Cooking utensil and cooking method using the same

Abstract

The present application discloses a cooking utensil and a cooking method for the cooking utensil. The cooking utensil includes a pot body, a pot lid, a material washing bin assembly, and a sewage discharge assembly. The pot lid is connected to the pot body and forms a cooking cavity between the pot body and the pot body. The material washing bin assembly includes a material washing bin body and a sealing portion movably arranged in the material washing bin body. The material washing bin body has a material inlet and a sewage discharge port. The sewage discharge assembly includes a sewage discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the sewage discharge port. The sealing portion is movable between at least a connecting position and a sealed position. When the sealing portion is in the connecting position, the sewage discharge port is connected to the cooking cavity. When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the sewage discharge port is not connected to the cooking cavity. This solution allows the sewage discharge pipe to be used as a steam discharge pipe, achieving dual-purposes, simplicity, convenience, and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a cooking utensil and a cooking method using the cooking utensil. Background Art

[0002] Existing cooking appliances, such as automatic rice cookers, are typically equipped with a separate material washing bin. This allows for cleaning of ingredients to facilitate user convenience. However, the inclusion of this structure complicates and inconveniences the steam valve design of existing cooking appliances, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a cooking appliance and a cooking method for the cooking appliance to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] 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.

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

[0006] pot body;

[0007] a pot cover, the pot cover being connected to the pot body and forming a cooking cavity between the pot cover and the pot body;

[0008] A material washing bin assembly, the material washing bin assembly comprising a material washing bin body having a material washing cavity and a sealing portion movably arranged in the material washing bin body, the material washing bin body having a material inlet and a sewage outlet; and

[0009] A sewage discharge component, wherein the sewage discharge component includes a sewage discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the sewage discharge port.

[0010] Wherein, the sealing portion is movable at least between a connecting position and a sealed position. When the sealing portion is in the connecting position, the drain port is connected to the cooking cavity to discharge the steam in the cooking cavity. When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the drain port is not connected to the cooking cavity.

[0011] This solution facilitates the discharge of wastewater generated by washing by providing a sewage pipe. Furthermore, the cooking appliance according to the above solution can use the sewage pipe as a steam exhaust pipe, which is simple, convenient, and easy to assemble. Furthermore, the above solution eliminates the need for a separate exhaust valve, which reduces costs and improves the appearance.

[0012] Optionally, the other end of the sewage pipe is connected to the outside, or the sewage discharge assembly includes a sewage collection box, and the other end of the sewage pipe is connected to the sewage collection box. This solution can facilitate the discharge of wastewater into the sewage collection box or the discharge of steam to the outside.

[0013] Optionally, the washing bin body further comprises a discharge port, and the washing bin assembly further comprises a washing bin cover, wherein the washing bin cover is movable between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for covering the discharge port. This solution can facilitate automatic unloading.

[0014] Optionally, the sealing portion is connected to the washing bin cover and is movable synchronously with the washing bin cover. This solution can facilitate the washing bin cover to seal the discharge port and prevent the rice water in the washing cavity from leaking.

[0015] Optionally, when the sealing portion is in the communicating position, the washing bin cover is in the closed position and the sealing portion is above at least a portion of the drain outlet in the washing bin body, or the washing bin cover is in the open position and the sealing portion is below the drain outlet.

[0016] When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the material washing bin cover is in the closed position and the sealing portion is located below the sewage outlet in the material washing bin body.

[0017] This solution is convenient for assembly and manufacturing.

[0018] Optionally, the washing bin assembly includes a side wall portion, which is disposed on the pot cover and forms the washing bin body. The side wall portion encloses a washing cavity having the discharge port, and the drain port is disposed on the side wall portion. This solution can facilitate the manufacture of the washing bin assembly and facilitate the washing and draining operations.

[0019] Optionally, the material washing bin assembly further includes a stirring assembly, wherein the stirring assembly includes a stirring member, wherein the stirring member is connected to the material washing bin cover and is rotatable relative to the material washing bin cover. This solution can realize automatic cleaning of materials and can clean the materials more cleanly.

[0020] Optionally, the material washing bin assembly further includes a top cover, which can be covered on the side wall portion, and the material inlet is arranged on the top cover.

[0021] This solution can avoid material splashing during the washing process and can facilitate material feeding. In addition, this solution is easy to assemble and manufacture.

[0022] Optionally, the pot cover includes a pot cover body and a detachable cover detachably connected to the pot cover body, and part or all of the sewage pipe is arranged on the detachable cover.

[0023] According to this solution, part or all of the sewage pipe is provided on the removable cover, which is detachably connected to the pot lid body. Therefore, when the user wishes to clean the sewage pipe, they only need to remove the removable cover, thereby facilitating user use. Furthermore, this solution is easy to assemble and low in cost.

[0024] Optionally, the sewage pipe is detachably connected to the detachable cover. This solution allows the sewage pipe to be detached from the detachable cover, thereby further facilitating cleaning of the sewage pipe.

[0025] Optionally, the sewage pipe includes a supporting part and a covering part, the covering part is connected to the pot cover body, the supporting part is connected to the removable cover, the position of the supporting part corresponds to the position of the covering part, and the covering part can be connected to the supporting part to form the sewage pipe.

[0026] According to the above solution, when it is desired to clean the sewage pipe, one only needs to remove the removable cover from the pot cover body to clean the upper and lower parts of the sewage pipe, which makes cleaning the sewage pipe more convenient and thorough. In addition, this solution is easy to manufacture and assemble and has low cost.

[0027] Optionally, the sewage pipe further comprises a sealing member, which is arranged between the supporting portion and the covering portion. This solution can prevent sewage from leaking from the sewage pipe into the interior of the pot cover.

[0028] Optionally, the sealing member is detachably connected to the covering portion, which makes it easier to clean the sealing member.

[0029] Optionally, the removable cover has an inner ring portion, which is sleeved on the side wall portion, and a sealing structure is provided between the inner ring portion and the side wall portion, and the inner ring portion is located below the drain outlet. This solution can prevent wastewater generated by washing materials from flowing into the inner pot.

[0030] Optionally, the sewage pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe communicating with the first pipe, the first pipe being arranged in an annular shape around the sidewall portion, and the second pipe extending from the first pipe in a radial direction of the pot lid to the outer circumference of the pot lid. This solution can improve drainage efficiency, is easy to manufacture and assemble, and has low cost.

[0031] Optionally, the washing bin body includes a plurality of drain outlets provided on the side wall portion, the plurality of drain outlets being spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the side wall portion. This solution can speed up drainage and improve drainage efficiency, and is easy to manufacture, convenient to assemble, and low in cost.

[0032] Optionally, the washing bin body includes a drain port provided on the side wall, and the drain pipe extends from the drain port in the pot cover along the radial direction of the pot cover to the outer circumference of the pot cover. This solution is easier to manufacture and has lower costs.

[0033] Optionally, when the washing bin cover is in the closed position, the outer periphery of the sealing portion abuts against the inner periphery of the side wall portion. This solution can increase the sealing area, expand the sealing range, and achieve a more stable seal.

[0034] Optionally, the stirring assembly includes:

[0035] a rotating shaft connected to the stirring member and capable of moving synchronously with the stirring member;

[0036] a connecting shaft, the rotating shaft is connected to the connecting shaft, the rotating shaft is capable of rotating synchronously with the connecting shaft, and the rotating shaft is linearly movable relative to the connecting shaft,

[0037] The cooking appliance further comprises a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly comprises a transmission shaft, the transmission shaft is engageable with the connecting shaft and can drive the connecting shaft to rotate, and the transmission shaft is engageable with the rotating shaft and can drive the rotating shaft to move linearly.

[0038] This solution facilitates the rotation and linear movement of the stirring element, has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

[0039] Optionally, the top cover is provided with a downwardly extending recess, the connecting shaft is disposed in the recess, the connecting shaft is a hollow structure, a first through-hole is provided at the bottom of the recess, the rotating shaft extends through the first through-hole into the recess and engages with the connecting shaft. This solution is easy to manufacture, convenient to assemble, and has low cost.

