CN113208422A

CN113208422A - Cooking utensil

Info

Publication number: CN113208422A
Application number: CN202010070707.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吕华; 钟辰根
Original assignee: Zhejiang Supor Electrical Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Zhejiang Supor Electrical Appliances Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-21
Filing date: 2020-01-21
Publication date: 2021-08-06

Abstract

The invention discloses a cooking appliance, which comprises a cooker body, a cover body opening and closing mechanism, a steam generating device and a linkage mechanism. When the cover body covers the cooker body, a cooking space is formed between the cover body and the cooker body. The cover body opening and closing mechanism is used for locking the cover body at a closing position or releasing the cover body to an opening position. The steam generating device is arranged on the cover body and comprises a steam generating cavity, a steam channel and a steam cover plate. The steam generating chamber is used for containing water to be heated to generate steam, and the steam channel is communicated with the steam generating chamber and the cooking space to guide the steam into the cooking space. The steam cover plate is connected to the cover body and can be opened and closed relative to the steam generation cavity so as to open or close the steam generation cavity. The linkage mechanism is provided in the lid body and is configured to act on the lid body opening and closing mechanism in response to opening of the steam cover plate to lock the lid body in the closed position. The cooking appliance according to the present invention can lock the cover body in the closed position when the steam cover plate is opened, so that the liquid in the steam generating chamber can be prevented from flowing out.

Description

Cooking utensil

Technical Field

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

Background

In a cooking appliance, a steam cup is generally provided in a pot body to generate steam for the purpose of recovering steam or moisturizing the steam. In order to effectively reduce the volume of the cooking appliance, the applicant has designed a new type of cooking appliance in which the steam cup is provided in the lid body. And, the steam cup is provided with an independent steam cover plate to facilitate water addition or cleaning. However, since the lid body needs to be opened and closed frequently, if the lid body is opened in an opened state of the steam cover plate, or if the steam cover plate is opened simultaneously due to an erroneous operation of the operation of opening the lid body, water in the steam cup may be poured and flow out, which brings a risk.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a cooking appliance to at least partially solve the above mentioned problems.

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, a first aspect of the present invention discloses a cooking appliance, comprising:

a pot body;

the cover body is arranged relative to the cooker body in an opening and closing mode, and when the cover body covers the cooker body, a cooking space is formed between the cover body and the cooker body;

a cover opening and closing mechanism for locking the cover in a closed position or releasing the cover to an open position;

a steam generating device disposed on the cover, the steam generating device including:

a steam generating chamber for containing water to be heated to generate steam;

a steam passage communicating the steam generation chamber with the cooking space to guide the steam into the cooking space; and

a steam cover plate connected to the cover body and openable and closable with respect to the steam generation chamber to open or close the steam generation chamber; and

a linkage mechanism provided in the lid body, the linkage mechanism being configured to act on the lid body opening-closing mechanism in response to opening of the steam cover plate to lock the lid body in the closed position.

According to the cooking appliance, the linkage between the cover body and the steam cover plate can be realized through the linkage mechanism according to the opening and closing states of the cover body and the steam cover plate, so that the cover body cannot be opened while the steam cover plate is in the opening state. Wherein, the linkage mechanism can act on the cover body opening and closing mechanism to limit the change of the opening and closing state of the cover body. Therefore, the technical scheme of the invention has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient installation and easy operation, reduces the risk of misoperation which can cause the water in the steam generating cavity to flow out, and improves the safety.

Alternatively, the linkage mechanism is configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism in response to the closing of the steam cover to release the locking of the lid. Therefore, the cover body can be opened while the steam cover plate is in a closed state, and safety is improved.

Optionally, the linkage mechanism is disposed between the steam cover plate and the cover opening and closing mechanism, and the linkage mechanism includes a locking device movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. Therefore, the cover body can be locked and unlocked through the movement of the locking device, so that the structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

Optionally, the cooking appliance further comprises a lid opening button provided on the pot body, the lid opening button being configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism when operated so that the lid can be opened with respect to the pot body. Therefore, the cover opening button is arranged, so that the user operation is facilitated, and the cover opening action is conveniently completed. And, the uncapping button sets up on the a kind of deep pot body, can effectively reduce the risk that the high temperature steam that is gushed out scalded when the user uncaps.

Optionally, the steam cover panel is configured to apply a force to the locking device when closed, such that the locking device moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. Therefore, the locking device can be moved by the acting force of the steam cover plate, so that other power devices are avoided, and the cooking appliance is simple in structure and easy to operate.

Optionally, the linkage mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the locking device when the steam cover panel is opened, such that the locking device moves from the unlocked position to the locked position. Thus, the cover body can be always locked at the closed position by always biasing the locking device at the locking position in the open state of the steam cover plate, thereby preventing the risk of misoperation.

