JP2001204624A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transport a rice cooker at a stable attitude while improving the appearance of thereof. SOLUTION: An outer lid 23 openably covering a housing 4 is mounted rockably on the housing 4 through a hinge 25 for opening or closing, a lock means 32 is provided to lock the outer lid 23 in such a manner as to keep it from being opened when it 23 is closed, a steam port 30 is openably arranged to dissipate steam from a rice cooking pot 3, an engaging member 53 is formed on the internal surface of the outer lid 23 and a handle 6 is provided detachably on the engaging member 53 through the steam port 30. As the handling 6 is detachable, when carrying a rice cooker 1, the steam port 30 is opened and an engagement is made sandwiching the engaging member 53 with first and second engaging pieces 43 and 44 of the handle 6. In addition, when the handle 6 is not used as during the cooking of rice, the handle 6 can be pulled out of the steam port 30 and put on a hook 36 on the side of the housing 4 to house.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rice cooker, and more particularly to a rice cooker characterized by a handle configuration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A rice cooker is often used after cooking rice and transporting it to a dining table or the like. The rice cooker is transported using a handle provided on the rice cooker. A typical prior art handle is a notched handle provided at the bottom on both sides of the rice cooker. Since this handle is provided on the bottom, there is a problem in that the stability during transportation is poor, and the handle must be carried by a person.

[0003] Another prior art handle is an inverted U-shaped handle that is passed over the top of a rice cooker. Both ends of the handle are swingably attached to upper portions of both sides of the rice cooker. Since the handle is attached to the upper part of the housing, the center of gravity of the rice cooker is lower than the position at which the handle is attached, and the stability during transportation is improved as compared with the notched handle. People carry the rice cooker by hanging the rice cooker. This handle has a problem in that the temperature of the upper portion of the housing becomes high, so that the temperature of the handle rises and it becomes impossible to grasp it with bare hands. Therefore, the handle is tilted backward and stored during rice cooking, and is used upright during transportation. The handle also has the problem that the housing swings during transportation and becomes unstable. Further, the rice cooker provided with the handle has a problem that the appearance is poor.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a rice cooker which is excellent in aesthetic appearance and can be transported in a stable posture.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a heating means for heating a rice cooker in which cooked rice is stored, a housing for storing the rice cooker and the heating means, and an upper part of the housing. A rice cooker comprising: a lid that opens and closes; locking means for locking the lid so as not to open to the housing; and a handle detachably engaged with an upper part of the lid.

According to the present invention, a handle is provided at the upper portion of the lid so as to be detachably engaged with the lid, so that the rice cooker can be carried in a stable posture by engaging the handle with the lid during transportation. When the rice cooker is not carried, such as when cooking rice, the engagement can be released and the handle can be removed from the lid. This prevents a rise in the temperature of the handle during rice cooking, so that there is no danger of burns and the like, and safety can be improved.
In addition, since the handle is detachable, the rice cooker can have a clean design with less unevenness. Therefore, both safety and aesthetic appearance can be improved.

Further, according to the present invention, a steam port is formed at an upper portion of the lid to communicate with the inside of the housing and emit water vapor during rice cooking, and the handle has an engaging piece at one longitudinal end. The engagement piece is detachably engaged with the lid via the steam port.

According to the present invention, since the engaging piece of the handle is detachably engaged with the existing steam port, the steam port can be used effectively, and a new opening for engagement needs to be formed. Disappears. Thereby, the configuration can be simplified.

[0009] In the present invention, the handle may be a first side extending substantially sideways.
An engagement piece, a second engagement piece disposed at a longitudinal distance from the first engagement piece and extending in the same direction as the first engagement piece;
And a connecting part for connecting the base end of the second engaging piece, and a handle body connected to the connecting part and extending elongated in a direction opposite to the first and second engaging pieces.

According to the present invention, the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece are arranged at one end of the handle with a space therebetween in the vertical direction. By inserting the engagement member into the mouth, for example, an engagement member formed inside the lid can be sandwiched between the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece. As a result, the handle and the lid can be engaged so as not to come off, so that the rice cooker can be carried in a stable posture if the handle is grasped and lifted. In addition, the rice cooker can be prevented from falling during transportation.