[0040] Optionally, the rotating shaft has a first end and a second end, the first end and the connecting shaft are each provided with a cooperating tooth structure, the second end has a non-circular cross-section, and the stirring member is provided with a connecting port having a shape that mates with the second end. This solution can achieve synchronous rotation of the rotating shaft, the connecting shaft, and the stirring member, is easy to manufacture and assemble, and is low in cost.

[0041] Optionally, the washing bin assembly further comprises an elastic member, wherein the first end of the rotating shaft comprises a flange portion extending radially outward from the rotating shaft, and the elastic member is sleeved onto the rotating shaft. This solution enables automatic reset of the rotating shaft and the agitator connected thereto. This solution is easy to manufacture, convenient to assemble, and relatively low in cost.

[0042] Optionally, the stirring member is provided with a conical guide surface. This solution can facilitate the material to fall along the conical guide surface, thereby reducing residual rice.

[0043] Optionally, the upper surface of the stirring member is provided with flow-turbulating ribs and / or flow-turbulating columns. This solution can cause the material and water in the washing chamber to achieve flow turbulence during the rotation process, thereby cleaning the material more cleanly.

[0044] Optionally, the sealing portion is configured as a drain valve, and when the sealing portion is in the communicating position, the drain port is disconnected from the washing chamber. When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the drain port is connected to the washing chamber for draining. This solution allows the sealing portion to simultaneously function as a drain valve, thereby eliminating the need for a separate drain valve and reducing costs.

[0045] Another aspect of the present invention provides a cooking method for the cooking appliance described above, the cooking method comprising:

[0046] The sealing portion is controlled to be in the communication position during at least one stage of the cooking process, so that the steam in the cooking cavity is discharged through the drain port.

[0047] According to this scheme, by arranging a blowdown pipe, the sewage produced by washing materials can be easily discharged. In addition, according to the cooking method of the above scheme, the blowdown pipe can be used as a steam discharge pipe, and steam discharge is convenient, easy to assemble, and has low cost.

[0048] Optionally, the cooking method further comprises:

[0049] The sealing portion is controlled to be in the sealed position during at least one stage of the cooking process, so that the cooking cavity maintains a pressure state.

[0050] This solution can conveniently use the sewage pipe as a steam pipe. When it is intended to maintain pressure in the cooking cavity, the sealing part can be placed in a sealed position.

[0051] Optionally, the cooking method further comprises:

[0052] The position of the sealing portion is adjusted during at least one stage of the cooking process so that the portion of the drain port communicating with the cooking cavity is variable.

[0053] This solution can adjust the size of the drain port communicating with the cooking cavity by adjusting the position of the sealing portion, thereby making the pressure in the cooking cavity adjustable.

[0054] Optionally, the cooking method further comprises:

[0055] The position of the sealing portion is adjusted at a later stage of the cooking process to increase the portion of the drain port that communicates with the cooking cavity.

[0056] This solution can speed up the discharge of steam from the cooking chamber.

[0057] Optionally, the cooking method further comprises:

[0058] Before the cooking process starts and / or after the cooking process ends, controlling the sealing portion to be in the communicating position; and

[0059] The clean water in the cooking cavity is controlled to be heated so that the generated steam flows to the sewage pipe through the sewage outlet.

[0060] This solution can facilitate the cleaning of sewage pipes.

[0061] Optionally, the material washing bin body further comprises a discharge port, and the material washing bin assembly further comprises a material washing bin cover, wherein the material washing bin cover is movable between an open position for opening the discharge port and a closed position for covering the discharge port, wherein the cooking method further comprises:

[0062] During at least one stage of the cooking process, the material washing bin cover is controlled to move to the open position, so that the steam in the cooking cavity is discharged through the material washing bin body.

[0063] This solution can facilitate the discharge of steam from the washing bin body, which is simple and convenient.

[0064] Optionally, the cooking method further includes: controlling the sealing portion to be in the sealed position before the cooking process begins or at least during the cooking process to perform a drainage operation. This solution allows the sealing portion to also serve as a drain valve, thereby omitting a separate drain valve and reducing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The following drawings of the present invention are incorporated herein as part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof is used to explain the principle of the present invention.

[0066] In the attached figure:

[0067] Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a cooking utensil according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in an initial state;

[0069] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in a lowered state;

[0070] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in a finished rice-feeding state;

[0071] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in a washing state;

[0072] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in a draining state;

[0073] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown in , wherein the cooking appliance is in a rice-falling state;

[0074] Figure 8 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG.

[0075] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a pot lid and a washing bin assembly of a cooking appliance is shown;

[0076] Figure 10 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG.

[0077] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a washing bin assembly of a cooking appliance shown in FIG;

[0078] Figure 12 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in ;

[0079] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the feeding mechanism of the cooking appliance and the drive assembly disposed therein;

[0080] Figure 14 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the feed mechanism of the cooking appliance shown in FIG and the drive assembly disposed therein;

[0081] Figure 15 for Figure 1 3D exploded view of the cooking appliance's storage mechanism and the drive assembly and feeding mechanism disposed therein, wherein some components are omitted for simplicity;

[0082] Figure 16-18 Shown respectively Figure 15 A perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and an exploded perspective view of a portion of the drive assembly shown in FIG.

[0083] Figure 19 Shown Figure 15 A perspective view of a portion of the feeding mechanism shown in ;

[0084] Figure 20 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the pot cover and the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG;

[0085] Figure 21 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a pot cover body of the pot cover shown in ;

[0086] Figure 22 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the removable cover of the pot shown in ;

[0087] Figure 23 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a pot lid shown in , wherein a portion of the pot lid is cut away to show its internal structure;

[0088] Figure 24 for Figure 20 A schematic cross-sectional view of the pot cover shown in FIG;

[0089] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a pot cover of a cooking utensil according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 26 for Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of a pot cover and a washing bin assembly of a cooking utensil shown in FIG;

[0091] Figure 27 for Figure 26 Schematic diagram of the assembly of the pot cover and the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in ;

[0092] Figure 28 for Figure 27 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in FIG;

[0093] Figure 29 for Figure 1 An exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of a wash bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG;

[0094] Figure 30 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the cover plate of the washing bin cover of the washing bin assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG;

[0095] Figure 31 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a washing bin cover of a washing bin assembly of a cooking utensil shown in FIG.

[0096] Figure 32 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating shaft of the washing bin assembly of the cooking utensil shown in FIG;

[0097] Figure 33 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a stirring member of a washing bin assembly of a cooking utensil shown in FIG.

[0098] Figure 34 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the stirring member of the washing bin assembly of the cooking utensil shown in FIG. 1 from another angle;

[0099] Figure 35 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the limiting portion of the material washing bin assembly of the cooking utensil shown in FIG;

[0100] Figure 36 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cover plate and a sealing portion of another preferred embodiment of a washing bin assembly of a cooking utensil shown in FIG;

[0101] Figure 37 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a washing bin assembly of another preferred embodiment of a cooking appliance shown in FIG;

[0102] Figures 38-42 They are Figure 1 FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of a stirring member of a washing bin assembly of another preferred embodiment of a cooking appliance shown in FIG2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The present invention provides a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance according to the present invention may be an electric rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, or other cooking appliance. Besides cooking rice, the cooking appliance according to the present invention may also have various functions, such as cooking porridge, making soup, and stir-frying. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0106] It should be noted that directional terms such as "up," "down," "high," "low," "front," and "back" as used herein are based on the position of the cookware when placed on a horizontal tabletop, with the lid in the closed position and the user using the cookware. Specifically, the direction facing the user is defined as "front," and the direction opposite this direction is defined as "back."

[0107] The cooking appliance 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0108] refer to Figure 1 The cooking appliance 1 comprises a body assembly 11 and a pot assembly. The bottom of the body assembly 11 has a base 12, and the pot assembly can be placed on the base 12 and removed from the base 12, so that the pot assembly can be placed at any desired location, such as on a dining table.