Optionally, the linkage mechanism further comprises a transmission device, the transmission device is arranged between the steam generating device and the locking device, a first end of the transmission device is in contact with the steam cover plate, and a second end of the transmission device can act on the locking device. Therefore, the acting force of the steam cover plate can be transmitted to the locking device through the transmission device, and the linkage effect of the linkage mechanism is realized by utilizing the interaction between the transmission device and the locking device. The solution makes it possible to amplify the stroke of the locking device by means of a transmission.

Optionally, the actuator is movable between a first position and a second position. Thereby, the movement of the locking means can be achieved by the movement of the transmission means.

Optionally, the steam cover plate is configured to act on the first end when closed to move the transmission from the first position to the second position, and the second end is configured to act on the locking device when moved from the first position to the second position to move the locking device from the locked position to the unlocked position. Thus, the movement of the steam cover plate to drive the movement of the locking device can be realized by using the transmission device, so that the first position of the transmission device corresponds to the locking position of the locking device, and the second position of the transmission device corresponds to the unlocking position of the locking device.

Optionally, the lid opening and closing mechanism includes a first fastener disposed on the lid and a second fastener disposed on the pot, the first fastener is capable of cooperating with the second fastener to cause the lid to be in the closed position, wherein the lid opening button is capable of acting on the second fastener when operated to cause the second fastener to move to disengage from the first fastener. Thus, the lid body can be separated from the pot body by operating the lid opening button, i.e., the lid body can be opened with respect to the pot body. In addition, the first buckling piece and the second buckling piece can be matched simply, so that the cooking utensil is compact in structure.

Optionally, the locking device is configured to limit movement of the second fastener when in the locked position such that the second fastener cannot be disengaged from the first fastener. Therefore, the cover body can be ensured not to be opened relative to the cooker body by limiting the movement of the second buckling piece.

Optionally, the locking device includes a post that is configured to abut against a back surface of the second fastener to limit movement of the second fastener. Therefore, the movement of the second buckling piece can be limited simply in a pressing mode, so that the locking device is simple in structure and easy to produce and install.

Optionally, the transmission comprises a slide configured to be movable in a first direction from the first position to the second position such that the locking device is movable in a second direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Thereby, the action force of the steam cover plate can be utilized to enable the transmission device to generate linear motion.

Optionally, the transmission further comprises an additional biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the slider when the steam cover plate is opened such that the slider moves from the second position to the first position in a direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, the cover body can be always locked at the closing position by always biasing the transmission device at the first position under the opening state of the steam cover plate, so that the risk caused by misoperation is prevented.

Optionally, the first end includes a first ramp configured to push the first ramp downward when closed to move the slider from the first position to the second position. Thereby, the substantially downward force of the steam cover plate can be used to drive the transmission means to produce a movement in a direction at an angle to the force.

Optionally, the second end comprises a second ramp, the locking device comprises a third ramp, and the second ramp is cooperable with the third ramp to enable translation of movement of the slider in the first direction into movement of the locking device in the second direction. Thereby, the linear movement of the transmission means can be used to drive the locking means to produce a movement in a direction at an angle to the linear direction.

Optionally, the first inclined surface has an angle with the first direction in the range of 30 ° to 90 °. Therefore, the scheme can more conveniently convert the downward pushing of the steam cover plate into the movement of the sliding piece along the first direction by setting the included angle in the range.

Optionally, the included angle between each of the second inclined surface and the third inclined surface and the first direction is in a range of 30 ° to 60 °. This scheme can more conveniently convert the motion of slider along the first direction into the motion of locking device along the second direction perpendicular to first direction through setting up the contained angle in above-mentioned scope.

Optionally, the transmission device comprises a lever member and a support shaft supporting the lever member, the lever member being configured to be rotatable about the support shaft from the first position to the second position such that the locking device is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position. The force of the steam cover plate can thus be used to produce a movement of the gear in the form of a rotation.

Optionally, the second end comprises a first coupling portion and the locking device comprises a second coupling portion, wherein the first coupling portion is connected to the second coupling portion. Hereby, it is achieved that the first coupling part moves together with the second coupling part, so that the locking means follows the transmission via the second coupling part.

Optionally, one of the first and second coupling parts is configured as a projection and the other as a recess, the projection being at least partially receivable in the recess. Thereby, the connection between the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be conveniently realized, and the firmness of the connection is improved.

Alternatively, the support shaft may be formed integrally with the lever member, or the support shaft may be separable from the lever member. Therefore, different mounting modes of the transmission device relative to the cover body can be realized, and assembly is facilitated.

The second aspect of the present invention also discloses a cooking appliance, comprising:

a pot body;

a steam generating chamber for containing water to be heated to generate steam;

a steam passage communicating the steam generation chamber with the cooking space to guide the steam into the cooking space;

the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism is used for locking the steam cover plate at a covering position or releasing the steam cover plate to an opening position;

a linkage mechanism provided in the lid body and linked with the lid body opening and closing mechanism and the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism, and configured to act on the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism in response to an action of the lid body opening and closing mechanism so that the steam cover plate is locked in the closed position when the lid body is opened.