In the present invention, the handle is a plate-like engaging piece extending substantially laterally, and is formed so that it can be inserted into the steam port and the length in the longitudinal direction is larger than the interval between the steam ports. And a rising portion that rises from an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the engaging piece, and a grip portion that is connected to the rising portion and extends substantially parallel to the engaging piece.

According to the present invention, the engaging piece can be inserted into the steam port and the length in the longitudinal direction is formed to be larger than the interval between the steam ports. After inserting into the mouth, rotate and engage the engagement piece over the steam port,
The engagement piece and the steam port can be engaged so as not to come off. Thus, the rice cooker can be carried in a stable posture by grasping and lifting the handle. Moreover, since the rice cooker is supported by the engagement piece so as not to come off, it is possible to prevent the rice cooker from dropping during transportation.

Further, according to the present invention, a detecting means for detecting that the engaging piece has been inserted into the steam port, and a heating means responsive to the output of the detecting means when the engaging piece is inserted into the steam port, Control means for keeping the heating operation from being performed.

According to the present invention, when the engaging piece is inserted into the steam port, that is, when the handle is attached, the heating means is kept off and the rice cooker does not start, so that the handle remains attached. It is possible to eliminate a risk factor that a rice cooker performs a burn by touching a handle heated to a high temperature. Therefore, safety can be further improved.

Further, the present invention provides a gas burner for heating a rice cooker in which cooked rice is stored, and a housing for storing the rice cooker and the gas burner, wherein an exhaust port for discharging combustion exhaust gas from the gas burner has a vertical axis of the housing. At least a pair of housings formed substantially symmetrically with respect to
A rice cooker characterized by including a pair of handles detachably engaged with each exhaust port.

According to the present invention, the pair of handles are detachably engaged with both sides of the upper portion of the housing, so that the rice cooker can be carried in a stable posture. Further, since the engaging piece of the handle is detachably engaged with the exhaust port, the exhaust port can be effectively used, and it is not necessary to form a new opening for engagement. Thereby, the configuration can be simplified.

Further, according to the present invention, the handle has a substantially U-shape, and an engaging piece detachably engaged with the exhaust port, and a continuous with the engaging piece, protruding outward from the exhaust port. And a handle provided.

According to the present invention, since the engaging piece has a substantially U-shape, it can be engaged with the exhaust port so as not to come off, and the rice cooker can be prevented from dropping during transportation. .

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front external view of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. Rice cooker 1
A housing 4 for accommodating the rice cooker 3, a lid 5 provided on the upper part of the housing 4 for opening and closing the upper part of the rice cooker 3,
And a detachable handle 6 for carrying the rice cooker 1. The cooker 3 is made of metal such as aluminum, and cooked rice is stored in the cooker 3. Below the rice cooker 3 in the housing 4, a gas burner 7 as a heating means is arranged. The gas burner 7 is realized by, for example, a Bunsen burner, and heats the rice cooker 3 to cook rice. The heating means may be an electric heater or an induction heating coil or the like. Below the rice cooker 3, an electric heater 8 for keeping rice cooked warm is further arranged. The electric heater 8 is realized by a heating resistance wire or the like.

The housing 4 includes a lower frame 9 and an outer frame 10. A substantially cylindrical inner body 11 is fixed in the housing 4. The rice cooker 3 is detachably provided in the inner body 11 so that the rice cooker 3 can be taken out upward. Exhaust ports 13 and 14 for discharging combustion exhaust gas from the gas burner 7 are formed in the upper part of the outer frame 10 and the inner body 11, respectively. An upper frame 15 that covers the space is provided.

At least one pair of exhaust ports 13 and 14 are formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis 1a of the rice cooker 1. In the present embodiment, three pairs of exhaust ports 13 are formed,
The exhaust port 14 is formed as a pair. The exhaust port 14 extends elongated along the upper side surface of the housing 4 as shown in FIG. The vertical axis 1 a of the rice cooker 1 is a substantially vertical axis and passes through the center of gravity of the rice cooker 1. Furthermore, this axis 1a
Is substantially coincident with the axis of the rice cooker 3 and the housing 4. The upper frame 15 supports the rice cooker 3. Input means 17 is provided on the upper surface of the upper frame 15. The input means 17
The operation of the rice cooker 1 is realized by a push button or the like.

