Cover and cooking appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a cover body and a cooking utensil. A part of the bottom surface of the cover body located in a pot opening is a cooking area. The cover body is internally provided with a first cooking steam supplement passage and a second cooking steam supplement passage. One end of the first cooking steam supplement passage is provided with a cooking steam supplement inlet. The other end of the first cooking steam supplement passage is in communication with the second cooking steam supplement passage. The second cooking steam supplement passage extends on the upper side of the cooking area and is provided with a plurality of cooking steam supplement outlets for being in communication with a cooking cavity. The plurality of cooking steam supplement outlets are uniformly or symmetrically distributed at the cooking area, so that the cooking steam is uniformly sprayed to the cooking cavity. According to the application, the cover body is uniformly or symmetrically provided with the plurality of cooking steam supplement outlets at different areas on the cooking area. The high-temperature steam can be uniformly sprayed to the cooking cavity from different positions, so that the steam amount contacted by the food at different positions in the cooking cavity is less different and more uniform, the food cooking effect is more uniform, and the user experience is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to a lid and cooking utensil. Background Technology

[0002] Existing steam cooking appliances, such as steam rice cookers, generally have a steam channel inside the lid to transport high-temperature steam from the steam source to the cooking chamber. During the cooking stage, the high-temperature steam generated by the steam source is introduced into the cooking chamber through the steam channel, which can be used to heat the food inside the cooking chamber and moisten it.

[0003] However, existing steam channels are generally straight passages with an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other, and the outlet is located in a small area on the cover. This results in food closer to the outlet receiving more steam and food farther from the outlet receiving less steam, ultimately leading to significant differences in cooking results for food in different locations within the cooking cavity and a poor user experience.

[0004] Therefore, a cover is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] To at least partially solve the above problems, this application provides a lid for a cooking utensil, the cooking utensil including a lid and a pot body containing a pot inner liner, the lid being closably disposed on the pot body and having a bottom surface such that when the lid is closed, the bottom surface of the lid contacts the rim of the pot inner liner, forming a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body.

[0007] The portion of the bottom surface of the lid located inside the pot opening is the cooking area.

[0008] The lid body is provided with a first supplementary steam channel and a second supplementary steam channel. One end of the first supplementary steam channel has a supplementary steam inlet, and the other end of the first supplementary steam channel communicates with the second supplementary steam channel. The second supplementary steam channel extends above the cooking area and has multiple supplementary steam outlets for communicating with the cooking cavity.

[0009] The multiple supplementary steam outlets are evenly or symmetrically distributed in the cooking area to ensure that the supplementary steam is evenly injected into the cooking chamber.

[0010] According to this design, high-temperature steam can be delivered into the cooking chamber through the first and second supplementary steam channels to heat and moisten the food inside. This keeps foods such as rice moist, preventing them from drying out and turning yellow. Users can enjoy freshly cooked food with just the right amount of moisture, excellent texture, and rich aroma at any time after cooking, effectively solving the problem of food drying out during the heat preservation process and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the lid has multiple supplementary steam outlets evenly or symmetrically distributed across different areas of the cooking zone. High-temperature steam can be evenly sprayed into the cooking chamber from various locations, ensuring a smaller and more uniform difference in the amount of steam received by food in different parts of the cooking chamber, resulting in more even cooking and a better user experience.

[0011] Optionally, the cover includes an infrared heating device, and the bottom surface of the cover has an infrared radiation area corresponding to the infrared heating device. The second supplementary steam channel is disposed around the periphery of the infrared radiation area, so that multiple supplementary steam outlets are located around the periphery of the infrared radiation area. According to this solution, using the periphery of the infrared radiation area to arrange the second supplementary steam channel can avoid the components constituting the second supplementary steam channel from blocking infrared rays, allowing infrared rays to radiate to the cooking cavity over a large area. Furthermore, the second supplementary steam channel is arranged close to the infrared heating device, allowing the heat generated by the infrared heating device to be transferred to the second supplementary steam channel for secondary heating of the supplementary steam, ensuring that the supplementary steam maintains a higher temperature and has a better supplementary cooking effect; and the supplementary steam does not condense or liquefy during transmission in the second supplementary steam channel, thus avoiding water droplets in the supplementary steam from affecting the supplementary cooking effect. This solution avoids the temperature drop of the supplementary steam during transmission, effectively ensuring that foods such as rice are kept moist to the best effect.

[0012] Optionally, the infrared radiation zone occupies the central area of ​​the cooking area, and at least a portion of the second supplementary steam channel extends into the peripheral area of ​​the cooking area, thereby distributing at least a portion of the plurality of supplementary steam outlets in the peripheral area of ​​the cooking area. According to this design, the central infrared radiation zone can be made as large as possible to occupy most of the cooking area, allowing infrared rays to radiate over a large area to all locations within the cooking cavity, resulting in better cooking performance; the peripheral second supplementary steam channel occupies a smaller area in the cooking area, leaving more space for the infrared radiation zone.

[0013] Optionally, the second supplementary cooking steam channel extends around the infrared radiation zone, thereby distributing the multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets around the infrared radiation zone. According to this design, the heat generated by the infrared heating device can be radially transferred to various locations within the second supplementary cooking steam channel, providing more effective secondary heating of the supplementary cooking steam, resulting in higher heating efficiency. This further ensures that the supplementary cooking steam maintains a higher temperature and prevents condensation or liquefaction of the steam during its transmission within the second supplementary cooking steam channel, thus avoiding water droplets within the steam affecting the supplementary cooking effect.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom surface of the cover is provided with a cooking steam inlet for communication with the cooking cavity, and at least a portion of the second supplementary steam channel is located between the infrared radiation zone and the cooking steam inlet. According to this solution, the second supplementary steam channel at the cooking steam inlet can be adjacent to the infrared radiation zone, so that the second supplementary steam channel at the cooking steam inlet can be reheated by the infrared heating device, resulting in a higher supplementary steam temperature.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom surface of the cover is provided with a clearance area located behind the infrared radiation zone, and the second supplementary steam channel includes an intermediate channel portion located between the infrared radiation zone and the cooking steam inlet, the intermediate channel portion extending through the clearance area. According to this solution, a portion of the area originally occupied by the infrared heating device is saved for arranging the second supplementary steam channel, the spatial layout of the cover is further rationally adjusted, and the infrared heating device and the second supplementary steam channel can be arranged closer and more compactly, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the cover.

[0016] Optionally, the cooking steam inlet is located at the rear of the cooking area, and the plurality of supplementary cooking steam outlets are located at the front of the cooking steam inlet. According to this solution, the cooking steam exhaust channel communicating with the cooking steam inlet occupies the rear region of the cover, and supplementary cooking steam is injected into the cooking chamber from an area outside the rear of the cooking area.

[0017] Optionally, the second supplementary steam channel is constructed as an annular channel, with multiple supplementary steam outlets distributed along the extension path of the second supplementary steam channel. According to this design, the annular channel can be designed with a relatively large extension length in the cooking area, while occupying little space and effectively utilizing the internal space of the lid; the arrangement of the supplementary steam outlets is also annular, resulting in a neat inner structure of the lid after opening, and a better overall appearance of the inner side of the lid; the components constituting the annular channel have a simple structure and are easy to manufacture.

[0018] Optionally, the second supplementary steam channel is provided with a connection port communicating with the first supplementary steam channel, and the outlet area of ​​the plurality of supplementary steam outlets gradually increases in the direction away from the connection port. According to this solution, the amount of steam ejected from the plurality of supplementary steam outlets is approximately the same within the same time period, minimizing the difference in the amount of steam contacted by food at different locations and improving the uniformity of food cooking effect.

