CN111513539A

CN111513539A - Cooking utensil

Info

Publication number: CN111513539A
Application number: CN201910735431.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈建新; 吕华; 李泽涌
Original assignee: Zhejiang Supor Electrical Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Zhejiang Supor Electrical Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-02
Filing date: 2019-08-09
Publication date: 2020-08-11
Also published as: CN211483988U; CN111513538A; CN111513541A; CN211795797U; CN211408564U; CN111513540B; CN111513540A; CN211483989U; CN211582584U; CN211483985U; CN111513545A; CN211795798U; CN211408561U; CN211984938U; CN111513546A; CN211408558U; CN111513542A; CN211795796U; CN211408565U; CN111513543A

Abstract

The invention provides a cooking appliance, which comprises a cooker body and a cover body. An inner pot is arranged in the cooker body. The cover body is arranged on the cooker body in an openable and closable manner, and when the cover body covers the cooker body, a cooking space is formed between the cover body and the inner pot. The cooking utensil is provided with a first component and a second component, a sealing member is arranged between the first component and the second component for sealing, and the sealing member is integrally formed on the first component and/or the second component in a non-detachable mode through elastic materials. According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, the sealing member for sealing is configured to be integrally and non-detachably provided on the first member and/or the second member, a mechanical structure for assembly is not required, the number of parts and the structure can be simplified, manufacturing is facilitated, and the coupling strength is reliable. In addition, the assembly process during production can be simplified, the labor cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Cooking utensil

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the technical field of cooking appliances.

Background

Some cooking appliances, such as rice cookers, require seals to be placed in multiple locations to seal. For example, a sealing ring is arranged between the cover body and the inner pot for sealing. Generally, the sealing element is separately formed and assembled and fixed to the component at the position to be sealed by means of mechanical structure fitting. The arrangement mode has the disadvantages of more matching and parts, complex assembly process and higher labor and material cost. And the assembly structure is easy to age and lose efficacy, so that the sealing element falls off or misplaces, and the sealing failure condition occurs.

Accordingly, there is a need for a cooking appliance that at least partially solves the problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

In this summary, concepts in a simplified form are introduced that are further described in the detailed description. This summary of the invention is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a cooking appliance, characterized in that the cooking appliance comprises:

the cooker body is internally provided with an inner pot;

the cover body is arranged on the cooker body in an openable and closable manner, and when the cover body covers the cooker body, a cooking space is formed between the cover body and the inner pot;

wherein the cooking utensil has a first member and a second member, a sealing member is arranged between the first member and the second member for sealing, and the sealing member is integrally formed on at least one of the first member and the second member in a non-detachable mode by elastic materials.

According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, the sealing member for sealing is integrally provided on the first member and/or the second member in a non-detachable manner, a mechanical structure for assembly is not required, the number of parts and the structure can be simplified, manufacturing is facilitated, and the coupling strength is reliable. In addition, the assembly process during production can be simplified, the labor cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Optionally, the first member is provided with a chamber having an opening, the second member covers the opening to close the chamber, and the seal seals a gap between the second member and the opening. Thus, the above-described seal may be used to seal a chamber opening of a structure having a chamber.

Optionally, a first chamber with a first communication port is provided on the first member, a second chamber with a second communication port is provided on the second member, the first communication port is butted against the second communication port to communicate the first chamber with the second chamber, and the sealing member seals a gap between the first communication port and the second communication port. The seal can thus be used to seal a gap between two chambers in communication.

Optionally, a through hole is provided in the first member, the second member passes through the through hole, and the seal seals a gap between the second member and the through hole. Thus, the above-described seal may be used to seal a gap between a hole and an object passing through the hole.

Optionally, a detachable cover is disposed on a side surface of the cover body facing the inner pan, the inner pan has a first opening, and when the cover body is closed, the detachable cover covers the first opening and seals the first opening through the first sealing ring. Therefore, the first sealing ring for sealing the inner pot is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the removable cover comprises:

a retaining ring configured in an annular shape; and

a removable cover platen connected to the retaining ring and covering an area enclosed by the retaining ring;

wherein the first seal ring and the retaining ring are integrally arranged. The removable cover is thus constructed to be integrally formed with the first seal ring.

Optionally, the cover body includes a liner, the liner has a sensing member and a second sealing ring integrally disposed with the liner, and the second sealing ring surrounds the sensing member and is tightly attached to the sensing member; and a detachable cover detachably connected to the inner liner, for covering the inner pot to form the cooking space, and provided with a first through hole communicating with the cooking space; in a state where the detachable cover is connected to the inner liner, the second seal ring seals the first through hole and the sensing member passes through the first through hole. Therefore, the second sealing ring for sealing the first through hole is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the sensing member is configured as an anti-spill probe or a temperature sensor. Thus, the specific form of the sensing member can be set as desired.

Optionally, the cover body comprises a liner, a first steam channel communicated with the outside is arranged on the liner, and a third sealing ring is integrally arranged at one end of the first steam channel on the liner; and a detachable cover detachably connected to the inner liner, the detachable cover being used for covering the inner pot to form the cooking space and being provided with a second through hole communicated with the cooking space, the first steam passage being communicated with the second through hole in a state that the detachable cover is connected to the inner liner, and the third sealing ring being positioned between the detachable cover and the inner liner and sealing a gap between the second through hole and the first steam passage. Therefore, the third sealing ring for sealing the second through hole is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, a first steam channel is arranged on the cover body, the cooking appliance further comprises a steam valve, the steam valve is provided with a second steam channel which penetrates through the steam valve, the steam valve is mounted to the cover body, the first steam channel is communicated with the second steam channel, and the cooking space can be communicated with the outside through the first steam channel and the second steam channel; the cover body is integrally provided with a fourth sealing ring at one end of the first steam channel, and the fourth sealing ring is positioned between the steam valve and the cover body and seals a gap between the first steam channel and the second steam channel. Therefore, the fourth sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the cooking appliance further comprises a steam valve, the steam valve is provided with a second steam channel which is communicated with the outside, and the cooking space can be communicated with the outside through the second steam channel; the steam valve comprises an upper valve cover, a lower valve cover and a steam valve sealing ring, wherein the lower valve cover is buckled with the upper valve cover, the steam valve sealing ring is integrally arranged on the upper valve cover and/or the lower valve cover, and the steam valve sealing ring seals a gap between the upper valve cover and the lower valve cover when the upper valve cover is buckled with the lower valve cover. Therefore, the steam valve sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the cooking appliance comprises:

