Steam passage assembly, detachable cover assembly, cover body and cooking appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a steam passage assembly, a detachable cover assembly, a cover body and a cooking utensil. The steam passage assembly comprises a passage bottom shell, a passage top shell and a moving passage device. The passage top shell is connected with the passage bottom shell and a first passage is formed between the two. The passage top shell is provided with a cooking steam outlet. The moving passage device is at least partially located inside the first passage and is provided with a second passage and a steam passing port. The moving passage device is movable between a first position in which the steam passing port is blocked and the cooking steam outlet is open, and a second position in which the steam passing port is open and the cooking steam outlet is blocked. When the moving passage device is in the first position, the first passage is communicated with the cooking steam outlet to form a cooking steam exhaust passage. When the moving passage device is in the second position, the first passage is communicated with the second passage through the steam passing port to form a supplementary cooking steam supply passage. Thus, the internal space in the cover body occupies less space, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the cover body and improves the utilization rate of the internal space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and more specifically to a steam channel assembly, a removable cover assembly, a cover body, and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Existing steam cooking appliances, such as steam rice cookers, typically have two independent steam channels inside the lid. One channel is for steam intake, delivering high-temperature steam from the steam source to the cooking chamber, while the other channel is for steam exhaust, allowing the steam inside the cooking chamber to escape to the external environment. During the cooking stage, the high-temperature steam generated by the steam source is introduced into the cooking chamber through the steam intake channel to heat and moisten the food inside. The steam is then exhausted through the steam exhaust channel to prevent excessive pressure within the cooking chamber.

[0003] Because the steam passage for steam inlet and the steam passage for steam outlet are independent of each other and occupy separate areas within the cover, they occupy a large amount of internal space within the cover.

[0004] Therefore, a steam channel assembly is needed to at least partially solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The description of this utility model introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description 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 steam channel assembly for a lid of a cooking appliance, the steam channel assembly comprising:

[0007] Channel bottom shell;

[0008] A top shell for the channel, connected to a bottom shell for the channel, forming a first channel between them; the top shell for the channel is provided with a cooking steam outlet; and

[0009] A moving channel device, which is at least partially located inside the first channel and has a second channel and a steam outlet communicating with the second channel.

[0010] The movable channel device is movably disposed on the bottom shell of the channel between a first position where the steam outlet is blocked and the cooking steam outlet is open, and a second position where the steam outlet is open and the cooking steam outlet is blocked. When the movable channel device is in the first position, the first channel is connected to the cooking steam outlet to form a cooking steam discharge channel; when the movable channel device is in the second position, the first channel is connected to the second channel via the steam outlet to form a supplementary cooking steam supply channel.

[0011] According to this design, the cooking steam exhaust channel and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel share a common section, allowing these two steam channels to occupy the same area within the lid. This enables a more compact design of the steam channels, reducing the internal space occupied by the lid and facilitating its miniaturization, thus improving the utilization rate of the internal space. Furthermore, by utilizing this shared channel, the movement of the moving channel device allows for switching between the cooking steam exhaust channel and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel. When supplementary cooking steam is introduced into the cooking chamber, the steam received is retained within the cooking chamber because the cooking steam outlet is blocked by the moving channel device, preventing it from being discharged through other channels connected to the cooking steam outlet. This avoids the overflow of supplementary cooking steam, significantly improving its utilization rate and reducing the load required to produce effective supplementary cooking steam.

[0012] Optionally, the moving channel device is configured to move horizontally from a first position to a second position under the thrust of the supplementary cooking steam. According to this design, once the supplementary cooking steam reaches a certain intake volume, it generates a thrust that moves the moving channel device toward the second position, causing the steam channel assembly to automatically switch from the cooking steam exhaust channel to the supplementary cooking steam supply channel. At this time, a certain amount of supplementary cooking steam flows forward rapidly under the pressure difference and is then instantaneously injected into the cooking chamber. This shortens the time required for supplementary cooking steam to enter the cooking chamber, increases the amount of steam per unit time, thereby improving the taste of the food and better preventing the food from quickly browning.

[0013] Optionally, the steam channel assembly further includes a reset elastic element, which provides a spring force to move the movable channel device toward the first position. According to this solution, the reset elastic element can hold the movable channel device in the first position and automatically reset it from the second position to the first position, allowing the steam channel assembly to automatically switch from the supplementary steam supply channel to the cooking steam exhaust channel. At this time, the cooking steam in the cooking chamber can be discharged through the cooking steam exhaust channel. The thrust of the movable channel device and the spring force of the reset elastic element counteract each other, allowing the movable channel device to reciprocate on the channel bottom shell to switch between the cooking steam exhaust channel and the supplementary steam supply channel. Furthermore, since the thrust of the movable channel device needs to overcome a certain spring force, it is beneficial to accumulate a larger amount of supplementary steam, allowing a larger amount of supplementary steam to be instantaneously injected into the cooking chamber.

[0014] Optionally, the moving channel device includes a moving block with a cavity, which is movably disposed on the bottom shell of the channel between a first position and a second position. The cavity forms part of the second channel and has a steam outlet. According to this solution, the cavity within the moving block constitutes part of the supplementary steam supply channel, and the steam outlet is located on the moving block so that it can be opened or blocked as the moving block moves, simplifying the channel structure and facilitating manufacturing.

[0015] Optionally, the steam passage is located on the bottom wall of the cavity, and the bottom shell of the channel is provided with a sealing part, which is located on the lower side of the bottom wall of the cavity to seal the steam passage. According to this solution, the sealing part can be tightly attached to the bottom wall of the cavity under the downward pressure of the moving block, resulting in a good sealing effect on the steam passage.

[0016] Optionally, the moving channel device also includes a flexible tubular component, one end of which is sealed to the moving block. When the moving block moves, it drives one end of the tubular component to move as well, and the cavity of the tubular component forms part of the second channel. According to this solution, the cavity of the tubular component constitutes part of the supplementary steam supply channel. The movement of the tubular component does not affect the overall connectivity of the supplementary steam supply channel. Furthermore, the tubular component itself has sealing function and elastic deformation capability, allowing both ends of the tubular component to be directly connected to adjacent components with good sealing performance. This eliminates the need for fasteners such as screws and additional sealing rings, thereby reducing the number of components in the steam channel assembly, simplifying the structure, and making the assembly process simple.

[0017] Optionally, the steam passage assembly also includes a hollow steam receiving column, which is fixedly installed and sealed to the other end of the tubular component. According to this solution, the steam receiving column can easily connect the tubular component to the assembly, forming a bridge connecting the steam generator and the tubular component, thus preventing steam leakage during make-up cooking.

[0018] Optionally, the steam channel assembly also includes a supplementary steam inlet cover, which is used to cover the steam generator on the pot body when the cover is in the closed position. The steam inlet column is connected to or integrally disposed on the bottom shell of the channel or the supplementary steam inlet cover and communicates with the supplementary steam inlet. According to this solution, the opening and closing action of the supplementary steam inlet 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 experience. The steam inlet column is integrated with the bottom shell of the channel or the supplementary steam inlet cover, which is suitable for supplementary steam intake from the bottom and simplifies the structure of the assembly.

[0019] Optionally, the top shell of the channel is provided with a supplementary cooking steam inlet and a supplementary cooking steam inlet seal passing through the supplementary cooking steam inlet. The steam receiving column is provided with a steam receiving port corresponding to the position of the supplementary cooking steam inlet, and the supplementary cooking steam inlet seal abuts against the edge of the steam receiving port. According to this solution, the steam receiving column is suitable for supplementary cooking steam to enter from the top, and the seal can prevent supplementary cooking steam from leaking from between the top shell of the channel and the steam receiving column, ensuring that supplementary cooking steam is delivered to the cooking chamber.