[0019] Optionally, the portion of the bottom surface of the lid outside the pot opening is designated as the lid bottom perimeter area, and the first supplementary steam channel extends across the cooking area and the lid bottom perimeter area. According to this design, the lid bottom perimeter area can be better utilized to arrange the longer first supplementary steam channel, reducing the area proportion of the first supplementary steam channel's projection onto the cooking area.

[0020] Optionally, the top wall of the first supplementary cooking steam passage is provided with the supplementary cooking steam inlet so as to communicate with the steam generator on the cover. According to this solution, the supplementary cooking steam inlet is suitable for supplementary cooking steam to enter from the top, and the steam generator inside the cover can generate supplementary cooking steam, which enters the supplementary cooking steam supply passage through the supplementary cooking steam inlet.

[0021] Alternatively, the bottom wall of the first supplementary cooking steam passage is provided with a connecting port for communicating with the supplementary cooking steam inlet, so as to communicate with the steam generating device on the pot body. According to this solution, the supplementary cooking steam inlet and the connecting port are suitable for supplementary cooking steam to enter from the bottom, and the steam generating device inside the pot body can generate supplementary cooking steam, which enters the supplementary cooking steam supply passage through the supplementary cooking steam inlet.

[0022] Optionally, the first supplementary steam channel extends along a straight line inclined relative to the longitudinal centerline of the cover. According to this solution, the straight supplementary steam supply channel shortens the flow distance of the supplementary steam, allowing the supplementary steam to quickly reach the second supplementary steam channel, avoiding energy loss; structurally, it can be easily constructed and occupies less internal space in the cover, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the cover.

[0023] The supplementary steam inlet is located at the rear corner of the bottom surface of the lid, so as to correspond to the position of the steam generator on the pot body. According to this design, the supplementary steam inlet is suitable for bottom-feeding supplementary steam.

[0024] Optionally, the cover includes a cover plate and an infrared heating device located on the upper side of the cover plate, with the second supplementary steam channel disposed between the cover plate and the infrared heating device. According to this solution, the heat generated by the infrared heating device can be transferred to the second supplementary steam channel, reheating the supplementary steam and ensuring it maintains a higher temperature for better supplementary cooking. Furthermore, the supplementary steam does not condense or liquefy during its transmission in the second supplementary steam channel, thus preventing water droplets within the steam from affecting the supplementary cooking effect. This solution avoids temperature drops in the supplementary steam during transmission, effectively ensuring optimal moisture retention for foods such as rice. The heat from the high-temperature supplementary steam in the second supplementary steam channel can be transferred to the cover plate, increasing its temperature and effectively reducing condensation on the underside of the cover plate during cooking. This prevents condensation from dripping onto the food and affecting its texture, thus improving the overall cooking effect.

[0025] Optionally, the infrared heating device includes a plate-shaped component, which is either a radiating plate or an insulating plate. The cover plate forms the bottom wall of the second supplementary steam channel, and the plate-shaped component forms the top wall of the second supplementary steam channel. According to this design, the radiating plate or insulating plate has a higher temperature, allowing heat to be directly transferred from the radiating plate or insulating plate to the supplementary steam, resulting in higher efficiency in the secondary heating of the supplementary steam. The cover plate can also be directly heated by the high-temperature supplementary steam, resulting in higher heating efficiency for the cover plate.

[0026] Optionally, the cover further includes two channel seals, which are horizontally spaced apart and disposed between the cover plate and the plate-like member, forming the sidewalls of the second supplementary steam channel. According to this solution, the seals, while forming the sidewalls of the second supplementary steam channel, can also seal the gap between the cover plate and the plate-like member to form a sealed second supplementary steam channel.

[0027] Optionally, the cover further includes an inner liner with an inner liner through-hole. The plate-like member covers the inner liner through-hole, and the cover plate has a light-transmitting through-hole for infrared light to pass through. The two channel seals are respectively disposed around the light-transmitting through-hole and the inner liner through-hole to form a sealed annular channel. According to this solution, the two channel seals can not only seal the second supplementary steam channel, but also seal the gap between the periphery of the light-transmitting through-hole and the plate-like member, as well as the gap between the periphery of the inner liner channel and the plate-like member. This prevents steam in the cooking cavity from entering the interior of the cover through these two gaps, thereby avoiding safety hazards caused by moisture in the electrical components inside the cover. While ensuring assembly reliability, this improves the sealing effect of the assembly and enhances the safety of product use.

[0028] Optionally, one of the two channel seals, the one furthest from the center of the cover plate, has a connecting port that communicates with the first supplementary steam channel. This connecting port is located on the seal near the supplementary steam inlet. According to this solution, placing the connecting port on the seal allows the component constituting the first supplementary steam channel to form a sealed connection with the seal at the connecting port, eliminating the need for additional seals. Furthermore, the distance between the connecting port and the supplementary steam inlet is small, resulting in a shorter first supplementary steam channel, reducing the flow distance of the supplementary steam and allowing it to quickly reach the second supplementary steam channel, thus avoiding energy loss.

[0029] Optionally, a plurality of the supplementary steam outlets are located on the portion of the cover plate that forms the bottom wall. According to this design, the plurality of supplementary steam outlets can be oriented downwards so that the supplementary steam is injected downwards.

[0030] Optionally, the cover further includes an inner liner and a supplementary steam channel component for forming the first supplementary steam channel, the supplementary steam channel component being connected to the inner liner. According to this solution, the supplementary steam channel component is provided independently of the cover / removable cover assembly, and does not affect the assembly of the cover / removable cover assembly or the manual disassembly of the removable cover assembly.

[0031] Optionally, the supplementary steam channel component forms at least the bottom wall of the first supplementary steam channel, the liner forms at least the top wall of the first supplementary steam channel, and a sealing element is provided between the supplementary steam channel component and the liner. According to this solution, the liner and the supplementary steam channel component are independent components, and a sealed first supplementary steam channel is formed between them. When the supplementary steam channel component is designed to be removable from the liner, the interior of the first supplementary steam channel can be cleaned more effectively.

[0032] Alternatively, the supplementary cooking steam channel component can independently constitute the first supplementary cooking steam channel. According to this solution, the supplementary cooking steam channel component can form a circumferentially sealed first supplementary cooking steam channel, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements; the construction of the supplementary cooking steam supply channel is simple.

[0033] Optionally, the cover further includes a supplementary steam connection cover for sealing the steam generator of the pot body. The supplementary steam connection cover is located at the rear end corner of the cover and has a supplementary steam inlet. According to this solution, the opening and closing action of the supplementary steam connection cover on the steam generator of the pot body is achieved by opening and closing the cover, reducing the user's operation steps and improving the user's operating experience.

[0034] Optionally, the cover includes a detachable cover assembly, which includes a cover plate and a cover plate seat connected to the cover plate. The first supplementary steam channel extends across the cover plate and the cover plate seat, and the supplementary steam docking cover is connected to or integrally disposed at the rear end corner of the cover plate seat. According to this solution, the design can better utilize the rear space outside the cooking area of ​​the detachable cover assembly to arrange the first supplementary steam channel with a longer extension path, reducing the area ratio of the first supplementary steam channel projected onto the cover plate.

[0035] Optionally, the cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly, the cover plate of the cover being the cover plate of the detachable cover assembly, the cover plate having a light-transmitting hole, an inner ring sealing ring being provided at the edge of the light-transmitting hole, and an outer ring sealing ring being provided radially outside the inner ring sealing ring on the bottom surface of the cover. The infrared heating device includes a radiating plate or an insulating plate, forming an annular second supplementary steam channel between the cover plate, the radiating plate or the insulating plate, the inner ring sealing ring, and the outer ring sealing ring. Multiple supplementary steam outlets are provided on the area of ​​the cover plate forming the second supplementary steam channel. According to this solution, the second supplementary steam channel can form a sealed annular channel, preventing supplementary steam leakage. Furthermore, it utilizes existing components in the cover to form the second supplementary steam channel, serving two purposes with a single component, requiring no additional parts, resulting in a simple channel structure and low material cost.

