Cooking equipment

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking device includes: a first pressure control device, the first pressure control device includes a first lower cylindrical portion, a first upper cylindrical portion, a first counterweight and a gate structure, the first lower cylindrical portion includes a first lower flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the first upper cylindrical portion is arranged on the first lower cylindrical portion and includes the first upper flow path, the first counterweight is arranged on the first upper cylindrical portion and is configured to open / close the first upper flow path, the gate structure is configured to switch between an open position for opening the first lower flow path and a closed position for closing the first lower flow path; and a second pressure control device, the second pressure control device includes a second cylindrical portion and a second counterweight, the second cylindrical portion includes a second flow path connected to the accommodating space, the second counterweight is arranged on the second cylindrical portion and is configured to open / close the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cooking devices, and more particularly, to cooking devices capable of cooking ingredients under high pressure. Background Art

[0002] Typically, an electric pressure rice cooker, a representative example of a cooking device, is capable of selectively performing a cooking function for cooking rice and a warming function for maintaining the cooked rice at a constant temperature. In an electric pressure rice cooker, a main body cover having a steam release hole formed therein can be mounted on the main body in an openable / closable manner, an inner pot can be detachably built into the main body, and a separate inner pot cover can be provided to cover the inner pot. An induction heating heater or a hot plate heater is provided in the main body to transfer heat to cooking ingredients, such as rice, mixed grains, or other food ingredients, contained in the inner pot, thereby cooking the ingredients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the foregoing, the technical concept of the present disclosure provides a cooking device capable of improving user convenience and cooking quality.

[0004] The cooking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body, which is configured to accommodate an inner pot; a top plate, which is arranged in a lid cover connected to the main body; a rotating cover, which is rotatably connected to the top plate so as to be able to rotate along the edge of the top plate; a first pressure control device. The first pressure control device includes a first lower cylindrical portion, a first upper cylindrical portion, a first counterweight and a gate structure, the first lower cylindrical portion includes a first lower flow path connected to the accommodation space in the inner pot, the first upper cylindrical portion is provided on the first lower cylindrical portion and includes a first upper flow path, the first counterweight is provided on the first upper cylindrical portion and is configured to adjust the pressure according to the accommodation space in the inner pot. The steam pressure opens / closes the first upper flow path, the gate structure is configured to switch between an open position for opening the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path are connected to each other and a closed position for closing the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path are not connected to each other; and a second pressure control device, the second pressure control device includes a second cylindrical portion and a second counterweight, the second cylindrical portion includes a second flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the second counterweight is provided on the second cylindrical portion and is configured to open / close the second flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot at a first pressure, and the second pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the gate structure may include a gate frame coupled to the first lower cylindrical portion, a gate rod movably mounted to the gate frame, an elastic cover coupled to an end portion of the gate rod facing the outlet of the first lower flow path, and a first elastic body configured to elastically support the gate rod.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a pushing structure configured to press the gate structure to fix the gate structure in the closed position, and the pushing structure may be coupled to the rotating cover and configured to selectively press the gate structure according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the pushing structure may include a fixed body coupled to the rotation cover, a second elastic body mounted to the fixed body, and a movable body elastically supported by the second elastic body to be able to press the gate lever.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a lifting pin mounted to the lid cover so as to be movable up and down, wherein the lifting pin may be configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover, and wherein the lifting pin may be located at the pin-up position to lift the first counterweight so that the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion is forced open, and to lift the second counterweight so that the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion is forced open.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a locking structure comprising an engaging protrusion configured to engage with a flange portion of the inner pot, wherein the locking structure may be mounted on the top plate so as to be capable of linear movement, and wherein the locking structure may be configured to move linearly between a locking position in which the locking protrusion is positioned to vertically overlap with the flange portion of the inner pot and an unlocking position in which the locking protrusion is positioned to be radially spaced outward relative to the locking position according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover includes a guide groove having a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position sequentially arranged along an extension direction of the guide groove, wherein the first position, the third position, and the fourth position of the guide groove can each be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a first distance, and wherein the second position of the guide groove can be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a second distance greater than the first distance. The locking structure may further include a guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove and located at one of the first position to the fourth position of the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover. When the guide protrusion is located at the first position, the third position, and the fourth position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the locked position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the second position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the unlocked position.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include: a lift pin configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, selectively pressing the first counterweight and the second counterweight; and a push structure configured to selectively press the gate structure according to the rotating cover to switch the gate structure between an open position and a closed position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the first and second positions of the guide groove, the lift pin may be located at the pin-up position, raising the first and second counterweights, thereby forcibly opening the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion and the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the third and fourth positions of the guide groove, the lift pin may be located at the pin-down position, lowered from the pin-up position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the first, second, and third positions of the guide groove, the push structure is spaced apart from the gate structure, allowing the gate structure to be located in the open position. When the guiding protrusion of the locking structure is located at the fourth position of the guiding groove, the pushing structure may press the gate structure so that the gate structure is fixed at the closed position.

[0013] The cooking device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body, which is configured to accommodate an inner pot; a top plate, which is arranged in a lid cover connected to the main body; a rotating cover, which is rotatably connected to the top plate so as to be able to rotate along the edge of the top plate; a first pressure control device, the first pressure device including a first lower cylindrical portion, a first upper cylindrical portion and a first counterweight, the first lower cylindrical portion including a first lower flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the first upper cylindrical portion including a first upper flow path connected to the first lower flow path, the first counterweight being provided on the first upper cylindrical portion and configured to open / close the first upper flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot; and a second pressure control device, the second pressure control device including a second lower cylindrical portion, a second upper cylindrical portion part and a second counterweight, the second lower cylindrical part including a second lower flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the second upper cylindrical part including a second upper flow path connected to the second lower flow path, the second counterweight is arranged on the second upper cylindrical part and is configured to open / close the second upper flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot; and a gate structure, the gate structure includes a first gate lever, a second gate lever and an actuator, the first gate lever is configured to move between a closed position inserted into the first lower flow path to close the first lower flow path and an open position to open the first lower flow path, the second gate lever is configured to move between a closed position inserted into the second lower flow path to close the second lower flow path and an open position to open the second lower flow path, and the actuator is configured to drive the first gate lever and the second gate lever.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot at a first pressure, and the second pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a lift pin mounted to the lid cover member so as to be movable up and down, wherein the lift pin may be configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover member. When the lift pin is in the pin-up position, the lift pin may lift the first counterweight to forcibly open the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion, and lift the second counterweight to forcibly open the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover may include a first surface portion at a first height and a second surface portion at a second height lower than the first height. The lifting pin may be supported on the first surface portion of the rotating cover and located at a pin upper position, and may be supported on the second surface portion of the rotating cover and located at a pin lower position lowered from the pin upper position.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a locking structure including an engaging protrusion configured to engage with the flange portion of the inner pot. The locking structure may be mounted to the top plate so as to be linearly movable. The locking structure may be configured to linearly move between a locked position in which the locking protrusion is positioned vertically overlapping the flange portion of the inner pot and an unlocked position in which the locking protrusion is positioned radially outwardly spaced relative to the locked position, depending on the rotation angle of the rotating cover.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover may include a guide groove including a first position, a second position, and a third position sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the guide groove. The first position and the third position of the guide groove may each be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a first distance. The second position of the guide groove may be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a second distance greater than the first distance. The locking structure may further include a guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove and located at one of the first position to the third position of the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover. When the guide protrusion is located at the first position and the third position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the locked position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the second position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the unlocked position.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a lifting pin configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, selectively pressing the first and second counterweights. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the first and second positions of the guide groove, the lifting pin may be in the pin-up position, lifting the first and second counterweights, thereby forcibly opening the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion and the outlet of the second upper flow path in the second upper cylindrical portion. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the third position of the guide groove, the lifting pin may be in the pin-down position, lowered from the pin-up position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the first and second positions of the guide groove, the gate structure may position the first and second gate levers in the open position, thereby opening the first and second lower flow paths. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the third position of the guide groove, the gate structure may position the first gate lever in the open position, thereby maintaining the steam pressure in the accommodating space in the inner pot at the first pressure. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is at the third position of the guide groove, the gate structure can be configured to place the first gate rod in the closed position and the second gate rod in the open position, so that the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot is maintained at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking device includes: a main body, which is configured to accommodate an inner pot; a top plate, which is arranged in a lid cover connected to the main body; a rotating cover, which is rotatably connected to the top plate so as to be able to rotate along the edge of the top plate; a first pressure control device, which includes a first lower cylindrical portion, a first upper cylindrical portion, a first counterweight and a gate structure, the first lower cylindrical portion including a first lower flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the first upper cylindrical portion including a first upper flow path connected to the first lower flow path, the first counterweight is arranged on the first upper cylindrical portion and is configured to open / close the first upper flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot, and the gate structure is configured to open / close the first lower flow path; and a second pressure control device, which includes a second cylindrical portion and a second counterweight, the second cylindrical portion including a second flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the second counterweight is arranged on the second cylindrical portion and is configured to open / close the second flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot. The gate structure includes a gate lever configured to move between a closing position inserted into the first lower flow path to close the first lower flow path and an opening position to open the first lower flow path, and an actuator configured to drive the gate lever.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot at a first pressure. The second pressure control device may be configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a lift pin mounted to the lid cover member so as to be movable up and down. The lift pin may be configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover member. In the pin-up position, the lift pin may lift the first counterweight to forcibly open the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion, and lift the second counterweight to forcibly open the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover may include a first surface portion at a first height and a second surface portion at a second height lower than the first height. The lifting pin may be supported on the first surface portion of the rotating cover and located at a pin upper position, and may be supported on the second surface portion of the rotating cover and located at a pin lower position lowered from the pin upper position.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a locking structure including an engaging protrusion configured to engage with the flange portion of the inner pot. The locking structure may be mounted to the top plate so as to be linearly movable. The locking structure may be configured to linearly move between a locked position in which the locking protrusion is positioned vertically overlapping the flange portion of the inner pot and an unlocked position in which the locking protrusion is positioned radially outwardly spaced relative to the locked position, depending on the rotation angle of the rotating cover.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover may include a guide groove including a first position, a second position, and a third position sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the guide groove. The first position and the third position of the guide groove may each be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a first distance. The second position of the guide groove may be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a second distance greater than the first distance. The locking structure may further include a guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove and located at one of the first position to the third position of the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover. When the guide protrusion is located at the first position and the third position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the locked position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the second position of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at the unlocked position.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include a lift pin configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, and selectively press the first and second counterweights. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the first and second positions of the guide groove, the lift pin may be in the pin-up position, lifting the first and second counterweights, thereby forcibly opening the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion and the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the third position of the guide groove, the lift pin may be in the pin-down position, lowered from the pin-up position. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the first and second positions of the guide groove, the gate structure may position the gate lever in the open position, thereby opening the first lower flow path. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is in the third position of the guide groove, the gate structure may position the gate lever in the open position, thereby maintaining the steam pressure in the accommodating space in the inner pot at the first pressure. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the third position of the guide groove, the gate structure can place the first gate rod at the closed position, so that the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot is maintained at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooking device provides various pressure cooking modes, such as a no-pressure cooking mode (or a low-pressure cooking mode) for cooking without pressure, a first pressure cooking mode for cooking at a first pressure, and a second high-pressure cooking mode for cooking at a second pressure, so that cooking can be performed according to cooking ingredients and user tastes. Therefore, user convenience and cooking quality can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 It's a picture Figure 1 A plan view of the main components of the cover assembly.

