cooking utensils

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking utensil comprising a cooking space, a capsule mounting device, and a cutting device. The capsule mounting device is used to accommodate a capsule group comprising a plurality of capsules and is capable of driving each capsule to move to an open position; the cutting device is capable of moving relative to the capsule to open the capsule in the open position, allowing the material in the capsule to enter the cooking space; the cooking utensil is fixedly provided with a transversely protruding limiting rib, which cooperates with the edge of the capsule group to prevent the capsule group and the cutting device from moving in the same direction, and the edge of the capsule group is provided with a mounting notch that avoids the limiting rib when the capsule is assembled and configured with the capsule mounting device. According to the cooking utensil of the present invention, the limiting rib for pressing the capsule group is fixedly provided on the cooking utensil, is not easily lost, and improves the reliability of the cooking utensil; the notch on the capsule group cooperates with the limiting rib, so the capsule group can be easily installed and replaced, which can simplify the operation steps and thus improve the user's operating experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of cooking appliances. Background Art

[0002] Traditional cooking appliances, such as rice cookers, have a cooking space where the user places the ingredients to be cooked. Some cooking appliances also feature a timer function, but users often find that the longer the timer is set, the greater the chance that the food inside will spoil. For example, if a user sets rice in the morning before going to work and eats it in the evening, the rice will often become dry and yellow, and especially in the summer, it will develop an unpleasant odor. Therefore, existing cooking appliances cannot maintain the freshness of the rice even with a long timer.

[0003] To this end, the applicant envisions packaging pre-processed ingredients such as rice and beans. When the scheduled time for cooking arrives, the packaging is opened and the ingredients fall into the cooking space of the cooking utensil for cooking. This solves the problem of long-term deterioration of ingredients. One packaging method is to put the ingredients in a hard box and then add a sealing film to the opening of the box. When the ingredients need to be taken out, a capsule opening device such as a cutting tool is used to pierce the sealing film to open the opening so that the ingredients can fall out. Usually, a fixed pressure plate is set on the side of the packaging box facing away from the cutting tool to apply pressure to the packaging box so that the sealing film can be pierced smoothly. When using, the user needs to first remove the fixed pressure plate, then install or replace the packaging box, and finally install the fixed pressure plate. The operation is relatively complicated. If the fixed pressure plate is lost, it will affect the use of the cooking utensil.

[0004] Therefore, a cooking appliance is needed to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The Summary of the Invention introduces a series of simplified concepts that will be further described in the Detailed Description of the Invention. The Summary of the Invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cooking utensil, comprising:

[0007] cooking space;

[0008] a capsule installation device, the capsule installation device being used to accommodate a capsule group including a plurality of capsules and capable of driving each of the capsules to move to an open position; and

[0009] a cutting device, wherein the cutting device is movable relative to the capsule to open the capsule at the opening position, so that the material in the capsule enters the cooking space;

[0010] In which, the cooking utensil is fixedly provided with a transversely protruding limiting rib, which cooperates with the edge of the capsule group to prevent the capsule group and the cutting device from moving in the same direction. The edge of the capsule group is provided with a mounting notch, and when the capsule is assembled and the capsule mounting device is configured, the mounting notch avoids the limiting rib.

[0011] According to the cooking utensil of the present invention, the limiting ribs for pressing the capsule group are fixedly arranged on the cooking utensil, which is not easy to lose, thereby improving the reliability of the cooking utensil; the notch on the capsule group cooperates with the limiting ribs, so the capsule group can be easily installed and replaced, which can simplify the operation steps and thus improve the user's operating experience.

[0012] Optionally, the capsule is provided with a flange, adjacent capsules of the capsule group are connected by the flange, and the mounting notch is provided on the flange, so that the notch does not affect the structure of the capsule.

[0013] Optionally, the flange between each two adjacent capsules is provided with an installation notch, thereby improving the flexibility of the capsule assembly installation.

[0014] Optionally, the cutting device cuts the capsule upwards, and the limiting rib is located directly above the flange to prevent the capsule group from moving upwards. Thus, the limiting rib acts on the flange to avoid affecting the structure of the main body of the capsule.

[0015] Optionally, the capsule set includes a capsule holder, each of the plurality of capsules being an independent, single-unit structure and being fixed to the capsule holder to form the capsule set. The capsule holder is provided with an opening for the cutting device to pass through at a position corresponding to each capsule, and the capsule holder forms the edge that cooperates with the limiting rib. Thus, the capsule set can be conveniently formed using the capsule holder.