[0020] Optionally, the inner surface of the channel top shell is provided with a guide wall that surrounds the cooking steam outlet and extends downwards. The top wall of the cavity blocks the bottom opening of the guide wall when the moving block is in the second position. According to this solution, the guide wall lowers the blocking position of the cooking steam outlet by a certain height, so that the blocking position can be closer to the moving block, so that the top wall of the cavity can easily form a seal at the cooking steam outlet.

[0021] Optionally, the steam passage assembly further includes a stop assembly for holding the movable passage device in the second position. According to this solution, the stop assembly can prevent the movable passage device from moving towards the first position, keeping the supplementary cooking steam supply passage open and ensuring a continuous supply of supplementary cooking steam to the cooking chamber.

[0022] Optionally, the stop assembly includes a stop block, and the moving channel device includes a moving block. The stop block is movable between a clearance position that allows the moving block to move and a stop position that blocks the movement of the moving block located in the second position. According to this solution, compared to a rod-shaped member, the block-shaped stop block and the moving block can have more contact surfaces, effectively preventing the moving block located in the second position from moving towards the first position.

[0023] Optionally, the moving block has a recess, and the stop block engages with the recess when in the stop position. According to this solution, the engagement between the stop block and the recess can limit the moving block, and the stop block can easily enter and exit the recess, avoiding jamming.

[0024] Optionally, the stop block is vertically movable and has a first inclined surface that is relatively vertically inclined, the orientation of which is opposite to the direction in which the moving block moves toward the first position. The recess has a second inclined surface that engages with the first inclined surface. According to this solution, by means of these two inclined surfaces, the stop block can smoothly enter the recess and provide a component force that causes the moving block to move toward the second position, thereby causing the moving block to move toward the second position; when the moving block moves toward the first position, it can provide a component force that causes the stop block to move upward, thereby causing the stop block to automatically and smoothly exit the recess.

[0025] Optionally, the stop assembly also includes a push elastic element, which provides a spring force to move the stop block toward the stop position. According to this solution, the push elastic element can automatically move the stop block to the stop position and hold it there, ensuring that the moving block remains continuously in the second position.

[0026] Optionally, the top surface of the channel housing is provided with an upwardly extending mounting cylinder and a cap that seals the top opening of the mounting cylinder, and the stop assembly is movably located inside the mounting cylinder. According to this solution, the mounting cylinder can provide guidance for the stop assembly, allowing the stop assembly to move smoothly.

[0027] Optionally, the stop assembly includes a stop block and a leak-proof seal, the leak-proof seal being fitted around the outer periphery of the stop block and slidingly contacting the inner wall of the mounting cylinder. According to this solution, the seal can seal the gap between the stop block and the mounting cylinder, preventing vapor in the first channel from leaking into the cover body, thereby avoiding safety hazards caused by moisture affecting electrical components inside the cover body. While ensuring assembly reliability, this improves the sealing effect of the assembly and enhances the safety of product use.

[0028] Optionally, the bottom surface of the channel base is provided with a pair of sliding guide rails, and the moving channel device includes a moving block having a pair of sliding parts. The moving block is located between the pair of sliding guide rails, and the sliding guide rails and the corresponding sliding parts are slidably engaged by a concave-convex structure. According to this solution, the sliding guide rails can slidably mount the moving block along a straight line on the channel base, and the friction between the sliding guide rails and the moving block is small, which does not affect the movement of the moving block.

[0029] Optionally, the bottom shell of the channel is provided with a hollow steam inlet and outlet section, which is connected to the first channel. The steam inlet and outlet at the bottom of the steam inlet and outlet section are used as the outlet for supplementary cooking steam and the inlet for cooking steam. According to this solution, supplementary cooking steam and cooking steam flow through a common opening at different times, eliminating the need to set separate outlets and inlets for these two types of steam in different areas, simplifying the structure of the component and improving space utilization.

[0030] Optionally, the steam passage assembly further includes a passage seal and a pressure plate. The passage seal is fixed to the bottom shell of the passage by the pressure plate, and the outer periphery of the passage seal abuts against the top shell of the passage. The movable passage device is located inside the passage seal. According to this solution, the second passage formed by the movable passage device is located within the first passage, and the passage seal forms a seal between the bottom shell and the top shell of the passage, thereby forming a sealed first passage; the pressure plate can better fix the passage seal to the bottom shell of the passage.

[0031] Optionally, the channel top shell includes a top shell fixing part and a top shell cavity part. The top shell fixing part is connected to the channel bottom shell, and the top shell cavity part protrudes upward from the top shell fixing part. The inner cavity of the top shell cavity part forms a first channel, and the movable channel device is located inside the inner cavity of the top shell cavity part. According to this solution, the channel top shell has space to accommodate the movable channel device, so that the channel bottom shell can be constructed as a flat plate, and the movable channel device and related structures can be easily installed on the flat plate-shaped channel bottom shell.

[0032] Optionally, the bottom surface of the channel bottom shell is provided with an upwardly extending stop portion, which is located on the extension line of the moving path of the moving channel device, so that the moving channel device is blocked at the first position. According to this solution, the moving channel device can be blocked by the stop portion when moving towards the first position, so that it stops moving at the first position and does not continue to move forward; the stop portion is more advantageous in the solution of the reset elastic member, which can make the automatic reset of the moving channel device more accurate.

[0033] Optionally, the cooking steam outlet and the steam inlet / outlet of the bottom shell of the channel are arranged longitudinally at intervals and are adjacent to or located on the longitudinal centerline, and the moving channel device moves laterally or in a direction inclined relative to the lateral direction. According to this scheme, the steam inlet / outlet and the cooking steam outlet are located approximately in the transverse middle of the cover, and a portion of the first channel extends longitudinally along the cover; the second channel extends laterally or is inclined relative to the transverse direction so as to communicate with the supplementary cooking steam inlet located at the end corner of the cover.

[0034] According to another aspect of this application, a removable lid assembly is provided for a lid of a cooking appliance. The removable lid assembly is detachably mounted on the lid and includes a steam channel assembly according to any of the above aspects, the steam channel assembly being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the removable lid assembly.

[0035] According to this solution, the area near the rear end of the removable cover assembly can be used to arrange the steam channel assembly, and the cooking steam exhaust channel and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel share a section of channel, so that the steam channel assembly occupies a relatively small cooking area of ​​the removable cover assembly corresponding to the cooking cavity, and the cooking area of ​​the removable cover assembly not occupied by the steam channel assembly is relatively large. Therefore, various designs can be made for this area, such as designing an infrared heating device and its related structures.

[0036] Optionally, the removable cover assembly also includes a cover plate and a cover plate seat connected to the cover plate, with the steam channel assembly spanning the same side of the cover plate seat and the cover plate. According to this solution, the cover plate seat and the cover plate can jointly support the steam channel assembly, allowing for better utilization of the rear space of the removable cover assembly outside the cooking area to arrange a steam channel with a longer extension path, thus reducing the area ratio of the steam channel assembly in the cover plate.

[0037] Optionally, the steam inlet and outlet of the bottom shell of the channel are located in the area near the rear end of the cover. According to this solution, supplementary steam is supplied into the cooking chamber from the rear area of ​​the cover, and cooking steam in the cooking chamber is discharged from the rear area of ​​the cover. When the cover is opened, the steam inlet and outlet can be observed from a smaller area inside the cover, providing a better user experience and improving the integrity of the product's inner appearance.

[0038] The supplementary steam connection cover of the steam channel assembly is connected to or integrally disposed in the end corner area near the rear end of the cover plate seat. According to this solution, the position of the supplementary steam connection cover can correspond vertically to the water container inside the pot, and the supplementary steam enters the supplementary steam inlet on the supplementary steam connection cover from bottom to top, making the steam path between the supplementary steam inlet and the steam generator shorter and more direct.