[0030] Figure 3 It's a picture Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main components of the cover assembly.

[0031] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a cover assembly.

[0032] Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the push structure and the gate structure.

[0033] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a cover assembly.

[0034] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating a locking structure.

[0035] Figure 8a and Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the locking structure according to the movement of the rotating cover.

[0036] Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating a portion of a rotating cover.

[0037] Figure 10 is a plan view illustrating a manipulation handle of the cover assembly.

[0038] Figure 11 (a), (b), (c) and (d) illustrate plan views each illustrating an operating state of the lid assembly according to a rotation angle of the rotary cover.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a table showing changes in the position of the guide protrusion, the operation of the locking mechanism, the operation of the lifting pin, the operation of the gate mechanism, and the pressure of the inner pot according to changes in the rotational position of the operating handle.

[0040] Figure 13 is a plan view illustrating main components of a cover assembly of a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 14a and Figure 14b It's a picture Figure 13 Cross-sectional view of the pressure control device of the cover assembly.

[0042] Figure 15 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate plan views each illustrating an operating state of the lid assembly according to a rotation angle of the rotary cover.

[0043] Figure 16 The position of the guide protrusion, the position of the locking structure, the position of the lifting pin, the position of the gate structure and the pressure of the inner pot are shown according to the following Figure 13 The table of the lid assembly changes with the change of the rotational position of the operating handle of the cooking assembly.

[0044] Figure 17 is a plan view illustrating main components of a cover assembly of a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 18 It's a picture Figure 17 A perspective view of the pressure control device of the cover assembly.

[0046] Figures 19a to 19c It's a picture Figure 17 Cross-sectional view of the pressure control device of the cover assembly.

[0047] Figure 20 The position of the guide protrusion, the position of the locking structure, the position of the lifting pin, the position of the gate structure and the pressure of the inner pot are shown according to the following Figure 17 The table of the lid assembly changes with the change of the rotational position of the operating handle of the cooking assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical concept of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and repeated description of the same components will be omitted.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cooking device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It's a picture Figure 1 A plan view of the main components of the cover assembly 100. Figure 3 It's a picture Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of the cover assembly 100.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The cooking device 10 may include a main body 200 and a cover assembly 100 mounted on the main body 200, and the main body 200 includes a cooking space in which cooking ingredients may be cooked.

[0051] The main body 200 can accommodate an inner pot ( Figure 8a The inner pot 210 may have a container shape and may include a receiving space for receiving cooking materials therein. The inner pot 210 may be received in the cooking space of the main body 200 in a detachable manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner pot 210 may include a flange portion ( Figure 8a The flange portion 211 may extend along the upper edge of the inner pot 210. Multiple flange portions 211 spaced apart from one another along the upper edge of the inner pot 210 may be arranged at the upper end of the inner pot 210. The main body 200 may include a heating source for heating the cooking ingredients contained in the inner pot 210. For example, the main body 200 may include a hot plate heater or an induction heating heater.

[0052] The lid assembly 100 can cover the cooking space in the main body 200 and / or the storage space in the inner pot 210. The lid assembly 100 can be configured to seal the storage space in the inner pot 210 and / or the cooking space in the main body 200 so that when cooking ingredients are cooked, a pressure suitable for cooking is formed in the storage space in the inner pot 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the lid assembly 100 can be hinged to one side of the main body 200 and can rotate about a hinge axis. The lid assembly 100 can rotate between a closed position in which the lid assembly covers the storage space in the inner pot 210 and an open position in which the lid assembly opens the storage space in the inner pot 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the lid assembly 100 can be detachably coupled to the main body 200.

[0053] The lid assembly 100 may include a lid cover 101 , an inner pot cover 110 , a top plate 120 , a rotating cover 130 , a pressure control device 103 , a solenoid valve 160 , a locking structure 170 , and a pushing structure 190 .

[0054] The cover 101 may be coupled to the body 200. The cover 101 may form an exterior of the cover assembly 100. The cover 101 may provide a space in which various electronic components may be mounted.

[0055] The inner pot cover 110 may be disposed below the lid assembly 100, facing the inner pot 210. The inner pot cover 110 may be mounted to the top plate 120 and / or the lid cover 101. The inner pot cover 110 may cover the inner pot 210 accommodated in the main body 200. The inner pot cover 110 may include a first lower steam hole 111H1, a second lower steam hole 111H2, and a third lower steam hole 111H3 that communicate with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210. A filler mounting groove may be formed at an edge portion of the inner pot cover 110, and a filler 189 for sealing the space between the inner pot 210 and the inner pot cover 110 may be mounted to the filler mounting groove.

[0056] The top plate 120 may be disposed on the inner pot cover 110. The top plate 120 may be disposed within the lid cover 101 and coupled to the lid cover 101. The top plate 120 may include a first upper steam hole 121H1 communicating with the first lower steam hole 111H1 of the inner pot cover 110, a second upper steam hole 121H2 communicating with the second lower steam hole 111H2, and a third upper steam hole 121H3 communicating with the third lower steam hole 111H3.

[0057] The rotating cover 130 may be provided on the top plate 120. The rotating cover 130 may have an annular shape extending substantially along the edge of the top plate 120. The rotating cover 130 may be rotatably coupled to the top plate 120 so as to be rotatable along the edge of the top plate 120. The rotating cover 130 may be configured to rotate about the rotation axis direction (Z direction) in a first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0058] The rotating cover 130 may be configured to rotate in association with rotation of a manipulation handle 183 protruding from the lid cover 101. Rotation of the manipulation handle 183 in a first rotational direction causes the rotating cover 130 to rotate in the first rotational direction, and rotation of the manipulation handle 183 in a second rotational direction causes the rotating cover 130 to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0059] More specifically, the manipulation handle 183 and the rotating cover 130 may be connected via a connecting rod (not shown) that rotates about the rotation axis of the manipulation handle 183 when the manipulation handle 183 is rotated. One end of the connecting rod may be connected to the manipulation handle 183, and the other end of the connecting rod may be connected to the connecting protrusion 131 of the rotating cover 130. For example, when the manipulation handle 183 is rotated due to manipulation by a user, the connecting rod rotates in association with the rotation of the manipulation handle 183, and the rotating cover 130 connected to the connecting rod via the connecting protrusion 131 may rotate along the edge of the top plate 120.

[0060] The rotating cover 130 may be configured to rotate within a predetermined rotation angle range on the top plate 120. The rotating cover 130 may include a rotation limiting groove 133 extending along the rotation direction of the rotating cover 130 or along an edge of the rotating cover 130. The rotation limiting groove 133 may guide the rotational movement of the rotating cover 130 and limit the range of rotational movement of the rotating cover 130.

[0061] More specifically, a fastening structure 185, such as a screw, may be inserted into the boss 122 of the top plate 120 below the rotation limiting groove 133 through the rotation limiting groove 133. The rotation of the rotation cover 130 may be limited between a position where the fastening structure 185 is located at one end portion of the rotation limiting groove 133 and a position where the fastening structure 185 is located at the other end portion of the rotation limiting groove 133.