[0109] The pot assembly includes a pot body 2, an inner pot 3 disposed within the pot body 2, and a lid 4 that covers the pot body 2. The pot body 2 is detachably mounted on a base 12. The inner pot 3 is removably placed within the pot body 2. The lid 4 is detachably attached to the pot body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 4 is completely removable from the pot body 2, making it easy to clean. When the lid 4 is attached to the pot body 2, a cooking chamber is formed between the lid 4 and the inner pot 3.

[0110] The base 12 is typically provided with a heating device (not shown) and a power supply module for supplying power to the heating device. When the pot body assembly is placed on the base 12, the power supply module can supply power to the heating device, so that the heating device can heat the inner pot 3 in the pot body. In a preferred embodiment, the heating device is electromagnetic heating. For example, the heating device can include a coil disk and a coil wound on the coil disk, so that when power is applied, the heating device can generate heat to heat the inner pot 3. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, the heating device can also be configured as other structures, such as electric heating wire heating. For example, the power supply module can be a plug compatible with an external power source, which can supply power to the heating device when the plug is plugged in. The power supply module can also be configured as a battery housed in the base 12.

[0111] refer to Figure 2 -and Figure 7The body assembly 11 is further provided with a storage mechanism 89 and a feeding mechanism 15. The storage mechanism 89 includes a storage bin 13, in which materials can be stored. The materials can be rice, millet, corn kernels, black beans, red beans, mung beans, and other food materials. The storage bin 13 has a lateral outlet 14, that is, the outlet 14 is provided on the side of the storage bin 13 to facilitate the flow of materials in the storage bin 13 through the outlet 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 14 is provided at the lower portion of the storage bin 13, thereby further facilitating the flow of materials in the storage bin 13 out of the outlet 14 by gravity.

[0112] Continue to refer Figure 2 -and Figure 7 The feeding mechanism 15 includes a feeding bin 16, which has a feeding port 88 (such as Figure 15 As shown), the discharge port 82 is provided below the feed port 88 (as shown Figure 19 The feeding port 88 is provided on the side wall of the feeding bin 16, and the discharge port 82 is provided on the bottom wall of the feeding bin 16. The feeding bin 16 is at least in the first position (that is, the initial state, as shown). Figure 2 As shown) and the second position (that is, the lower meter state, as shown Figure 3 As shown), when the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, the feeding bin 16 is movable with the outlet 14 and the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5 (as shown). Figure 9 When the feeding bin 16 is in the second position, the feeding bin 16 is connected to the outlet 14 and the feeding port 7. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the feed port 88 can be communicated with the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13, and the discharge port 82 can be communicated with the feed port 7 of the washing bin assembly 5, so that the material in the storage bin 13 enters the feeding bin 16 through the feed port 88, and then enters the washing bin assembly 5 through the discharge port 82. The feeding bin 16 is generally constructed as a columnar structure.

[0113] The feeding mechanism 15 is at least partially located inside the storage bin 13, or at least partially located outside the storage bin 13 but within the space enclosed by the storage bin 13. The "enclosed space" mentioned here means that any coordinate system is taken and projected along the X, Y, and Z directions, and there is an overlapping portion between the two. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, when the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, the feeding bin 16 is hidden in the storage bin 13, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, when the feeding bin 16 is in the second position, the feeding bin 16 extends out from the storage bin 13. This solution hides the feeding bin 16 in the storage bin 13 when it is in the first position, which can avoid damage to the feeding bin 16 and make the structure of the cooking utensil more compact.

[0114] Preferably, a sliding channel 46 is further provided in the storage bin 13, and the feeding mechanism 15 is movably provided in the sliding channel 46. This solution can ensure that the feeding mechanism 15 moves up and down in the storage bin 13 along a predetermined direction, and avoids displacement of the feeding mechanism 15 during movement.

[0115] Washing silo components

[0116] like Figure 2-7 as well as Figure 8-10 As shown, the cooking utensil 1 further includes a material washing bin assembly 5, which is arranged in the pot cover 4. Since the pot cover 4 is detachable, the material washing bin assembly 5 is arranged in the pot cover so that it can be disassembled and washed together with the pot cover 4. The material washing bin assembly 5 is arranged below the material storage bin and is located on the same side of the body as the pot cover. Preferably, the material washing bin assembly 5 is detachably arranged in the pot cover 4 to facilitate the disassembly and cleaning of the material washing bin assembly 5. The material washing bin assembly 5 includes a material washing bin body 52 with a discharge port 8. The material washing bin body 52 has a material washing cavity, and the washed rice in the material washing cavity can be discharged through the discharge port 8. The material washing bin body 52 also has a material inlet 7, and the material in the feeding bin 16 described above can enter the material washing cavity through the material inlet 7.

[0117] The washing bin assembly 5 includes a side wall portion 6. The side wall portion 6 is arranged on the pot cover 4 and forms a washing bin main body 52, and the side wall portion 6 encloses a washing chamber with a discharge port 8. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall portion 6 is formed as a part of the pot cover 4, that is, the side wall portion 6 and the pot cover 4 are an integral part formed integrally. This solution is easier to manufacture and assemble. The side wall portion 6 can be arranged to extend vertically, that is, the washing chamber has the same width from top to bottom, or it can be arranged to extend obliquely from top to bottom toward the inside of the washing chamber, that is, the washing chamber is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, so as to reduce rice grain residue. In addition, the inner surface of the side wall portion 6 is arranged as a smooth surface to further reduce rice grain residue. The washing bin assembly 5 also includes a stirring assembly 18 arranged in the washing bin main body 52 and a washing bin cover 17 arranged below the stirring assembly 18.

[0118] The washing bin cover 17 is movably disposed in the washing bin body 52. ​​Specifically, the washing bin cover 17 is movable between an open position for opening the discharge port 8 and a closed position for covering the discharge port 8. Figure 2-6 As shown, the washing bin cover 17 is located at the top, in a closed position covering the discharge port 8; Figure 7 As shown, the washing bin cover 17 moves downward to an open position for opening the discharge port 8 , and the rice in the washing chamber can fall into the inner pot 3 through the discharge port 8 .

[0119] The stirring assembly 18 includes a stirring member 19, which is connected to the washing bin cover 17. The stirring member 19 and the washing bin cover 17 can move together between an open position and a closed position, and the stirring member 19 is rotatable relative to the washing bin cover 17, that is, when the stirring member 19 rotates, the washing bin cover 17 does not rotate.

[0120] In one embodiment, the stirring member 19 can rotate during the washing and rice-spinning operations. Preferably, the stirring member 19 is provided with a conical guide surface that is inclined outward from top to bottom along the radial direction of the stirring member 19. This solution ensures that during the rotation of the stirring member 19, the rice on it is not only subjected to the centrifugal force, but the inclined guide surface also makes it easier to spin the rice out. The inclined guide surface also facilitates the downward sliding of the rice, thereby reducing the residual rice in the washing chamber.

[0121] Preferably, if Figure 33 As shown, the upper surface of the stirring member 19 is further provided with a flow-disturbing rib 71 and a flow-disturbing column 72. The flow-disturbing rib 71 and the flow-disturbing column 72 are used in combination to turbulently flow the rice and water in the washing chamber during rotation, thereby cleaning the rice more thoroughly. It is understood that those skilled in the art may also provide only the flow-disturbing rib 71 or only the flow-disturbing column 72 as needed.

[0122] Continue to refer Figure 33 In the illustrated embodiment, the spoiler column 72 is cylindrical and arranged vertically. In other embodiments not shown, the spoiler column 72 may also be arranged obliquely, and may be inclined relative to the stirring member 19 or perpendicular to the stirring member 19. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the spoiler column 72 may be square, diamond, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The spoiler column 72 may be integrally formed with the stirring member 19 or may be two separate pieces from the stirring member 19.

[0123] Preferably, the spoiler column 72 and the stirring member 19 are made of different materials to achieve the best stirring effect, thereby reducing residual rice. Those skilled in the art can set the number of spoiler columns 72 according to actual needs, for example, one or more spoiler columns can be set.

