Lid and cooking utensil having the same

Abstract

The application provides an upper cover and a cooking utensil with the same. The upper cover comprises a cover body, a buckling cover and an inner cover. A space between the buckling cover and the inner cover forms an exhaust cavity. The inner cover has a communication hole and a backflow hole which are spaced apart and arranged through. The upper cover further comprises an exhaust assembly, a backflow valve and a driving assembly. The exhaust assembly comprises a stop valve, an exhaust pipe and a pressure limiting valve. The stop valve has a communication position and a stop position. The exhaust pipe is arranged through the buckling cover. The pressure limiting valve is arranged above the exhaust pipe. The pressure limiting valve has a pressure limiting position and an exhaust position. The backflow valve is arranged on the buckling cover. The backflow valve has a backflow position and a blocking position. The driving assembly comprises a driving part, a first transmission part, a second transmission part and a third transmission part. The driving part can drive the stop valve through the first transmission part. The driving part can drive the backflow valve through the second transmission part. The driving part can drive the pressure limiting valve through the third transmission part. The technical scheme provided by the application can solve the problem that slurry flows out of the upper cover when the upper cover is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of small household appliance technology, and more specifically, to a lid and a cooking appliance having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Electric pressure cookers work by using the principle that the boiling point of a liquid is raised under higher pressure, allowing water to reach a higher temperature without boiling, thus speeding up the cooking process.

[0003] In related technologies, an electric pressure cooker includes a pot body and a lid placed on the pot body. After the cooking process is completed, in order to quickly open the lid, the gas inside the pot is manually released by pressing the vent button, allowing the gas inside the pot to be released through the pressure relief valve.

[0004] However, in related technologies, after achieving quick opening, the liquid inside the lid may leak out when the lid is opened, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a lid and a cooking utensil having the same, to solve the problem of slurry flowing out of the lid when it is opened.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a top cover is provided, comprising: a cover body including a snap-fit ​​cover with snap teeth and an inner cover located below the snap-fit ​​cover, the space between the snap-fit ​​cover and the inner cover forming an exhaust chamber, the inner cover having a through-hole and a return hole spaced apart; an exhaust assembly including a check valve, an exhaust pipe, and a pressure relief valve, the check valve being vertically movable and having a connecting position for opening the through-hole and a blocking position for blocking the through-hole, the exhaust pipe being vertically inserted through the snap-fit ​​cover, the lower end of the exhaust pipe extending into the exhaust chamber, the upper end of the exhaust pipe extending out of the snap-fit ​​cover, and the pressure relief valve being buoyantly mounted on the exhaust pipe. Above, the pressure limiting valve has a pressure limiting position for blocking the exhaust pipe and an exhaust position for opening the exhaust pipe; the return valve is vertically movable and is mounted on the latching cover, having a return position for opening the return orifice and a blocking position for blocking the return orifice; the drive assembly includes a drive unit, a first transmission unit, a second transmission unit, and a third transmission unit, wherein the drive unit can drive the check valve to switch between a connected position and a check position via the first transmission unit, the drive unit can drive the return valve to switch between a return position and a blocking position via the second transmission unit, and the drive unit can drive the pressure limiting valve to switch between a pressure limiting position and an exhaust position via the third transmission unit.

[0007] Applying the technical solution of this invention, the lid includes a cover body, an exhaust assembly, a reflux valve, and a drive assembly. After cooking, the drive unit drives the stop valve to move vertically from the stop position to the open position via the first transmission unit, thereby opening the reflux valve and allowing steam in the pot to be discharged into the exhaust chamber through the reflux valve. Next, the drive unit drives the pressure limiting valve to float from the pressure limiting position to the exhaust position via the third transmission unit, thereby opening the exhaust pipe and allowing steam in the exhaust chamber to be discharged outside the lid through the exhaust pipe. This operation is repeated until exhaust is complete. After exhaust is complete, the drive unit drives the reflux valve to move vertically from the blocked position to the reflux position via the second transmission unit, thereby opening the reflux orifice to allow food that entered the exhaust chamber with the steam from the pot to flow back into the pot through the reflux orifice, ensuring no food residue remains in the exhaust chamber. Therefore, no food will flow out of the lid after opening, thus improving the user experience.

[0008] Furthermore, the drive assembly also includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member. The drive unit is drivenly connected to the first transmission member to drive the first transmission member to rotate along its own axis. The first and second transmission members are drivenly connected to drive the second transmission member to rotate along its own axis. The first and third transmission members are both disposed on the first transmission member, and the second transmission member is disposed on the second transmission member. By using the first and second transmission members, it is possible to drive the check valve, pressure relief valve, and reflux valve with a single drive unit. This has the advantage of a simple drive structure, while also saving costs and enabling the miniaturization of cooking appliances.

[0009] Furthermore, the second transmission component includes a lifting wheel sleeved on the outside of the return valve and connected to the return valve. The outer wall of the return valve is provided with external threads, and the fastening cover has a through threaded hole. The external threads and the threaded hole are threadedly engaged. With the above structure, the rotational motion of the lifting wheel can be converted into the vertical motion of the return valve by utilizing the threaded engagement, so that the return valve can switch between the blocking position and the return position.

