Cooking equipment

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a cooking device, which includes: a main body; an inner pot, which is accommodated in the main body; and a main body cover, which is connected to the main body and covers the inner pot, wherein the main body cover includes: a top plate, which is used to cover the inner pot; a rotating cover, which is arranged on the top plate so as to be able to rotate along the circumference of the top plate; a locking structure, which includes a snap-fitting protrusion that is stuck at the flange portion of the inner pot, and the locking structure is associated with the rotation of the rotating cover so as to move linearly between a locking position and an unlocking position, the flange portion of the inner pot and the snap-fitting protrusion overlap in the vertical direction when in the locking position, and are spaced apart from each other radially outward from the locking position when in the unlocking position; and a pressing slide, which is used to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the locking position toward the unlocking position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical concept of the present disclosure relates to a cooking device. Background Art

[0002] Generally, as a representative example of a cooking device, an electric pressure rice cooker is a device that can selectively perform a cooking function for cooking rice and a heating function for keeping the cooked rice at a constant temperature. In the electric pressure rice cooker, a main body cover in which a steam discharge hole is formed can be installed on the main body to be openable / closable, an inner pot can be built into the main body in a detachable manner, and an inner pot cover can be separately provided to cover the inner pot. An induction heating type heater or a hot plate type heater is provided in the main body to transfer heat to the cooking materials, such as rice, mixed grains or other food materials, contained in the inner pot, so that the cooking materials can be cooked. Since the electric pressure cooker cooks the cooking materials under high pressure, it is essential to effectively seal the space in the inner pot to maintain the high pressure in the inner pot. Summary of the invention

[0003] The problem to be solved by the technical concept of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking device.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the technical concept of the present disclosure provides a cooking device, which includes: a main body; an inner pot, which is accommodated in the main body; and a main body cover, which is connected to the main body and configured to cover the inner pot. The main body cover may include: a top plate, which is configured to cover the inner pot; a rotating cover, which is arranged on the top plate so as to be rotatable along the circumference of the top plate; a locking structure, which includes an engaging protrusion configured to engage with the flange of the inner pot, wherein the locking structure is configured to move linearly between a locking position and an unlocking position in cooperation with the rotation of the rotating cover, wherein the locking position is a position where the engaging protrusion overlaps with the flange of the inner pot in the vertical direction, and the unlocking position is a position spaced outwardly from the locking position in the radial direction; and a pressing slide, which is configured to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the locking position toward the unlocking position.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing slide may include: a fixed body; a movable body configured to move linearly within the fixed body, wherein the movable body is in contact with a locking structure; and a spring disposed between the fixed body and the movable body to provide a restoring force that causes the movable body to move in a direction away from the center of the rotating cover.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating cover may include a guide groove, the guide groove including a first section spaced apart from the center of the rotating cover by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the center of the rotating cover by a distance greater than the first distance, and the locking structure may further include a guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove and moving within the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, when the guide protrusion is located in the first section of the guide groove, the locking structure may be located at a locked position, and when the guide protrusion moves within the second section of the guide groove, the locking structure may move between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include: a balancing valve including a cylindrical member and a counterweight, the cylindrical member including a flow path connected to the accommodating space in the inner pot, the counterweight being configured to open / close the flow path in the cylindrical member according to the steam pressure in the inner pot; and a lifting pin configured to rise and lower between a pin lower position and a pin upper position according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, wherein the lifting pin can be located at the pin upper position to lift the counterweight so that the outlet of the flow path in the cylindrical member is forced to open.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the lift pin may be located at the pin lower position when the guide protrusion moves within the first section of the guide groove, and the lift pin may be located at the pin upper position when the guide protrusion moves within the second section of the guide groove.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device may further include: a cover assembly that is removably fastened to the body cover, and the body cover may further include a fixing post that protrudes downward from the top plate. The cover assembly may include: a cover plate that is configured to cover the inner pot; a packaging member that is coupled to the circumference of the cover plate, the packaging member having an annular shape extending along the circumference of the cover plate and disposed between the inner pot and the top plate, wherein the packaging member is configured to seal a gap between the inner pot and the top plate; and a handle that is disposed in a central portion of the cover plate and includes an insertion groove into which the fixing post is inserted. The packaging may include: an annular central body, which includes a fastening groove into which a covering plate is fitted, and the central body extends along the circumference of the covering plate; an upper tight contact protrusion, which extends inwardly from the central body to be inclined upward and has an annular shape extending along the central body, wherein the upper tight contact protrusion is in continuous contact with the top plate; a lower tight contact protrusion, which extends inwardly from the central body to be inclined downward and has an annular shape extending along the central body, wherein the lower tight contact protrusion is in continuous contact with the inner pot; at least one upper air groove, which is arranged on the top surface of the central body; and at least one lower air groove, which is arranged in the bottom surface of the central body.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking structure is configured to slide linearly in coordination with the rotation of the rotating cover, wherein the switching of the locking structure between the locked position and the unlocked position can be achieved by the linear sliding of the locking structure. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since a pressing sliding member that provides an external force for the sliding of the locking structure is included, the repeatability and safety of the operation of the locking structure can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the exterior of the main body cover of the cooking device.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the inside of the main body cover of the cooking device.

[0014] Figure 4 The figure is an exploded perspective view showing a main body cover of the cooking device.

[0015] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a locking structure and a pressing slide.

[0016] Figure 6It is an exploded perspective view of the push slide.

[0017] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating a rotating cover.

[0018] Figures 8a to 8c is a plan view illustrating the operation of the locking structure according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover.

[0019] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the locking structure and the pressing slider according to the rotation of the rotating cover.

[0020] Fig.10a and Fig.10b It is a side view which shows a part of the main body cover of a cooking device.

[0021] Fig.11a and Fig.11b It is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the main body cover.

[0022] Fig.12 : is a table showing the position of the guide protrusion, the position of the locking structure, and the position of the lift pin according to the rotational position of the operating handle.

[0023] Fig.13 is a perspective view illustrating a cover assembly for a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig.14 It is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the cover assembly taken along line XIV-XIV'.

[0025] Fig.15 is a perspective view illustrating a cover panel of the cover assembly.

[0026] Fig.16 is a perspective view illustrating a package of a cover assembly.

[0027] Fig.17 is a side view of the package illustrating the cover assembly.

[0028] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a cooking device including a cover assembly.

[0029] Fig.19 It is a diagram of Fig.18 Magnified view of the area indicated by "XIX". DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in many different forms, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described in detail below. It is expected that embodiments of the present disclosure will be interpreted as being provided to more completely explain the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Throughout the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements. In addition, various elements and regions are schematically drawn in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacings drawn in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the concepts of the present disclosure belong. In addition, it will be understood that common terms as defined in dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning of the terms in the context of the relevant technology, and unless expressly defined herein, these terms should not be interpreted in an overly formal sense.

[0032] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a cooking device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 2 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the main body cover 200 of the cooking device 10 . Figure 3 1 is a perspective view illustrating the interior of the main body cover 200 of the cooking device 10 . Figure 4 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the main body cover 200 of the cooking device 10 .

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The cooking device 10 may include a main body 100, an inner pot 110, a main body cover 200 and a cover assembly 300, the main body 100 including a cooking space in which cooking ingredients can be cooked, the inner pot 110 is accommodated in the cooking space in the main body 100, the main body cover 200 is installed on the main body 100 to open / close the cooking space in the main body 100, and the cover assembly 300 is removably installed on the main body cover 200.