the cooker comprises a cooker body and a cover body, wherein the cooker body is provided with a first opening, the cover body is provided with a second opening, and the cooker body is provided with a cooking utensil; and

a panel covering the second opening;

wherein a fifth sealing ring is integrally arranged on the edge of the second opening and/or the panel, and the fifth sealing ring seals a gap between the panel and the second opening. Therefore, the fifth sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, a groove which surrounds the second opening for a circle and is recessed downwards is arranged on the cooker body or the cover body, and the fifth sealing ring is arranged in the groove. Therefore, the fifth sealing ring is convenient to arrange.

Optionally, a protruding rib is arranged on the surface of the panel facing the accommodating cavity, and the protruding rib extends into the groove and abuts against the fifth sealing ring in a state that the panel covers the second opening. This can enhance the sealing property.

Optionally, a protruding fixing portion is disposed on a surface of the panel facing the accommodating cavity, and the fifth sealing ring is disposed on the surface of the panel facing the accommodating cavity and wraps the fixing portion.

Therefore, the fifth sealing ring is convenient to arrange.

Optionally, a groove which surrounds the second opening in a circumference and is recessed downward is formed in the edge of the second opening, and the fifth sealing ring extends into the groove in a state that the panel covers the second opening. This can enhance the sealing property.

Optionally, the cooking appliance comprises a lamp panel assembly, the lamp panel assembly is electrically connected with a functional element of the cooking appliance through a wire to control the cooking appliance to work, an accommodating cavity is formed in the cooker body or the cover body, the lamp panel assembly is arranged in the accommodating cavity, the accommodating cavity is provided with a wire outlet groove and a wire pressing plate covering the wire outlet groove, and the wire extends out of the accommodating cavity through the wire outlet groove; the wire pressing plate is characterized in that a wire outlet groove sealing piece is integrally arranged in the wire outlet groove, and the wire outlet groove sealing piece surrounds and wraps the wire and fills the space between the wire pressing plate and the wire outlet groove. Therefore, the wire outlet groove sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the outlet groove seal comprises a portion sandwiched between the tension bar and a sidewall of the outlet groove. Thereby, the sealing property can be enhanced.

Optionally, the cooking appliance further comprises:

a steam generating device for generating steam for assisting cooking, the steam generating device having a steam generating outlet, an

The steam channel assembly comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a sixth sealing ring, the upper shell and the lower shell are buckled to form a third steam channel, the first end of the third steam channel is communicated with the steam generation outlet, the second end of the third steam channel is communicated with the cooking space, and the sixth sealing ring is used for sealing a gap between the upper shell and the lower shell;

wherein the sixth sealing ring is integrally provided on the upper housing and/or the lower housing. Therefore, the sixth sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the steam generating device is arranged on the pot body, and the lid body comprises a face cover and a detachable cover detachably connected to the face cover; wherein the lower case is disposed on the detachable cover, the upper case is disposed on the face cover, and the lower case and the upper case are fastened to form the third steam passage in a state where the detachable cover is connected to the face cover. Therefore, the steam channel assembly can be disassembled and assembled along with the disassembly and assembly of the detachable cover.

Optionally, the detachable cover covers the steam generation outlet in a state that the cover body is covered, and a seventh sealing ring is integrally arranged on the edge of the detachable cover and/or the steam generation outlet so as to seal a gap between the detachable cover and the steam generation outlet. Therefore, the seventh sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the cooking appliance further comprises a gas outlet micro-pressure assembly, the gas outlet micro-pressure assembly comprises a micro-pressure bottom plate, a micro-pressure sealing pressing plate and a micro-pressure sealing ring, the micro-pressure sealing ring is clamped between the micro-pressure bottom plate and the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate to form a fourth steam channel for steam to pass through, the detachable cover is provided with a gas inlet communicated with the inner pot, the micro-pressure bottom plate is arranged on the detachable cover, one end of the fourth steam channel is communicated with the cooking space through the gas inlet, and the other end of the fourth steam channel is communicated with the outside; and a micro-pressure sealing ring is integrally arranged on the micro-pressure bottom plate and/or the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate so as to seal a gap between the micro-pressure bottom plate and the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate. Therefore, the air outlet micro-pressure sealing ring is convenient to manufacture, mold and install.

Optionally, the first member and/or the second member is made of a material different from the seal. Thereby, it is suitable to provide the seal integrally on the first member and/or the second member.

Optionally, the first member and/or the second member are at least partially made of a plastic material and/or the seal is made of a thermoplastic vulcanizate. Thus, the above materials facilitate the provision of the seal integrally.

Optionally, the seal is provided integrally with the first and/or second component by a two-shot process. Therefore, the process is simple, easy to realize and convenient to process.

Optionally, the surface of the first and/or second member to which the seal is bonded is provided with at least one convex protrusion, the thermoplastic vulcanizate constituting the seal wrapping the protrusion; and/or the surface of the first member and/or the second member that is bonded to the seal is provided with at least one concave recess in which the thermoplastic vulcanizate constituting the seal is at least partially filled. Thereby, the bonding strength of the seal and the first member and/or the second member may be increased.

