Patent Description:
There are various food cookers that pulverize, mix, juice, etc. food.

A food cooker generally performs processing on food using processing members (a blade, a screw, etc.) after the food that is a processing target is put into a container.

Recently, cookers that make a container vacuum to make the inside of the container into a negative pressure environment and then perform processing on food in order to prevent oxidation of the food during a cooking process have been introduced.

However, when foreign substances enter an exhaust channel during a vacuum exhaust process, the foreign substances reach even a vacuum pump, and as a result, the vacuum pump is broken in many cases. <CIT> discloses a vacuum electric cooker including a cover for a container, which can be easily operated by an operator and can minimize a stress to be applied to the container. The vacuum electric cooker comprises a cooker body, a cooker container, a cover member, a connecting arm, a connecting nozzle, holding means, a vacuum pump, and an air tube.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foreign substance trap device that can effectively block foreign substances, and a cooker using the foreign substance trap device.

The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the objects described above and other objects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the objects, the present invention provides a foreign substance trap device included in a cooker, which trap device includes: a first member in which at least one fluid intake hole is formed; a second member in which at least a portion of an exhaust channel, through which gas in liquid flowing inside through the fluid intake hole is discharged, is formed; and a movable member movably disposed between the first member and the second member and closing the exhaust channel by being moved by liquid in fluid flowing inside through the fluid intake hole. The movable member includes a foreign substance shield, a lifting shaft protruding downward from the foreign substance shield, an anti-separation portion extending from a lower end of the lifting shaft and having a diameter larger than the lifting shaft. A lifting shaft accommodation hole through which the lifting shaft passes is formed in a bottom of the first member. A gap is formed between the lifting shaft accommodation hole and the lifting shaft, so the movable member freely moves up and down with respect to the first member as long as the lifting shaft is positioned in the lifting shaft accommodation hole.

Further embodiments of the foreign substance trap device according to the present invention are provided in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The other details of the present disclosure are included in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there are the following effects.

It is possible to effectively block not only solid foreign substances, but also liquid foreign substances.

The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above and more various effects are included in the specification.

The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods of achieving them will be clear by referring to the exemplary embodiments that will be describe hereafter in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described hereafter and may be implemented in various ways, and the exemplary embodiments are provided to complete the description of the present disclosure and let those skilled in the art completely know the scope of the present invention as defined by claims. Like reference numerals indicate like components throughout the specification.

Further, embodiments described in the specification will be explained with reference to cross-sectional views and/or schematic views that are ideal exemplary views of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the shapes of the exemplary views may be deformed by manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Further, components may be slightly enlarged or reduced in the drawings that show the present disclosure in consideration of the convenience of description. Like reference numerals indicate like components throughout the specification.

Hereafter, the present disclosure is described with reference to drawings for describing a foreign substance trap device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a cooker using the foreign substance trap device.

<FIG> is a view schematically showing a cooker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, a cooker <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base <NUM>, a container <NUM>, a lid <NUM>, and a foreign substance trap device <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may include therein a motor <NUM>, a vacuum pump <NUM>, and a circuit board (not shown) for controlling the motor <NUM> and the vacuum pump <NUM>. Depending on embodiments, the motor <NUM> may be selectively included, but for the convenience of description, the cooker <NUM> including both of the motor <NUM> and the vacuum pump <NUM> is exemplarily described hereafter.

Operation parts <NUM>, 14a, and 14b for operating the cooker <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface and/or sides of the base <NUM>. In the embodiment, as the operation parts <NUM>, 14a, and 14b, a plurality of buttons 14a and 14b for selecting operation modes and a dial <NUM> for controlling output of the motor <NUM> or the vacuum pump <NUM> are shown, but, depending on embodiments, operation parts such as a capacitance type or decompression type touch display and an electrode switch may be used.

Depending on embodiments, the first button 14a may be a blending button for operating the motor <NUM> to rotate a processing member <NUM>, the dial <NUM> may be configured to adjust the rotation speed of the processing member <NUM>, and the second button 14b may be a vacuum button for evacuating air from an accommodation tub <NUM> by operating the vacuum pump <NUM>.

In order to blend food in the accommodation tub <NUM>, a user can press the first button 14a and then turn the dial <NUM> to perform blending while adjusting the rotation speed of the processing member <NUM>, or in order to evacuate air from the accommodation tub <NUM>, the user can evacuate air from the accommodation tub <NUM> by pressing the second button 14b.