[0124] like Figure 42 As shown, preferably, two spoiler columns 72 are provided on the stirring member 19 , and the two spoiler columns 72 are connected to the same position of the stirring member 19 and extend in different directions.

[0125] Preferably, the height and width of the spoiler rib 71 are less than 10 mm. Figures 38-41 As shown, the spoiler rib 71 can be configured in a straight line, an arc shape, an S shape, etc., and the number of the spoiler rib 71 can be one or more.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 11-12 as well as Figures 29-31 As shown, the washing bin cover 17 includes a cover plate 53, an additional cover plate 54, and a sealing portion 47 provided between the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54. The cover plate 53 is connected to the stirring member 19 below the stirring member 19, and the outer periphery of the sealing portion 47 is sealed against the inner periphery of the side wall portion 6.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing portion 47 is constructed in a sheet shape and is clamped between the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54. In the clamped state, a portion of the outer periphery of the sealing portion 47 is exposed from the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54, thereby forming a seal with the side wall portion 6. The sealing portion 47 can be made of soft glue such as rubber, silicone, etc., and the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54 are preferably made of hard glue to avoid deformation of the entire washing bin cover 17 due to the use of soft glue alone. Exemplarily, the cover plate 53, the sealing portion 47 and the additional cover plate 54 can be fixed together by screw fastening. In this embodiment, the washing bin cover 17 does not rotate with the stirring member 19, thereby avoiding wear of the sealing portion 47. Further preferably, as Figure 12 As shown, the minimum axial gap D between the sealing portion 47 and the stirring member 19 is less than 2 mm.

[0128] In another preferred embodiment, Figure 36 As shown, the sealing portion 47' can also be constructed in an annular shape and sleeved on the outer periphery of the cover plate 53. The sealing portion 47' can be constructed as a separate piece from the cover plate 53, or can be formed integrally with the cover plate 53 by secondary injection molding.

[0129] like Figure 37 As shown, in another embodiment, when the sealing portion 47" is made of a wear-resistant material, the sealing portion 47" can be directly mounted on the outer periphery of the stirring member 19 and rotate together with the stirring member 19, or the sealing portion 47" can be secondary injection molded with the stirring member 19 as an integral part.

[0130] like Figure 29-35 As shown, the stirring assembly 18 further includes a stopper 56 having a circular cross-section. The stopper 56 includes a protrusion 57 and a peripheral portion 58 disposed around the protrusion 57. The peripheral portion 58 is spaced apart from the protrusion 57 in the radial direction of the stopper 56. The cross-section of the protrusion 57 is non-circular. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion 57 is square.

[0131] The stirring member 19 is provided with a connecting port 55, which passes through the stirring member 19 in the height direction of the stirring member 19. The stirring member 19 has a hollow sleeve portion 59 extending downward, and the hollow portion of the sleeve portion 59 forms a part of the connecting port 55. The stirring member 19 is also provided with a downwardly opening recessed portion 60, and the sleeve portion 59 extends into the recessed portion 60. The limiting portion 56 is connected to the connecting port 55 below the connecting port 55. Specifically, the protrusion 57 of the limiting portion 56 is inserted into the connecting port 55, and the peripheral portion 58 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 59. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting port 55 matches the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 57, and is a non-circular shape, so that the stirring member 19 can rotate together with the limiting portion 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the connecting port 55 is square.

[0132] like Figure 29 and 30 As shown, the cover plate 53 is provided with a connector 61 protruding outward along its axial direction. The connector 61 protrudes toward the recessed portion 60. The connector 61 extends into the recessed portion 60 and is capable of abutting the peripheral portion 58 of the limiting portion 56. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 61 includes an axial extension portion 62 extending axially from the cover plate 53 and a radial extension portion 63 extending inwardly from the end of the axial extension portion 62 along the radial direction of the cover plate 53. The cross section of the axial extension portion 62 is circular and extends into the recessed portion 60. In the assembled state, the connector 61 is connected to the recessed portion 60. Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the radial extension portion 63 extends between the bottom of the recessed portion 60 and the peripheral portion 58 of the stopper 56, and the upper surface of the radial extension portion 63 is adjacent to the bottom of the recessed portion 60 and the lower surface is adjacent to the upper side of the peripheral portion 58. This solution allows the stirring member 19, the stopper 56 and the cover plate 53 to move up and down together.

[0133] refer to Figures 26-28 Preferably, the washing bin assembly 5 further includes a top cover 20, which can be covered on the side wall portion 6, and the feed port 7 is provided on the top cover 20. Preferably, the top cover 20 is detachably connected to the side wall portion 6 to facilitate the disassembly and cleaning operation of the washing bin assembly 5.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, a limiting protrusion 64 is provided on the side wall portion 6, and the top cover 20 includes a top cover body 65 and a circle of extension portions 66 extending downward from the periphery of the top cover body 65, and a limiting opening is provided on the extension portion 66, wherein the limiting protrusion 64 can cooperate with the limiting opening to fix the top cover 20 on the side wall portion 6.

[0135] Furthermore, the limiting opening is roughly configured in an L-shape and includes a guide opening 67 and a limiting opening 68 extending roughly perpendicular to the guide opening 67, and the limiting opening 68 is connected to the guide opening 67. The guide opening 67 allows the limiting protrusion 64 to enter the limiting opening 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting protrusion 64 is in an elongated strip shape, and the size of the guide opening 67 in the circumferential direction of the top cover 20 is slightly larger than the length of the limiting protrusion 64, so that the limiting protrusion 64 can smoothly enter the guide opening 67, while the size of the limiting opening 68 in the height direction of the top cover 20 matches the width of the limiting protrusion 64, and is preferably slightly larger than the width of the limiting protrusion 64. This solution can not only facilitate the limiting protrusion 64 to enter the limiting opening 68, but also prevent the limiting protrusion 64 from falling off from the limiting opening 68. In actual operation, when the top cover 20 is to be fixed to the side wall 6 , it is only necessary to align the limiting opening of the top cover 20 with the limiting protrusion 64 and then rotate the top cover 20 so that the limiting opening 68 is engaged with the limiting protrusion 64 .

[0136] In order to further prevent the limiting protrusion 64 from falling off from the limiting opening, as shown in FIG. Figure 28 As shown, the limiting protrusion 64 is further provided with a positioning groove 69, and the extension portion 66 of the top cover 20 is further provided at a position corresponding to the limiting opening with a positioning rib 70 that cooperates with the positioning groove 69. It is understood that in other embodiments not shown, the positioning groove may also be provided on the extension portion, and the positioning rib may be provided on the limiting protrusion.

[0137] Further preferably, the side wall portion 6 is provided with two limiting protrusions 64 arranged opposite to the central axis of the washing bin body 52, and the extension portion 66 of the top cover 20 is provided with two limiting openings corresponding to the two limiting protrusions 64. This solution can achieve a stable connection between the top cover 20 and the side wall portion 6.

[0138] like Figure 10-12 as well as Figure 32 and 33 As shown, the stirring assembly 18 also includes a rotating shaft 33 and a connecting shaft 27 connected to the rotating shaft 33. The connecting shaft 27 is a hollow structure, and its inner surface is provided with a toothed structure extending along its height direction. The rotating shaft 33 has a first end 38 and a second end 39, the first end 38 is connected to the interior of the connecting shaft 27, and the first end 38 is provided with a toothed structure that cooperates with the toothed structure of the connecting shaft 27, so that the connecting shaft 27 can drive the rotating shaft 33 to rotate together, and the rotating shaft 33 can move up and down relative to the connecting shaft 27 in the connecting shaft 27. The second end 39 is inserted into the connecting port 55 of the stirring member 19. Preferably, the second end 39 has a shape that matches the shape of the connecting port 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the second end 39 is square, so that the rotating shaft 33 can drive the stirring member 19 to rotate together and move up and down.

[0139] Further references Figure 11 and Figure 12 The top cover 20 is provided with a downwardly extending recess 35, in which the connecting shaft 27 is disposed. A first through hole 36 and a second through hole 37 are respectively provided at the bottom of the recess 35 and the bottom of the connecting shaft 27. The rotating shaft 33 extends through the first through hole 36 and the second through hole 37 and is connected to the interior of the connecting shaft 27.