[0039] Optionally, the cover plate has a steam inlet / outlet passage hole, and the steam inlet / outlet portion of the channel bottom shell is engaged within the steam inlet / outlet passage hole. A sealing element is provided between the steam inlet / outlet portion and the edge of the steam inlet / outlet passage hole. According to this solution, the steam inlet / outlet portion can be locked within the steam inlet / outlet passage hole, and the steam inlet / outlet portion is positioned horizontally, making the assembly of the steam channel assembly firm and reliable. The sealing element can prevent steam from entering the cover body from between the cover plate and the steam inlet / outlet portion, thereby avoiding safety hazards caused by moisture in the electrical components inside the cover. While ensuring assembly reliability, it improves the sealing effect of the assembly and enhances the safety of product use.

[0040] According to another aspect of this application, a cover is provided for a cooking appliance, the cover including and comprising a steam passage assembly according to any one of the foregoing aspects, or the cover including a detachable cover assembly according to any one of the foregoing aspects. According to this solution, the cooking steam exhaust passage and the supplementary steam supply passage in the cover share a common passage, enabling the cover to achieve the aforementioned technical effects resulting from sharing a common passage.

[0041] According to another aspect of this application, a cooking appliance is provided, comprising a lid, a pot body, and a steam generating device according to any of the above aspects. The lid is closable and disposed on the pot body to form a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body. The steam generating device is disposed on the lid or the pot body for supplying steam to a supplementary steam supply channel.

[0042] According to this solution, the cooking appliance can have the function of supplementing the cooking cavity with steam. The cooking steam exhaust channel and the supplementing steam supply channel in the cover share a common channel, so that the cooking appliance can obtain the above-mentioned technical effect brought about by sharing a common channel.

[0043] Optionally, the steam generator has a top opening, and when the lid is closed on the pot body, the supplementary steam connection cover on the lid covers the top opening. According to this solution, the supplementary steam connection cover can seal the top opening of the steam generator, preventing supplementary steam from leaking outwards; 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 lid, reducing the user's operation steps and improving the user's operating experience. Attached Figure Description

[0044] 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.

[0045] In the attached image:

[0046] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a removable cover assembly with a steam passage assembly according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The top view of the removable cover assembly is shown, with lines AA and BB displayed.

[0048] Figure 3 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the removable cover assembly cut along the center line AA;

[0049] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the removable cover assembly cut along the center line BB;

[0050] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The top view of the removable cover assembly is shown, illustrating lines CC and DD.

[0051] Figure 6 For along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the removable cover assembly cut along the center line CC;

[0052] Figure 7 For along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the removable cover assembly cut along the center line DD;

[0053] Figure 8 for Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of the removable cover assembly shown;

[0054] Figure 9 for Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the moving block shown;

[0055] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the removable cover assembly shown;

[0056] Figure 11 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of section A;

[0057] Figure 12 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the stop assembly;

[0058] Figure 13This is a cross-sectional view of the steam passage assembly and lining according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0060] 1. Removable cover assembly 2. Cover plate

[0061] 3. Cover plate seat; 4. Pot opening sealing ring

[0062] 5 support sections and 6 steam inlet / outlet passages

[0063] 10 / 100 Steam Channel Assembly 11 Channel Bottom Shell

[0064] 12-channel top shell, 13 cooking steam outlets

[0065] 14 Steam inlet for supplementary cooking; 15 Steam docking cover for supplementary cooking.

[0066] 16 Steam connection seal for cooking; 17 Steam inlet / outlet section

[0067] 18 Steam inlet / outlet ports 19 Steam inlet / outlet port seals

[0068] 20. Sealing section 21. Steam column connection

[0069] 22 Cavity 23 Hook Joint

[0070] 24 Limiting wall 25 Stop section

[0071] 26 Sliding rail 27 Protrusion

[0072] 28 connectors, 29 protrusions

[0073] 30 Installation cylinder 31 Cylinder cover

[0074] 32 Guide wall 33 Top shell fixing part

[0075] 34 Top shell cavity 35 Inner cavity

[0076] 36 Supporting wall 40 Moving channel device

[0077] 41 Steam inlet 42 Moving block

[0078] 43 Tubular component 44 Cavity

[0079] 45. Lumen 46. Sliding section

[0080] 47 Sliding Rib 48 Moving Block Main Body

[0081] 49 Moving block cover 50 Recess

[0082] 51 Second inclined plane 52 Steam column

[0083] 61 Reset elastic element; 62 Channel seal element

[0084] 63 pressure plate 70 stop assembly

[0085] 71 Stop block 72 Push elastic element

[0086] 73 First inclined surface 74 Leak-proof seal

[0087] 75 boss, 76 groove

[0088] 101 Lining 102 Steam Generator

[0089] 103 Inlet Column 104 Hose

[0090] 105 Steam inlet seal for cooking; 106 Steam inlet

[0091] P1 Steam supply channel for supplementary cooking; P2 Steam exhaust channel for cooking.

[0092] P11 First Channel, P12 Second Channel

[0093] CL longitudinal centerline Detailed Implementation

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Moreover, 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”.

[0098] It should be noted that the terms “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0099] 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.

[0100] This application provides a cooking appliance comprising a pot body and a lid. The pot body has a cylindrical inner pot storage section. The inner pot can be fixedly installed in the inner pot storage section, or can be freely placed into or removed from the inner pot storage section for easy cleaning. The inner pot is typically 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 includes an inner pot heating device, such as a heating plate, for heating the inner pot.

[0101] It is understood that the cooking appliance according to this application can be a rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker or other cooking appliances, and the cooking appliance can have various functions such as cooking porridge in addition to cooking rice.

[0102] The lid has a shape that substantially corresponds to the pot body. The lid is foldably mounted on the pot body. One example is that the lid is pivotally connected to the pot body via a pivot axis and can pivot freely about the pivot axis between a closed and open position relative to the pot body, facilitating the closing and opening of the pot body. Another example is that the lid and pot body 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 is closed on the pot body, it covers the inner pot, forming a cooking cavity between them. The lid typically also has a pot rim sealing ring, which may be made of, for example, rubber, and is positioned between the lid and the inner pot to seal the cooking cavity when the lid is closed.

[0103] It should be noted that the directional terms used in this article to describe the various parts and components of cooking utensils, such as "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "facing upward," and "facing downward," are relative to cooking utensils that are placed horizontally, upright, and with their lids closed.

[0104] The lid basically consists of a lid body. The lid body includes an inner liner and a cover assembly. The cover assembly is located on the upper side or outer side of the inner liner and covers the inner liner. The upper surface of the cover assembly has a user interaction area for user operation. The inner liner can be connected to the cover assembly by a suitable method such as snap-fit, fastener connection such as screws, or adhesive bonding. A pivot axis is located in the inner liner and fitted with a torsion spring to facilitate automatic lid opening.

[0105] In one example, the cover also includes a removable cover assembly 1 (see Figure 1 The removable lid assembly 1 is located on the underside of the lid body and is detachably connected to the lid body as an assembly, thus allowing the removable lid assembly 1 to be detachably mounted on the lid body from the underside. When cleaning the removable lid assembly 1 is required, it can be removed from the lid body. Specifically, the removable lid assembly 1 is located on the underside or inside side of the liner and is detachably connected to the liner. For example, the removable lid assembly 1 is movably connected to the liner via a plug-in and / or snap-fit ​​structure. The removable lid assembly 1 basically includes a lid plate 2, a lid plate seat 3, and the aforementioned pot opening sealing ring 4. The lid plate 2 may be a metal plate. At least a portion of the lower surface of the lid plate 2 forms the top surface of the cooking cavity. The lid plate seat 3 allows the lid plate 2 to be detachably connected to the liner. The lid plate 2 can be connected to the lid plate seat 3 by other suitable means such as snaps or fasteners. A portion of the pot opening sealing ring 4 is pressed between the lid plate 2 and the lid plate seat 3.

