Lid and cooking utensil having the same

Abstract

This invention provides a lid and a cooking appliance having the same. The lid includes: a lid body, comprising a snap-on lid and an inner lid, with an exhaust chamber formed between the snap-on lid and the inner lid, and the inner lid having a connecting hole; an exhaust assembly, comprising a check valve, an exhaust pipe, and a pressure-limiting valve, the check valve having a connecting position and a stop position, the exhaust pipe passing through the snap-on lid, the center line of the exhaust pipe being offset from the center line of the connecting hole, and the pressure-limiting valve being positioned above the exhaust pipe, having a pressure-limiting position and an exhaust position; and a drive unit, comprising a drive component and a transmission component, the transmission component being rotatably configured, the transmission component driving the check valve to switch between the connecting position and the stop position, and the transmission component driving the pressure-limiting valve to switch between the pressure-limiting position and the exhaust position. When the check valve is in the connecting position, the pressure-limiting valve is in the pressure-limiting position; when the check valve is in the stop position, the pressure-limiting valve is in the exhaust position. This solution can solve the problem of food inside the pot overflowing outside the lid.

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 that covers the pot body. During cooking, the pot body forms a sealed cooking chamber. Therefore, after cooking, the pot body remains under high pressure, and the pressure must be released before the lid can be opened.

[0004] However, due to the high pressure inside the pot, during the venting process, the food inside the pot will be discharged outside the lid along with the steam, affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a lid and a cooking appliance having the same, to solve the problem in related technologies where food inside the pot spills out of the lid.

[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-fit ​​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; 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 centerline of the exhaust pipe being offset from the projection of the centerline of the through-hole in the horizontal plane, and the lower end of the exhaust pipe extending to... Inside the exhaust chamber, the upper end of the exhaust pipe extends through a snap-fit ​​cover. A pressure-limiting valve is floatingly mounted above the exhaust pipe. The pressure-limiting valve has a pressure-limiting position that blocks the exhaust pipe and an exhaust position that opens the exhaust pipe. The drive unit includes a drive component and a transmission component that is driven and connected to the drive component. The transmission component is rotatably arranged along a vertical axis. The transmission component can drive the check valve to switch between a connected position and a check position. The transmission component can drive the pressure-limiting valve to switch between a pressure-limiting position and an exhaust position. When the check valve is in the connected position, the pressure-limiting valve is in the pressure-limiting position. When the check valve is in the check position, the pressure-limiting valve is in the exhaust position.

[0007] Applying the technical solution of this invention, the lid includes a cover body, an exhaust assembly, and a driving unit. After cooking, the driving unit drives the transmission component to rotate along the vertical axis. This, in turn, drives the check valve to move vertically from the check position to the open position, allowing the check valve to open the open hole and release steam from the pot into the exhaust chamber. Next, the driving unit drives the transmission component to rotate vertically, causing the transmission component to drive the pressure limiting valve to float from the pressure limiting position to the exhaust position. This opens the exhaust pipe, allowing steam in the exhaust chamber to escape through the exhaust pipe. This process is repeated until exhaust is complete. After exhaust, the transmission component drives the check valve to move vertically from the check position to the open position, opening the open hole to allow food that entered the exhaust chamber with the steam to flow back into the pot, preventing food residue in the exhaust chamber. Therefore, no food will leak out of the lid after opening, improving the user experience.

