Cooking machine

Abstract

The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a cooking appliance including a main body; an inner pot housed in the main body; and a main body lid connected to the main body and covering the inner pot, the main body lid including a top plate covering the inner pot; a rotating cover arranged on the top plate so as to be rotatable along an edge of the top plate; a locking structure including a locking protrusion configured to engage with a flange of the inner pot and configured to move linearly between a locked position and an unlocked position in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating cover, the locked position being a position where the locking protrusion is vertically overlapped with the flange of the inner pot, and the unlocked position being a position spaced radially outward from the locked position; and a pressure slider configured to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical idea of the present invention relates to cooking appliances.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, as a typical example of a cooking appliance, an electric pressure rice cooker is a device that can selectively perform a cooking function of cooking rice and a heat preservation function of maintaining the cooked rice at a certain temperature. The electric pressure rice cooker has a main body lid with a steam discharge hole formed at the upper part of the main body, which is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the main body. Inside the main body, an inner pot is detachably incorporated, and an inner pot lid is separately provided so as to cover the inner pot. Inside the main body, an induction heating type or a hot plate type heater is provided so as to be able to transfer heat to cooking materials, that is, rice, grains, and other food materials, accommodated in the inner pot and cook them. Since such an electric pressure rice cooker cooks cooking materials under high pressure, effective sealing of the space inside the inner pot is essentially required to maintain the high pressure inside the inner pot.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of the present invention is to provide a cooking appliance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above-described problems, the technical idea of the present invention includes a main body; an inner pot accommodated in the main body; and a main body lid connected to the main body and covering the inner pot, wherein the main body lid includes a top plate covering the inner pot; a rotary cover rotatably disposed on the top plate along an edge of the top plate; and a locking projection configured to be applied to a flange portion of the inner pot, and is configured to linearly move between a lock position and an unlock position in conjunction with rotation of the rotary cover, the lock position being a position where the locking projection vertically overlaps the flange portion of the inner pot, and the unlock position being a position spaced radially outward from the lock position, a locking structure; and a pressing slider configured to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the lock position to the unlock position.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing slider includes a fixed main body; a moving main body configured to linearly move within the fixed main body and contact the locking structure; and a spring provided between the fixed main body and the moving main body to provide a restoring force for moving the moving main body in a direction away from the center of the rotary cover.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotary cover includes a guide groove including a first section spaced from the center of the rotary cover by a first distance and a second section spaced from the center of the rotary cover by a distance greater than the first distance, and the locking structure further includes a guide projection accommodated in the guide groove and moving within the guide groove according to a rotation angle of the rotary cover, and the locking structure is located at the lock position while the guide projection is within the first section of the guide groove, and moves between the lock position and the unlock position while the guide projection moves within the second section of the guide groove.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a cylinder including a flow path communicating with the accommodation space of the inner pot, and a weight valve including a weight configured to open and close the flow path of the cylinder according to the vapor pressure in the inner pot; and a lift pin configured to move up and down between a pin-down position and a pin-up position according to the rotation angle of the rotary cover; are further included, and the lift pin is characterized in that it lifts the weight so that the flow path of the cylinder is forcibly opened when located at the pin-up position.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the lift pin is located at the pin-down position while the guide protrusion moves within the first section of the guide groove, and is located at the pin-up position while the guide protrusion moves within the second section of the guide groove.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a cover assembly detachably fastened to the main body lid is further included. The main body lid further includes a fixing post protruding downward from the top plate. The cover assembly includes a cover plate covering the inner pot; a packing coupled to an edge of the cover plate, having a ring shape extending along the edge of the cover plate, and configured to be disposed between the inner pot and the top plate to seal between the inner pot and the top plate; and a handle provided at a central portion of the cover plate and including an insertion groove into which the fixing post is inserted. The packing includes a fastening groove into which the cover plate is fitted, a central body in a ring shape extending along the edge of the cover plate; an upper contact protrusion extending upward and inwardly inclined from the central body, in a ring shape extending along the central body, and continuously contacting the top plate; a lower contact protrusion extending downward and inwardly inclined from the central body, in a ring shape extending along the central body, and continuously contacting the inner pot; at least one upper air groove provided on an upper surface of the central body; and at least one lower air groove provided on a lower surface of the central body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lock structure is configured to linearly slide in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover, and the conversion between the locked position and the unlocked position of the lock structure can be realized through the linear sliding movement of the lock structure. Further, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since a pressing slider that provides an external force for the sliding movement of the lock structure is included, the reproducibility and safety of the operation of the lock structure are improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Figures 8A - 8C

Figures 9A - 9B

Figures 10A - 10B

Figures 11A - 11B

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Figure 19

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described in detail below. The embodiments of the present invention are desirably construed as being provided to more fully explain the present invention to those having average knowledge in the art. The same reference numerals always mean the same elements. Further, various elements and regions in the drawings are schematically drawn. Therefore, the concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes and intervals depicted in the attached drawings.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein include technical terms and scientific terms and have the same meaning as commonly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the concept of the present invention belongs. Also, terms such as those defined in advance and commonly used should be construed as having a meaning consistent with what they mean in the context of the related art, and it should be understood that they should not be construed in an overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a cooking appliance (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10). FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10). FIG. 4 is a separated perspective view showing the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10).

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cooking appliance (10) can include a main body (100) including a cooking space for cooking cooking materials, an inner pot (110) accommodated in the cooking space of the main body (100), a main body lid (200) provided on the main body (100) so as to open and close the cooking space of the main body (100), and a cover assembly (300) detachably attached to the main body lid (200).

[0016] The inner pot (110) can have a container form and can have an accommodation space for accommodating cooking materials. The inner pot (110) can be detachably mounted in the cooking space of the main body (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the inner pot (110) can include a flange portion (see 111 in FIG. 9A) protruding outward at the edge of its upper end. The flange portion (111) can extend along the edge of the upper end of the inner pot (110) and can also extend along the edge of the upper end of the inner pot (110). The main body (100) can include a heat source for heating the cooking materials accommodated in the inner pot (110). For example, the main body (100) can include a hot plate type heater or a heater operating in an induction heating manner.

[0017] While cooking is being performed on the cooking ingredients, the main body lid (200) can cover and seal the cooking space of the main body (100) and the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) so that a pressure suitable for the cooking space of the main body (100) is formed. For example, the main body lid (200) can be detachably coupled to the main body (100) and configured to open and close the cooking space of the main body (100) and the accommodation space of the inner pot (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the main body lid (200) is hinge-coupled to the upper part of the main body (100) and can rotate about a rotation axis, and can rotate about the rotation axis to open or close the cooking space of the main body (100) or the accommodation space of the inner pot (110). In another exemplary embodiment, the main body lid (200) can also be separably coupled to the main body (100).

[0018] The main body lid (200) can include a lid frame (201), a top plate (210), a support plate (220), a rotating cover (230), a safety structure (240), a weight valve (250), a solenoid valve (260), a lock structure (270), and a pressurizing slider (290).