According to the cooking appliance, the linkage between the cover body and the steam cover plate can be realized through the linkage mechanism according to the opening and closing states of the cover body and the steam cover plate, so that the steam cover plate cannot be opened while the cover body is in the opening state. Wherein, the link gear can act on steam apron closing mechanism and restrict the change of the open and close state of steam apron. Therefore, the technical scheme of the invention has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient installation and easy operation, reduces the risk of misoperation which can cause the water in the steam generating cavity to flow out, and improves the safety.

Optionally, the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism includes a first fastener arranged on the steam cover plate and a second fastener arranged on the cover body, the first fastener can be matched with the second fastener to enable the steam cover plate to be located at the cover closing position, and the linkage mechanism can act on the first fastener and/or the second fastener to lock the steam cover plate at the cover closing position. Therefore, the first buckling piece and the second buckling piece can be matched simply, and the cooking appliance is compact in structure.

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 the present invention, wherein a steam cover plate is in a closed state;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to the present invention, in which a steam cover is in an open state;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a cover is in an open state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 3 with the steam cover in an open state;

FIG. 5 is another perspective and partial cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance of FIG. 3; and

fig. 7 is a perspective view and a partial sectional view of a cooking appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a steam cover is in an open state.

Description of reference numerals:

100: the cooking appliance 110: pot body

111: an inner pot 120: cover body

121: the surface cover 122: detachable cover

130: steam generation device 131: steam generating cavity

132: the steam cover 133: first fastener

140: lid opening/closing mechanism 141: first fastener

142: second fastener 150/250: linkage mechanism

151/251: transmission 152/252: locking device

153: biasing member 154/254: first end

155/255: second end 156: sliding member

157: additional biasing member 158: top pillar

160: the lid-opening button 256: lever piece

257: support shaft 258: first coupling part

259: the second coupling portion a: first inclined plane

B: a second slope C: third inclined plane

D1: first direction D2: second direction

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.

Hereinafter, a cooking appliance 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 7. It is understood that the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention may be an electric rice cooker, an electric pressure cooker or other cooking appliances, and the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention may have various functions such as cooking porridge, etc. in addition to the function of cooking rice.

As shown in fig. 1 to 7, the cooking appliance 100 includes a pot body 110 and a lid 120. The pot body 110 is substantially in the shape of a rounded rectangular parallelepiped and has a cylindrical-shaped inner pot cooking cavity, and the inner pot 111 (fig. 3) can be freely put into or taken out of the inner pot cooking cavity to facilitate cleaning of the inner pot 111. The inner pot 111 is generally made of a metal material and has a circular opening on an upper surface for containing a material to be heated, such as rice, soup, etc. The pot body 110 may include therein a heating means for heating the inner pot 111.

The cover 120 has a substantially rounded rectangular parallelepiped shape and substantially corresponds to the shape of the pot body 110. The cover 120 may be disposed at an upper side of the pot body 110 for covering the pot body 110 in a covered state. The cover 120 can be in a closed position and an open position, respectively, with respect to the pot body 110. For example, fig. 1 and 2 show the cover 120 in a closed position with respect to the pot body 110, and fig. 3 shows the cover 120 in an open position with respect to the pot body 110. Preferably, the cover 120 is pivotally switchable between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the cover 120 may be connected to the pot body 110 by a pivot means.

Further, the cover body 120 may include a face cover 121 and a detachable cover 122, the detachable cover 122 being located substantially below the face cover 121 and detachably connected to the face cover 121. The detachable cover 122 has a substantially circular shape for covering the upper surface opening of the inner pot 111 when the cover 120 is covered to the pot body 110 to form a cooking space.

As shown in fig. 4 to 7, a steam generating device 130 and a steam passage (not shown) are further provided in the cover 120. The steam generating device 130 includes a steam generating chamber 131 and a steam cover 132, and the steam generating chamber 131 can store water for generating steam. The steam cover 132 may be in a closed position and an open position, respectively, with respect to the steam generating chamber 131. For example, FIG. 1 shows steam cover 132 in a closed position relative to steam generating chamber 131, and FIG. 2 shows steam cover 132 in an open position relative to steam generating chamber 131. Preferably, the steam cover 132 is pivotally switchable between a closed position and an open position. Preferably, the steam cover plate 132 is coupled to the cover body 120, and an upper surface of the steam cover plate 132 forms a portion of an upper surface of the face cover 121. This preferred embodiment can make the cover 120 more compact, and can facilitate the user to open the cover 132 for water filling or cleaning. Preferably, a seal (not shown) is also provided on steam cover plate 132 to seal steam generating chamber 131 when steam cover plate 132 is in the closed position.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the steam generating device 130 preferably further includes a steam cover opening and closing mechanism for locking the steam cover 132 in the closed position or releasing it to the open position. For example, the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism may include a first latch 133 and a second latch (not shown) respectively disposed on the steam cover plate 132 and the cover body 120, and the first latch 133 and the second latch may cooperate with each other to enable the steam cover plate 132 to be in the covering position.

