Cooking appliance

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of cooking utensil, including pot body, cover and steam generating device. Pot body is provided with inner pot. Cover is provided on pot body and can be opened and closed, when cover covers pot body and inner pot, cooking space is formed between them, cover is provided with first steam passage which is communicated with cooking space. Steam generating device is used to generate steam for assisting cooking, it is arranged in cover and can be communicated with cooking space through first steam passage to guide steam into cooking space. According to the cooking utensil of the present application, steam generating device is arranged on cover, so that the volume of pot body can be reduced, and the overall size of cooking utensil is reduced, so that its structure is compact, and it is convenient to carry and place.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the technical field of cooking appliances and equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some cooking appliances on the market (such as rice cookers) are equipped with steam generators to produce additional steam to assist in cooking. Typically, the steam generator is located inside the cooker's body. When the lid is opened, the container for holding water within the steam generator can be seen, allowing users to add water or perform other operations. The cooker body of these appliances needs to accommodate both the inner pot and the steam generator, resulting in a relatively large overall size. Consequently, these cooking appliances are large and bulky, making them difficult to place and move, causing some inconvenience for users.

[0003] Therefore, a cooking appliance is needed to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance comprising:

[0006] A pot body, wherein an inner pot is provided in the pot body;

[0007] A lid, which is closable and mounted on the pot body, forms a cooking space between the lid and the inner pot when the lid is closed. The lid has a first steam passage communicating with this cooking space.

[0008] A steam generator is provided to generate steam for auxiliary cooking. The steam generator is disposed in the cover and can communicate with the cooking space through the first steam channel to introduce the steam into the cooking space.

[0009] According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, the steam generator can generate steam to assist cooking. By placing the steam generator on the lid, the volume of the pot body can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall size of the cooking appliance, making it compact and easy to transport and place.

[0010] Optionally, the steam generating device includes:

[0011] A steam generating assembly, wherein the steam generating assembly is provided with a steam generating chamber for containing water to be heated to generate steam; and

[0012] A steam sealing assembly, which is connected to the cover and is openable and closable relative to the steam generating chamber.

[0013] Therefore, the openable and closable steam sealing assembly allows users to easily add water to the steam generating chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the steam sealing assembly includes a steam cover and a sealing element disposed on the steam cover. When the steam cover is closed, the sealing element seals the steam generating chamber. Thus, the steam generating chamber can be sealed by the sealing element.

[0015] Optionally, the steam sealing assembly includes a steam cover plate with a second steam channel. When the steam cover plate is closed, the second steam channel communicates with both the steam generating chamber and the first steam channel. This allows steam to be discharged through the second steam channel.

[0016] Optionally, the steam generating assembly includes a water container that forms the steam generating chamber. Thus, the steam generating chamber can be configured as a separate component, facilitating manufacturing.

[0017] Optionally, the water container is configured to be manually detachable. This allows for easy cleaning by the user.

[0018] Optionally, the steam generating assembly further includes a heating device disposed on the side or below the steam generating chamber. This allows steam to be generated by heating with the heating device, thereby increasing the steam yield.

[0019] Optionally, the heating device includes:

[0020] A heating plate having a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the edge of the bottom wall; and

[0021] An electric heating element is disposed within the bottom wall and / or the side wall. Therefore, the heating device has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0022] Optionally, the heating device is an electromagnetic heating device. Therefore, the heating device has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0023] Optionally, the volume of the steam generating chamber is 20-300 mL. This avoids the cover being too large.

[0024] Optionally, the volume of the steam generating chamber is 70-120 mL. This avoids the cover being too large.

[0025] Optionally, the cover is further provided with a steam valve, and the steam valve has a third steam passage, through which the cooking space can communicate with the outside. Thus, the steam valve can maintain a slight pressure in the cooking space relative to the outside and prevent overflow.

[0026] Optionally, the steam sealing assembly is at least partially disposed above the steam valve, and the steam sealing assembly has a steam outlet communicating with the third steam passage. This allows the steam valve to be positioned adjacent to the steam generator, resulting in a compact cover structure, and the steam outlet being located on the steam sealing assembly facilitates manufacturing.

[0027] Optionally, the lid is pivotally openable and closeable relative to the pot body about a horizontally extending pivot axis, wherein, on the lid, along a front-rear direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, the maximum distance between the steam generating device and the pivot axis is less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the maximum dimension of the lid along the front-rear direction. This allows the center of gravity of the lid to be positioned close to the pivot axis, making the lid easy to open and close.

[0028] Optionally, the cover has a thickness dimension of 40-100 mm. This avoids the cover being too large.