[0010] Furthermore, the first transmission component includes a first gear rotatably mounted on the latching cover. The outer wall of the first gear has a first toothed structure extending circumferentially therefrom. The second transmission component is a second toothed structure mounted on the outer wall of the lifting wheel and capable of meshing with the first toothed structure. The first gear has a driving position for meshing the first toothed structure with the second toothed structure and a separating position for separating the first toothed structure from the second toothed structure. Using the above-described structure, by positioning the first gear in the separating position, the check valve and the pressure limiting valve can be isolated from the return valve, so that the return valve does not move during the rapid venting process of the cooking appliance through the check valve and the pressure limiting valve, thus saving venting time. When the first gear is in the separating position, the first gear can drive the check valve to switch between a connecting position and a check position via the first transmission component. The first gear can drive the pressure limiting valve to switch between a pressure limiting position and a venting position via the third transmission component. When the first gear is in the driving position, the first gear can drive the return valve to switch between a return position and a blocking position via the second toothed structure. The first gear enables the separate movement of the check valve, pressure relief valve, and return valve, which has the advantage of a simple drive structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the first tooth structure comprises multiple first teeth, and the second tooth structure comprises multiple second teeth. The multiple first teeth are disposed on a portion of the outer wall of the first gear, and the multiple second teeth are disposed on the outer wall of the lifting wheel. When the first gear is in the driving position, the first teeth and second teeth mesh, and the first tooth structure drives the return valve to switch between a return position and a blocking position via the second tooth structure. When the first gear is in the disengaged position, the outer wall of the first gear without first teeth corresponds to the second teeth, and the first tooth structure separates from the second tooth structure. Using the above structure, by disposing of multiple first teeth on a portion of the outer wall of the first gear, the switching of the first gear between the driving and disengaged positions can be achieved, offering the advantage of structural simplicity.

[0012] Furthermore, the first transmission unit includes a slide groove disposed on the lower surface of the first gear, the slide groove extending circumferentially along the first gear, and the upper end of the check valve extending into the slide groove and abutting against the top surface of the slide groove; wherein, in the circumferential direction of the first gear, the height of the top surface of the slide groove first increases and then decreases, so that the check valve switches between the open position and the closed position. By setting the top surface of the slide groove as an inclined plane, the vertical movement of the check valve is driven by the change in the height of the inclined plane in the vertical direction, which has the advantages of simple structure and reliable operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the first transmission component also includes an exhaust cover disposed above and connected to the first gear, and the third transmission part is a protrusion disposed on the upper surface of the exhaust cover; wherein, when the pressure limiting valve is in the pressure limiting position, the protrusion is separated from the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve, and when the pressure limiting valve is in the exhaust position, the protrusion is in contact with the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve. This method of using a protrusion on the upper surface of the exhaust cover to drive the pressure limiting valve has the advantages of simple structure and ease of installation.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper cover also includes a control component and a detection component for detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover. The control component is electrically connected to both the detection component and the drive unit to control the operating state of the drive unit. By detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover through the detection component, the control component can control the operating state of the drive unit, thereby controlling the operating state of the first gear and the exhaust cover.

[0015] Furthermore, the detection element includes an optocoupler sensor, and a baffle extending circumferentially along the outer edge of the exhaust cover is provided. When the baffle is opposite to the optocoupler sensor, the control element controls the drive unit to operate and control the rotation of the first gear. The detection method using an optocoupler sensor in conjunction with the baffle has the advantages of simple structure and easy setup.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive assembly also includes a second gear, and the drive unit is drivenly connected to the second gear. A gear ring is also provided on the outer wall of the first gear to mesh with the second gear. This gear-meshing transmission method has the advantages of simple and reliable transmission structure.

[0017] Furthermore, the first tooth structure is located below the gear ring, and the diameter of the gear ring is smaller than the diameter of the first tooth structure. By employing the above structure, the radial dimensional difference between the first tooth structure and the gear ring can be utilized to reduce the volume of the first gear, which is beneficial for miniaturizing cooking appliances. And / or, the drive unit includes a drive motor, which has the advantage of easy control.