However, when a user operates the dial <NUM> by mistake while air is evacuated from the accommodation tub <NUM> after the user presses the second button 14b, the rotation speed of the processing member <NUM> may not be adjusted or an error message that can be aurally or visually sensed may be output.

Alternatively, after a user presses the first button 14a and the processing member <NUM> is rotated or processing work by the processing member <NUM> is finished, when the user presses the second button 14b by mistake, the vacuum motor <NUM> may not be operated or an error message that can be aurally or visually sensed may be output.

Thereafter, in order to normally operate the second button 14b, the container has to be separated from the base <NUM> and then coupled again or power for the base <NUM> has to be cut and the supplied again so that the vacuum motor <NUM> can be normally operated when the user presses button 14b.

Though not shown, a level safety sensor (not shown) may be included in the accommodation tub <NUM> or the lid <NUM>, and when the level safety sensor senses that ingredients in the accommodation tub <NUM> exceeds a predetermined level, the vacuum motor <NUM> may not be operated even if a user presses the second button 14b.

An air intake hole (without reference numeral) and an air discharge hole (without reference numeral) for flow of air for cooling the motor <NUM> or the vacuum pump <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface, sides, and/or the bottom of the base <NUM>. In this case, the base <NUM> may include a fan (not shown) that forces air to flow therein.

A first container coupling portion 16a inside which the container <NUM> is seated may be formed on the top surface of the base <NUM>. The first container coupling portion 16a, which is an annular member, may be configured to surround and support the lower end of the container <NUM>.

A second container coupling portion 16b may protrude from the center of the top surface of the base <NUM>. An output shaft <NUM> of the motor may be formed to be exposed to the outside through the second container coupling portion 16b. The output shaft <NUM> is rotatably exposed.

As shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> may include the accommodation tub <NUM> and a handle <NUM>.

The accommodation tub <NUM> forms an accommodation space in which processing targets such as food are accommodated. An opening through which processing targets can be put inside is formed at the upper end of the accommodation tub <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> is coupled to the accommodation tub <NUM> to be able to open/close the opening formed at the upper end of the accommodation tub <NUM>.

The processing member <NUM> for processing processing targets may be disposed in the accommodation space of the accommodation tub <NUM>. The processing member <NUM> may be a blade that pulverizes processing targets such as food, etc. The processing member <NUM> is rotatably installed in the accommodation tub <NUM> and is coupled to the output shaft <NUM> exposed upward from the second container coupling portion 16b directly or through at least one power transmission members. The motor <NUM> is a power source that provides rotational power for the processing member <NUM>, and when the output shaft <NUM> is rotated by operation of the motor <NUM>, the processing member <NUM> is rotated, thereby being able to process processing targets in the accommodation tub <NUM>. A user can adjust the RPM of the processing member <NUM> by controlling the output of the motor <NUM> using the dial <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is supported on the outer side of the accommodation tub <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be integrally formed with the accommodation tub <NUM>.

On the other hand, the cooker <NUM> according to the embodiment further includes a support post <NUM>, a swing arm <NUM>, and a suction port <NUM>.

The support post <NUM> may extend upward from the top surface of the base <NUM>.

The support post <NUM> may be formed on the top surface of the base at a position adjacent to the rear surface of the base <NUM> and the swing arm <NUM> is rotatably installed at the upper end of the support post <NUM>.

The intake port <NUM> is disposed at an end of the swing arm <NUM>.

The intake port <NUM> is connected to the vacuum pump <NUM> through a vacuum exhaust line 12a. The vacuum exhaust line 12a may be installed to pass through the insides of the swing arm <NUM> and the support post <NUM>. It is preferable that the vacuum exhaust line 12a is made of a material having excellent flexibility to be deformed together with the swing arm <NUM> when the swing arm <NUM> and the suction port <NUM> are rotated with respect to the support post <NUM>.

The foreign substance trap device <NUM> is disposed in the lid <NUM> in close contact with the suction port <NUM> such that vacuum pressure by the vacuum pump <NUM> is transmitted to the accommodation space of the accommodation tub <NUM> through the vacuum exhaust line 12a, the intake port <NUM>, and the foreign substance trap device <NUM>.