The lower frame 9 is provided with an air inlet 19 for introducing the combustion air of the gas burner 7, and a leg 20 and a fuel supply line 21 are fixed to a lower portion of the lower frame 9. The leg 20 forms a gap at the lower part of the rice cooker 1, and the air inlet 1
9 facilitates the introduction of air from outside air. The fuel supply pipe 21 is a pipe that supplies fuel gas to the gas burner 7, and one end of the fuel supply pipe 21 is connected to the gas burner 7. An on-off valve 22 is provided at an intermediate position of the fuel supply pipe 21.
The on-off valve 22 supplies / cuts off fuel gas to the gas burner 7. The other end of the fuel supply pipe 21 is connected to a gas hose 42 via a pipe joint 41. In the gas hose 42,
Fuel gas is supplied from a fuel gas source (not shown). The pipe joint 41 is detachable, is connected at the time of cooking rice, and is separated at the time of transportation.

The lid 5 includes an outer lid 23 and an inner lid 24. The outer lid 23 has a substantially oval planar shape, and an opening / closing hinge 25 is provided at one end (left side in FIG. 1). The opening / closing hinge 25 is further attached to a hinge mount 16 fixed on the upper frame 15,
And the housing 4 are connected. The outer lid 23 swings around the axis of the hinge pin 26 of the opening / closing hinge 25 to cover the upper part of the housing 4 so that it can be opened and closed. The outer lid 23 has an opening / closing handle 28 for opening / closing the lid 5, a lock projection 29 for fixing the lid 5, and a steam port 30. A lock piece 31 is provided in the vicinity of the lock projection 29 with the lid 5 closed. The lock piece 31 is elastically pressed against the outer lid 23 by a spring member (not shown),
It engages with the lock projection 29. The lock piece 31 and the lock projection 29 form a lock unit 32. Locking means 3
2 locks the lid 5 to the housing 4 so as not to open.

The steam port 30 is an opening for dissipating water vapor at the time of cooking rice, and makes the external space communicate with the internal space in the housing 4. An opening / closing lid 34 is provided at the steam port 30 via a hinge 35. The opening / closing lid 34 swings around the hinge pin 35 a of the hinge 35 to open and close the steam port 30. The opening / closing lid 34 has a plurality of through holes 34a. The through hole 34a allows the vapor to be diffused with the open / close lid 34 closed.

When the rice cooker 1 is carried, the steam port 30
As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 6 is inserted with the front end thereof toward the opening / closing hinge 25. The handle 6 is detachably engaged with the outer lid 23 such that the tip end is near the axis 1a of the rice cooker 1. The axis 1a of the rice cooker 1 is a substantially vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the rice cooker 1, and substantially coincides with the axis of the rice cooker 3 and the housing 4. After the rice cooker 1 is transported, the handle 6 is pulled out from the steam port 30 and is hooked on a hook 36 provided on a side surface of the housing 4. The hook 36 is
It is provided at a position where the temperature rise during cooking is small. The configuration of the handle 6 will be described later.

The inner cover 24 is provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 23 with the support member 3.
It is detachably attached via 7 and covers the upper part of the rice cooker 3 in an openable and closable manner. The support member 37 supports substantially the center of the inner lid 24.

The combustion air from the air inlet 19 enters the inner body 11 as shown by an arrow 38 and is used for the combustion of gas fuel in the gas burner 7. The combustion exhaust gas of the gas burner 7 is guided to the exhaust port 13 mainly through the exhaust gas path 39, and is further released to the atmosphere through the exhaust port 14. Steam from the rice cooker 3 is blown out from the contact surface between the inner lid 24 and the rice cooker 3, and is radiated from the steam port 30 to the air through the through hole 34 a of the opening / closing lid 34.