[0034] The inner pot 110 has a container shape and may have a receiving space for receiving cooking materials therein. The inner pot 110 may be removably installed in the cooking space in the body 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner pot 110 may include a flange protruding outwardly around an upper end thereof (see Figure 9a The flange 111 may extend along the circumference of the upper end of the inner pot 110. The body 100 may include a heating source for heating the cooking ingredients contained in the inner pot 110. For example, the body 100 may include a hot plate type heater or an induction heating type heater.

[0035] The body cover 200 may cover and seal the cooking space in the body 100 and the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 so that an appropriate pressure is formed in the cooking space in the body 100 when cooking ingredients. For example, the body cover 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100 and may be configured to open / close the cooking space in the body 100 and the accommodation space in the inner pot 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cover 200 may be hinged to the upper portion of the body 100 to rotate about a rotation axis, and may open or close the cooking space in the body 100 or the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 by rotating about the rotation axis. In other exemplary embodiments, the body cover 200 may be removably coupled to the body 100.

[0036] The body cover 200 may include a cover frame 201 , a top plate 210 , a support plate 220 , a rotation cover 230 , a safety structure 240 , a balance valve 250 , a solenoid valve 260 , a locking structure 270 , and a pressing slider 290 .

[0037] The cover frame 201 may be coupled to the body 100. The cover frame 201 may form an exterior of the body cover 200. The cover frame 201 may provide a space in which various electrical components may be mounted.

[0038] The top plate 210 may be placed on a lower portion of the body cover 200 facing the inner pot 110. The top plate 210 may cover the inner pot 110 accommodated in the body 100. The top plate 210 may include first and second steam holes 211H1 and 211H2 communicating with the accommodation space in the inner pot 110.

[0039] The top plate 210 may be installed in the main body cover 200 so as to be movable within a predetermined range in a vertical direction (e.g., a Z direction or a direction perpendicular to a reference surface (e.g., an XY plane) on which the cooking device 10 is placed). For example, the top plate 210 may be configured to move within a predetermined range in the vertical direction according to the steam pressure in the inner pot 110. For example, the top plate 210 may be configured to move between a raised position spaced apart from the inner pot 110 by a first distance in the vertical direction and a lowered position spaced apart from the inner pot 110 by a second distance in the vertical direction that is smaller than the first distance. The raised position of the top plate 210 may be a position when the steam pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively high, and the lowered position of the top plate 210 may be a position when the steam pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively low. For example, when the steam pressure in the inner pot 110 switches from low pressure to high pressure, the top plate 210 moves upward (that is, in a direction from a lowered position toward a raised position of the top plate 210), and when the steam pressure in the inner pot 110 switches from high pressure to low pressure, the top plate 210 may move downward (that is, in a direction from a raised position toward a lowered position of the top plate 210). When the top plate 210 moves, the cover assembly 300 and the support plate 220 fixedly coupled to the top plate 210 may be configured to move together with the top plate 210.

[0040] The support plate 220 may be disposed within the cover frame 201. The support plate 220 is disposed on the top plate 210 and may be fixedly coupled to the top plate 210. The support plate 220 may have a substantially disk shape. Various components may be mounted on the support plate 220.

[0041] The rotating cover 230 may be placed on the top plate 210. The rotating cover 230 may have an annular shape extending substantially continuously along the circumference of the top plate 210. The rotating cover 230 may be installed on the top plate 210 to be rotatable along the circumference of the top plate 210. The rotating cover 230 may be configured to rotate about a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) as a rotation axis in a first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0042] The rotating cover 230 may be configured to rotate in coordination with the rotation of the manipulation handle 283 protruding from the cover frame 201. The rotation of the manipulation handle 283 in a first rotation direction may rotate the rotating cover 230 in the first rotation direction, and the rotation of the manipulation handle 283 in a second rotation direction may rotate the rotating cover 230 in the second rotation direction. That is, the rotation angle of the rotating cover 230 (e.g., the angle of the rotating cover 230 measured from a reference position) may be adjusted by adjusting the rotation angle of the manipulation handle 283 (e.g., the angle of the manipulation handle 283 measured from a reference position).

[0043] More specifically, the manipulation handle 283 and the rotating cover 230 may be connected to each other via a connecting rod 284, and the connecting rod 284 rotates around the rotation axis of the manipulation handle 283 when the manipulation handle 283 rotates. One end of the connecting rod 284 may be connected to the manipulation handle 283, and the other end of the connecting rod 284 may be engaged with the connecting protrusion 231 of the rotating cover 230. For example, when the manipulation handle 283 is rotated by manipulation of the user, the connecting rod 284 may rotate in coordination with the rotation of the manipulation handle 283, and the rotating cover 230 connected to the connecting rod 284 via the connecting protrusion 231 may rotate along the circumference of the top plate 210.

[0044] The rotating cover 230 may be configured to rotate within a predetermined rotation angle range on the top plate 210. The rotating cover 230 may include a rotation limiting groove 233 extending in an arc shape along a rotation direction of the rotating cover 230 or along a circumference of the rotating cover 230. The rotation limiting groove 233 may limit the rotational movement range of the rotating cover 230 while guiding the rotational movement of the rotating cover 230.

[0045] More specifically, the fastening structure 285, such as a screw, may be inserted into the boss 222 of the support plate 220 below the rotation limiting groove 233 through the rotation limiting groove 233. The rotation of the rotating cover 230 may be limited between a position where the fastening structure 285 engages with one end of the rotation limiting groove 233 and a position where the fastening structure 285 engages with the other end of the rotation limiting groove 233.

[0046] The balancing valve 250 may be configured to control the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 by controlling the discharge of steam according to the pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110. The balancing valve 250 may be configured to maintain the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 at a predetermined pressure by using a counterweight 252. The balancing valve 250 may include a cylindrical member 251 mounted on the support plate 220 and a counterweight 252 disposed on the cylindrical member 251. The cylindrical member 251 includes a flow path communicating with the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 through the first steam hole 211H1, and the counterweight 252 may be configured to open / close the end (i.e., outlet) of the flow path of the cylindrical member 251 according to the pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110. When the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the counterweight 252 may be lifted to open the end of the flow path of the cylindrical member 251, and the steam that has flowed into the flow path of the cylindrical member 251 may be processed to the outside. When the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 (ie, the steam pressure) is less than a predetermined pressure, the weight 252 may close the end of the flow path of the cylinder 251 .

[0047] The solenoid valve 260 may be mounted on the support plate 220. The solenoid valve 260 may be configured to adjust the pressure of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 by discharging the steam in the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 in response to an electrical control signal. The solenoid valve 260 may include an internal flow path that communicates with the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 through the second steam hole 211H2 in the top plate 210, and may be configured to selectively open / close the internal flow path in response to an electrical control signal applied from a controller (e.g., a microcomputer) of the cooking device 10. For example, the solenoid valve 260 may be used to quickly release the residual pressure in the inner pot 110 to the outside by opening the internal flow path when cooking is completed.

[0048] The locking structure 270 may be configured to move between a locking position where the locking structure 270 is locked relative to the flange 111 of the inner pot 110 and an unlocking position where the locking structure 270 is unlocked relative to the flange 111 of the inner pot 110. The switching of the locking structure 270 between the locking position and the unlocking position may be configured to be performed in coordination with the rotation of the rotating cover 230.

