing heat loss. The fan blade assembly 150 rotates during steam flow, guiding steam discharge and providing visual appeal.

[0090] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam valve is a separate, independent component on the cover.

[0091] According to one embodiment of this application, a housing of a steam valve is integrally formed on the cover, and the steam passage and baffle structure of the steam valve are formed on the housing.

[0092] According to the cooking appliance of the third aspect of this application, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ,include: Pot body 20, the top of pot body 20 is open; The lid 10 is connected to the pot body 20. The lid 10 is movably installed on the pot body 20 between the closed position and the open position, together forming the cooking cavity 21. The lid 10 is provided with the aforementioned steam valve, and the steam inlet 101 of the steam valve is connected to the cooking cavity 21.

[0093] Understandably, the pot body 20 has an open top to hold food and cooking medium (such as water). The design of the pot body 20 allows the food to fully contact the heat, ensuring optimal cooking results. The lid 10 and the pot body 20 together form a cooking cavity 21, used to seal in heat and steam during cooking. The steam inlet 101 of the steam valve on the lid 10 connects to the cooking cavity 21. This design allows steam generated in the cooking cavity 21 to be released promptly through the steam valve, preventing steam buildup from affecting the cooking results.

[0094] The steam valve, the cover 10 including the steam valve, and the cooking appliance using the cover 10 of this application not only improve the user experience of the cooking appliance but also enhance its safety. This design makes the steam emission process more obvious, allowing users to intuitively observe the steam emission and thus better understand the operating status of the appliance, ensuring the smooth progress of the cooking process.

[0095] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this application and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of this application do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application and should be covered within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A steam valve, characterized in that, include: The housing has a steam passage formed inside it. The housing is provided with a steam inlet (101) and a steam outlet (102), which are connected to the steam passage. A gravity sphere (130) is floatably disposed within the steam channel and is adapted to switch between a lifting state and a pressing state by the steam pressure within the steam channel. The steam passage is provided with a downwardly extending baffle structure (148), which is located between the gravity sphere (130) and the steam outlet (102). The steam in the steam passage is adapted to flow to the steam outlet (102) after crossing the baffle structure (148).

2. The steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The baffle structure (148) includes a first long baffle (141) and a first short baffle (142) arranged opposite to each other. The first long baffle (141) is adapted to block the steam flowing toward the steam outlet (102) and guide it to the first short baffle (142) opposite to it. The steam outlet (102) is located on the side away from the first long baffle (141).

3. The steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam passage includes a steam vent (173), the steam vent (173) is provided with a steam vent gap, and in the depressed state, the gravity ball (130) does not completely block the steam vent (173); the steam vent gap is located on the side not close to the baffle structure.

4. The steam valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The exhaust hole (173) is an elliptical hole, the exhaust gap is located in the direction of the major axis of the elliptical hole, and the steam outlet (102) is located on one side of the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical hole.

5. The steam valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a limiting rib (124), and the limiting distance between the limiting rib (124) and the gravity ball (130) is H. In the lifted state, the gravity ball (130) contacts the limiting rib (124), and in the pressed state, the gravity ball (130) contacts the vent hole (173).

6. The steam valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a fan blade assembly (150), which is rotatably disposed in the steam passage and is adapted to rotate by the steam flow through the steam passage.

7. The steam valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The housing includes: Steam valve seat (110) is provided with steam inlet (101); A support base (120) is connected to the steam valve seat (110), and a first cavity (103) is formed between the support base (120) and the steam valve seat (110), and the steam inlet (101) is connected to the first cavity (103). A steam valve cover (140) is connected to the support base (120), and the steam valve cover (140) is provided with a steam outlet (102); a gravity ball cavity (104) is formed between the support base (120) and the steam valve cover (140), the first cavity (103) is connected to the gravity ball cavity (104), and the gravity ball cavity (104) is connected to the steam outlet (102); A gravity sphere (130) is floatably disposed in the gravity sphere cavity (104), and the gravity sphere (130) is adapted to switch between a lifted state and a depressed state by the steam pressure of the first cavity (103); The steam valve cover (140) is provided with a downwardly extending baffle structure (148). The gravity ball cavity (104) is located on the first side of the baffle structure (148), and the steam outlet (102) is located on the second side of the baffle structure (148). The first side and the second side are opposite to each other. The baffle structure (148) is used to block the steam in the gravity ball cavity (104) and allow the steam to flow to the steam outlet (102) after crossing the baffle structure (148).

8. The steam valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first cavity (103) is located below the support base (120), and the gravity ball cavity (104) is located above the support base (120). The steam valve includes a gravity ball cover (170), which is connected to the support base (120) and located at the bottom of the gravity ball cavity (104). The gravity ball cover (170) is provided with a steam vent (173). In the lifted state, the gravity ball (130) leaves the gravity ball cover (170), and the steam vent (173) connects the first cavity (103) and the gravity ball cavity (104). In the pressed state, the gravity ball (130) contacts the steam vent (173).

9. The steam valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gravity ball cover (170) is a silicone pad, and / or, The gravity ball cover (170) is detachably connected to the support base (120).

10. The steam valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the steam valve includes a fan blade assembly (150), a fan blade cavity (105) is formed between the steam valve cover (140) and the support base (120), the first cavity (103) connects the fan blade cavity (105) and the gravity ball cavity (104), and the fan blade assembly (150) is rotatably disposed in the fan blade cavity (105).

11. The steam valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the steam valve includes a fan blade assembly (150), the steam valve seat (110) is provided with a first mounting seat (114), and the support seat (120) is provided with a second mounting seat (121). The first mounting seat (114) and the second mounting seat (121) communicate to form a steam outlet channel (111). The inlet of the steam outlet channel (111) is the steam inlet (101), which is located on the first mounting seat (114). The outlet of the steam outlet channel (111) is located on the second mounting seat (121). The fan blade assembly (150) is rotatably mounted on the second mounting seat (121), and the outlet of the steam outlet channel (111) faces the fan blade of the fan blade assembly (150).

12. The steam valve according to claim 11, characterized in that, One of the first mounting base (114) and the second mounting base (121) is provided with a narrow opening structure (115).

13. The steam valve according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steam valve cover (140) has a first region (143) and a second region (144), the first region (143) being located above the gravity sphere (130) and the second region (144) being located above the fan blade assembly (150), and at least one of the first region (143) and the second region (144) being transparent.

14. The steam valve according to claim 13, characterized in that, The steam valve cover (140) has a third region adjacent to the first region (143) and the second region (144), and the third region is an opaque region.

15. A cover (10), characterized in that, The steam valve includes any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The cover (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The steam valve is a separate component on the cover (10); or, The cover (10) has the housing of the steam valve integrally formed on it, and the steam passage and baffle structure (148) of the steam valve are formed on the housing.

17. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The pot body (20) has an open top; A lid (10) is connected to the pot body (20). The lid (10) is movably mounted on the pot body (20) between a closed position and an open position, together forming a cooking cavity (21). The lid (10) is provided with a steam valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, and the steam inlet (101) of the steam valve is connected to the cooking cavity (21).

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