[0062] The pressure control device 103 may be configured to control the pressure of the storage space in the inner pot 210 by controlling the discharge of steam according to the pressure level of the storage space in the inner pot 210. The pressure control device 103 may include a first pressure control device 140 and a second pressure control device 150 mounted on the top plate 120. The first pressure control device 140 and the second pressure control device 150 may each include a balancing valve configured to maintain the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) of the storage space in the inner pot 210 at a predetermined pressure using a counterweight. The first pressure control device 140 may have a flow path communicating with the storage space in the inner pot 210 via a first lower steam hole 111H1 and a first upper steam hole 121H1, and may be configured to selectively discharge steam introduced into the flow path. The second pressure control device 150 may have a flow path communicating with the storage space in the inner pot 210 via a second lower steam hole 111H2 and a second upper steam hole 121H2, and may be configured to selectively discharge steam introduced into the flow path.

[0063] The first pressure control device 140 may be configured to form a first pressure higher than a reference pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) in the inner pot 210, and the second pressure control device 150 may be configured to form a second pressure higher than the first pressure in the inner pot 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure may be at 1.2 kgf / cm 2 and 1.8kgf / cm 2 For example, the first pressure can be 1.5 kgf / cm 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the second pressure may be at 1.8 kgf / cm 2 and 2.4kgf / cm 2 For example, the second pressure can be 2.1 kgf / cm 2 .

[0064] The solenoid valve 160 may be mounted on the top plate 120. The solenoid valve 160 may be configured to regulate the pressure of the inner pot 210's accommodation space by discharging steam in the accommodation space in response to an electrical control signal. The solenoid valve 160 may include an internal flow path connected to the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 via the third lower steam hole 111H3 and the third upper steam hole 121H3, and may be configured to selectively open / close the internal flow path in response to the electrical control signal. For example, the solenoid valve 160 may be configured to quickly release residual pressure in the inner pot 210 to the outside by opening the internal flow path when cooking is complete.

[0065] The locking structure 170 may be configured to move between a locked position locked to the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210 and an unlocked position unlocked relative to the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210. Switching between the locked position and the unlocked position of the locking structure 170 may be configured to be performed in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating cover 130.

[0066] The locking structure 170 may be mounted on the top plate 120 and may include an engaging protrusion ( ) configured to selectively engage with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210. Figure 8a 177 in). The locked position of the locking structure 170 may be a position where the engaging protrusion 177 of the locking structure 170 overlaps with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210 in the vertical direction, and the unlocked position of the locking structure 170 may be a position where the engaging protrusion 177 of the locking structure 170 does not overlap with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210 in the vertical direction. During the cooking process of the cooking ingredients contained in the inner pot 210, the locking structure 170 is located at the locked position, and when the engaging protrusion 177 is fixed to the inner pot 210, the inner pot 210 and the inner pot cover 110 or the inner pot 210 and the top plate 120 can be firmly fixed to each other. This will be referred to later. Figure 7 、 Figure 8a and Figure 8b The locking structure 170 is described in more detail.

[0067] Figure 4a and Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the cover assembly 100 . Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operation of the push structure 190 and the gate structure 147 .

[0068] Figure 4a The diagram shows a state when the gate structure 147 is located at the open position of the gate structure 147 where the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P is opened, and Figure 4bThe diagram illustrates a state when the gate structure 147 is located at a closed position of the gate structure 147 where the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P is closed. Figure 5a The diagram shows that when the gate structure 147 is located Figure 4a The corresponding open position, and Figure 5b The diagram shows that when the gate structure 147 is located Figure 4b The corresponding state when in the closed position.

[0069] Reference Figures 1 to 5b The first pressure control device 140 may include a first lower cylindrical portion 141 , a first upper cylindrical portion 143 , a first counterweight 145 and a gate structure 147 .

[0070] The first lower cylindrical portion 141 may include a first lower flow path 141P in communication with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210. The first lower flow path 141P may communicate with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 through the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 and the first lower steam hole 111H1 in the inner pot cover 110. The first lower flow path 141P may extend from an inlet in communication with the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 to an outlet 141PO exposed through one side surface of the first lower cylindrical portion 141 facing the gate structure 147.

[0071] The first upper cylindrical portion 143 may be disposed on the first lower cylindrical portion 141 and may include a first upper flow path 143P that extends from an inlet formed at a bottom side of the first upper cylindrical portion 143 to an outlet formed at a top side of the first upper cylindrical portion 143 .

[0072] The first balance weight 145 may be provided on the first upper cylindrical portion 143. The first balance weight 145 may include a first pressure protrusion 1451 configured to be inserted into the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P. The first pressure protrusion 1451 may open or close the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P according to the level of steam pressure formed in the first upper flow path 143P.

[0073] The gate structure 147 may be configured to open / close the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P. The gate structure 147 may be configured to switch between an open position that opens the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P and a closed position that closes the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P. The switching between the open position and the closed position of the gate structure 147 may be achieved by a pushing structure 190 to be described later. When the gate structure 147 opens the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P, the first lower flow path 141P and the first upper flow path 143P may be connected to each other. When the gate structure 147 closes the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P, the first lower flow path 141P and the first upper flow path 143P may not be connected to each other.

[0074] The gate structure 147 may include a gate frame 1471 , a gate lever 1473 , an elastic cover 1475 , and a first elastic body 1477 .

[0075] The gate frame 1471 can be coupled to the first lower cylindrical portion 141 to form a flow path connecting the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P and the inlet of the first upper flow path 143P. The gate rod 1473 can be movably mounted to the gate frame 1471. The gate rod 1473 can be inserted into a through hole in the gate frame 1471 and can move linearly within a predetermined range of motion. The first end portion of the gate rod 1473 facing the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P can have a size larger than the diameter of the through hole in the gate frame 1471. An elastic cover 1475 formed of a material having excellent elasticity, such as rubber, can be coupled to the first end portion of the gate rod 1473. The elastic cover 1475 can cover the first end portion of the gate rod 1473. The first elastic body 1477 can be configured to elastically support the gate lever in a direction from the closed position of the gate structure 147 toward the open position, that is, in a direction in which the first end portion of the gate lever 1473 moves away from the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P. In other words, the gate lever 1473 can be elastically biased to the open position by the first elastic body 1477. For example, the first elastic body 1477 can be an elastic spring. The first elastic body 1477 can surround the outer periphery of the gate lever 1473 and can be disposed between a fixing ring 1479 fixed to the gate lever 1473 adjacent to the second end portion of the gate lever 1473 and the outer surface of the gate frame 1471. In this way, the switching between the open position and the closed position of the gate structure 147 is determined by the position of the gate rod 1473, and therefore, in this specification, the open position of the gate structure 147 may refer to the open position of the gate rod 1473 that opens the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P, and the closed position of the gate structure 147 may refer to the closed position of the gate rod 1473 that closes the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P.

[0076] The push structure 190 can control the switching of the gate structure 147 between the open position and the closed position. The push structure 190 can apply an external force to the gate structure 147, so that the gate structure 147 is fixed in the closed position to close the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P. Alternatively, the push structure 190 can release the external force applied to the gate structure 147 to switch the gate structure 147 from the closed position to the open position.

[0077] The pushing structure 190 may include a fixed body 191 , a movable body 193 , and a second elastic body 195 .

[0078] The fixed body 191 can be coupled to the rotating cover 130 and can be configured to rotate together with the rotating cover 130 when the rotating cover 130 rotates. The movable body 193 can be movably mounted to the fixed body 191. For example, the movable body 193 can be mounted to the fixed body 191 so as to be movable in the radial direction of the rotating cover 130, and the range of motion of the movable body 193 can be limited by the fixed body 191. The second elastic body 195 can be disposed between the movable body 193 and the fixed body 191 and can be configured to elastically support the movable body 193. The second elastic body 195 can be configured to elastically support the movable body 193 in the radially inward direction. The movable body 193 can be elastically supported by the second elastic body 195 so as to be able to press the gate lever 1473, causing the gate lever 1473 to move in the direction from the open position to the closed position.

[0079] The gate rod 1473 of the gate structure 147 can be positioned on the movement trajectory of the movable body 193 that rotates together with the rotating cover 130 when the rotating cover 130 rotates. Therefore, according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover 130, the gate rod 1473 can be pressed against the pushing structure 190 to be located in the closed position, or separated from the pushing structure 190 to be located in the open position.

[0080] Hereinafter, the pressure control process of the first pressure control device 140 and the second pressure control device 150 will be described in detail.

[0081] like Figure 4a and Figure 5a As shown in FIG, when the push structure 190 is positioned spaced apart from the gate structure 147, the external force generated by the push structure 190 does not act on the gate structure 147. Because the gate lever 1473 of the gate structure 147 is elastically biased to the open position by the first elastic body 1477, the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P can be opened. At this time, since the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P is open, the steam generated in the accommodating space of the inner pot 210 can flow through the first lower flow path 141P into the first upper flow path 143P. When the steam pressure in the accommodating space of the inner pot 210 is lower than a predetermined first pressure, the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P can be closed by the first pressure protrusion 1451 of the first counterweight 145. When the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined first pressure or a level close to the first pressure, the first pressure protrusion 1451 of the first counterweight 145 is lifted by the steam pressure, so that the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P is opened and the steam is discharged to the outside, and thereby the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the first pressure or a level close to the first pressure.