[0016] Optionally, the limiting rib is provided at the opening position and is located directly above the portion of the edge of the capsule group corresponding to the opening position, so that the limiting rib can conveniently act on the cut capsule.

[0017] Optionally, the cooking utensil is provided with a recessed receiving portion for receiving the capsule installation device and the capsule group, and the limiting rib is provided on the inner side wall of the receiving portion, thereby making it convenient to provide the limiting rib.

[0018] Optionally, the capsule group is configured as a circle, annular or rectangular parallelepiped as a whole. Thus, a suitable shape of the capsule group can be selected as needed.

[0019] Optionally, the cooking utensil is provided with the limiting ribs on both sides of the moving path of the capsule, thereby further strengthening the fixing effect of the limiting ribs on the capsule.

[0020] Optionally, the capsule includes a receiving cavity defined by a capsule wall, the receiving cavity having an opening sealed by a sealing membrane, the cutting device cutting the sealing membrane to open the capsule, the receiving cavity being used to receive food, and the weight of the food received by the receiving cavity of each capsule being in the range of 50-200g. Thus, the capsule can be opened conveniently, and the small package of food can meet the cooking needs of different appetites and different groups of people. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are incorporated herein as a part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show the embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof is used to explain the principle of the present invention.

[0022] In the accompanying drawings,

[0023] Figure 1 A partial cutaway view of a cooking appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a top view of the cooking appliance without the capsule assembly installed;

[0025] Figure 3 For Figure 1 A top view of the capsule assembly of the cooking appliance is shown;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Another top view of the cooking appliance is shown with the capsule assembly installed therein;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another top view of the cooking appliance, wherein the capsule assembly is in a restrained state;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG; and

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of part B in the middle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well known in the art are not described to avoid confusion with embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] In order to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0032] The present invention provides a cooking appliance, which may be an electric rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, a food processor or other electric heating appliances. Figure 1 A cooking appliance 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which generally comprises a pot body 10, a cover body 20, a capsule installation device 30 and a capsule opening device (not shown).

[0033] The pot body 10 can be roughly constructed in the shape of a rounded rectangular parallelepiped, with an inner pot 11 provided inside. A cylindrical inner pot storage portion can be provided in the pot body 10, and the inner pot 11 can be freely placed in or taken out of the inner pot storage portion to facilitate cleaning of the inner pot 11. The upper surface of the inner pot 11 has a circular opening for placing materials to be heated, such as rice, soup, etc., into the inner pot 11. The pot body 10 can also be provided with a heating device (not shown) for heating the inner pot. Of course, the inner pot 11 can also be fixedly set in the pot body 10, or a recessed cooking cavity can be provided in the pot body 10 instead of the inner pot 11.

[0034] The lid 20 can be pivotally connected to the pot body 10 via a pivot shaft and can be opened and closed relative to the pot body 10. When the lid 20 is closed on the pot body 10, a cooking space 12 is formed between the lid 20 and the inner pot 11.

[0035] The cooking appliance according to the present invention can be used as Figure 3 The capsule assembly 40 shown is used for cooking. The capsule assembly 40 includes a plurality of capsules 41. Each capsule 41 includes a receiving cavity with an opening. Ingredients or water for cooking can be stored within the receiving cavity, and the opening of the receiving cavity is sealed by a sealing membrane. Preferably, a single capsule 41 can store approximately 50-200g of ingredients, such as rice, millet, or beans, to accommodate different appetites and the cooking needs of different groups of people.

