Lid assemblies for cooking utensils and cooking utensils

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of small kitchen appliances, specifically disclosing a lid assembly for a cooking utensil and the cooking utensil itself. The lid assembly includes a lid body and a sealing cap assembled on the lid body. The sealing cap includes a snap-fit ​​part that engages with the front side of the lid body and a plug-in plate that inserts into the rear side of the lid body. The lid body has two slots that are respectively adapted to the left and right ends of the plug-in plate, and the two slots are spaced apart in the left-right direction. A foolproof structure is provided between the lid body and the plug-in plate. The foolproof structure includes a protrusion on the lid body and a groove on the plug-in plate. When both ends of the plug-in plate are inserted into their respective slots, the protrusion is embedded in the groove to allow the snap-fit ​​part and the lid body to engage. When one of the left or right ends of the plug-in plate is not inserted into its respective slot, the protrusion abuts against the plug-in plate to prevent the snap-fit ​​part and the lid body from engaging, thereby visually indicating to the user that the installation is incorrect and avoiding air leakage caused by incorrect installation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of small kitchen appliances, and in particular to a lid assembly for cooking utensils and a cooking utensil. Background Technology

[0002] In modern life, kitchen cooking appliances have become an indispensable part of family life, especially electric cooking appliances such as rice cookers and electric pressure cookers, which are popular among consumers due to their ease of operation and diverse functions. The normal operation and cooking effect of these cooking appliances largely depend on the performance and installation of their lid components. As a key component that isolates the cooking appliance from the external environment, the lid component not only plays a vital role in sealing the internal space of the pot and maintaining stable pressure and temperature during cooking, but also directly affects cooking efficiency and the final quality of the food.

[0003] Currently, most cooking appliance lid assemblies on the market use a detachable assembly structure for the lid body and sealing cap. This design was originally intended to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the sealing cap, ensuring the hygiene of the cooking appliance. However, in actual use, this assembly method has revealed a series of problems that cannot be ignored. As the core component for achieving good sealing performance in cooking appliances, the correct installation of the sealing cap is crucial. However, due to the lack of effective foolproof design in existing lid assemblies, users are prone to incorrect installation when reinstalling the sealing cap after cleaning. For example, in the case of a rice cooker, after removing the sealing cap for cleaning, users may fail to accurately install it due to negligence or a lack of understanding of the installation method. If the sealing cap is not correctly installed on the lid body, it will cause many problems during cooking. For example, air leakage may occur, affecting the cooking effect of the food and thus impacting the user experience.

[0004] From a structural design perspective, while some existing lid assemblies feature insert plates around the sealing lid and two slots on the lid body that mate with the insert plates at their left and right ends, attempting to ensure the sealing lid's proper installation, this design has significant flaws in actual assembly. Due to the lack of a reliable detection and feedback mechanism, both ends of the insert plates often fail to insert accurately into their corresponding slots, frequently resulting in one end being inserted while the other remains outside. In such cases, although the sealing lid appears to be installed on the lid body, it cannot actually form an effective seal with the inner pot. During cooking, this seal failure leads to insufficient pressure inside the pot, causing air leakage. Taking rice cooker cooking as an example, air leakage prevents the pot temperature from maintaining a stable range, resulting in undercooked rice, severely impacting the cooking effect and taste, and significantly reducing the user experience.

[0005] In summary, existing cooking appliances suffer from numerous problems in the assembly of their sealing lids, which severely impact their performance and user experience. Therefore, designing a lid assembly that prevents users from incorrectly installing the lid and ensures complete and effective sealing has become a pressing technical challenge for rice cooker designers. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a cover assembly that can prevent users from installing the sealing cover incorrectly and can ensure that the sealing cover is fully positioned and effectively sealed, so as to improve the performance of cooking utensils and user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this utility model provides a lid assembly for a cooking utensil, including a lid body and a sealing cap assembled on the lid body. The sealing cap includes a snap-fit ​​portion that engages with the front side of the lid body and a plug-in plate that inserts into the rear side of the lid body. The lid body has two slots that are respectively adapted to the left and right ends of the plug-in plate, and the two slots are spaced apart in the left-right direction. A foolproof structure is provided between the lid body and the plug-in plate to remind the user that the sealing cap has not been assembled properly. The foolproof structure includes a protrusion disposed on the lid body and a groove disposed on the plug-in plate. Wherein, when both ends of the plug-in plate are inserted into their respective slots, the protrusion is embedded in the groove to allow the snap-fit ​​portion and the lid body to engage; when one of the left and right ends of the plug-in plate is not inserted into its respective slot, the protrusion abuts against the plug-in plate to prevent the snap-fit ​​portion and the lid body from engaging.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner side of the cover body defines a receiving cavity for accommodating the sealing cover, the front side of the receiving cavity defines a fastening groove adapted to the fastening part, and the rear side defines a positioning groove adapted to the insertion plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the two slots are respectively arranged at the left and right ends of the positioning groove.