[0140] refer to Figure 12 The top of the stirring member 19 has a shape that can be fitted with the bottom surface of the recess 35 (the fitting state is as follows Figure 11 Preferably, the extension distance d of the upper contact surface 73 in the radial direction of the stirring member 19 is less than or equal to 5 mm. This solution can prevent the rice grains from staying on the upper contact surface 73 and causing the stirring member 19 to be unable to move into place, that is, Figure 11 The location shown in .

[0141] Preferably, the washing bin assembly 5 further includes an elastic member 40, which can be constructed as a spring. The elastic member 40 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 33 inside the connecting shaft 27, and the first end 38 of the rotating shaft 33 has a flange portion 41 extending radially outward from the rotating shaft 33 to limit the elastic member 40 in an appropriate position. The elastic member 40 can reset the rotating shaft 33 and the stirring member 19 connected to the rotating shaft 33 upward, that is, from Figure 12 The position shown returns to Figure 11 Position shown.

[0142] Drive components

[0143] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a drive assembly that can drive at least a portion of the stirring assembly 18 to rotate to complete the processes of washing the ingredients and spinning the rice; and can drive at least a portion of the stirring assembly 18 to move together with the washing bin cover 17 between an open position and a closed position to complete operations such as rice feeding and water drainage (described later). In addition, the drive assembly can also drive the feeding bin 16 to move between a first position and a second position.

[0144] The drive assembly is arranged in the material storage mechanism or at least a part of the drive assembly is arranged in the feeding mechanism 15. In one embodiment, the drive assembly is at least partially located in the material storage bin 13, or the drive assembly is at least partially located outside the material storage bin 13 but in the space enclosed by the material storage bin 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a part of the drive assembly is arranged in the feeding mechanism 15. In particular, the drive assembly is not arranged on the pot cover 4. Because the drive assembly is usually driven by electricity, this solution can facilitate the user's cleaning operation of the pot cover 4 and the washing bin assembly 5 by arranging the drive assembly at a position outside the pot cover 4, thereby ensuring safety, and this solution can eliminate the need to consider waterproofing during the manufacturing stage of the pot cover 4, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0145] The drive assembly includes a transmission shaft 26, which is engageable with a connecting shaft 27 and can drive the connecting shaft 27 to rotate, and is engageable with a rotating shaft 33 and can drive the rotating shaft 33 to move downward. The structure of the drive assembly will be described in detail below.

[0146] like Figure 2-7 as well as Figure 11-19 As shown, the drive assembly includes a first drive device 21 and a first transmission device connected to the first drive device 21. The first drive device 21 is disposed in the storage bin 13. For example, the first drive device 21 can be a motor. The feeding mechanism 15 is connected to the first transmission device, and the first drive device 21 drives the feeding mechanism 15 to move between the first position and the second position via the first transmission device.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the first transmission device includes a screw member 22 and a nut member 23 spirally connected to the screw member 22. The screw member 22 is connected to the output shaft of the first drive device 21, and the first drive device 21 is capable of driving the screw member 22 to rotate forward and reverse. When the first drive device 21 drives the screw member 22 to rotate forward and reverse, the nut member 23 can move up and down accordingly. The nut member 23 is connected to the outer wall of the feeding bin 16, thereby driving the entire feeding bin 16 to move up and down between the first position and the second position.

[0148] It is understood that the feeding bin 16 can only move within the range limited by the screw member 22. Preferably, the feeding bin 16 has a vertical movement range of 0 to 200 mm. It is also preferred that the feeding bin 16 has at least one third position (described below) where it stops between the first position and the second position. The position of the feeding bin 16 can be controlled by providing a first position detection device 85 in the feeding mechanism 15.

[0149] The first position detection device 85 can detect the position of the feeding bin 16 in the body assembly 11. When the first position detection device 85 detects that the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, the second position or the third position, it can send a signal to the first driving device 21 to stop driving the feeding bin 16 to move.

[0150] In one embodiment, the first position detection device 85 includes a first optical coupling plate, a second optical coupling plate, and a third optical coupling plate spaced vertically apart. The second and third optical coupling plates can detect on / off information of the signal. The feed bin 16 may be provided with an extension rib. When the feed bin 16 moves up and down until the extension rib passes through the first optical coupling plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feed bin 16 has reached the first position. When the feed bin 16 moves up and down until the extension rib passes through the second optical coupling plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feed bin 16 has reached the second position. When the feed bin 16 moves up and down until the extension rib passes through the third optical coupling plate, the first position detection device 85 determines that the feed bin 16 has reached the third position. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments not shown, other suitable first position detection devices 85 may be selected, such as a micro switch.

[0151] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a second drive device 24 and a second transmission device connected to the second drive device 24, and the second drive device 24 and the second transmission device are arranged in the feeding bin 16, so that both the second drive device 24 and the second transmission device can move up and down with the feeding bin 16.

[0152] The second driving device 24 may be a motor. The second transmission device is engageable with the stirring assembly 18, and the second driving device 24 is configured to drive the stirring assembly 18 to rotate via the second transmission device.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment, the second drive device 24 may also be provided with a gearbox 87, the output shaft of which is directly connected to the second transmission device, driving the second transmission device to rotate. In other embodiments, when the motor serving as the second drive device is steplessly speed-regulated, a gearbox may not be provided. The second transmission device includes a sliding shaft 25 connected to the output shaft of the second drive device 24 and a transmission shaft 26 connected to the sliding shaft 25. The second drive device 24 can drive the sliding shaft 25 to rotate, and the sliding shaft 25 can drive the transmission shaft 26 to rotate. Figure 18 As shown, one end of the transmission shaft 26 has a special shape that matches the sliding shaft 25, so that the sliding shaft 25 can drive the transmission shaft 26 to rotate. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the cross section of this end of the transmission shaft 26 is a hexagonal shape. The other end of the transmission shaft 26 has a tooth structure. When in the washing state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the transmission shaft 26 can engage with the connecting shaft 27 and drive the connecting shaft 27 to rotate, and the connecting shaft 27 in turn drives the rotating shaft 33 and the stirring member 19 to rotate.

[0154] Preferably, if Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the drive assembly also includes a third drive device 28 and a third transmission device connected to the third drive device 28. The third drive device 28 and the third transmission device are arranged in the feeding bin 16, so that both the third drive device 28 and the third transmission device can move up and down with the feeding bin 16.

[0155] The third driving device 28 can be a motor. The third transmission device can be engaged with the stirring assembly 18. The third driving device 28 can drive a part of the third transmission device to move up and down, and the third transmission device drives the stirring member 19 to move downward.

[0156] Preferably, if Figure 13-19 As shown, the third transmission device includes a first gear 29 connected to the output shaft of the third drive device 28, a second gear 30 meshing with the first gear 29, and a transmission screw 31. The third drive device 28 is capable of driving the first gear 29 to rotate in both forward and reverse directions, thereby correspondingly rotating the second gear 30 in both directions. The second gear 30 has an inner hole 32, which is sleeved onto the outside of the transmission screw 31 through the inner hole 32. The inner hole 32 has an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the transmission screw 31. As a result, when the second gear 30 rotates in both directions, the transmission screw 31 can move upward or downward in accordance with the forward or reverse rotation of the second gear 30.

[0157] like Figure 13-15 As shown, the rice dropping mechanism also includes a gear cover 74, which is connected to the bottom of the feeding bin 16. The gear cover 74 includes a first portion 79 and a second portion 80 connected to the first portion 79. The first portion 79 is supported at the bottom of the first gear 29, and the second portion 80 is supported at the bottom of the second gear 30 and has an opening for the transmission screw 31 to pass through. Preferably, the feeding bin 16 is also provided with a receiving structure that cooperates with the second gear 30. Thus, the second gear 30 can be limited by the receiving structure and the second portion 80, so that it can only rotate but cannot move up and down.