[0008] Furthermore, the transmission component includes a transmission wheel and an exhaust cover disposed at the upper end of the transmission wheel. The driving component is driven by the transmission wheel to rotate the transmission wheel around its vertical axis. The transmission wheel can drive the check valve to switch between an open position and a closed position, and the transmission wheel can drive the exhaust cover to rotate around its vertical axis. The exhaust cover can drive the pressure relief valve to switch between a pressure relief position and a venting position. Using the above-described transmission component, the transmission wheel can drive the check valve to move, and the exhaust cover can drive the pressure relief valve to move, preventing interference between the two driving structures and enhancing the reliability of the driving structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the drive wheel is connected to the exhaust cover. When the drive wheel drives the pressure relief valve to the exhaust position, the exhaust cover drives the check valve to the stop position. Conversely, when the drive wheel drives the pressure relief valve to the pressure relief position, the exhaust cover drives the check valve to the open position. By connecting the drive wheel to the exhaust cover, the drive wheel and the exhaust cover can move simultaneously, thus creating a linkage between the pressure relief valve and the check valve. This allows for the simultaneous movement of both valves to be controlled by a single drive component.

[0010] Furthermore, a groove is provided on the transmission wheel, and the upper end of the check valve extends into the groove and fits against the top surface of the groove. In the circumferential direction of the transmission wheel, the height of the top surface of the groove first increases and then decreases, allowing the check valve to switch between the open and closed positions. By setting the top surface of the groove as an inclined plane, the vertical movement of the check valve is driven by the change in the vertical height of the inclined plane, which has the advantages of simple structure and reliable operation.

[0011] Furthermore, the top surface of the chute includes a first plane, a second plane, and two inclined planes connecting the first and second planes. The height of the first plane is greater than the height of the second plane. When the upper end of the check valve is in contact with the first plane, the check valve is in the stop position; when the upper end of the check valve is in contact with the second plane, the check valve is in the open position. With this structure, the chute can drive the check valve to move vertically by utilizing the contact between the inclined planes and the check valve. When the upper end of the check valve is in contact with either the first or second plane, the planar structure makes the check valve more stable when it stops there, thus improving the sealing or opening effect of the check valve when it is in the stop or open position.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper surface of the exhaust cover is provided with a protrusion. The protrusion has a raised position that engages with the pressure limiting valve and a separated position that separates from the pressure limiting valve. When the protrusion is in the raised position, the pressure limiting valve is in the exhaust position; when the protrusion is in the separated position, the pressure limiting valve is in the pressure limiting position. 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.

[0013] 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 component to control the operating state of the drive component. By detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover through the detection component, the control component can control the operating state of the drive component, thereby controlling the operating state of the transmission wheel and the exhaust cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the detection component includes an optocoupler sensor, and two symmetrical clearance openings are provided along the outer edge of the exhaust cover to avoid the optocoupler sensor. This detection method, which uses an optocoupler sensor in conjunction with the clearance openings, has the advantages of simple structure and ease of installation.

[0015] Furthermore, the drive unit also includes a transmission frame mounted on the locking cover. The transmission frame includes a frame body and a transmission shaft rotatably passing through the frame body. The upper end of the transmission shaft extends out of the frame body and is anti-rotatingly connected to the exhaust cover, while the lower end of the transmission shaft extends out of the frame body and is anti-rotatingly connected to the transmission wheel. This transmission frame structure facilitates the mounting of the transmission wheel and exhaust cover on the locking cover using the frame body. The use of a transmission shaft facilitates the connection between the transmission wheel and the exhaust cover, allowing the transmission wheel to drive the exhaust cover to rotate via the transmission shaft.

[0016] Furthermore, the exhaust assembly also includes a return spring sleeved on the outer periphery of the check valve. An annular boss is provided on the outer wall of the check valve. The lower end of the return spring abuts against the locking cover, and the upper end of the return spring abuts against the lower surface of the annular boss. By using a return spring, the elastic force of the return spring can provide a restoring force, causing the check valve to automatically return from the stop position to the open position.

[0017] Furthermore, the exhaust assembly also includes a sealing ring fixedly mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover. The inner wall of the sealing ring fits against the outer wall of the check valve, and the outer wall of the sealing ring fits against the snap-fit ​​cover. The sealing ring creates a seal, preventing steam in the exhaust chamber from entering the snap-fit ​​cover through the gap between the check valve and the snap-fit ​​cover, thus preventing damage to the components inside the snap-fit ​​cover.