[0106] In another alternative example, the cover body includes the aforementioned cover plate 2, which is fixedly connected to the cover body, specifically to the liner, so that the cover plate 2 is non-removably mounted on the cover body.

[0107] The cooking appliance of this application also has a steam supplementary cooking 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 supplied to the cooking cavity to keep foods such as rice moist and prevent them from drying out and turning yellow. Specifically, the cooking appliance also includes a steam generator for generating supplementary cooking steam to supplement the cooking cavity. In order to deliver the supplementary cooking steam to the cooking cavity, the cover is provided with a supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 communicating with the cooking cavity (see...). Figure 6 The supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 is used to supply steam for supplementary cooking in the cooking chamber. Specifically, it can receive supplementary cooking steam from the steam generator and supply supplementary cooking steam to the cooking chamber.

[0108] The steam generator is located within the cooker body. The steam generator essentially includes a water container and a water container heating device. The water container, situated within the cooker body, stores water for generating supplementary cooking steam. The water container has a top opening to form an outlet, allowing the supplementary cooking steam to escape. The water container heating device is typically located below the water container and heats the water within to generate supplementary cooking steam. This supplementary cooking steam enters the supplementary cooking steam supply passage P1 and then into the cooking chamber to keep food, such as rice, moist in the inner pot.

[0109] When cooking, the food and water in the inner pot of the cooking appliance generate cooking steam. To allow this cooking steam to escape to the outside environment, the lid is also provided with a cooking steam venting channel P2 for the cooking steam exiting the cooking chamber (see [link]). Figure 3 The cooking chamber and the cooking steam exhaust channel are connected by the cooking steam exhaust channel P2. Cooking steam can first enter the cooking steam exhaust channel P2, and then be discharged to the external environment through the cooking steam exhaust channel.

[0110] To simplify the structure and optimize the use of space within the lid, this application uses a single component to form both the supplementary steam supply channel P1 and the cooking steam exhaust channel P2, instead of using separate components to form these two channels. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the cover also includes a steam channel assembly 10 for forming a supplementary steam supply channel P1 and a cooking steam exhaust channel P2. The steam channel assembly 10 is located on the upper side of the cover plate 2 and the lower side of the liner. The liner has a recess for receiving the steam channel assembly 10. The recess is located behind the opening of the liner and is recessed upward from the lower surface of the liner. At least a portion of the steam channel assembly 10 is received within the recess.

[0111] Figures 1 to 12 A steam channel assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of this application is shown. For example... Figures 1 to 7As shown, the steam channel assembly 10 includes a bottom channel shell 11 and a top channel shell 12. The top channel shell 12 is located above the bottom channel shell 11 and can be closed onto it. The outer periphery contours of the bottom channel shell 11 and the top channel shell 12 correspond in shape and size; the figure schematically shows that the outer periphery contours of the bottom channel shell 11 and the top channel shell 12 are approximately triangular. The bottom channel shell 11 is connected to the top channel shell 12, forming a supplementary steam supply channel P1 and a cooking steam exhaust channel P2 between them. The steam channel assembly 10 is mounted on a removable cover assembly 1, so that the steam channel assembly 10 can be removed from the cover along with the removable cover assembly 1 for cleaning of the two steam channels on the steam channel assembly 10. For the illustrated example, the bottom channel shell 11 is mounted on the removable cover assembly 1, and the top channel shell 12 is detachably connected to the bottom channel shell 11. Optionally, the top channel shell 12 can be detachably connected to the bottom channel shell 11 by means of a snap-fit ​​structure or fasteners such as screws.

[0112] The steam channel assembly 10 spans across the same side of the cover plate 2 and the cover plate seat 3. The cover plate seat 3 and the cover plate 2 together provide support for the steam channel assembly 10, allowing for better utilization of the rear space outside the cooking area of ​​the removable cover assembly 1 to accommodate a longer steam channel. Specifically, the cover plate seat 3 includes a plate-shaped support portion 5 that protrudes from the rear of the cover plate 2. The steam channel assembly 10 spans across the cover plate 2 and the support portion 5. The channel bottom shell 11 can be connected to the cover plate 2 and the support portion 5 by suitable means such as channel welding or fastener connection such as screws.

[0113] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the top shell 12 of the channel is connected to the bottom shell 11 of the channel, forming a first channel P11 between them. The top shell 12 forms the upper portion of the first channel P11, and the bottom shell 11 and its components form the lower portion of the first channel P11. The top shell 12 has a cooking steam outlet 13 at the portion forming the first channel P11. The steam channel assembly 10 also includes a movable channel device 40. The movable channel device 40 is movably disposed on the bottom shell 11 and is at least partially located inside the first channel P11. The illustration shows the movable channel device 40 entirely located inside the first channel P11. The movable channel device 40 has a second channel P12 and a steam outlet 41 communicating with the second channel P12.

[0114] The moving channel device 40 is in a first position relative to the channel bottom shell 11, where the steam outlet 41 is blocked and the cooking steam outlet 13 is open (see [reference]). Figure 3 ) and a second position that opens the steam outlet 41 and seals the cooking steam outlet 13 (see Figure 6The moving channel device 40 is movable between the two positions. The first position is also called the initial position. When the moving channel device 40 is in the first position, the first channel P11 is connected to the cooking steam outlet 13 to form the cooking steam exhaust channel P2; when the moving channel device 40 is in the second position, the first channel P11 is connected to the second channel P12 via the steam outlet 41 to form the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first channel P11 is a shared channel for the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1. The cooking steam and supplementary cooking steam flow through the first channel P11 at different times. The cooking steam exhaust channel P2 and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 share a section of the channel, so that these two steam channels occupy the same area inside the lid. The structure constituting these two steam channels can be set more compactly, resulting in a smaller internal space occupied by the lid, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the lid and improves the utilization rate of the internal space.

[0116] The movement of the moving channel device 40 enables the switching between the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 and the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1. When supplementary cooking steam is supplied to the cooking chamber, because the cooking steam outlet 13 is blocked by the moving channel device 40, the supplementary cooking steam received by the cooking chamber can be retained within the cooking chamber and is not discharged through other channels connected to the cooking steam outlet 13. This avoids the overflow of supplementary cooking steam, greatly improves the utilization rate of supplementary cooking steam, and reduces the load required to produce effective supplementary cooking steam.

[0117] like Figure 3 As shown, one end of the second channel P12 is provided with the aforementioned steam inlet 41, and the other end is provided with a supplementary cooking steam inlet 14. In this embodiment, the steam channel assembly 10 also includes a supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15. The supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15 is used to cover the top opening of the water container when the cover is in the closed position. The supplementary cooking steam inlet 14 is provided at the supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15. Supplementary cooking steam enters the second channel P12 of the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1 from the supplementary cooking steam inlet 14. The supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15 is also provided with a supplementary cooking steam docking seal 16, which is used to form a seal between the water container and the supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15 when the cover is closed. The supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15 is connected to or integrally provided in the corner area near the rear end of the cover plate seat 3, specifically in the corner of the seat support part 5. Thus, the position of the supplementary cooking steam docking cover 15 can correspond vertically to the water container inside the pot.