[0158] Preferably, if Figure 16-19As shown, a limiting end 75 and a positioning end 76 are provided on the transmission screw 31, and a limiting groove 77 cooperating with the limiting end 75 and a hole 78 cooperating with the positioning end 76 are provided on the feeding bin 16. This solution can limit the transmission screw 31 to only move up and down but not rotate. Preferably, the range of up and down movement of the transmission screw 31 is 0 to 500 mm, and the position of the transmission screw 31 can be controlled by providing a second position detection device 86 in the feeding mechanism 15. The structure and working principle of the second position detection device 86 are similar to those of the first position detection device described above, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here. In one embodiment, the positioning end 76 extends from the hole 78 to cooperate with the optical coupling plate of the second position detection device 86.

[0159] The transmission screw 31 is sleeved on the outside of the transmission shaft 26. Preferably, a step portion 34 extending outward in the radial direction of the transmission shaft 26 is provided at the bottom of the transmission shaft 26. The transmission screw 31 is constrained between the step portion 34 and the sliding shaft 25 above, thereby preventing relative displacement of the transmission screw 31 and ensuring the accuracy of movement.

[0160] pot lid

[0161] In order to further facilitate the disassembly and cleaning of the pot cover 4, Figure 20-22 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the pot cover 4 includes a pot cover body 42 and a removable cover 43. The removable cover 43 is detachably connected to the pot cover body 42. Thus, when the user wants to clean the removable cover 43, it can be directly removed, which is simple and convenient. In one embodiment, the removable cover 43 can be sleeved on the side wall portion 6 of the washing bin assembly 5.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 further comprises a sewage discharge assembly, which comprises a sewage discharge pipe 10 and a sewage collecting box 48 (such as a sewage collecting box 48) connected to the sewage discharge pipe 10. Figure 1 As shown). The washing bin body 52 is also provided with a drain port 9, one end of a drain pipe 10 is connected to the drain port 9, so that the waste water in the washing chamber can be discharged. The other end of the drain pipe 10 is connected to the atmosphere via a sewage collecting box 48. At least a portion of the drain pipe 10 is arranged in the pot cover 4. Specifically, depending on the setting position of the sewage collecting box 48 in the cooking utensil 1, if the sewage collecting box 48 is set away from the drain pipe 10 in the pot cover 4, a portion of the drain pipe 10 can also be arranged in the body assembly 11. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the sewage collection box 48 is arranged adjacent to the pot body assembly, and the sewage pipe 10 is entirely arranged in the pot cover 4. The body assembly 11 also includes a receiving seat 83 arranged adjacent to the base 12. The sewage collection box 48 is removably arranged in the receiving seat 83, and the sewage pipe 10 can be directly connected to the sewage collection box 48.

[0163] According to this solution, the sewage pipe 10 is at least partially arranged in the pot cover 4, and the pot cover 4 is detachable. Therefore, when the user intends to clean the sewage pipe 10, he only needs to remove the pot cover 4 to clean it, thereby facilitating the use of the user.

[0164] In one embodiment, the sewage pipe 10 can also be used as a steam pipe. Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the sealing portion 47 has at least a connecting position and a sealing position. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the sealing portion 47 is in the communicating position. At this time, the washing bin cover 17 is in the closed position. The sealing portion 47 is located above the drain port 9 in the washing bin body 52. ​​The drain port 9 is connected to the cooking cavity, so that the steam generated in the cooking cavity can be discharged to the outside through the drain port 9 and the drain pipe 10. Figure 6 As shown, the sealing portion 47 is in the sealed position. At this time, the washing bin cover 17 is in the closed position. The sealing portion 47 is located below the drain port 9 in the washing bin body 52. ​​The drain port 9 is not connected to the cooking cavity. At this time, the steam generated in the cooking cavity cannot be discharged through the drain port 9. Figure 7 As shown, sealing portion 47 is also in the connecting position. At this point, the washing bin lid 17 is in the open position, and sealing portion 47 is located below drain port 9. The cooking cavity is connected to drain port 9 via the washing bin lid 17, allowing steam generated in the cooking cavity to be discharged to the outside through the washing bin lid 17, drain port 9, and drain pipe 10. Furthermore, sealing portion 47 has an intermediate position that partially connects drain port 9 with the cooking cavity. When sealing portion 47 is in the intermediate position, the washing bin lid 17 is in the closed position, and sealing portion 47 is located within the washing bin body 52 at a position corresponding to a portion of drain port 9, thereby connecting the portion of drain port 9 to the cooking cavity. The steam exhaust method will be further described later.

[0165] It can be understood that, as described above, the sealing portion 47 is connected to the cover plate 53 and the additional cover plate 54 , so the movement of the sealing portion 47 is also the movement of the washing bin cover 17 .

[0166] In one embodiment, the wash bin cover 17, while capable of opening and closing the discharge port, also functions as a drain valve, opening or closing the drain port as needed. Specifically, when the seal is in the communicating position, the drain port 9 is disconnected from the wash chamber. When the seal is in the sealed position, the drain port 9 communicates with the wash chamber, enabling drainage. This solution eliminates the need for a drain valve.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the drain assembly is detachably or non-detachably mounted on the removable cover 43. This arrangement facilitates cleaning of the drain assembly when the removable cover is removed. Furthermore, by detachably mounting a portion of the drain assembly on the removable cover, the drain assembly can be further removed for cleaning, resulting in a more thorough cleaning.

[0168] like Figure 21-24 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the sewage pipe 10 includes a supporting portion 44 provided on the removable cover 43 and a covering portion 45 provided on the pot cover body 42. The cross section of the supporting portion 44 is roughly U-shaped, thereby roughly forming a groove shape, and the covering portion 45 is roughly constructed in a plate shape. The position of the supporting portion 44 corresponds to the position of the covering portion 45. When the removable cover 43 is connected to the pot cover body 42, the covering portion 45 can just cover the supporting portion 44 to form the sewage pipe 10. This solution allows the upper and lower parts of the sewage pipe 10 to be disassembled when the removable cover 43 is removed from the pot cover body 42, thereby achieving a more thorough cleaning of the sewage pipe 10 and avoiding the formation of sanitary dead corners. In other embodiments not shown, the supporting portion 44 and the covering portion 45 can also be constructed in other shapes, as long as the two can cooperate to form a complete sewage pipe 10. For example, the supporting portion 44 can be fixed to the removable cover 43 by means of a hot melt structure, a screw structure, or a rivet structure, or the supporting portion 44 can be integrally formed with the removable cover 43 by sheet metal or secondary injection molding. In addition, the supporting portion 44 can also be detachably connected to the removable cover 43 by means of a snap structure.

[0169] Preferably, if Figure 22 and 23 As shown, the sewage pipe 10 further includes a sealing member 49 disposed between the support portion 44 and the cover portion 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 49 is connected to the support portion 44 and has a flange extending at an upward angle. When the removable lid 43 is connected to the pot lid body 42, the cover portion 45 can press against the flange of the sealing member 49 to form a seal. Preferably, the sealing member 49 is detachably connected to the support portion 44, thereby facilitating removal of the sealing member 49 for cleaning when the removable lid 43 is removed.

[0170] In other embodiments, to facilitate assembly, the sealing member 49 may also be integrally formed with the supporting portion 44 through secondary injection molding.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 20-22As shown, the sewage pipe 10 includes a first pipe 50 and a second pipe 51 connected to the first pipe 50. The first pipe 50 is arranged in a ring shape around the side wall portion 6, and the second pipe 51 extends from the first pipe 50 along the radial direction of the pot cover 4 to the outer periphery of the pot cover 4. Figure 20 and 22 As shown, the inner ring portion 84 of the removable cover 43 connected to the side wall portion 6 is also provided with a sealing structure. The inner ring portion 84 is sleeved on the side wall portion 6 and forms a part of the first pipe 50, and the inner ring portion 84 is arranged below the side wall portion 6 relative to the sewage outlet 9.

[0172] In order to speed up drainage and improve drainage efficiency, preferably, the washing bin body 52 includes a plurality of drainage ports 9, which are all provided on the side wall portion 6 and are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the side wall portion 6. The drainage process will be described in detail later.