[0019] The lid frame (201) can be coupled to the main body (100). The lid frame (201) can form the appearance of the main body lid (200). The lid frame (201) can provide a space inside where various electrical components are provided.

[0020] The top plate (210) can be disposed at the lower part of the main body lid (200) facing the inner pot (110). The top plate (210) can cover the inner pot (110) accommodated in the main body (100). The top plate (210) can include a first steam hole (211H1) and a second steam hole (211H2) communicating with the accommodation space of the inner pot (110).

[0021] The top plate (210) is provided in the main body lid (200) so as to be movable within a certain range in the vertical direction (for example, the Z direction or the direction perpendicular to the reference plane (for example, the XY plane) on which the cooking device (10) is placed). For example, the top plate (210) can be configured to move within a certain range in the vertical direction according to the vapor pressure in the inner pot (110). For example, the top plate (210) can be configured to move between a raised position separated from the inner pot (110) by a first distance in the vertical direction and a lowered position separated from the inner pot (110) by a second distance smaller than the first distance in the vertical direction. The raised position of the top plate (210) is the position when the vapor pressure in the inner pot (110) is relatively high, and the lowered position of the top plate (210) can be the position when the vapor pressure in the inner pot (110) is relatively low. For example, when the vapor pressure in the inner pot (110) switches from low pressure to high pressure, the top plate (210) moves upward (i.e., in the direction from the lowered position of the top plate (210) to the raised position), and when the vapor pressure in the inner pot (110) switches from high pressure to low pressure, the top plate (210) can move downward (i.e., in the direction from the raised position of the top plate (210) to the lowered position). When the top plate (210) moves, the support plate (220) and the cover assembly (300) fixedly coupled to the top plate (210) can be configured to move together with the top plate (210).

[0022] The support plate (220) can be provided within the lid frame (201). The support plate (220) is disposed above the top plate (210) and can be fixedly coupled to the top plate (210). The support plate (220) can have a substantially disk shape. Various components can be mounted on the support plate (220).

[0023] The rotating cover (230) can be arranged on the top plate (210). The rotating cover (230) can have a ring shape that continuously extends along the edge of the substantially top plate (210). The rotating cover (230) can be mounted on the top plate (210) rotatably along the edge of the top plate (210). The rotating cover (230) can be configured to rotate in a first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite thereto about the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) as the rotation axis.

[0024] The rotating cover (230) can be configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operation handle (283) protruding from the lid frame (201). Rotation of the operation handle (283) along the first rotation direction causes rotation of the rotating cover (230) along the first rotation direction, and rotation of the operation handle (283) along the second rotation direction can cause rotation of the rotating cover (230) along the second rotation direction. That is, the rotation angle of the operation handle (283) (e.g., the angle measured from the reference position of the operation handle (283)) can be adjusted, and the rotation angle of the rotating cover (230) (e.g., the angle measured from the reference position of the rotating cover (230)) can be adjusted.

[0025] More specifically, the operation handle (283) and the rotating cover (230) can be connected via a connecting lever (284) that pivots about the rotation axis of the operation handle (283) when the operation handle (283) rotates. One end of the connecting lever (284) can be connected to the operation handle (283), and the other end of the connecting lever (284) can engage with the connecting projection (231) of the rotating cover (230). For example, if the operation handle (283) rotates by a user's operation, the connecting lever (284) rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the operation handle (283), and the rotating cover (230) connected to the connecting lever (284) via the connecting projection (231) can rotate along the edge of the top plate (210).

[0026] The rotating cover (230) can be configured to rotate within a predetermined range of rotation angles on the top plate (210). The rotating cover (230) can include a rotation restraint groove (233) that extends along the rotation direction of the rotating cover (230) or has an arc shape along the edge of the rotating cover (230). The rotation restraint groove (233) can guide the rotational movement of the rotating cover (230) and can limit the rotational movement range of the rotating cover (230).

[0027] More specifically, a fastening structure (285) such as a screw can be inserted into a boss (222) of a support plate (220) below the rotation restraint groove (233) through the rotation restraint groove (233). The rotation of the rotating cover (230) can be restricted between a position where the fastening structure (285) bears on one end of the rotation restraint groove (233) and a position where the fastening structure (285) bears on the other end of the rotation restraint groove (233).

[0028] The poise valve (250) can be configured to control the discharge of steam according to the pressure level in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) and to control the pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110). The poise valve (250) can be configured to maintain the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) at a predetermined pressure using a weight (252). The poise valve (250) can include a cylinder (251) mounted on the support plate (220) and a weight (252) disposed on the cylinder (251). The cylinder (251) has a flow path communicating with the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) through a first steam hole (211H1), and the weight (252) can be configured to open and close an end portion (i.e., the flow path) of the flow path of the cylinder (251) according to the pressure level in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110). When the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the weight (252) is lifted and the end portion of the flow path of the cylinder (251) is opened, and the steam flowing into the flow path of the cylinder (251) can be discharged to the outside. When the pressure (i.e., steam pressure) in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) is less than a predetermined pressure, the weight (252) can close the end portion of the flow path of the cylinder (251).

[0029] The solenoid valve (260) can be mounted on the support plate (220). The solenoid valve (260) can be configured to adjust the pressure in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) by discharging the steam in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) according to an electric control signal. The solenoid valve (260) can include an internal flow path that communicates with the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) via the second steam hole (211H2) of the top plate (210), and can be configured to selectively open and close the internal flow path by an electric control signal applied from a control unit (for example, a microcomputer) of the cooking device (10). For example, the solenoid valve (260) can function to open the internal flow path when cooking is completed and quickly release the residual pressure in the inner pot (110) to the outside.

[0030] The lock structure (270) can be configured to move between a locked position locked to the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110) and an unlocked position unlocked from the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110). The switching between the locked position and the unlocked position of the lock structure (270) can be configured to be made in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230).

[0031] The lock structure (270) is mounted on the top plate (210) and can include a locking projection (277 in FIG. 9A) configured to selectively engage with the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110). The locked position of the lock structure (270) is a position where the locking projection (277) of the lock structure (270) overlaps the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110) in the vertical direction, and the unlocked position of the lock structure (270) can be a position where the locking projection (277) of the lock structure (270) does not overlap the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110) in the vertical direction. During cooking of the cooking material placed in the inner pot (110), the lock structure (270) is located at the locked position, and the locking projection (277) is fixed to the inner pot (110), so that the inner pot (110) and the top plate (210) can be firmly fixed to each other. The lock structure (270) will be described in more detail later.

[0032] The pressing slider (290) can provide an external force for moving the locking structure (270) in one direction. For example, the pressing slider (290) can provide an external force for slidingly moving the locking structure (270) from the locked position to the unlocked position. The pressing slider (290) will be described in more detail later.