[0118] like Figure 4As shown, the bottom shell 11 of the channel has a hollow steam inlet / outlet section 17. The steam inlet / outlet section 17 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the bottom shell 11, and its top port forms a steam inlet / outlet port 18. The steam inlet / outlet section 17 communicates with the first channel P11, thereby the steam inlet / outlet port 18 communicates with the first channel P11. The cover plate 2 has a steam inlet / outlet passage hole 6, and the steam inlet / outlet section 17 of the bottom shell 11 is engaged in the steam inlet / outlet passage hole 6, thereby the steam inlet / outlet port 18 communicates with the cooking chamber. The steam inlet / outlet section 17 can be locked in the steam inlet / outlet passage hole 6, and the steam inlet / outlet section 17 is positioned in the horizontal direction. The steam inlet / outlet port 18 serves as a supplementary steam outlet and a cooking steam inlet, so that supplementary steam and cooking steam flow through a common opening at different times, eliminating the need to set separate outlets and inlets for these two types of steam in different areas. When the cover is opened, the steam inlet / outlet port 18 can be observed from a smaller area inside the cover, providing a better user experience and improving the integrity of the inner appearance of the product.

[0119] Steam inlet / outlet 17 is located in the area near the rear end of the cover plate 2. Supplemental cooking steam is supplied into the cooking chamber from the rear area of ​​the cover, and cooking steam within the cooking chamber is discharged from the rear area of ​​the cover. When the cover is opened, the steam inlet / outlet 18 can be observed from a smaller area inside the cover, providing a better user experience and improving the integrity of the product's inner appearance. The cooking steam outlet 13 and the steam inlet / outlet 17 of the channel bottom shell 11 are arranged longitudinally at intervals and are adjacent to or located on the longitudinal centerline CL. The steam inlet / outlet 17 and the cooking steam outlet 13 are approximately located in the transverse middle of the cover, and a portion of the first channel P11 extends longitudinally along the cover.

[0120] The moving channel device 40 moves laterally, thereby extending the second channel P12 laterally to communicate with the supplementary steam inlet 14 located at the end corner. Alternatively, the moving channel device 40 moves in a direction inclined relative to the lateral direction, thereby tilting the second channel P12 relative to the lateral direction. The cooking steam outlet 13 and the steam inlet / outlet 17 of the channel bottom shell 11 are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cover, thereby extending a portion of the first channel P11 along the longitudinal direction of the cover. It should be noted that the longitudinal centerlines CL of the cover plate 2 and the removable cover assembly 1 are collinear. It should be noted that the terms "longitudinal" and "longitudinal direction" as used herein refer to the front-to-back direction, and "lateral" and "lateral direction" refer to the left-to-right direction.

[0121] A steam inlet / outlet seal 19 is provided between the edge of the steam inlet / outlet section 17 and the edge of the steam inlet / outlet passage 6. For example, the steam inlet / outlet seal 19 is fitted onto the steam inlet / outlet section 17 and abuts against the edge of the steam inlet / outlet passage 6. The steam inlet / outlet seal 19 can prevent steam from entering the interior of the cover body from between the cover plate 2 and the steam inlet / outlet section 17, thereby avoiding safety hazards caused by moisture in the electrical components inside the cover plate 2. While ensuring assembly reliability, it improves the sealing effect of the assembly and enhances the safety of product use.

[0122] The passage between the steam inlet / outlet 18 and the cooking steam outlet 13 is the cooking steam exhaust passage P2. When the moving passage device 40 is in the first position, the flow path of the cooking steam within the steam passage assembly 10 is as follows: See Figure 4 The arrow indicates that cooking steam enters the steam inlet / outlet section 17 from the steam inlet / outlet 18, and then flows into the first channel P11, which is connected to the steam inlet / outlet section 17. See also... Figure 3 The arrow indicates that cooking steam passes through the first channel P11 and then exits from the cooking steam outlet 13 of the top shell 12 of the channel. The cooking steam outlet 13 is sealed and connected to the cooking steam exhaust channel inside the lid body so that the cooking steam can be discharged to the external environment through the cooking steam exhaust channel.

[0123] The passage between the steam inlet / outlet 18 and the supplementary cooking steam inlet 14 is the supplementary cooking steam supply passage P1. When the moving passage device 40 is in the second position, the flow path of the supplementary cooking steam within the steam passage assembly 10 is as follows: See Figure 6 The arrow indicates that the supplementary cooking steam enters the second channel P12 from the supplementary cooking steam inlet 14, and then flows into the first channel P11 via the steam outlet 41; see then... Figure 7 The arrow indicates that the supplementary steam passes through the first channel P11 and then enters the steam inlet / outlet section 17, which is connected to the first channel P11; finally, the supplementary steam is supplied into the cooking chamber from the steam inlet / outlet port 18 at the bottom of the steam inlet / outlet section 17.

[0124] The driving force for the movement of the moving channel device 40 includes the thrust of gas. Exemplarily, the moving channel device 40 is configured to move horizontally from a first position to a second position under the thrust of supplementary cooking steam. Once the supplementary cooking steam reaches a certain intake volume, it generates a thrust that moves the moving channel device 40 toward the second position, causing the steam channel assembly 10 to automatically switch from the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 to the supplementary cooking steam supply channel P1. At this time, a certain amount of supplementary cooking steam flows forward rapidly under the action of pressure difference and is then instantaneously injected into the cooking chamber. This shortens the time required for supplementary cooking steam to be supplied into the cooking chamber, increases the amount of steam per unit time, thereby improving the taste of the food and better preventing the problem of food quickly browning.

[0125] The driving force for the movement of the moving channel device 40 also includes the elastic force of the elastic element. Specifically, the steam channel assembly 10 also includes a reset elastic element 61. The reset elastic element 61 provides an elastic force that moves the moving channel device 40 toward a first position; this elastic force is also called tension. The reset elastic element 61 can be a spring, a rubber band, etc. The reset elastic element 61 can hold the moving channel device 40 in the first position and automatically reset it from the second position to the first position, so that the steam channel assembly 10 automatically switches from the supplementary steam supply channel P1 to the cooking steam exhaust channel P2. The thrust of the moving channel device 40 and the elastic force of the reset elastic element 61 counteract each other, allowing the moving channel device 40 to reciprocate on the channel bottom shell 11 to switch between the cooking steam exhaust channel P2 and the supplementary steam supply channel P1. In addition, since the thrust of the moving channel device 40 needs to overcome a certain elastic force, it is beneficial to accumulate a larger amount of supplementary steam, allowing a larger amount of supplementary steam to be instantaneously injected into the cooking chamber.

[0126] Alternatively, the driving force for moving the moving channel device 40 may include the pushing and pulling forces of a driving element such as a push rod. An electric drive device may be provided on the channel base 11, and the driving element of the electric drive device may be telescopic to drive the moving channel device 40 to reciprocate.

[0127] The moving channel device 40 includes a moving block 42 with a cavity 44 and a resilient tubular member 43. The moving block 42 is movably disposed on the channel bottom shell 11 between a first position and a second position. The cavity 44 forms part of the second channel P12 and has the aforementioned steam passage 41. The steam passage 41 is provided on the moving block 42 so as to open or close as the moving block 42 moves. (See also...) Figure 3 The aforementioned steam passage 41 is located on the bottom wall of the cavity 44. The bottom shell 11 of the channel is provided with a sealing part 20, which is located on the lower side of the bottom wall of the cavity 44 to seal the steam passage 41. The sealing part 20, under the downward pressure of the moving block 42, can tightly adhere to the bottom wall of the cavity 44, resulting in a good sealing effect on the steam passage 41. The downward pressure of the moving block 42 here includes the weight of the moving block 42 and the pressure exerted by the stop block 71 on the moving block 42.

[0128] like Figure 8As shown, one end of the tubular member 43 is sealed to the movable block 42, and the movable block 42 moves the other end of the tubular member 43 together with it. The cavity 45 of the tubular member 43 forms part of the second channel P12. The steam channel assembly 10 also includes a hollow steam receiving column 21, which is fixedly installed and sealed to the other end of the tubular member 43. The cavity 22 of the steam receiving column 21 forms part of the second channel P12. The elastic tubular member 43 can form a sealed connection at both ends to prevent the leakage of cooking steam. The steam receiving column 21 is connected to or integrally provided on the channel bottom shell 11 or the cooking steam docking cover 15. In the illustrated example, the steam receiving column 21 is integrally formed with the cooking steam docking cover 15, and the channel bottom shell 11 has a through hole for the steam receiving column 21 to pass through.