[0036] By storing cooking ingredients, such as rice and beans, in capsules, cooking utensils can automatically access them at regular intervals and in fixed quantities, facilitating automated cooking. Furthermore, the ingredients stored in the capsules can be pre-cleaned to maintain hygiene, eliminating the need for pre-cooking cleaning. Vitamins and other nutrients can also be added to the ingredients for a balanced nutritional profile. The capsules can also seal and preserve the ingredients to preserve their freshness, or the freshness of the ingredients can be further extended by evacuating the capsule or filling it with a protective gas.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover 20 is also provided with a capsule mounting device 30 for accommodating and securing a capsule group 40. Capsules 41 are mounted on the capsule mounting device 30 with their openings facing generally downward. Furthermore, the cover 20 is provided with a feed channel 21, which is connected to the cooking space 12, below the capsule mounting device 30. The capsule mounting device 30 can rotate the capsule group 40, causing the corresponding capsule 41 to move to a position corresponding to the feed channel 21. At this position, a capsule opening device configured as a cutting tool can be used to pierce and cut the sealing membrane of the capsule 41, opening the capsule 41. The material in the capsule 41's accommodating cavity automatically enters the cooking space 12 through the feed channel 21 under the action of gravity. Therefore, the position of the capsule mounting device 30 corresponding to the feed channel 21 can be referred to as the open position.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the capsule group 40 is generally circular in shape, and an annular space 44 is provided at the center hole. Each capsule 41 is configured in a roughly fan-shaped shape and is arranged along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the capsule mounting device 30 can be configured in the form of a capsule mounting plate. The capsule mounting device 30 moves by rotating and drives the capsule group 40 to rotate to move each capsule 41 to the open position. It can be understood that the shape of the capsule mounting device 30 is adapted to the shape of the capsule group 40, and the movement direction of the capsule mounting device 30 is adapted to the arrangement direction of the capsules 41 in the capsule group 40. For example, when a plurality of capsules 41 are arranged in a straight line so that the capsule group 40 is configured in a long rectangular parallelepiped shape, the capsule mounting device 30 can also be configured in a long strip shape to accommodate the capsule group 40, and it is configured to move in a straight line.

[0039] During the process of opening capsule 41, the cutting blade moves upward and abuts against the sealing membrane of capsule 41. Before the sealing membrane is punctured, the cutting blade exerts a force on capsule 41 in the same direction as its movement. At this point, capsule 41 tends to move in the same direction as the cutting blade, reducing the interaction force between the cutting blade and the sealing membrane, making puncture difficult.

[0040] In order to enable the cutting tool to successfully pierce the sealing membrane of the capsule 41, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the cooking utensil according to the present invention is fixedly provided with a transversely protruding limiting rib 50. After the capsule group 40 is installed in the capsule mounting device 30, the limiting rib 50 is located directly above the bottom edge of the capsule group 40, which can prevent the capsule group 40 from moving upward. Because the capsule group 40 is a whole structure, the limiting rib 50 is equivalent to applying resistance to the opened capsule 41, preventing the cutting tool from moving in the same direction as the cutting tool. Therefore, the limiting effect of the limiting rib 50 can increase the force between the cutting tool and the sealing membrane of the capsule 41, so that the cutting tool can successfully pierce the sealing membrane of the capsule 41. Preferably, the limiting rib 50 can be set at a position corresponding to the opening position, located directly above the portion of the edge of the capsule group 40 corresponding to the opening position, so as to directly act on the opened capsule 41.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, in the capsule assembly 40, adjacent capsules 41 are provided with mounting notches 43 at the edges of the connection points. During the installation of the capsule assembly 40 into the capsule mounting device 30, the mounting notches 43 allow for the positioning ribs 50 to be avoided. After installation, a clearance is left between the positioning ribs 50 and the bottom edge of the capsule assembly 40 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the bottom edge of the capsule assembly 40 rotates below the positioning ribs. The positioning ribs 50 do not affect the rotation of the capsule assembly 40, but only limit its upward movement.

[0042] Preferably, continue to refer to Figure 3 Capsules 41 are provided with flanges 42 extending laterally outward, connecting adjacent capsules 41 together. This flange 42 forms the aforementioned bottom edge. Mounting notches 43 can be provided on flanges 42. Furthermore, mounting notches 43 can be provided at the junction of any two adjacent capsules 41. This allows for flexible installation angles for the capsule assembly 40, facilitating user installation.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, when the capsule assembly 40 is installed, the installation notch 43 is aligned with the limiting rib 50 of the cooking utensil. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, when the capsule installation device 30 drives the capsule assembly 40 to rotate, the flange 42 moves under the limiting rib 50. When the capsule assembly 40 stops rotating and one capsule 41 is in the open position, the limiting rib 50 is offset from the installation notch 43 and located directly above the flange 42, acting as a limiter to prevent the capsule assembly 40 from moving upward when punctured, which would affect the puncture effect. This structure is relatively simple and compact, and has a good limiting effect.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, a recessed receiving portion 22 is provided on the top of the cover 20. The capsule installation device 30 and the capsule group 40 are both located in the recessed receiving portion 22. The limiting rib 50 can be provided on the inner wall surface of the recessed receiving portion 22. Preferably, a positioning column 23 is also provided in the recessed receiving portion 22. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the capsule group 40 is provided with an annular space 44 surrounded by capsules 41 at the center. The capsule group 40 is configured in a circular ring shape. When the capsule group 40 is installed in the capsule installation device 30, the annular space 44 is sleeved on the positioning column 23. The annular space 44 also has a flange 42, and the flange 42 is also provided with a mounting notch 43. Figures 2 to 7 , and limiting ribs 50 are also provided on the side of the positioning post 23. In other words, the cooking appliance 1 is provided with limiting ribs 50 on both sides of the movement path of the capsule 41. The inner and outer edges of the capsule assembly 40 are respectively located directly below the corresponding limiting ribs 50 to be restrained by the limiting ribs 50. Furthermore, each of the two ribs 50 is provided with mounting notches 43 to avoid the limiting ribs 50 during assembly. In other words, the two ends of the capsule 41 are restrained by two limiting ribs 50, thereby enhancing the retaining effect.