[0033] The safety structure (240) can be configured to selectively allow or restrict the rotation of the rotary cover (230). For example, when a high pressure is formed in the inner pot (110) during cooking, the safety structure (240) can restrict the rotation of the rotary cover (230), thereby restricting the movement of the locking structure (270) configured to slide in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230). The safety structure (240) will be described in more detail later.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the locking structure (270) and the pressing slider (290). FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pressing slider (290). FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the rotary cover (230). FIGS. 8A to 8C are plan views showing the operation of the locking structure (270) according to the rotation angle of the rotary cover (230), showing the state of the locking structure (270) when the guide protrusion (275) is at the first to third positions (P1, P2, P3) of the guide groove (235). FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views showing the operation of the locking structure (270) and the pressing slider (290) due to the rotation of the rotary cover (230), FIG. 9A showing the state when the locking structure (270) is in the locked position, and FIG. 9B showing the state when the locking structure (270) is in the unlocked position.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9B together with FIGS. 1 to 4, the lock structure (270) can include a lock blade (271) that extends along the edge of the top plate (210) and has a curved shape from a planar perspective. The lock blade (271) includes a side wall portion (2713) that laterally surrounds the packing (330) of the cover assembly (300) coupled to the top plate (210) and the bottom surface of the top plate (210), an upper body (2711) that extends inward from the upper end of the side wall portion (2713) and contacts the upper surface of the top plate (210), and a lower body that extends inward from the lower end of the side wall portion (2713). The lower body of the lock blade (271) can include a locking protrusion (277) configured to be locked and fixed to the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110).

[0036] The lock structure (270) can include a connecting plate (273) connected to the upper body (2711) of the lock blade (271). The connecting plate (273) can be disposed between the top plate (210) and the rotating cover (230) in a vertical direction. The connecting plate (273) can include a groove (274) extending in a linear direction. The groove (274) of the connecting plate (273) can guide the linear movement of the lock structure (270) and limit the movement range of the lock structure (270). More specifically, a fastening structure (287) such as a screw can be inserted into the boss (223) of the top plate (210) through the groove (274) of the connecting plate (273). The linear movement of the lock structure (270) can be restricted between a position where one end of the groove (274) bears on the fastening structure (287) and a position where the other end of the groove (274) bears on the fastening structure (287).

[0037] The rotating cover (230) includes a guide groove (235) that generally extends in a curved form along the rotation direction of the rotating cover (230), and the connecting plate (273) of the locking structure (270) can include a guide protrusion (275) inserted into the guide groove (235) of the rotating cover (230). During rotation of the rotating cover (230), linear movement of the locking structure (270) can be achieved by physical interference between the rotating cover (230) and the guide protrusion (275) accommodated in the guide groove (235).

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the guide groove (235) can include a first position (P1), a second position (P2), and a third position (P3) that are sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the guide groove (235) between one end and the other end of the guide groove (235). The first position (P1) of the guide groove (235) is a position at one end of the guide groove (235), the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235) is a position at the other end of the guide groove (235), and the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235) can be a position between the first position (P1) and the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235). The first position (P1) and the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235) can be separated from the rotation center (RC) of the rotating cover (230) by a first distance (D1), and the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235) can be separated from the rotation center (RC) of the rotating cover (230) by a second distance (D2) greater than the first distance (D1). In an exemplary embodiment, the section between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) in the guide groove (235) can be referred to as a locking section (2351), and the section between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3) can be referred to as a sliding movement section (2352). The locking section (2351) can be a section separated from the rotation center (RC) by the first distance (D1), and the sliding movement section (2352) can be a section separated between the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2) from the rotation center (RC).

[0039] Depending on the rotation angle of the rotary cover (230), the relative position of the guide projection (275) with respect to the guide groove (235) will change. While the guide projection (275) moves relative to the locking section (2351) of the guide groove (235) that is spaced from the rotation center (RC) of the rotary cover (230) by a substantially identical first distance (D1), the locking structure (270) can be fixed in a locking position where the locking projection (277) can be locked to the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110). While the guide projection (275) moves relative to the sliding movement section (2352) of the guide groove (235) that is spaced from the rotation center (RC) of the rotary cover (230) by a second distance (D2) greater than the first distance (D1), the locking structure (270) can move slidably between the locking position and an unlocking position spaced radially outward from the locking position. That is, while the guide projection (275) moves in the sliding movement section (2352) of the guide groove (235), the locking structure (270) can move radially outward or radially inward. Specifically, while the guide projection (275) moves from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235), the locking structure (270) will move radially outward. Conversely, while the guide projection (275) moves from the third position (P3) to the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235), the locking structure (270) will move radially inward.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, a reed switch (289) configured to sense the rotation angle of the rotary cover (230) may be provided on the main body cover (200). The reed switch (289) is fixed to the cover frame (201), and during the rotation of the rotary cover (230), the relative distance between the reed switch (289) and the identifier (236) will change. The reed switch (289) can sense an identifier (236) attached to the rotary cover (230) and configured to rotate with the rotary cover (230) to generate an electrical signal. The identifier (236) may be an object having magnetism, such as a magnet. For example, when the guide protrusion (275) is located at the first position (P1) of the guide groove (235), the reed switch (289) and the identifier (236) of the rotary cover (230) are positioned to overlap in the vertical direction, and the reed switch (289) can generate a first operation signal. Also, when the guide protrusion (275) deviates from the first position (P1) of the guide groove (235) and is located between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3), the reed switch (289) and the identifier (236) of the rotary cover (230) are separated by a certain distance, and the reed switch (289) can generate a second operation signal.

[0041] The control unit of the main body (100) can receive the electrical signal of the reed switch (289) and control the operation of components of the cooking device (10), such as the exhaust assembly, based on the electrical signal. For example, when the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is in a relatively high-pressure state, such as during cooking in the cooking device (10), if the rotary cover (230) rotates unintentionally due to an external collision and the reed switch (289) and the identifier (236) of the rotary cover (230) are separated by a certain distance, the control unit can open the internal flow path of the solenoid valve (260) based on the second operation signal generated by the reed switch (289). In this case, the steam inside the inner pot (110) is discharged through the solenoid valve (260), and an accident can be prevented.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, through the counterclockwise rotation of the rotary cover (230) linked to the rotation of the operation handle (283), while the guide projection (275) moves within the lock section (2351), the position of the lock structure (270) is maintained at the locked position, and the locked state between the lock structure (270) and the inner pot (110) can be maintained.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, through the counterclockwise rotation of the rotary cover (230) linked to the rotation of the operation handle (283), while the guide projection (275) moves within the sliding movement section (2352), the lock structure (270) moves radially outward from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the locked state between the lock structure (270) and the inner pot (110) can be released.