[0129] The tubular member 43 is elastic and is at least partially configured to have a telescopic structure. The illustrated example shows that the two ends of the tubular member 43 have no telescopic structure, while the portion beyond the two ends has a telescopic structure, resulting in a greater extension length of the tubular member 43. Alternatively, the tubular member 43 may be non-telescopic, in which case it may bend to change its overall length in the direction of movement of the moving block 42.

[0130] The reset elastic element 61 is located on the lower side of the tubular member 43. One end of the reset elastic element 61 is connected to the moving block 42, and the other end is connected to the channel bottom shell 11. Specifically, as shown... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, both the movable block 42 and the channel bottom shell 11 are provided with protruding hook portions 23, and the hooks at both ends of the reset elastic member 61 are hooked onto the hook portions 23. The hook portions 23 have recessed locking positions, and the hooks are locked in the locking positions to prevent the hooks from shaking. The hook portions 23 on the movable block 42 protrude from the surface of the movable block 42 facing the reset elastic member 61. The hook portions 23 on the channel bottom shell 11 protrude upward from the bottom surface of the channel bottom shell 11 and are located between the movable block 42 and the steam column 21. Optionally, the channel bottom shell 11 is also provided with a pair of parallel limiting walls 24, and the reset elastic member 61 is located between the pair of limiting walls 24 to limit the position of the reset elastic member 61, so that its extension and retraction direction can be kept parallel to the movement direction of the movable block 42, and to prevent the reset elastic member 61 from bending, deflecting or other undesirable displacement during the extension and retraction process.

[0131] The bottom surface of the channel bottom shell 11 is provided with an upwardly extending stop portion 25. The stop portion 25 is located on the extension line of the moving path of the moving channel device 40, specifically between the moving block 42 and the steam receiving column 21, so that the moving channel device 40 is blocked at the first position. When the moving channel device 40 moves towards the first position, it can be blocked by the stop portion 25, causing it to stop moving at the first position and not continue to move forward; the stop portion 25 is more advantageous in the scheme of the reset elastic member 61, which can make the automatic reset of the moving channel device 40 more accurate. Optionally, the stop portion 25 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving block 42. Figure 10 Two stop sections 25 are shown, each connected to one end of a pair of limiting walls 24. The area between the two stop sections 25 is used to avoid the reset elastic member 61. The hook section 23 on the channel bottom shell 11 is located between the pair of limiting walls 24 and the steam column 21.

[0132] The bottom surface of the channel base 11 is provided with a pair of sliding guide rails 26, which extend along the moving direction of the moving block 42 and are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. The moving block 42 is located between the pair of sliding guide rails 26, so the blocking part 20 is also located between the pair of sliding guide rails 26. The stop part 25 is located between the pair of limiting walls 24 and the pair of sliding guide rails 26, and the pair of limiting walls 24 are located between the pair of sliding guide rails 26 and the steam column 21. The moving block 42 has a pair of sliding parts 46. The sliding parts 46 are generally parallel to the sliding guide rails 26. The sliding guide rails 26 and the corresponding sliding parts 46 are slidably engaged by a concave-convex structure. For example, the top end of the sliding guide rail 26 is provided with a protrusion 27 protruding toward the middle of the pair of sliding guide rails 26, and the sliding part 46 protrudes from the surface of the moving block 42 and engages with the recessed area below the protrusion 27. The protrusion 27 can limit the sliding part 46 between the protrusion 27 and the bottom surface of the channel bottom shell 11, thereby restricting the upward movement of the moving block 42.

[0133] Optionally, the bottom surface of the movable block 42 is further provided with a pair of downwardly protruding sliding ribs 47, which correspond to a pair of sliding portions 46 respectively. The sliding ribs 47 are generally parallel to the sliding portions 46 and connected to the corresponding sliding portions 46. The sliding ribs 47 can slide on the bottom surface of the channel bottom shell 11. The sliding ribs 47 can reduce the contact area between the movable block 42 and the channel bottom shell 11, thereby reducing friction and making the movable block 42 move easily.

[0134] There can be one or more steam passage ports 41, and correspondingly, the number of sealing parts 20 can be less than or equal to the number of steam passage ports 41. Figure 10 Two blocking portions 20 are shown. Optionally, the width of the moving block 42 is greater than the width of the reset elastic member 61, so that the distance between the pair of sliding guides 26 is greater than the distance between the pair of limiting walls 24. Figure 11 As shown, the movable block 42 and the steam inlet column 21 are provided with hollow connectors 28. The tubular component 43 can be fitted onto the connector 28 and have an interference fit to form a sealed connection. Optionally, the connector 28 may have a protrusion 29 with a guide surface, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the connector 28. The maximum outer diameter of the protrusion 29 is larger than the inner diameter of the tubular component 43 to facilitate the interference fit. The end of the tubular component 43 can be gradually expanded along the guide surface, which facilitates insertion and guidance during assembly. The end of the tubular component 43 can be easily fitted onto the connector 28, which improves assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the protrusion 29 around the entire periphery can prevent air leakage and ensure the sealing of the connection.

[0135] like Figure 9 As shown, the movable block 42 includes a movable block body 48 and a movable block cover 49. The movable block body 48 has a top opening, which is sealed by the movable block cover 49. A hook portion 23 is provided on the movable block body 48, and a connector 28 is provided on the movable block cover 49. Exemplarily, the movable block cover 49 has a hollow steam passage column 52, and the connector 28 is connected to the steam passage column 52.

[0136] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 12 As shown, the steam passage assembly 10 also includes a stop assembly 70. The stop assembly 70 is disposed on the top shell 12 of the passage and is used to hold the movable passage device 40 in the second position. The stop assembly 70 can prevent the movable passage device 40 from moving toward the first position, so that the supplementary steam supply passage P1 remains open, ensuring a continuous supply of supplementary steam to the cooking chamber.

[0137] The stop assembly 70 includes a stop block 71 and a push elastic member 72. The stop block 71 is movable relative to the channel top shell 12. Specifically, the stop block 71 is in a clearance position that allows the movable block 42 to move (see...). Figure 3 ) and the stop position that blocks the movement of the moving block 42 located in the second position (see Figure 6 The movable block 42 is movable between the two. In the illustrated example, the stop block 71 is movable vertically, and the movable block 42 is movable horizontally. Since their directions of movement are different, the stop block 71 can extend into the movement path of the movable block 42, preventing the movable block 42 from moving towards the first position. The push elastic member 72 provides a spring force to move the stop block 71 towards the stop position. The push elastic member 72 can automatically move the stop block 71 to the stop position and hold it there, ensuring that the movable block 42 can remain in the second position.

[0138] For example, the movable block 42 is provided with a recess 50, specifically the movable block cover 49 is provided with a recess 50. When in the stop position, the stop block 71 extends downward into the recess 50 to engage with it. The stop block 71 moves upward, for example, to retract from the recess 50 to a clearance position. The engagement of the stop block 71 with the recess 50 limits the movable block 42, and the movement of the stop block 71 into and out of the recess 50 is easy, preventing jamming.