[0018] Furthermore, the second transmission unit includes a cam rotatably mounted on the latching cover and located above the return valve, with the outer wall of the cam abutting against the upper surface of the return valve. This cam-driven return valve method has the advantages of a simple drive structure and easy arrangement.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking appliance is provided, comprising: a pot body having a cooking cavity; and a lid closable on the pot body. The lid has a check valve having a communication position where an open communication hole connects the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity, and a check position where a closed communication hole isolates the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity. The lid also has a return valve having a return position where an open return hole connects the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity, and a closed return hole isolates the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity. The lid is the same as described above. Using the cooking appliance provided by the present invention, after venting, the drive unit drives the return valve vertically from the closed position to the return position via a second transmission unit, so that the return valve opens the return hole to allow food that entered the exhaust cavity with steam from the pot body to return to the pot body through the return hole, ensuring no food residue remains in the exhaust cavity. Therefore, after opening the lid, no food flows out of the lid, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded view of the top cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the check valve of the cooking appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention in the communicating position is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 A top view of the check valve of the cooking appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention in the connected position is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the pressure relief valve of the cooking appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention, located in the venting position, is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0027] Figure 7 A top view of the pressure relief valve of the cooking appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention, located in the venting position, is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the reflux valve of the cooking appliance provided in an embodiment of the present invention in the reflux position is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0030] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the reflux valve of a cooking appliance provided in another embodiment of the present invention in the blocked position is shown;

[0031] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 A magnified view of a section at point D;

[0032] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the reflux valve of a cooking appliance provided in another embodiment of the present invention in the reflux position is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A magnified view of a section at point E in the middle;

[0034] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the exhaust assembly and drive assembly of the upper cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 15 A top view of the exhaust assembly and drive assembly of the top cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 16 An assembly diagram of the first gear, the second gear, and the lifting wheel of the upper cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the lifting wheel structure;

[0038] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the lifting wheel in the middle;

[0039] Figure 19 It shows Figure 14 Exploded view of the exhaust cover, transmission frame, first gear, and check valve;

[0040] Figure 20 It shows Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the exhaust cover, transmission frame, and first gear.

[0041] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cooking utensil provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0043] 10. Cover body; 11. Snap-on cover; 111. Threaded hole; 12. Inner cover; 121. Connecting hole; 122. Return hole; 13. Exhaust chamber;

[0044] 20. Exhaust assembly; 21. Check valve; 22. Exhaust pipe; 23. Pressure relief valve; 24. First sealing ring; 25. Second sealing ring; 26. Return spring;

[0045] 30. Drive assembly; 31. Drive unit; 311. First transmission unit; 3111. Slide groove; 3112. First plane; 3113. Second plane; 3114. Inclined surface; 312. Second transmission unit; 3121. Second tooth structure; 3122. Second tooth; 313. Third transmission unit; 3131. Protrusion; 32. First transmission component; 321. First gear; 3211. First tooth structure; 3212. First tooth; 3213. Gear ring; 322. Exhaust cover; 3221. Baffle; 33. Second transmission component; 331. Lifting wheel; 332. Cam; 34. Second gear; 35. Transmission frame; 351. Frame body; 352. Transmission shaft;

[0046] 40. Optical coupler sensor;

[0047] 50. Pot body; 51. Cooking cavity;

[0048] 60. Reflux valve. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 20As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a top cover, which includes a cover body 10, an exhaust assembly 20, a return valve 60, and a drive assembly 30. The cover body 10 includes a snap-fit ​​cover 11 with snap-fit ​​teeth and an inner cover 12 located below the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The space between the snap-fit ​​cover 11 and the inner cover 12 forms an exhaust chamber 13. The inner cover 12 has a through-hole 121 and a return hole 122 spaced apart and passing through it. The exhaust assembly 20 includes a check valve 21, an exhaust pipe 22, and a pressure limiting valve 23. The check valve 21 is vertically movable and is disposed on the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The check valve 21 has a connecting position for opening the through-hole 121 and a blocking position for blocking the through-hole 121. The exhaust pipe 22 is vertically inserted through the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The lower end of the exhaust pipe 22 extends into the exhaust chamber 13, and the upper end of the exhaust pipe 22 extends out of the snap-fit ​​cover 11, limiting the pressure. Valve 23 is floatingly mounted above exhaust pipe 22. Pressure limiting valve 23 has a pressure limiting position that blocks exhaust pipe 22 and an exhaust position that opens exhaust pipe 22. Return valve 60 is vertically movable and mounted on latching cover 11. Return valve 60 has a return position that opens return hole 122 and a blocking position that blocks return hole 122. Drive assembly 30 includes drive unit 31, first transmission unit 311, second transmission unit 312 and third transmission unit 313. Drive unit 31 can drive stop valve 21 to switch between connected position and stop position through first transmission unit 311. Drive unit 31 can drive return valve 60 to switch between return position and blocking position through second transmission unit 312. Drive unit 31 can drive pressure limiting valve 23 to switch between pressure limiting position and exhaust position through third transmission unit 313.

[0051] Applying the technical solution of this invention, the upper cover includes a cover body 10, an exhaust assembly 20, a reflux valve 60, and a drive assembly 30. After cooking, the drive unit 31 drives the stop valve 21 from the stop position to the open position via the first transmission unit 311, thereby opening the open hole 121 and venting the steam in the pot body 50 into the exhaust chamber 13 through the open hole 121. Next, the drive unit 31 drives the pressure limiting valve 23 from the pressure limiting position to the exhaust position via the third transmission unit 313, thereby opening the exhaust pipe 22 and venting the steam in the exhaust chamber 13 out of the upper cover through the exhaust pipe 22. The above operation is repeated until venting is complete. After the venting is complete, the drive unit 31 drives the return valve 60 to move vertically from the blocked position to the return position via the second transmission unit 312. This causes the return valve 60 to open the return hole 122, allowing food that has entered the venting chamber 13 from the pot body 50 with the steam to flow back into the pot body 50 through the return hole 122, ensuring that no food residue remains in the venting chamber 13. Therefore, no food will flow out of the lid after it is opened, thus improving the user experience.