[0044] The pressure slider (290) can be configured to elastically support the lock structure (270) in a direction away from the rotation center (RC) of the rotary cover (230) (or in a direction away from the center of the top plate (210)). That is, the lock structure (270) can be elastically supported by the pressure slider (290) in a direction from the locked position to the unlocked position. While the lock structure (270) moves radially outward from the locked position to the unlocked position in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230), the pressure slider (290) can provide an external force (e.g., a restoring force) for the linear movement of the lock structure (270). In addition, the pressure slider (290) elastically supports the lock structure (270) and can prevent the lock structure (270) located at the unlocked position from unintentionally moving to the locked position due to an external impact or the like.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the external force provided by the pressing slider (290) can act assistively for the linear movement of the locking structure (270). In other words, the linear movement of the locking structure (270) is mainly realized by the force applied through the operation handle (283), and the external force provided by the pressing slider (290) can act assistively for the linear movement of the locking structure (270) within the sliding movement section (2352) while the guide protrusion (275) moves and the locking structure (270) moves radially outward.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the linear movement of the locking structure (270) from the unlocked position to the locked position can be realized independently or mainly by the external force provided by the pressing slider (290). That is, in the operation where the locking structure (270) switches from the locked position to the unlocked position, when the guide protrusion (275) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) by the force applied through the operation handle (283), the movement of the guide protrusion (275) from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3) can be realized independently or mainly by the external force provided by the pressing slider (290).

[0047] The pressing slider (290) can include a fixed body (291), a moving body (293), and a spring (295).

[0048] The fixed body (291) can be fixedly coupled to the support plate (220). The fixed body (291) can provide a space inside which the moving body (293) and the spring (295) can be inserted. The moving body (293) is movably mounted on the fixed body (291) and can be connected to the connecting plate (273) of the locking structure (270). The moving body (293) can be configured to be housed within the fixed body (291) and linearly move within the fixed body (291). The spring (295) can be disposed between the moving body (293) and the fixed body (291). The spring (295) can include, for example, a compression spring. The moving body (293) can include a locking hook (2931) that is locked to the locking step of the fixed body (291). The linear movement range of the moving body (293) is such that the locking between the locking hook (2931) of the moving body (293) and the locking step of the fixed body (291) can limit the linear movement range of the moving body (293) and prevent the moving body (293) from detaching from the fixed body (291).

[0049] The spring (295) can provide a restoring force for linearly moving the moving body (293). The spring (295) can provide a restoring force for linearly moving the moving body (293) in a direction from the locked position to the unlocked position of the locking structure (270) (or in a direction away from the center of the rotating cover (230)). The restoring force provided by the spring (295) is applied to the connecting plate (273) that contacts or is connected to the moving body (293) via the moving body (293), and can cause a linear movement from the locked position to the unlocked position of the locking structure (270). More specifically, when the locking structure (270) switches from the locked position to the unlocked position, while the guide protrusion (275) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the moving body (293) is in a fixed state and the amount of compression of the spring (295) does not change. However, while the guide protrusion (275) moves from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3), the restoring force of the spring (295) can move the moving body (293) and the locking structure (270) in contact with the moving body (293) outwardly.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the moving body (293) may be configured to linearly move by an elastic restoring force provided by two springs (295) separated via guide protrusions (275).

[0051] The safety structure (240) may be attached to the support plate (220). The safety structure (240) may be configured to contact a safety protrusion (239) protruding inward from the inner circumference of the rotary cover (230). The safety structure (240) may be configured to physically interfere with the safety protrusion (239) of the rotary cover (230) and limit the unintentional rotation of the rotary cover (230). For example, like during cooking using the cooking appliance (10), when the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is relatively high (for example, 1.2 kgf / cm 2 or higher), the rotation of the rotary cover (230) can be restricted, and the movement of the lock structure (270) that slides in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230) can be restricted. For example, while cooking is being performed using the cooking appliance (10), the guide protrusion (275) is located at the first position (P1) of the guide groove (235), and the lock structure (270) is located at the lock position engaged with the inner pot (110), but the safety structure (240) can restrict the rotation of the rotary cover (230) and block the unintentional movement of the lock structure (270) toward the unlocked position.

[0052] The safety structure (240) may include a case (241) fastened to the mounting structure (227) of the support plate (220), a bottom cover portion (244) coupled to the support plate (220) so as to cover the through hole of the support plate (220), a safety protrusion (242) accommodated in the case (241) and disposed on the bottom cover portion (244), and a spring (243) configured to elastically support the safety protrusion (242) downward. The bottom cover portion (244) may be formed of a material having excellent elasticity and may include, for example, a diaphragm. The safety protrusion (242) may be configured to move up and down within the case (241). For example, the safety protrusion (242) protrudes upward from the case (241) and is configured to move up and down between an upward position where it rises to a position where it can physically interfere with the safety protrusion portion (239) of the rotary cover (230) and a downward position where it descends from the upward position so as not to interfere with the safety protrusion portion (239) of the rotary cover (230). The spring (243) can provide a restoring force to the safety protrusion (242) in a direction from the upward position to the downward position of the safety protrusion (242).

[0053] The vertical position of the safety protrusion (242) may be determined by the pressure level in the inner pot (110). For example, when cooking is performed using the cooking appliance (10), when the pressure in the inner pot (110) is relatively high (e.g., 1.2 kgf / cm 2 or higher), the bottom cover portion (244) exposed through the through hole of the support plate (220) and the safety protrusion (242) on the bottom cover portion (244) are pressurized by the vapor pressure, and the safety protrusion (242) pressurized by the vapor pressure rises to the upward position by overcoming the elastic force of the spring (243). On the other hand, when the pressure in the inner pot (110) is relatively low (e.g., a pressure at a level substantially the same as or similar to atmospheric pressure), the safety protrusion (242) may be fixed to the downward position by the elastic force of the spring (243).

[0054] When the safety protrusion (242) is in the raised position, the safety protrusion (242) is located on the movement trajectory of the safety protrusion portion (239) of the rotary cover (230) and can contact the side wall of the safety protrusion portion (239) to limit the rotation of the rotary cover (230). For example, during cooking using the cooking appliance (10), the guide protrusion (275) is located at the first position (P1) of the guide groove (235), and the lock structure (270) is located at the locked position engaged with the inner pot (110). However, the safety protrusion (242) contacts the side wall of the safety protrusion portion (239) to limit the rotation of the rotary cover (230), thereby preventing the lock structure (270) from unintentionally moving to the unlocked position.

[0055] When the safety protrusion (242) is in the lowered position, the safety protrusion (242) descends so as not to interfere with the safety protrusion portion (239) of the rotary cover (230). Therefore, the rotation of the rotary cover (230) and the sliding movement of the lock structure (270) interlocked with the rotation of the rotary cover (230) are not restricted by the safety protrusion (242).