[0036] Optionally, the lid body is provided with an infrared heating device, which includes one of an infrared heating tube, an infrared heating film, and a radiant plate, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the radiant plate forms the top surface of the cooking cavity. According to this solution, the structure combining infrared heating and steam heating is suitable for various types of infrared cooking appliances.

[0037] Optionally, the cover includes a fixedly connected cover plate, with the radiant plate disposed on the upper side of the cover plate, and the cover plate having a light-transmitting hole for infrared rays to pass through. According to this solution, the radiant plate and steam channel assembly are suitable for a cover with a fixedly connected cover plate, the radiant plate radiating infrared rays into the cooking cavity through the light-transmitting hole of the cover plate. Alternatively, the cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly, the detachable cover assembly including a cover plate, the radiant plate disposed on the upper side of the cover plate, and the cover plate having a light-transmitting hole for infrared rays to pass through. According to this solution, the radiant plate and steam channel assembly are suitable for a cover with a detachable cover assembly, the radiant plate radiating infrared rays into the cooking cavity through the light-transmitting hole of the cover plate. Alternatively, the cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly, the radiant plate being fixedly disposed on the detachable cover assembly. According to this solution, the radiant plate and steam channel assembly are suitable for a cover with a detachable cover assembly, the radiant plate serving as a cover plate and directly radiating infrared rays into the cooking cavity.

[0038] According to another aspect of this application, a cooking appliance is provided, the cooking appliance including a lid, a pot body and a steam generating device as described in any of the preceding aspects, the lid being closable and disposed on the pot body to form a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body, and the steam generating device being disposed on the lid or the pot body for supplying steam to the first supplementary cooking steam channel.

[0039] According to this design, the first and second supplementary steam channels within the lid can deliver high-temperature steam to the cooking chamber, heating and moistening the food inside. This keeps foods such as rice moist, preventing them from drying out and turning yellow. The lid has multiple supplementary steam outlets evenly or symmetrically distributed across different areas of the cooking zone, allowing high-temperature steam to be evenly injected into the cooking chamber from various locations. This ensures that the amount of steam reaching the food in different parts of the cooking chamber is less varied and more uniform, resulting in more even cooking and a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and used to understand this application, illustrate embodiments of the application and their descriptions, thereby explaining the principles of the application.

[0041] In the attached image:

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view of the cooking appliance according to this application, wherein the lid is in the open position;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of the cover shown;

[0044] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a bottom view of the cover.

[0045] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in the middle;

[0046] Figure 5 For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB in the middle;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded view of the mid-infrared heating device;

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the inner and outer ring seals.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 1. Cooking utensils 2. Pot body

[0051] 3 lids 4 inner pots

[0052] 5 Pivot shaft 6 Boiler mouth sealing ring

[0053] 7. Main body of the lid; 8. Inner lining

[0054] 9-sided cover assembly 10 torsion springs

[0055] 11 Detachable cover assembly 12 Cover plate

[0056] 13 Cover plate seat 14 Housing

[0057] 15mm middle plate, 16mm base

[0058] 17 Inner lining through holes 18 Light-transmitting through holes

[0059] 19 Support section 20 Inner ring seal

[0060] 21 Pressure ring 22 First protrusion

[0061] 23 Second protrusion 24 Seat protrusion

[0062] 25 grooves, 30 steam generator

[0063] 31 Water container 40 Infrared heating device

[0064] 41 Radiant Panel 42 Heating Component

[0065] 43 Outer ring seal 44 Fastener

[0066] 45 Avoidance notch 51 Cooking steam seal

[0067] 52 Steam valve 53 Cooking steam inlet

[0068] 54 Cooking steam outlet 61 Supplementary cooking steam inlet

[0069] 62 Steam outlet for supplementary cooking; 62a Nearest end steam outlet

[0070] 62b Farthest steam outlet 63 Connecting port

[0071] 64 Steam passage component for auxiliary cooking; 65 Steam docking cover for auxiliary cooking.

[0072] 66 Steam connection seal for cooking; 67 Interface

[0073] 68-channel seal P1 supplementary steam supply channel

[0074] P11 First supplementary cooking steam passage; P12 Second supplementary cooking steam passage

[0075] P13 Middle Channel Section, P2 Cooking Steam Exhaust Channel

[0076] R1 Cooking Area, R2 Cover and Surrounding Area

[0077] R11 Infrared Radiation Zone; R12 Avoidance Zone Detailed Implementation

[0078] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0079] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided below. It is obvious that the implementation of embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, other embodiments may also be available in addition to these detailed descriptions.

[0080] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0081] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0082] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0083] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, this application provides a cooking appliance 1, which includes a pot body 2 and a lid 3. The pot body 2 has a cylindrical inner pot storage section. The inner pot 4 can be fixedly installed in the inner pot storage section, or can be freely placed into or removed from the inner pot storage section to facilitate cleaning of the inner pot 4. The inner pot 4 is usually made of metal and has a circular opening on its upper surface for holding materials to be heated, such as rice or soup. The pot body 2 includes an inner pot heating device, such as a heating plate, for heating the inner pot 4. It is understood that the cooking appliance 1 according to this application can be a rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, or other cooking appliances 1, and the cooking appliance 1 can have various functions such as cooking porridge in addition to cooking rice.

[0084] The lid 3 has a shape substantially corresponding to the pot body 2. The lid 3 is closable on the pot body 2. In one example, the lid 3 is pivotally connected to the pot body 2 via a pivot axis 5 and can pivot freely about the pivot axis 5 line between a closed position and an open position relative to the pot body 2, facilitating the closing and opening of the pot body 2. In another example, the lid 3 and pot body 2 are connected by interlocking and easily disassembled fasteners, so that they are tightly connected during cooking and can be separated into two independent units, for example, during cleaning. When the lid 3 is closed on the pot body 2, it covers the inner pot 4, forming a cooking cavity between them. The lid 3 typically also has a pot opening sealing ring 6, which can be made of, for example, rubber material, and is positioned between the lid 3 and the inner pot 4 to seal the cooking cavity when the lid 3 is closed.

[0085] It should be noted that the directional terms used in this article to describe the various parts and components of the cooking appliance 1, such as "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "facing upward", and "facing downward", are relative to the cooking appliance 1 when it is placed horizontally, upright, and the lid 3 is closed.

[0086] The lid body 3 basically includes the lid body 7. The lid body 7 includes an inner liner 8 and a cover assembly 9. The cover assembly 9 is located on the upper side or outer side of the inner liner 8 and can cover the inner liner 8. The upper surface of the cover assembly 9 has a user interaction area for user operation. The inner liner 8 can be connected to the cover assembly 9 by a suitable method such as snap-fit, fastener connection such as screws, or adhesive. A pivot 5 is located in the inner liner 8 and is fitted with a torsion spring 10 for automatic lid opening. The pot body 2 also includes a lid opening button, and the lid body 3 has a lid opening mechanism. By pressing the lid opening button, the lid opening mechanism is unlocked. The end of the lid body 3 with the lid opening mechanism or near the lid opening button is the front end, and the opposite end of the front end is the rear end. Generally, the rear end of the lid body 3 is near the pivot 5 between the lid body 3 and the pot body 2.