Preferably, the steam generating device 130 further comprises a steam cover button (not shown) configured to act on the first catch 133 when operated to move the first catch 133 out of engagement with the second catch, so that the steam cover 132 can be opened normally.

The steam generating means 130 further includes heating means (not shown) disposed around the steam generating chamber 131 for heating water contained in the steam generating chamber 131 to generate steam when necessary, for example, during cooking or during warming. In one embodiment, the heating device comprises a bottom heating plate and a side wall heating plate extending upwards from the bottom heating plate, and electric heating tubes are arranged in the bottom heating plate and the side wall heating plate. In other embodiments, the heating device may also be an electromagnetic heating device.

The steam generating device 130 and the cooking space are communicated through a steam passage. The steam passageway includes a steam inlet, which may be provided on the steam cover plate 132, and a steam outlet, which is typically provided on the removable cover 122. The steam generated in the steam generating chamber 131 enters the steam passage through the steam inlet and is then delivered into the inner pot 111 through the steam passage and the steam outlet to prevent the rice in the inner pot 111 from being dried, affecting the taste.

First embodiment

The lid 120 is used to cover the pot body 110, and the steam cover 132 is used to cover the steam generation chamber 131, and they are independent from each other. Therefore, in order to prevent the water in the steam generating chamber 131 from being poured out due to the opening of one of the cover 120 and the steam cover 132 when the other is opened, the cover 120 and the steam cover 132 need to be interlocked with each other in accordance with the opening and closing states thereof. To this end, the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention further includes a linkage mechanism 150. The link mechanism 150 of the cooking appliance 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4 to 6.

The cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention further includes a cover opening and closing mechanism 140. The lid opening/closing mechanism 140 is used to lock the lid 120 in the closed position or release it to the open position, and the link mechanism 150 can act on the lid opening/closing mechanism 140 according to the open/close state of the lid 120 and the steam cover 132. In an embodiment of the present invention, the linkage 150 may be configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism 140 in response to the opening of the steam cover 132 to lock the lid 120 in the closed position. Alternatively, the link mechanism 150 may be further configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism 140 in response to the closing of the steam cover 132 to release the locking of the lid 120.

Referring first to fig. 4, the linkage 150 is provided in the cover 120. Specifically, the link mechanism 150 is provided between the steam cover 132 and the cover opening and closing mechanism 140, and the link mechanism 150 includes a transmission 151 and a locking device 152. The actuator 151 is in contact with the steam cover 132 for transferring the force applied when the steam cover 132 is closed to the locking device 152. The lock device 152 is capable of acting on the lid body opening and closing mechanism 140, and is movable between a lock position and an unlock position.

The gear 151 is configured substantially in an elongated shape and extends between the steam generating device 130 and the locking device 152. The actuator 151 has a first end 154 and a second end 155 opposite the first end 154, wherein the first end 154 is contactable with the steam cover plate 132 for receiving a force from the steam cover plate 132, and the second end 155 is capable of acting on the locking device 152 for transmitting the force from the steam cover plate 132. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 154 of the actuator 151 extends into the steam generating device 130 such that the steam cover 132, when closed, easily contacts and pushes the first end 154 downward.

In this embodiment, the transmission 151 includes a slider 156. The slider 156 is configured to be movable from a first position to a second position in the first direction D1 such that the locking device 152 is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position in the second direction D2. Wherein the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2.

Optionally, the first end 154 of the slider 156 includes a first ramp a. First, it is to be noted that directional terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", and the like as used herein are explained based on the cooking appliance 100 on a horizontal plane. With reference to the closed and open positions of the steam cover 132 shown in fig. 1 and 2, it will be readily appreciated that the steam cover 132 moves generally downwardly when closed. Thus, the steam cover plate 132, when closed, can push the first ramp A downward, applying a generally downward force to the slider 156. Specifically, as shown in fig. 4 and 6, when the force of the steam cover 132 is applied to the first inclined surface a, a downward force perpendicular to the first inclined surface a is generated at the contact point. Obviously, the force is angled with respect to the horizontal. Thus, the horizontal component of the force urges the slider 156 to move in the first direction D1 from the first position to the second position, where the first direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction.