[0052] It should be noted that when the check valve 21 moves vertically from the stop position to the open position, the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position blocking the exhaust pipe 22. When the pressure limiting valve 23 floats from the pressure limiting position to the exhaust position, the check valve 21 is in the stop position blocking the connecting hole 121. Using the above exhaust scheme, on the one hand, rapid exhaust of the pot body 50 can be achieved; on the other hand, since the cooking appliance first exhausts steam into the exhaust chamber 13 and then exhausts it outside the lid, by using the exhaust chamber 13 as an intermediate transition, alternating between intake and exhaust, only a small amount of food or almost no food will remain in the exhaust chamber 13. Even if the pressure is released for a long time through the pressure limiting valve 23, the food inside the pot body 50 will not overflow.

[0053] Those skilled in the art should know that the stop valve 21, the pressure relief valve 23, and the return valve 60 can be driven by the drive unit 31, or different drive units can be provided for the stop valve 21, the pressure relief valve 23, and the return valve 60 respectively.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, the drive assembly 30 also includes a first transmission member 32 and a second transmission member 33. The drive unit 31 is drivenly connected to the first transmission member 32 to drive the first transmission member 32 to rotate along its own axis. The first transmission member 32 and the second transmission member 33 are drivenly connected to drive the second transmission member 33 to rotate along its own axis. The first transmission unit 311 and the third transmission unit 313 are both disposed on the first transmission member 32, and the second transmission unit 312 is disposed on the second transmission member 33. By using the first transmission member 32 and the second transmission member 33, it is possible to drive the check valve 21, the pressure relief valve 23, and the return valve 60 with a single drive unit 31. This has the advantage of a simple drive structure, while also saving costs and enabling the miniaturization of cooking appliances.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the second transmission component 33 includes a lifting wheel 331 sleeved on the outside of the return valve 60 and connected to the return valve 60. The outer wall of the return valve 60 is provided with external threads, and the fastening cover 11 has a through threaded hole 111. The external threads and the threaded hole 111 are threadedly engaged. With the above structure, the rotational motion of the lifting wheel 331 can be converted into the vertical motion of the return valve 60 by utilizing the threaded engagement, so that the return valve 60 can switch between the blocking position and the return position.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lifting wheel 331 is fixedly connected to the return valve 60, and the lifting wheel 331 moves vertically while rotating.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 14 as well as Figure 16As shown, the first transmission member 32 includes a first gear 321 rotatably mounted on the latching cover 11. The outer wall of the first gear 321 is provided with a first tooth structure 3211 extending circumferentially thereon. The second transmission part 312 is a second tooth structure 3121 mounted on the outer wall of the lifting wheel 331 and capable of meshing with the first tooth structure 3211. The first gear 321 has a driving position for meshing the first tooth structure 3211 with the second tooth structure 3121 and a separating position for separating the first tooth structure 3211 from the second tooth structure 3121. By using the first gear 321 with the above structure, by placing the first gear 321 in the separating position, the check valve 21 and the pressure limiting valve 23 can be isolated from the return valve 60, so that the return valve 60 does not move during the process of the cooking appliance rapidly venting through the check valve 21 and the pressure limiting valve 23, thereby saving venting time.

[0058] It should be noted that when the first gear 321 is in the drive position, the stop valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23 do not move at all.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the first gear 321 is in the disengaged position, the first gear 321 can drive the check valve 21 to switch between the connected position and the check position via the first transmission part 311. The first gear 321 can also drive the pressure relief valve 23 to switch between the pressure relief position and the exhaust position via the third transmission part 313. When the first gear 321 is in the driven position, the first gear 321 can drive the return valve 60 to switch between the return position and the blocking position via the second tooth structure 3121. The first gear 321 enables the separate movement of the check valve 21, the pressure relief valve 23, and the return valve 60, which has the advantage of a simple drive structure.

