Cooking appliance and upper cover

Abstract

The application discloses a cooking utensil and an upper cover. The cooking utensil comprises a pot body, an upper cover and a detection assembly. The pot body and the upper cover cooperate to form a cooking cavity. The upper cover comprises a cover body, and the cover body is provided with an exhaust passage for connecting the cooking cavity and the outside. A switching assembly is connected to the cover body and has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. The detection assembly comprises a switch group and a movable trigger. The switch group is arranged on the pot body or the cover body and comprises at least a first contact and a second contact. The movable trigger is in transmission connection with the switching assembly and is used for selectively controlling the on-off of the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group sends different mode signals. The cooking utensil has simple structure, easy assembly and low manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a cooking utensil and its lid. Background Technology

[0002] Multifunctional electric pressure cookers are very popular in the market. They can switch between pressure cooking and pressureless cooking modes, bringing many conveniences to cooking and meeting diverse dietary needs.

[0003] However, in related technologies, electric pressure cookers mostly rely on the combination of reed switches and magnets to switch between functional modes. This method requires many parts and the assembly process is complex and cumbersome. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a cooking appliance and a lid, which are simple and reliable in structure and easy to assemble.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0006] Pot body;

[0007] The upper cover is connected to the pot body and cooperates with the pot body to form a cooking cavity. The upper cover includes a cover body, which can rotate in a horizontal plane to lock or unlock with the pot body. The cover body has an exhaust channel for connecting the cooking cavity cover body and the outside.

[0008] A switching component, connected to the cover, has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. In the first mode state, the switching component opens the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. In the second mode state, the switching component blocks the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressurized cooking mode.

[0009] Detection components, including:

[0010] A switch assembly, disposed on the pot body or the lid, includes at least a first contact and a second contact; and

[0011] An active trigger is slidably disposed on the pot body or the lid body and drivenly connected to the switching component, for selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact and the second contact under the drive of the switching component;

[0012] When the switching component is in the first mode state, the active trigger activates the first contact to cause the switch group to emit a first mode signal.

[0013] When the switching component is in the second mode state, the active trigger activates the second contact to cause the switch group to emit a second mode signal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first contact and the second contact are spaced apart in the direction of movement of the active trigger;

[0015] When the switching component switches from the first mode state to the second mode state, the active trigger moves a first preset distance under the drive of the switching component and then only turns on the second contact, so that the switch group emits the second mode signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the switching component also has a third mode state, and the cooking appliance also has a first non-cooking mode;

[0017] When the switching component is in the third mode state, the active trigger simultaneously turns on the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group sends out a third mode signal and the cooking appliance is in the first non-cooking mode.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the switching component switches from the first mode state to the third mode state, the active trigger moves a second preset distance under the drive of the switching component and simultaneously turns on the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group emits the third mode signal;

[0019] Wherein, the second preset distance is less than the first preset distance.

[0020] In some embodiments, the switching component also has a third mode state, and the cooking appliance also has a first non-cooking mode;

[0021] The switch assembly further includes a third contact, which is spaced between the first contact and the second contact;

[0022] When the switching component is in the third mode state, the active trigger only conducts the third contact to cause the switch group to issue a third mode signal, and the cooking appliance is in the first non-cooking mode.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance also has a second non-cooking mode, in which the active trigger is simultaneously deactivated of the first and second contacts, so that the switch group emits the fourth mode signal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the active trigger and the switch group are arranged opposite each other in the height direction, and the active trigger moves up and down in the height direction to selectively control the on / off state of the first contact and the second contact.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cooking appliance further includes a transmission mechanism, the switching component is movably connected to the lid, and the switching component drives the active trigger to move via the transmission mechanism.

[0026] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism includes:

[0027] A connecting rod is rotatably connected to the cover, and one end of the connecting rod is connected to the switching assembly;

[0028] A sliding element, connected to the other end of the connecting rod; and

[0029] A push rod, one end of which is used to abut against the slider, and the other end extends toward the movable trigger and is used to push the movable trigger to move.