The first slope a is configured to face generally upward. Optionally, the angle between the first slope a and the first direction D1 is in the range of 30 ° to 90 °. That is, the angle between the first direction D1 and its projection on the first slope a ranges from 30 ° to 90 °. As an example, the angle between the first slope a and the first direction D1 may be 30 °, 60 °, 90 °. It will be readily appreciated that the steam cover plate 132 is always in contact with the first inclined surface a during the closing process, wherein it is initially in contact with the uppermost end of the first inclined surface a and finally in contact with the lowermost end of the first inclined surface a. Thus, the smaller the angle between the first ramp A and the first direction D1, the greater the distance between the first position and the second position of the slider 156. By providing the first slope a, the horizontal movement of the slider 156 can be driven by the downward movement of the steam cover 132, and the movement stroke of the slider 156 can be changed.

Optionally, the second end 155 of the slider 156 includes a second ramp B and the locking device 152 includes a third ramp C. And the second slope B and the third slope C may cooperate to be able to convert the movement of the slider 156 in the first direction D1 into the movement of the locking device 152 in the second direction D2, wherein the first direction D1 is perpendicular to the second direction D2. Specifically, slider 156 transfers the force from steam cover plate 132 to locking device 152 and creates a force perpendicular to and directed upward from third slope C at the contact of second slope B with third slope C. Obviously, the force is angled with respect to the horizontal. Thus, the vertical component of the force urges the locking device 152 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position in the second direction D2, where the second direction D2 is parallel to the vertical direction.

The third ramp C is configured to face generally downward, and correspondingly, the second ramp B is configured to face generally upward. Alternatively, the included angles between the second slope B and the third slope C and the first direction D1 are in the range of 30 ° to 60 °. That is, the angle between the first direction D1 and its projection on the second slope B or the third slope C ranges from 30 ° to 60 °. As an example, the angle between the second slope B or the third slope C and the first direction D1 may be 30 °, 45 °, 60 °. Preferably, respective angles between the second and third inclined planes B and C and the first direction D1 may be equal. At this time, the second inclined surface B and the third inclined surface C form surface contact therebetween, and the friction therebetween facilitates the movement of the locking device 152 in the second direction D2. In this case, the smaller the angle between the second slope B or the third slope C and the first direction D1, the greater the distance between the locking position and the unlocking position of the locking device 152. By providing the second slope B and the third slope C, the vertical movement of the lock device 152 can be driven by the horizontal movement of the slider 156, and the movement stroke of the lock device 152 can be changed.

The ramp configuration may allow for an amplification of the travel from the slide 156 to the locking device 152. By way of example, the range of travel of the slider 156 in the first direction D1 is 5-6mm, and the range of travel of the locking device 152 in the second direction D2 is 7-8 mm. Therefore, the linkage mechanism 150 can also enlarge the movement stroke, thereby reducing the volume of the cover 120 of the cooking appliance 100 and making the structure thereof compact.

The third slope C of the locking means 152 may be an inner surface. As an example, as shown in fig. 4 to 6, the locking device 152 is provided with a housing having a cavity and an opening, the second end 155 of the slider 156 can enter the cavity, and the opening faces the second slope B. The housing is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the third inclined plane C is an inner surface of the housing. In this way, the locking device 152 can abut against the second end 155 of the transmission 151 through the housing, so that the stability of the engagement of the second slope B with the third slope C can be improved. However, the specific structure of the lock device 152 is not limited to this example.

With the above configuration, the steam cover 132 can act on the first end 154 when closed to move the actuator 151 from the first position to the second position, and the second end 155 can act on the locking device 152 to move the locking device 152 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In other words, the first position of the actuator 151 corresponds to the locked position of the locking device 152 and the second position of the actuator 151 corresponds to the unlocked position of the locking device 152.

To this end, the linkage 150 may effect the closing of the steam cover 132 to drive the movement of the locking device 152 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Conversely, in order to achieve the movement of the locking device 152 in the opened state of the steam cover 132 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the linkage mechanism 150 of the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention further includes a biasing member 153.

The biasing member 153 is configured to apply a biasing force to the locking device 152. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing member 153 is a resilient member and the biasing force is a spring force. Specifically, when the steam cover 132 is opened, no force is applied to the steam cover 132, and thus the locking device 152 is biased to the locking position by the biasing force of the biasing member 153. When the steam cover 132 is closed, the steam cover 132 can exert a force, and thus the biasing force of the biasing member 153 is counteracted by a portion of the force of the steam cover 132. At the same time, the biasing member 153 can also be elastically deformed to yield, so that the locking device 152 can move from the locking position to the unlocking position. Accordingly, the link mechanism 150 has a simple structure, and can prevent wear of parts by cushioning, thereby extending the service life.