[0049] The locking structure 270 is mounted on the top plate 210 and may include an engaging protrusion ( Figure 9a 277 in the inner pot 110). The locking position of the locking structure 270 may be a position where the engaging protrusion 277 of the locking structure 270 overlaps with the flange 111 of the inner pot 110 in the vertical direction, and the unlocking position of the locking structure 270 may be a position where the engaging protrusion 277 of the locking structure 270 does not overlap with the flange 111 of the inner pot 110 in the vertical direction. When cooking ingredients contained in the inner pot 110 are cooked, the locking structure 270 may be located at the locking position, and when the engaging protrusion 277 is fixed to the inner pot 110, the inner port 110 and the top plate 210 may be securely fixed to each other. The locking structure 270 will be described in more detail later.

[0050] The pressing slide 290 can provide an external force to move the locking structure 270 in one direction. For example, the pressing slide 290 can provide an external force to slide the locking structure 270 from the locked position toward the unlocked position. The pressing slide 290 will be described in more detail later.

[0051] The safety structure 240 may be configured to selectively allow or restrict the rotation of the rotating cover 230. For example, when high pressure is formed in the inner pot 110 in the case of cooking, the safety structure 240 may restrict the rotation of the rotating cover 230 to restrict the movement of the locking structure 270 configured to slide in coordination with the rotation of the rotating cover 230. The safety structure 240 will be described in more detail later.

[0052] Figure 5 2 is a plan view illustrating the locking structure 270 and the pressing slider 290 . Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the pressing slider 290 . Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the rotation cover 230 . Figures 8a to 8c 2 is a plan view illustrating the operation of the locking structure 270 according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover 230 , wherein the state of the locking structure 270 when the guide protrusion 275 is located at the first to third positions P1 , P2 , and P3 of the guide groove 235 is illustrated. Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the locking structure 270 and the pressing slide 290 according to the rotation of the rotating cover 230, wherein, Figure 9a The locking structure 270 is shown in the locked position, and Figure 9b The locking structure 270 is shown in the unlocked position.

[0053] Reference Figures 5 to 9b as well as Figures 1 to 4 , the locking structure 270 may include a locking strip 271 extending along the circumference of the top plate 210 and having a curved shape in a plan view. The locking strip 271 may include a side wall 2713 surrounding the top plate 210 and the package 330 of the cover assembly 300 coupled to the bottom of the top plate 210 in a lateral direction, an upper body 2711 extending inwardly from an upper end of the side wall 2713 to contact the top surface of the top plate 210, and a lower body extending inwardly from a lower end of the side wall 2713. The lower body of the locking strip 271 may include an engaging protrusion 277 configured to be fixedly engaged with the flange 111 of the inner pot 110.

[0054] The locking structure 270 may include a connecting plate 273 connected to the upper body 2711 of the locking bar 271. The connecting plate 273 may be disposed between the top plate 210 and the rotating cover 230 in the vertical direction. The connecting plate 273 may include a groove 274 extending in a straight direction. The groove 274 in the connecting plate 273 may guide the linear movement of the locking structure 270 while limiting the range of motion of the locking structure 270. More specifically, a fastening structure 287, such as a screw, may be inserted into the boss 223 of the top plate 210 through the groove 274 of the connecting plate 273. The linear movement of the locking structure 270 may be limited between a position where one end of the groove 274 engages with the locking structure 287 and a position where the other end of the groove 274 engages with the locking structure 287.

[0055] The rotating cover 230 may include a guide groove 235 extending in a curved shape substantially along the rotation direction of the rotating cover 230, and the connecting plate 273 of the locking structure 270 may include a guide protrusion 275 inserted into the guide groove 235 in the rotating cover 230. When the rotating cover 230 rotates, the linear movement of the locking structure 270 may be achieved by physical interference between the rotating cover 230 and the guide protrusion 275 received in the guide groove 235.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown in , the guide groove 235 may include a first position P1, a second position P2, and a third position P3 sequentially disposed between one end and the other end of the guide groove 235 along the extension direction of the guide groove 235. The first position P1 of the guide groove 235 may be a position located at one end of the guide groove 235, the third position P3 of the guide groove 235 may be a position located at the other end of the guide groove 235, and the second position P2 of the guide groove 235 may be a position located between the first position P1 and the third position P3 of the guide groove 235. The first position P1 and the second position P2 of the guide groove 235 may be spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 230 by a first distance D1, and the third position P3 of the guide groove 235 may be spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 230 by a second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1. In an exemplary embodiment, in the guide groove 235, a section between the first position P1 and the second position P2 may be referred to as a locking section 2351, and a section between the second position P2 and the third position P3 may be referred to as a sliding section 2352. The locking section 2351 may be a section spaced apart from the rotation center RC by a first distance D1, and the sliding section 2352 may be a section spaced apart from the rotation center RC by a first distance D1 to a second distance D2.

[0057] According to the rotation angle of the rotating cover 230, the relative position of the guide protrusion 275 relative to the guide groove 235 changes. When the guide protrusion 275 is relatively moved in the locking section 2351 of the guide groove 235, which is spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 230 by substantially the same first distance D1, the locking structure 270 can be fixed to the locking position where the engagement protrusion 277 can engage with the flange 111 of the inner pot 110. When the guide protrusion 275 is relatively moved in the sliding section 2352 of the guide groove 235, which is spaced apart from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 230 by a second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1, the locking structure 270 can slide between the locking position and the unlocking position, which is spaced outward from the locking position in the radial direction. When the guide protrusion 275 moves in the sliding section 2352 of the guide groove 235, the locking structure 270 can move outward or inward in the radial direction. Specifically, when the guide protrusion 275 moves from the second position P2 toward the third position P3 in the guide groove 235, the locking structure 270 moves outward in the radial direction. Conversely, when the guide protrusion 275 moves from the third position P3 of the guide groove 235 toward the second position P2, the locking structure 270 moves inward in the radial direction.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the main body cover 200 may be provided with a reed switch 289 configured to detect the rotation angle of the rotating cover 230. The reed switch 289 is fixed to the cover frame 201, and the relative distance between the reed switch 289 and the marking member 236 changes when the rotating cover 230 rotates. The reed switch 289 can detect the marking member 236 attached to the rotating cover 230 and configured to rotate with the rotating cover 230 and can generate an electrical signal. The marking member 236 can be a magnetic object, such as a magnet. For example, when the guide protrusion 275 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 235, the reed switch 289 and the marking member 236 of the rotating cover 230 can be positioned to overlap each other in the vertical direction, and the reed switch 289 can generate a first operation signal. In addition, when the guide protrusion 275 deviates from the first position P1 of the guide groove 235 and is located between the second position P2 and the third position P3, the reed switch 289 and the marking member 236 of the rotating cover 230 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the reed switch 289 can generate a second operation signal.

[0059] The controller of the main body 100 may receive an electrical signal from the reed switch 289, and may control the operation of components of the cooking device 10, such as the exhaust assembly, based on the electrical signal. For example, when the pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively high, such as in the case where cooking is being performed in the cooking device 10, the rotating cover 230 is rotated unintentionally due to an external collision, and when the reed switch 289 and the marking member 236 of the rotating cover 230 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the controller may open the internal flow path of the solenoid valve 260 based on the second operation signal generated by the reed switch 289. In this case, the steam in the inner pot 110 may be discharged through the solenoid valve 260, thereby preventing a safety accident.