[0030] In some embodiments, the slider has a pressing ramp at one end near the push rod, the pressing ramp being used to press against the push rod and push the push rod to move.

[0031] In some embodiments, the slider is disposed horizontally on the cover, and the top rod is disposed vertically on the cover.

[0032] In some embodiments, the switching component includes:

[0033] A mode switching valve is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust passage. The mode switching valve is connected to the transmission mechanism and has at least a first mode state and a second mode state.

[0034] A switching element, connected to the mode switching valve, is used to selectively control the mode switching valve to switch to the first mode state or the second mode state.

[0035] In some embodiments, the detection component further includes a control board electrically connected to the switch group for receiving mode signals sent by the switch group.

[0036] This application provides a second aspect of a cover for use in a cooking appliance, for cooperating with the pot body of the cooking appliance to form a cooking cavity, the cover comprising:

[0037] The lid has an exhaust channel for connecting the cooking cavity to the outside;

[0038] A switching component, connected to the cover, has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. In the first mode state, the switching component opens the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. In the second mode state, the switching component blocks the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressurized cooking mode.

[0039] Detection components, including:

[0040] A switch assembly, disposed on the cover, includes at least a first contact and a second contact; and

[0041] An active trigger is slidably disposed on the cover and drivenly connected to the switching assembly, for selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact and the second contact under the drive of the switching assembly;

[0042] When the switching component is in the first mode state, the active trigger activates the first contact to cause the switch group to emit a first mode signal.

[0043] When the switching component is in the second mode state, the active trigger activates the second contact to cause the switch group to emit a second mode signal.

[0044] In the cooking appliance of this application, a movable trigger element is slidably mounted on the pot body or lid. By switching components driving the movable trigger element to move a preset distance, the on / off state of the first and second contacts of the switch group can be selectively controlled, thereby achieving the switching of the cooking mode of the cooking appliance. In traditional technology, cooking appliances use reed switches and magnets to achieve cooking mode switching, which has problems such as many parts, complex structure, and cumbersome assembly, and is prone to assembly errors that affect product performance. In contrast, the cooking appliance of this application has a simple structure and is easy to assemble, reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the top cover provided in an embodiment of this application from a top-down perspective;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cooking appliance provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first internal structure of the detection component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the second internal structure of the detection component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the third internal structure of the detection component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fourth internal structure of the detection component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 This is a fifth internal structure diagram of the detection component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0055] 10. Top cover; 11. Cover body; 12. Switching component; 13. Detection component; 14. Transmission mechanism; 121. Mode switching valve; 122. Switching element; 131. Active trigger element; 132. Switch group; 1321. First contact; 1322. Second contact; 1323. Third contact; 141. Connecting rod; 142. Sliding element; 143. Top rod; 1421. Pressing slope; 20. Pot body; 201. Cooking cavity.

[0056] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0059] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0061] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] There are many types of cooking appliances, including rice cookers, electric pressure cookers, and electric slow cookers. Taking an electric pressure cooker as an example, an electric pressure cooker uses a sealed pot body and heat to vaporize the water in the cooking cavity to generate pressure. The increased pressure in the cooking cavity raises the boiling point of water, thereby achieving high-temperature cooking.

[0063] Electric pressure cookers have a pressure cooking mode and a pressureless cooking mode. In the pressure cooking mode, a certain pressure is maintained in the cooking cavity to achieve the purpose of cooking food quickly and efficiently. In the pressureless cooking mode, the pressure in the cooking cavity is the same as the external atmospheric pressure or the pressure difference between the cooking cavity and the external atmospheric pressure is within 5 kPa, similar to cooking with ordinary pots.

[0064] In related technologies, electric pressure cookers use a reed switch and a magnet to identify pressure-controlled and pressureless cooking modes. The working principle is as follows: a magnet is installed in the lid, and a reed switch is installed in the pot body. When the lid is closed, the magnet approaches the reed switch, and the reed inside the reed switch is attracted by the magnetic field, completing the circuit. The system determines that the lid is closed and enters the pressure-controlled cooking mode. When the lid is opened, the magnetic field weakens, the reed opens, the circuit is broken, and the pressureless mode is entered.