[0082] like Figure 4b and Figure 5b As shown in FIG, when the rotating cover 130 rotates to a position where the push structure 190 can press the gate structure 147, the movable body 193 of the push structure 190 obstructs the gate lever 1473 of the gate structure 147, and the movable body 193, elastically supported by the second elastic body 195, applies an external force to the gate lever 1473. The gate lever 1473 is pressed by the push structure 190 to move from the open position to the closed position, and the elastic cover 1475 coupled to the first end portion of the gate lever 1473 comes into close contact with the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P, closing the outlet 141PO. At this time, to ensure that the gate lever 1473 is fixed in the closed position by the external force applied to the gate structure 147 by the push structure 190, the restoring force of the second elastic body 195 can be greater than the combined force of the restoring force of the first elastic body 1477 and the force applied to the gate lever 1473 by the steam pressure in the inner pot 210. Since the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P is closed, the steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140 is prohibited. When the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P is closed by the gate structure 147, the steam in the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can flow to the second cylindrical portion ( Figure 6a The second flow path (151) communicating with the second lower steam hole 111H2 and the second upper steam hole 121H2 Figure 6a When the steam pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210 exceeds the first pressure and increases to the second pressure or a level close to the second pressure, the second counterweight ( Figure 6a The second pressure protrusion (155) of Figure 6a 1551) is increased by steam pressure so that the outlet of the second flow path 151P can be opened and the steam is discharged to the outside, and thereby the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the second pressure or close to the second pressure level.

[0083] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is a side view illustrating a portion of the cover assembly 100, wherein Figure 6a The figure shows the state when the lifting pin 181 is in the pin upper position, and Figure 6b The figure shows a state where the lift pin 181 is located at the pin lower position.

[0084] Reference Figure 6a and Figure 6b as well as Figures 1 to 3The cooking device 10 may include a lift pin 181 mounted to the lid cover 101 so as to be movable up and down. The lift pin 181 may be mounted to a through hole in the lid cover 101 so as to be movable, and a head of the lift pin 181 may protrude from the lid cover 101.

[0085] The lower end portion of the lift pin 181 may be in contact with the rotating cover 130 and may be configured to be in sliding contact with the surface of the rotating cover 130 during the rotation of the rotating cover 130. The lift pin 181 may move up and down in association with the rotation of the rotating cover 130. Figure 6a As shown in FIG, when the lift pin 181 is supported on the first surface portion 137 of the rotating cover 130 at a first height level, the lift pin 181 may be located at a pin upper position. Figure 6b As shown in FIG, when the lift pin 181 is supported on the second surface portion 138 of the rotating cover 130 at a second height level lower than the first height level, the lift pin 181 can be located in the pin-down position. For example, when the rotating cover 130 rotates in the first rotational direction, the contact position between the lift pin 181 and the rotating cover 130 can shift from the first surface portion 137 of the rotating cover 130 to the second surface portion 138, and the lift pin 181 can move downward from the pin-up position to the pin-down position. Conversely, when the rotating cover 130 rotates in the second rotational direction, the contact position between the lift pin 181 and the rotating cover 130 can shift from the second surface portion 138 of the rotating cover 130 to the first surface portion 137, and the lift pin 181 can move upward from the pin-down position to the pin-up position.

[0086] like Figure 6a As shown in FIG, when lift pin 181 is in its upper position, lift pin 181 can lift first counterweight 145 of first pressure control device 140 and second counterweight 155 of second pressure control device 150 together. When first counterweight 145 and second counterweight 155 are lifted by lift pin 181, the outlet of first upper flow path 143P in first pressure control device 140 and the outlet of second flow path 151P in second pressure control device 150 can be forcibly opened regardless of the steam pressure level in the accommodating space of inner pot 210. When the outlet of first upper flow path 143P and the outlet of second flow path 151P are forcibly opened by lift pin 181, steam in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 can be discharged to the outside through first pressure control device 140 and second pressure control device 150. During cooking in cooking device 10, the steam pressure in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at or near atmospheric pressure.

[0087] like Figure 6bAs shown in FIG, in the pin-down position of the lift pin 181, the lift pin 181 may be spaced apart from the first and second counterweights 145 and 155. Here, the spaced-apart lift pin 181 may include: a predetermined distance from the first and / or second counterweights 145 and 155, and a physical contact between the lift pin 181 and the first and / or second counterweights 145 and 155, and a physical contact between the lift pin 181 and the first and / or second counterweights 145 and 155, but the lift pin 181 does not provide an external force sufficient to lift the first and / or second counterweights 145 and 155. In the pin-down position of the lift pin 181, steam discharge through the first and second pressure control devices 140 and 150 may be determined by the steam pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 and / or the gate structure 147.

[0088] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the locking structure 170 . Figure 8a and Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the locking structure 170 according to the rotation of the rotation cover 130, wherein Figure 8a The diagram shows the state when the locking structure 170 is in the locked position, and Figure 8b The diagram illustrates a state when the locking structure 170 is located at the unlocked position. Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the rotation cover 130 .

[0089] Reference Figure 7 、 Figure 8a 、 Figure 8b and Figure 9 as well as Figures 1 to 3 The locking structure 170 may include a locking blade 171 extending along the edge of the top plate 120 and having a curved shape in a plan view. The locking blade 171 may include a side wall portion 1713 surrounding the edge of the top plate 120 and the edge of the inner pot cover 110 in the lateral direction, an upper body 1711 extending inward from the upper end of the side wall portion 1713 and engaging with the edge portion of the top surface of the top plate 120, and a lower body extending inward from the lower end of the side wall portion 1713. The lower body of the locking blade 171 may include an engaging protrusion 177 configured to be fixedly engaged with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 10.

[0090] The locking structure 170 may include a connecting plate 173 connected to the inner periphery of the upper end portion of the locking blade 171 and disposed between the top plate 120 and the rotating cover 130. The connecting plate 173 may include a groove 174 extending in a linear direction. The groove 174 of the connecting plate 173 may guide the linear movement of the locking structure 170 and limit the range of movement of the locking structure 170. More specifically, a fastening structure 187, such as a screw, may be inserted into the boss 123 of the top plate 120 through the groove 174 of the connecting plate 173. The linear movement of the locking structure 170 may be limited between a position where the locking structure 187 is located at one end of the groove 174 and a position where the locking structure 187 is located at the other end of the groove 174.

[0091] The rotating cover 130 may include a guide groove 135 extending substantially along the rotation direction of the rotating cover 130, and the connecting plate 173 of the locking structure 170 may include a guide protrusion 175 configured to be inserted into the guide groove 135 of the rotating cover 130. When the rotating cover 130 rotates, the linear movement of the locking structure 170 can be achieved by physical interference between the rotating cover 130 and the guide protrusion 175 received in the guide groove 135.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 9 , the guide groove 135 may include a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 sequentially disposed between one end and the other end of the guide groove 135 along an extending direction of the guide groove 135. The first position P1, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4 of the guide groove 135 may be spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 130 by a first distance D1, and the second position P2 of the guide groove 135 may be spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 130 by a second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1.

[0093] The relative position of the guide protrusion 175 relative to the guide groove 135 changes depending on the rotation angle of the rotating cover 130. When the guide protrusion 175 is located at the first position P1, third position P3, and fourth position P4 of the guide groove 135, which are spaced approximately the same first distance D1 from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 130, the locking structure 170 can be located in a locked position where the engagement protrusion 177 can engage with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210. When the guide protrusion 175 is located at the second position P2 of the guide groove 135, which is spaced a second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1 from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 130, the locking structure 170 can be located in an unlocked position radially outward from the locked position. In other words, when the guide protrusion 175 moves from the first position P1 toward the second position P2 of the guide groove 135 and from the third position P3 toward the second position P2 of the guide groove 135, the locking structure 170 moves radially outward. Conversely, when the guide protrusion 175 moves from the second position P2 of the guide groove 135 toward the first position P1 and from the second position P2 toward the third position P3 of the guide groove 135 , the locking structure 170 moves inwardly in the radial direction.

[0094] Figure 10 18 is a plan view illustrating the operating handle 183 of the lid assembly 100 .

[0095] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 as well as Figures 1 to 3 , the operating handle 183 is capable of rotating between a first rotation position, a second rotation position, a third rotation position, and a fourth rotation position that are sequentially spaced apart from each other along the first rotation direction. The first rotation position to the fourth rotation position of the operating handle 183 can be defined as the rotation angle of the operating handle 183 relative to an arbitrary reference position. For example, the first rotation position of the operating handle 183 can be a position where the alignment protrusion 1831 of the operating handle 183 is aligned with the first mark 188a provided on the cover 101, the second rotation position of the operating handle 183 can be a position where the alignment protrusion 1831 of the operating handle 183 is aligned with the second mark 188b provided on the cover 101, the third rotation position of the operating handle 183 can be a position where the alignment protrusion 1831 of the operating handle 183 is aligned with the third mark 188c provided on the cover 101, and the fourth rotation position of the operating handle 183 can be a position where the alignment protrusion 1831 of the operating handle 183 is aligned with the fourth mark 188d provided on the cover 101.