[0060] Reference Figure 8a and Figure 8b When the guide protrusion 275 moves within the locking section 2351 by the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating cover 230 associated with the rotation of the operating handle 283, the position of the locking structure 270 can be maintained at the locked position, and the locking state between the locking structure 270 and the inner pot 110 can be maintained.

[0061] Reference Figure 8b and Figure 8c When the guide protrusion 275 moves within the sliding section 2352 through the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating cover 230 associated with the rotation of the operating handle 283, the locking structure 270 can move outward in the radial direction from the locking position to the unlocking position, and the locking state between the locking structure 270 and the inner pot 110 can be released.

[0062] The pressing slider 290 may be configured to elastically support the locking structure 270 in a direction away from the rotation center RC of the rotating cover 230 (or in a direction away from the center of the top plate 210). That is, the locking structure 270 may be elastically supported by the pressing slider 290 in a direction from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the locking structure 270 moves radially outward from the locked position to the unlocked position in coordination with the rotation of the rotating cover 230, the pressing slider 290 may apply an external force (e.g., a restoring force) for the linear movement of the locking structure 270. In addition, the pressing slider 290 elastically supports the locking structure 270, so that the locking structure 270 located at the unlocked position may be prevented from being unintentionally moved to the locked position due to an external impact or the like.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the external force provided by the pressing slider 290 can be used as an aid to the linear movement of the locking structure 270. In other words, the linear movement of the locking structure 270 can be mainly achieved by the force applied via the manipulation handle 283, and during the period when the guide protrusion 275 moves in the sliding section 2352 and the locking structure 270 moves outward in the radial direction, the external force provided by the pressing slider 290 can be used as an aid to the linear movement of the locking structure 270.

[0064] In other exemplary embodiments, the linear movement of the locking structure 270 from the unlocked position to the locked position may be achieved independently or mainly by the external force provided by the pressing slider 290. That is, in the operation of switching the locking structure 270 from the locked position to the unlocked position, when the guide protrusion 275 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by the force applied via the operating handle 283, the movement of the guide protrusion 275 from the second position P2 to the third position P3 may be achieved independently or mainly by the external force provided by the pressing slider 290.

[0065] The pressing slider 290 may include a fixed body 291 , a movable body 293 , and a spring 295 .

[0066] The fixed body 291 may be fixedly coupled to the support plate 220. The fixed body 291 may provide a space therein in which the movable body 293 and the spring 295 may be inserted. The movable body 293 may be movably mounted in the fixed body 291 and may be connected to the connecting plate 273 of the locking structure 270. The movable body 293 may be accommodated in the fixed body 291 and may be configured to move linearly in the fixed body 291. The spring 295 may be disposed between the movable body 293 and the fixed body 291. The spring 295 may include, for example, a compression spring. The movable body 293 may include an engagement hook 2931 engaged with an engagement block of the fixed body 291. The engagement between the engagement hook 2931 of the movable body 293 and the engagement block of the fixed body 291 may limit the linear motion range of the movable body 293 and may prevent the movable body 293 from being separated from the fixed body 291.

[0067] The spring 295 may provide a restoring force that causes the movable body 293 to move linearly. The spring 295 may provide a restoring force that causes the movable body 293 to move linearly in a direction from the locked position of the locking structure 270 toward the unlocked position (or in a direction away from the center of the rotating cover 230). The restoring force provided by the spring 295 may be applied to the connecting plate 273 that is in contact with or connected to the movable body 293 via the movable body 293, and may cause the locking structure 270 to move linearly from the locked position to the unlocked position. More specifically, when the guide protrusion 275 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking structure 270 switches from the locked position to the unlocked position, the movable body 293 is in a fixed state and the compression amount of the spring 295 does not change, but when the guide protrusion 275 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3, the restoring force of the spring 295 may cause the movable body 293 and the locking structure 270 in contact with the movable body 293 to move outward.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the movable body 293 may be configured to be linearly moved by an elastic restoring force provided by two springs 295 which are spaced apart from each other with the guide protrusion 275 interposed therebetween.

[0069] The safety structure 240 may be mounted on the support plate 220. The safety structure 240 may be configured to contact the safety protrusion 239 protruding inwardly from the inner periphery of the rotating cover 230. The safety structure 240 may be configured to physically interfere with the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230 to restrict unintentional rotation of the rotating cover 230. For example, when the pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively high (e.g., 1.2 kgf / cm 2 or higher), such as when the cooking device 10 is used for cooking, the movement of the locking structure 270 that slides in cooperation with the rotation of the rotating cover 230 can be restricted by restricting the rotation of the rotating cover 230. For example, when the cooking device 10 is used for cooking, the guide protrusion 275 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 235, and the locking structure 270 is located at the locked position to engage with the inner pot 110. In this case, the safety structure 240 can restrict the rotation of the rotating cover 230 to prevent the locking structure 270 from being accidentally moved toward the unlocked position.

[0070] The safety structure 240 may include a housing 241, a bottom cover 244, a safety protrusion 242, and a spring 243, wherein the housing 241 is fastened to the mounting structure 227 of the support plate 220, the bottom cover 244 is coupled to the support plate 220 to cover the through hole in the support plate 220, the safety protrusion 242 is accommodated in the housing 241 and is disposed on the bottom cover 244, and the spring 243 is configured to elastically support the safety protrusion 242 downward. The bottom cover 244 is made of a material having excellent elasticity and may include, for example, a diaphragm. The safety protrusion 242 may be configured to rise and fall within the housing 241. For example, the safety protrusion 242 may be configured to rise and fall between a raised position and a lowered position, in which the safety protrusion 242 protrudes upward from the housing 241 to be able to physically interfere with the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230, and in which the safety protrusion 242 is lowered from the raised position to not interfere with the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230. The spring 243 may provide a restoring force to the safety protrusion 242 in a direction from the raised position to the lowered position of the safety protrusion 242 .

[0071] The vertical position of the safety protrusion 242 can be determined according to the pressure level in the inner pot 110. For example, when the pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively high (e.g., 1.2 kgf / cm 2 or higher), as in the case of cooking using the cooking device 10, the bottom cover 244 exposed through the through hole in the support plate 220 and the safety protrusion 242 on the bottom cover 244 are pressed by the steam pressure, and the safety protrusion 242 pressed by the steam pressure overcomes the elastic force of the spring 243 and rises to the raised position. On the contrary, when the pressure inside the inner pot 110 is relatively low (for example, a pressure at a level substantially equal to or similar to the atmospheric pressure), the safety protrusion 242 can be fixed at the lowered position by the elastic force of the spring 243.

[0072] When the safety protrusion 242 is at the raised position, the safety protrusion 242 may be located on the movement trajectory of the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230 and may contact the side wall of the safety protrusion 239 to limit the rotation of the rotating cover 230. For example, when the cooking device 10 is used for cooking, the guide protrusion 275 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 235, and the locking structure 270 is located at the locking position where the locking structure is engaged with the inner pot 110. In this case, the safety protrusion 242 contacts the side wall of the safety protrusion 239 to limit the rotation of the rotating cover 230, so that the locking structure 270 can be prevented from being accidentally moved to the unlocked position.

[0073] When the safety protrusion 242 is in the lowered position, the rotation of the rotating cover 230 and the sliding of the locking structure 270 associated with the rotation of the rotating cover 230 are not restricted by the safety protrusion 242 because the safety protrusion 242 is lowered so as not to interfere with the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230 .