[0060] It should be noted that the first transmission unit 311 and the third transmission unit 313 can move simultaneously, so that when the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position, and when the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position, the stop valve 21 is in the connected position. Alternatively, the first transmission unit 311 and the third transmission unit 313 can move separately, so that when the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position, and when the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position, the stop valve 21 is in the connected position.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 16As shown, the first tooth structure 3211 consists of multiple first teeth 3212, and the second tooth structure 3121 consists of multiple second teeth 3122. The multiple first teeth 3212 are disposed on a portion of the outer wall of the first gear 321, and the multiple second teeth 3122 are disposed on the outer wall of the lifting wheel 331. When the first gear 321 is in the driving position, the first teeth 3212 and the second teeth 3122 mesh, and the first tooth structure 3211 drives the return valve 60 to switch between a return position and a blocking position via the second tooth structure 3121. When the first gear 321 is in the disengaged position, the outer wall of the first gear 321 without the first teeth 3212 is disposed corresponding to the second teeth 3122, and the first tooth structure 3211 and the second tooth structure 3121 are separated. By adopting the above structure, by setting multiple first teeth 3212 on part of the outer side wall of the first gear 321, the first gear 321 can be switched between the driving position and the disengaged position, which has the advantage of simple structure.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first tooth structure 3211 is not the first tooth 3212 of the entire circle, and the second tooth structure 3121 is the second tooth 3122 of the entire circle.

[0063] like Figure 1 as well as Figures 16 to 18 As shown, the first transmission unit 311 includes a slide groove 3111 disposed on the lower surface of the first gear 321. The slide groove 3111 extends circumferentially along the first gear 321. The upper end of the stop valve 21 extends into the slide groove 3111 and fits against the top surface of the slide groove 3111. The height of the top surface of the slide groove 3111 first increases and then decreases circumferentially along the first gear 321, thereby switching the stop valve 21 between a connected position and a stopped position. By setting the top surface of the slide groove 3111 as an inclined plane, the vertical movement of the stop valve 21 is driven by the change in the vertical height of the inclined plane, which has the advantages of simple structure and reliable operation.

[0064] In this embodiment, a rolling bearing is provided at the upper end of the stop valve 21 so that the stop valve 21 and the top surface of the slide groove 3111 can cooperate more smoothly and will not cause jamming between the stop valve 21 and the slide groove 3111 during the rotation of the first gear 321.

[0065] Specifically, the slide groove 3111 is provided on the lower surface of the first gear 321, which can reduce the volume of the first gear 321 and is conducive to the miniaturization of cooking utensils.

[0066] The height of the top surface of the slide 3111 first increases and then decreases, which means that the height of the top surface of the slide 3111 relative to the horizontal plane first increases and then decreases to form an inclined surface.

[0067] like Figures 2 to 7 as well as Figure 17As shown, the top surface of the slide groove 3111 includes a first plane 3112, a second plane 3113, and two inclined planes 3114 connecting the first plane 3112 and the second plane 3113 and arranged at an angle. The height of the first plane 3112 is greater than the height of the second plane 3113. When the upper end of the stop valve 21 is in contact with the first plane 3112, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position; when the upper end of the stop valve 21 is in contact with the second plane 3113, the stop valve 21 is in the open position. With the slide groove 3111 employing the above structure, the contact between the inclined planes 3114 and the stop valve 21 can drive the stop valve 21 to move vertically. When the upper end of the stop valve 21 is in contact with the first plane 3112 or the second plane 3113, the planar structure makes the stop valve 21 more stable when it stops there, thus improving the sealing or opening effect of the stop valve 21 when it is in the stop or open position.

[0068] In other embodiments, a groove arranged circumferentially on the first gear 321 can be provided, and the groove can be extended radially along the first gear 321, so that the height of the groove first increases and then decreases, and the upper end of the stop valve 21 is inserted into the groove, so that the stop valve 21 moves vertically during the rotation of the first gear 321.

[0069] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the first transmission component 32 also includes an exhaust cover 322 disposed above and connected to the first gear 321. The third transmission part 313 is a protrusion 3131 disposed on the upper surface of the exhaust cover 322. When the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position, the protrusion 3131 is separated from the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve 23. When the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position, the protrusion 3131 is in contact with the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve 23. The driving method of using a protrusion 3131 on the upper surface of the exhaust cover 322 to drive the pressure limiting valve 23 has the advantages of simple structure and easy installation.

[0070] In this embodiment, a guide slope is provided on the protrusion 3131 so that the rotation of the exhaust cover 322 is smoother when the protrusion 3131 lifts the pressure relief valve 23, and the protrusion 3131 and the pressure relief valve 23 will not get stuck.

[0071] The first gear 321 is connected to the exhaust cover 322. When the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position; when the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position, the stop valve 21 is in the open position. By connecting the first gear 321 to the exhaust cover 322, the first gear 321 and the exhaust cover 322 can move simultaneously, thereby enabling the pressure limiting valve 23 and the stop valve 21 to form a linkage relationship. This allows the simultaneous movement of the stop valve 21 and the pressure limiting valve 23 to be controlled by a single drive unit 31.

[0072] Specifically, the drive assembly 30 also includes a transmission frame 35 disposed on the latching cover 11. The transmission frame 35 includes a frame body 351 and a transmission shaft 352 rotatably passing through the frame body 351. The upper end of the transmission shaft 352 extends out of the frame body 351 and is anti-rotatingly connected to the exhaust cover 322, and the lower end of the transmission shaft 352 extends out of the frame body 351 and is anti-rotatingly connected to the first gear 321. The transmission frame 35 with the above structure facilitates the mounting of the first gear 321 and the exhaust cover 322 on the latching cover 11 using the frame body 351. The transmission shaft 352 facilitates the connection between the first gear 321 and the exhaust cover 322, allowing the first gear 321 to drive the exhaust cover 322 to rotate via the transmission shaft 352.