[0096] As described above, since the rotation cover 130 rotates in association with the rotation of the operating handle 183, the rotation cover 130 rotates with the rotation of the operating handle 183 and the relative position of the guide protrusion 175 with respect to the guide groove 135 may change. When the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 may be located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 135, when the operating handle 183 is located at the second rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 may be located at the second position P2 of the guide groove 135, when the operating handle 183 is located at the third rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 may be located at the third position P3 of the guide groove 135, and when the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 may be located at the fourth position P4 of the guide groove 135.

[0097] Figure 11 (a), (b), (c), and (d) illustrate plan views each showing an operation state of the lid assembly 100 according to a rotation angle of the rotation cover 130. Figure 12 17 is a table showing changes in the position of the guide protrusion 175 , the operation of the locking mechanism 170 , the operation of the lift pin 181 , the operation of the gate mechanism 147 , and the pressure of the inner pot 210 according to changes in the rotational position of the manipulation handle 183 .

[0098] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 12 A method of operating the cooking apparatus 10 including the lid assembly 100 is described.

[0099] Figure 11 (a) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100 when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the first rotation position.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 135. Figure 8a As illustrated in FIG, the locking structure 170 is located at a locking position where the engaging protrusion 177 of the locking structure 170 engages with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210 .

[0101] When the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the lifting pin 181 supported on the first surface portion 137 of the first rotation cover 130 is Figure 6a As shown in FIG, the pin is raised to the upper position, so the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P in the first pressure control device 140 and the outlet of the second flow path 151P in the second pressure control device 150 are forced to open, and the gate structure 147 is located at the open position to open the outlet 141PO of the first lower flow path 141P, as shown in FIG. Figure 4aTherefore, when cooking is in progress, since the steam generated in the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140 and the second pressure control device 150, the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at no pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure).

[0102] Figure 11 (b) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100 when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the second rotation position.

[0103] like Figure 11 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG, when the operating handle 183 is switched from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 can be moved from the first position P1 of the guide groove 135 to the second position P2, and the locking structure 170 can be moved outward in the radial direction to be located at the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8b As shown in FIG. Since the locking protrusion 177 is not engaged with the inner pot 210 in the unlocked position of the locking structure 170, the lid assembly 100 can be rotated to open. Therefore, when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the second rotational position, the lid assembly 100 can be opened and tasks such as introducing cooking ingredients and checking the cooking status can be performed.

[0104] When the operating handle 183 is in the second rotation position, the lifting pin 181 is in the pin upper position and the gate structure 147 is in the open position, as in the case where the operating handle 183 is in the first rotation position. Therefore, when cooking is in progress, the pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210 can be maintained at zero pressure because the steam generated in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140 and the second pressure control device 150.

[0105] Figure 11 (c) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100 when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the third rotation position.

[0106] like Figure 11 As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG, when the manipulation handle 183 is switched from the second rotational position to the third rotational position, the guide protrusion 175 can be moved from the second position P2 of the guide groove 135 to the third position P3, and the locking structure 170 can be moved inwardly in the radial direction to be located at the locked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8a As shown in the figure.

[0107] When the operating handle 183 is located at the third rotation position, Figure 6b As shown in FIG, the lifting pin 181 supported on the second surface portion 138 of the first rotating cover 130 is lowered to the pin lower position, and as shown in FIG. Figure 4a As shown in FIG, gate structure 147 is located in an open position that opens outlet 141PO of first lower flow path 141P. Therefore, when cooking is in progress, steam generated in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 flows to first lower flow path 141P and first upper flow path 143P, which are connected to each other, in first pressure control device 140, and the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 can be determined by first pressure control device 140. That is, since the steam pressure in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined first pressure or a level close to the first pressure, the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at the first pressure or a level close to the first pressure.

[0108] Figure 11 (d) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100 when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position.

[0109] like Figure 11 As illustrated in (c) and (d), when the operating handle 183 is switched from the third rotational position to the fourth rotational position, the guide protrusion 175 can be moved from the third position P3 of the guide groove 135 to the fourth position P4, and the locking structure 170 can be located at the locking position as when the operating handle 183 is located at the third rotational position.

[0110] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, the lifting pin 181 is located at the position as shown in FIG. Figure 6b The pin is in the lower position shown in FIG, and the gate structure 147 is located as shown Figure 4b , which is the closed position of outlet 141PO closing first lower flow path 141P as shown in FIG. Therefore, since the discharge of steam through first pressure control device 140 is prohibited while cooking is in progress, steam generated in the accommodation space in inner pot 210 flows into second flow path 151P in second pressure control device 150, and the pressure of the accommodation space in inner pot 210 can be determined by second pressure control device 150. That is, since steam is discharged to the outside through second pressure control device 150 when the steam pressure in the accommodation space in inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined second pressure or a level close to the second pressure, the pressure of the accommodation space in inner pot 210 can be maintained at the second pressure or a level close to the second pressure.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooking device 10 provides various pressure cooking modes, such as a no-pressure cooking mode (or a low-pressure cooking mode) for cooking without pressure, a first-pressure cooking mode for cooking at a first pressure, and a second-pressure cooking mode for cooking at a second pressure, so that cooking can be performed according to cooking ingredients and user tastes. Therefore, user convenience and cooking quality can be improved.

[0112] Figure 13 is a plan view illustrating main components of a cover assembly 100 a of a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14a and Figure 14b It's a picture Figure 13 1. A cross-sectional view of the pressure control device 103a of the cover assembly 100a.

[0113] Figure 14a shows a state when the gate structure 310 is located at an open position where the gate structure 310 opens the first lower flow path 141Pa, and Figure 14b A state is illustrated when the gate structure 310 is located at a closed position where the gate structure 310 closes the first lower flow path 141Pa.

[0114] In addition to driving the structure (see Figure 3 190) is omitted, the first pressure control device 140a is different in configuration and operation, etc., Figure 13 、 Figure 14a and Figure 14b The cap assembly 100a shown in FIG. 1 may be substantially similar to the cap assembly 100a shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 12 The cap assembly 100 described herein. In the following, we will focus on Figures 1 to 12 The lid assembly 100 and the cooking device 10 including the lid assembly 100 are described in detail. Figure 13 、 Figure 14a and Figure 14b 1 and 2. The cover assembly 100a and the cooking device including the cover assembly 100a are shown in FIG.

[0115] Reference Figure 13 、 Figure 14a and Figure 14b The pressure control device 103a may include a first pressure control device 140a configured to form a first pressure in the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 and a second pressure control device 150 configured to form a second pressure higher than the first pressure in the accommodating space in the pot 210.

[0116] The first pressure control device 140a may be an electronically controlled valve that controls whether steam is discharged in response to an electrical control signal. The first pressure control device 140a may include a first cylindrical portion, a first counterweight 145, and a gate structure 310. The first cylindrical portion includes a first lower cylindrical portion 141a and a first upper cylindrical portion 143 connected in a vertical direction.

[0117] The first lower cylindrical portion 141a may include a first lower flow path 141Pa in communication with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210. The first lower flow path 141Pa may be in communication with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 through the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 and the first lower steam hole 111H1 in the inner pot cover 110. The first lower flow path 141Pa may extend upward from an inlet in communication with the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 to an outlet provided at an upper side of the first lower cylindrical portion 141a.

[0118] The first upper cylindrical portion 143 may be provided on the first lower cylindrical portion 141a and may include a first upper flow path 143P communicating with the first lower flow path 141Pa. The first upper flow path 143P may extend upward from an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first lower cylindrical portion 141a to an outlet provided at an upper side of the first upper cylindrical portion 143.

[0119] The first balance weight 145 may be provided on the first upper cylindrical portion 143. The first balance weight 145 may include a first pressure protrusion 1451 configured to be inserted into the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P. The first pressure protrusion 1451 may open / close the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P according to the steam pressure level formed in the first upper flow path 143P.

[0120] The gate structure 310 may be configured to control steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140a. The gate structure 310 may be configured to open / close the first lower flow path 141Pa. The gate structure 310 may be configured to switch between an open position to open the first lower flow path 141Pa and a closed position to close the first lower flow path 141Pa.

[0121] The gate structure 310 may include a frame 311 mounted on the top plate 120 and a gate lever 313 movably mounted to the frame 311. The gate lever 313 may be connected to an actuator 312, such as a motor, and movement of the gate lever 313 may be controlled by the actuator 312.

[0122] As in Figure 14bAs shown in FIG, at the closed position of the gate structure 310, at least a portion of the gate rod 313 can be inserted into the middle portion of the first lower flow path 141Pa to close the first lower flow path 141Pa. In this case, since the first lower flow path 141Pa is closed, steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140a can be prohibited. Figure 14a , in the open position of the gate structure 310, the gate rod 313 may be located at a position retracted from the closed position of the gate structure 310 so that the first lower flow path 141Pa is not blocked. In this manner, the switching between the open and closed positions of the gate structure 310 is determined by the position of the gate rod 313, and thus the open position of the gate structure 310 may refer to the open position of the gate rod 313 that opens the first lower flow path 141Pa, and the closed position of the gate structure 310 may refer to the closed position of the gate rod 313 that closes the first lower flow path 141Pa.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may include a device configured to detect the operation handle ( Figure 10 The controller includes a detector for the rotational position of the first pressure control device 140a and / or the rotational position of the rotating cover 130, and a controller configured to generate a control signal to be applied to the first pressure control device 140a based on the information detected by the detector. The detector may include a sensor such as a reed switch, an optical sensor, or a mechanical sensor. The controller may include a microcontroller chip and may be mounted on the main body ( Figure 1 200 in the above).