[0056] FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views showing a part of the main body cover (200) of the cooking appliance (10). FIG. 10A shows a state when the lift pin (281) is in the pin - down position, and FIG. 10B shows a state when the lift pin (281) is in the pin - up position.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B together with FIGS. 1 - 4 and FIG. 7, the cooking appliance (10) can include a lift pin (281) that is vertically movably mounted on the lid frame (201). The lift pin (281) is vertically movably mounted in a through - hole of the lid frame (201), and the head portion of the lift pin (281) can protrude from the lid frame (201). The lower end portion of the lift pin (281) can contact the rotary cover (230) and is configured to make sliding contact with the surface portion of the rotary cover (230) when the rotary cover (230) rotates.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10A, when the lift pin (281) is supported on the second surface portion (238) of the rotary cover (230) at the first height level, the lift pin (281) can be in the pin - down position. When the lift pin (281) is in the pin - down position, the lift pin (281) can be separated from the weight (252). Here, the separation of the lift pin (281) from the weight (252) can include the case where the lift pin (281) is separated from the weight (252) by a certain distance and does not physically contact, and the case where the lift pin (281) physically contacts the weight (252) but sufficient external force to lift the weight (252) is not provided by the lift pin (281). At the pin - down position of the lift pin (281), the steam discharge by the weight valve (250) can be determined by the steam pressure level in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10B, when the lift pin (281) is supported on the first surface portion (237) of the rotary cover (230) at the second height level above the first height level, the lift pin (281) can be in the pin - up position. When the lift pin (281) is in the pin - up position, the lift pin (281) can lift the weight (252) of the weight valve (250). If the weight (252) is lifted by the lift pin (281), the flow path of the cylinder (251) of the weight valve (250) is forcibly opened regardless of the steam pressure level in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110), and the steam in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110) can be discharged to the outside of the cooking device (10) through the weight valve (250).

[0060] For example, while the rotary cover (230) rotates in the first rotation direction, the contact position between the lift pin (281) and the rotary cover (230) moves from the first surface portion (237) of the rotary cover (230) to the second surface portion (238), and the lift pin (281) can descend from the pin-up position to the pin-down position. Conversely, while the rotary cover (230) rotates in the second rotation direction, the contact position between the lift pin (281) and the rotary cover (230) moves from the second surface portion (238) of the rotary cover (230) to the first surface portion (237), and the lift pin (281) can rise from the pin-down position to the pin-up position.

[0061] The lifting operation of the lift pin (281) can be performed in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230). In an exemplary embodiment, while the guide protrusion (275) moves in the locking section (2351) of the guide groove (235), the lift pin (281) can contact the second surface portion (238) of the rotary cover (230) and be in the pin-down state. In an exemplary embodiment, while the guide protrusion (275) moves in the sliding movement section (2352) of the guide groove (235), the lift pin (281) can contact the first surface portion (237) of the rotary cover (230) and be in the pin-up position. At this time, when the guide protrusion (275) is located at the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235), the lift pin (281) may be located in the pin-up position or the pin-down position.

[0062] FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the operation of the main body cover (200). FIG. 12 is a table showing the positions of the guide protrusion (275), the lock structure (270), and the lift pin (281) according to the change in the rotational position of the operation handle (283).

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, an operation method of the cooking appliance (10) including the main body cover (200) will be described.

[0064] First, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the operation handle (283) is in the first rotational position, the guide projection (275) is located at the first position (P1) of the guide groove (235), and the lock structure (270) is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 9A, where the locking projection (277) of the lock structure (270) can be locked to the flange portion (111) of the inner pot (110).

[0065] When the operation handle (283) is in the first rotational position, the lift pin (281) supported on the second surface portion (238) of the first rotation cover (230) as shown in FIG. 10A can be in the pin - down position. In this case, the steam discharge by the weight valve (250) can be determined by the steam pressure level in the accommodation space of the inner pot (110).

[0066] In case, when the operation handle (283) is in the first rotational position and the lock structure (270) is in the locked position, cooking is performed and the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is relatively high (for example, 1.2 kgf / cm 2 or higher), the safety projection (242) contacts the side wall of the safety projection portion (239) of the rotation cover (230), and the rotation of the rotation cover (230) (for example, the rotation of the rotation cover (230) for relatively moving the guide projection (275) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235)) can be restricted. In case the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is relatively low, the safety projection (242) descends to a height where it does not interfere with the safety projection portion (239) of the rotation cover (230), so the rotation cover (230) can rotate without being interfered by the safety projection (242).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 11B, when the operation handle (283) is switched from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the guide protrusion (275) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) of the guide groove (235), and the lock structure (270) is fixed to the locked position. When the operation handle (283) is located at the second rotational position, the lift pin (281) can be supported on the first surface portion (237) of the rotary cover (230) as shown in FIG. 10B and rise from the pin-down position to the pin-up position. Alternatively, the lift pin (281) may be in the pin-down position when the operation handle (283) is located at the second rotational position, and the pin-up position where the lift pin (281) lifts the weight (252) may be achieved while the guide pin moves from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235), or when the third position (P3) is reached.

[0068] When the operation handle (283) is switched from the second rotational position to the third rotational position, as shown in FIG. 8C, the guide protrusion (275) moves from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3) of the guide groove (235), and the lock structure (270) can slide from the locked position to the unlocked position. The sliding movement of the lock structure (270) from the locked position to the unlocked position can be realized by the external force provided by the pressure slider (290). Also, when the operation handle (283) is switched from the second rotational position to the third rotational position, the lift pin (281) can be supported on the first surface portion (237) and be located at the pin-up position.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lock structure (270) is configured to linearly slide in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary cover (230), and the switching between the locked position and the unlocked position of the lock structure (270) can be realized through the linear sliding movement of the lock structure (270). Also, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the pressure slider (290) that provides an external force for the sliding movement of the lock structure (270) is included, the reproducibility and safety of the operation of the lock structure (270) can be improved.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a cover assembly (300) for a cooking appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly (300) taken along line XIV-XIV' of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a cover plate (310) of the cover assembly (300). FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a packing (330) of the cover assembly (300). FIG. 17 is a side view showing the packing (330) of the cover assembly (300).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the cover assembly (300) can be provided to the cooking appliance (10) so as to block high-temperature and high-pressure steam leakage generated during a cooking process using the cooking appliance (10 in FIG. 1). The cover assembly (300) can be detachably fastened to a main body lid (200 in FIG. 1) of the cooking appliance (10). The cover assembly (300) can be configured to seal a gap between an inner pot (110 in FIG. 1) accommodated in a main body (100 in FIG. 1) of the cooking appliance (10) and a top plate (210 in FIG. 1) of the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10) when fastened to the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10).

[0072] The cover assembly (300) can include a cover plate (310), a handle (320), and a packing (330).

[0073] The cover plate (310) can have a shape and size suitable for covering the inner pot (110). The cover plate (310) can have a substantially disc shape from a planar perspective. The cover plate (310) can allow steam generated during the cooking process to accumulate on the cover plate (310) and protect the top plate (210) and various electrical components mounted on the top plate (210) from the steam generated during the cooking process. The cover plate (310) can include, but is not limited to, a material having a lightweight and non-easily bendable strength such as stainless steel.

[0074] The handle (320) can be fastened to the central part of the cover plate (310). For example, the handle (320) can be detachably fastened to the fastening hole (313) provided in the central part of the cover plate (310). For example, by fitting a groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the handle (320) into a part of the body defining the fastening hole (313) of the cover plate (310), the fastening between the handle (320) and the cover plate (310) can be realized. The upper part of the handle (320) can protrude upward from the cover plate (310), and the lower part of the handle (320) can protrude downward from the cover plate (310).