[0010] Furthermore, limiting blocks are provided at both ends of the positioning groove, and the slot is formed between the limiting blocks and the groove wall of the positioning groove. Through the cooperation of the limiting blocks and the positioning groove, the installation position of the plug-in plate is further precisely defined.

[0011] Furthermore, the protrusion is disposed on the groove wall of the positioning groove and is located between the two limiting blocks. When one of the left and right ends of the plug plate is not inserted into the slot that matches it, the protrusion abuts against the edge of the plug plate to prevent the fastening part from entering the fastening groove, thereby realizing the effective triggering of the foolproof function.

[0012] Furthermore, the protrusion is a raised rib extending along the vertical direction of the cover, and the groove is located at the edge of the plug plate. This structural design is simple and easy to process and manufacture, while ensuring the reliability of the foolproof effect.

[0013] Furthermore, a locking element is provided in the fastening groove, and the locking element cooperates with the fastening part to fix the sealing cover in the receiving cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, the end of the fastening part has a buckle, which engages with the locking member. The engagement of the buckle and the locking member makes the sealing cover more secure after installation, preventing it from loosening during cooking.

[0015] Furthermore, the outer edge of the sealing cover is provided with a sealing ring. After the sealing cover is correctly installed, the sealing ring can fit tightly with the cover body or the inner liner of the pot, further enhancing the sealing performance and preventing steam or gas leakage during cooking.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides a cooking utensil, including a body and a lid assembly, wherein the lid assembly is a lid assembly for cooking utensil as described in any of the above claims.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention incorporates a foolproof structure between the lid and the insert plate, ensuring that the locking part of the sealing lid will only engage with the lid when it is fully and correctly installed. This design reduces the possibility of incomplete or incorrect installation of the sealing lid. In existing technologies, due to the lack of an effective foolproof mechanism, the insert plate of the sealing lid may only be inserted into the slot at one end, resulting in a poor seal and air leakage during cooking. This invention, however, utilizes a combination of protrusions and grooves; only when both ends of the insert plate are accurately inserted into the slots can the protrusions embed into the grooves, allowing the locking part to engage with the lid. This significantly improves the seal between the sealing lid and the lid, ensuring stable pressure within the cooking appliance during cooking, thereby guaranteeing thorough cooking and improving cooking results. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below only involve some embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cover assembly under normal assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the cover assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing cover's plug plate in an embodiment of the present invention when one end is not inserted into the slot.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 100. Cover assembly;

[0025] 110. Cover; 111. Receiving cavity; 112. Positioning groove; 113. Limiting block; 114. Protrusion; 115. Snap-fit ​​groove; 116. Slot;

[0026] 120. Sealing cap; 121. Insert plate; 122. Groove; 123. Fastening part; 124. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cooking utensil lid assembly 100 provided in this embodiment mainly consists of two parts: a lid body 110 and a sealing lid 120. The sealing lid 120 includes a fastening part 123 that engages with the front side of the lid body 110 and an insertion plate 121 that inserts into the rear side of the lid body 110. The lid body 110 has two slots 116 that are adapted to the left and right ends of the insertion plate 121, respectively, and the two slots 116 are arranged at intervals in the left and right direction. Through the cooperation between the insertion plate 121 and the slots, and the fastening of the fastening part 123 and the fastening groove 115, a stable connection between the sealing lid 120 and the lid body 110 is achieved.

[0034] In this embodiment, a foolproof structure is provided between the cover 110 and the plug plate 121 to remind the user that the sealing cover 120 has not been assembled in place. The foolproof structure includes a protrusion 114 disposed on the cover 110 and a groove 122 disposed on the plug plate 121. When both ends of the plug plate 121 are inserted into their respective slots 116, the protrusion 114 is embedded in the groove 122 to allow the fastening part 123 and the cover 110 to engage. When one of the left or right ends of the plug plate 121 is not inserted into its respective slot 116, the protrusion 114 abuts against the plug plate to prevent the fastening part 123 and the cover 110 from engaging.