[0124] The detector may be configured to detect the rotational position of the manipulation handle 183 and / or the rotational position of the rotation cover 130. Alternatively, the detector may be configured to detect a change in the position of the guide protrusion 175 in the guide groove 135 according to the rotation of the rotation cover 130 and / or a change in the position of the fastening structure 185 in the rotation limiting groove 133 according to the rotation of the rotation cover 130.

[0125] The controller generates a first control signal for placing the gate structure 310 at the open position and a second control signal for placing the gate structure 310 at the closed position based on the information detected by the detector.

[0126] Hereinafter, the pressure control process performed by the pressure control device 103a will be described in more detail.

[0127] like Figure 14aAs shown in FIG, the controller can apply a first control signal to actuator 312 connected to gate lever 313 to position gate lever 313 in the open position. In the open position, first lower flow path 141Pa and first upper flow path 143P communicate with each other, and steam generated in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 flows through first lower flow path 141Pa into upper flow path 143P. When the steam pressure in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 falls below a predetermined first pressure, the outlet of first upper flow path 143P can be closed by first pressure protrusion 1451 of first counterweight 145. When the steam pressure in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 increases to or near the predetermined first pressure, first pressure protrusion 1451 of first counterweight 145 is lifted by the steam pressure, allowing the outlet of first upper flow path 143P to open. As steam is discharged to the outside, the steam pressure in the accommodating space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at or near the first pressure.

[0128] like Figure 14b As shown in FIG, the controller of the cooking device can apply a second control signal to the actuator 312 connected to the gate lever 313 to position the gate lever 313 in the closed position. In response to the second control signal provided by the controller, the gate lever 313 can move to the closed position to close the first lower flow path 141Pa. Since the first lower flow path 141Pa is closed by the gate lever 313, the steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140a is prohibited. When the first lower flow path 141P is closed by the gate structure 310, the steam in the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can flow into the second flow path 151P in the second cylindrical portion 151 that is connected to the second lower air hole 111H2 and the second upper steam hole 121H2. When the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 exceeds the first pressure and increases to a second pressure or a level close to the second pressure, the second pressure protrusion 1551 of the second counterweight 155 is lifted by the steam pressure so that the outlet of the second flow path 151P can be opened, and when the steam is discharged to the outside, the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the second pressure or a level close to the second pressure.

[0129] Figure 15 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate plan views each showing an operation state of the lid assembly 100 a according to a rotation angle of the rotation cover 130 . Figure 16 The position of the guide protrusion 175, the position of the locking structure 170, the position of the lifting pin 181, the position of the gate structure 310 and the pressure of the inner pot 210 are represented by the following formula: Figure 13For reference, the position of the locking structure 170, the position of the lifting pin 181, the position of the gate structure 310, and the pressure of the inner pot 210 when the operating handle 183 is in the third rotational position are the same as those when the operating handle 183 is in the fourth rotational position, and thus Figure 16 Omitted from the table.

[0130] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 13 to 16 as well as Figures 6a to 10 A method of operating a cooking apparatus including the lid assembly 100a is described.

[0131] Figure 15 (a) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100a when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the first rotation position.

[0132] like Figure 15 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 135, and as shown in FIG. Figure 8a As illustrated in FIG, the locking structure 170 is located at a locking position where the engaging protrusion 177 of the locking structure 170 engages with the flange portion 211 of the inner pot 210 .

[0133] When the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the lifting pin 181 supported on the first surface portion 137 of the first rotation cover 130 is Figure 6a , as shown in the figure, is raised to the pin upper position, so that the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P in the first pressure control device 140a and the outlet of the second flow path 151P in the second pressure control device 150 can be forcibly opened. In addition, when the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, the controller can apply a first control signal for placing the gate structure 310 in the open position to the gate structure 310 based on the information detected by the detector. The gate structure 310 operates in response to the first control signal and is located at the open position to open the first lower flow path 141Pa. In this case, when cooking is in progress, since the steam generated in the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140a and the second pressure control device 150, the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at no pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure).

[0134] Figure 15 (b) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100a when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the second rotation position.

[0135] like Figure 15 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG, when the operating handle 183 is switched from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the guide protrusion 175 can be moved from the first position P1 of the guide groove 135 to the second position P2, and the locking structure 170 can be moved outward in the radial direction to be located at the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8b As shown in FIG. , since the locking protrusion 177 is not engaged with the inner pot 210 in the unlocked position of the locking structure 170, the lid assembly 100a can be rotated to open. Therefore, when the manipulation handle 183 is in the second rotational position, the lid assembly 100a can be opened and tasks such as introducing cooking ingredients and checking the cooking status can be performed.

[0136] When the manipulation handle 183 is located at the second rotation position, the lift pin 181 may be located at the pin upper position, as in the case where the manipulation handle 183 is located at the first rotation position.

[0137] In addition, when the operating handle 183 is in the second rotational position, the controller can apply a first control signal to the gate structure 310 to place the gate structure 310 in the open position based on the information detected by the detector. The gate structure 310 operates in response to the first control signal and is located in the open position, opening the first lower flow path 141Pa. Therefore, when cooking is in progress, the pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at no pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure) because the steam generated in the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140a and the second pressure control device 150.

[0138] Figure 15 (c) is a plan view illustrating main components of the lid assembly 100a when the manipulation handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position.

[0139] like Figure 15 As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG, when the manipulation handle 183 is switched from the second rotational position to the fourth rotational position, the guide protrusion 175 can be moved from the second position P2 of the guide groove 135 to the fourth position P4, and the locking structure 170 can be moved inwardly in the radial direction to be located at the locked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8a As shown in the figure.

[0140] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, as shown in FIG. Figure 6b As shown in the figure, the lifting pin 181 supported on the second surface portion 138 of the first rotating cover 130 can be lowered to the pin lower position, and the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be adjusted by the first pressure control device 140a and / or the second pressure control device 150.

[0141] When the operating handle 183 is in the fourth rotational position, the controller may apply one of a first control signal for placing the gate structure 310 in the open position and a second control signal for placing the gate structure 310 in the closed position based on the information detected by the detector. For example, the controller may be configured to apply the first control signal or the second control signal to the gate structure 310 according to a predetermined cooking recipe. For example, the controller may apply the first control signal or the second control signal to the gate structure 310 according to the cooking time according to the predetermined cooking recipe to adjust the steam pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210.

[0142] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position and the controller applies the first control signal to the gate structure 310, as shown in FIG. Figure 14a As shown in FIG, gate lever 313 may be located in an open position that opens first lower flow path 141Pa, and first lower flow path 141Pa and first upper flow path 143P may be in communication with each other. Therefore, when cooking is in progress, steam generated in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 flows to first lower flow path 141Pa and first upper flow path 143P in first pressure control device 140a, and the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 may be determined by first pressure control device 140a. Since the steam is discharged to the outside through first pressure control device 140a when the steam pressure in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined first pressure or a level close to the first pressure, the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 may be maintained at or close to the first pressure.

[0143] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position and the controller applies the second control signal to the gate structure 310, as shown in FIG. Figure 14b As shown in FIG, gate lever 313 is in a closed position that closes first lower flow path 141Pa, and while cooking is in progress, steam discharge through first pressure control device 140a is prohibited. In this case, steam generated in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 flows into second flow path 151P of second pressure control device 150, and the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 can be determined by second pressure control device 150. Since steam is discharged to the outside through first pressure control device 150 when the steam pressure in the accommodation space of inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined second pressure or a level close to the second pressure, the pressure of the accommodation space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at or close to the second pressure.

[0144] Figure 17is a plan view illustrating main components of a cover assembly 100b of a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 It's a picture Figure 17 A perspective view of the pressure control device 103b of the cover assembly 100b. Figures 19a to 19c It's a picture Figure 17 1. A cross-sectional view of the pressure control device 103b of the cover assembly 100b.

[0145] Figure 19a A state is illustrated when the first shutter lever 323 is located at the open position to open the first lower flow path 141Pb and the second shutter lever 324 is located at the open position to open the second lower flow path 152P. Figure 19b A state is illustrated when the first shutter lever 323 is located at the open position to open the first lower flow path 141Pb and the second shutter lever 324 is located at the closed position to close the second lower flow path 152P. Figure 19c A state is illustrated when the first shutter lever 323 is located at a closed position closing the first lower flow path 141Pb and the second shutter lever 324 is located at an open position opening the second lower flow path 152P.

[0146] In addition to the differences in the configuration and operation of the pressure control device 103b, Figure 17 、 Figure 18 and Figures 19a to 19c The lid assembly 100b shown in FIG. 1 may be substantially similar to the lid assembly 100b shown in FIG. Figures 13 to 16 The following will focus on the lid assembly 100a described with reference to Figures 13 to 16 The lid assembly 100a and the cooking device including the lid assembly 100a are described in detail. Figure 17 、 Figures 19a to 19c 1 and 2. The cover assembly 100b and the cooking device including the cover assembly 100b are shown in FIG.