[0029] Optionally, the cover has a thickness dimension of 50-70 mm. This avoids the cover being too large. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The following drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, are incorporated herein by reference as part of the invention and are used to understand the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] In the attached diagram,

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the lid of the cooking utensil shown;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial sectional view of the cover from a side angle; and

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with embodiments of the invention.

[0037] To fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, detailed structures 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.

[0038] This invention provides a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance according to this invention can be a rice cooker, electric pressure cooker, or other cooking appliances, and in addition to the function of cooking rice, it can also have various functions such as cooking porridge, making soup, and stir-frying. Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention may include a pot body 40 and a lid 10. The pot body 40 may be generally constructed in the shape of a rounded cuboid, and an inner pot 41 is disposed inside it. The inner pot 41 may be constructed to be removably disposed in the pot body 40. For example, in one embodiment, a cylindrical inner pot storage part may be provided in the pot body 40, and the inner pot 41 can be freely placed into or removed from the inner pot storage part. The removable configuration allows the user to easily remove the inner pot 41 for cleaning. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner pot 41 may also be fixedly disposed in the pot body 40 in a non-removable manner. The pot body 40 is usually also provided with a heating device for heating the inner pot 41.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the lid 10 is mounted on the pot body 40 in an openable and closable manner. Therefore, the lid 10 typically has a shape that conforms to the shape of the pot body 40, allowing for easy closing of the pot body 40. When the lid 10 is opened relative to the pot body 40, the opening of the inner pot 41 in the pot body 40 is exposed, allowing the user to add ingredients to the inner pot 41 or remove cooked food from the inner pot 41. When the lid 10 is closed on the pot body 40, it covers the inner pot 41, forming a cooking space between them. A sealing element is also provided between the lid 10 and the inner pot 41 to maintain a good seal in the cooking space.

[0041] The cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention is further provided with a steam generating device. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a steam generator 20 is disposed in the cover 10, which is used to generate steam to assist in cooking. Accordingly, as Figure 4 As shown, a first steam channel 11 is provided on the lid 10. When the lid 10 is closed over the cooker body 40, the steam generator 20 can communicate with the cooking space through the first steam channel 11 to introduce steam into the cooking space to assist in cooking. Taking a rice cooker as an example, the specific operation of assisting cooking can be as follows: during the rice cooking process, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 is introduced into the cooking space to heat the rice from above, ensuring even heating and improving heating efficiency; or, after the rice is cooked, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 is introduced into the cooking space to keep the rice warm and fresh, maintaining its good texture.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the steam generating device 20 includes two parts: a steam generating component 21 and a steam sealing component 22.

[0043] The steam generating assembly 21 is provided with a steam generating chamber 23 for holding water to be heated to generate steam. Preferably, the steam generating chamber 23 can be positioned to form a recessed receiving portion (not shown), and a water container is disposed within the receiving portion. The receiving space of the water container constitutes the steam generating chamber 23. This allows for convenient placement of the steam generating chamber 23. Furthermore, the water container can be configured to be manually detachable within the receiving portion. The user can easily remove the water container for cleaning or replacement. Of course, the steam generating chamber 23 can also be configured in other forms, such as a recessed portion integrally formed with the cover 10.

[0044] Furthermore, the steam generating assembly 21 also includes a heating device for heating the water within the steam generating chamber 23 to generate steam. Therefore, the heating device is preferably located below or to the side of the steam generating chamber 23. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating device 24 is configured to include a heating plate 241 and an electric heating element 242. The heating plate 241 includes a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the edge of the bottom wall. Thus, the bottom wall and side walls form a space for accommodating a water container and surround the water container from below and to the sides. The electric heating element 242 is disposed within the heating plate 241. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric heating element 242 is disposed within the side wall of the heating plate 241. However, the electric heating element 242 may also be disposed within the bottom wall of the heating plate 241, or both within the side wall and the bottom wall. Of course, the heating device may also be configured in other forms, such as an electromagnetic heating device.

[0045] The steam sealing assembly 22 is connected to the cover 10 and can be opened and closed relative to the steam generating chamber 23. Figure 3 and Figure 4The steam sealing assembly 22 is shown in the closed state, in which the steam sealing assembly 22 covers the steam generating chamber 23. Figure 2 The diagram shows the steam sealing assembly 22 in the open state. Users can open the steam sealing assembly 22 to observe the water level and cleanliness (whether there is scale, etc.) in the steam generating chamber 23, and then decide whether to perform operations such as adding water or cleaning the steam generating chamber 23.