[0065] However, this method has the problems of many parts and complex assembly. The sensing distance of the reed switch is greatly affected by various factors such as the magnetic field strength of the magnet, the material and size of the reed, and the ambient temperature. In terms of the number of parts, firstly, in order for the reed switch to accurately sense the magnet, a custom-made magnet holder is required to ensure that the magnet is stably positioned on the lid and aligned with the reed switch. The reed switch also needs a matching mounting base to ensure its precise relative position with the magnet. Secondly, for safety reasons, multiple reed switches and magnets are often combined, further increasing the number of parts.

[0066] From an assembly perspective, firstly, extremely high positional accuracy is required. The magnet and reed switch must be precisely aligned; even a slight deviation can cause the reed switch to fail to trigger properly, affecting mode switching. Assembly requires repeated adjustments, consuming a significant amount of time and effort. Secondly, adding multiple reed switch and magnet combinations necessitates a careful design of the positions and distances between these combinations to avoid mutual inductive interference, resulting in a substantial space requirement on the electric pressure cooker.

[0067] Therefore, this application provides a cooking appliance with a simple and reliable structure and easy assembly.

[0068] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the top cover 10 provided in the embodiments of this application from a top view perspective; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cooking appliance provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0069] The cooking appliance in this embodiment includes a pot body 20, a top cover 10, a switching component 12, and a detection component 13.

[0070] The pot body 20 serves as the basic component of the cooking utensil. It may include a shell, an outer pot, and an inner pot, arranged sequentially from the outside in. The inner pot can be made of a high-temperature resistant, thermally conductive metal material, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The inner pot has a certain depth to accommodate food and liquids required for cooking, providing a stable container space for the cooking process.

[0071] The upper cover 10 is connected to the pot body 20 via a movable connection, which can be a detachable, separate connection. The upper cover 10 and the inner pot together form a closed cooking cavity 201. The upper cover 10 includes a cover body 11, which can rotate in the horizontal plane to lock or unlock with the pot body 20. For example, locking components, such as latches or grooves, are provided on the edge of the cover body 11 to engage with the pot body 20. When the cover body 11 is rotated in the horizontal plane, the locking components on the edge of the cover body 11 gradually engage with the corresponding structures on the pot body 20, locking the cover body 11 and the pot body 20, closing the cooking appliance, and forming a closed cooking cavity 201. The cover body 11 is provided with an exhaust channel, which is a channel connecting the cooking cavity 201 to the external environment; it can be in the shape of an exhaust port or an exhaust pipe.

[0072] The switching component 12 in this embodiment is connected to the cover 11 and is a key component for switching between different cooking modes of the cooking appliance. The switching component 12 has at least a first mode state and a second mode state.

[0073] Understandably, conventional electric pressure cookers have a pressure relief channel and a pressure relief valve installed on the channel. During cooking, when the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 reaches its upper limit, the pressure relief valve is opened to release the pressure, thus maintaining the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 within a set range. In one embodiment of this application, the exhaust channel is the pressure relief channel, and the switching component 12 includes a mode switching valve 121 and a switching element 122. The switching component 12 opens or closes the exhaust channel by either pressing against the pressure relief valve to keep the exhaust channel normally open, or by releasing the pressure relief valve to reset it to the state of closing the exhaust channel. Specifically, after adjusting the switching element 122, the mode switching valve 121 abuts against the pressure relief valve, making the exhaust passage normally open. After adjusting the switching element 122 in the opposite direction, the pressure relief valve is released and falls back, and under gravity, it is in a state of blocking the exhaust passage. Thus, during the cooking process, when the exhaust passage is normally open, the cooking appliance is in the first mode state of pressureless cooking. When the pressure relief valve is in the state of blocking the exhaust passage under gravity, the pressure relief valve can only be opened by high-pressure gas after the pressure in the cooking chamber 201 reaches the upper limit, so as to release part of the pressure and maintain the second mode state of the set pressure upper limit, that is, the pressurized cooking mode.