[0073] In this embodiment, the frame 351 is fixed to the snap-fit ​​cover 11 by screws. A ball bearing is provided inside the frame 351. The outer ring of the ball bearing is connected to the frame 351 by a retaining ring, and the inner ring of the ball bearing is connected to the drive shaft 352 so that the drive shaft 352 can rotate along its own axis.

[0074] The upper end of the drive shaft 352 is a D-shaped shaft structure, and the exhaust cover 322 has a D-shaped hole. The D-shaped shaft is inserted into the D-shaped hole to form an anti-rotation connection. The lower end of the drive shaft 352 is connected to the first gear 321 through a waist-shaped shaft and a waist-shaped hole to form an anti-rotation connection.

[0075] In this embodiment, the upper cover also includes a control component and a detection component for detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover 322. The control component is electrically connected to both the detection component and the drive unit 31 to control the operating state of the drive unit 31. By detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover 322 through the detection component, the control component can control the operating state of the drive unit 31, thereby controlling the operating states of the first gear 321 and the exhaust cover 322.

[0076] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the detection element includes an optocoupler sensor 40, and a baffle 3221 extending circumferentially is provided on the outer edge of the exhaust cover 322. When the baffle 3221 is opposite to the optocoupler sensor 40, the control element controls the drive unit 31 to operate and control the first gear 321 to rotate. The detection method using the optocoupler sensor 40 and the baffle 3221 has the advantages of simple structure and easy installation.

[0077] During the exhaust process, the control unit controls the drive unit 31 to control the first gear 321, which does not rotate a full circle. Specifically, when the first gear 321 drives the exhaust cover 322 to rotate, the transmitter and receiver of the optocoupler sensor 40 are isolated by the baffle 3221. At this time, the control unit controls the drive unit 31 to operate and drive the first gear 321 to rotate. When the first gear 321 drives the exhaust cover 322 to rotate until the transmitter and receiver of the optocoupler sensor 40 pass the edge of the baffle 3221, the transmitter and receiver of the optocoupler sensor 40 conduct and emit a conduction signal. At this time, the control unit can control the drive unit 31 to stop working and reverse its direction based on the conduction signal.

[0078] Specifically, during the exhaust process, when the exhaust cover 322 rotates to the edge of one end of the baffle 3221, the drive unit 31 stops working, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position, and the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position. At this time, the steam in the exhaust chamber 13 is discharged outside the upper cover through the exhaust pipe 22. After the exhaust chamber 13 exhausts, the control unit controls the drive unit 31 to reverse, and causes the first gear 321 to drive the exhaust cover 322 to reverse. When the exhaust cover 322 rotates to the edge of the other end of the baffle 3221, the control unit controls the drive unit 31 to stop working again. At this time, the stop valve 21 switches to the open position, the pressure limiting valve 23 switches to the pressure limiting position, and the high-pressure steam in the cooking chamber 51 is discharged into the exhaust chamber 13 through the connecting hole 121.

[0079] When the exhaust is finished, the drive unit 31 drives the lifting wheel 331 to rotate through the first gear 321. By using the threaded engagement between the return valve 60 and the snap-fit ​​cover 11, the rotational motion of the lifting wheel 331 is converted into the vertical motion of the return valve 60, so that the return valve 60 can switch between the blocking position and the return position.

[0080] In this embodiment, the baffle 3221 is located on the outer periphery of the protrusion 3131 so that the protrusion 3131 will not interfere with the optocoupler sensor 40.

[0081] Specifically, the optocoupler sensor 40 is mounted on the frame 351.

[0082] The exhaust assembly 20 also includes a first sealing ring 24 fixedly mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The inner wall of the first sealing ring 24 is in contact with the outer wall of the return valve 60, and the outer wall of the first sealing ring 24 is in contact with the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The first sealing ring 24 forms a seal, preventing steam in the exhaust chamber 13 from entering the snap-fit ​​cover 11 through the gap between the return valve 60 and the snap-fit ​​cover 11, thus preventing damage to the components inside the snap-fit ​​cover 11.

[0083] like Figure 3As shown, the exhaust assembly 20 also includes a second sealing ring 25 fixedly mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The inner wall of the second sealing ring 25 is in contact with the outer wall of the check valve 21, and the outer wall of the second sealing ring 25 is in contact with the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The second sealing ring 25 forms a seal, preventing steam in the exhaust chamber 13 from entering the snap-fit ​​cover 11 through the gap between the check valve 21 and the snap-fit ​​cover 11, thus preventing damage to the components inside the snap-fit ​​cover 11.

