cooking utensils

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooking utensil, which includes a pot body, an inner pot, and a lid body. The lid body is placed on the upper side of the pot body and can cover the pot body in the closed state. When the lid body is closed on the pot body, the lid body covers the inner pot and a cooking space is formed between the lid body and the inner pot. The lid body is provided with a steam generating device, which includes a steam generating assembly forming a steam generating chamber, and a steam cover plate connected to the lid body that can open and close the steam generating chamber. The lid body is also provided with a locking device to lock the steam cover plate in a closed position when the lid body is in a non-covered position. The cooking utensil according to the present invention can lock the steam cover plate in a closed position when the lid body is opened, thereby preventing liquid in the steam generating chamber from flowing out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electric heating appliances, and more particularly to a cooking appliance. Background Art

[0002] Cooking utensils typically incorporate a steam cup within the pot body to generate steam for steam recovery or moisture retention. To effectively reduce the size of the cooking appliance, the applicant has designed a novel cooking appliance in which the steam cup is incorporated into the lid. Because the lid needs to be frequently opened and closed, the steam cup lid can be accidentally opened when the lid is opened, potentially causing the water in the steam cup to spill out, posing a risk.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cooking appliance to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To at least partially solve the above technical problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cooking utensil is provided, comprising:

[0005] A pot body, wherein a cooking cavity is provided in the pot body;

[0006] an inner pot, the inner pot being detachably mounted in the cooking cavity;

[0007] a cover body, the cover body being placed on the upper side of the pot body and being capable of covering the pot body in a closed state, wherein when the cover body is closed on the pot body, the cover body covers the inner pot and a cooking space is formed between the cover body and the inner pot;

[0008] The cover body is provided with a steam generating device, which includes a steam generating assembly forming a steam generating cavity, and a steam cover plate connected to the cover body and capable of opening and closing the steam generating cavity.

[0009] The cover body is also provided with a locking device to lock the steam cover plate in a closed position when the cover body is in a non-covering position.

[0010] The cooking appliance according to the present invention is provided with a locking device configured to lock the steam cover in the closed position when the lid is in the uncovered position. This solution ensures that the steam cover is in the closed position when the lid is opened, thereby preventing liquid from flowing out of the steam generating chamber. This solution is ingeniously designed and easy to implement.

[0011] Preferably, the locking device is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to the opening and closing of the lid, and the locking device is configured to lock the steam cover in the closed position when in the locked position. This solution allows the locking device to lock and unlock the steam cover as the lid is opened and closed, thereby facilitating use by the user.

[0012] Preferably, the locking device moves between the locked position and the unlocked position by relying on its gravity. This solution is easier to implement by allowing the locking device to move between the locked position and the unlocked position by relying on its gravity, and is easy to manufacture and design, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0013] Preferably, the cover body is provided with a support slope on which the locking device is slidably mounted, the support slope being inclined downwardly away from the steam cover. This solution facilitates the sliding of the locking device between the locked and unlocked positions and is easy to manufacture and design.

[0014] Preferably, the locking device includes a sliding component, which is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the supporting inclined surface so as to be slidable on the supporting inclined surface. This solution can facilitate the sliding of the locking device between the locked position and the unlocked position and is easy to process and design.

[0015] Preferably, the sliding component has a receiving space, and the locking device further includes a rolling body, which is rollably arranged in the receiving space and has a movement stroke along the sliding direction of the sliding component. This solution can further facilitate the sliding of the sliding component by arranging the rolling body in the sliding component.

[0016] Preferably, one of the sliding component and the steam cover is provided with a buckle, and the other is provided with a slot that cooperates with the buckle. This solution can facilitate the locking device to lock the steam cover, and the solution is easy to process and design.

[0017] Preferably, the cooking appliance further comprises a limiting device, which is arranged on both sides of the sliding component. This solution can prevent the sliding component from deviating during the sliding process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the locking operation of the locking device.

[0018] Preferably, the limiting device is constructed as two limiting plates arranged on the supporting inclined surface. This solution is easier to implement and is easy to process and design, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0019] Preferably, flexible parts are provided at both ends of the accommodating space corresponding to the movement stroke of the rolling body. This solution can prevent the rolling body from generating noise due to contact with the sliding component.