[0087] In one example, the lid 3 also includes a manually detachable lid assembly 11. The detachable lid assembly 11 is located below the lid body 7 and is detachably connected to the lid body 7 as a component, thus allowing the detachable lid assembly 11 to be detachably mounted on the lid 3 from below. When cleaning the detachable lid assembly 11 is required, it can be removed from the lid 3. Specifically, the detachable lid assembly 11 is located below or inside the liner 8 and is detachably connected to the liner 8. For example, the detachable lid assembly 11 is movably connected to the liner 8 via a plug-in and / or snap-fit ​​structure. The detachable lid assembly 11 basically includes a lid plate 12, a lid seat 13, and the aforementioned pot opening sealing ring 6. The lid plate 12 may be a metal plate. At least a portion of the lower surface of the lid plate 12 forms the top surface of the cooking cavity. The lid seat 13 allows the lid plate 12 to be detachably connected to the liner 8. The lid plate 12 can be connected to the lid seat 13 by other suitable means such as snaps or fasteners. A portion of the pot opening sealing ring 6 is pressed between the cover plate 12 and the cover plate seat 13.

[0088] In another alternative example, the cover 3 includes the aforementioned cover plate 12, which is fixedly connected to the cover body 7, specifically to the liner 8, so that the cover plate 12 is non-removably mounted on the cover 3.

[0089] The pot body 2 basically includes an outer shell 14, a middle plate 15 located on the upper side of the outer shell 14, and a base 16 located on the lower side of the outer shell 14. The lower end of the outer shell 14 can be connected to the outer periphery of the middle plate 15 by a suitable method such as snap-fit, fastener connection such as screws, or bonding. The lower end of the outer shell 14 can also be connected to the upper end of the base 16 by a suitable method such as snap-fit, fastener connection such as screws, or bonding. The outer shell 14, the middle plate 15, and the base 16 together form the inner pot storage area. An inner pot heating device can be disposed between the base 16 and the bottom of the inner pot 4, and connected to the base 16. Optionally, another inner pot heating device can be disposed between the outer shell 14 and the side of the inner pot 4.

[0090] The cooking appliance 1 of this application also has a top-heating function, whereby the heat generated by the top heat source can radiate to the food inside the cooking cavity to heat the food from the top side. Specifically, the cover 3 includes an infrared heating device 40 for radiating infrared rays into the cooking cavity during the cooking process. The infrared rays radiated into the cooking cavity can effectively heat the surface food, making the food evenly heated, thereby stimulating the aroma of the food.

[0091] The cooking appliance 1 of this application also has a steam replenishment function. High-temperature steam can be delivered into the cooking cavity to heat and moisten the food inside. For example, during the heat preservation stage, high-temperature steam can be introduced into the cooking cavity to keep foods such as rice moist and prevent them from drying out and turning yellow. Specifically, the cooking appliance 1 also includes a steam generator 30 for generating replenishment steam to replenish the cooking cavity. In order to deliver the replenishment steam to the cooking cavity, the cover 3 is provided with a replenishment steam supply channel P1 that communicates with the cooking cavity. The replenishment steam supply channel P1 is used to allow the steam for replenishing the cooking cavity to pass through. Specifically, it can receive the replenishment steam from the steam generator 30 and deliver the replenishment steam to the cooking cavity. High-temperature steam can be delivered into the cooking cavity through the replenishment steam supply channel P1 to heat and moisten the food inside. At any time after cooking is finished, the user can take out food that is just cooked, with moderate moisture, good taste, and full of aroma, effectively solving the problem of food drying out during the heat preservation process after cooking and improving the user experience.

[0092] The steam generating device 30 can be located on the lid 3 or the pot body 2. Figure 1 An example of a steam generator 30 disposed in the pot body 2 is shown schematically. The steam generator 30 basically includes a water container 31 and a water container heating device. The water container 31 is disposed in the pot body 2 and is capable of storing water for generating supplementary cooking steam. Optionally, the water container 31 is located within the receiving cavity of the pot body 2 and its top protrudes from the upper surface of the pot body 2 to facilitate removal of the water container 31 from the pot body 2. The water container 31 has a top opening for forming an outlet to allow supplementary cooking steam to escape. The water container heating device is typically disposed below the water container 31 to heat the water in the water container 31 to generate supplementary cooking steam. This supplementary cooking steam can enter the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 and then enter the cooking cavity to keep food such as rice moist in the inner pot 4. When the steam generator 30 is disposed in the lid 3, the placement and structure of the water container 31 and the water container heating device are the same as... Figure 4 The examples shown are different.

[0093] When cooking, the food and water in the inner pot 4 of the cooking appliance 1 generate cooking steam. To vent this cooking steam to the outside environment, such as... Figure 5As shown, the cover 3 is also provided with a cooking steam discharge channel P2 for the passage of steam discharged from the cooking chamber. The cover plate 12 is provided with a cooking steam inlet 53 communicating with the cooking chamber. The cooking steam discharge channel P2 connects the cooking chamber to the external environment through the cooking steam inlet 53, so that cooking steam can be discharged to the external environment through the cooking steam discharge channel P2. The cover 3 is provided with a cooking steam seal 51 and a steam valve 52 forming the cooking steam discharge channel P2. The upper end of the cooking steam seal 51 abuts against the lower end of the steam valve 52, and the lower end of the cooking steam seal 51 abuts against the periphery of the cooking steam inlet 53 on the cover plate 12. The steam valve 52 is provided with a cooking steam outlet 54.

[0094] One example is that the infrared heating device 40 can be an infrared heating tube. For example, an infrared heating element is encapsulated in a glass tube to form an infrared heating tube. In this example, the cover 3 also includes a light-transmitting isolation plate as a plate-like component, disposed below the infrared heating tube. An alternative example is that the infrared heating device 40 can be an electrically conductive infrared heating film disposed on the isolation plate. In this example, the isolation plate used to dispose of the infrared heating film is at least partially light-transmitting. Another alternative example, referring to the illustrated example, is that the infrared heating device 40 includes a radiant plate 41 as a plate-like component and a heating assembly 42 for heating the radiant plate 41. The heat generated by the heating assembly 42 can be transferred to the radiant plate 41, and the heated radiant plate 41 can radiate infrared rays into the cooking cavity. The radiant plate 41 can be a ceramic plate, a carbon plate made of carbon material, etc. A light-transmitting isolation plate can be disposed below the radiant plate 41. Alternatively, the radiant plate 41 is exposed inside the cooking cavity, with at least a portion of its lower surface forming the top surface of the cooking cavity; more specifically, at least a portion of the radiant plate 41 forms the top wall of the cooking cavity. The temperature of the radiant plate 41 can be controlled by controlling the power or heating temperature of the heating assembly 42.

[0095] Using the illustrated example, the structure of cover 3 will be further described. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner liner 8 has an inner liner through-hole 17, and the radiating plate 41 is installed at the inner liner through-hole 17. The cover plate 12 is disposed below the radiating plate 41 and is at least partially light-transmitting. The cover plate 12 is partially provided with a light-transmitting through-hole 18 that constitutes a light-transmitting area. The light-transmitting through-hole 18 corresponds to the position of the radiating plate 41. In other words, the light-transmitting through-hole 18 is located directly below the radiating plate 41. The infrared rays generated by the radiating plate 41 can be radiated toward the inner pot 4 through the inner liner through-hole 17 and the light-transmitting through-hole 18. Alternatively, the cover plate 12 can be made entirely of a light-transmitting material such as glass, in which case the entire structure constitutes a light-transmitting area, or the portion corresponding to the radiating plate 41 can be made of a light-transmitting material, i.e., a light-transmitting part. In this case, the light-transmitting part constitutes a light-transmitting area. Alternatively, the cover plate 12 can serve as an isolation plate. Alternatively, the radiating plate 41 can be fixedly mounted on the removable cover assembly 11, in which case the radiating plate 41 serves as the cover plate 12.