Hereafter, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is described.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the upper portion of a lid equipped with a foreign substance trap device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view showing the lower portion of the lid equipped with the foreign substance trap device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the lid and the foreign substance trap device of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is detachably installed in the lid <NUM>. When the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is installed in the lid <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a second member <NUM> forming the upper portion of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is exposed over the lid <NUM>, and as shown in <FIG>, a first member <NUM> forming the lower portion of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is exposed under the lid <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper portion of the lid <NUM> include a first top surface portion <NUM>, a second top surface portion <NUM>, and a third top surface portion <NUM>. The first top surface portion <NUM> forms the edge of the upper portion of the lid <NUM> and is formed in an annular shape, the third top surface portion <NUM> is positioned lower than the first top surface portion <NUM> inside the first top surface portion <NUM>, and the second top surface portion <NUM> connects the first top surface portion <NUM> and the third top surface portion <NUM> and forms an inclined surface.

A side surface portion <NUM> forming the side of the lid <NUM> is formed in an annular shape along the first top surface portion <NUM>, and the outer circumference of the first top surface portion <NUM> protrudes outward further than the side surface portion <NUM>. Further, a plurality of sealing rings <NUM> is formed on the side portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the lid <NUM> is installed on the upper end of the accommodation tub <NUM>, the side portion <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation tub <NUM> and the plurality of sealing rings <NUM> come in close contact with the inner surface of the accommodation tub <NUM>, thereby preventing leakage of the food accommodated in the accommodation tub <NUM>. Further, the edge of the first top surface portion <NUM> protruding outward further than the side portion <NUM> is seated on the upper end of the accommodation tub <NUM>.

The lid <NUM> includes a flap <NUM> extending from a side of the first top surface portion <NUM>. The flap <NUM> may be used as a member that fixes the lid to the container <NUM> or may be used as a member that enables a user to insert fingers, etc. and pull the lid <NUM> when separating the lid <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

A trap installation hole <NUM> is formed through the center portion of the third top surface portion <NUM>. The trap installation hole <NUM> is a space in which the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is installed. A trap installation portion <NUM> is formed on the inner surface of the trap installation hole <NUM> so that the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is detachably coupled in the trap installation hole <NUM>.

The trap installation portion <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a pressing protrusion portion 35a horizontally protruding a predetermined length and a stopping protrusion portion 35b substantially vertically protruding from the pressing protrusion portion 35a. As shown in <FIG>, a fixing portion accommodation space 35c in which a fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is accommodated is formed between the pressing protrusion portion 35a and the stopping protrusion portion 35b.

When the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is installed at the trap installation portion <NUM>, the fixing portion <NUM> of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is inserted toward the stopping protrusion portion 35b from a side of the pressing protrusion portion 35a. According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, it is possible to move the fixing portion <NUM> toward the stopping protrusion portion 35b from a side of the pressing protrusion portion 35a by inserting a portion of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> into the trap installation portion <NUM> and then rotating the foreign substance trap device <NUM> clockwise.

As shown in <FIG>, since the pressing protrusion portion 35a is formed such that the height of the fixing portion accommodation space 35c decreases as the pressing protrusion portion 35a is fitted to the stopping protrusion portion 35b, the fixing portion <NUM> is pressed by the pressing protrusion portion 35a and fixes the foreign substance trap device <NUM> in the trap installation portion <NUM>. However, since there is the stopping protrusion portion 35b, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> can be rotated clockwise only until the fixing protrusion <NUM> is stopped by the stopping protrusion portion 35b. Accordingly, the installation direction of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> to the lid <NUM> is the same regardless of force of a user.

When separating the foreign substance trap device <NUM> from the lid <NUM>, a user rotates the foreign substance trap device <NUM> counterclockwise and lifts the foreign substance trap device <NUM> from the lid <NUM> after the fixing portion <NUM> is separated out of the pressing protrusion portion 35a, thereby being able to separate the foreign substance trap device <NUM> from the lid <NUM>.

Through the configuration according to <FIG>, it is possible to easily attach/detach the foreign substance trap device <NUM> to/from the lid <NUM> in order to wash the foreign substance trap device <NUM>, etc., and when it is required to forcibly move or press food in the accommodation tub <NUM> toward the processing member <NUM>, it is possible to remove the foreign substance trap device <NUM> from the lid <NUM> and then insert a pressing rod (not shown) into the accommodation tub <NUM> through the trap installation hole <NUM>.