[0018] Furthermore, the driving component includes a drive motor and a gear connected to the drive motor. A first gear ring is provided on the outer wall of the transmission wheel, and the gear is provided with a second gear ring that meshes with the first gear ring. This gear-meshing transmission method has the advantages of simple and reliable transmission structure.

[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 stop valve having a connecting position for opening a connecting hole to connect the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity, and a stop position for blocking the connecting hole to isolate the cooking cavity and the exhaust cavity. The lid is the aforementioned lid. Using the aforementioned cooking appliance, after exhausting, a transmission component drives the stop valve to move vertically from the stop position to the connecting position, causing the stop valve to open the connecting hole so that food that has entered the exhaust cavity with steam from the pot body flows back into the pot body through the connecting hole, preventing food residue in the exhaust cavity. Therefore, after opening the lid, no food will flow out of the lid, thereby 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 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a pressure-limiting valve of a cooking appliance provided according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pressure-limiting 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 a pressure-limiting valve of a cooking appliance provided according to an embodiment of the present invention in the pressure-limiting position is shown;

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

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

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

[0028] Figure 8 An exploded view of a check valve, a transmission component, and a transmission frame provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a transmission component and a transmission frame provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 10 A top view of the drive unit provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 11 A bottom view of a transmission wheel provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a transmission wheel provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0035] 10. Cover body; 11. Fastening cover; 12. Inner cover; 121. Connecting hole; 13. Exhaust chamber;

[0036] 20. Exhaust assembly; 21. Check valve; 211. Annular boss; 22. Exhaust pipe; 23. Pressure relief valve; 24. Return spring; 25. Sealing ring;

[0037] 30. Drive unit; 31. Drive component; 311. Drive motor; 312. Gear; 3121. Second gear ring; 32. Transmission component; 321. Transmission wheel; 3211. First gear ring; 322. Exhaust cover; 3221. Clearance opening; 331. Slide groove; 332. First plane; 333. Second plane; 334. Inclined surface; 341. Protrusion; 35. Transmission frame; 351. Frame body; 352. Transmission shaft;

[0038] 40. Optical coupler sensor;

[0039] 50. Pot body; 51. Cooking cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a top cover, which includes a cover body 10, an exhaust assembly 20, and a drive unit 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. 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 center line of the exhaust pipe 22 and the center line of the through-hole 121 are misaligned in the horizontal plane. The lower end of the exhaust pipe 22 extends into the exhaust chamber 13, and the upper end of the exhaust pipe 22 passes through the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The pressure limiting valve 23 is floatingly mounted on top of the exhaust pipe 22. The pressure limiting valve 23 has a pressure limiting position that blocks the exhaust pipe 22 and an exhaust position that opens the exhaust pipe 22. The drive unit 30 includes a drive member 31 and a transmission member 32 that is driven and connected to the drive member 31. The transmission member 32 is rotatably arranged along the vertical axis. The transmission member 32 can drive the stop valve 21 to switch between the connected position and the stop position. The transmission member 32 can drive the pressure limiting valve 23 to switch between the pressure limiting position and the exhaust position. When the stop valve 21 is in the connected position, the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position. When the stop valve 21 is in the stop position, the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position.

[0042] Applying the technical solution of this invention, the upper cover includes a cover body 10, an exhaust assembly 20, and a driving part 30. After cooking, the driving member 31 drives the transmission member 32 to rotate along the vertical axis. The transmission member 32 then drives the stop valve 21 from the stop position to the open position, allowing the stop valve 21 to open the connecting hole 121 and discharge steam from the pot body 50 into the exhaust chamber 13 through the connecting hole 121. Next, the driving member 31 drives the transmission member 32 to rotate along the vertical axis. The transmission member 32 then drives the pressure limiting valve 23 to float from the pressure limiting position to the exhaust position, allowing the pressure limiting valve 23 to open the exhaust pipe 22, allowing steam in the exhaust chamber 13 to be discharged outside the upper cover through the exhaust pipe 22. The above operation is repeated until venting is complete. After the venting is complete, the transmission component 32 drives the check valve 21 to move vertically from the stop position to the open position. This causes the check valve 21 to open the connecting hole 121, 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 connecting hole 121, 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.