[0020] Preferably, the cover is further provided with a steam channel, the steam channel connecting the steam generating device and the cooking space. This solution can facilitate the steam generated by the steam generating device to flow into the cooking space through the steam channel, thereby preventing the rice from drying out.

[0021] Preferably, the steam generating assembly comprises a heating device arranged around the steam generating chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the heating device comprises a bottom heating plate and a side wall heating plate extending upward from the bottom heating plate.

[0023] Preferably, the heating device is an electromagnetic heating device.

[0024] The above solution is easier to implement and easier to process and design, thereby improving processing efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to make the advantages of the present invention more readily understood, the invention briefly described above will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, and the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of a cover of a cooking utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cover of a cooking utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking device is in a locked state; and

[0029] Figure 4 FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of a cover of a cooking utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking device is in an unlocked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following discussion, details are provided to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In certain examples, some technical features known in the art are not described in detail to avoid confusion with the present invention. It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0031] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The cooking appliance according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. It is understood that the cooking appliance according to the present invention may be an electric rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker or other cooking appliance, and the cooking appliance according to the present invention may have various functions such as cooking porridge in addition to the function of cooking rice.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, cooking appliance 200 includes a lid assembly 100 (described in detail below) and a pot body 210. Pot body 210 is generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners and has a cylindrical inner cooking cavity. Inner pot 220 can be freely inserted into and removed from the inner cooking cavity, facilitating cleaning. Inner pot 220 is typically made of metal and has a circular opening on its upper surface for holding ingredients to be heated, such as rice or soup. Pot body 210 may include a heating device for heating inner pot 220.

[0033] The cover assembly 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover assembly 100 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners and substantially corresponds to the shape of the pot body 210. The cover assembly 100 can be disposed on the upper side of the pot body 210 and is used to cover the pot body 210 when closed. The cover assembly 100 can be in a closed position and an open position relative to the pot body 210. Preferably, the cover assembly 100 can be pivotally switched between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the cover assembly 100 can be connected to the pot body 210 via a pivot mechanism.

[0035] Furthermore, the lid assembly 100 includes a lid body 110, which includes a top cover 112 and a removable cover 113. The removable cover 113 is generally located below the top cover 112 and is detachably connected to the top cover 112. The removable cover 113 is generally circular and is used to cover the upper surface opening of the inner pot 220 when the lid assembly 100 is covered with the pot body 210 to form a cooking space.

[0036] like Figure 2-Figure 4As shown, the cover assembly 100 also includes a steam generating device 120 and a steam passage (not shown) disposed within the cover 110. The steam generating device 120 includes a steam generating assembly defining a steam generating chamber 121 and a steam cover 122. The steam generating chamber 121 is capable of storing water for generating steam. The steam cover 122 can be positioned in a closed position and an open position relative to the steam generating chamber 121. Preferably, the steam cover 122 can pivot between the closed and open positions. Preferably, the steam cover 122 is connected to the cover 110, with the upper surface of the steam cover 122 forming a portion of the upper surface of the face cover 112. This preferred solution can make the cover 110 more compact while making it easier for the user to open the steam cover 122 for operations such as adding water or cleaning. Preferably, a seal 129 is also provided on the steam cover 122 to seal the steam generating chamber 121 when the steam cover 122 is in the closed position.

[0037] The steam generating assembly also includes a heating device 125 disposed around the steam generating chamber 121 for heating the water contained in the steam generating chamber 121 to generate steam when necessary (e.g., during cooking or keeping warm). In one embodiment, the heating device 125 includes a bottom heating plate 126 and side heating plates 127 extending upward from the bottom heating plate 126. Electric heating pipes 128 are disposed in the bottom heating plate 126 and the side heating plates 127. In other embodiments, the heating device may also be an electromagnetic heating device.