[0046] In one embodiment, the steam sealing assembly 22 may be configured as a steam cover 25, and the steam cover 25 has a sealing element 26 at a position corresponding to the steam generating chamber 23 on its side facing the steam generating chamber 23. When the steam sealing assembly 22 is in the closed state, the sealing element 26 is sandwiched between the edge of the steam cover 25 and the edge of the steam generating chamber 23, thereby sealing and preventing steam leakage.

[0047] To guide the steam generated in the steam generating chamber 23 into the cooking space while it is sealed by the sealant 26, a second steam channel 251 is provided on the steam cover 25. The second steam channel 251 has a second steam inlet 252 and a second steam outlet 253. It is understood that the second steam inlet 252 is located within the sealing area of ​​the sealant 26, and the second steam outlet 253 is located outside the sealing area of ​​the sealant 26. When the steam sealing assembly 22 is in the closed state, the second steam outlet 253 is connected to the first steam inlet 111 of the first steam channel 11. Figure 4 As shown, the steam generated in the steam generating chamber 23 can flow into the second steam channel 251 through the second steam inlet 252, continue to flow, and enter the first steam channel 11 through the docked second steam outlet 253 and the first steam inlet 111. Finally, it flows out of the first steam outlet 112 of the first steam channel 11 and into the cooking space below the cover 10.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, a connecting post 12 is provided on the cover 10 at a position corresponding to the second steam outlet 253. The first steam passage 11 extends through the connecting post 12 along its axial direction, and forms a first steam inlet 111 at the top of the connecting post 12. The connecting post 12 facilitates the connection between the second steam outlet 253 and the first steam inlet 111.

[0049] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a steam valve 30 is also provided on the lid 10. A through-type third steam channel 31 is provided within the steam valve 30. When the lid 10 closes the pot body 40, the cooking space can be connected to the outside world, such as to the outside atmosphere, through the third steam channel 31 of the steam valve 30. The third steam channel 31 can be constructed in a labyrinthine shape. The steam valve 30 maintains a slight pressure in the cooking space relative to the outside environment and also serves to prevent overflow.

[0050] Preferably, the steam valve 30 can be located close to the steam generator 20. For example, in Figure 2 As shown, the steam valve 30 is positioned adjacent to the steam generating chamber 23. When the steam sealing assembly 22 is in the closed state, it at least partially covers the steam valve 30. Thus, the steam sealing assembly 22 covers not only the steam generating chamber 23 but also at least partially the cavity of the cover 10 for housing the steam valve 30. This allows the cover 10 to have a smooth upper surface, making it easy to clean. More preferably, a steam outlet 254 is provided on the steam cover plate 25. The third steam passage 31 of the steam valve 30 communicates with the outside through the steam outlet 254. By positioning the steam valve 30 close to the steam generating device 20, the cover 10 can be structurally compact. Furthermore, by placing the steam outlet 254 on the steam cover plate 25, the smaller size of the steam cover plate 25 allows for easier manufacturing, eliminating the hassle of placing the steam outlet 254 on the larger cover 10.

[0051] Since the second steam channel 251 and steam outlet 254 are integrated on the steam cover 25, to ensure that it has sufficient size, the side length of the steam cover 25 can be set to be greater than or equal to 100 mm and less than or equal to 400 mm. In different embodiments, the side length of the steam cover 25 can be set to 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm or 350 mm, etc.

[0052] Typically, the lid 10 is connected to the pot body 40 via a pivot and pivots about the pivot to open and close relative to the pot body 40. Figure 2 As shown, a pivot axis (not shown) defines the pivot axis AX1 of the cover 10. Generally, the cooking appliance 1 is placed and used with the side where the pivot axis is located facing away from the user. Therefore, the side of the cooking appliance 1 with the pivot axis (that is, the side facing away from the user when in use) is defined as the rear side, and the opposite side (that is, the side facing the user when in use) is defined as the front side.

[0053] After the steam generator 20 and steam valve 30 are installed on the cover 10, it becomes quite heavy. This places an additional burden on opening and closing the cover 10. Therefore, it is preferable to place the steam generator 20 and steam valve 30 and other components in the rear half of the cover 10, as close as possible to the pivot axis AX1 of the cover 10. This allows the center of gravity of the cover 10 to be close to the pivot axis AX1, thereby facilitating its pivotal opening and closing.

[0054] Preferably, on the cover 10, along the front-rear direction D1 perpendicular to the pivot axis AX1, the position of the steam generator 20 on the cover 10 can be set such that the maximum distance from the pivot axis AX1 is less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the maximum dimension of the cover 10 itself along the front-rear direction D1, so as to make it as close as possible to the pivot axis AX1.