[0139] The stop block 71 has a first inclined surface 73 that is relatively vertically inclined. The orientation of the first inclined surface 73 is opposite to the direction of movement of the moving block 42 toward the first position and gradually slopes downward toward the first position. Specifically, the first inclined surface 73 faces away from the side where the reset elastic member 61 is located. The recess 50 has a second inclined surface 51 that mates with the first inclined surface 73. Specifically, the moving block cover 49 is configured in a bent shape to form the second inclined surface 51, so that the top opening of the moving block body 48 is a high-low opening. The second inclined surface 51 faces the first inclined surface 73 and is substantially parallel to the first inclined surface 73. Furthermore, the second inclined surface 51 faces the side where the reset elastic member 61 is located. With the help of the two inclined surfaces, the stop block 71 can smoothly enter the recess 50, and due to its own weight and the elastic force of the pushing elastic member 72, it can provide a component force to move the moving block 42 toward the second position, causing the moving block 42 to move toward the second position; when the moving block 42 moves toward the first position, it can provide a component force to move the stop block 71 upward, so that the stop block 71 automatically and smoothly exits the recess 50.

[0140] like Figure 8 As shown, the top surface of the channel top shell 12 is provided with an upwardly extending mounting cylinder 30 and a cylinder cover 31 that seals the top opening of the mounting cylinder 30. The cylinder cover 31 can be fixed to the fastening post of the channel top shell 12 by fasteners. The stop assembly 70 is movably located inside the mounting cylinder 30 and slides along the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 30. The mounting cylinder 30 can provide guidance for the stop assembly 70, allowing the stop assembly 70 to move smoothly. One end of the push elastic member 72 abuts against the cylinder cover 31, and the other end extends into the mounting hole of the stop block 71. The stop assembly 70 also includes an annular leak-proof seal 74. The leak-proof seal 74 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the stop block 71 and slides in contact with the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 30. The leak-proof seal 74 can seal the gap between the stop block 71 and the mounting cylinder 30, preventing steam in the first channel P11 from overflowing into the cover body.

[0141] Optionally, the stop block 71 has an annular boss 75 on its outer periphery, which can slide in contact with the inner wall of the mounting cylinder 30. The boss 75 reduces the contact area between the stop block 71 and the mounting cylinder 30, thereby reducing friction and allowing the stop block 71 to move easily. The stop block 71 may also have an annular groove 76 on its outer periphery, within which the leak-proof seal 74 is located to restrict the movement of the leak-proof seal 74. The boss 75 can form the lower groove wall of the groove 76.

[0142] The inner surface of the top shell 12 of the channel is provided with a guide wall 32 that surrounds the cooking steam outlet 13 and extends downward. The top wall of the cavity 44, or the top surface of the movable block cover 49, seals the bottom opening of the guide wall 32 when the movable block 42 is in the second position (see Figure 6 The guide wall 32 lowers the sealing position of the cooking steam outlet 13 by a certain height, making the sealing position closer to the moving block 42, so that the top wall of the cavity 44 can easily form a seal at the cooking steam outlet 13. The cooking steam outlet 13 is adjacent to the stop assembly 70 or the mounting cylinder 30, and the cooking steam outlet 13 and the stop assembly 70 or the adjacent mounting cylinder 30 are arranged at intervals along the moving direction of the moving block 42. Furthermore, the cooking steam outlet 13 is located on the side of the stop assembly 70 opposite to the tubular member 43 / reset elastic member 61.

[0143] See back Figure 1 The steam passage assembly 10 also includes a passage seal 62 and a pressure plate 63. The passage seal 62 is fixed to the passage bottom shell 11 by the pressure plate 63, for example, by fasteners at different positions on the pressure plate 63, thus fixing the passage seal 62 under pressure. The outer periphery of the passage seal 62 abuts against the passage top shell 12 to form a seal between the passage bottom shell 11 and the passage top shell 12, thereby forming a sealed first passage P11. The movable passage device 40 and the steam inlet column 21 are located within the passage seal 62, so that the movable passage device 40 and the steam inlet column 21 are entirely located within the first passage P11.

[0144] The outer contours of the channel seal 62 and the pressure plate 63 are substantially the same; exemplarily, the outer contours of the channel seal 62 and the pressure plate 63 are similarly L-shaped. Optionally, the outer contours of the channel bottom shell 11 and the channel top shell 12 can also be similarly L-shaped, i.e., the portion that does not form the first channel P11 is omitted. The channel top shell 12 includes a top shell fixing portion 33 and a top shell cavity portion 34. The top shell fixing portion 33 is connected to the channel bottom shell 11, and the top shell cavity portion 34 protrudes upward from the top shell fixing portion 33. The inner cavity 35 of the top shell cavity portion 34 forms the first channel P11, and the moving channel device 40 is located within the inner cavity 35 of the top shell cavity portion 34. The top shell cavity portion 34 has a similarly L-shaped outer contour. Both the channel seal 62 and the pressure plate 63 have clearance openings to avoid the moving channel device 40 and the structures on the associated channel bottom shell 11, to avoid the steam inlet column 21, and to avoid the steam inlet / outlet portion 17.

[0145] See back Figure 10 Optionally, the channel bottom shell 11 may also be provided with a support wall 36, which is located between and parallel to a pair of sliding guide rails 26, and is used to support the moving block 42. The support wall 36 may be connected to the sealing part 20.

[0146] Figure 13 A steam channel assembly 100 according to a second embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 13 As shown, the steam generator 102 is disposed within the cover body. Exemplarily, the steam generator 102 can be fixed to the upper surface of the liner 101. The liner 101 has a hollow steam inlet column 103 at a position corresponding to the steam inlet column 21, and the steam generator 102 can be connected to the steam inlet column 103 via a hose 104.

[0147] In this embodiment, the top shell 12 of the channel is provided with a supplementary cooking steam inlet 14 and a supplementary cooking steam inlet seal 105 passing through the supplementary cooking steam inlet 14. The steam receiving column 21 is provided with a steam receiving port 106 corresponding to the position of the supplementary cooking steam inlet 14, so that the steam receiving column 21 is suitable for supplementary cooking steam to enter from the upper side. The steam receiving column 21 is connected to or integrally provided with the bottom shell 11 of the channel. The lower part of the supplementary cooking steam inlet seal 105 abuts against the edge of the steam receiving port 106, and its upper part abuts against the edge of the bottom opening of the steam inlet column 103. Thus, a sealed channel can be formed between the steam inlet column 103 and the steam receiving port 106 to prevent supplementary cooking steam leakage.

[0148] The other structures of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0149] The following is a schematic description of the operation of the moving channel device 40:

[0150] When the inner pot is heated and the steam generator is not working, there is no supplementary steam in the first channel P11. At this time, the moving block 42 is subjected to the elastic force F11 of the reset elastic member 61 and the resistance F2 provided by the stop part 25 that opposes the elastic force F11. These two forces keep the moving block 42 in the first position. The cooking steam can flow sequentially through the steam inlet / outlet 18, the steam inlet / outlet part 17, the first channel P11 and the cooking steam outlet 13, and then be discharged to the external environment through the cooking steam exhaust channel of the lid body.

[0151] When the steam generator is working, the supplementary cooking steam flows into the first channel P11 and accumulates there. The thrust F3 of the supplementary cooking steam gradually increases from zero, while the resistance F2 gradually decreases to zero. At this time, the stop block 71 contacts the top surface of the moving block 42. Due to the elastic force of the pushing elastic element 72, the stop block 71 generates a horizontal frictional force f on the moving block 42. When F3 > F11 + f, the moving block 42 can leave the first position and move towards the second position. As the moving block 42 moves, the reset elastic element 61 extends, and the elastic force F11 gradually increases. The thrust F3 needs to overcome the increased elastic force F11. After moving a certain distance, the recess 50 of the moving block 42 is moved to the lower side of the stop block 71, and the elastic force of the pushing elastic element 72 pushes the stop block 71 downward. Due to the presence of the inclined surface, the stop block 71 generates a horizontal component force Fa on the moving block 42, causing it to move towards the second position. This horizontal component force Fa and the thrust F3 can further push the moving block 42 towards the second position until it reaches the second position. At this time, the steam outlet 41 opens, and the supplementary steam flows sequentially through the second channel P12, the steam outlet 41, the first channel P11, and the steam inlet / outlet section 17, and is then supplied into the cooking chamber through the steam inlet / outlet 18.