Optionally, the number of surfaces of the first member and/or the second member to which the seal is bonded is 1 or more and 3 or less. Thus, the number of bonding surfaces can be selected according to the bonding strength requirements.

Optionally, the surface of the first member and/or the second member to which the seal is bonded has a dimension of 2-20 mm. Thus, the size of the bonding surface can be selected according to the bonding strength requirements.

Optionally, the seal has a material thickness of 0.5-5mm at the location of the bond with the first member and/or the second member. The thickness of the material at the location of the bond may be selected according to the strength requirements of the bond.

Drawings

The following drawings of embodiments of the invention are included as part of the present invention for an understanding of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings, there is shown in the drawings,

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cut-away view of the removable cover of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cut-away view of the inner liner of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the lid of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion C of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion D of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a steam valve of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion E of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a vertical cut-away view of a face cover of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion F of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the structure shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial top view of a face cover of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion G of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the removable lid, the steam channel assembly, and the venting micropressure assembly of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion H of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is another vertical cut-away view of the structure shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion J of FIG. 21; and

fig. 23 is a partially enlarged view of a portion K in fig. 21.

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the invention.

In the following description, a detailed structure will be presented for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It is apparent that the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

The invention provides a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance according to the present invention may be an electric rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker, or other cooking appliances, and the cooking appliance according to the present invention may have various functions such as cooking porridge, cooking soup, cooking, etc., in addition to the function of cooking rice. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, a cooking appliance 1 according to the present invention includes a pot body 10 and a lid 20. The pot body 10 is substantially in the shape of a rounded rectangular parallelepiped. The inner pot 11 may be provided in the pot body 10. The pot body 10 is provided therein with a straight cylindrical inner pot accommodating portion. The inner pot 11 can be freely put into or taken out of the inner pot accommodating part to be conveniently cleaned. A heating means (not shown) for heating the inner pot 11 is provided in the pot body 10 at a position below the inner pot 11.

The lid 20 is provided to the pot body 10 in an openable and closable manner. Therefore, the lid 20 generally has a shape corresponding to the shape of the pot body 10 to facilitate the lid of the pot body 10. In the present embodiment, the lid body 20 is connected to the pot body 10 by a pivot shaft (not shown). The lid body 20 is opened and closed with respect to the pot body 10 in a manner of pivoting about a pivot axis. Of course, the lid 20 may be connected to the pot body 10 in another manner (e.g., by snap-fit connection with a snap, or screwing by a screw structure) so as to be opened and closed with respect to the pot body 10, or the lid 20 may not be connected to the pot body 10. When the lid body 20 is opened with respect to the pot body 10, the opening of the inner pot 11 in the pot body 10 is exposed, and the user can add food materials to the inner pot 11 or take cooked food out of the inner pot 11. When the cover 20 is covered on the pot body 10, it covers the inner pot 11 and forms a cooking space with the inner pot 11.

Between the inner pot 11 and the lid 20, a sealing ring is often required. When the cover body 20 is closed, the sealing ring is clamped between the cover body 20 and the inner pot 11 to seal a gap between the cover body 20 and the inner pot, so that steam generated during cooking is prevented from being dissipated to the outside through the gap between the cover body and the inner pot to influence the cooking quality. In addition, the cooking appliance 1 has a plurality of sealing positions where a sealing member is required to be disposed to ensure a sealing effect against the passage of a fluid such as gas or liquid. The sealing position is typically between two adjacent components, and a seal is disposed between the two adjacent components to seal a gap therebetween. Herein, the two adjacent components may be referred to as a first member and a second member.

In general, the locations in the cooking appliance that require sealing can be roughly classified into three types:

the first method comprises the following steps: the first member is provided with a chamber having an opening, the second member is overlaid on the opening to close the chamber, and the seal is used to seal a gap between the second member and the opening. Specifically, for example, the cover 20 covers the inner pot 11.

And the second method comprises the following steps: the first member is provided with a first chamber having a first communication port, and the second member is provided with a second chamber having a second communication port. When the first member is connected with the second member, the first communication port is butted against the second communication port so that the first chamber and the second chamber are communicated. The sealing element is used for sealing a gap when the first communication port and the second communication port are in butt joint.

Wherein the first chamber and the second chamber may have at least one communication port, respectively. When both have only one intercommunication mouth, first cavity and second cavity butt joint form independent cavity structure. When at least one of the two includes more than two communication ports, the first chamber and the second chamber may be butted to form a structure similar to a channel (e.g., a steam channel). Specifically, for example, a form in which the steam passage in the cover body 20 is butted against the steam passage in the steam valve, which will be described below, or the like.

And the third is that: the first member is provided with a through hole, the second member passes through the through hole, and the sealing member seals a gap between the second member and the through hole. Specifically, for example, a form in which a wire passes through an outlet groove or the like as will be described below.

Of course, the location of the seal is not limited to the above three categories, and other variations are possible, as will be appreciated by the embodiments described below.

According to the invention, the seal is integrally provided on the first component and/or the second component in a non-detachable manner. Thus, there is no need to provide a mechanical structure for the assembly of the seal member, so that the number of parts and the structure can be simplified, the manufacture thereof is facilitated, and the connection strength is reliable. In addition, the assembly process during production can be simplified, the labor cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved. The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover body 20 is configured to include a detachable cover 21, an inner liner 22, and a face cover 23. The liner 22 has high strength and can support. The detachable cover 21 is disposed on a side of the inner liner 22 facing the inner pot 11, and is used for contacting with the inner pot 11 and covering the opening of the inner pot 11 when the inner pot is closed. A removable cover 21 is removably attached to the liner 22 to facilitate cleaning. The cover 23 covers the outside of the liner 22, protects the liner 22 and components provided thereon, and makes the cover 20 beautiful as a whole. A first gasket 213 for sealing between the inner pot 11 and the cover 20 is integrally provided on the detachable cover 21.