[0045] It is understandable that the positioning column 23 may also constitute a part of the capsule installation device 30 rather than a part of the cover 20. Of course, the accommodating portion may not be provided, and the limiting rib may be provided at other appropriate positions.

[0046] In this embodiment, adjacent capsules 41 in the capsule assembly 40 are connected to each other by their respective flanges to form a single unit. Alternatively, each capsule 41 can be provided independently and then secured by a capsule holder (not shown). The capsule holder and capsules 41 together form a capsule assembly. The capsule holder has openings corresponding to the openings in the capsules 41 to prevent interference with the puncture of the capsules 41. The capsule holder forms a bottom edge constrained by a retaining rib 50.

[0047] According to the cooking utensil of the present invention, the limiting ribs for pressing the capsule group are fixedly arranged on the cooking utensil, which is not easy to lose, thereby improving the reliability of the cooking utensil; the notch on the capsule group cooperates with the limiting ribs, so the capsule group can be easily installed and replaced, which can simplify the operation steps and thus improve the user's operating experience.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein are only for describing specific implementation purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. Terms such as "setting" appearing in this article can mean that one component is directly attached to another component, or that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate component. Features described in this article in one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable in the other embodiment or otherwise specified.

[0049] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various variations and modifications may be made based on the teachings of the present invention, and such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil (1), characterized in that: The cooking utensil (1) comprises: cooking space (12); A capsule installation device (30) for accommodating a capsule group (40) comprising a plurality of capsules (41) and capable of driving each of the capsules (41) to move to an open position; and a cutting device capable of moving relative to the capsule (41) to open the capsule (41) at the open position, so that the material in the capsule (41) enters the cooking space (12); The cooking utensil (1) is fixedly provided with a transversely protruding limiting rib (50), the limiting rib (50) and the edge of the capsule group (40) are matched with each other to prevent the capsule group (40) and the cutting device from moving in the same direction, and the edge of the capsule group (40) is provided with a mounting notch (43), when the capsule group is assembled to the capsule mounting device, the mounting notch avoids the limiting rib, and when the capsule (41) is in the open position, the limiting rib (50) and the mounting notch (43) are staggered.

2. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The capsule (41) is provided with a flange (42), adjacent capsules (41) of the capsule group (40) are connected via the flange (42), and the mounting notch (43) is provided on the flange (42).

3. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The mounting notch (43) is provided on the flange (42) between every two adjacent capsules (41).

4. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The cutting device cuts the capsule upwards, and the limiting rib (50) is located directly above the flange (42) to prevent the capsule group (40) from moving upwards.

5. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The capsule group (40) includes a capsule holder, each of the plurality of capsules (41) is an independent monomer structure and is fixed to the capsule holder to form the capsule group (40), the capsule holder is provided with an opening for the cutting device to pass through at a position corresponding to each capsule (41), and the capsule holder forms the edge that cooperates with the limiting rib (50).

6. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The limiting rib (50) is arranged at the opening position and is located directly above a portion of the edge of the capsule group (40) corresponding to the opening position.

7. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooking utensil (1) is provided with a recessed accommodating portion (22) for accommodating the capsule installation device (30) and the capsule group (40), and the limiting rib (50) is provided on the inner side wall of the accommodating portion (22).

8. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The capsule group (40) is overall constructed in a circular, ring-shaped or rectangular parallelepiped shape.

9. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooking utensil (1) is provided with the limiting ribs (50) on both sides of the moving path of the capsule (41).

10. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The capsule (41) comprises a accommodating cavity surrounded by a capsule wall, the accommodating cavity has an opening and the opening is sealed by a sealing film, the cutting device cuts the sealing film to open the capsule (41), the accommodating cavity is used to accommodate food, and the weight range of the food accommodated in the accommodating cavity of each capsule (41) is 50-200g.

Images