[0074] Fig.10a and Fig.10b is a side view illustrating a portion of the main body cover 200 of the cooking device 10, wherein Fig.10a The diagram shows the state when the lift pin 281 is located at the pin lower position, and Fig.10b The diagram shows a state where the lift pin 281 is located at the pin upper position.

[0075] Reference Fig.10a and Fig.10b as well as Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7 , the cooking device 10 may include an elevating pin 281 installed on the cover frame 201 to be able to be raised and lowered. The elevating pin 281 is installed to be able to move in the vertical direction in the through hole in the cover frame 201, and the head of the elevating pin 281 may protrude from the cover frame 201. The lower end portion of the elevating pin 281 may contact the rotating cover 230, and may be configured to slide in contact with the surface of the rotating cover 230 during the rotation of the rotating cover 230.

[0076] like Fig.10a As shown in , when the lifting pin 281 is supported on the second surface portion 238 of the rotating cover 230 at a first height level, the lifting pin 281 may be located at a pin down position. When the lifting pin 281 is located at the pin down position, the lifting pin 281 may be spaced apart from the counterweight 252. Here, when it is described that the lifting pin 281 is spaced apart from the counterweight 252, it may include a case where the lifting pin 281 does not physically contact the counterweight 252 by being spaced apart from the counterweight 252 by a predetermined distance, and a case where the lifting pin 281 does not provide sufficient external force to lift the counterweight 252 even if the lifting pin 281 is physically in contact with the counterweight 252. At the pin down position of the lifting pin 281, steam discharge through the balancing valve 250 may be determined by the steam pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110.

[0077] like Fig.10bAs shown in FIG. 2 , when the lifting pin 281 is supported on the first surface portion 237 of the rotating cover 230 at a second height level higher than the first height level, the lifting pin 281 may be located at the pin upper position. When the lifting pin 281 is located at the pin upper position, the lifting pin 281 can lift the counterweight 252 of the balancing valve 250. When the counterweight 252 is lifted by the lifting pin 281, regardless of the steam pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110, the outlet of the flow path of the cylindrical member 251 of the balancing valve 250 is forced to open, and the steam in the accommodation space in the inner pot 110 can be discharged to the outside of the cooking device 10 through the balancing valve 250.

[0078] For example, when the rotating cover 230 rotates in the first rotation direction, the contact position between the lift pin 281 and the rotating cover 230 can move from the first surface portion 237 of the rotating cover 230 to the second surface portion 238, and the lift pin 281 can be lowered from the pin upper position to the pin lower position. Conversely, when the rotating cover 230 rotates in the second rotation direction, the contact position between the lift pin 281 and the rotating cover 230 can move from the second surface portion 238 of the rotating cover 230 to the first surface portion 237, and the lift pin 281 can be raised from the pin lower position to the pin upper position.

[0079] The lift pin 281 may be raised and lowered in coordination with the rotation of the rotating cover 230. In an exemplary embodiment, when the guide protrusion 275 moves in the locking section 2351 of the guide groove 235, the lift pin 281 may contact the second surface portion 238 of the rotating cover 230 and may be in a pin down state. In an exemplary embodiment, when the guide protrusion 275 moves in the sliding section 2352 of the guide groove 235, the lift pin 281 may contact the first surface portion 237 of the rotating cover 230 and may be located at a pin up position. At this time, when the guide protrusion 275 is located at the second position P2 of the guide groove 235, the lift pin 281 may be located at a pin up position or a pin down position.

[0080] Fig.11a and Fig.11b 2 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the body cover 200 . Fig.12 2 is a table showing the position of the guide protrusion 275 , the position of the locking structure 270 , and the position of the lift pin 281 according to the rotation position of the manipulation handle 283 .

[0081] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 12 A method of operating the cooking device 10 including the body cover 200 is described.

[0082] First, if Fig.11aAs shown in FIG. 2 , when the operating handle 283 is located at the first rotation position, the guide protrusion 275 is located at the first position P1 of the guide groove 235, and the locking structure 270 is located at a locking position where the engagement protrusion 277 of the locking structure 270 can engage with the flange 111 of the inner pot 110, as shown in FIG. Figure 9a As shown in the figure.

[0083] When the operating handle 283 is located at the first rotation position, the lifting pin 281 supported on the second surface portion 238 of the first rotating cover 230 may be located at the pin lower position, such as Fig.10a In this case, the steam discharge through the balancing valve 250 may be determined based on the steam pressure level of the accommodation space in the inner pot 110.

[0084] When the manipulation handle 283 is located at the first rotation position so that the locking structure 270 is located at the locking position, and when cooking is in progress and the pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively high (e.g., 1.2 kgf / cm 2 2 or higher), the safety protrusion 242 contacts the side wall of the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230, so that the rotation of the rotating cover 230 (for example, the rotation of the rotating cover 230 for relatively moving the guide protrusion 275 from the first position P1 of the guide groove 235 toward the second position P2) may be restricted. When the pressure in the inner pot 110 is relatively low, since the safety protrusion 242 is lowered to a height where the safety protrusion 242 does not interfere with the safety protrusion 239 of the rotating cover 230, the rotating cover 230 can rotate without interfering with the safety protrusion 242.

[0085] Reference Fig.11b When the operating handle 283 is switched from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the guide protrusion 275 moves from the first position P1 of the guide groove 235 to the second position P2, and the locking structure 270 is fixed at the locking position. When the operating handle 283 is located at the second rotation position, the lifting pin 281 can be supported on the first surface portion 237 of the rotating cover 230 and can be raised from the pin lower position to the pin upper position, as shown in FIG. Fig.10b Alternatively, the lifting pin 281 may be located at the pin lower position when the operating handle 283 is located at the second rotation position, and when the guide pin moves from the second position P2 of the guide groove 235 to the third position P3, or when the guide pin reaches the third position P3, the lifting pin 281 may reach the pin upper position where the lifting pin 281 lifts the counterweight 252.

[0086] When the operating handle 283 is switched from the second rotation position to the third rotation position, the guide protrusion 275 can move from the second position P2 of the guide groove 235 to the third position P3, and the locking structure 270 can slide from the locking position to the unlocking position. Figure 8c The sliding movement of the locking structure 270 from the locking position to the unlocking position may be achieved by an external force provided by the pressing slider 290. In addition, when the operating handle 283 is switched from the second rotation position to the third rotation position, the lifting pin 281 may be supported on the first surface portion 237 and located at the pin upper position.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking structure 270 is configured to slide linearly in cooperation with the rotation of the rotating cover 230, and the switching of the locking structure 270 between the locked position and the unlocked position can be achieved by the linear sliding of the locking structure 270. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, by including a pressing slider 290 that provides an external force for the sliding of the locking structure 270, the repeatability and safety of the operation of the locking structure 270 can be improved.

[0088] Fig.13 is a perspective view illustrating a cover assembly 300 for a cooking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 It is along Fig.13 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly 300 taken along line XIV-XIV′. Fig.15 is a perspective view illustrating a cover plate 310 of the cover assembly 300 . Fig.16 is a perspective view illustrating a package 330 of the cover assembly 300 . Fig.17 is a side view illustrating the package 330 of the cover assembly 300 .

[0089] Reference Figures 13 to 17 , the cover assembly 300 can be a cooking device ( Figure 1 The cover assembly 300 may be detachably fastened to the main body cover ( 10 ) of the cooking device 10 so as to prevent leakage of high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated during the cooking process using the cooking device 10. Figure 1 The cover assembly 300 may be configured to cover the main body ( 200 in the cooking device 10 ) received in the cooking device 10 by being fastened to the main body cover 200 of the cooking device 10 . Figure 1 100) in the inner pot ( Figure 1 110) and the top plate ( Figure 1 The gap between 210) is sealed.