Specifically, the detachable cover 21 is configured to include a retaining ring 211 and a detachable cover platen 212. The retaining ring 211 is configured substantially in the shape of a ring, and the detachable cover pressing plate 212 is connected to the retaining ring 211 and covers the annular area inside the retaining ring 211, whereby both constitute the detachable cover 21. Referring to fig. 3, the edge of the detachable cover pressure plate 212 is provided with a clasp 214, and accordingly, the snap ring 211 is provided with a through mounting groove (not shown). The clasp 214 extends through the mounting slot and hooks over the retaining ring 211, thereby securing the removable cover platen 212 to the retaining ring 211. Preferably, the clasps 214 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the detachable cover pressure plate 212 and correspond to the mounting grooves one by one, so as to increase the fixing strength.

Generally, the removable cover platen 212 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, and the retaining ring 211 is made of a non-metal material such as plastic. The first seal ring 213 is integrally provided on the snap ring 211.

Referring to fig. 1, the detachable cover 21 is provided with a first through hole 215 therethrough. Referring again to fig. 4 and 5, a sensing member 222 is disposed on the liner 22. The sensing member 222 can pass through the first through hole 215 in a state where the detachable cover 21 is connected to the inner liner 22. Thus, when the cover body 20 is closed, the sensing member 222 can extend into the cooking space to sense parameters therein, such as temperature, pressure, etc. The sensing member 222 may be a temperature measuring probe, a pressure measuring probe, or an anti-overflow probe, etc., according to purposes.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, a second packing 221 integrally formed with the inner liner 22 is further provided on the inner liner 22 to seal the first through hole 215 so as to maintain the cooking space hermetically sealed. The sensing member 222 is disposed through the second sealing ring 221, and an inner edge of the second sealing ring 221 is attached to the sensing member 222. When the removable cover 21 is connected to the liner 22, the lower end of the second sealing ring 221 seals the first through hole 215 against the removable cover 21, and the sensing member 222 passes through the first through hole 215. Accordingly, the contents such as steam in the cooking space can only contact the sensing member 222 and the second packing 221, and cannot escape to the outside of the cooking space through the first through hole 215.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the inner liner 22 of the cover 20 is further provided with a first steam passage 25. Meanwhile, the detachable cover 21 is provided with a second through hole (not shown). When the cover body 20 is closed, the cooking space can communicate with the outside through the second through hole and the first steam channel 25. This can avoid excessive pressure in the cooking space.

The liner 22 is also provided with a third seal 251 integrally provided with the liner 22. Specifically, the third seal ring 251 is provided at the position of the inlet of the first steam passage 25. In the state where the removable cover 21 is attached to the inner liner 22, the third packing 251 seals between the inner liner 22 and the removable cover 21, so that steam can enter the first steam passage 25 only through the second through hole and cannot escape into the gap between the inner liner 22 and the removable cover 21 through the second through hole.

As shown in fig. 6 and 8, the cover 20 is further provided with a steam valve 40. The steam valve 40 is provided with a second steam passage 41 in a labyrinth shape. In a state where the steam valve 40 is mounted to the cover 20, the second steam passage 41 communicates with the first steam passage 25. In other words, the cooking space can communicate with the outside through the steam valve 40. The steam valve 40 can maintain a slight pressure environment of the cooking space with respect to the outside (e.g., the outside atmosphere) during cooking, facilitating the cooking. And the steam valve 40 can also function as an anti-overflow.

A fourth sealing ring 252 is disposed between the steam valve 40 and the cover 20, so that steam can only enter the second steam channel 41 through the first steam channel 25 and cannot escape to an undesired position through a gap between the steam valve 40 and the cover 20. The fourth seal ring 252 is configured to be provided integrally with the lid body 20. In the present embodiment, the first steam passage 25 is provided on the liner 22, and the steam valve 40 is provided at a position downstream of the first steam passage 25. Therefore, the fourth seal ring 252 is integrally provided at the position of the air outlet of the first steam passage 25 of the liner 22.

It is understood that in other embodiments, the steam valve may also be provided at a position between the cooking space and the first steam channel. That is, the steam valve is disposed upstream of the first steam passage. At this time, the fourth packing needs to be integrally provided at the air inlet of the first steam passage.

With continued reference to fig. 9-11, in one embodiment, the steam valve 40 is configured to include two portions, an upper valve cover 42 and a lower valve cover 43 that snap fit to one another. The opposite sides of the upper and lower valve covers 42 and 43 are respectively provided with a series of mutually staggered ribs, thereby forming a labyrinth-like second steam passage 41 when fastened. And an air inlet 411 of the second steam passage 41 is formed on the valve lower cover 43, and an air outlet 412 of the second steam passage 41 is formed on the valve upper cover 42. The steam valve 40 is divided into two parts, which is convenient for production and manufacture.

In addition, a steam valve packing 44 is provided between the valve upper cover 42 and the valve lower cover 43 to ensure sealing. The steam valve sealing ring 44 is configured to be integrally provided on the valve upper cover 42. Specifically, as shown in fig. 11, the side of the valve upper cover 42 facing the valve lower cover 43 is formed with a receiving groove 421, and the receiving groove 421 surrounds the valve upper cover 42 circumferentially. Accordingly, the side of the lower valve cover 43 facing the upper valve cover 42 is formed with a wall 431 circumferentially extending around and upward. The steam valve packing 44 is integrally provided in the receiving groove 421. When assembled, the wall 431 of the lower valve cover 43 extends into the receiving groove 421 of the upper valve cover 42 and presses against the steam valve sealing ring 44 to maintain a seal between the upper valve cover 42 and the lower valve cover 43.