[0152] When the amount of supplementary steam is insufficient, the thrust F3 of the supplementary steam decreases. When F11 > F3 + Fa, the moving block 42 can leave the second position and move towards the first position. Due to the presence of the inclined surface, as the moving block 42 moves, the stop block 71 is pushed upward by the moving block 42 until it completely exits the recess 50, at which point the horizontal component Fa is zero. As the moving block 42 continues to move, the stop block 71 contacts the top surface of the moving block 42, and the stop block 71 generates a horizontal frictional force f on the moving block 42. Since F11 > F3 + f, the moving block 42 can continue to move towards the first position until it is blocked by the stop part 25. At this point, the moving block 42 stops at the first position, completing the reset.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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 steam channel assembly for the lid of a cooking utensil, characterized in that, The steam passage assembly includes: Channel bottom shell; A channel top shell, connected to the channel bottom shell and forming a first channel between them, wherein the channel top shell is provided with a cooking steam outlet; and A moving channel device, wherein the moving channel device is at least partially located inside the first channel and has a second channel and a steam outlet communicating with the second channel, The movable channel device is movably disposed on the bottom shell of the channel between a first position where the steam inlet is blocked and the cooking steam outlet is open, and a second position where the steam inlet is open and the cooking steam outlet is blocked. When the movable channel device is in the first position, the first channel is connected to the cooking steam outlet to form a cooking steam discharge channel; when the movable channel device is in the second position, the first channel is connected to the second channel via the steam inlet to form a supplementary cooking steam supply channel.

2. The steam channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving channel device is configured to move horizontally from the first position to the second position under the thrust of the supplementary steam.

3. The steam channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam channel assembly further includes a reset elastic element for providing a spring force that moves the moving channel device toward the first position.

4. The steam channel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving channel device includes a moving block with a cavity, which is movably disposed on the bottom shell of the channel between the first position and the second position. The cavity forms part of the second channel and has the steam outlet.

5. The steam channel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steam inlet is located on the bottom wall of the cavity, and the bottom shell of the channel is provided with a sealing part, which is located on the lower side of the bottom wall of the cavity to seal the steam inlet.

6. The steam channel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The moving channel device also includes an elastic tubular component, one end of which is sealed to the moving block. When the moving block moves, it drives one end of the tubular component to move together, and the cavity of the tubular component forms part of the second channel.

7. The steam channel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steam channel assembly also includes a hollow steam receiving column, which is fixedly installed and sealed to the other end of the tubular component.

8. The steam channel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steam channel assembly also includes a supplementary steam docking cover with a supplementary steam inlet. The supplementary steam docking cover is used to cover the steam generating device on the pot body when the cover is in the closed position. The steam inlet column is connected to or integrally disposed on the bottom shell of the channel or the supplementary steam docking cover and communicates with the supplementary steam inlet.

9. The steam channel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top shell of the channel is provided with a supplementary steam inlet and a supplementary steam inlet seal that passes through the supplementary steam inlet. The steam receiving column is provided with a steam receiving port corresponding to the position of the supplementary steam inlet, and the supplementary steam inlet seal abuts against the edge of the steam receiving port.

10. The steam channel assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner surface of the top shell of the channel is provided with a guide wall that surrounds the cooking steam outlet and extends downward, and the top wall of the cavity blocks the bottom opening of the guide wall when the moving block is in the second position.

11. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The steam passage assembly further includes a stop assembly for holding the moving passage device in the second position.

12. The steam channel assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The stop assembly includes a stop block, and the moving channel device includes a moving block. The stop block is movable between a clearance position that allows the moving block to move and a stop position that blocks the movement of the moving block located in the second position.

13. The steam channel assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The movable block has a recess, and the stop block engages with the recess when it is in the stop position.

14. The steam channel assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The stop block is vertically movable and has a first inclined surface that is relatively vertically inclined. The orientation of the first inclined surface is opposite to the direction in which the moving block moves toward the first position. The recess has a second inclined surface that mates with the first inclined surface.

15. The steam channel assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The stop assembly further includes a push elastic element for providing a spring force that moves the stop block toward the stop position.

16. The steam channel assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The top surface of the channel top shell is provided with an upwardly extending mounting cylinder and a cylinder cover that seals the top opening of the mounting cylinder, and the stop assembly is movably located inside the mounting cylinder.

17. The steam channel assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The stop assembly includes a stop block and a leak-proof seal, the leak-proof seal being sleeved on the outer periphery of the stop block and slidingly contacting the inner wall of the mounting cylinder.

18. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the channel bottom shell is provided with a pair of sliding guide rails. The moving channel device includes a moving block with a pair of sliding parts. The moving block is located between the pair of sliding guide rails. The sliding guide rails and the corresponding sliding parts are slidably engaged by a concave-convex structure.

19. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the channel shell is provided with an upwardly extending stop portion, which is located on the extension line of the moving path of the moving channel device, so that the moving channel device is blocked at the first position.

20. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The bottom shell of the channel is provided with a hollow steam inlet and outlet section, which is connected to the first channel. The steam inlet and outlet port at the bottom of the steam inlet and outlet section is used as a supplementary steam outlet and a cooking steam inlet.

21. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The steam channel assembly further includes a channel seal and a pressure plate. The channel seal is fixed to the bottom shell of the channel by the pressure plate. The outer periphery of the channel seal is in sealing contact with the top shell of the channel. The movable channel device is located inside the channel seal.

22. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The channel top shell includes a top shell fixing part and a top shell cavity part. The top shell fixing part is connected to the channel bottom shell. The top shell cavity part protrudes upward from the top shell fixing part. The inner cavity of the top shell cavity part forms the first channel. The moving channel device is located inside the inner cavity of the top shell cavity part.

23. The steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The cooking steam outlet and the steam inlet / outlet of the channel bottom shell are arranged longitudinally at intervals and are adjacent to or located on the longitudinal centerline. The moving channel device moves in the lateral direction or in a direction inclined relative to the lateral direction.

24. A detachable lid assembly for the lid of a cooking utensil, characterized in that, The removable cover assembly is detachably mounted on the cover body and includes a steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the steam passage assembly being disposed adjacent to the rear end of the removable cover assembly.

25. The removable cover assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that, The detachable cover assembly further includes a cover plate and a cover plate seat connected to the cover plate, and the steam passage assembly spans the cover plate seat and the cover plate on the same side.

26. The removable cover assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, The steam inlet and outlet of the bottom shell of the channel are located in the region near the rear end of the cover plate; and / or The steam channel assembly's supplementary steam docking cover is connected to or integrally disposed in the corner region near the rear end of the cover plate seat.

27. The removable cover assembly according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The cover plate is provided with a steam inlet / outlet passage hole, the steam inlet / outlet part of the channel bottom shell is connected to the steam inlet / outlet passage hole, and a sealing element is provided between the steam inlet / outlet part and the edge of the steam inlet / outlet passage hole.

28. A lid for a cooking utensil, characterized in that, The cover includes a steam passage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23, or the cover includes a removable cover assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

29. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes a lid, a pot body, and a steam generator as described in claim 28. The lid is closable and can be disposed on the pot body to form a cooking cavity between the lid and the pot body. The steam generator is disposed on the lid or the pot body and is used to supply steam to the supplementary steam supply channel.

30. The cooking utensil according to claim 29, characterized in that, The steam generator has a top opening, and when the lid is closed on the pot body, the supplementary steam connection cover on the lid covers the top opening.

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