[0035] This foolproof structural design ensures that the locking part 123 can only engage with the cover body 110 when the sealing cap 120 is fully and correctly installed. This reduces the possibility of incomplete or incorrect installation of the sealing cap 120. In the prior art, due to the lack of an effective foolproof mechanism, the insertion plate 121 of the sealing cap 120 may only have one end inserted into the slot 116, resulting in a poor seal and air leakage during cooking. In this embodiment, through the cooperation of the protrusion 114 and the groove 122, the protrusion 114 can only be embedded into the groove 122 when both ends of the insertion plate 121 are accurately inserted into the slot 116, and the locking part 123 can then engage with the cover body 110. In this way, the sealing performance between the sealing cap 120 and the cover body 110 is greatly improved, ensuring that the pressure inside the cooking appliance remains stable during cooking, thereby ensuring that the food is fully cooked and improving the cooking effect.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cover body 110 serves as the basic frame of the entire cover assembly 100, and its inner side defines a receiving cavity 111 for accommodating the sealing cover 120. The front side of the receiving cavity 111 has a snap-fit ​​groove 115 adapted to the snap-fit ​​portion 123 of the sealing cover 120, and the rear side has a positioning groove 112 adapted to the insertion plate 121 of the sealing cover 120. The design of the receiving cavity 111 provides precise installation space for the sealing cover 120, and its shape and size match the sealing cover 120, ensuring that the sealing cover 120 fits tightly against the cover body 110 after installation, reducing gaps, improving sealing performance, and enabling the sealing cover 120 to be stably installed on the cover body 110 and provide a good sealing effect during cooking. The depth, width and shape of the snap-fit ​​groove 115 on the front side of the receiving cavity 111 are designed according to the structure of the snap-fit ​​part 123 to ensure that the snap-fit ​​part 123 can be firmly fastened in the snap-fit ​​groove 115 to prevent the sealing cap 120 from loosening during cooking.

[0037] Specifically, two slots 116 are respectively arranged at the left and right ends of the positioning groove 112. When the user installs the sealing cover 120, the plug plate 121 is accommodated in the positioning groove 112, and the plug plate 121 is positioned in the positioning groove 112 by inserting it into the corresponding slots 116 at the left and right ends.

[0038] In one specific design, limiting blocks 113 are provided at both ends of the positioning groove 112, forming slots 116 between the limiting blocks 113 and the groove walls of the positioning groove 112. The limiting blocks 113 not only provide a positioning reference for the insertion plate 121 but also further restrict the movement range of the insertion plate 121, ensuring that the insertion plate 121 can be accurately inserted into the slot. In actual manufacturing, the limiting blocks 113 can be integrally formed with the cover 110 through injection molding, or they can be fixed to both ends of the positioning groove 112 through subsequent assembly to meet different production process requirements.

[0039] In this embodiment, the protrusion 114 is disposed on the groove wall of the positioning groove 112 and located between the two limiting blocks 113. Its height and width have been carefully designed. The height of the protrusion 114 needs to ensure that it can effectively abut against the plug-in plate 121 when it is not fully inserted, preventing the fastening part 123 from engaging. The width of the protrusion 114 needs to take into account its structural strength and the fitting accuracy with the groove 122 to ensure the reliability of the foolproof function.

[0040] In some embodiments, the protrusion 114 is a raised rib extending vertically along the cover 110. This rib structure has good strength and stability, effectively achieving the foolproof function. The edge of the plug plate 121 that is not inserted in place will contact the raised rib and be abutted by it. This abutting action will prevent the fastening part 123 from entering the fastening groove 115, making it impossible for the sealing cover 120 to be fastened. When the user attempts to fasten it, they can intuitively feel the resistance, thereby determining that the sealing cover 120 is not installed in place, and adjusting the installation operation in time to avoid subsequent problems caused by installation errors. In some alternative embodiments, the protrusion 114 can also take other structural forms such as a boss or a cylinder, as long as it can cooperate with the groove 122 to achieve the foolproof function.

[0041] In some embodiments, a locking element (not shown in detail) is provided in the snap-fit ​​groove 115. The locking element cooperates with the snap-fit ​​part 123 to fix the sealing cover 120 in the receiving cavity 111. Specifically, the end of the snap-fit ​​part 123 has a snap fastener. When the locking element is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove 115, the snap fastener engages with the locking element, thereby firmly fixing the sealing cover 120 in the receiving cavity 111, further enhancing the stability of the sealing cover 120 installation and preventing it from loosening during use.

[0042] In this embodiment, a sealing ring 124 is provided on the outer edge of the sealing cover 120. When the cover assembly 100 is closed on the body of the cooking appliance, the sealing ring 124 can fit tightly against the edge of the inner pot of the body to form a good sealing effect, effectively preventing steam leakage during cooking, ensuring that the cooking appliance can maintain appropriate pressure and temperature, thereby improving the cooking effect.