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view showing the structure of the handle 6 shown in FIG. The handle 6 includes a first engagement piece 43,
It is configured to include the second engagement piece 44, the connecting portion 45, and the handle main body 46. The first engagement piece 43 is an elongated plate-like member, and extends substantially horizontally, that is, substantially horizontally when mounted. The second engagement piece 44 is an elongated plate-like member,
At the time of mounting, the first engagement piece 43 is arranged at a distance vertically downward from the first engagement piece 43, and extends substantially parallel to the first engagement piece 43 in the same direction. A projection 43a projecting downward is formed on the lower surface of the distal end of the first engagement piece 43.
A protrusion 44a protruding upward is formed on the upper surface of the front end portion. The length of the second engagement piece 44 is longer than the length of the first engagement piece 43. The connecting portion 45 connects the base portions 43b, 44b of the first engaging piece 43 and the second engaging piece 44. Thus, the first engagement piece 43, the connecting portion 45, and the second engagement piece 44 are connected in a substantially U-shape.

The handle body 46 includes a rising portion 47 and a grip portion 4.
8 is included. The rising portion 47 is connected to the connecting portion 45 and extends upward in the thickness direction. A handle 48 is connected to the upper end of the rising portion 47. The handle portion 48 includes the first and second engagement pieces 4.
It extends on the opposite side substantially parallel to 3,44. Handle 48
Is covered with a cover member 49. The first engagement piece 43, the second engagement piece 44, the connecting part 45, the rising part 47, and the handle 48 are made of, for example, steel, and the cover member 49 is provided.
Is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the vicinity of the portion A1 in FIG. With reference to FIG. 5, a situation when the handle 6 is engaged with the outer lid 23 will be described. An engagement member 53 extending substantially horizontally at the time of engagement is formed inside the outer lid 23, and first and second recesses 54 and 55 are formed on upper and lower surfaces of the engagement member 53. First and second engagement pieces 43, 4 of handle 6
4 is inserted in the direction of the arrow 51 so as to sandwich the engaging member 53 and engages with the engaging member 53. The interval L1 between the first and second recesses 54 and 55 is equal to the interval between the projection 43a of the first engagement piece 43 of the handle 6 and the projection 44a of the second engagement piece 44. Therefore, when the handle 6 is inserted, the projection 43a is fitted into the first recess 54 and the projection 44a is fitted into the second recess 55 as shown in FIG.

At the lower part of the engaging member 53, mounting pieces 56 are formed at intervals, and below the mounting piece 56, a micro switch 57 as detecting means is provided. The micro switch 57 includes a driving piece 58. Drive piece 5
8 is inserted into the mounting piece 56 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction, and the tip end protrudes above the upper surface of the mounting piece 56.
The tip of the driving piece 58 is inclined upward as it goes in the direction of the arrow 51. Thereby, the second engagement piece 44
Is inserted into the steam port 30, the driving piece 58 can be smoothly displaced downward. When the driving piece 58 is displaced downward, the microswitch 57 is turned on, and an output representing the state is derived.