The biasing member 153 may be configured as a spring. For example, the biasing member 153, best shown in fig. 5, is configured as a compression coil spring having one end abutting the locking device 152 and the other end abutting the cover 120. However, the specific structure of the biasing member 153 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

Optionally, the transmission 151 of the linkage 150 further comprises an additional biasing member 157. The additional biasing member 157 shown in fig. 4 to 6 may have the same structural form as the biasing member 153. An additional biasing member 157 is disposed between the slider 156 and the cover 120. Similarly, additional biasing member 157 is configured to apply a biasing force to slider 156. Specifically, when the steam cover 132 is opened, no force is applied by the steam cover 132, and thus the slider 156 is biased to the first position in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 by the biasing force of the additional biasing member 157. When the steam cover 132 is closed, the steam cover 132 is able to exert a force, and thus the biasing force of the additional biasing member 157 is counteracted by a portion of the force of the steam cover 132. At the same time, the additional biasing member 157 is also capable of yielding to allow the slider 156 to move from the first position to the second position.

In addition, the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention further includes a door release button 160, and the door release button 160 is used to release the locking of the cover 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the open cover button 160 is provided on the pot body 110. Therefore, the risk of scalding by the gushed high-temperature steam when the user opens the cover can be effectively reduced. However, in an embodiment not shown, the door release button 160 may be provided on the cover 120. The lid opening and closing button 160 is used to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism 140 when operated so that the lid 120 can be opened with respect to the pot body 110. The open cover button 160 may be configured as a switch type key or button or the like that easily enables a pressing operation for the convenience of a user.

Turning now to fig. 6, the cover opening and closing mechanism 140 includes a first fastener 141 and a second fastener 142. The first fastener 141 is disposed on the cover 120, and the second fastener 142 is disposed on the pot 110. The first fastener 141 can cooperate with the second fastener 142 to keep the cover 120 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener 141 is formed with a hook-and-socket-shaped engaging portion, and the second fastener 142 is formed with a hook-and-head-shaped engaging portion. Therefore, when the hook-shaped portion of the first fastening member 141 is hooked with the hook-shaped portion of the second fastening member 142, the first fastening member 141 and the second fastening member 142 are engaged, so that the pot body 110 is engaged with the cover body 120, and the cover body 120 is in the closed position. Of course, the configuration of the first and second fasteners 141, 142 is not limited to this embodiment.

Further, the lid release button 160 is capable of acting on the second fastener 142 when operated to move the second fastener 142 out of engagement with the first fastener 141. As an example, the second fastener 142 can pivot about a pivot axis (not shown) relative to the pot body 110 and disengage from the first fastener 141 when pivoting a certain angle. Accordingly, the decapper button 160 may be provided with a portion capable of pressing against the second fastening member 142, so that when operated, the portion presses against the second fastening member 142, thereby causing the second fastening member 142 to pivot to disengage from the first fastening member 141.

As described above, the locking device 152 is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position. Wherein the locking device 152 is configured to limit the movement of the second fastener 142 when in the locked position so that the second fastener 142 cannot be disengaged from the first fastener 141. This makes it possible to prevent the lid 120 from being opened even if the lid opening button 160 is operated when the steam cover 132 is opened. Thereby avoiding the risk of water flowing out of the steam generating chamber 131 due to malfunction.

Optionally, the locking device 152 is configured to include a top post 158. With continued reference to FIG. 6, the top post 158 can abut against the back side of the second fastener 142 to limit movement of the second fastener 142. Of course, the specific structure of the locking device 152 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other words, in the locked position, the locking device 152 is configured to be in a path of travel of the second fastener 142 from a position in which it is mated with the first fastener 141 to a position in which it is unmated from the first fastener 141, thereby limiting travel of the second fastener 142. In contrast, in the unlocked position, the locking device 152 is configured to be out of the path of movement of the second fastener 142 from the position in which it is mated with the first fastener 141 to the position in which it is unmated from the first fastener 141, thereby allowing the restriction on the movement of the second fastener 142 to be removed.

Second embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to fig. 7. The components in the second embodiment have the same structures as those in the first embodiment except for the transmission 251 and the locking device 252 of the link mechanism 250. For the sake of brevity, no further description is provided herein.

In this embodiment, the transmission 251 includes a lever member 256 and a support shaft 257 that supports the lever member 256. Here, the first and second ends 254 and 255 of the transmission 251 refer to first and second ends of the lever member 256. The lever member 256 is configured to be rotatable about the support shaft 257 from a first position to a second position so that the lock device 252 can be moved from the lock position to the unlock position.

Optionally, the second end 255 of the lever 256 comprises a first coupling portion 258 and correspondingly the locking device 252 comprises a second coupling portion 259. And first coupling portion 258 is connected to second coupling portion 259. In other words, first coupling portion 258 and second coupling portion 259 are movable together. In a preferred embodiment, first coupling portion 258 is configured as a protrusion and second coupling portion 259 is configured as a recess, with the protrusion being at least partially receivable in the recess. Fig. 7 shows in cross section a first coupling part 258 with a cylindrical projection and a second coupling part 259 with a through-hole-like recess through which the cylindrical projection can extend. The through-hole-like recess of the locking device 252 can thus follow the movement of the stud-like projection of the lever 256.