[0043] In this embodiment, a single drive unit 31 is used to control the opening and closing of the stop valve 21 and the connecting hole 121, while simultaneously controlling the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 23 and the exhaust pipe 22. Compared to the scheme that uses two drive units to control the movement of the stop valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23 through two transmission structures respectively, this method has the advantages of simple structure and facilitates the miniaturization of cooking appliances.

[0044] Furthermore, the scheme of driving the transmission component 32 to rotate along the vertical axis by the driving component 31, and driving the check valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23 during the rotation of the transmission component 32, compared with the scheme of using a solenoid valve to drive the check valve 21 or the pressure relief valve 23 to move, adopts a simple mechanical structure and improves the reliability of the movement of the check valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Of course, during the cooking process, the intermittent venting of the cooking chamber 51, achieved by the aforementioned venting scheme, allows for intermittent pressure changes within the cooking chamber 51 of the pot 50. This enables the food inside the pot 50 to tumble, enhancing the cooking effect and resulting in a better texture. Simultaneously, because the venting chamber 13 serves as an intermediate transition, alternating between intake and exhaust, only a small amount of food or virtually no food remains in the venting chamber 13. Even with prolonged pressure relief via the pressure-limiting valve 23, the food inside the pot 50 will not overflow.

[0047] Because the centerline of the exhaust pipe 22 and the projection of the connecting hole 121 in the horizontal plane are misaligned, when the transmission component 32 drives the stop valve 21 from the stop position to the connecting position and drives the pressure limiting valve 23 from the exhaust position to the pressure limiting position, the high-pressure steam in the cooking cavity 51 and the tumbling food are discharged into the exhaust chamber 13 through the connecting hole 121. The high-pressure steam will impact the exhaust chamber 13 due to pressure release, but will not directly impact the exhaust pipe 22, and will not be directly discharged to the outside of the cover 10 through the exhaust pipe 22, thereby reducing the risk of slurry overflow.

[0048] Those skilled in the art should know that the stop valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23 can be driven by the same drive element 31, or the stop valve 21 and the pressure relief valve 23 can be driven by different drive elements.

[0049] like Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the transmission component 32 includes a transmission wheel 321 and an exhaust cover 322 disposed at the upper end of the transmission wheel 321. The driving component 31 is driven to rotate the transmission wheel 321 around its vertical axis. The transmission wheel 321 can drive the check valve 21 to switch between an open position and a closed position, and the transmission wheel 321 can drive the exhaust cover 322 to rotate around its vertical axis. The exhaust cover 322 can drive the pressure relief valve 23 to switch between a pressure relief position and an exhaust position. With the above-described structure, the transmission component 32 can use the transmission wheel 321 to drive the check valve 21 to move and the exhaust cover 322 to drive the pressure relief valve 23 to move, preventing interference between the two driving structures and enhancing the reliability of the driving structure.

[0050] It should be noted that the drive wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322 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 open position. Alternatively, the drive wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322 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 open position.

[0051] In this embodiment, the drive wheel 321 is connected to the exhaust cover 322. When the drive wheel 321 drives the pressure limiting valve 23 to the exhaust position, the exhaust cover 322 drives the check valve 21 to the stop position. When the drive wheel 321 drives the pressure limiting valve 23 to the pressure limiting position, the exhaust cover 322 drives the check valve 21 to the open position. By connecting the drive wheel 321 to the exhaust cover 322, the drive wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322 can move simultaneously, thereby enabling the pressure limiting valve 23 and the check valve 21 to form a linkage relationship. This allows the simultaneous movement of the check valve 21 and the pressure limiting valve 23 to be controlled by a single drive component 31.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 7 as well as Figure 11 As shown, a groove 331 is provided on the transmission wheel 321. The upper end of the check valve 21 extends into the groove 331 and is in contact with the top surface of the groove 331. In the circumferential direction of the transmission wheel 321, the height of the top surface of the groove 331 first increases and then decreases, so that the check valve 21 switches between the open position and the closed position. By setting the top surface of the groove 331 as an inclined plane, the vertical movement of the check valve 21 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.