[0075] The handle (320) can include an insertion groove (321) into which a fixing post (282) (see FIG. 18) provided on the main body lid (200) can be fitted. For example, the fixing post (282) is columnar and extends downward from the bottom surface of the top plate (210), and the insertion groove (321) of the handle (320) can extend downward from the upper surface of the handle (320) and have a size and shape suitable for the fixing post (282) to be fitted therein. By fitting the fixing post (282) into the insertion groove (321) of the handle (320), the cover assembly (300) can be coupled to the main body lid (200). And by separating the fixing post (282) from the insertion groove (321) of the handle (320), the cover assembly (300) can be separated from the main body lid (200). To separate the cover assembly (300) from the main body lid (200), the user can apply an external force acting downward while gripping the lower part of the handle (320) protruding from the bottom surface of the cover plate (310) to separate the cover plate (310) from the main body lid (200).

[0076] The handle (320) can include an elastically deformable material. For example, the handle (320) can include a material such as silicone rubber or synthetic rubber, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The packing (330) can be detachably fastened to the edge of the cover plate (310). The packing (330) can have a ring shape that continuously extends along the edge of the cover plate (310) and can be in continuous contact with the edge of the cover plate (310). In an exemplary embodiment, the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310) has a flat plate shape that extends in a direction away from the center of the cover plate (310) or in a radial direction, and a fastening groove (3311) for accommodating the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310) can be provided on the inner surface of the packing (330). The fastening groove (3311) of the packing (330) continuously extends along the edge of the cover plate (310), and the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310) is fitted into the fastening groove (3311) provided on the inner surface of the packing (330), whereby fastening between the cover plate (310) and the packing (330) can be achieved.

[0078] For example, the packing (330) can include an elastically deformable material. For example, the packing (330) can include, but is not limited to, a silicone rubber or synthetic rubber material.

[0079] The packing (330) can include a central body (331), an upper contact protrusion (333), and a lower contact protrusion (335).

[0080] The central body (331) of the packing (330) is a portion that contacts the cover plate (310) and can have a ring shape that continuously extends along the edge of the cover plate (310) from a planar perspective. A fastening groove (3311) into which the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310) is inserted and fixed can be provided on the inner surface of the central body (331). The central body (331) can include an upper portion that extends from above the upper surface of the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310), a lower portion that extends from below the lower surface of the outer contour (311) of the cover plate (310), and a side portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion.

[0081] The upper contact protrusion (333) can extend upward and inward from the central body (331) (i.e., in a direction toward the center of the packing (330) or the center of the cover plate (310)), and the lower contact protrusion (335) can extend downward and inward from the central body (331) (i.e., in a direction toward the center of the packing (330) or the center of the cover plate (310)). The upper contact protrusion (333) can overlap the outer contour portion (311) of the cover plate (310) in a vertical direction and can be on the upper surface of the outer contour portion (311) of the cover plate (310). The lower contact protrusion (335) can overlap the outer contour portion (311) of the cover plate (310) in a vertical direction and can be below the lower surface of the outer contour portion (311) of the cover plate (310).

[0082] The packing (330) can have an up-and-down symmetric structure. That is, the packing (330) can have a structure that is symmetric about a central plane (CP) passing through the center along the vertical direction or the height direction of the packing (330) (for example, a mirror shape that is symmetric with respect to a central plane (CP) passing through the center along the vertical direction or the height direction of the packing (330)). In this case, since the up-and-down directionality of the packing (330) is removed, the assembly between the packing (330) and the cover plate (310) can be made even easier.

[0083] The upper contact protrusion (333) can have a form that is bent upward from the end of the central body (331) or protrudes upward. From a planar perspective, the upper contact protrusion (333) is in a ring form that continuously extends along the ring-shaped central body (331) or along the edge of the cover plate (310), and can be configured to continuously contact the top plate (210) along its extension direction. When the cover assembly (300) is mounted on the cooking appliance (10), the external force acting downward on the contact surface between the upper contact protrusion (333) and the top plate (210) is applied to the upper contact protrusion (333) of the packing (330), and can elastically deform the upper part of the packing (330) (i.e., a part of the packing (330) on the outer contour portion (311) of the cover plate (310)). Due to the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformed packing (330), the upper contact protrusion (333) can be in close contact with the top plate (210). The upper contact protrusion (333) is in close contact with the top plate (210) to prevent a gap from occurring between the top plate (210) and the packing (330), and can block the leakage of steam generated during the cooking process using the cooking appliance (10) between the top plate (210) and the packing (330).

[0084] The lower contact protrusion (335) can have a form that is bent downward or protrudes downward from the end of the central body (331). The lower contact protrusion (335) is in a ring form that continuously extends along the ring-shaped central body (331) from a planar perspective or along the edge of the cover plate (310), and can be configured to continuously contact the inner pot (110) along its extension direction. When the cover assembly (300) is mounted on the cooking appliance (10), the external force acting upward from the contact surface between the lower contact protrusion (335) and the inner pot (110) is applied to the lower contact protrusion (335) of the packing (330), causing the lower part of the packing (330) (i.e., a part of the packing (330) under the outer contour part (311) of the cover plate (310)) to be elastically deformed. Due to the elastic restoring force of the elastically deformed packing (330), the lower contact protrusion (335) can be in close contact with the inner pot (110). The lower contact protrusion (335) is in close contact with the inner pot (110), preventing a gap from occurring between the inner pot (110) and the packing (330), and blocking the leakage of steam generated during the cooking process using the cooking appliance (10) between the inner pot (110) and the packing (330).

[0085] The packing (330) can include at least one upper air groove (341) provided on the upper surface (331U) of the central body (331) (i.e., the surface facing the top plate (210)). The at least one upper air groove (341) generally extends in a direction away from the center of the cover plate (310) or in a radial direction and can generally extend linearly. The upper air groove (341) is not formed on the upper contact protrusion (333) that is in continuous contact with the top plate (210) to form a continuous sealed section between the packing (330) and the top plate (210). For example, the upper air groove (341) can linearly extend from one end spaced apart from the contact part between the upper contact protrusion (333) and the top plate (210) to the outer surface (331S) of the central body (331).

[0086] For example, the packing (330) can include one upper air groove (341), or can include a plurality of upper air grooves (341) spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the packing (330). When the packing (330) includes a plurality of upper air grooves (341), the plurality of upper air grooves (341) can be uniform and at a constant interval. That is, the distance along the circumferential direction between two adjacent upper air grooves (341) can be constant.