[0055] Placing the steam generator 20 on the cover 10 will inevitably increase the size of the cover 10. To avoid excessively increasing the size of the cover 10 and failing to achieve the effect of reducing volume, preferably, the cover 10 is sized along the thickness direction D2 ( Figure 3 The dimensions of the cover 10 can be set to 40-100mm. For example, in different embodiments, the thickness of the cover 10 can be set to 45mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 75mm, 80mm or 90mm, etc. More preferably, the dimensions can be set to 50-70mm.

[0056] Accordingly, considering the size limitations of the cover 10, the volume of the steam generating device 20 itself should not be too large. The steam generating chamber 23 occupies the largest volume within the steam generating device 20. Preferably, the volume of the steam generating chamber 23 can be set to 50-300 mL. For example, in different embodiments, the volume of the steam generating chamber 23 can be set to 60 mL, 80 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL, or 250 mL, etc. More preferably, the volume of the steam generating chamber 23 can be set to 70-120 mL. Thus, the volume of the steam generating chamber 23 can adapt to the size limitations of the cover 10, avoiding an excessively large cover 10.

[0057] The cooking appliance according to the present invention has been described above. According to the present invention, the steam generating device can generate steam to assist cooking. By placing the steam generating device on the lid, the volume of the pot body can be reduced, thereby reducing the overall size of the cooking appliance, making it compact and easy to transport and place.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Terms such as “set” appearing herein can refer to either a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0059] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of the present invention, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance (1), characterized in that, The cooking utensil (1) comprises: a pot body (40) in which an inner pot (41) is arranged; a cover body (10) which is arranged on the pot body (40) in an openable and closable manner, and when the cover body (10) is closed on the pot body (40), a cooking space is formed between the cover body (10) and the inner pot (41), and the cover body (10) is provided with a first steam passage (11) which communicates with the cooking space; and a steam generating device (20) for generating steam for assisting cooking, which is arranged in the cover body (10) and can communicate with the cooking space through the first steam passage (11) to introduce the steam into the cooking space; wherein the steam generating device (20) comprises a steam generating assembly (21) and a steam sealing assembly (22), the steam generating assembly (21) is provided with a steam generating cavity (23), and the steam sealing assembly (22) is connected to the cover body and can be opened and closed relative to the steam generating cavity (23); the steam sealing assembly (22) comprises a steam cover plate (25), the steam cover plate (25) is provided with a sealing element (26) at a position corresponding to the steam generating cavity (23) on a side facing the steam generating cavity (23), the steam cover plate (25) is provided with a second steam passage (251), the second steam passage (251) has a second steam inlet (252) and a second steam outlet (253), the second steam inlet (252) is located in a sealing area of the sealing element (26), and the second steam outlet (253) is located outside the sealing area of the sealing element (26); when the steam cover plate (25) is closed, the steam cover plate (25) and the steam generating cavity (23) are in edge sealing connection, and the second steam passage (251) respectively communicates with the steam generating cavity (23) and the first steam passage (11).

2. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generating cavity (23) is used for containing water to be heated to generate steam.

3. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steam sealing assembly (22) comprises a steam cover plate (25) and a sealing element (26) arranged on the steam cover plate, and when the steam cover plate (25) is closed, the sealing element (26) seals the steam generating cavity (23).

4. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steam generating assembly (21) comprises a water container which forms the steam generating cavity (23).

5. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water container is manually detachable.

6. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steam generating assembly (21) comprises a heating device (24) arranged at a lower part or a side of the steam generating cavity (23).

7. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating device (24) comprises: a heating disc (241) having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upward from an edge of the bottom wall; and an electric heating tube (242) arranged in the bottom wall and / or the side wall.

8. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heating device (24) is an electromagnetic heating device.

9. The cooking appliance (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The volume of the steam generating cavity (23) is 20-300 mL.

10. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The volume of the steam generating cavity (23) is 70-120 mL.

11. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A steam valve (30) is further arranged in the cover (10), and a third steam passage (31) is arranged in the steam valve (30), so that the cooking space can communicate with the outside through the third steam passage (31).

12. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The steam sealing assembly (22) is arranged at least partially above the steam valve (30), and a steam outlet (254) is arranged on the steam sealing assembly (22) and communicates with the third steam passage (31).

13. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (10) is pivotably opened and closed relative to the pot body (40) about a horizontal pivot axis (AX1), and on the cover (10), the maximum distance between the steam generating device (20) and the pivot axis (AX1) along the front-rear direction (D1) perpendicular to the pivot axis (AX1) is less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the maximum size of the cover (10) along the front-rear direction (D1).

14. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the cover (10) along the thickness direction (D2) is 40-100 mm.

15. The cooking appliance (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The size of the cover (10) along the thickness direction (D2) is 50-70 mm.

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