[0053] 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 331 can fit more smoothly and will not cause jamming between the stop valve 21 and the slide groove 331 during the rotation of the transmission wheel 321.

[0054] Specifically, the groove 331 is provided on the lower surface of the transmission wheel 321, which can reduce the volume of the transmission wheel 321 and is conducive to the miniaturization of cooking utensils.

[0055] The phrase "the height of the top surface of the slide 331 first increases and then decreases" means that the height of the top surface of the slide 331 relative to the horizontal plane first increases and then decreases to form an inclined surface.

[0056] like Figures 2 to 7 as well as Figure 11As shown, the top surface of the slide groove 331 includes a first plane 332, a second plane 333, and two inclined planes 334 connecting the first plane 332 and the second plane 333 and arranged at an angle. The height of the first plane 332 is greater than the height of the second plane 333. When the upper end of the stop valve 21 is in contact with the first plane 332, 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 333, the stop valve 21 is in the open position. With the slide groove 331 having the above structure, the contact between the inclined planes 334 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 332 or the second plane 333, the planar structure makes the stop valve 21 more stable when it stops at this position, thereby making the sealing or opening effect of the stop valve 21 better when it is in the stop position or the open position.

[0057] In other embodiments, a groove arranged circumferentially on the transmission wheel 321 can be provided, and the groove can be extended radially along the transmission wheel 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 transmission wheel 321.

[0058] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the upper surface of the exhaust cover 322 is provided with a protrusion 341. The protrusion 341 has a raised position that is in contact with the pressure limiting valve 23 and a separated position that is separated from the pressure limiting valve 23. When the protrusion 341 is in the raised position, the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position. When the protrusion 341 is in the separated position, the pressure limiting valve 23 is in the pressure limiting position. The method of driving the pressure limiting valve 23 by setting the protrusion 341 on the upper surface of the exhaust cover 322 has the advantages of simple structure and easy installation.

[0059] In this embodiment, a guide slope is provided on the protrusion 341 so that when the protrusion 341 switches from the separated position to the raised position, the rotation process of the exhaust cover 322 is smoother and will not cause jamming between the protrusion 341 and the pressure relief valve 23.

[0060] It should be noted that 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 component 31 to control the working state of the drive component 31. By detecting the rotational position of the exhaust cover 322 through the detection component, the control component can control the working state of the drive component 31, thereby controlling the working state of the transmission wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322.

[0061] The detection element can be either a photoelectric sensor to detect the rotational position of the exhaust cover 322, or a mechanical limiting structure can be set between the detection element and the exhaust cover 322, and the working state of the mechanical limiting structure can be controlled by a control element to control the working state of the drive element 31.

[0062] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the detection component includes an optocoupler sensor 40, and two clearance openings 3221 are symmetrically arranged along the outer edge of the exhaust cover 322, opposite to the optocoupler sensor 40. This detection method, which uses the optocoupler sensor 40 in conjunction with the clearance openings 3221, has the advantages of simple structure and ease of installation.