Hereafter, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is described in more detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a first member, a second member, and a movable member of the foreign substance trap device of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first member <NUM>, a second member <NUM>, a movable member <NUM>, and a check valve <NUM>. The first member <NUM> forms the lower portion of the foreign substance trap device <NUM> and the second member <NUM> forms the upper portion of the foreign substance trap device <NUM>. The check valve <NUM> is coupled to the second member <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> is movably installed between the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM>.

First, the second member <NUM> and the check valve <NUM> are described.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the second member of <FIG>, <FIG> is a front view showing the check valve of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the second member.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second member <NUM> includes a port contact surface <NUM>.

The port contact surface <NUM> may be formed as a substantially horizontal plane and a ridge <NUM> protrudes upward along the outer circumference of the port contact surface <NUM>. The space surrounded by the port contact surface <NUM> and the ridge <NUM> forms a port accommodation space <NUM> in which at least a portion of the intake port <NUM> (see <FIG>) is accommodated.

A check valve accommodation hole <NUM> is formed at the center portion of the port contact surface <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> of the check valve accommodation hole <NUM> extends substantially vertically downward from the port contact surface <NUM>, and an installation portion accommodation hole <NUM> and an exhaust channel outlet <NUM> are formed in the bottom <NUM> of the check valve accommodation hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> may be formed as a plurality of pieces around the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first downward protrusive ring <NUM> and a second downward protrusive ring <NUM> extend downward under the bottom <NUM>. The first downward protrusive ring <NUM> is formed to surround the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> and the second downward protrusive ring <NUM> is formed to surround the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>. The first downward protrusive ring <NUM> is formed to protrude downward further than the second downward protrusive ring <NUM>.

A side wall portion <NUM> protruding downward to surround the second downward protrusive ring <NUM> is formed under the port contact surface <NUM>. A sealing ring <NUM> is disposed on the side wall portion <NUM>. The sealing ring <NUM> is brought in contact with the third top surface portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) when the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is installed in the lid <NUM>, so it seals the portion between the trap installation hole <NUM> and the foreign substance trap device <NUM>, thereby preventing a loss of vacuum pressure.

A rotary shaft accommodation hole <NUM> in which a second member rotary shaft 141a (see <FIG>) is accommodated is formed at a side of the side wall portion <NUM>, and a fixed portion accommodation groove <NUM> in which a second member fixing portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) is accommodated is formed at the other side of the side wall portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the check valve <NUM> includes an opening/closing wing <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and an installation portion <NUM>.

The opening/closing wing <NUM> has a flat bottom and an arc top surface and is made of an elastic material. Accordingly, elastic deformation becomes easy as it goes to the edge portion in comparison to the center portion.

The handle <NUM> extends upward from the center portion of the opening/closing wing <NUM>. It is preferable that the handle <NUM> is formed in a suitable shape for a user to hold it and move up the check valve <NUM>.

The installation portion <NUM> extends downward from the center portion of the opening/closing wing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the installation portion <NUM> includes a first installation portion <NUM>, a second installation portion <NUM>, and a third installation portion <NUM>.

The first installation portion <NUM> extends downward from the opening/closing wing <NUM> and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>.

The second installation portion <NUM> extends downward from the first installation portion <NUM> and has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first installation portion <NUM>. However, the size of the outer diameter of the second installation portion <NUM> is determined such that the check valve <NUM> is not moved down by its own weight when the second installation portion <NUM> is fitted in the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>. To this end, the outer diameter of the second installation portion <NUM> may be the same as the inner diameter of the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM> or may be determined to have an intermediate fitting tolerance with respect to the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>.

The upper end of the second installation portion <NUM> is formed to be inclined to smoothly connect the stepped difference of the first installation portion <NUM> and the second installation portion <NUM>. In this case, with the first installation portion <NUM> of the check valve <NUM> positioned in the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>, when a user lifts the check valve <NUM> such that the second installation portion <NUM> is positioned in the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>, the second installation portion <NUM> is naturally inserted into the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>, so the check valve <NUM> can be smoothly moved up.