[0074] Of course, if the pressure relief channel and the exhaust channel are the same, the cooking appliance of this application may not be equipped with a pressure relief valve. In this case, the mode switching valve 121 can control the opening of the exhaust channel under the drive of the switching element 122. For example, when the opening is small, the pressure cooking mode corresponding to the second mode state can be realized, while when the opening is large or even fully open, the pressureless cooking mode corresponding to the first mode state can be realized.

[0075] It is important to note that in the pressureless cooking mode of this application, the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 is the same as the external atmospheric pressure, or the pressure difference between the cooking chamber and the external atmospheric pressure is within 5 kPa. This is suitable for cooking operations similar to those in ordinary pots and pans, such as slow simmering and air frying. In this cooking mode, air can circulate freely inside the cooking chamber 201, allowing food to be cooked in a relatively normal pressure environment, which is beneficial for cooking methods that require specific temperature control. When in the second mode, i.e., the pressurized cooking mode, the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 gradually increases with heating, and the boiling point of water also increases accordingly. This accelerates the cooking speed of food, making hard-to-cook ingredients softer and more tender more quickly. For example, when stewing meat or beans, this mode can significantly shorten cooking time while better preserving the nutrients in the food.

[0076] In another embodiment, the cover 11 is provided with a pressure relief channel and an exhaust channel, and a pressure relief valve is installed on the pressure relief channel. When in the first mode, the mode switching valve 121 opens the exhaust channel, so that the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. At this time, the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 is the same as the external atmospheric pressure, or the pressure difference between the pressure inside the cooking chamber and the external atmospheric pressure is within 5 kPa, which is suitable for some cooking operations similar to ordinary pots, such as slow simmering soup, air frying, etc. In this cooking mode, the air inside the cooking chamber 201 can circulate freely, and the food can be cooked in a relatively normal pressure environment, which is beneficial for some cooking methods that require specific heat control. When in the second mode, the mode switching valve 121 blocks the exhaust channel, and the cooking appliance enters the pressurized cooking mode under the action of the pressure relief valve. In pressurized cooking mode, the pressure inside the cooking chamber 201 gradually increases as it is heated, and the boiling point of water also increases accordingly. This speeds up the cooking of ingredients, making hard-to-cook ingredients soft and tender more quickly. For example, when stewing meat or beans, this mode can greatly shorten the cooking time while better preserving the nutrients in the ingredients.

[0077] The switching element 122 is connected to the mode switching valve 121, and the connection method can be a transmission connection, such as gear meshing or linkage transmission connection. The user can selectively control the mode switching valve 121 to switch between a first mode state and a second mode state by operating the switching element 122. The switching element 122 can be in various forms, such as a knob, button, or lever, to facilitate operation according to different cooking needs. For example, the switching element 122 is a knob type. The switching element 122 can be connected to the mode switching valve 121 through a gear transmission connection. For instance, a driving wheel can be set in the switching element 122, and a driven wheel can be set at a corresponding position in the mode switching valve 121. By rotating the switching element 122, the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate, thereby driving the mode switching valve 121 to rotate, thus controlling the mode switching valve 121 to switch between the first mode state and the second mode state.

[0078] The detection component 13 in this embodiment includes a switch group 132 and an active trigger 131.

[0079] The switch assembly 132 is disposed on the pot body 20 or the lid 11, and includes at least a first contact 1321 and a second contact 1322. The first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 cooperate with the active trigger 131 to detect the cooking mode and transmit signals.

[0080] In one embodiment, the switch group 132 includes at least two microswitches, with one contact of the switch group 132 corresponding to one microswitch.

[0081] The active trigger 131 can be rod-shaped, block-shaped, or irregularly shaped. The active trigger 131 is slidably mounted on the pot body 20 or the lid 11 and is connected to the switching assembly 12 in a driving manner. The active trigger 131 can be connected to the switching assembly 122 in a driving manner or to the mode switching valve 121 in a driving manner.

[0082] In one embodiment, the active trigger 131 is slidably connected to the pot body 20 along the height direction and moves along the height direction under the drive of the switching component 12. In another embodiment, the active trigger 131 is slidably connected to the cover body 11 along the horizontal direction and moves along the horizontal direction under the drive of the switching component 12.