When carrying the rice cooker 1, the open / close lid 34 of the steam port 30 is opened with the outer lid 23 locked by the locking means 32, the handle 6 is inserted into the steam port 30, and the U-shaped first and second U-shaped. An engagement member 53 is provided between the engagement pieces 43 and 44.
To engage. After the engagement, the person can grasp the handle 48 of the handle 6.
, And lift the rice cooker 1 to move it to a desired position. After transporting the rice cooker 1, the handle 6 is pulled out and hooked on the hook 36 on the side surface of the housing 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the balance of power when carrying rice cooker 1 with handle 6 attached. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
Of the second engaging piece 44 serves as an operating point A, and the grip portion 48 serves as a power point P. Since the projection 44a of the second engagement piece 44 is provided near the center of gravity G of the rice cooker 1, the gravitational force W1 of the rice cooker 1 is applied to the point of action A downward. Further, as described above, since the length of the first engagement piece 43 is shorter than the length of the second engagement piece 44, the action point A is on the opposite side of the fulcrum O from the force point P as shown in FIG. Exists. Therefore, in order to balance the rotational moment, it is necessary to apply a downward force P1 to the force point P. In order to lift the rice cooker 1, it is necessary to apply an upward force W2 equal to the gravity W1.
These powers are provided by human power. That is, the person holds the grip portion 48 at a position near the little finger of the palm and the downward force P1
, And an upward force P2 is applied to the palm near the thumb. Upward force W2 due to application of upward force P2
Occurs, and the rice cooker 1 is lifted. Also the downward force P
Since the rotation moment is balanced by the provision of 1, the rice cooker 1 is kept substantially horizontal, and the rice cooker 1 is prevented from dropping during transportation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. The input means 17 derives an output indicating the start of rice cooking. The micro switch 57 is connected to the handle 6
To detect the presence or absence of contact with the second engagement piece 44, that is, whether or not the handle 6 is inserted into the steam port 30;
When it is in contact with the second engagement piece 44, an output representing the ON state is derived. The control means 60 responds to the output of the input means 17 and the output of the micro switch 57 to control the opening and closing of the fuel gas on-off valve 22 as described later. The control means 60 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control means 60 shown in FIG. In step a1, the operation is started. In step a2, it is determined whether or not an output indicating the start of rice cooking has been derived from the input means 17. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step a3. If the determination is negative, the determination is repeated until an output indicating the start of rice cooking is derived. In step a3, it is determined whether or not the micro switch 57 is on. If this determination is affirmative, it is determined that the handle 6 is attached to the outer lid 23, and the process proceeds to step a4. In step a4, the on-off valve 22 is kept closed. If the determination in step a3 is negative, it is determined that the handle 6 is not attached to the outer lid 23,
Proceed to step a5. In step a5, the on-off valve 22 is opened, and rice cooking is started. In step a6,
A series of operations in one cycle of the control means 60 ends.

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 63 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The rice cooker 63 is similar to the rice cooker 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that the structure of the handle 64 and the handle 6
4 is different from the rice cooker 1 in the position of engagement with the outer lid 23. The projections 43a, 44a of the first and second engagement pieces 43, 44 of the handle 64 are detachably attached to the outer lid 23 so as to be located on the opening / closing hinge 25 side with respect to the axis 63a of the rice cooker 63 and near the axis 63a. Engaged. The configuration of the handle 64 will be described later.

FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view showing the structure of the handle 64 shown in FIG. The handle 64 is similar to the structure of the handle 6 shown in FIG. 4, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that the length of the first engagement piece 43 is longer than the length of the second engagement piece 44. The other configuration is the same as the configuration of the handle 6.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the vicinity of A2 in FIG. FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 5, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof is omitted. Notable is the first
As the length of the engagement piece 43 is longer than the length of the second engagement piece 44, the second recess 55 of the engagement member 53 is
Is formed on the grip portion 48 side of the grip 64.

FIG. 12 shows a rice cooker 63 with a handle 64 attached.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the balance of the force when carrying. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the projection 43a of the first engagement piece 43 functions as a fulcrum O, the projection 44a of the second engagement piece 44 functions as an action point A, The grip portion 48 serves as a power point P. As described above, since the length of the first engagement piece 43 is longer than the length of the second engagement piece 44, the point of action A is on the same side as the force point P with respect to the fulcrum O. Therefore,
At the point of action A, a force corresponding to the gravity W1 of the rice cooker 63 is applied downward. To balance the rotational moment, it is necessary to apply an upward force P3 to the point of force P as shown in FIG. 12 (2). is there. In order to lift the rice cooker 63, it is necessary to apply an upward force W2 equal to the gravity W1. These powers are provided by human power. That is, the person applies an upward force P3 with the palm gripping the grip portion 48. Thereby, the rice cooker 63 can be lifted while balancing the rotational moment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rice cooker 63 from dropping during transportation, as in the first embodiment. Other configurations of the rice cooker 63, the electrical configuration, and the operation of the control means 60 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 65 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 carries a rice cooker 65 with a handle 64 shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the balance of the force at the time. Rice cooker 65
Is very similar to the rice cooker 63 of the third embodiment, and the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that as shown in FIG.
Is located closer to the opening / closing hinge 25 than the case of the rice cooker 63 with respect to the axis 65a of the rice cooker 65, and the handle 48 of the handle 64 is arranged as shown in FIG. Is located above the center of gravity G of the rice cooker 3, that is, the rice cooker 3. Thus, the rice cooker 65 can be lifted at the position of the center of gravity of the rice cooker 65, and the rotational moment can be easily balanced. Therefore, rice cooker 6 at the time of cooking rice
5 can be prevented from occurring, and the rice cooker 65 can be carried safely and in a stable posture. In the present embodiment, the fulcrum O is located at an intermediate point between the projections 43a and 44a of the first and second engagement pieces 43 and 44. The other configuration is the same as the configuration of the rice cooker 63.