The third installation portion <NUM> extends downward from the second installation portion <NUM>, makes a step from the second installation portion <NUM>, and has an outer diameter larger than the second installation portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the third installation portion <NUM> is positioned under the bottom <NUM>, thereby preventing the check valve <NUM> from separating from the second member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the second installation portion <NUM> is fitted in the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>, a gap is formed between the opening/closing wing <NUM> and the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> and the check valve <NUM> is not moved down due to its own weight, so the air over the bottom <NUM> and the air under the bottom <NUM> are exchanged with each other through the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>, and the pressures over and under the bottom <NUM> are in equilibrium.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the foreign substance trap device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, in the foreign substance trap device <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> is rotatably disposed at a side of the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> is rotatably disposed at the other side of the first member <NUM>.

When the foreign substance trap device <NUM> is assembled, the movable member <NUM> is accommodated in the movable member accommodation space <NUM> formed in the first member <NUM> and then the second member <NUM> is closed such that the second member fixing portion <NUM> is accommodated in the fixing end accommodation groove <NUM>, whereby the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> are combined. The second member fixing portion <NUM> accommodated in the fixing end accommodation groove <NUM> may be hooked to the side wall portion <NUM> so that the first member <NUM> is fixed to the second member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Hereafter, the first member <NUM> is described in detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> includes a bottom <NUM> and a side wall portion <NUM>.

A lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a, a fluid inflow hole 111b, and a spacer <NUM> are formed in the bottom <NUM>. The lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a is formed through the center portion of the bottom <NUM>, and the fluid inflow hole 111b is formed as a plurality of pieces circumferentially around the lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a. The plurality of spacers <NUM> protrude upward a predetermined height from the bottom <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the spacer <NUM> may be formed between the lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a and the fluid inflow hole 111b, but, depending on embodiments, the spacer <NUM> may be formed between the fluid inflow holes 111b.

The side wall portion <NUM> extends upward from the bottom <NUM> and includes an inclined portion 113a forming an inclination from the outside of the bottom <NUM> and extending upward.

The inclined portion 113a moves foreign substances blocked by a foreign substance shield <NUM> to be described below toward the fluid inflow hole 111b. In order to discharge foreign substances well, it is preferable that the fluid inflow hole 111b is formed adjacent to the inclined portion 113a or a portion of the fluid inflow hole 111b is formed at the inclined portion 113a.

A portion of the side wall portion <NUM> may surround the inclined portion 113a and the bottom <NUM> and may extend downward further than the bottom <NUM> (see <FIG> or <FIG>). The lower end of the side wall portion <NUM> formed to surround the outer side of the bottom <NUM> prevents foreign substances from flying and entering the fluid inflow hole 111b due to vortexes, etc. generated by food rotated in the accommodation tub <NUM> by the processing member <NUM>.

A guide groove <NUM> extending upward is formed at a side of the side wall portion <NUM>. A stopper <NUM> is formed at the lower end of the guide groove <NUM> and the upper end of the guide groove <NUM> extends up to a rotary shaft support end <NUM> formed substantially at the upper end of a side of the side wall portion <NUM> to face the upper end. The guide groove <NUM> accommodates a rotary shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the movable member <NUM> to be described below and guides the movable member <NUM> such that the movable member <NUM> can move up/down along the guide groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which the actuating member is positioned at a first position and <FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which the actuating member is positioned at a second position.

As shown in <FIG>, when the movable member <NUM> is positioned at the first position, the rotary shaft <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> is positioned at the lower end of the guide groove <NUM>. The rotary shaft <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> can be supported by the stopper <NUM> formed at the lower end of the guide groove <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the movable member <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the rotary shaft <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> is positioned at the upper end of the guide groove <NUM>.

A second member support portion <NUM> protruding upward is formed at the other side of the side wall portion <NUM>. A second member rotary shaft 141a (see <FIG>) protrudes from both sides of the second member support portion <NUM>. As described above, the second member rotary shaft 141a is inserted in the rotary shaft accommodation hole <NUM> of the second member <NUM>, thereby rotatably supporting the second member <NUM>.

A second member fixing portion <NUM> protruding from the upper end of the side wall portion <NUM> is formed opposite to the second member support portion <NUM>. As described above, second member fixing portion <NUM> is accommodated in the fixed portion accommodation groove <NUM> of the second member <NUM> and is hooked to the side wall portion <NUM> of the second member <NUM> such that the first member <NUM> is fixed to the second member <NUM>.