[0083] When the switching component 12 switches between different mode states, it drives the active trigger 131 to move. The active trigger 131 selectively controls the on / off state of the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 by moving a distance, thereby realizing the emission of signals in different modes.

[0084] Specifically, when the user performs pressureless cooking, the operating switch 122 puts the mode switching valve 121 into the first mode state. At this time, the mode switching valve 121 opens the exhaust passage. Simultaneously, the mode switching valve 121 drives the movable trigger 131 to move, causing the movable trigger 131 to conduct the first contact 1321. The switch group 132 sends out the first mode signal, which is transmitted to the control system of the cooking appliance, informing the control system that it is currently in pressureless cooking mode.

[0085] When the user performs pressurized cooking, the operating switch 122 puts the mode switching valve 121 into the second mode state. The mode switching valve 121 blocks the exhaust passage. At the same time, the mode switching valve 121 drives the movable trigger 131 to move, causing the movable trigger 131 to conduct the second contact 1322. The switch group 132 sends out the second mode signal, which is transmitted to the control system to inform the control system that it is currently in the pressurized cooking mode.

[0086] In this embodiment, compared to the traditional technology that uses a reed switch and magnet to switch cooking modes, the cooking appliance of this application does not require complex reed switch and magnet assemblies and their supporting parts. Through the simple design of the switching component 12 and the detection component 13, the number of parts is reduced, making the overall structure simpler. This structural simplification directly reduces assembly difficulty, makes the assembly process easier, reduces assembly errors that may arise from complex assembly, and thus lowers manufacturing costs.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 are spaced apart along the movement direction of the active trigger 131.

[0088] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the detection component 13 when the switching component 12 is in the first mode state; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the detection component 13 when the switching component 12 is in the second mode state.

[0089] When the switching component 12 transitions from the first mode state (pressureless cooking mode) to the second mode state (pressured cooking mode), the active trigger 131 begins to move under the drive of the switching component 12. After moving a first preset distance, the active trigger 131 only activates the second contact 1322. After the second contact 1322 is activated, the switch group 132 sends a second mode signal, which is transmitted to the control system, thereby informing the cooking appliance that it has entered the pressured cooking mode.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the detection component 13 when the switching component 12 is in the third mode state.

[0091] To enhance the safety of cooking appliances during use, the switching component 12 also has a third mode state, and the cooking appliance also has a first non-cooking mode.

[0092] When the switching component 12 is in the third mode, the active trigger 131 moves a second preset distance under the drive of the switching group. Since the third mode is a state between the first mode (pressureless cooking mode) and the second mode (pressured cooking mode), the second preset distance moved by the active trigger 131 under the drive of the switching component 12 is less than the first preset distance moved when switching to the pressured cooking mode. After moving the second preset distance, the active trigger 131 can simultaneously connect the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322, thereby causing the switch group 132 to issue a third mode signal, and the cooking appliance then enters the first non-cooking mode.

[0093] When switching from pressureless cooking mode to pressure cooking mode, the switching component 12 will first enter a third mode state during the operation of the switching component 12. In this stage, the cooking appliance is inactive. By setting the first non-cooking mode, the cooking appliance pauses operation during the mode switching transition, avoiding the risk of accidental operation and ensuring the safety of the entire mode switching process.

[0094] In other embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 Another internal structure diagram of the detection component 13 when the switching component 12 is in the third mode state.

[0095] In this embodiment, the switch assembly 132, in addition to the original first contact 1321 and second contact 1322, also includes a third contact 1323. The third contact 1323 is disposed at intervals between the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322.

[0096] When the switching component 12 is in the third mode, the active trigger 131 moves under the drive of the switching component 12, and only the third contact 1323 is activated. After the third contact 1323 is activated, the switch group 132 sends a third mode signal, at which point the cooking appliance enters the first non-cooking mode. The first non-cooking mode can be used to avoid safety issues caused by misoperation during mode switching. For example, when switching from a pressureless cooking mode to a pressure cooking mode, the appliance can first enter the first non-cooking mode for a transition, ensuring a safe and stable switching process.