[0090] The cover assembly 300 may include a cover plate 310 , a handle 320 , and a packaging member 330 .

[0091] The cover plate 310 may have an appropriate shape and an appropriate size to cover the inner pot 110. The cover plate 310 may have a substantially disk-like shape in a plan view. The cover plate 310 allows steam generated during the cooking process to be formed on the cover plate 310, so that the top plate 210 and various electrical components mounted on the top plate 210 may be protected from the steam generated during the cooking process. The cover plate 310 may include a material that is light and strong enough not to be easily bent, such as stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] The handle 320 may be fastened to the central portion of the cover plate 310. For example, the handle 320 may be removably fastened to a fastening hole 313 provided in the central portion of the cover plate 310. For example, fastening between the handle 320 and the cover plate 310 may be achieved by fitting a groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the handle 320 into a body portion defining the fastening hole 313 in the cover plate 310. An upper portion of the handle 320 may protrude upward from the cover plate 310, and a lower portion of the handle 320 may protrude downward from the cover plate 310.

[0093] The handle 320 may include an insertion groove 321, a fixing column 282 (see FIG. Fig.18 ) can be fitted into the insertion groove 321. For example, the fixing post 282 is in the form of a post extending downward from the bottom of the top plate 210, and the insertion groove 321 in the handle 320 extends downward from the top surface of the handle 320 and can have a size and shape suitable for fitting the fixing post 282 therein. The cover assembly 300 can be coupled to the body cover 200 by fitting the fixing post 282 into the insertion groove 321 in the handle 320. Then, the cover assembly 300 can be removed from the body cover 200 by separating the fixing post 282 from the insertion groove 321 in the handle 320. In order to separate the cover assembly 300 from the body cover 200, the user can remove the cover plate 310 from the body cover 200 by holding the lower portion of the handle 320 protruding from the bottom of the cover plate 310 and applying an external force acting downward.

[0094] The handle 320 may include an elastically deformable material. For example, the handle 320 may include a material such as silicon rubber or synthetic rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The package 330 may be removably fastened to the circumference of the cover plate 310. The package 330 may have an annular shape extending continuously along the circumference of the cover plate 310 and may be in continuous contact with the circumference of the cover plate 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 310 may have a flat plate shape, wherein the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310 extends in a direction away from the center of the cover plate 310 or in a radial direction, and a fastening groove 3311 accommodating the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310 may be provided in the inner surface of the package 330. The fastening groove 3311 in the package 330 may extend continuously along the circumference of the cover plate 310, and the fastening between the cover plate 310 and the package 330 can be achieved by fitting the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310 into the fastening groove 3311 provided in the inner surface of the package 330.

[0096] For example, the package member 330 may include an elastically deformable material. For example, the package member 330 may include a material such as silicon rubber or synthetic rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] The package 330 may include a central body 331 , an upper tight contact protrusion 333 , and a lower tight contact protrusion 335 .

[0098] The central body 331 of the package 330 is a portion that contacts the cover plate 310, and may have an annular shape extending continuously along the circumference of the cover plate 310 in a plan view. A fastening groove 3311 into which the outer peripheral portion 311 of the cover plate 310 is fixedly inserted may be provided in an inner surface of the central body 331. The central body 331 may include an upper portion extending from a top surface of the outer peripheral portion 311 of the cover plate 310, a lower portion extending from a bottom surface of the outer peripheral portion 311 of the cover plate 310, and a side portion interconnecting the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0099] The upper close contact protrusion 333 may extend inwardly (i.e., in a direction toward the center of the package 330 or the center of the cover plate 310) from the central body 331 to be inclined upward, and the lower close contact protrusion 335 may extend inwardly (i.e., in a direction toward the center of the package 330 or the center of the cover plate 310) from the central body 331 to be inclined downward. The upper close contact protrusion 333 may overlap with the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310 in the vertical direction and may be disposed on the top surface of the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310. The lower close contact protrusion 335 may overlap with the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310 in the vertical direction and may be disposed on the bottom surface of the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310.

[0100] The package 330 may have a vertically symmetrical structure. That is, the package 330 may have a vertically symmetrical structure (e.g., a mirror image shape symmetrical to the center plane CP passing through the center in the vertical direction or the height direction of the package 330) about the center plane CP passing through the center in the vertical direction or the height direction of the package 330. In this case, since the vertical directionality of the package 330 is eliminated, the assembly between the package 330 and the cover plate 310 can be performed more easily.

[0101] The upper close contact protrusion 333 may have a shape that is bent or protruded upward from the end portion of the central body 331. The upper close contact protrusion 333 has an annular shape that continuously extends along the circumference of the annular central body 331 or the cover plate 310 in a plan view, and may be configured to be in continuous contact with the top plate 210 along its extending direction. When the cover assembly 300 is mounted on the cooking device 10, an external force acting downward from the contact surface between the upper close contact protrusion 333 and the top plate 210 is applied to the upper close contact protrusion 333 of the package 330, so that the upper portion of the package 330 (i.e., the portion of the package 330 on the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310) can be elastically deformed. Due to the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformed package 330, the upper close contact protrusion 333 can be in close contact with the top plate 210. The upper tight protrusion 333 can be in tight contact with the top plate 210 to prevent a gap from being formed between the top plate 210 and the packaging member 330 , and can block steam generated during a cooking process using the cooking device 10 from leaking through the gap between the top plate 210 and the packaging member 330 .

[0102] The lower close contact protrusion 335 may have a shape that is bent downward or protruded downward from the end portion of the central body 331. The lower close contact protrusion 335 has an annular shape that continuously extends along the circumference of the annular central body 331 or the cover plate 310 in a plan view, and may be configured to be in continuous contact with the inner pot 110 along its extending direction. When the cover assembly 300 is mounted on the cooking device 10, an external force acting upward from the contact surface between the lower close contact protrusion 335 and the inner pot 110 is applied to the lower close contact protrusion 335 of the package 330, so that the lower portion of the package 330 (i.e., the portion of the package 330 below the outer peripheral edge portion 311 of the cover plate 310) can be elastically deformed. Due to the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformed package 330, the lower close contact protrusion 335 can be in close contact with the inner pot 110. The lower close contact protrusion 335 can be in close contact with the inner pot 110 to prevent a gap from being formed between the inner pot 110 and the packaging member 330, and can block the steam generated during the cooking process by using the cooking device 10 from leaking through the gap between the inner pot 110 and the packaging member 330.

[0103] The package 330 may include at least one upper air groove 341 provided in a top surface 331U (i.e., a surface facing the top plate 210) of the central body 331. The at least one upper air groove 341 may extend substantially in a direction away from the center of the cover plate 310 or in a radial direction, and may extend substantially linearly. The upper air groove 341 is not formed in the upper tight contact protrusion 333 that is in continuous contact with the top plate 210 to form a continuous sealing section between the package 330 and the top plate 210. For example, the upper air groove 341 may extend linearly from an end portion spaced apart from a contact portion between the upper tight contact protrusion 333 and the top plate 210 to the outer surface 331S of the central body 331.