[0063] Specifically, when the drive wheel 321 drives the exhaust cover 322 to rotate to the clearance opening 3221 position, the transmitter and receiver of the optocoupler sensor 40 are connected through the clearance opening 3221 and send a connection signal. At this time, the control unit can control the drive unit 31 to stop working according to the connection signal. By using two clearance openings 3221, when the drive unit 31 stops working, the stop valve 21 is in the stop position and the connection position respectively, and the corresponding pressure limiting valve 23 is in the exhaust position and the pressure limiting position respectively. When the exhaust cover 322 rotates to the first clearance opening 3221 position, 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 top cover through the exhaust pipe 22. After the exhaust chamber 13 exhausts, the control unit controls the drive unit 31 to work, and causes the transmission wheel 321 to drive the exhaust cover 322 to continue to rotate. When the exhaust cover 322 rotates to the position of the second clearance opening 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.

[0064] In this embodiment, the clearance opening 3221 is located on the outer periphery of the protrusion 341 so that the protrusion 341 will not interfere with the optocoupler sensor 40.

[0065] Among them, the outer edge of the exhaust cover 322 is symmetrically provided with two clearance openings 3221 opposite to the optocoupler sensor 40, which means that the transmitting end and the receiving end of the optocoupler sensor 40 can be connected through the clearance openings 3221.

[0066] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the drive unit 30 also includes a transmission frame 35 disposed on the fastening 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 transmission wheel 321. The transmission frame 35 with the above structure facilitates the mounting of the transmission wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322 on the fastening cover 11 using the frame body 351. The transmission shaft 352 facilitates the connection between the transmission wheel 321 and the exhaust cover 322, allowing the transmission wheel 321 to drive the exhaust cover 322 to rotate via the transmission shaft 352.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The upper end of the drive shaft 352 has 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 and the drive wheel 321 form an anti-rotation connection through an oblong shaft and an oblong hole.

[0069] Specifically, the optocoupler sensor 40 is mounted on the frame 351.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the exhaust assembly 20 also includes a return spring 24 sleeved on the outer periphery of the check valve 21. An annular boss 211 is provided on the outer wall of the check valve 21. The lower end of the return spring 24 abuts against the fastening cover 11, and the upper end of the return spring 24 abuts against the lower surface of the annular boss 211. By using the return spring 24, the elastic force of the return spring 24 can provide a restoring force, causing the check valve 21 to automatically return from the stop position to the open position.

[0071] Specifically, when the stop valve 21 switches from the open position to the stop position, the return spring 24 is in a compressed state.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the exhaust assembly 20 also includes a sealing ring 25 fixedly mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The inner wall of the sealing ring 25 fits against the outer wall of the check valve 21, and the outer wall of the sealing ring 25 fits against the snap-fit ​​cover 11. The 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] like Figure 8 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the driving component 31 includes a drive motor 311 and a gear 312 that is driven and connected to the drive motor 311. A first gear ring 3211 is provided on the outer wall of the transmission wheel 321, and the gear 312 is provided with a second gear ring 3121 that meshes with the first gear ring 3211. The transmission form using gear meshing has the advantages of simple and reliable transmission structure.

[0075] In this embodiment, the drive motor 311 is mounted on the snap-fit ​​cover 11.

[0076] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a cooking appliance, which includes a pot body 50 and a lid. The pot body 50 has a cooking cavity 51. The lid is closable and is mounted on the pot body 50. The lid has a stop valve 21 with an open communication hole 121 to connect the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13, and a stop position to block the communication hole 121 to isolate the cooking cavity 51 and the exhaust cavity 13. The lid is the one provided above. Using the cooking appliance provided above, after the exhaust is completed, the stop valve 21 is driven by the transmission member 32 to move vertically from the stop position to the communication position, so that the stop valve 21 opens the communication hole 121 to allow food that has entered the exhaust cavity 13 with the steam from the pot body 50 to flow back into the pot body 50 through the communication hole 121, so that no food residue remains in the exhaust cavity 13. Therefore, after opening the lid, no food will flow out of the lid, thereby improving the user experience.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The cooking appliance includes a rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, or a multi-functional heating pot with baking, cooking, and food preparation functions.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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). 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 center line of the exhaust pipe (22) and the center line of the connecting hole (121) are misaligned in the horizontal plane. 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). The drive unit (30) includes a drive member (31) and a transmission member (32) drivenly connected to the drive member (31). The transmission member (32) is rotatably arranged along a vertical axis. The transmission member (32) can drive the check valve (21) to switch between the connected position and the check position. The transmission member (32) can drive the pressure relief valve (23) to switch between the pressure relief position and the exhaust position. When the check valve (21) is in the connected position, the pressure relief valve (23) is in the pressure relief position. When the check valve (21) is in the check position, the pressure relief valve (23) is in the exhaust position. The transmission component (32) includes a transmission wheel (321) and an exhaust cover (322) disposed at the upper end of the transmission wheel (321). The driving component (31) is driven to drive the transmission wheel (321) to rotate around its vertical axis. The transmission wheel (321) can drive the stop valve (21) to switch between the connected position and the stop position. The transmission wheel (321) can drive the exhaust cover (322) to rotate around its vertical axis. The exhaust cover (322) can drive the pressure limiting valve (23) to switch between the pressure limiting position and the exhaust position.

2. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive wheel (321) is connected to the exhaust cover (322). When the drive wheel (321) drives the pressure limiting valve (23) to the exhaust position, the exhaust cover (322) drives the stop valve (21) to the stop position. When the drive wheel (321) drives the pressure limiting valve (23) to the pressure limiting position, the exhaust cover (322) drives the stop valve (21) to the connection position.

3. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission wheel (321) is provided with a slide groove (331). The upper end of the stop valve (21) extends into the slide groove (331) and fits against the top surface of the slide groove (331). In the circumferential direction of the transmission wheel (321), the height of the top surface of the slide groove (331) first increases and then decreases, so that the stop valve (21) switches between the connected position and the stop position.

4. The top cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top surface of the chute (331) includes a first plane (332), a second plane (333), and two inclined planes (334) that connect the first plane (332) and the second plane (333) and are inclined. The height of the first plane (332) is greater than the height of the second plane (333). When the upper end of the stop valve (21) is in contact with the first plane (332), 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 (333), the stop valve (21) is in the communication position.

5. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the exhaust cover (322) is provided with a protrusion (341). The protrusion (341) has a raised position that is in contact with the pressure limiting valve (23) and a separated position that is separated from the pressure limiting valve (23). When the protrusion (341) is in the raised position, the pressure limiting valve (23) is in the exhaust position. When the protrusion (341) is in the separated position, the pressure limiting valve (23) is in the pressure limiting position.

6. The top cover according to claim 1, 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 component (31) respectively to control the working state of the drive component (31).

7. The top cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection element includes an optical coupler sensor (40), and the outer edge of the exhaust cover (322) is symmetrically provided with two clearance openings (3221) opposite to the optical coupler sensor (40).

8. The top cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (30) further includes a transmission frame (35) disposed on the fastening 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) passes through the frame body (351) and is anti-rotatingly connected to the exhaust cover (322). The lower end of the transmission shaft (352) passes through the frame body (351) and is anti-rotatingly connected to the transmission wheel (321).

9. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust assembly (20) also includes a return spring (24) sleeved on the outer periphery of the stop valve (21). The outer side wall of the stop valve (21) is provided with an annular boss (211). The lower end of the return spring (24) abuts against the fastening cover (11), and the upper end of the return spring (24) abuts against the lower surface of the annular boss (211).

10. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust assembly (20) also includes a sealing ring (25) fixedly disposed on the snap-fit ​​cover (11), the inner wall of the sealing ring (25) being in contact with the outer wall of the check valve (21), and the outer wall of the sealing ring (25) being in contact with the snap-fit ​​cover (11).

11. The top cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component (31) includes a drive motor (311) and a gear (312) that is driven and connected to the drive motor (311). A first gear ring (3211) is provided on the outer side wall of the transmission wheel (321), and the gear (312) is provided with a second gear ring (3121) that meshes with the first gear ring (3211).

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

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