It will be appreciated that the steam valve sealing ring may also be provided integrally with the lower valve cover, for example by providing a receiving groove in the lower valve cover and the steam valve sealing ring in the receiving groove. Alternatively, the steam valve packing may be integrally provided at the upper end of the wall of the valve lower cover. The person skilled in the art can select a suitable arrangement according to the process requirements, as long as the steam valve sealing ring is integrally arranged with the valve upper cover and/or the valve lower cover.

With continued reference to fig. 12-14, the cooking appliance 1 further includes a lamp panel assembly 50. The lamp panel assembly 50 is electrically connected to various functional elements (e.g., a heating device, a temperature measuring device, etc.) of the cooking appliance 1 to control the operation thereof. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 12, the upper surface of the face cover 23 of the lid body 20 is provided with a housing cavity 231 recessed downward. Lamp panel assembly 50 sets up in holding chamber 231. A panel 51 is disposed above the lamp panel assembly 50. The panel 51 is provided with indication information corresponding to the keys of the lamp panel assembly 50, and the keys can be pressed according to the indication information to execute corresponding operations. Thus, the lamp panel assembly 50 and the panel 51 constitute a control device of the cooking appliance 1.

Lamp panel assembly 50 needs live working, consequently need carry out waterproof setting to it. The panel 51 also serves to close the opening of the accommodating cavity 231 (for differentiation, this opening may be referred to as a second opening, and the opening of the inner pan 11 may be referred to as a first opening), and prevent water or water vapor from entering the accommodating cavity 231 through the second opening and contacting the lamp panel assembly 50, thereby causing damage. Further, a fifth sealing ring 52 is further provided between the panel 51 and the receiving cavity 231 to seal the receiving cavity 231.

According to the present invention, the fifth packing 52 is configured to be integrally provided at the edge of the panel 51 or the second opening of the receiving chamber 231 (i.e., on the face cover 23). As shown in fig. 13, a groove 232 which surrounds the second opening of the accommodating chamber 231 for one circle and is recessed downward is provided on the face cover 23. The fifth seal ring 52 is integrally disposed within the groove 232. Preferably, the side of the panel 51 facing the receiving cavity 231 is provided with a protruding rib 511. In the state where the panel 51 is attached to the face cover 23, the rib 511 extends into the groove 232 and presses the fifth gasket 52 against it to enhance the sealing function. Of course, the rib 511 may be omitted, and the fifth sealing ring 52 may protrude from the groove 232, so that the panel 51 may directly contact the fifth sealing ring 52 without using any additional structure.

Fig. 14 shows another embodiment. Wherein the fifth sealing ring 52 'is integrally provided on the panel 51'. Preferably, the side of the panel 51 'facing the face cover 23 is provided with a protruding fixing portion 511'. The material constituting the fifth packing 52 'is wrapped around the fixing portion 511' when molding. Thereby, the coupling strength between the fifth packing 52 'and the panel 51' can be increased. Preferably, a groove 232 'which surrounds the second opening of the accommodating cavity in a circle and is recessed downwards is arranged on the surface cover 23, so that the fifth sealing ring 52' can extend into the groove to enhance the sealing.

It will be appreciated that the fifth sealing ring may be integrally provided directly on the surface of the face cover or panel without the need for further structure. In addition, hold the chamber and also can set up on the a kind of deep pot body, lamp plate assembly installs on the a kind of deep pot body this moment.

The lamp panel assembly 50 is electrically connected to other functional elements through wires. That is, wires need to extend out from within the receiving cavity 231 and connect between the light panel assembly 50 and other functional elements. Therefore, a sealing member is also required to be provided at a position where the lead extends from the accommodating chamber 231 for sealing.

As shown in fig. 15 to 17, in the present embodiment, the surface cover 23 is provided with a U-shaped outlet groove 233 communicating with the housing chamber 231. The lead 53 extends from the receiving cavity 231 along the outlet slot 233. In addition, a tension plate 54 is provided to cover the opening of the outlet groove 233 so that a closed space is formed in a direction surrounding the lead 53. Further, an outlet groove seal 55 is provided in the outlet groove 233, which seals a space other than the lead wire 53 between the outlet groove 233 and the pressure plate 54 from water or water vapor passing therethrough.

Specifically, the outlet groove seal 55 is integrally provided on the side wall of the outlet groove 233 and fills the inner space of the outlet groove 233. The outlet groove seal 55 has a slit provided along the extending direction of the outlet groove 233. During assembly, the wire 53 can be snapped into and wrapped around the groove seal 55 through the gap, with an interference fit therebetween, to avoid creating a gap through which water or water vapor can pass.

Further, the outlet groove seal 55 extends upward beyond the U-shaped opening of the outlet groove 233 and extends to both sides in the width direction. The tension plate 54 is connected to the top end of the side wall of the outlet groove 233 by a connecting member such as a screw, and sandwiches the outlet groove seal 55 therebetween, and the sealing is enhanced by pressing the outlet groove seal 55.

The cooking appliance 1 is further provided with a steam generating device 30 having a steam generating outlet which is communicable with the cooking space through a third steam passage. During cooking, the steam generating device 30 can generate steam and guide the steam into the cooking space to assist in cooking. Taking an electric cooker as an example, the specific operation of the auxiliary cooking can be that in the cooking process, steam generated by the steam generating device 30 is guided into the cooking space and heated from the upper part of rice, so that the rice can be uniformly heated, and the heating efficiency is improved; or after the rice is cooked, the steam generated by the steam generating device 30 is introduced into the cooking space to keep the rice warm and fresh, so that the rice can keep good taste.