As described above, in the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the handles 6, 64 can be attached to and detached from the upper part of the outer lid 23 in a state where the lid 5 is locked by the locking means 32 so as not to open. When the rice cookers 1, 63, 65 are carried, the rice cookers 1, 63, 65 can be carried in a stable posture by engaging the handles 6, 64 with the outer lid 23. Also, when you do not need the handles 6,64 such as when cooking rice,
The handles 6, 64 can be housed on the hooks 36 on the side surface of the housing 4. This prevents a rise in the temperature of the handles 6, 64 during cooking of rice, so that it is possible to eliminate a risk factor of causing a burn by coming into contact with the handles 6, 64 heated to a high temperature. Can be improved. Also, since the handles 6, 64 are removable,
Irregularities are reduced, and the rice cookers 1, 63, 65 can be designed in a neat manner. Therefore, both safety and aesthetic appearance can be improved. The first and second engaging pieces 43 and 44 of the handles 6 and 64 are
Since the outer lid 23 is engaged with the outer lid 23 through the opening 0, the steam port 30 can be effectively used, and it is not necessary to form an opening for new engagement in the outer lid 23. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified. Further, since the first and second engagement pieces 43 and 44 of the handles 6 and 64 are forked, the engagement members 53 can be securely engaged so as not to come off if the engagement members 53 are sandwiched between them. In addition, since the rotating moments are configured to be balanced, the rice cookers 1, 63 during transportation are
Can be prevented from falling. In addition, if the handles 6, 64 are engaged, the fuel gas on-off valve 22 is kept in the closed state, and rice cooking is not started, so that a problem that the handles 6, 64 are heated to a high temperature is prevented. be able to.
Therefore, safety can be further improved.

As described above, the first to third embodiments of the present invention are described.
In the third embodiment, the first and second engaging pieces 4 of the handles 6, 64 are provided.
Although the holes 3 and 44 are configured to be engaged with the outer lid 23 through the steam ports 30, the holes 3 and 44 are configured to form openings for other engagement without using the steam ports 30. Is also good. Although a contact type micro switch 57 is provided to detect whether or not the handles 6, 64 are engaged, a non-contact type detection means is provided instead of the contact type micro switch 57. Is also good. Further, the detection means need not be provided.

FIG. 15 is a simplified front sectional view showing the configuration of a rice cooker 66 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a plan view of FIG. The rice cooker 66 is similar to the rice cookers 1, 63, 65, and the corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. It should be noted that the configuration of the handle 67 of the present embodiment is different from the configurations of the handles 6 and 64. The handle 67 is inserted into and engaged with the steam port 30 of the outer lid 23. The steam port 30 has a rectangular shape,
It extends along a straight line 72 connecting the axis 66a of the rice cooker 66 and the hinge 25 for opening and closing. Further, the handle 68 of the handle 67 is
It exists on the axis 66 a of the rice cooker 66. The axis 66 a of the rice cooker 66 passes through the center of gravity of the rice cooker 66 and substantially coincides with the axis of the rice cooker 3. 15 and FIG.
Are engaged with the outer lid 23.