The rotary shaft support portion <NUM> rotatably supporting the movable member <NUM> and the second member support portion <NUM> rotatably supporting the second member <NUM> are formed at positions spaced apart from each other, and as shown in <FIG>, they may be disposed with a gap of <NUM> degrees, but, depending on embodiments, they may be disposed with a gap of <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees.

By the configuration described above, the first member <NUM>, the second member <NUM>, and the movable member <NUM> are exploded, but are not easily separated, so the members can be easily washed by a user and the possibility of loss of the members is minimized.

In the embodiment, an example in which the movable member <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first member was shown, but the movable member <NUM> may be configured not to separate from the second member <NUM> under the assumption that the movable member can move between the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment, it was exemplified that the second member <NUM> is coupled to the first member <NUM>, but, depending on embodiments, the second member may be configured to be coupled to the movable member <NUM> coupled to the first member or may be configured to be coupled to the first member <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. In this case, when the movable member <NUM> is not positioned in the first member <NUM> or is not positioned between the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM>, the second member <NUM> may not be coupled. In this case, the first member <NUM> and the second member <NUM> cannot be coupled with the movable member <NUM>, so a mistake by a user in assembling can be prevented.

Hereafter, the movable member <NUM> is described in detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing the actuating member of <FIG> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the actuating member of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> includes a hard part <NUM> and a soft part <NUM>.

The hard part <NUM> includes a foreign substance shield <NUM> having a substantially ring-shaped plate shape. The outer diameter of the foreign substance shield <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 113b of the first member <NUM>, but has a size such that when the movable member <NUM> is installed in the first member <NUM>, the edge of the foreign substance shield <NUM> can be positioned adjacent to the side wall portion 113b. For example, the gap between the foreign substance shield <NUM> and the side wall portion 113b may be less than <NUM>.

The hard part <NUM> further includes an upward protrusive ring <NUM> protruding in an annular shape from the top surface of the foreign substance shield <NUM>. The up-protruding ring <NUM> can form the side wall of a chamber space <NUM> formed at the center of the hard part <NUM>. A soft part installation hole <NUM> is formed through the center of the bottom of the chamber space <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the soft part <NUM> includes blocking plates <NUM> and <NUM> and an assembly portion <NUM>.

The blocking plates <NUM> and <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a step <NUM> protruding upward from the edge of the base plate <NUM>.

The assembly portion <NUM> extends downward from the bottom of the base plate <NUM> and includes a lifting shaft 323a, an anti-separation portion 323b, and a fixing portion 323c.

The fixing portion 323c extends downward from the bottom of the base plate <NUM> and is fitted in the soft part installation hole <NUM>, thereby fixing the soft part <NUM> to the hard part <NUM>. The lifting shaft 323a extends downward from the fixing portion 323c and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a of the first member <NUM>. A gap is formed between the lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a and the lifting shaft 323a, so as long as the lifting shaft 323a is positioned in the lifting shaft accommodation hole 111a, the movable member <NUM> can freely move up/down with respect to the first member <NUM>.

The anti-separation portion 323b extends from the lower end of the lifting shaft 323a, makes a step with the lifting shaft 323a, and has a diameter larger than the lifting shaft 323a. The anti-separation portion 323b is positioned under the bottom of the first member <NUM> and prevents the movable member <NUM> from separating from the first member <NUM>.

The soft part <NUM> can be assembled/disassembled to/from the hard part <NUM> and is supposed to block an exhaust channel with the step <NUM> in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>, so it is preferable that the soft part <NUM> is made of a material having excellent elasticity. On the contrary, the hard part <NUM> is supposed to block foreign substances using the substance shield <NUM>, so it is preferable that the hard part <NUM> is made of a material that is not easily deformed.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the foreign substance trap device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows also a state in which the check valve <NUM> keeps the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> open.

As described above, when the check valve <NUM> is moved up and the second installation portion <NUM> is fitted in the installation portion accommodation hole <NUM>, the check valve <NUM> is not moved down due to its own weight, so the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> maintains a open state.