[0087] The packing (330) can include at least one lower air groove (343) provided on the lower surface (331L) of the central body (331) (i.e., the surface facing the inner pot (110)). The at least one lower air groove (343) can extend generally in a direction away from the center of the cover plate (310) or in a radial direction, and can extend generally linearly. The lower air groove (343) is not formed in the lower contact protrusion (335) that is in continuous contact with the inner pot (110) to form a continuous sealed section between the packing (330) and the inner pot (110). For example, the lower air groove (343) can linearly extend from one end spaced apart from the contact portion between the lower contact protrusion (335) and the inner pot (110) to the outer surface (331S) of the central body (331).

[0088] For example, the packing (330) can include one lower air groove (343), or can include a plurality of lower air grooves (343) spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the packing (330). When the packing (330) includes a plurality of lower air grooves (343), the plurality of lower air grooves (343) can be uniform and at a constant interval. That is, the distance along the circumferential direction between two adjacent lower air grooves (343) can be constant.

[0089] The packing (330) can further include a connecting groove (345) extending from one end of an upper air groove (341) provided on the upper surface (331U) of the central body (331) to one end of a lower air groove (343) provided on the lower surface (331L) of the central body (331). The connecting groove (345) is provided on the outer surface (331S) of the central body (331) and can extend in a generally vertical direction to connect between the upper air groove (341) and the lower air groove (343). By connecting the upper air groove (341) and the lower air groove (343) via the connecting groove (345), a groove can be formed in the packing (330) that continuously extends from a point at the lower part of the packing (330) adjacent to the lower contact protrusion (335) to a point at the upper part of the packing (330) adjacent to the upper contact protrusion (333).

[0090] The packing (330) can include at least one upper auxiliary groove (347) provided on the upper surface (331U) of the central body (331) (i.e., the surface facing the top plate (210)). The at least one upper auxiliary groove (347) can extend generally in a direction away from the center of the cover plate (310), or in a radial direction, and can extend generally linearly. The upper auxiliary groove (347) is not formed on the upper contact protrusion (333) that is in continuous contact with the top plate (210) to form a continuous sealing section between the packing (330) and the top plate (210). For example, the upper auxiliary groove (347) can extend from a point at a certain distance from the upper contact protrusion (333), or from the boundary between the central body (331) and the upper contact protrusion (333) towards the outer surface (331S) of the central body (331).

[0091] For example, the packing (330) can include one upper auxiliary groove (347), or can include a plurality of upper auxiliary grooves (347) spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the packing (330). For example, a plurality of upper auxiliary grooves (347) can be provided between two adjacent upper air grooves (341) in the circumferential direction of the packing (330).

[0092] The depth of the upper auxiliary groove (347) may be smaller than the depth of the upper air groove (341), and the horizontal width (i.e., the width in the circumferential direction of the packing (330)) and the extension length (i.e., the length extending in the radial direction of the packing (330) or in the direction away from the center of the packing (330)) of the upper auxiliary groove (347) may be smaller than the horizontal width and the extension length of the upper air groove (341), respectively.

[0093] The packing (330) may include at least one lower auxiliary groove (349) provided on the lower surface (331L) of the central body (331) (i.e., the surface facing the inner pot (110)). The at least one lower auxiliary groove (349) generally extends in a direction away from the center of the cover plate (310) or in the radial direction and can generally extend linearly. The lower auxiliary groove (349) is not formed on the lower contact protrusion (335) that is in continuous contact with the inner pot (110) and forms a continuous sealing section between the packing (330) and the inner pot (110). For example, the lower auxiliary groove (349) can extend from a point at a certain distance from the lower contact protrusion (335) or from the boundary between the central body (331) and the lower contact protrusion (335) toward the outer surface (331S) of the central body (331).

[0094] For example, the packing (330) can include one lower auxiliary groove (349), or can include a plurality of lower auxiliary grooves (349) spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the packing (330). For example, a plurality of lower auxiliary grooves (349) can be provided between two adjacent lower air grooves (343) in the circumferential direction of the packing (330).

[0095] The depth of the lower auxiliary groove (349) may be smaller than the depth of the lower air groove (343), and the horizontal width (i.e., the width in the circumferential direction of the packing (330)) and the extension length (i.e., the length extending in the radial direction of the packing (330) or in the direction away from the center of the packing (330)) of the lower auxiliary groove (349) may be smaller than the horizontal width and the extension length of the lower air groove (343), respectively.

[0096] Unlike the upper air groove (341) and the lower air groove (343) being connected via the connecting groove (345), the upper auxiliary groove (347) and the lower auxiliary groove (349) may not be connected to each other.

[0097] When the packing (330) has an up-and-down symmetric structure, the number and arrangement of the upper air grooves (341) (for example, the interval between adjacent upper air grooves (341)) are the same as the number and arrangement of the lower air grooves (343), and the number and arrangement of the upper auxiliary grooves (347) may be the same as the number and arrangement of the lower auxiliary grooves (349).

[0098] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cooking appliance including a cover assembly (300). FIG. 19 is an enlarged view showing the area indicated by “XIX” in FIG. 18.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 together with FIGS. 1, 13 to 17, the cover assembly (300) can be detachably fastened to the main body lid (200). The cover assembly (300) can be fastened to the main body lid (200) by inserting the fixing post (282) protruding downward from the top plate (210) into the insertion groove (321) of the handle (320). When the cover assembly (300) is fastened to the main body lid (200), the cover assembly (300) can move together with the top plate (210) when the top plate (210) moves. When the cover assembly (300) is fastened to the main body lid (200), the packing (330) of the cover assembly (300) is disposed between the top plate (210) and the inner pot (110) to block the leakage of steam through the gap between the top plate (210) and the inner pot (110). For example, the packing (330) of the cover assembly (300) may be crimped between the top plate (210) and the inner pot (110) and configured to block the leakage of steam through the gap between the top plate (210) and the inner pot (110).

[0100] While cooking is being performed with the cooking appliance (10), if the upper contact protrusion (333) is in contact with the top plate (210), a first space (SA) surrounded by the upper part of the packing (330) and the top plate (210) can be formed in the vicinity of the contact part between the upper contact protrusion (333) and the top plate (210). The first space (SA) can include the space between the upper surface (331U) of the central body (331) and the top plate (210). The upper air groove (341) provided on the surface of the packing (330) facing the top plate (210) communicates between the external space outside the packing (330) or outside the inner pot (110) and the first space (SA), and air flow can be allowed between the external space outside the packing (330) or outside the inner pot (110) and the first space (SA).

[0101] As a comparative example, when there is no upper air groove (341) in the packing (330), a vacuum can be formed in the first space (SA) while cooking is being performed with the cooking appliance (10). In this case, since the packing (330) is strongly attached to the top plate (210), the force required for separation between the packing (330) and the top plate (210) after cooking is completed becomes large, and the packing (330) can be deformed and worn by the force applied to the packing (330) for separation between the packing (330) and the top plate (210). Due to such deformation and wear of the packing (330), the sealing performance of the packing (330) can be reduced.