[0173] like Figure 20 、 Figure 22 and Figure 24 As shown, the sewage pipe 10 further includes a docking pipe 90 extending downward from the end of the second pipe 51. The docking pipe 90 can be used to dock with the sewage collection box 48 to discharge sewage into the sewage collection box 48. Depending on the position of the sewage collection box 48, the docking pipe 90 can extend downward vertically relative to the second pipe 51 or extend obliquely relative to the second pipe 51. In the illustrated embodiment, the docking pipe 90 extends obliquely relative to the second pipe 51 and is a single piece in this embodiment.

[0174] In another embodiment, Figure 25 As shown, the washing bin body 52 includes only one drain port 9' on the sidewall 6. In this embodiment, a drain pipe 10' extends from this drain port 9' in the pot lid 4 in the radial direction of the pot lid 4 to the outer circumference of the pot lid 4. In other words, in this embodiment, the drain pipe 10' does not include an annular first pipe. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 90' ​​of the drain pipe 10' extends vertically downward.

[0175] Return Reference Figure 1 The cooking appliance 1 also includes a water inlet assembly. The water inlet assembly includes a clean water tank 81, a water inlet pipe 99 (such as Figure 15The clean water tank 81 is detachably provided on the body assembly 11, so that the user can conveniently perform the water adding operation. The clean water tank 81 is provided near the storage mechanism and is located above the dirt collecting box 48. The clean water tank 81 can be docked with the material washing chamber through the water inlet pipe 99. Preferably, the water inlet pipe 99 is provided in the feeding mechanism 15, and is driven by the driving assembly to dock with the material washing chamber for adding water. The liquid inlet of the material washing chamber can be provided on the top cover 20. Preferably, the liquid inlet of the material washing chamber can be the same as the feed port 7. When performing the water adding operation, the water pump can be turned on, and the water pump can supply the water in the clean water tank 81 to the material washing chamber through the water inlet pipe 99 provided in the feeding mechanism 15. The clean water tank and the dirt collecting box are on the side of the body opposite to the storage bin.

[0176] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance further includes a control unit, which can be coupled to the first driving device, the second driving device, the third driving device, and the water pump to control the actions of the above components.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, all live components (e.g., motor, heating device, temperature measuring device, etc.) in the cooking utensil are mounted on the cooking utensil body and the pot body, so that the pot lid is free of live components. This eliminates the need for waterproofing during manufacturing of the pot lid and makes it easier to clean it. If the pot lid and pot body are detachable, the pot lid can be removed and cleaned separately. Since it has no live components, it can be rinsed under a faucet or in a basin. Alternatively, all live components are mounted on the cooking utensil body, so that both the pot lid and the pot body are free of live components. Since both the pot lid and the pot body are free of live components, waterproofing is not a concern as a whole, and the pot lid and pot body can even be rinsed under a faucet.

[0178] References below Figure 2-Figure 7 The entire working process of the cooking appliance 1 according to the preferred embodiment is described below:

[0179] like Figure 2 As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in an initial state. At this time, the feeding bin 16 is in the first position, and the feeding bin 16 is not connected to the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13 and the feed inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5.

[0180] When the rice feeding operation is to be carried out, the first driving device 21 can drive the first transmission device to operate, so that the first transmission device can drive the feeding bin 16 to move downward to the second position. Figure 3As shown, the cooking appliance 1 is in the rice-loading state. The feed hopper 16 is in the second position, communicating with both the outlet 14 of the storage hopper 13 and the inlet 7. When in the rice-loading state, the feed inlet 88 is in communication with the outlet 14 of the storage hopper 13, and the outlet 82 is in communication with the inlet 7 of the washing hopper assembly 5. This allows material in the storage hopper 13 to enter the feed hopper 16 via the feed inlet 88 and then into the washing hopper assembly 5 via the outlet 82. The amount of rice flowing into the washing chamber can be calculated over time.

[0181] After the rice loading operation is completed or during the rice loading operation, the control unit can control the water pump of the water inlet assembly to start, thereby introducing the water in the clean water tank into the washing bin body through the water inlet pipe 99 to prepare for the washing operation.

[0182] When the rice operation and the water operation are completed, the first driving device 21 drives the first transmission device to move, and the first transmission device drives the feeding bin 16 to move upward to the third position. Figure 4 As shown, the third position is located between the first and second positions. When in the third position, the feed bin 16 is disconnected from the outlet 14 of the storage bin 13 and the inlet 7 of the washing bin assembly 5. By setting the third position, this solution can distribute the vertical movement of the drive shaft 26 to the feed bin 16, thereby reducing the travel of the drive shaft 26 and preventing the drive shaft 26 from being too long.

[0183] When you want to perform a washing operation, Figure 5 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the third drive mechanism 28 can drive the first gear 29 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 30 to rotate. The second gear 30 then drives the drive screw 31 downward. Since the drive screw 31 is sleeved around the drive shaft 26, the drive shaft 26 also moves downward with the drive screw 31 until it engages with the connecting shaft 27 of the washing bin assembly 5. At this point, the second drive mechanism 24 can be opened, causing the second drive mechanism 24 to rotate the drive shaft 26, which in turn drives the connecting shaft 27 to rotate. When the connecting shaft 27 rotates, the rotating shaft 33 engaged with the connecting shaft 27 and the agitator 19 can also rotate, thereby enabling the washing operation. The washing chamber contains material and water, which are agitated together by the agitator 19. It will be appreciated that during the washing operation, the washing bin cover 17 is positioned above the drain outlet 9.

[0184] When the washing operation is completed and drainage is desired, the third driving device 28 can be turned on to drive the transmission screw 31 to move downward, and the transmission screw 31 pushes the rotating shaft 33 downward, thereby moving the stirring member 19 downward. When the stirring member 19 moves down to the washing bin cover 17 and moves to below the drain outlet 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, the third driving device 28 is controlled to stop moving, and the sewage in the washing chamber can flow to the sewage pipe 10 and the sewage collecting box 48 through the sewage outlet 9.

[0185] When the drainage is completed and the rice is to be discharged, the third driving device 28 can be controlled to open and drive the transmission screw 31 to continue to move downward, and the transmission screw 31 pushes the rotating shaft 33 downward, so that the stirring member 19 can be moved downward to leave the washing chamber. Figure 7 When the stirring member 19 moves downward and leaves the washing chamber, the third driving device 28 is controlled to stop and the second driving device 24 is controlled to open, thereby driving the stirring member 19 to rotate and throw the washed rice into the inner pot 3.

[0186] After the rice is thrown into the inner pot, or while the rice is thrown into the inner pot, the control unit can control the water pump of the water inlet assembly to start, so that the water in the clean water tank is introduced into the washing cavity through the water inlet pipe 99 and flows into the inner pot through the washing cavity to prepare for cooking.

[0187] After the rice feeding operation is completed, the third driving device 28 can drive the transmission screw 31 to move upward. After the transmission screw 31 moves upward into the feeding bin 16, the first driving device 21 can drive the feeding bin 16 back to the first position. At this time, the rotating shaft 33 and the stirring member 19 connected thereto can return to their original positions upward via the elastic member 40.

[0188] The following describes how to control steam during cooking:

[0189] In one embodiment, during the cooking process, when it is desired to discharge steam from the cooking cavity, the sealing portion 47 can be in the communication position so that the steam in the cooking cavity is discharged through the drain port 9. This stage can be, for example, the water absorption stage, the temperature rise stage, the boiling stage, the heat preservation stage, etc. The communication position of the sealing portion 47 can be as follows: Figure 2 The position of the cooking appliance when it is in the initial state can also be as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the position of the wash bin cover when it is in the open position.