Steam cover plate 132, when closed, is capable of pushing first end 254 downwardly, thereby applying a generally downward force to first end 254, causing first end 254 of lever member 256 to displace generally downwardly about support shaft 257. Since the lever member 256 is a rigid body, the second end 255 thereof is displaced in the opposite direction, i.e., moved substantially upward, with respect to the support shaft 257. At this point, locking device 252 follows first coupling portion 258 of second end 255 through second coupling portion 259, also moving generally upward, causing locking device 252 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Wherein the support shaft 257 may be integrally formed with the lever member 256. In this case, the lever member 256 can rotate about the support shaft 257. Preferably, the distance between the support shaft 257 and the first end 254 is less than or equal to the distance between it and the second end 255, such that a smaller displacement of the first end 254 may drive a larger displacement of the second end 255. Thus, the volume of the cover 120 of the cooking appliance 100 can be reduced, and the structure thereof can be made compact.

Alternatively, the support shaft 257 may be separable from the lever member 256. In this case, the lever member 256 may rotate around the support shaft 257 or may rotate with the support shaft 257 as a fulcrum. In other words, the support shaft 257 may be provided in the lever member 256 or outside the lever member 256. Thus, the actuator 251 can be easily assembled with the cover 120.

With the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the acting force when the steam cover 132 is closed can be utilized to generate different types of motions for the transmission device in the linkage mechanism, and further act on the locking device to move the locking device between the locking position and the unlocking position, thereby achieving the locking or unlocking of the cover 120 relative to the closed position. In the lock position of the lock device, the lock device can act on the lid opening/closing mechanism 140 to lock the lid 120; in the unlock position of the lock device, the lid opening and closing mechanism 140 can be operated by the lid opening and closing button 160 to unlock the lid 120.

The above embodiment fully utilizes the structural form of the linkage mechanism 150 to realize the conversion of motion and the amplification of stroke, so that the cooking appliance 100 according to the present invention has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient installation and easy operation, and reduces the risk of misoperation which may cause the water in the steam generating chamber 131 to flow out, improves safety, and simultaneously prolongs the service life.

The present invention also provides a cooking appliance including a pot body 110, a lid 120, a lid opening and closing mechanism 140, a steam generating device 130, and a linkage mechanism. In the present embodiment, the linkage mechanism may be configured to act on the steam cover opening and closing mechanism in response to the action of the cover opening and closing mechanism 140, so that the steam cover 132 is locked in the closed position when the cover 120 is opened. This arrangement ensures that the steam cover 132 is in the closed position when the cover 120 is opened, thereby preventing the liquid in the steam generating chamber 131 from flowing out.

The link mechanism is substantially the same as the link mechanism 150 described above, except that the link mechanism in the present embodiment is provided in the reverse direction to the link mechanism 150. Specifically, when the cover 120 is closed, the cover 120 may act on the linkage mechanism, and the linkage mechanism may move away from the first latch 133 or the second latch (not shown), so that the steam cover 132 can be normally opened. When the cover 120 is opened, the linkage mechanism can move in the reverse direction under the action of the spring, so as to move to the back of the first fastener 133 or the second fastener, and abut against the first fastener 133 or the second fastener, so as to limit the movement of the first fastener 133 or the second fastener, so that the first fastener 133 cannot be disengaged from the second fastener, and the steam cover plate 132 cannot be opened.

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, comprising:

a pot body (110);

the cover body (120), the said cover body (120) can be set up in relation to the said body of the cooker (110) opening and closing, when the said cover body (120) covers the said body of the cooker (110), form the cooking space between body of the said cover (120) and the said body of the cooker (110);

a cover opening and closing mechanism (140), the cover opening and closing mechanism (140) being used for locking the cover (120) at a closing position or releasing the cover to an opening position;

a steam generating device (130), the steam generating device (130) being disposed on the cover (120), the steam generating device (130) comprising:

a steam generating chamber (131), the steam generating chamber (131) for containing water to be heated to generate steam;

a steam passage communicating the steam generation chamber (131) with the cooking space to introduce the steam into the cooking space; and

a steam cover plate (132), the steam cover plate (132) being connected to the cover body (120) and being openable and closable with respect to the steam generation chamber (131) to open or close the steam generation chamber (131); and

a linkage (150/250), the linkage (150/250) being provided in the lid (120), the linkage (150/250) being configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism (140) in response to opening of the steam cover (132) to lock the lid (120) in the closed position.

2. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the linkage (150/250) is configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism (140) to unlock the lid (120) in response to the closing of the steam cover (132).

3. The cooking appliance of claim 1, wherein the linkage (150/250) is disposed between the steam cover plate (132) and the lid opening and closing mechanism (140), and the linkage (150/250) includes a locking device (152/252), the locking device (152/252) being movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, further comprising a lid-opening button (160), the lid-opening button (160) being provided on the pot body (110), the lid-opening button (160) being configured to act on the lid opening and closing mechanism (140) when operated so as to enable the lid (120) to be opened with respect to the pot body (110).

5. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the steam cover plate (132) is configured to apply a force to the locking device (152/252) when closed such that the locking device (152/252) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

6. The cooking appliance of claim 3, wherein the linkage (150/250) further comprises a biasing member (153), the biasing member (153) configured to apply a biasing force to the locking device (152/252) when the steam cover (132) is opened such that the locking device (152/252) moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, wherein the linkage (150/250) further comprises an actuator (151/251), the actuator (151/251) being arranged between the steam generating device (130) and the locking device (152/252), a first end (154/254) of the actuator (151/251) being contactable with the steam cover plate (132), a second end (155/255) of the actuator (151/251) being actable on the locking device (152/252).

8. The cooking appliance of claim 7, wherein the transmission (151/251) is movable between a first position and a second position.

9. The cooking appliance of claim 8, wherein the steam cover plate (132) is configured to act on the first end (154/254) when closed to move the transmission (151/251) from the first position to the second position, and the second end (155/255) is configured to act on the locking device (152/252) when moved from the first position to the second position to move the locking device (152/252) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 4, wherein the lid opening and closing mechanism (140) comprises a first fastener (141) provided on the lid (120) and a second fastener (142) provided on the pot (110), the first fastener (141) being capable of cooperating with the second fastener (142) to place the lid (120) in the closed position, wherein the lid opening button (160) is capable of acting on the second fastener (142) when operated to move the second fastener (142) out of cooperation with the first fastener (141).

11. The cooking utensil of claim 10 wherein the locking device (152/252) is configured to limit movement of the second fastener (142) when in the locked position such that the second fastener (142) cannot be disengaged from the first fastener (141).

12. The cooking utensil of claim 11 wherein the locking device (152/252) includes a top post (158), the top post (158) being capable of abutting against a back surface of the second snap member (142) to limit movement of the second snap member (142).

13. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, wherein the transmission device (151) comprises a slide (156), the slide (156) being configured to be movable in a first direction from the first position to the second position such that the locking device (152) is movable in a second direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein the transmission (151) further comprises an additional biasing member (157), the additional biasing member (157) being configured to apply a biasing force to the slider (156) when the steam cover (132) is opened such that the slider (156) moves from the second position to the first position in a direction opposite to the first direction.

15. The cooking appliance of claim 13, wherein the first end (154) includes a first ramp (a), the steam cover plate (132) being configured to push the first ramp (a) downward when closed to move the slider (156) from the first position to the second position.

16. The cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein the second end (155) comprises a second slope (B), the locking device (152) comprises a third slope (C), and the second slope (B) is cooperable with the third slope (C) to enable translation of movement of the slider (156) in the first direction into movement of the locking device (152) in the second direction.

17. The cooking appliance according to claim 15, wherein the angle between the first slope (a) and the first direction is in the range of 30 ° to 90 °.

18. The cooking appliance according to claim 16, wherein the second and third slopes (B, C) each have an angle in the range of 30 ° to 60 ° with the first direction.

19. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, wherein the transmission device (251) comprises a lever member (256) and a support shaft (257) supporting the lever member (256), the lever member (256) being configured to be rotatable about the support shaft (257) from the first position to the second position such that the locking device (252) is movable from the locked position to the unlocked position.

20. The cooking appliance according to claim 19, wherein the second end (255) comprises a first coupling portion (258), the locking device (/252) comprises a second coupling portion (259), wherein the first coupling portion (258) is connected to the second coupling portion (259).

21. The cooking appliance according to claim 20, wherein one of the first coupling portion (258) and the second coupling portion (259) is configured as a protrusion, and the other is configured as a recess, the protrusion being at least partially receivable in the recess.

22. The cooking appliance according to claim 19, wherein the support shaft (257) is formed integrally with the lever member (256) or the support shaft (257) is separable from the lever member (256).

23. A cooking appliance, comprising:

a pot body (110);

a steam passage communicating the steam generation chamber (131) with the cooking space to introduce the steam into the cooking space;

a steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism for locking the steam cover plate (132) in a closed position or releasing the steam cover plate to an open position;

a linkage mechanism provided in the lid body (120) and linked with the lid body opening and closing mechanism (140) and the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism, and configured to act on the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism in response to an action of the lid body opening and closing mechanism (140) so that the steam cover plate (132) is locked in the closed position when the lid body (120) is opened.

24. The cooking appliance according to claim 23, wherein the steam cover plate opening and closing mechanism comprises a first latch (133) provided on the steam cover plate (132) and a second latch provided on the cover body (120), the first latch (133) being capable of cooperating with the second latch to place the steam cover plate (132) in the covering position, wherein the linkage mechanism is capable of acting on the first latch (133) and/or the second latch to lock the steam cover plate (132) in the covering position.