As shown in fig. 1, in the present embodiment, the steam generating device 30 includes a water container provided in the pot body 10. The water container is used for containing water to be heated to generate steam. As shown in fig. 18, a steam channel assembly 26 is also provided in the cooking appliance 1. The steam channel assembly 26 includes an upper case (not shown) and a lower case 261. The upper and lower casings 261 are snap-fitted together and a third steam passage 263 is formed therebetween. One end of the third steam passage 263 is communicated with the steam generation outlet of the steam generating device 30, and the other end is communicated with the cooking space. The upper and lower housings 261 are also provided with a sixth sealing ring 262. The sixth sealing ring 262 is integrally provided on the upper and/or lower housing 261.

As shown in fig. 21 and 23, the sixth seal 262 is integrally provided on the lower housing 261. However, in other embodiments, the sixth seal ring may be integrally provided on the upper casing, or the sixth seal ring may be integrally provided on both the upper and lower casings.

Preferably, the lower case 261 may be provided on the detachable cover 21, and the upper case may be provided on the inner liner 22. When the removable cover 21 is attached to the liner 22, the upper and lower housings 261 snap together and form a third steam path 263 therebetween. When the detachable cover 21 is detached from the liner 22, the upper and lower cases 261 are separated. Thus, the third steam passage 263 can be conveniently cleaned or maintained.

It will be appreciated that the third steam passage 263 and the steam generating outlet of the steam generating device 30 need to be provided with a seal. Preferably, with reference to fig. 1, 18 to 20, the removable cover 21 is configured to cover the steam generation outlet when the cover body 20 is closed. A seventh sealing ring 31 is provided between the removable cover 21 and the steam generating outlet. The seventh sealing ring 31 can be integrally provided on the removable lid 21 and/or on the edge of the steam generation outlet (for example on the body 10, or on the opening of the water container). In the present embodiment, the seventh seal ring 31 is integrally provided on the detachable cover 21.

Preferably, an outlet micro-pressure assembly 27 may be provided, which has the same function as the steam valve 40. In contrast, the outlet micro-pressure module 27 is integrally provided in the cover 20, so that the provision of the steam valve 40 can be omitted.

Referring to fig. 18, 21 and 22, the outlet micro-pressure assembly 27 includes a micro-pressure base plate 271, a micro-pressure sealing platen (not shown) and a micro-pressure sealing ring 272 interposed therebetween. A fourth vapor channel is formed between the micro-pressure base plate 271 and the micro-pressure sealing platen. The micro-pressure base plate 271 is disposed on the removable cover 21, and the removable cover 21 is further provided with an air inlet hole (not shown). One end of the fourth steam channel can be communicated with the inner pot 11 through the air inlet hole, and the other end is communicated with the outside. Thereby, the cooking space can communicate with the outside through the fourth steam passage. The second steam channel is used for timely discharging gas in the cooking space to the outside atmosphere, and the pressure in the cooking space is prevented from being too high.

Wherein, the micro-pressure sealing ring 272 is integrally arranged on the micro-pressure base plate 271 and/or the micro-pressure sealing pressure plate. In the present embodiment, the micro pressure seal ring 272 is integrally provided on the micro pressure base plate 271. Preferably, the micro-pressure plate 271 may be provided as a structure integrated with the lower case 261 of the steam channel assembly 26.

Preferably, at each of the above sealing positions, the first member and/or the second member provided with the sealing member may be made of a material different from that of the sealing member. This is because the material is often required to be heated to a molten state during the seal processing setting, and therefore the first member and/or the second member as the base are required to be able to withstand the temperature of the molten material without deformation. Therefore, the first member and/or the second member may be made of a material different from that of the sealing member.

Taking the first component as an example, it can be made of plastic material at least partially, which is convenient for manufacturing and molding. And the sealing member may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer has the excellent performances of high elasticity, aging resistance and oil resistance of the traditional cross-linked vulcanized rubber, can work and use at the temperature range of-60 ℃ to 135 ℃, has small deformation and excellent weather resistance and chemical resistance; meanwhile, the plastic has the characteristics of convenience in processing common plastics and wide processing mode. In addition, the material is suitable for being processed with plastic materials and the like in an integrated forming mode.

It is to be understood that integrally formed as referred to herein means that the parts of the component parts are constructed as a unitary and non-detachable structure after forming by bonding of materials and without the use of separate connectors or snap-fit mechanical structures or the like.

Wherein the thermoplastic elastomer material may be a thermoplastic vulcanizate. The thermoplastic vulcanized elastomer is obtained by vulcanizing rubber materials such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber and the like and polypropylene plastic according to different component ratios. Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber is generally a copolymer of ethylene, propylene and a small amount of a non-conjugated diene, and is one of ethylene-propylene rubbers. Nitrile rubber is a member of the acrylonitrile and butadiene synthetic rubbers. Butyl rubber is synthesized from isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. The thermoplastic vulcanizate used in the present invention is generally prepared by mixing 40% of rubber material with 20% -30% of polypropylene plastic material and adding reinforcing filler. In order to adjust the hardness of different types of thermoplastic vulcanized elastomers, the proportion of the components is adjusted accordingly.

The seal may be integrally provided on the first member by a process of two-shot molding. In particular, the first component may be shaped in a mould by an injection moulding process. Then, the molded first member is placed as a base (or referred to as an insert) in an injection molding machine to perform secondary injection molding. In this process, the heated thermoplastic vulcanizate is molded directly onto the substrate to form the seal. Thereby, the seal is formed as an integral member with the first member. Preferably, the specific gravity of the thermoplastic vulcanizate constituting the seal may be in the range of 0.90 to 0.97 and the melt temperature thereof may be in the range of 180 ℃ to 225 ℃. Such physical properties can be adapted to the processing conditions of the injection molding process.