[0038] The steam generating device 120 communicates with the cooking space via a steam channel. The steam channel includes a steam inlet and a steam outlet. The steam inlet can be located on the steam cover 122, while the steam outlet is typically located on the removable lid 113. Steam generated in the steam generating chamber 121 enters the steam channel through the steam inlet and is then transported to the inner pot 220 via the steam channel and steam outlet. This prevents the rice in the inner pot 220 from drying out and affecting its texture.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cover assembly 100 further includes a locking device 140, which is provided on the cover 110 and is used to lock the steam cover 122 of the steam generating device 120 when the cover 110 is in the uncovered position to prevent it from accidentally opening and causing water to flow out. Furthermore, the locking device 140 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to the opening and closing of the cover 110. Preferably, the locking device 140 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position by relying on its gravity. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, when the cover 110 is opened, the locking device 140 moves to the locked position under the action of its gravity, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown, when the cover 110 is closed, the locking device 140 moves to the unlocked position under the action of its gravity. When the locking device 140 is in the locked position, it can lock the steam cover 122 in the closed position, and when the locking device 140 is in the unlocked position, the locked state of the steam cover 122 can be released.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device 140 is provided with a buckle 145, and a corresponding position of the steam cover 122 is provided with a slot 123 that cooperates with the buckle 145. When the locking device 140 is in the locked position, the buckle 145 can be inserted into the slot 123, thereby locking the steam cover 122. When the locking device 140 is in the unlocked position, the buckle 145 can be withdrawn from the slot 123, thereby releasing the locked state of the steam cover 122. Of course, the positions of the buckle 145 and the slot 123 can also be interchanged, that is, the buckle 145 can be provided on the steam cover 122 and the slot 123 can be provided on the locking device 140. It is understood that those skilled in the art can also select other suitable locking structures besides the above-mentioned buckle 145 and slot 123 as needed.

[0041] Preferably, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a support base 115 is provided in the cover body 110 , and a support inclined surface 111 is provided on the support base 115 , and the locking device 140 is slidably provided on the support inclined surface 111 .

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the locking device 140 includes a sliding component 141, which is placed on the supporting slope 111 and is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the supporting slope 111, so that the sliding component 141 can slide on the supporting slope 111. The above-mentioned buckle 145 is provided at the end of the sliding component 141 close to the steam cover 122, and the buckle 145 also extends obliquely toward the direction where the card slot 123 is located. Correspondingly, the card slot 123 provided on the steam cover 122 also has an angle inclined toward the direction of the buckle 145. In one example, the supporting slope 111 is inclined downward in a direction away from the steam cover 122. This solution can make it possible for the cover body 110 to be closed when the cover body 110 is closed (such as Figure 4 As shown), the sliding member 141 can rely on its own gravity to be at the lower end of the support slope 111, that is, the buckle 145 is away from the slot 123 of the steam cover 122. In one example, as Figure 4 As shown, the angle A between the supporting slope 111 and the horizontal plane is greater than 0°. Preferably, the angle A is between 10° and 30°. For example, in one example, the angle A can be 10°, 20° or 30°, etc., and technicians in this field can set it according to actual needs.

[0043] To further facilitate the sliding of the sliding member 141, in a preferred embodiment, the locking device 140 further includes a rolling element 142, which is rollably disposed within or adjacent to the sliding member 141. In one specific embodiment, the sliding member 141 defines a receiving space, and the rolling element 142 is disposed within the receiving space. In one example, the sliding member 141 can be configured as a frame having a receiving space. Preferably, the receiving space is sized such that the rolling element 142 can roll within the receiving space along the sliding direction of the sliding member 141. In one example, the rolling element 142 can roll within the receiving space in response to the opening and closing of the cover 110, thereby promoting the sliding of the sliding member 141. In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling element 142 is spherical in shape. However, in other embodiments not shown, the rolling element 142 can also be configured as other shapes, such as cylindrical or ellipsoidal.

[0044] In actual operation, when the cover 110 is opened, Figure 3 As shown, the cover body 110 rotates upward. When the angle of rotation of the cover body 110 is greater than the above-mentioned angle A, the rolling body 142 begins to roll in the accommodating space toward the direction of the card slot 123, and further pushes the sliding part 141 to slide when rolling to the end of the accommodating space until it reaches the locked position, so that the buckle 145 is inserted into the card slot 123 of the steam cover 122, thereby locking the steam cover 122 to prevent the steam cover 122 from being opened due to misoperation.

[0045] When the cover 110 is closed, the cover 110 rotates downward. When the angle of rotation of the cover 110 causes the support inclined surface 111 to begin to tilt downward relative to the horizontal plane in a direction away from the slot 123, the rolling body 142 begins to roll in the receiving space in a direction away from the slot 123. When rolling to the end of the receiving space, it further pushes the sliding member 141 to slide until it reaches the unlocked position, causing the buckle 145 to exit the slot 123 of the steam cover 122, thereby unlocking the steam cover 122. At this time, the user can open the steam cover 122 normally to clean the steam generating chamber 121 or add water.