In this state, as shown in <FIG>, the air under the first member <NUM> and the air over the second member exchange with each other along the exhaust channel connected between the fluid intake hole 111b, the foreign substance shield <NUM>, and the side wall portion 113b, between the second downward protrusive ring <NUM> and the upward protrusive ring <NUM>, between the first downward protrusive ring <NUM> and the upward protrusive ring <NUM>, and to the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the lid <NUM> is coupled to the container <NUM> with the foreign substance trap device <NUM> mounted on the lid <NUM>, the pressure inside the accommodation tub <NUM> is in equilibrium with the external pressure. Since there is no pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the accommodation tub <NUM>, a user can easily separate the lid <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

That is, when the inside of the accommodation tub <NUM> is at a negative pressure and the outside of the container <NUM> is at an atmospheric pressure, a user has difficulty in separating the lid <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can easily separate the lid <NUM> by moving up the check valve <NUM> into the state shown in <FIG> and the separating the lid <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the foreign substance trap device with an exhaust channel open in a vacuum suction state.

As shown in <FIG>, in a vacuum suction state, some configuration of the intake port <NUM> provides vacuum pressure while pressing the handle <NUM> of the check valve <NUM>.

Since the handle <NUM> of the check valve <NUM> is pressed down, the center portion of the opening/closing wing <NUM> is pressed to the bottom <NUM> of the check valve accommodation hole <NUM>. Meanwhile, vacuum pressure is provided to the check valve accommodation hole <NUM> from the vacuum pump <NUM> through the intake port <NUM>, so the edge of the opening/closing wing <NUM> is elastically deformed and lifted by the vacuum pressure, thereby opening the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>.

Accordingly, the gas in the accommodation tub <NUM> is discharged outside along the exhaust channel connected between the fluid intake hole 111b, the foreign substance shield <NUM>, and the side wall portion 113b, between the second downward protrusive ring <NUM> and the upward protrusive ring <NUM>, between the first downward protrusive ring <NUM> and the upward protrusive ring <NUM>, and to the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>, whereby the inside of the accommodation tub <NUM> becomes a vacuum state.

While the air in the accommodation tub <NUM> is evacuated in the state of <FIG>, liquid, etc. in the accommodation tub <NUM> may flow into the foreign substance trap device <NUM>. For example, ingredients may fly into the fluid intake hole 111b during cooking or bubbles produced during cooking may rise and enter the fluid intake hole 111b.

When a foreign substance such as liquid reaches the vacuum pump <NUM>, the vacuum pump <NUM> is easily damaged. Accordingly, the foreign substance trap device <NUM> prevents foreign substances such as liquid from entering the vacuum pump <NUM>.

When a solid foreign substance enters the fluid intake hole 111b, the solid foreign substance drops again into the accommodation tub <NUM> through the fluid intake hole 111b along the inclined portion 113a by its own weight or remains on the bottom <NUM>.

Even if a solid foreign substance is moved along the exhaust channel by influence by vacuum pressure, the solid foreign substance cannot pass through the gap between the foreign substance shield <NUM> and the side wall portion 113b of the first member <NUM> and is blocked by the foreign substance shield <NUM> because the gap is narrow. As a result, the solid foreign substance drops again into the accommodation tub <NUM> through the fluid intake hole 111b along the inclined portion 113a by its own weight or remains on the bottom <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the foreign substance trap device with the exhaust channel closed in the vacuum suction state.

When a large amount of liquid foreign substance such as bubbles flows into the fluid intake hole 111b, the movable member <NUM> is lifted by the buoyancy of the liquid foreign substance. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> is moved to the second position and the step <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> closes a portion of the exhaust channel by coming in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>. Accordingly, vacuum exhaust through the exhaust channel is stopped, thereby being able to prevent the liquid foreign substance from reaching the vacuum pump <NUM>.

It was exemplified in the embodiment that the exhaust channel is closed only by the step <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> coming in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>, but, depending on embodiments, the upward protrusive ring <NUM> may be configured to primarily block the exhaust channel by coming in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM> and/or the second downward protrusive ring <NUM> and the step <NUM> may be configured to secondarily block the exhaust channel by coming in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>, when the movable member <NUM> is moved up to the second position. In this case, since the exhaust channel is blocked at two points, it is possible to more effectively block foreign substances. To this end, the upward protrusive ring <NUM> may be formed in a wedge shape of which the cross-sectional area decreases as it goes up.