[0104] For example, the package 330 may include one upper air groove 341, or may include a plurality of upper air grooves 341 spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330. When the package 330 includes a plurality of upper air grooves 341, the plurality of upper air grooves 341 may be spaced apart from each other at uniform intervals. That is, the distance between two adjacent upper air grooves 341 in the circumferential direction may be constant.

[0105] The package 330 may include at least one lower air groove 343 provided in the bottom surface 331L (i.e., the surface facing the inner pot 110) of the central body 331. The at least one lower air groove 343 may extend substantially in a direction away from the center of the cover plate 310 or in a radial direction, and may extend substantially linearly. The lower air groove 343 is not formed in the lower tight contact protrusion 335 that is in continuous contact with the inner port 110 to form a continuous sealing section between the package 330 and the inner plate 110. For example, the lower air groove 343 may extend linearly from an end portion spaced apart from a contact portion between the lower tight contact protrusion 335 and the inner pot 110 to the outer surface 331S of the central body 331.

[0106] For example, the package 330 may include one lower air groove 343, or may include a plurality of lower air grooves 343 spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330. When the package 330 includes a plurality of lower air grooves 343, the plurality of lower air grooves 343 may be spaced apart from each other at uniform intervals. That is, the distance between two adjacent lower air grooves 343 in the circumferential direction may be constant.

[0107] The package 330 may further include a connection groove 345 extending from one end portion of the upper air groove 341 provided in the top surface 331U of the central body 331 to one end portion of the lower air groove 343 provided in the bottom surface 331L of the central body 331. The connection groove 345 may be provided in the outer surface 331S of the central body 331, and may extend in a substantially vertical direction to connect the upper air groove 341 and the lower air groove 343 to each other. Since the upper air groove 341 and the lower air groove 343 are connected to each other via the connection groove 345, the package 330 may be provided with a groove starting from a point adjacent to the lower tight contact protrusion 335 in the lower portion of the package 330 and continuously extending to a point adjacent to the upper tight contact protrusion 333 on the upper portion of the package 330.

[0108] The package 330 may include at least one upper auxiliary groove 347 provided in the top surface 331U (i.e., the surface facing the top plate 210) of the central body 331. The at least one upper auxiliary groove 347 may extend substantially in a direction away from the center of the cover plate 310 or in a radial direction, and may extend substantially linearly. The upper auxiliary groove 347 is not formed in the upper tight contact protrusion 333 that is in continuous contact with the top plate 210 to form a continuous sealing section between the package 330 and the top plate 210. For example, the upper auxiliary groove 347 may extend from a point spaced a predetermined distance from the upper tight contact protrusion 333 or from a boundary between the central body 331 and the upper tight contact protrusion 333 toward the outer surface 331S of the central body 331.

[0109] For example, the package 330 may include one upper auxiliary groove 347 or may include a plurality of upper auxiliary grooves 347 spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330. For example, the plurality of upper auxiliary grooves 347 may be disposed between two upper air grooves 341 adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330.

[0110] The depth of the upper auxiliary groove 347 can be smaller than the depth of the upper air groove 341, and the horizontal width (i.e., the width along the circumferential direction of the package 330) and the extended length (i.e., the length extending in the radial direction of the package 330 or in a direction away from the center of the package 330) of the upper auxiliary groove 347 can be smaller than the horizontal width and the extended length of the upper air groove 341, respectively.

[0111] The package 330 may include at least one lower auxiliary groove 349 provided in the bottom surface 331L (i.e., the surface facing the inner pot 110) of the central body 331. The at least one lower auxiliary groove 349 may extend substantially in a direction away from the center of the cover plate 310 or in a radial direction, and may extend substantially linearly. The lower auxiliary groove 349 is not formed in the lower tight contact protrusion 335 that is in continuous contact with the inner port 110 to form a continuous sealing section between the package 330 and the inner plate 110. For example, the lower auxiliary groove 349 may extend from a point spaced a predetermined distance from the lower tight contact protrusion 335 or from a boundary between the central body 331 and the lower tight contact protrusion 335 toward the outer surface 331S of the central body 331.

[0112] For example, the package 330 may include one lower auxiliary groove 349 or may include a plurality of lower auxiliary grooves 349 spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330. For example, the plurality of lower auxiliary grooves 349 may be disposed between two lower air grooves 343 adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction of the package 330.

[0113] The depth of the lower auxiliary groove 349 can be smaller than the depth of the lower air groove 343, and the horizontal width (i.e., the width along the circumferential direction of the package 330) and the extended length (i.e., the length extending in the radial direction of the package 330 or in a direction away from the center of the package 330) of the lower auxiliary groove 349 can be smaller than the horizontal width and the extended length of the lower air groove 343, respectively.

[0114] Unlike the upper air groove 341 and the lower air groove 343 which are connected to each other via the connection groove 345 , the upper auxiliary groove 347 and the lower auxiliary groove 349 may not be connected to each other.

[0115] When the package 330 has a vertically symmetrical structure, the number and arrangement of the upper air grooves 341 (for example, the intervals between adjacent upper air grooves 341) can be the same as the number and arrangement of the lower air grooves 343, and the number and arrangement of the upper auxiliary grooves 347 can be the same as the number and arrangement of the lower auxiliary grooves 349.

[0116] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a cooking device including a cover assembly 300 . Fig.19 It is a diagram of Fig.18 Magnified view of the area indicated by "XIX".

[0117] Reference Fig.18 and Fig.19 as well as Figure 1 and Figures 13 to 17, the cover assembly 300 can be fastened to the main body cover 200 in a removable manner. The cover assembly 300 can be fastened to the main body cover 200 by inserting the fixing column 282 protruding downward from the top plate 210 into the insertion groove 321 in the handle 320. When the cover assembly 300 is fastened to the main body cover 200, the cover assembly 300 can move with the top plate 210 when the top plate 210 moves. When the cover assembly 300 is fastened to the main body cover 200, the packaging member 330 of the cover assembly 300 is arranged between the top plate 210 and the inner pot 110, and prevents steam from leaking through the gap between the top plate 210 and the inner pot 110. For example, the packaging member 330 of the cover assembly 300 can be configured to prevent steam from leaking through the gap between the top plate 210 and the inner pot 110 by being compressed between the top plate 210 and the inner pot 110.

[0118] When cooking is performed in the cooking device 10, when the upper close contact protrusion 333 is in close contact with the top plate 210, a first space SA surrounded by an upper portion of the package 330 and the top plate 210 may be formed near a contact portion between the upper close contact protrusion 333 and the top plate 210. The first space SA may include a space between the top surface 331U of the central body 331 and the top plate 210. The upper air groove 341 provided in the surface of the package 330 facing the top plate 210 communicates an external space outside the package 330 or outside the inner pot 110 with the first space SA to allow air to flow between the first space SA and the external space outside the package 330 or outside the inner pot 110.

[0119] As a comparative example, when the package 330 does not have the upper air groove 341, a vacuum may be formed in the first space SA when cooking is performed in the cooking device 10. In this case, the package 330 may be firmly attached to the top plate 210, and thus the force required to separate the package 330 and the top plate 210 from each other after cooking is completed may increase, and the package 330 may be deformed and worn due to the force applied to the package 330 to separate the package 330 and the top plate 210 from each other. Due to such deformation and wear of the package 330, the sealing performance of the package 330 may be deteriorated.