[0096] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the inner liner 8 may be provided with a support portion 19. The support portion 19 is disposed around the through hole 17 of the inner liner, and the support portion 19 forms a closed annular structure. The outer periphery of the radiating plate 41 can overlap the bottom wall of the support portion 19 and abut against the side wall of the support portion 19. The support portion 19 can provide an upward supporting force to the radiating plate 41 and restrict the horizontal movement of the radiating plate 41, facilitating the fixation of the radiating plate 41. In one example, the support portion 19 can be recessed downward, and the radiating plate 41 is accommodated in the recessed support portion 19. In another example, the support portion 19 is a planar structure, i.e., it does not form a recess. The cover 3 also includes an outer ring sealing ring 43. The outer ring sealing ring 43 is sleeved on the periphery of the radiating plate 41 or on the support portion 19 to form a seal between the radiating plate 41 and the inner liner 8. The infrared heating device 40 also includes a fixing member 44. The fastener 44 can be connected to the liner 8, and the outer edge of the radiating plate 41 is sandwiched between the fastener 44 and the support 19. The fastener 44 may optionally be configured as an annular shape, and it can be connected to the liner 8 by a suitable method such as snap-fit, fastener connection such as screws, welding, etc.

[0097] Additionally, the cover 3 may also include an inner ring sealing ring 20. The inner ring sealing ring 20 can be disposed around the light-transmitting hole 18 and on the side opposite to the side where the pot opening sealing ring 6 is located, specifically between the radiant plate 41 and the liner 8, abutting against the lower surface of the radiant plate 41. Forming a seal at the light-transmitting hole 18 prevents steam from entering the interior of the cover 3 through the gap between the radiant plate 41 and the cover plate 12, thereby improving the sealing effect of the cover 3. For example, a pressure ring 21 can be provided to clamp a portion of the inner ring sealing ring 20 between the pressure ring 21 and the cover plate 12; the pressure ring 21 can be fixed to the cover plate 12 by a bendable clip.

[0098] The shapes of the inner lining through-hole 17, the light-transmitting through-hole 18, the support portion 19, and the inner ring sealing ring 20 correspond to the shape of the radiation plate 41. For example, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the radiant plate 41 may have a clearance notch 45, and the inner liner 8 has a first protrusion 22 protruding toward the inner liner through hole 17, which engages with the clearance notch 45. A portion of the supplementary steam supply channel P1 and / or the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 may be located on the first protrusion 22. With this design, the area of ​​the radiant plate 41 can be designed to be larger, and the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 can also be arranged on one side of the radiant plate 41, specifically the rear side, with an appropriate area proportion. Optionally, the cover plate 12 may have a second protrusion 23 protruding toward the light-transmitting through hole 18, which corresponds vertically to the first protrusion 22 of the inner liner 8. Thus, the shapes of the inner liner through hole 17 and the light-transmitting through hole 18 can be crescent-shaped.

[0099] The mounting structure of the radiation plate 41 described above is also applicable to the isolation plate in the alternative example, and will not be described in detail for the sake of simplicity.

[0100] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 includes a first supplementary cooking steam channel P11 and a second supplementary cooking steam channel P12. One end of the first supplementary cooking steam channel P11 is provided with a supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 to receive supplementary cooking steam from the steam generator 30. The other end of the first supplementary cooking steam channel P11 is connected to the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12 to supply supplementary cooking steam to the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12. Figure 4 The arrows schematically illustrate a portion of the flow path of the supplementary cooking steam. The supplementary cooking steam enters the first supplementary cooking steam channel P11 from the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 and flows along the first supplementary cooking steam channel P11 to the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12. The second supplementary cooking steam channel P12 is provided with multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets 62 for communication with the cooking chamber. Figure 5 The arrows schematically illustrate another part of the flow path of the supplementary steam, which is ejected from multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 and injected into the cooking chamber.

[0101] The lid 3 has a bottom surface that contacts the rim of the inner pot when the lid is closed. The portion of the bottom surface of the lid inside the rim is the cooking area R1, and the portion of the bottom surface of the lid outside the rim is the perimeter area R2. Figures 1 to 3 The cooking area R1 and the projected outline of the first supplementary steam passage P11 on the bottom surface of the lid / inner side of the lid plate 12 are schematically shown using dashed lines. The first supplementary steam passage P11 extends at least partially above the cooking area R1. The illustration shows a portion of it extending above the cooking area R1, that is, the first supplementary steam passage P11 extends across the cooking area R1 and the periphery area R2 of the lid bottom. In terms of design, the periphery area R2 of the lid bottom can be better utilized to arrange the longer path of the first supplementary steam passage P11, reducing the area proportion of the first supplementary steam passage P11 projected onto the cooking area R1.

[0102] The second supplementary steam passage P12 extends entirely above the cooking area R1. Exemplarily, the width of the first supplementary steam passage P11 remains substantially constant along its length, i.e., approximately equal in width; the width of the second supplementary steam passage P12 also remains substantially constant along its length, i.e., approximately equal in width. If needed and / or desired, the widths of these two supplementary steam passages can be varied in some portions along their lengths; for example, the first supplementary steam passage P11 may gradually widen from the supplementary steam inlet 61 to the connecting opening 63 (described below).

[0103] Multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 are evenly or symmetrically distributed in the cooking area R1 to ensure uniform steam injection into the cooking cavity. The cover 3 has multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 evenly or symmetrically distributed in different areas of the cooking area R1. High-temperature steam can be evenly injected into the cooking cavity from different positions, resulting in smaller and more uniform differences in the amount of steam contacted by food at different locations within the cooking cavity, leading to more uniform cooking and a better user experience. It should be noted that "different areas" refers to multiple areas spaced a certain distance apart, such as large areas including the central area, rear area, left side area, right side area, and front area, as well as multiple smaller areas spaced a certain distance apart within these areas. In this design, the number of supplementary steam outlets 62 is not a single outlet, but multiple outlets, and these outlets are not concentrated in one small area, but distributed across multiple small / large areas.

[0104] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom surface of the cover has an infrared radiation zone R11 corresponding to the infrared heating device 40. Specifically, the area where the light-transmitting holes 18 / light-transmitting parts on the cover plate 12 are located is the infrared radiation zone R11, or in other words, the light-transmitting area formed by the light-transmitting holes 18 / light-transmitting parts defines the infrared radiation zone R11. The second supplementary steam channel P12 extends outside the infrared radiation zone R11, specifically, the second supplementary steam channel P12 is located around the infrared radiation zone R11. Figures 1 to 3 The infrared radiation zone R11 and the projected outline of the second supplementary steam channel P12 on the bottom surface of the lid / inner side of the lid plate 12 are schematically shown using dashed lines. Multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 are thus located around the infrared radiation zone R11. By using the periphery of the infrared radiation zone R11 to arrange the second supplementary steam channel P12, the projection of the second supplementary steam channel P12 on the bottom surface of the lid and the area where the infrared radiation zone R11 is located are independent of each other. This avoids the components constituting the second supplementary steam channel P12 from blocking infrared rays, allowing infrared rays to radiate over a large area into the cooking cavity. Furthermore, the second supplementary steam channel P12 is arranged adjacent to the infrared heating device 40, allowing the heat generated by the infrared heating device 40 to be transferred to the second supplementary steam channel P12, providing secondary heating of the supplementary steam and ensuring that the supplementary steam maintains a higher temperature for better supplementary cooking. Additionally, the supplementary steam does not condense or liquefy during its transmission in the second supplementary steam channel P12, thus preventing water droplets within the supplementary steam from affecting the supplementary cooking effect. This solution avoids the temperature drop of steam during the transmission process, effectively ensuring that foods such as rice retain moisture to the best effect.

[0105] Referring to the illustrated example, the infrared radiation zone R11 occupies the central area of ​​the cooking zone R1. The central infrared radiation zone R11 is designed to be as large as possible to occupy most of the cooking zone R1, allowing infrared radiation to reach a wide area within the cooking cavity, resulting in better cooking performance. At least a portion of the second supplementary steam channel P12 extends into the outer periphery of the cooking zone R1, thus distributing at least a portion of the multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 in the outer periphery of the cooking zone R1. The outer periphery of the second supplementary steam channel P12 occupies a smaller area in the cooking zone R1, leaving more space for the infrared radiation zone R11. The infrared radiation zone R11 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the cover plate 12 / cover body 3, thus distributing the multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 symmetrically with respect to this longitudinal centerline. The number of supplementary steam outlets 62 is set as needed. Figure 3 Twelve steam outlets for the supplementary cooking are shown 62.