[0190] Preferably, the position of the sealing portion 47 can be adjusted as needed during the cooking process so that the portion of the drain port 9 communicating with the cooking cavity can be changed, that is, the size of the drain port 9 communicating with the cooking cavity can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the position of the sealing portion 47 can be adjusted so that only a portion of the drain port 9 communicates with the cooking cavity. This solution can be implemented, for example, when it is intended to maintain a micro-pressure in the cooking cavity, so that the steam in the cooking cavity is not completely discharged, and part of it remains in the cooking cavity, thereby maintaining a micro-pressure in the cooking cavity. In another embodiment, the position of the sealing portion 47 can be adjusted at a later stage of the cooking process to increase the portion of the drain port 9 communicating with the cooking cavity. For example, the portion of the drain port 9 communicating with the cooking cavity can be increased during the heat preservation stage, the exhaust stage, etc., or the entire drain port 9 can be connected to the cooking cavity, thereby accelerating the exhaust speed.

[0191] In one embodiment, the sealing portion 47 can be controlled to be in a sealed position during at least one stage of the cooking process so that the cooking cavity maintains a pressure state. For example, the sealing portion 47 can be in a sealed position during the pressure maintenance stage after boiling.

[0192] In one embodiment, the drain pipe 10 can also be cleaned. Before and / or after cooking, the user can manually add clean water to the cooking chamber or add water through the clean water tank 81, and control the sealing portion 47 to the open position. The heating device is then controlled to heat the clean water in the cooking chamber, causing the generated steam to flow through the drain port 9 to the drain pipe 10, thereby purifying the drain pipe 10.

[0193] In one embodiment, the steam in the cooking cavity can be discharged through the washing bin body 52 during cooking. For example, when the cooking cavity is to be vented, the washing bin cover 17 can be controlled to move to the open position, such as Figure 7 As shown, at this time, part of the steam in the cooking cavity can be discharged through the drain port 9, and the other part can be discharged through the washing bin body 52, especially through the feed inlet 7 on the top cover 20.

[0194] According to the cooking utensil 1 of this embodiment, the inner pot 3, the pot cover 4, the washing bin assembly 5, the clean water tank 81, and the dirt collecting box 48 can all be easily removed for washing, thereby simplifying the cleaning process of the entire cooking utensil 1.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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, characterized in that: The cooking appliance comprises: pot body; an inner pot, the inner pot being arranged in the pot body; a pot cover, the pot cover being connected to the pot body and capable of covering the pot body to form a cooking cavity between the pot and the inner pot; A material washing bin assembly, the material washing bin assembly comprising a material washing bin body having a material washing cavity and a sealing portion movably arranged in the material washing bin body, the material washing bin body having a material inlet and a sewage outlet; and A sewage discharge component, wherein the sewage discharge component includes a sewage discharge pipe, one end of which is connected to the sewage discharge port. Wherein, the sealing portion is movable at least between a connecting position and a sealed position. When the sealing portion is in the connecting position, the drain port is connected to the cooking cavity to discharge the steam in the cooking cavity. When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the drain port is not connected to the cooking cavity.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The other end of the sewage pipe is communicated with the outside, or the sewage discharge component includes a sewage collecting box, and the other end of the sewage pipe is communicated with the sewage collecting box.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The material washing bin body also has a material discharge port, and the material washing bin assembly further includes a material washing bin cover, which is movable between an open position for opening the material discharge port and a closed position for covering the material discharge port.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein: The sealing portion is connected to the material washing bin cover and is movable synchronously with the material washing bin cover.

5. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein: When the sealing portion is in the communicating position, the washing bin cover is in the closed position and the sealing portion is above at least a portion of the drain outlet in the washing bin body, or the washing bin cover is in the open position and the sealing portion is below the drain outlet. When the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the material washing bin cover is in the closed position and the sealing portion is located below the sewage outlet in the material washing bin body.

6. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein: The material washing bin assembly includes a side wall portion, which is arranged on the pot cover and forms the material washing bin body. The side wall portion surrounds a material washing cavity having the material discharge port, and the sewage discharge port is arranged on the side wall portion.

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that The material washing bin assembly further includes a stirring assembly, wherein the stirring assembly includes a stirring member, the stirring member is connected to the material washing bin cover and the stirring member is rotatable relative to the material washing bin cover.

8. The cooking appliance according to claim 7, wherein: The material washing bin assembly further includes a top cover, which can be covered on the side wall portion, and the material inlet is arranged on the top cover.

9. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein The pot cover comprises a pot cover body and a detachable cover detachably connected to the pot cover body, and part or all of the sewage pipe is arranged on the detachable cover.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that The sewage pipe is detachably connected to the detachable cover.

11. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, wherein The sewage pipe includes a supporting part and a covering part, the covering part is connected to the pot cover body, the supporting part is connected to the detachable cover, the position of the supporting part corresponds to the position of the covering part, and the covering part can be connected to the supporting part to form the sewage pipe.

12. The cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein The sewage pipe further includes a sealing member, which is arranged between the supporting portion and the covering portion.

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 12, wherein: The sealing member is detachably connected to the covering portion.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, wherein The detachable cover has an inner ring portion, which is sleeved on the side wall portion, and a sealing structure is provided between the inner ring portion and the side wall portion. The inner ring portion is located below the sewage outlet.

15. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein The sewage pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe communicating with the first pipe, the first pipe is arranged in a ring shape around the side wall portion, and the second pipe extends from the first pipe along the radial direction of the pot cover to the outer circumference of the pot cover.

16. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, wherein The material washing bin body includes a plurality of drain outlets provided on the side wall portion, and the plurality of drain outlets are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the side wall portion.

17. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein The material washing bin body includes a sewage outlet arranged on the side wall portion, and the sewage pipe extends from the sewage outlet in the pot cover along the radial direction of the pot cover to the outer periphery of the pot cover.

18. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein When the material washing bin cover is in the closed position, the outer periphery of the sealing portion abuts against the inner periphery of the side wall portion.

19. The cooking appliance according to claim 8, wherein The stirring assembly comprises: a rotating shaft connected to the stirring member and capable of moving synchronously with the stirring member; a connecting shaft, the rotating shaft is connected to the connecting shaft, the rotating shaft is capable of rotating synchronously with the connecting shaft, and the rotating shaft is linearly movable relative to the connecting shaft, The cooking appliance further comprises a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly comprises a transmission shaft, wherein the transmission shaft is engageable with the connecting shaft and can drive the connecting shaft to rotate, and the transmission shaft is engageable with the rotating shaft and can drive the rotating shaft to move linearly, and / or The stirring member is provided with a conical guide surface, and / or The upper surface of the stirring element is provided with spoiler ribs and / or spoiler columns.

20. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The sealing portion is configured as a drain valve, and when the sealing portion is in the communicating position, the drain port is not connected to the material washing chamber; when the sealing portion is in the sealed position, the drain port is connected to the material washing chamber for draining.

21. A cooking method for the cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The cooking method comprises: The sealing portion is controlled to be in the communication position during at least one stage of the cooking process, so that the steam in the cooking cavity is discharged through the drain port.

22. The cooking method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: The sealing portion is controlled to be in the sealed position during at least one stage of the cooking process, so that the cooking cavity maintains a pressure state.

23. The cooking method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: The position of the sealing portion is adjusted during at least one stage of the cooking process so that the portion of the drain port communicating with the cooking cavity is variable.

24. The cooking method according to claim 23, characterized in that Also includes: The position of the sealing portion is adjusted at a later stage of the cooking process to increase the portion of the drain port that communicates with the cooking cavity.

25. The cooking method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: Before the cooking process starts and / or after the cooking process ends, controlling the sealing portion to be in the communicating position; as well as The clean water in the cooking cavity is controlled to be heated so that the generated steam flows to the sewage pipe through the sewage outlet.

26. The cooking method according to claim 21, characterized in that The material washing bin body further comprises a material discharge port, and the material washing bin assembly further comprises a material washing bin cover, wherein the material washing bin cover is movable between an open position for opening the material discharge port and a closed position for covering the material discharge port, wherein the cooking method further comprises: During at least one stage of the cooking process, the material washing bin cover is controlled to move to the open position, so that the steam in the cooking cavity is discharged through the material washing bin body.

27. The cooking method according to claim 21, characterized in that The cooking method further comprises: controlling the sealing portion to be in the sealed position before the cooking process starts or at least one stage during the cooking process to perform a sewage discharge operation.

Images