[0043] The error-proofing principle of this embodiment is as follows:

[0044] When the user installs the sealing cover 120, the left and right ends of the plug plate 121 need to be inserted into the corresponding slots on the cover body 110. If both ends of the plug plate 121 are accurately inserted into their respective slots, the protrusion 114 will be embedded in the groove 122. This embedded state allows the fastening part 123 to smoothly engage with the fastening groove 115 of the cover body 110, thereby completing the correct installation of the sealing cover 120.

[0045] If either the left or right end of the connector 121 is not inserted into its corresponding slot, please refer to... Figure 3 Because the protrusion 114 is located between the two limiting blocks 113 and is higher than the bottom of the positioning groove 112, the edge of the plug plate 121 that is not fully inserted will contact and be pressed against the protrusion 114. This pressing action will prevent the latching part 123 from entering the latching groove 115, making it impossible for the sealing cover 120 to be fully engaged. When the user attempts to engage the cover, they can intuitively feel the resistance, thus determining that the sealing cover 120 is not installed correctly, allowing for timely adjustment of the installation operation, and avoiding subsequent problems caused by incorrect installation.

[0046] Example 2:

[0047] The cooking appliance provided in this embodiment includes a main body and the lid assembly 100 described in Embodiment 1. In actual use, when the user installs the lid assembly 100 onto the main body of the cooking appliance, the good sealing performance of the lid assembly 100 ensures stable pressure and temperature inside the pot during cooking.

[0048] Taking a rice cooker as an example, during the cooking process, the sealed space formed between the sealing lid 120, the lid body 110, and the inner pot prevents heat and steam from escaping. The rice fully absorbs moisture under suitable temperature and pressure, resulting in a soft and sticky texture after cooking. For cooking appliances with even higher sealing requirements, such as electric pressure cookers, the lid assembly 100 of this invention can also effectively withstand the high pressure inside the pot, ensuring safety during cooking and the optimal cooking results. During high-pressure cooking, the sealing ring 124 fits tightly against the lid body 110 and the inner pot, preventing high-pressure steam leakage. Simultaneously, the foolproof structure ensures that the sealing lid 120 is always correctly installed, avoiding safety hazards caused by incorrect installation.

[0049] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a cooking utensil, comprising a lid body and a sealing cap assembled on the lid body, the sealing cap including a fastening portion for engaging with the front side of the lid body and an insertion plate for inserting into the rear side of the lid body, the lid body having two slots respectively adapted to the left and right ends of the insertion plate, the two slots being spaced apart in the left-right direction; characterized in that: A foolproof structure is provided between the cover and the plug plate to remind the user that the sealing cover has not been assembled in place. The foolproof structure includes a protrusion on the cover and a groove on the plug plate. When both ends of the plug plate are inserted into their respective slots, the protrusion is embedded in the groove to allow the fastening part and the cover to engage; when one of the left or right ends of the plug plate is not inserted into its respective slot, the protrusion abuts against the plug plate to prevent the fastening part and the cover from engaging.

2. The lid assembly for cooking utensils according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the cover body defines a receiving cavity for accommodating the sealing cover. The front side of the receiving cavity defines a fastening groove that matches the fastening part, and the rear side defines a positioning groove that matches the plug plate.

3. The lid assembly for cooking utensils according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two slots are respectively arranged at the left and right ends of the positioning slot.

4. The lid assembly for cooking utensils according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning groove is provided with limiting blocks at its left and right ends, and the slots are formed between the limiting blocks and the groove wall of the positioning groove.

5. The lid assembly for a cooking utensil according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion is disposed on the groove wall of the positioning groove and is located between the two limiting blocks. When one of the left and right ends of the plug plate is not inserted into the slot that matches it, the protrusion abuts against the edge of the plug plate to prevent the fastening part from entering the fastening groove.

6. The lid assembly for a cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is a raised rib extending in the vertical direction of the cover, and the groove is located at the edge of the plug plate.

7. The lid assembly for cooking utensils according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastening groove is provided with a locking element, which cooperates with the fastening part to fix the sealing cover in the receiving cavity.

8. The lid assembly for a cooking utensil according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the fastening part has a buckle, which engages with the locking member.

9. The lid assembly for a cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided on the outer edge of the sealing cover.

10. A cooking utensil, comprising a body and a lid assembly, characterized in that, The lid assembly is the lid assembly for cooking utensils as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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