[0147] refer to Figure 17 、 Figure 18 and Figures 19a to 19c The pressure control device 103b may include a first pressure control device 140b configured to form a first pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210 and a second pressure control device 150a configured to form a second pressure higher than the first pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210, and a gate structure 320 configured to control the discharge of steam through each of the first pressure control device 140b and the second pressure control device 150a. Each of the first pressure control device 140b and the second pressure control device 150a may be an electronic control valve configured to control whether steam is discharged in response to an electrical control signal.

[0148] The first pressure control device 140 b may include a first cylindrical portion and a first counterweight 145 , the first cylindrical portion including a first lower cylindrical portion 141 b and a first upper cylindrical portion 143 connected in a vertical direction.

[0149] The first lower cylindrical portion 141b may include a first lower flow path 141Pb that communicates with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210. The first lower flow path 141Pb may communicate with the accommodation space in the inner pot cover 210 through the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 and the first lower steam hole 111H1 in the inner pot cover 110. The first lower flow path 141Pb may extend upward from an inlet communicating with the first upper steam hole 121H1 in the top plate 120 to an outlet in the first lower cylindrical portion 141b.

[0150] The first upper cylindrical portion 143 may be provided on the first lower cylindrical portion 141b and may include a first upper flow path 143P communicating with the first lower cylindrical portion 141b. The first upper flow path 143P may extend upward from an inlet communicating with an outlet of the first lower cylindrical portion 141b to an outlet provided at an upper side of the first upper cylindrical portion 143.

[0151] The first balance weight 145 may be provided on the first upper cylindrical portion 143. The first balance weight 145 may include a first pressure protrusion 1451 configured to be inserted into the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P. The first pressure protrusion 1451 may open / close the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P according to the level of steam pressure formed in the first upper flow path 143P.

[0152] The second pressure control device 150 a may include a second cylindrical portion and a second counterweight 155 , and the second cylindrical portion includes a second lower cylindrical portion 152 and a second upper cylindrical portion 153 connected in a vertical direction.

[0153] The second lower cylindrical portion 152 may include a second lower flow path 152P in communication with the accommodation space in the inner pot 210. The second lower flow path 152P may communicate with the accommodation space in the inner pot cover 210 through the second upper steam holes 121H2 in the top plate 120 and the second lower steam holes 111H2 in the inner pot cover 110. The second lower flow path 152P may extend upward from an inlet in communication with the second upper steam holes 121H2 in the top plate 120 to an outlet provided at an upper side of the second lower cylindrical portion 152.

[0154] The second upper cylindrical portion 153 may be provided on the second lower cylindrical portion 152 and may include a second upper flow path 153P communicating with the second lower flow path 152P. The second upper flow path 153P may extend upward from an inlet communicating with the outlet of the second lower cylindrical portion 152 to an outlet provided at an upper side of the second upper cylindrical portion 153.

[0155] The second balance weight 155 may be provided on the second upper cylindrical portion 153. The second balance weight 155 may include a second pressure protrusion 1551 configured to be inserted into the outlet of the second upper flow path 153P. The second pressure protrusion 1551 may open / close the outlet of the second upper flow path 153P according to the level of steam pressure formed in the second upper flow path 153P.

[0156] The gate structure 320 may include a frame 321 mounted on the top plate 120; a first gate lever 323 movably mounted to the frame 321 and configured to open and close the first lower flow path 141Pb; and a second gate lever 324 movably mounted to the frame 311 and configured to open and close the second lower flow path 152P. The first gate lever 323 may be configured to move linearly between an open position, which opens the first lower flow path 141Pb, and a closed position, which closes the first lower flow path 141Pb. The second gate lever 324 may be configured to move linearly between an open position, which opens the second lower flow path 152P, and a closed position, which closes the second lower flow path 152P. The first and second gate levers 323 and 324 may be connected to an actuator 322, and the movements of the first and second gate levers 323 and 324 may be controlled by the actuator 322.

[0157] like Figure 19c As illustrated in FIG, when the first gate lever 323 is located at the closed position, since a portion of the first gate lever 323 is inserted into the middle portion of the first lower flow path 141Pb to close the first lower flow path 141Pb, steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140b can be prohibited. Figure 19a and Figure 19b As illustrated in FIG, when the first shutter lever 323 is located at the open position, the first shutter lever 323 may be located at a position retracted from the closed position so that the first lower flow path 141Pb is not blocked.

[0158] like Figure 19b As shown in FIG, when the second gate lever 324 is located at the closed position, since a portion of the second gate lever 324 is inserted into the middle portion of the second lower flow path 152P to close the second lower flow path 152P, steam discharge through the second pressure control device 150a can be prohibited. Figure 19a and Figure 19c As illustrated in FIG, when the second gate lever 324 is located at the open position, the second gate lever 324 may be located at a position retracted from the closed position so that the second lower flow path 152P is not blocked.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may include: a detector configured to detect the operation handle ( Figure 10 183) and / or the rotational position of the rotating cover 130; and a controller configured to generate a control signal to be applied to the pressure control device 103b based on the information detected by the detector. The detector may include a sensor such as a reed switch, an optical sensor, or a mechanical sensor. The controller may include a microcontroller chip and may be mounted on the main body ( Figure 1 200 in the above).

[0160] The detector may be configured to detect the rotational position of the manipulation handle 183 and / or the rotational position of the rotation cover 130. Alternatively, the detector may be configured to detect a change in the position of the guide protrusion 175 in the guide groove 135 according to the rotation of the rotation cover 130 and / or a change in the position of the fastening structure 185 in the rotation limiting groove 133 according to the rotation of the rotation cover 130.

[0161] Based on the information detected by the detector, the controller can generate a first control signal for positioning the first gate lever 323 at the open position, a second control signal for positioning the first gate lever 323 at the closed position, a third control signal for positioning the second gate lever 324 at the open position; and a fourth control signal for positioning the second gate lever 324 at the closed position.

[0162] Hereinafter, the pressure control process performed by the pressure control device 103b will be described in more detail.

[0163] like Figure 19aAs shown in FIG, the controller can apply a first control signal and a third control signal to the actuator 322 to place each of the first gate lever 323 and the second gate lever 324 in the open position. When each of the first gate lever 323 and the second gate lever 324 is in the open position, the first lower flow path 141Pb and the first upper flow path 143P in the first pressure control device 140b are in communication with each other, and the second lower flow path 152P and the second upper flow path 153P in the second pressure control device 150a can be in communication with each other. In this case, since the first pressure control device 140b is configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 at a level lower than the steam pressure of the second pressure control device 150a, the steam generated in the inner pot 210 can be generally discharged through the first pressure control device 140b. When the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined first pressure or a level close to the first pressure, the first pressure protrusion 1451 of the first counterweight 145 is lifted by the steam pressure so that the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P can be opened, and when the steam is discharged to the outside, the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the first pressure or a level close to the first pressure.

[0164] like Figure 19b As shown in FIG, the controller can apply first and fourth control signals to actuator 322 to open first lever 323 and close second lever 324. Since second lower flow path 152P is closed by second lever 324, steam discharge through second pressure control device 150a is prohibited. In this case, steam generated in inner pot 210 can be discharged through first pressure control device 140b. When the steam pressure in the storage space of inner pot 210 increases to a predetermined first pressure or a level close to the first pressure, first pressure protrusion 1451 of first counterweight 145 is lifted by the steam pressure, allowing the outlet of first upper flow path 143P to open. When steam is discharged to the outside, the steam pressure in the storage space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at or near the first pressure.

[0165] like Figure 19cAs shown in FIG, the controller can apply second and third control signals to actuator 322 to position first gate lever 323 in the closed position and second gate lever 324 in the open position. Since first lower flow path 141Pb is closed by first gate lever 323, steam discharge through first pressure control device 140b is prohibited. In this case, steam generated in inner pot 210 can be discharged through second pressure control device 150a. When the steam pressure in the storage space of inner pot 210 exceeds the first pressure and increases to a second pressure or a level close to the second pressure, the second pressure protrusion 1551 of second counterweight 155 is lifted by the steam pressure, allowing the outlet of second flow path 151P to be opened. When the steam is discharged to the outside, the steam pressure in the storage space of inner pot 210 can be maintained at a level close to the second pressure.

[0166] Figure 20 The position of the guide protrusion 175, the operation of the locking structure 170, the position of the lifting pin 181, the position of the gate structure 320 and the pressure of the inner pot 210 are represented by the following formula: Figure 17 For reference, the position of the locking structure 170, the position of the lifting pin 181, the position of the first gate lever 323, the position of the second gate lever 324, and the pressure of the inner pot when the operating handle 183 is in the third rotational position are the same as the position of the locking structure 170, the position of the lifting pin 181, the position of the first gate lever 323, the position of the second gate lever 324, and the pressure of the inner pot when the operating handle 183 is in the fourth rotational position, and thus Figure 20 Omitted from the table.

[0167] In the following, reference is made to Figures 17 to 20 as well as Figures 6a to 10 , will focus on the operation reference Figures 13 to 16 The method of operating the cooking apparatus including the lid assembly 100b will be described differently from the method described for the cooking apparatus including the lid assembly 100a.