[0046] The cooking appliance 200 of the present invention is provided with a locking device 140 configured to lock the steam cover 122 in the closed position when in the locked position. This solution ensures that the steam cover 122 is in the closed position when the lid 110 is opened, thereby preventing the liquid in the steam generating chamber 121 from flowing out. This solution is ingeniously designed and easy to implement.

[0047] Preferably, the cooking appliance 200 further includes a limiting device (not shown) for limiting the lateral direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to, for example, the direction of the sliding member 141) of the sliding member 141 during its sliding process. Figure 3 The locking mechanism 140 is configured to prevent the sliding member 141 from deviating during the sliding process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the locking operation of the locking device 140. In one example, the limiting device can be configured as two limiting plates, which can be respectively arranged on either side of the sliding member 141. This solution is easier to implement and is easy to manufacture and design, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0048] Preferably, in order to prevent the rolling body 142 from generating noise due to contact with the sliding member 141, flexible members are provided at both ends of the accommodating space of the sliding member 141 corresponding to the movement stroke of the rolling body 142. The flexible members can be made of flexible materials such as sponge.

[0049] 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 field of the invention. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific implementations only and are not intended to limit the invention. Terms such as "component" and the like appearing herein may refer to either a single part or a combination of multiple parts. Terms such as "installation" and "setting" appearing herein may refer to either a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component through an intermediate. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable in the other embodiment or otherwise stated.

[0050] 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 (200), characterized in that: The cooking appliance (200) comprises: A pot body (210), wherein a cooking cavity is provided in the pot body; an inner pot (220) detachably seated in the cooking cavity; a cover (110), the cover being placed on the upper side of the pot body (210) and being capable of covering the pot body (210) in a closed state; when the cover (110) is covered on the pot body (210), the cover (110) covers the inner pot (220) and a cooking space is formed between the cover (110) and the inner pot (220); Wherein, a steam generating device (120) is provided on the cover (110), and the steam generating device comprises: A steam generating assembly is formed with a steam generating chamber (121), a heating device (125) for heating water contained in the steam generating chamber (121), and a steam cover plate (122) connected to the cover body (110) and capable of opening and closing the steam generating chamber (121), The cover (110) is further provided with: a locking device (140) for locking the steam cover (122) in a closed position when the cover is in a non-covering position, and A steam channel connects the steam generating device (120) and the cooking space.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The locking device (140) is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to the cover body (110) being opened and closed. The locking device (140) is configured to lock the steam cover (122) in the closed position when in the locked position.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 2, wherein: The locking device (140) moves between the locked position and the unlocked position by relying on its gravity.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein: A supporting slope (111) is provided in the cover body (110), and the locking device (140) is slidably provided on the supporting slope (111), and the supporting slope (111) is inclined downward in a direction away from the steam cover plate (122).

5. The cooking appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that The locking device (140) comprises a sliding component (141), and the sliding component (141) is provided with an inclined surface (143) that matches the supporting inclined surface (111) so as to be slidable on the supporting inclined surface (111).

6. The cooking appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that The sliding component (141) has an accommodating space (144), and the locking device (140) further includes a rolling body (142). The rolling body (142) is rollably arranged in the accommodating space (144) and has a movement stroke along the sliding direction of the sliding component (141).

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 5, wherein: One of the sliding component (141) and the steam cover plate (122) is provided with a buckle (145), and the other is provided with a slot (123) that cooperates with the buckle (145).

8. The cooking appliance according to claim 5, wherein: The cooking appliance further comprises a limiting device, which is arranged on both sides of the sliding component (141).

9. The cooking appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that The limiting device is constructed as two limiting plates arranged on the supporting inclined surface (111).

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein Flexible parts are provided at both ends of the accommodating space (144) corresponding to the movement stroke of the rolling body (142).

11. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The steam generating assembly comprises the heating device (125) arranged around the steam generating chamber (121).

12. The cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein The heating device (125) comprises a bottom heating plate (126) and a side wall heating plate (127) extending upward from the bottom heating plate (126).

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein The heating device is an electromagnetic heating device.

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