[0097] In some of these embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the detection component 13 when the cooking appliance is in the second non-cooking mode.

[0098] The second non-cooking mode in this embodiment corresponds to the cooking appliance being in the open state or the state where the lid 11 is not locked in place with the pot body 20. When the cooking appliance is in the second non-cooking mode, the active trigger 131 does not simultaneously connect the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322, and at this time the switch group 132 sends out the fourth mode signal.

[0099] Specifically, when the lid 11 is in the open state, the movable trigger 131 is not pushed by any external force and is naturally in a position where the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 cannot be connected. When the lid 11 and the pot body 20 are not locked in place, the movable trigger 131 cannot be pushed to the position where the first contact 1321 is connected, which will also make the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 both in the open state.

[0100] When the lid 11 is placed on the pot body 20, if the lid 11 is not properly locked, the active trigger 131 will not be pushed to the position where the first contact 1321 is activated. The switch assembly 132 detects that both the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 are not activated and will issue a fourth mode signal. Upon receiving the fourth mode signal, the control system of the cooking appliance can determine whether the lid is open or the lid 11 is not locked. Similarly, when the user opens the lid 11, the active trigger 131 loses its pushing force, the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 disconnect, and the switch assembly 132 issues a fourth mode signal, informing the control system that the lid is open.

[0101] This embodiment improves safety by detecting whether the cooking appliance is open or the lid 11 is not locked, thus preventing the cooking operation from starting under unsafe conditions.

[0102] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the active trigger 131 and the switch assembly 132 are arranged opposite each other in the height direction. Exemplarily, the active trigger 131 is slidably mounted on the pot body 20 along the height direction, while the switch assembly 132 is correspondingly arranged on the pot body 20. This arrangement allows the active trigger 131 to move up and down in the height direction, thereby selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322, thus realizing the detection and feedback of the cooking mode.

[0103] The aforementioned arrangement of the trigger 131 and switch assembly 132 makes full use of the internal space of the cooking appliance, resulting in a more compact structure. Simultaneously, the stable and reliable vertical movement effectively prevents malfunctions caused by external vibrations or interference, improving the accuracy and stability of mode switching detection.

[0104] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cooking appliance in this embodiment also includes a transmission mechanism 14 for transmitting the motion of the switching component 12 to the active trigger 131.

[0105] Specifically, the transmission mechanism 14 includes a connecting rod 141, a sliding member 142, and a push rod 143. The connecting rod 141 is rotatably connected to the cover 11, with one end connected to the switching assembly 12. It can be connected to either the mode switching valve 121 or the switching member 122. For example, one end of the connecting rod 141 is connected to the mode switching valve 121. When the switching assembly 12 moves, it drives the connecting rod 141 to rotate around its connection point with the cover 11, thus transmitting motion and changing the direction of motion.

[0106] The slider 142 is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 141 and is mounted horizontally on the cover 11. The slider 142 can be block-shaped or rod-shaped. When the connecting rod 141 rotates, it will cause the slider 142 to move linearly in the horizontal direction. The end of the slider 142 near the top rod 143 has a pressing inclined surface 1421, which is a key structure for realizing motion conversion.

[0107] The push rod 143 is vertically mounted on the cover 11. One end of the push rod abuts against the inclined surface 1421 of the slider 142, and the other end extends toward the movable trigger 131. When the slider 142 moves horizontally, the inclined surface 1421 presses against the push rod 143, converting the horizontal movement of the slider 142 into the vertical downward movement of the push rod 143, thereby pushing the movable trigger 131 to move.

[0108] In one embodiment, the movable trigger 131 is elastically disposed on the pot body 20 and has the ability to elastically reset. When the push rod 143 rises, if it no longer presses against the movable trigger 131, the movable trigger 131 will reset under its own rebound force, thereby changing the on / off state of the switch group 132 and realizing the switching of the cooking mode.