It will be appreciated that in order to increase the strength of the bond between the thermoplastic vulcanizate forming the seal and the first member, a convex protrusion may be provided on the surface of the first member to which the seal is bonded, the thermoplastic vulcanizate surrounding the protrusion and being molded onto the first member. This can increase the bonding area between the thermoplastic vulcanizate and the first member, thereby increasing the bonding strength. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a concave recess on the surface of the first member to which the seal is bonded, the thermoplastic vulcanizate at least partially filling the recess and being molded on the first member, it also being possible to increase the bonding area to increase the bonding strength. Of course, both the concave portion and the convex portion may be provided on the surface of the first member to which the seal member is bonded, and a plurality of each may be provided.

The bonding force between the seal and the first member is related to the bonding surfaces of the two. The larger the area of the bonding surface, the greater the bonding force; the more bonding surfaces (especially intersecting bonding surfaces) there are between, the more complex the direction of action of the bonding force and thus the greater the bonding strength. Preferably, the number of surfaces of the first member to which the thermoplastic vulcanized elastomer constituting the seal is bonded is 1 or more and 3 or less. Thus, the sufficient bonding strength can be ensured, and the increase of the production cost caused by the excessively complicated structure can be avoided.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the first seal ring 213 is combined with the snap ring 211 through two combining surfaces a1 and a 2. As shown in fig. 5, the second packing 221 is combined with the liner 22 by two coupling surfaces B1 and B2. As shown in fig. 7, the third packing 251 is coupled to the liner 22 by two coupling surfaces C1 and C2. As shown in fig. 8, the fourth seal ring 252 is bonded to the liner 22 by two bonding surfaces D1 and D2. As shown in fig. 11, the steam valve packing 44 is combined with the valve upper cover 42 through three combining surfaces of two opposite side walls and a bottom wall of the receiving groove 421. As shown in fig. 13, the fifth packing 52 is coupled to the face cover 23 through three coupling surfaces of two opposite side walls and a bottom wall of the groove 232. As shown in fig. 14, the fifth packing 52' is combined with the panel 51 through a combining surface. As shown in fig. 20, the seventh sealing ring 31 is combined with the detachable lid 21 by a combination surface of E1. As shown in fig. 22, micro-pressure seal ring 272 is coupled to micro-pressure base plate 271 via a coupling surface J1. As shown in fig. 23, the sixth sealing ring 262 is combined with the lower housing 261 by a combination surface of K1.

Preferably, the dimension (length and/or width) of each surface of the first member to which the seal is bonded is 2-20 mm. The size of the sealing element can be 2mm, 5mm, 10mm, 15mm or 20mm according to the size of the sealing element and different requirements on the bonding strength. In the drawings, the values of H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, and H7 all fall within the above ranges.

Preferably, the thickness of the thermoplastic vulcanizate constituting the seal at the joining surface where the first members are joined is 0.5-5 mm. The thickness may be 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, etc., depending on the size of the seal itself and the need for bond strength. In the drawings, the values of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 all fall within the above ranges.

Further, as for the fifth sealing ring 52 for sealing the lamp panel assembly, the sectional area thereof is preferably set to be more than 1.5mm². For example, 1.5mm²、5mm²、10mm²、30mm²、40mm²Or 50mm²And the like. And, for the steam valve sealing ring 44 of the steam valve 40, the sectional area thereof is preferably set to 0.75 to 50mm². For example, 0.75mm²、5mm²、10mm²、30mm²、40mm²Or 50mm²And the like.

According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, the sealing member for sealing is configured to be integrally provided on the first member and/or the second member, there is no need to provide a mechanical structure for assembly, the number of parts and the structure can be simplified, manufacturing is facilitated, and the coupling strength is reliable. In addition, the assembly process during production can be simplified, the labor cost is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Terms such as "disposed" and the like, as used herein, may refer to one element being directly attached to another element or one element being attached to another element through intervening elements. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, either alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is otherwise inapplicable or otherwise stated in the other embodiment.

The present invention has been described in terms of the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the invention to the scope of the described embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the teachings of the invention, which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance, characterized in that it comprises:

the cooker body is internally provided with an inner pot;

2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first member has a cavity disposed thereon having an opening, the second member covers the opening to close the cavity, and the seal seals a gap between the second member and the opening.

3. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first member has a first chamber with a first communication port disposed thereon, the second member has a second chamber with a second communication port disposed thereon, the first communication port is in abutment with the second communication port to place the first and second chambers in communication, and the seal seals a gap between the first and second communication ports.

4. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the first member has a through hole disposed therein, the second member passes through the through hole, and the seal seals a gap between the second member and the through hole.

5. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein a side of the cover facing the inner pan is provided with a removable cover, the inner pan having a first opening, the removable cover covering the first opening and sealing the first opening with the first sealing ring when the cover is closed.

6. The cooking appliance of claim 5, wherein the removable cover comprises:

a retaining ring configured in an annular shape; and

wherein the first seal ring and the retaining ring are integrally arranged.

7. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein the cover comprises:

the lining is provided with a sensing part and a second sealing ring which is integrally arranged with the lining, and the second sealing ring surrounds the sensing part and is tightly attached to the sensing part; and

a detachable cover detachably connected to the inner liner, the detachable cover for covering the inner pot to form the cooking space and provided with a first through hole communicating with the cooking space;

in a state where the detachable cover is connected to the inner liner, the second seal ring seals the first through hole and the sensing member passes through the first through hole.

8. The cooking appliance of claim 7, wherein the sensing member is configured as a spill probe or a temperature sensor.

9. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the cover comprises:

the steam pipe comprises a liner, a first steam channel and a third sealing ring, wherein the liner is provided with the first steam channel communicated with the outside, and the third sealing ring is integrally arranged at one end of the first steam channel; and

a detachable cover detachably connected to the inner liner, the detachable cover for covering the inner pot to form the cooking space and provided with a second through hole communicating with the cooking space;

the first steam passage communicates with the second through hole in a state where the detachable cover is attached to the inner liner, and the third seal ring is located between the detachable cover and the inner liner and seals a gap between the second through hole and the first steam passage.

10. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the cover is provided with a first steam passage, the cooking appliance further comprising a steam valve having a second steam passage therethrough, the steam valve being mounted to the cover and the first steam passage communicating with the second steam passage, the cooking space being communicable with the outside through the first steam passage and the second steam passage;

the cover body is integrally provided with a fourth seal ring at one end of the first steam channel, and the fourth seal ring is positioned between the steam valve and the cover body and seals a gap between the first steam channel and the second steam channel in a state that the steam valve is mounted to the cover body.

11. The cooking appliance of claim 2, further comprising a steam valve having a second steam passage therethrough, the cooking space being communicable with the outside through the second steam passage;

the steam valve comprises an upper valve cover, a lower valve cover and a steam valve sealing ring, wherein the lower valve cover is buckled with the upper valve cover, the steam valve sealing ring is integrally arranged on the upper valve cover and/or the lower valve cover, and the steam valve sealing ring seals a gap between the upper valve cover and the lower valve cover when the upper valve cover is buckled with the lower valve cover.

12. The cooking appliance of claim 2, wherein the cooking appliance comprises:

a panel covering the second opening;

wherein a fifth sealing ring is integrally arranged on the edge of the second opening and/or the panel, and the fifth sealing ring seals a gap between the panel and the second opening.

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 12, wherein the pot body or the cover has a groove surrounding the second opening and recessed downward, and the fifth sealing ring is disposed in the groove.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein a surface of the panel facing the receiving cavity is provided with a protruding rib, and the protruding rib extends into the groove and abuts against the fifth sealing ring in a state where the panel covers the second opening.

15. The cooking appliance according to claim 12, wherein a surface of the panel facing the receiving cavity is provided with a protruding fixing portion, and the fifth sealing ring is provided on the surface of the panel facing the receiving cavity and wraps the fixing portion.

16. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, wherein the edge of the second opening is provided with a groove which surrounds the second opening for a circle and is recessed downward, and the fifth sealing ring extends into the groove in a state that the panel covers the second opening.

17. The cooking appliance according to claim 4, wherein the cooking appliance comprises a lamp panel assembly, the lamp panel assembly is electrically connected with functional elements of the cooking appliance through wires to control the cooking appliance to work, a containing cavity is arranged on the cooker body or the cover body, the lamp panel assembly is arranged in the containing cavity, the containing cavity is provided with an outlet groove and a wire pressing plate covering the outlet groove, and the wires extend out of the containing cavity through the outlet groove;

the wire pressing plate is characterized in that a wire outlet groove sealing piece is integrally arranged in the wire outlet groove, and the wire outlet groove sealing piece surrounds and wraps the wire and fills the space between the wire pressing plate and the wire outlet groove.

18. The cooking appliance of claim 17, wherein the outlet groove seal includes a portion sandwiched between the tension bar and a sidewall of the outlet groove.

19. The cooking appliance of claim 2, further comprising:

wherein the sixth sealing ring is integrally provided on the upper housing and/or the lower housing.

20. The cooking appliance of claim 19, wherein the steam generating device is disposed on the pot body, the lid body including a face cover and a removable cover removably connected to the face cover;

wherein the lower case is disposed on the detachable cover, the upper case is disposed on the face cover, and the lower case and the upper case are fastened to form the third steam passage in a state where the detachable cover is connected to the face cover.

21. The cooking appliance according to claim 20, wherein the removable cover covers the steam generating outlet in a closed state of the cover, and wherein a seventh sealing ring is integrally provided on an edge of the removable cover and/or the steam generating outlet to seal a gap between the removable cover and the steam generating outlet.

22. The cooking appliance according to claim 20, further comprising an air outlet micro-pressure assembly, wherein the air outlet micro-pressure assembly comprises a micro-pressure bottom plate, a micro-pressure sealing pressing plate and a micro-pressure sealing ring, the micro-pressure sealing ring is clamped between the micro-pressure bottom plate and the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate to form a fourth steam channel for steam to pass through, the detachable cover is provided with an air inlet hole communicated with the inner pot, the micro-pressure bottom plate is arranged on the detachable cover, one end of the fourth steam channel is communicated with the cooking space through the air inlet hole, and the other end of the fourth steam channel is communicated with the outside;

and a micro-pressure sealing ring is integrally arranged on the micro-pressure bottom plate and/or the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate so as to seal a gap between the micro-pressure bottom plate and the micro-pressure sealing pressing plate.

23. The cooking appliance of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first member and/or the second member is made of a material different from the seal.

24. The cooking appliance of claim 23, wherein the first member and/or the second member is at least partially made of a plastic material and/or the seal is made of a thermoplastic vulcanizate.

25. The cooking appliance of claim 24, wherein the seal is integrally provided with the first member and/or the second member by a two-shot process.

26. The cooking appliance of claim 25, wherein the surface of the first member and/or the second member that is bonded to the seal is provided with at least one convex protrusion, the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising the seal wrapping the protrusion;

and/or the surface of the first member and/or the second member that is bonded to the seal is provided with at least one concave recess in which the thermoplastic vulcanizate constituting the seal is at least partially filled.

27. The cooking appliance of claim 25, wherein the number of surfaces of the first member and/or the second member that engage the seal is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 3.

28. The cooking appliance of claim 25, wherein the surface of the first member and/or the second member to which the seal is bonded has a dimension of 2-20 mm.

29. The cooking appliance of claim 25, wherein the seal has a material thickness of 0.5-5mm at the location where the seal is bonded to the first member and/or the second member.