[0168] When the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16 As in the described cover assembly 100a, the locking structure 170 can be located in the locked position.

[0169] When the operating handle 183 is located at the first rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16As in the lid assembly 100a described above, the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P in the first pressure control device 140b and the outlet of the second upper flow path 153P in the second pressure control device 150a can be opened by raising the lifting pin 181 to the pin upper position. In addition, when the operating handle 183 is in the first rotational position, the controller can apply the first control signal and the third control signal to the gate structure 320 to place the first gate lever 323 and the second gate lever 324 in the open position. In this case, when cooking is in progress, since the steam generated in the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140b and the second pressure control device 150a, the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at no pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure).

[0170] When the operating handle 183 is located at the second rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16 As in the described cover assembly 100a, the locking structure 170 can be located in the locked position.

[0171] When the operating handle 183 is located at the second rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16 As in the lid assembly 100a described above, the outlet of the first upper flow path 143P in the first pressure control device 140b and the outlet of the second upper flow path 153P in the second pressure control device 150a can be opened by raising the lifting pin 181 to the pin upper position. In addition, when the operating handle 183 is in the second rotational position, the controller can apply the first control signal and the third control signal to the gate structure 320 to place the first gate lever 323 and the second gate lever 324 in the open position. In this case, when cooking is in progress, since the steam generated in the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 escapes to the outside through the first pressure control device 140b and the second pressure control device 150a, the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at no pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure).

[0172] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16 As in the described cover assembly 100a, the locking structure 170 can be located in the locked position.

[0173] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, as shown above Figures 13 to 16 As in the described lid assembly 100a, the lifting pin 181 can be lowered to the pin down position, and the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot 210 can be adjusted by the first pressure control device 140b and / or the second pressure control device 150a.

[0174] When the operating handle 183 is in the fourth rotational position, based on the information detected by the detector, the controller may apply one of the first and second control signals to the first gate lever 323 and one of the third and fourth control signals to the second gate lever 324. For example, based on a predetermined cooking recipe, the controller may apply one of the first and second control signals to the first gate lever 323 and one of the third and fourth control signals to the second gate lever 324. For example, the controller may adjust the steam pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot 210 by adjusting the control signal applied to the gate structure 320 according to the cooking time based on the predetermined cooking recipe.

[0175] When the manipulation handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, the first control signal is applied to the first gate lever 323, the third control signal is applied to the second gate lever 324, and each of the first gate lever 323 and the second gate lever 324 can be located at the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 19a In this case, since the first pressure control device 140b is configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 at a level lower than the steam pressure of the second pressure control device 150a, the steam generated in the inner pot 210 can be generally discharged through the first pressure control device 140b. Therefore, the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the first pressure or a level close to the first pressure.

[0176] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, the first control signal is applied to the first gate lever 323 and the fourth control signal is applied to the second gate lever 324, the first gate lever 323 may be located at the open position and the second gate lever 324 may be located at the closed position. Figure 19b In this case, the steam discharge through the second pressure control device 150a is prohibited, and the steam generated in the inner pot 210 can be discharged through the first pressure control device 140b. Therefore, the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the first pressure or a level close to the first pressure.

[0177] When the operating handle 183 is located at the fourth rotation position, the second control signal is applied to the first gate lever 323 and the third control signal is applied to the second gate lever 324, the first gate lever 323 may be located at the closed position and the second gate lever 324 may be located at the open position. Figure 19c In this case, the steam discharge through the first pressure control device 140b is prohibited, and the steam generated in the inner pot 210 can be discharged through the second pressure control device 150a. Therefore, the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 210 can be maintained at the second pressure or a level close to the second pressure.

[0178] As described above, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Although specific terms have been used to describe the embodiments in this specification, these terms are only used to describe the technical concept of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the meaning of the terms or the scope of the present disclosure defined in the claims. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and equivalents of other embodiments are possible according to the various embodiments. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooking device comprising: a main body configured to house an inner pot; a top plate disposed in a lid cover coupled to the main body; a rotating cover rotatably coupled to the top plate so as to be rotatable along an edge of the top plate; A first pressure control device, the first pressure control device comprising: a first lower cylindrical portion, the first lower cylindrical portion including a first lower flow path communicating with the accommodating space in the inner pot, a first upper cylindrical portion, the first upper cylindrical portion being disposed on the first lower cylindrical portion and comprising a first upper flow path, a first counterweight provided on the first upper cylindrical portion and configured to open / close the first upper flow path according to steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot, and a gate structure configured to switch between an open position for opening the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path communicate with each other and a closed position for closing the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path do not communicate with each other; and a second pressure control device, the second pressure control device comprising: a second cylindrical portion including a second flow path communicating with the accommodating space in the inner pot, and a second counterweight provided on the second cylindrical portion and configured to open / close the second flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot, wherein when the gate structure is in the open position, the steam pressure is maintained at a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by the first counterweight, Wherein, the gate structure includes: a gate frame coupled to the first lower cylindrical portion; a gate lever, the gate lever being movably mounted to the gate frame; an elastic cover coupled to an end portion of the gate lever facing an outlet of the first lower flow path; and A first elastic body is configured to elastically support the gate lever.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein The first pressure control device is configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot at the first pressure, and The second pressure control device is configured to maintain the steam pressure of the accommodating space in the inner pot at a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

3. The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a pushing structure configured to press the gate structure so that the gate structure is fixed in the closed position. in, The pushing structure is coupled to the rotating cover and is configured to selectively press the gate structure according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover.

4. The cooking device according to claim 3, wherein: The propulsion structure comprises: a fixed body coupled to the rotating cover; a second elastic body, the second elastic body being mounted to the fixed body; and A movable body is elastically supported by the second elastic body so as to be able to press the gate lever.

5. The cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising a locking structure comprising an engaging protrusion configured to engage with a flange portion of the inner pot, in, The locking structure is mounted on the top plate to be able to move linearly, and Wherein, the locking structure is configured to be able to move linearly between a locking position in which the engaging protrusion is positioned to vertically overlap with the flange portion of the inner pot and an unlocking position in which the engaging protrusion is positioned to be radially spaced outward relative to the locking position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover. The cooking device according to claim 5 , wherein: The rotating cover comprises a guide groove, wherein the guide groove has a first position, a second position, a third position and a fourth position sequentially arranged along an extending direction of the guide groove. wherein the first position, the third position and the fourth position of the guide groove are each spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a first distance, wherein the second position of the guide groove is spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotating cover by a second distance greater than the first distance, The locking structure further includes a guide protrusion, which is accommodated in the guide groove and is located at one of a first position to a fourth position of the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover. Wherein, when the guide protrusion is located at the first position, the third position and the fourth position of the guide groove, the locking structure is located at the locking position, and Wherein, when the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the second position of the guiding groove, the locking structure is located at the unlocking position.

7. The cooking device according to claim 6, further comprising: a lift pin configured to move up and down between a pin lower position and a pin upper position according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover and selectively press the first counterweight and the second counterweight; as well as a pushing structure configured to selectively press the gate structure according to the rotation of the cover to switch the gate structure between the open position and the closed position, When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the first position and the second position of the guide groove, the lifting pin is located at the pin upper position for lifting the first counterweight and the second counterweight, so that the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical portion and the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical portion are forcibly opened. When the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the third position and the fourth position of the guide groove, the lifting pin is located at the pin lower position lowered from the pin upper position. wherein, when the guide protrusion of the locking structure is located at the first position, the second position, and the third position of the guide groove, the pushing structure is spaced apart from the gate structure so that the gate structure is located at the open position, and When the guiding protrusion of the locking structure is located at the fourth position of the guiding groove, the pushing structure presses the gate structure so that the gate structure is fixed at the closed position.

8. A cooking device comprising: a main body configured to house an inner pot; a top plate disposed in a lid cover coupled to the main body; a rotating cover rotatably coupled to the top plate so as to be rotatable along an edge of the top plate; A first pressure control device, the first pressure control device comprising: a first lower cylindrical portion, the first lower cylindrical portion including a first lower flow path communicating with the accommodating space in the inner pot, a first upper cylindrical portion, the first upper cylindrical portion being disposed on the first lower cylindrical portion and comprising a first upper flow path, a first counterweight provided on the first upper cylindrical portion and configured to open / close the first upper flow path according to steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot, and a gate structure configured to switch between an open position for opening the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path communicate with each other and a closed position for closing the outlet of the first lower flow path so that the first lower flow path and the first upper flow path do not communicate with each other; A second pressure control device, the second pressure control device comprising: a second cylindrical portion including a second flow path communicating with the accommodating space in the inner pot, and a second counterweight provided on the second cylindrical portion and configured to open / close the second flow path according to the steam pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot, wherein, when the gate structure is in the open position, the steam pressure is maintained at a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by the first counterweight; and a lift pin mounted to the lid cover so as to be movable up and down, The lifting pin is configured to move up and down between a pin lower position and a pin upper position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, and Wherein, the lifting pin is located at the pin upper position to lift the first counterweight so that the outlet of the first upper flow path in the first upper cylindrical part is forced to open, and lift the second counterweight so that the outlet of the second flow path in the second cylindrical part is forced to open.

Images