[0109] The following describes the specific movement process of each component of the transmission mechanism 14 during the cooking mode switching process of a cooking appliance, taking the switch group including two microswitches as an example.

[0110] During the process of switching the cooking appliance from a pressureless cooking mode to a pressurized cooking mode, the user operates the switching element 122, which drives the mode switching valve 121 to rotate, switching the mode switching valve 121 from the first mode state to the second mode state. Simultaneously, the switching element 122 drives the connecting rod 141 to rotate around the connection point between the connecting rod 141 and the cover 11. The rotation of the connecting rod 141 causes the sliding element 142 to move horizontally towards the top rod 143. The pressure-bearing inclined surface 1421 of the sliding element 142 gradually contacts and presses against the top rod 143, causing the top rod 143 to move downwards vertically under the pressure. The downward movement of the top rod 143 pushes the movable trigger element 131 to overcome the elastic force and move downwards in the height direction.

[0111] When the active trigger 131 moves a second preset distance, the active trigger 131 controls the first micro switch and the second micro switch to be turned on simultaneously, and the switch group 132 sends out a third mode signal, and the cooking appliance enters the first non-cooking mode and is in a non-working state.

[0112] The active trigger 131 continues to move until it reaches a position at a first preset distance (the first preset distance is greater than the second preset distance). The active trigger 131 controls the second micro switch to turn on and the first micro switch to turn off. The switch group 132 sends out a second mode signal, and the cooking appliance enters the pressurized cooking mode.

[0113] During the process of switching the cooking appliance from pressurized cooking mode to unpressurized cooking mode, the user operates the switching component 122 to change the mode switching valve 121 from blocking the exhaust passage to opening the exhaust passage, and the switching component 122 moves in the opposite direction.

[0114] The reverse movement of the switching element 122 causes the connecting rod 141 to rotate in the opposite direction. The reverse rotation of the connecting rod 141 causes the sliding element 142 to move horizontally away from the top rod 143. The pressing action between the sliding element 142 and the top rod 143 is gradually released. Under the action of the rebound force, the top rod 143 and the movable trigger 131 move upward in the height direction and reset. At this time, the movable trigger 131 controls the first micro switch to be turned on and the second micro switch to be turned off, and the cooking appliance enters the pressureless cooking mode.

[0115] In one embodiment, the detection component 13 further includes a control board, which transmits signals to the switch group 132 via an electrical connection. The control board is mainly used to receive mode signals sent by the switch group 132. The control board has a built-in circuit system and control program. When it receives the mode signal from the switch group 132, the control board can adjust the various functional modules of the cooking appliance according to preset logic and algorithms.

[0116] This application embodiment further provides a top cover 10, applied to a cooking appliance, for cooperating with the pot body 20 of the cooking appliance to form a cooking cavity 201. The top cover 10 includes:

[0117] The cover 11 has an exhaust channel for connecting the cooking cavity 201 to the outside;

[0118] Switching component 12, connected to cover 11, has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. In the first mode state, switching component 12 opens the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. In the second mode state, switching component 12 blocks the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressurized cooking mode.

[0119] Detection component 13 includes:

[0120] Switch assembly 132, disposed on cover 11, includes at least a first contact 1321 and a second contact 1322; and

[0121] The active trigger 131 is slidably disposed on the cover 11 and is connected to the switching component 12 for selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact 1321 and the second contact 1322 under the drive of the switching component 12.

[0122] When the switching component 12 is in the first mode state, the active trigger 131 turns on the first contact 1321 so that the switch group 132 sends out the first mode signal;

[0123] When the switching component 12 is in the second mode state, the active trigger 131 turns on the second contact 1322 so that the switch group 132 sends out the second mode signal.