[0120] In addition, when cooking is performed in the cooking device 10, when the lower close-contact protrusion 335 is in close contact with the inner pot 110, a second space SB surrounded by the lower portion of the package 330 and the inner pot 110 may be formed. The second space SB may include a space between the bottom surface 331L of the central body 331 and the inner pot 110. The lower air groove 343 provided in the surface of the package 330 facing the inner pot 110 communicates the outer space outside the package 330 or the inner pot 110 with the second space SB to allow air to flow between the second space SB and the outer space outside the package 330 or the inner pot 110.

[0121] As a comparative example, when the package 330 does not have the lower air groove 343, a vacuum may be formed in the second space SB when cooking is performed in the cooking device 10. In this case, since the package 330 is firmly attached to the inner pot 110, when the main body cover 200 is opened, the force required to separate the package 330 and the inner pot 110 from each other increases, and the package 330 may be deformed and worn due to the force applied to the package 330 to separate the package 330 and the inner pot 110 from each other. Due to such deformation and wear of the package 330, the sealing performance of the package 330 may be deteriorated.

[0122] However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the upper air groove 341 allows air to flow between the first space SA and the external space outside the package 330, and the lower air groove 343 allows air to flow between the second space SB and the external space outside the package 330 when cooking is performed in the cooking device 10, it is possible to prevent a vacuum from being formed in the first space SA and / or the second space SB. Therefore, deformation and wear of the package 330 that may be caused by a vacuum formed in the first space SA and / or the second space SB can be prevented.

[0123] In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper auxiliary groove 347 provided in the surface of the package 330 facing the top plate 210 can be used together with the upper air groove 341 to further suppress the formation of a vacuum between the upper portion of the package 330 and the top plate 210, and a lower auxiliary groove 349 provided in the surface of the package 330 facing the inner pot 110 can be used together with the lower air groove 343 to further suppress the formation of a vacuum between the lower portion of the package 330 and the inner pot 110.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking device 10 may include a spring 288 disposed on the top plate 210 and configured to provide a downward elastic restoring force. The spring 288 is mounted on, for example, a support column 229 disposed on the top plate 210, and may provide an elastic restoring force that presses the top plate 210 downward. That is, the spring 288 may be configured to elastically support the top plate 210 in a direction from the raised position of the top plate 210 toward the lowered position. The spring 288 may include, for example, a compression spring 288. A plurality of springs 288 symmetrically arranged about the center of the top plate 210 may be disposed on the top plate 210 so that the elastic restoring force provided by the spring 288 acts substantially uniformly on the entire top plate 210.

[0125] When the pressure in the inner pot 110 is high, the spring 288 prevents the top plate 210 and / or the main body cover 200 from being deformed and damaged by absorbing the force acting on the top plate 210 and / or the main body cover 200. In addition, the spring 288 can elastically support the top plate 210 and the packaging member 330 in the direction from the raised position of the top plate 210 toward the lowered position. In this case, the packaging member 330 disposed between the top plate 210 and the inner pot 110 can be compressed by the elastic restoring force provided by the spring 288. Due to the elastic restoring force provided by the spring 288, even when the pressure in the inner pot 110 is high, the packaging member 330 disposed between the inner pot 110 and the top plate 210 can be compressed to an appropriate level.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover assembly 300 is removably fastened to the body cover 200 of the cooking device 10, and the packing member 330 of the cover assembly 300 prevents a vacuum from being formed in the space between the packing member 330 and the top plate 210 and in the space between the packing member 330 and the inner pot 110, thereby preventing excessive external force from being applied to the packing member 330 during the process of separating the packing member 330 from the body cover 200 and / or the inner pot 110. Therefore, deformation and wear of the packing member 330 are prevented, thereby improving the sealing performance of the packing member 330, and ultimately improving the cooking quality of the cooking device 10.

[0127] As described above, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Although the embodiments have been described in this specification by using specific terms, these terms are only used for the purpose of describing the technical concept of the present disclosure, and are not used 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 of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalent 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 attached claims.

Claims

1. A cooking device, comprising: main body; an inner pot, the inner pot being accommodated in the main body; as well as a main body cover connected to the main body and configured to cover the inner pot, Wherein, the main body cover comprises: a top plate configured to cover the inner pot; A support plate, the support plate being arranged on the top plate; a rotating cover including a guide groove extending in a curved shape along a rotating direction and provided on the top plate to be rotatable along a circumference of the top plate; A locking structure, the locking structure comprising: a locking bar, the locking bar comprising a side wall, an upper body and a lower body, the lower body comprising an engaging protrusion configured to engage with a flange of the inner pot; and a connecting plate, the connecting plate being connected to the upper body of the locking bar and comprising a guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove and moving within the guide groove according to the rotation angle of the rotating cover, wherein the locking structure is configured to move linearly between a locking position and an unlocking position in cooperation with the rotation of the rotating cover, wherein the locking position is a position where the engaging protrusion overlaps with the flange of the inner pot in the vertical direction, and the unlocking position is a position spaced outwardly from the locking position in the radial direction; and a pressing slide configured to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the locking position toward the unlocking position, and Wherein, the pressing sliding member comprises: a fixed body configured to be fixedly coupled to the support plate; a movable body including an engagement hook engaged with an engagement block of the fixed body and configured to move linearly within the fixed body, wherein the movable body contacts the locking structure; and A spring is provided between the fixed body and the movable body to provide a restoring force for moving the movable body in a direction away from a center of the rotating cover.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide groove includes a first section spaced apart from the center of the rotation cover by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the center of the rotation cover by a distance greater than the first distance. When the guide protrusion is located in the first section of the guide groove, the locking structure is located at the locking position, and When the guide protrusion moves within the second section of the guide groove, the locking structure moves between the locking position and the unlocking position.

3. The cooking device according to claim 2, further comprising: a balancing valve comprising a cylindrical member and a counterweight, the cylindrical member comprising a flow path communicating with the accommodation space in the inner pot, the counterweight being configured to open / close the flow path in the cylindrical member according to the steam pressure in the inner pot; as well as a lift pin configured to be raised and lowered between a pin lower position and a pin upper position according to a rotation angle of the rotating cover, Wherein, the lifting pin is located at the pin upper position to lift the counterweight so that the outlet of the flow path in the cylindrical member is forcibly opened.

4. The cooking device according to claim 3, wherein: The lifting pin is located at the pin lower position when the guide protrusion moves within the first section of the guide groove, and Wherein, when the guide protrusion moves in the second section of the guide groove, the lifting pin is located at the pin upper position.

5. The cooking device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover assembly removably fastened to the body cover, Wherein, the main body cover further includes a fixing column protruding downward from the top plate, and Wherein, the cover component comprises: a covering plate configured to cover the inner pot; a packing member coupled to a circumference of the cover plate, the packing member having an annular shape extending along the circumference of the cover plate, and the packing member being disposed between the inner pot and the top plate, wherein the packing member is configured to seal a gap between the inner pot and the top plate; and a handle provided in a central portion of the cover plate and including an insertion groove into which the fixing column is inserted, and Wherein, the package comprises: an annular central body including a fastening groove into which the cover plate is fitted and extending along the circumference of the cover plate; an upper close contact protrusion extending inwardly from the central body to be inclined upward and having an annular shape extending along the central body, wherein the upper close contact protrusion is in continuous contact with the top plate; a lower close contact protrusion extending inwardly from the central body to be inclined downward and having an annular shape extending along the central body, wherein the lower close contact protrusion is in continuous contact with the inner pot; at least one upper air groove disposed on a top surface of the central body; and At least one lower air groove is disposed in a bottom surface of the central body.

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