[0106] Optionally, the second supplementary steam passage P12 is constructed as an annular passage, with multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 distributed along its extension path. The annular passage can be designed with a relatively large extension length in the cooking area R1, while occupying minimal space, effectively utilizing the internal space of the lid 3. The arrangement of the supplementary steam outlets 62 is also annular, resulting in a neat inner structure of the lid 3 after opening, and a better overall appearance of the inner side of the lid 3. The components constituting the annular passage have a simple structure and are easy to manufacture. The annular passage can be open or closed; the illustration shows a closed annular passage. The annular passage is at least partially arc-shaped to fit the circular cooking area R1.

[0107] The second supplementary cooking steam channel P12 extends around the infrared radiation zone R11, thereby distributing multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets 62 around the infrared radiation zone R11. The heat generated by the infrared heating device 40 can be radially transferred to various positions in the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12, providing more effective secondary heating of the supplementary cooking steam, resulting in higher heating efficiency. This further ensures that the supplementary cooking steam maintains a higher temperature and that it does not condense or liquefy during transmission in the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12, thus preventing water droplets trapped in the supplementary cooking steam from affecting the supplementary cooking effect. The shape of the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12 corresponds to the shape of the infrared radiation zone R11; for example, the outer periphery of the infrared radiation zone R11 includes an arc-shaped profile, and the portion of the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12 corresponding to the arc-shaped profile is also arc-shaped.

[0108] In one example, the cooking steam inlet 53 is located on the bottom surface of the cover, and at least a portion of the second supplementary steam channel P12 is located between the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53. Multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 can be at least partially distributed between the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53. The second supplementary steam channel P12 at the cooking steam inlet 53 is adjacent to the infrared radiation zone R11 so that the second supplementary steam channel P12 can be reheated by the infrared heating device 40, resulting in a higher supplementary steam temperature. In the illustrated example, a portion of the second supplementary steam channel P12 is located between the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53, and multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 are partially distributed between the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53. The second supplementary steam channel P12 is an annular channel encircling one of the infrared radiation zones R11. This design allows another portion of the second supplementary steam channel P12 to extend into the outer periphery of the cooking area R1, thereby distributing another portion of the multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 into the outer periphery of the cooking area R1. The cooking steam inlet 53 is located at the rear of the cooking zone R1, and multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets 62 are located at the front of the cooking steam inlet 53. The cooking steam exhaust channel P2, which communicates with the cooking steam inlet 53, occupies the rear area of ​​the cover 3, and supplementary cooking steam is injected into the cooking chamber from the area outside the rear of the cooking zone R1.

[0109] Optionally, the bottom surface of the cover is provided with a clearance area R12 located behind the infrared radiation zone R11. The clearance area R12 is formed by a missing part on the rear side of the infrared radiation zone R11. For example, if the infrared radiation zone R11 is originally circular, but is designed as a partially circular area, the missing part forms the clearance area R12. The second supplementary steam channel P12 includes a middle channel portion P13, which is located between the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53 and extends through the clearance area R12. Figures 1 to 3 The approximate boundary of the clearance zone R12 is schematically shown using dashed lines. By freeing up a portion of the area originally occupied by the infrared heating device 40 to accommodate the second supplementary steam channel P12, the spatial layout of the cover 3 is further rationally adjusted. The infrared heating device 40 and the second supplementary steam channel P12 can be arranged closer and more compactly, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the cover 3. The cooking steam inlet 53 is at least partially located within the clearance zone R12. The area originally occupied by the infrared heating device 40 can also be used to arrange at least part of the cooking steam inlet 53, allowing the infrared heating device 40 and the cooking steam inlet 53 to be arranged closer and more compactly, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the cover 3.

[0110] Optionally, the intermediate channel portion P13 bends toward the infrared radiation region R11 to form a curved channel, the curved channel being located at the second protrusion 23; as illustrated in the example, the rear contour of the infrared radiation region R11 is arc-shaped, and the curved channel is also arc-shaped, with the centers of both circles collinear with the center of the infrared radiation region R11. Alternatively, the intermediate channel portion P13 extends linearly to form a linear channel, specifically a linear channel extending in the lateral / left-right direction; in this case, the rear contour of the infrared radiation region R11 is a straight line.

[0111] Another example is that the second supplementary steam channel P12 extends around both the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53, as well as the area between them. The second supplementary steam channel P12 is an annular channel encircling both the infrared radiation zone R11 and the cooking steam inlet 53. In this case, a portion of the second supplementary steam channel P12 surrounds the infrared radiation zone R11. The relatively long length of the second supplementary steam channel P12 facilitates the distribution of the supplementary steam outlets 62 over a larger area within the cooking zone R1. This allows the supplementary steam to be injected into the cooking chamber from more locations, reducing the difference in the amount of steam contacted by food at different locations and improving the uniformity of food cooking. This design allows the entire second supplementary steam channel P12 to extend around the outer periphery of the cooking zone R1, thus distributing all the supplementary steam outlets 62 around the outer periphery of the cooking zone R1.

[0112] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the second supplementary steam passage P12 is provided with a connection port 63 that communicates with the first supplementary steam passage P11. (See also...) Figure 3 , Figure 3 Arrow A indicates the approximate location of the connecting port 63. The outlet areas of the multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 gradually increase in the direction away from the connecting port 63. Specifically, the multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 include the nearest steam outlet 62a and the farthest steam outlet 62b. Here, "near" and "far" are relative to the connecting port 63. The outlet area of ​​the nearest steam outlet 62a is smaller than that of the farthest steam outlet 62b. Typically, the outlet area of ​​the nearest steam outlet 62a is set to be the smallest, and the outlet area of ​​the farthest steam outlet 62b is set to be the largest. The multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 emit approximately the same amount of steam within the same time period, minimizing the difference in the amount of steam contacted by food at different locations and improving the uniformity of food cooking.

[0113] See Figure 2 and Figure 4The cover 3 also includes a supplementary steam channel component 64 for forming the first supplementary steam channel P11. The supplementary steam channel component 64 can be connected to the inner liner 8, and the connection method can be a detachable method such as screw fastener connection or snap-fit, or a non-detachable method such as welding or bonding. The supplementary steam channel component 64 is set independently of the cover plate 12 / removable cover assembly 11, and does not affect the assembly of the cover plate 12 / removable cover assembly 11 or the manual disassembly of the removable cover assembly 11. Optionally, the lower surface of the inner liner 8 may have a groove 25, and the supplementary steam channel component 64 is confined within this groove 25.

[0114] In one example, as illustrated, the supplementary steam passage component 64 at least forms the bottom wall of the first supplementary steam passage P11, and the liner 8 at least forms the top wall of the first supplementary steam passage P11. The first supplementary steam passage P11 is formed between the liner 8 and the supplementary steam passage component 64. In the illustrated example, the first supplementary steam passage is a groove-shaped component, thus forming the bottom and side walls of the first supplementary steam passage P11, and the liner 8 forms the top wall of the first supplementary steam passage P11. A seal (not shown) may be provided between the supplementary steam passage component 64 and the liner 8. The liner 8 and the supplementary steam passage component 64 are independent components, and a sealed first supplementary steam passage P11 is formed between them. When the supplementary steam passage component 64 is made removable from the liner 8, the interior of the first supplementary steam passage P11 can be better cleaned. A metal component may also be provided inside the first supplementary steam passage P11 for protection.