[0084] In this embodiment, a stop valve 21 is also provided with a stop sealing ring at its lower end. When the stop valve 21 is in the stop position, the stop sealing ring covers the connecting hole 121. A return valve 60 is also provided with a return sealing ring at its lower end. When the return valve 60 is in the blocked position, the return sealing ring covers the return hole 122.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust assembly 20 also includes a return spring 26 sleeved on the outer periphery of the check valve 21. An annular boss is provided on the outer wall of the check valve 21. The lower end of the return spring 26 abuts against the latching cover 11, and the upper end of the return spring 26 abuts against the lower surface of the annular boss. By using the return spring 26, the elastic force of the return spring 26 can provide a restoring force, causing the check valve 21 to automatically return from the stop position to the open position.

[0086] Specifically, when the stop valve 21 switches from the open position to the stop position, the return spring 26 is in a compressed state.

[0087] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the drive assembly 30 also includes a second gear 34, and the drive unit 31 is drivenly connected to the second gear 34. The outer wall of the first gear 321 is also provided with a gear ring 3213 that meshes with the second gear 34. The gear meshing transmission method has the advantages of simple and reliable transmission structure.

[0088] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the first tooth structure 3211 is located below the tooth ring 3213. The diameter of the tooth ring 3213 is smaller than the diameter of the first tooth structure 3211. The first gear 321 with the above structure can reduce the volume of the first gear 321 by utilizing the radial size difference between the first tooth structure 3211 and the tooth ring 3213, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of cooking utensils.

[0089] In this embodiment, the drive unit 31 includes a drive motor, which has the advantage of being easy to control.

[0090] In this embodiment, the drive motor is mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover 11.

[0091] In other embodiments, the second transmission unit 312 includes a cam 332 rotatably disposed on the fastening cover 11 and located above the return valve 60, the outer wall of the cam 332 being in contact with the upper surface of the return valve 60. The drive method of using the cam 332 to drive the return valve 60 has the advantages of simple drive structure and easy arrangement.

[0092] like Figure 21 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention provides a cooking appliance, which includes a pot body 50 and a top cover. The pot body 50 has a cooking cavity 51. The top cover is detachably mounted on the pot body 50. The top cover has a stop valve 21 with a position for opening the connecting hole 121 to connect the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13 and a position for blocking the connecting hole 121 to isolate the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13. The top cover has a return valve 60 with a position for opening the return hole 122 to connect the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13 and a position for blocking the return hole 122 to isolate the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13. The top cover is the one provided above. Using the cooking appliance provided by this invention, after the venting is complete, the drive unit 31 drives the return valve 60 to move vertically from the blocked position to the return position via the second transmission unit 312. This causes the return valve 60 to open the return hole 122, allowing food that has entered the venting chamber 13 with the steam from the pot body 50 to flow back into the pot body 50 through the return hole 122, ensuring that no food residue remains in the venting chamber 13. Therefore, after opening the lid, no food will flow out of the lid, thus improving the user experience.

[0093] Specifically, a pot body sealing ring is provided between the inner cover 12 and the pot body 50. When the upper cover is placed on the pot body 50, the inner cover 12 and the pot body 50 are sealed by the pot body sealing ring to form a closed cooking cavity 51.

[0094] The cooking appliance includes a rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, or a multi-functional heating pot with baking, cooking, and food preparation functions.

[0095] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0096] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0097] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0098] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0099] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0100] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A top cover, characterized in that, The top cover includes: The cover (10) includes a snap-fit ​​cover (11) with snap-fit ​​teeth and an inner cover (12) located below the snap-fit ​​cover (11). The space between the snap-fit ​​cover (11) and the inner cover (12) forms an exhaust chamber (13). The inner cover (12) has a through-hole (121) and a return hole (122) spaced apart and passing through it. The exhaust assembly (20) includes a check valve (21), an exhaust pipe (22), and a pressure relief valve (23). The check valve (21) is vertically movable and is disposed on the latching cover (11). The check valve (21) has a connecting position for opening the connecting hole (121) and a stop position for blocking the connecting hole (121). The exhaust pipe (22) is vertically inserted through the latching cover (11). The lower end of the exhaust pipe (22) extends into the exhaust chamber (13), and the upper end of the exhaust pipe (22) extends out of the latching cover (11). The pressure relief valve (23) is floatingly disposed above the exhaust pipe (22). The pressure relief valve (23) has a pressure relief position for blocking the exhaust pipe (22) and an exhaust position for opening the exhaust pipe (22). A reflux valve (60) is vertically movable and is disposed on the snap-fit ​​cover (11). The reflux valve (60) has a reflux position for opening the reflux hole (122) and a blocking position for blocking the reflux hole (122). The drive assembly (30) includes a drive unit (31), a first transmission unit (311), a second transmission unit (312), and a third transmission unit (313). The drive unit (31) can drive the check valve (21) to switch between the open position and the closed position through the first transmission unit (311). The drive unit (31) can drive the return valve (60) to switch between the return position and the blocking position through the second transmission unit (312). The drive unit (31) can drive the pressure relief valve (23) to switch between the pressure relief position and the exhaust position through the third transmission unit (313). The drive assembly (30) further includes a first transmission member (32) and a second transmission member (33). The drive part (31) is driven to the first transmission member (32) to drive the first transmission member (32) to rotate along its own axis. The first transmission member (32) and the second transmission member (33) are driven to drive the second transmission member (33) to rotate along its own axis. The first transmission part (311) and the third transmission part (313) are both disposed on the first transmission member (32), and the second transmission part (312) is disposed on the second transmission member (33).

2. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmission component (33) includes a lifting wheel (331) sleeved on the outside of the return valve (60) and connected to the return valve (60). The outer wall of the return valve (60) is provided with an external thread, and the fastening cover (11) has a through threaded hole (111). The external thread and the threaded hole (111) are threadedly engaged.

3. The top cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first transmission member (32) includes a first gear (321) rotatably disposed on the fastening cover (11). The outer side wall of the first gear (321) is provided with a first tooth structure (3211) extending circumferentially thereon. The second transmission part (312) is a second tooth structure (3121) disposed on the outer side wall of the lifting wheel (331) and capable of meshing with the first tooth structure (3211). The first gear (321) has a driving position for meshing the first tooth structure (3211) with the second tooth structure (3121) and a separating position for separating the first tooth structure (3211) from the second tooth structure (3121). When the first gear (321) is in the separated position, the first gear (321) can drive the stop valve (21) to switch between the connected position and the stop position through the first transmission part (311). The first gear (321) can drive the pressure relief valve (23) to switch between the pressure relief position and the exhaust position through the third transmission part (313). When the first gear (321) is in the driven position, the first gear (321) can drive the return valve (60) to switch between the return position and the blocking position through the second tooth structure (3121).

4. The top cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first tooth structure (3211) consists of a plurality of first teeth (3212), and the second tooth structure (3121) consists of a plurality of second teeth (3122). The plurality of first teeth (3212) are disposed on a portion of the outer sidewall of the first gear (321), and the plurality of second teeth (3122) are disposed on the outer sidewall of the lifting wheel (331). When the first gear (321) is in the driving position, the first tooth (3212) meshes with the second tooth (3122), and the first tooth structure (3211) drives the return valve (60) to switch between the return position and the blocking position through the second tooth structure (3121). When the first gear (321) is in the separation position, the outer side wall of the first gear (321) without the first tooth (3212) is set with the second tooth (3122), and the first tooth structure (3211) separates from the second tooth structure (3121).

5. The top cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transmission part (311) includes a slide groove (3111) disposed on the lower surface of the first gear (321), the slide groove (3111) extends circumferentially along the first gear (321), and the upper end of the stop valve (21) extends into the slide groove (3111) and fits against the top surface of the slide groove (3111). In the circumferential direction of the first gear (321), the height of the top surface of the slide groove (3111) first increases and then decreases, so that the stop valve (21) switches between the open position and the stop position.

6. The top cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transmission member (32) further includes an exhaust cover (322) disposed above the first gear (321) and connected to the first gear (321), and the third transmission part (313) is a protrusion (3131) disposed on the upper surface of the exhaust cover (322). When the pressure limiting valve (23) is in the pressure limiting position, the protrusion (3131) is separated from the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve (23), and when the pressure limiting valve (23) is in the exhaust position, the protrusion (3131) is attached to the lower surface of the pressure limiting valve (23).

7. The top cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top cover also includes a control component and a detection component for detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover (322). The control component is electrically connected to the detection component and the drive unit (31) respectively to control the working state of the drive unit (31).

8. The top cover according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection element includes an optical coupler sensor (40), and the outer edge of the exhaust cover (322) is provided with a baffle (3221) extending circumferentially thereon. When the baffle (3221) is opposite to the optical coupler sensor (40), the control element controls the drive unit (31) to work in order to control the first gear (321) to rotate.

9. The top cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive assembly (30) further includes a second gear (34), the drive unit (31) is driven to connect with the second gear (34), and the outer side wall of the first gear (321) is also provided with a gear ring (3213) that meshes with the second gear (34).

10. The top cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first toothed structure (3211) is located below the toothed ring (3213), and the diameter of the toothed ring (3213) is smaller than the diameter of the first toothed structure (3211); and / or, The drive unit (31) includes a drive motor.

11. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmission unit (312) includes a cam (332) rotatably disposed on the fastening cover (11) and located above the return valve (60), the outer side wall of the cam (332) being in contact with the upper surface of the return valve (60).

12. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes: The pot body (50) has a cooking cavity (51); The top cover is detachably mounted on the pot body (50). The top cover has a stop valve (21) with a communication position that opens the communication hole (121) to connect the cooking chamber (51) and the exhaust chamber (13) and a stop position that blocks the communication hole (121) to isolate the cooking chamber (51) and the exhaust chamber (13). The top cover has a return valve (60) with a return position that opens the return hole (122) to connect the cooking chamber (51) and the exhaust chamber (13) and a stop position that blocks the return hole (122) to isolate the cooking chamber (51) and the exhaust chamber (13). The top cover is the top cover according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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