When a small amount of liquid flies into the fluid intake hole 111b during cooking, the movable member <NUM> cannot be lifted by buoyancy. Accordingly, a plurality of liquid foreign substance moves along the exhaust channel, but the liquid foreign substance cannot pass through the gap between the foreign substance shield <NUM> and the side wall portion 113b of the first member <NUM> because the gap is narrow, whereby the liquid foreign substance forms a liquid layer in the gap between the foreign substance shield <NUM> and the side wall portion 113b.

Since a liquid layer is formed in the gap between the foreign substance shield <NUM> and the side wall portion 113b, the movable member <NUM> is lifted to the second position by the pressure different between the upper portion and the lower portion, and as shown in <FIG>, the step <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> closes a portion of the exhaust channel by coming in contact with the first downward protrusive ring <NUM>. Accordingly, vacuum exhaust through the exhaust channel is stopped, thereby being able to prevent the liquid foreign substance from reaching the vacuum pump <NUM>.

A powder filter (not shown) may be further included to prevent a powder type ingredient from entering the fluid intake hole 111b and reaching the vacuum pump <NUM> when a powder type ingredient is used.

The powder filter is installed on the bottom <NUM> of the first member <NUM> or is installed in the fluid intake hole 111b, thereby being able to prevent a powder type ingredient from entering the foreign substance trap device <NUM> through the fluid intake hole 111b.

Alternatively, the powder filter is installed between the second member <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> to cross the exhaust channel with the second member <NUM> and the third member <NUM> assembled, thereby being able to block a powder type ingredient passing through the exhaust channel.

Alternatively, the powder filter is installed on the bottom <NUM> of the check valve accommodation hole <NUM> or installed in the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent a powder type ingredient entering the foreign substance trap device <NUM> from the discharged through the exhaust channel outlet <NUM>.

Alternatively, the powder filter is installed on the port contact surface <NUM> of the second member <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent a powder type ingredient discharged through the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> from moving to the vacuum pump <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the foreign substance trap device with an outlet of the exhaust channel closed by the check valve.

As shown in <FIG>, when the intake port <NUM> is removed, the portion over the opening/closing wing <NUM> is at an atmospheric pressure and the exhaust channel is at a negative pressure, so the opening/closing wing <NUM> closes the exhaust channel outlet <NUM> by a pressure difference. Accordingly, the inside of the accommodation tub <NUM> can be maintained at a negative pressure.

Hereafter, a cooker according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described. For the convenience of description, parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and common configuration with the first embodiment is not described.

<FIG> is a view schematically showing a cooker according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, a cooker <NUM> according to the embodiment further includes enclosures <NUM> and <NUM>. The enclosures <NUM> and <NUM> are formed to surround the accommodation tub <NUM> and the lid <NUM>, thereby preventing noise generated in the accommodation tub <NUM> by the pressing member <NUM>.

The enclosures <NUM> and <NUM> may include an upper enclosure <NUM> and a lower enclosure <NUM>, in which the lower enclosure <NUM> may be installed over the base <NUM> and the upper enclosure <NUM> may be rotatably installed on the support post <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A foreign substance trap device (<NUM>) for a cooker (<NUM>) comprising:
a first member (<NUM>) in which at least one fluid intake hole (111b) is formed;
a second member (<NUM>) in which at least a portion of an exhaust channel, through which gas in fluid flowing inside through the fluid intake hole (111b) is discharged, is formed; and
a movable member (<NUM>) movably disposed between the first member (<NUM>) and the second member (<NUM>) and closing the exhaust channel by being moved by liquid in fluid flowing inside through the fluid intake hole (111b), characterized in that
the movable member (<NUM>) includes:
a foreign substance shield (<NUM>);
a lifting shaft (323a) protruding downward from the foreign substance shield (<NUM>);
an anti-separation portion (323b) extending from a lower end of the lifting shaft (323a) and having a diameter larger than the lifting shaft (323a);
wherein a lifting shaft accommodation hole (111a) through which the lifting shaft (323a) passes is formed in a bottom of the first member (<NUM>), and
wherein a gap is formed between the lifting shaft accommodation hole (111a) and the lifting shaft (323a), so the movable member (<NUM>) freely moves up and down with respect to the first member (<NUM>) as long as the lifting shaft (323a) is positioned in the lifting shaft accommodation hole (111a).