[0115] Another alternative example is that the supplementary steam passage component 64 can independently constitute the first supplementary steam passage P11. The first steam passage component is a tubular member, and the supplementary steam passage component 64 can form a circumferentially sealed first supplementary steam passage P11, eliminating the need for additional sealing components; the construction of the supplementary steam supply passage P1 is simple. The cross-section of the tubular member can be square, circular, etc., and it can be a rigid or flexible component. The tubular member is made of a high-temperature resistant elastic material, such as any suitable elastic material like high-temperature resistant silicone.

[0116] The lid 3 also includes a supplementary steam connection cover 65 for covering the steam generator 30 of the pot body 2. When the lid 3 is closed to the pot body 2, the supplementary steam connection cover 65 can be closed onto the top opening of the water container 31. The opening and closing of the supplementary steam connection cover 65 to the steam generator 30 of the pot body 2 is achieved by opening and closing the lid 3, reducing the user's operation steps and improving the user experience. The supplementary steam connection cover 65 also has a supplementary steam connection seal 66, which forms a seal between the water container 31 and the supplementary steam connection cover 65 when the lid 3 is closed. The supplementary steam connection cover 65 is located at the rear end corner of the lid 3 and has a supplementary steam inlet 61, through which supplementary steam enters the first supplementary steam channel P11. This design ensures that the supplementary steam inlet 61 is located at the rear end corner of the bottom surface of the lid, corresponding to the position of the steam generator 30 on the pot body 2.

[0117] The first supplementary steam passage P11 extends across the cover plate 12 and the cover plate seat 13. The supplementary steam docking cover 65 is connected to or integrally disposed on the rear end corner of the cover plate seat 13. The design allows for better utilization of the rear space outside the cooking area R1 of the removable cover assembly 11 to accommodate the longer extension path of the first supplementary steam passage P11, reducing the area ratio of the first supplementary steam passage P11 projected onto the cover plate 12. Specifically, the cover plate seat 13 includes a plate-shaped seat protrusion 24, which protrudes from the rear of the cover plate 12. The first supplementary steam passage P11 extends across the cover plate 12 and the seat protrusion 24, and the supplementary steam docking cover 65 is connected to or integrally disposed on the rear end corner of the seat protrusion 24.

[0118] The bottom wall of the first supplementary cooking steam passage P11 is provided with a connecting interface 67 for communicating with the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61, so as to communicate with the steam generating device 30 on the pot body 2. The connecting interface 67 and the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 are sealed together. For example, a portion of the supplementary cooking steam connecting seal 66 passes through the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 and abuts against the periphery of the connecting interface 67. The supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 is suitable for lower-side supplementary cooking steam intake, and the steam generating device 30 in the pot body 2 can generate supplementary cooking steam, which enters the supplementary cooking steam supply passage P1 through the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61. Alternatively, the top wall of the first supplementary cooking steam passage P11 is provided with a supplementary cooking steam inlet 61, so as to communicate with the steam generating device 30 on the lid 3. The supplementary cooking steam inlet 61 is suitable for upper-side supplementary cooking steam intake, and the steam generating device 30 in the lid 3 can generate supplementary cooking steam, which enters the supplementary cooking steam supply passage P1 through the supplementary cooking steam inlet 61.

[0119] The first supplementary steam channel P11 extends in a straight line inclined relative to the longitudinal centerline of the cover 3 / cover plate 12. The straight-line supplementary steam supply channel P1 shortens the flow distance of the supplementary steam, allowing it to quickly reach the second supplementary steam channel P12, avoiding energy loss. Structurally, it is easy to construct and occupies less internal space in the cover 3, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the cover 3. It should be noted that the longitudinal centerlines of the cover plate 12 and the detachable cover assembly 11 are collinear, and the longitudinal centerline of the cover 3 is parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the cover plate 12. It should be noted that the terms "longitudinal" and "longitudinal direction" used in this document refer to the front-to-back direction, while "lateral" and "lateral direction" refer to the left-to-right direction.

[0120] The second supplementary steam channel P12 is located between the cover plate 12 and the infrared heating device 40. The heat generated by the infrared heating device 40 can be transferred to the second supplementary steam channel P12, reheating the supplementary steam to ensure it maintains a higher temperature and achieves better cooking results. Furthermore, the supplementary steam does not condense or liquefy during its transmission within the second supplementary steam channel P12, thus preventing water droplets within the steam from affecting the cooking effect. This design avoids temperature drops during steam transmission, effectively ensuring optimal moisture retention for foods such as rice. The heat from the high-temperature supplementary steam within the second supplementary steam channel P12 can be transferred to the cover plate 12, increasing its temperature and effectively reducing condensation on the underside of the cover plate 12 during cooking. This prevents condensation from dripping onto the food and affecting its texture, thus improving the overall cooking effect.

[0121] As described above, the infrared heating device 40 includes a plate-like component, which is either a radiating plate 41 or an insulating plate. Taking the radiating plate 41 as an example, the cover plate 12 forms the bottom wall of the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12, and multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets 62 are provided on the portion of the cover plate 12 that forms the bottom wall. The multiple supplementary cooking steam outlets 62 can face downwards so that the supplementary cooking steam can be sprayed downwards. The radiating plate 41 forms the top wall of the second supplementary cooking steam channel P12. The temperature of the radiating plate 41 or the insulating plate is high, and heat can be directly transferred from the radiating plate 41 or the insulating plate to the supplementary cooking steam, making the secondary heating efficiency of the supplementary cooking steam higher. The cover plate 12 can be directly heated by the high-temperature supplementary cooking steam, making the heating efficiency of the cover plate 12 higher. At this time, the cover plate 12 is preferably a metal plate so that the cover plate 12 can reach a higher temperature.

[0122] The cover 3 also includes two channel seals 68, namely the outer ring seal 43 and the inner ring seal 20, wherein the outer ring seal 43 has a downwardly extending portion to abut against the cover plate 12. The inner ring seal 20 is located within the area enclosed by the outer ring seal 43; in other words, the outer ring seal 43 is located radially outside the inner ring seal 20. The two channel seals 68 are horizontally spaced apart and disposed between the cover plate 12 and the radiant plate 41, forming the sidewall of the second supplementary steam channel P12. While forming the sidewall of the second supplementary steam channel P12, the seals also seal the gap between the cover plate 12 and the radiant plate 41 to form a sealed second supplementary steam channel P12. Specifically, an annular second supplementary steam channel P12 is formed between the cover plate 12, the radiant plate 41 / isolation plate, the inner ring seal 20, and the outer ring seal 43; multiple supplementary steam outlets 62 are disposed on the area of ​​the cover plate 12 that forms the second supplementary steam channel P12.

[0123] As described above, the inner liner 8 has an inner liner through-hole 17, and the cover plate 12 has a light-transmitting through-hole 18 for infrared rays to pass through. The light-transmitting through-hole 18 is located in the center of the cover plate 12. Two channel seals 68 are respectively provided at the periphery / edge of the light-transmitting through-hole 18 and the inner liner through-hole 17. Specifically, the inner ring seal 20 is provided at the edge of the light-transmitting through-hole 18, and the outer ring seal 43 is provided at the edge of the inner liner through-hole 17 to form a sealed annular channel. The two channel seals 68 can not only seal the second supplementary steam channel P12, but also seal the gap between the periphery of the light-transmitting through-hole 18 and the radiant plate 41, as well as the gap between the periphery of the inner liner 8 channel and the radiant plate 41, preventing steam in the cooking cavity from entering the interior of the cover 3 through these two gaps. This avoids safety hazards caused by moisture in the electrical components inside the cover plate 12, improves the sealing effect of the assembly while ensuring assembly reliability, and enhances the safety of product use.

[0124] This embodiment uses various components with different functions in the cover 3 to form a sealed second steam channel P12 for supplementary cooking, without the need for additional components, thus reducing the number of components in the cover 3 and simplifying the structure of the cover 3.