[0124] Other structures and functions of the top cover 10 in this embodiment can be referred to the embodiments of the cooking utensils described above, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0125] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: Pot body; The upper cover is connected to the pot body and cooperates with the pot body to form a cooking cavity. The upper cover includes a cover body, which can rotate in a horizontal plane to lock or unlock with the pot body. The cover body has an exhaust channel for connecting the cooking cavity cover body and the outside. A switching component, connected to the cover, has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. When in the first mode state, the switching component opens the exhaust channel, and the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. When in the second mode state, the switching component blocks the exhaust channel, and the cooking appliance is in a pressurized cooking mode. as well as Detection components, including: A switch assembly, disposed on the pot body or the lid, includes at least a first contact and a second contact; and An active trigger is slidably disposed on the pot body or the lid body and drivenly connected to the switching component, for selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact and the second contact under the drive of the switching component; When the switching component is in the first mode state, the active trigger activates the first contact to cause the switch group to emit a first mode signal. When the switching component is in the second mode state, the active trigger activates the second contact to cause the switch group to emit a second mode signal.

2. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact and the second contact are spaced apart in the moving direction of the active trigger; When the switching component switches from the first mode state to the second mode state, the active trigger moves a first preset distance under the drive of the switching component and then only turns on the second contact, so that the switch group emits the second mode signal.

3. The cooking utensil according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching component also has a third mode state, and the cooking appliance also has a first non-cooking mode; When the switching component is in the third mode state, the active trigger simultaneously turns on the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group sends out a third mode signal and the cooking appliance is in the first non-cooking mode.

4. The cooking utensil according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the switching component switches from the first mode state to the third mode state, the active trigger moves a second preset distance under the drive of the switching component and simultaneously turns on the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group emits the third mode signal; Wherein, the second preset distance is less than the first preset distance.

5. The cooking utensil according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching component also has a third mode state, and the cooking appliance also has a first non-cooking mode; The switch assembly further includes a third contact, which is spaced between the first contact and the second contact; When the switching component is in the third mode state, the active trigger only conducts the third contact to cause the switch group to issue a third mode signal, and the cooking appliance is in the first non-cooking mode.

6. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also has a second non-cooking mode. When the cooking appliance is in the second non-cooking mode, the active trigger does not simultaneously connect the first contact and the second contact, so that the switch group sends out a fourth mode signal.

7. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active trigger and the switch group are arranged opposite each other in the height direction, and the active trigger moves up and down in the height direction to selectively control the on and off of the first contact and the second contact.

8. The cooking utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission mechanism, wherein the switching component is movably connected to the cover, and the switching component drives the movable trigger to move via the transmission mechanism.

9. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes: A connecting rod is rotatably connected to the cover, and one end of the connecting rod is connected to the switching assembly; A sliding element, connected to the other end of the connecting rod; and A push rod, one end of which is used to abut against the slider, and the other end extends toward the movable trigger and is used to push the movable trigger to move.

10. The cooking utensil according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sliding member has a pressing slope at one end near the top rod, which is used to press against the top rod and push the top rod to move.

11. The cooking utensil according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sliding member is arranged horizontally on the cover, and the top rod is arranged vertically on the cover.

12. The cooking utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that, The switching component includes: A mode switching valve is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust passage. The mode switching valve is connected to the transmission mechanism and has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. A switching element, connected to the mode switching valve, is used to selectively control the mode switching valve to switch to the first mode state or the second mode state.

13. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component also includes a control board, which is electrically connected to the switch group and is used to receive mode signals sent by the switch group.

14. A lid, applied to a cooking utensil, for cooperating with the pot body of the cooking utensil to form a cooking cavity, characterized in that, The top cover includes: The lid has an exhaust channel for connecting the cooking cavity to the outside; A switching component, connected to the cover, has at least a first mode state and a second mode state. In the first mode state, the switching component opens the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressureless cooking mode. In the second mode state, the switching component blocks the exhaust passage, and the cooking appliance is in a pressurized cooking mode. Detection components, including: A switch assembly, disposed on the cover, includes at least a first contact and a second contact; and An active trigger is slidably disposed on the cover and drivenly connected to the switching assembly, for selectively controlling the on / off state of the first contact and the second contact under the drive of the switching assembly; When the switching component is in the first mode state, the active trigger activates the first contact to cause the switch group to emit a first mode signal. When the switching component is in the second mode state, the active trigger activates the second contact to cause the switch group to emit a second mode signal.

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