[0102] Also, while cooking is being performed with the cooking appliance (10), if the lower contact protrusion (335) is in contact with the inner pot (110), a second space (SB) surrounded by the lower part of the packing (330) and the inner pot (110) can be formed. The second space (SB) may include the space between the lower surface (331L) of the central body (331) and the inner pot (110). The lower air groove (343) provided on the surface of the packing (330) facing the inner pot (110) communicates between the external space outside the packing (330) or outside the inner pot (110) and the second space (SB), allowing air to flow between the external space outside the packing (330) or outside the inner pot (110) and the second space (SB).

[0103] As a comparative example, when there is no lower air groove (343) in the packing (330), a vacuum can be formed in the second space (SB) while cooking is being performed with the cooking appliance (10). In this case, since the packing (330) is strongly attached to the inner pot (110), when the main body lid (200) is opened, the force required for separation between the packing (330) and the inner pot (110) increases, and the packing (330) can be deformed and worn by the force applied to the packing (330) for separation between the packing (330) and the inner pot (110). Due to such deformation and wear of the packing (330), the sealing performance of the packing (330) can decrease.

[0104] However, in the embodiments of the present invention, while cooking is being performed with the cooking appliance (10), the upper air groove (341) allows air flow between the first space (SA) and the external space outside the packing (330), and the lower air groove (343) allows air flow between the second space (SB) and the external space outside the packing (330), so it is possible to prevent a vacuum from being formed in the first space (SA) and / or the second space (SB). Therefore, deformation and wear of the packing (330) that may be caused by the formation of a vacuum in the first space (SA) and / or the second space (SB) can be prevented.

[0105] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, the upper auxiliary groove (347) provided on the surface of the packing (330) facing the top plate (210) can function to further suppress the formation of a vacuum between the upper part of the packing (330) and the top plate (210) together with the upper air groove (341), and the lower auxiliary groove (349) provided on the surface of the packing (330) facing the inner pot (110) can function to further suppress the formation of a vacuum between the lower part of the packing (330) and the inner pot (110) together with the lower air groove (343).

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking appliance (10) may be provided on the top plate (210) and may include a spring (288) configured to provide an elastic restoring force downward. The spring (288) is mounted, for example, on a support column (229) provided on the top plate (210) and can provide an elastic restoring force that presses the top plate (210) downward. That is, the spring (288) may be configured to elastically support the top plate (210) in a direction from the raised position to the lowered position of the top plate (210). The spring (288) can include, for example, a compression spring (288). A plurality of springs (288) symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the top plate (210) may be provided on the top plate (210) so that the elastic restoring force provided by the spring (288) acts generally uniformly over the entire top plate (210).

[0107] When the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is in a high-pressure state, the spring (288) can absorb the force acting on the top plate (210) and / or the main body lid (200), and prevent deformation and damage of the top plate (210) and / or the main body lid (200). Further, the spring (288) can elastically support the top plate (210) and the packing (330) in the direction from the raised position to the lowered position of the top plate (210). In this case, the packing (330) disposed between the top plate (210) and the inner pot (110) can be crimped by the elastic restoring force provided by the spring (288). Due to the elastic restoring force provided by the spring (288), even when the pressure inside the inner pot (110) is in a high-pressure state, the packing (330) disposed between the inner pot (110) and the top plate (210) can be crimped to an appropriate level.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover assembly (300) is detachably fastened to the main body lid (200) of the cooking appliance (10). By preventing a vacuum from being formed in the space between the packing (330) and the top plate (210) and in the space between the packing (330) and the inner pot (110), it is possible to prevent excessive external force from being applied to the packing (330) during the process of separating the packing (330) from the main body lid (200) and / or the inner pot (110). Thereby, deformation and wear of the packing (330) can be prevented, the sealing performance by the packing (330) can be improved, and ultimately the cooking quality of the cooking appliance (10) can be improved.

[0109] As described above, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and the specification. Although specific terms have been used in this specification to describe the embodiments, these are merely used for the purpose of explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure, and are not used for limiting the meaning or the scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from now on. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A main body, an inner pot accommodated in the main body, a main body lid connected to the main body and covering the inner pot, comprising: the main body lid includes a top plate covering the inner pot, a support plate disposed on the top plate, a guide groove extending in a form corresponding to a rotation direction, and a rotary cover rotatably disposed on the top plate along an edge of the top plate; a locking structure including a locking projection configured to bear on a flange portion of the inner pot, a connecting plate connected to a main body of the locking projection, and a guide projection inserted into the guide groove, the locking structure being configured to linearly move between a lock position and an unlock position in conjunction with rotation of the rotary cover, the lock position being a position where the locking projection vertically overlaps the flange portion of the inner pot, and the unlock position being a position spaced radially outward from the lock position; a pressing slider configured to elastically support the locking structure in a direction from the lock position to the unlock position; comprising: the pressing slider includes a fixed main body coupled to the support plate, a locking hook configured to bear on a locking step of the fixed main body, the locking hook being configured to linearly move within the fixed main body and contact the locking structure, and a moving main body; a spring provided between the fixed main body and the moving main body, the spring providing a restoring force for moving the moving main body in a direction away from the center of the rotary cover as the guide projection moves along the guide groove; a cooking appliance.

2. The guide groove includes a first section spaced from the center of the rotary cover by a first distance, and a second section spaced from the center of the rotary cover by a distance greater than the first distance. The locking structure is located at the lock position while the guide projection is within the first section of the guide groove, and moves between the lock position and the unlock position while the guide projection moves within the second section of the guide groove. The cooking appliance according to Claim 1.

3. a cylinder including a flow path communicating with an accommodation space of the inner pot, and a weight valve including a weight configured to open and close the flow path of the cylinder according to a vapor pressure within the inner pot; a lift pin configured to move up and down between a pin - down position and a pin - up position according to a rotation angle of the rotary cover; further comprising: The lift pin is located at the pin-up position and lifts the weight so that the outlet of the flow path of the cylinder is forcibly opened. The cooking appliance according to claim 2.

4. The lift pin is located at the pin-down position while the guide projection moves within the first section of the guide groove, located at the pin-up position while the guide projection moves within the second section of the guide groove. The cooking appliance according to claim 3.

5. further includes a cover assembly detachably fastened to the main body lid, the main body lid further includes a fixing post protruding downward from the top plate, the cover assembly includes a cover plate covering the inner pot, a packing coupled to an edge of the cover plate, having a ring shape extending along the edge of the cover plate, and configured to be disposed between the inner pot and the top plate to seal between the inner pot and the top plate, a handle provided at a central portion of the cover plate and including an insertion groove into which the fixing post is inserted, and includes the packing includes a fastening groove into which the cover plate is fitted, a central main body in a ring shape extending along the edge of the cover plate, an upper contact projection extending upward and inwardly inclined from the central main body and having a ring shape extending along the central main body and continuously contacting the top plate, a lower contact projection extending downward and inwardly inclined from the central main body and having a ring shape extending along the central main body and continuously contacting the inner pot, at least one upper air groove provided on an upper surface of the central main body, at least one lower air groove provided on a lower surface of the central main body, and includes. The cooking appliance according to claim 1.

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