[0125] One of the two channel seals 68, the one furthest from the center of the cover plate 12, has a connecting port 63, i.e., the outer ring seal 43 has a connecting port 63. The connecting port 63 is located near the supplementary steam inlet 61 of the outer ring seal 43. By placing the connecting port 63 on the outer ring seal 43, the components constituting the first supplementary steam channel P11 form a sealed connection with the outer ring seal 43 at the connecting port 63, eliminating the need for additional seals; and the distance between the connecting port 63 and the supplementary steam inlet 61 is small, thus shortening the length of the first supplementary steam channel P11, reducing the flow distance of the supplementary steam, and allowing the supplementary steam to quickly reach the second supplementary steam channel P12, avoiding energy loss.

[0126] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0127] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustrative purposes. This application is not limited to the above embodiments. Many variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A lid for a cooking utensil, the cooking utensil comprising a lid and a pot body containing a pot inner, the lid being closable and having a bottom surface such that, when closed, the bottom surface of the lid contacts the rim of the pot inner and forms a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body, characterized in that, The portion of the bottom surface of the lid located inside the pot opening is the cooking area. The lid body is provided with a first supplementary steam channel and a second supplementary steam channel. One end of the first supplementary steam channel has a supplementary steam inlet, and the other end of the first supplementary steam channel communicates with the second supplementary steam channel. The second supplementary steam channel extends above the cooking area and has multiple supplementary steam outlets for communicating with the cooking cavity. The multiple supplementary steam outlets are evenly or symmetrically distributed in the cooking area to ensure that the supplementary steam is evenly injected into the cooking chamber.

2. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes an infrared heating device, and the bottom surface of the cover has an infrared radiation area corresponding to the infrared heating device. The second supplementary steam channel is at least partially disposed on the periphery of the infrared radiation area, so that a plurality of supplementary steam outlets are located on the periphery of the infrared radiation area.

3. The cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared radiation zone occupies the central area of ​​the cooking area, and at least a portion of the second supplementary steam channel extends into the outer periphery of the cooking area, thereby distributing at least a portion of the plurality of supplementary steam outlets into the outer periphery of the cooking area.

4. The cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second supplementary steam channel extends around the infrared radiation zone, thereby dispersing the multiple supplementary steam outlets around the infrared radiation zone.

5. The cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the cover is provided with a cooking steam inlet for communicating with the cooking cavity, and at least part of the second supplementary cooking steam channel is located between the infrared radiation zone and the cooking steam inlet.

6. The cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the cover is provided with a clearance area located behind the infrared radiation zone. The second supplementary steam channel includes an intermediate channel portion located between the infrared radiation zone and the cooking steam inlet, and the intermediate channel portion extends through the clearance area.

7. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the cover is provided with a cooking steam inlet for communicating with the cooking cavity. The cooking steam inlet is located at the rear of the cooking area, and a plurality of supplementary cooking steam outlets are located on the front side of the cooking steam inlet.

8. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second supplementary steam channel is constructed as an annular channel, and the plurality of supplementary steam outlets are distributed along the extension path of the second supplementary steam channel.

9. The cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second supplementary steam channel is provided with a connection port that communicates with the first supplementary steam channel, and the outlet area of ​​the plurality of supplementary steam outlets gradually increases in the direction away from the connection port.

10. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The portion of the bottom surface of the lid outside the pot opening is the periphery of the lid bottom, and the first steam replenishment channel extends across the cooking area and the periphery of the lid bottom.

11. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The top wall of the first supplementary steam passage is provided with the supplementary steam inlet so as to communicate with the steam generator on the cover, or The bottom wall of the first supplementary steam channel is provided with an interface for communicating with the supplementary steam inlet so as to communicate with the steam generator on the pot body.

12. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first supplementary steam passage extends along a straight line inclined relative to the longitudinal centerline of the cover; and / or The supplementary steam inlet is located at the rear corner of the bottom surface of the lid, so as to correspond to the position of the steam generator on the pot body.

13. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cover includes a cover plate and an infrared heating device located on the upper side of the cover plate, and the second supplementary steam channel is located between the cover plate and the infrared heating device.

14. The cover according to claim 13, characterized in that, The infrared heating device includes a plate-shaped component, which is a radiating plate or an insulating plate. The cover plate forms the bottom wall of the second supplementary steam channel, and the plate-shaped component forms the top wall of the second supplementary steam channel.

15. The cover according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cover also includes two channel seals, which are spaced apart in the horizontal direction and disposed between the cover plate and the plate-shaped member. The two channel seals form the sidewalls of the second supplementary steam channel.

16. The cover according to claim 15, characterized in that, The cover also includes an inner liner with an inner liner through hole. The plate-shaped member covers the inner liner through hole. The cover plate has a light-transmitting through hole for infrared rays to pass through. The two channel seals are respectively disposed around the light-transmitting through hole and the inner liner through hole to form a sealed annular channel.

17. The cover according to claim 15, characterized in that, One of the two channel seals, the one furthest from the center of the cover plate, has a communication port that communicates with the first supplementary steam channel. The communication port is located on the seal near the supplementary steam inlet.

18. The cover according to claim 14, characterized in that, Multiple of the aforementioned steam outlets are located on the portion of the cover plate that forms the bottom wall.

19. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cover also includes an inner liner and a supplementary steam passage component for forming the first supplementary steam passage, the supplementary steam passage component being connected to the inner liner.

20. The cover according to claim 19, characterized in that, The supplementary steam passage component at least forms the bottom wall of the first supplementary steam passage, the liner at least forms the top wall of the first supplementary steam passage, and a sealing element is provided between the supplementary steam passage component and the liner; or The supplementary cooking steam channel component can independently constitute the first supplementary cooking steam channel.

21. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The cover also includes a supplementary steam connection cover for covering the steam generator of the pot body. The supplementary steam connection cover is located at the rear end corner of the cover and is provided with a supplementary steam inlet.

22. The cover according to claim 21, characterized in that, The cover includes a detachable cover assembly, which includes a cover plate and a cover plate seat connected to the cover plate. The first supplementary steam passage extends across the cover plate and the cover plate seat. The supplementary steam docking cover is connected to or integrally disposed at the rear end corner of the cover plate seat.

23. The cover according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly. The cover plate of the cover is the cover plate of the detachable cover assembly. The cover plate is provided with a light-transmitting hole. An inner ring sealing ring is provided at the edge of the light-transmitting hole. An outer ring sealing ring is provided on the bottom surface of the cover, which is radially located outside the inner ring sealing ring. The infrared heating device includes a radiation plate or an isolation plate. An annular second supplementary steam channel is formed between the cover plate, the radiation plate or the isolation plate, the inner ring sealing ring, and the outer ring sealing ring. A plurality of supplementary steam outlets are provided on the area of ​​the cover plate that forms the second supplementary steam channel.

24. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The lid is equipped with an infrared heating device, which includes one of an infrared heating tube, an infrared heating film, and a radiant plate, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the radiant plate forms the top surface of the cooking cavity.

25. The cover according to any one of claims 24, characterized in that, The infrared heating device includes a radiating plate. The cover includes a fixedly connected cover plate, a radiating plate disposed on the upper side of the cover plate, and the cover plate having a light-transmitting hole for infrared rays to pass through; or The cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly, which includes a cover plate. The radiating plate is disposed on the upper side of the cover plate, and the cover plate has a light-transmitting hole for infrared rays to pass through; or The cover includes a manually detachable cover assembly, and the radiating plate is fixedly mounted on the detachable cover assembly.

26. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes a lid, a pot body, and a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the lid is closable and disposed on the pot body to form a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body, and the steam generator is disposed on the lid or the pot body for supplying steam to the first supplementary steam channel.

Images