FIG. 17 is a simplified front view showing the structure of the handle 67 shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 18 is an arrow 69 in FIG.
It is the perspective view seen from. The handle 67 is almost horizontal when engaged,
In other words, it is configured to include a plate-shaped engaging piece 70 extending substantially horizontally, a rising portion 71 rising almost vertically from a position in the longitudinal direction of the engaging piece 70, and a handle 68. The grip 68
It continues to the rising portion 71 and extends substantially parallel to the engagement piece 70. The engagement piece 70 includes a disk-shaped base 73 and a protrusion 74. A plurality of protrusions 74 (two in the present embodiment) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base 73 at intervals in the circumferential direction, and protrude radially outward. The width and the thickness of the projection 74 are tapered toward the outside in the radial direction.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged view near A3 in FIG. 16, and FIG. 21 is a plan view showing the situation when the handle 67 is placed at the mounting position. FIG. 19 and FIG.
Indicates a state when the handle 67 is arranged at the engagement position. Further, in FIGS. 20 and 21, the opening / closing lid 34 of the steam port 30 is omitted for convenience of illustration.

The projecting portion 74 of the engaging piece 70 has a beak-like planar shape, and the overall planar shape of the engaging piece 70 is substantially a propeller shape. The pair of protrusions 74 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center BO of the circle of the base 73. The vertices B1 and B2 of each protrusion 74 and the center BO of the circle are connected to the disc-shaped base 7.
3 exists in one virtual plane 75 perpendicular to the plate surface. Further, the axis 76 of the rising portion 71 exists in the virtual plane 75, and the axis 77 of the handle 68 is perpendicular to the virtual plane 75. The length of the engagement piece 70 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the length K1 of a straight line connecting the vertex B1, the center BO of the circle, and the vertex B2 is smaller than the length W1 of the long side of the rectangular steam port 30 and It is formed so as to be longer than the length W2 of the short side. The length in the width direction of the engaging piece 70, that is, the diameter K2 of the base 73 is formed to be smaller than the length W2 of the short side of the steam port 30.

Thus, if the engaging piece 70 of the handle 67 is arranged at the mounting position, that is, if the longitudinal direction of the engaging piece 70 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the steam port 30 as shown in FIG. Can be easily inserted into the steam port 30. Further, the handle 68 of the handle 67 is turned 90 ° from the mounting position in the direction of the arrow 78 around the axis 76 of the rising portion 71.
When rotated, the engagement piece 70 is angularly displaced to the engagement position, and as shown in FIGS.
And the contact area between the outer lid 23 and the inner surface of the outer lid 23 can be maximized. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the engaging piece 70 falls off from the steam port 30 during the engagement.

A micro switch 80 is provided at an engagement position of the engagement piece 70 of the handle 67. The micro switch 80 includes a lever 81, and the lever 81 can swing in a plane including the base 73 of the engagement piece 70. When the engagement piece 70 is angularly displaced to the engagement position, the lever 81
The micro switch 80 is turned on by coming into contact with the protrusion 74 of the engagement piece 70. Therefore, the microswitch 80 can detect that the handle 67 has been engaged with the outer lid 23, and can derive an output indicating the engagement. Other configurations of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, including the electrical configuration.

As described above, in this embodiment, the handle 67
By inserting the engaging piece 70 into the steam port 30 and rotating it by 90 °, the outer lid 23 and the engaging piece 70 can be engaged with each other. Can be carried. In addition, since the handle of the handle 67 is located substantially above the center of gravity of the rice cooker 66, stability during transportation is good, and the rice cooker 66 can be carried in a stable posture while being kept substantially horizontal. it can. Therefore, the rice cooker 66 can be prevented from falling, and the rice cooker 66 can be carried safely. Further, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments can be obtained.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the length K1 in the longitudinal direction of the engagement piece 70 is set to be shorter than the length W1 of the long side of the steam port 30. Steam port 30 as long as it can be inserted at an angle
May be set to be longer than the length W1 of the long side. Further, although the shape of the steam port 30 is formed in a rectangular shape, the shape is not limited to this, and another shape may be used. In this case, the engagement piece is formed so that it can be inserted into the steam port 30 and the length in the longitudinal direction is larger than the interval between the steam ports 30. Although a microswitch for detecting whether or not the handle 67 is engaged is provided, other detecting means may be provided instead of the microswitch. Further, the detection means may not be provided.

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 83 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a simplified configuration of a handle 84 shown in FIG. It is. The rice cooker 83 includes the rice cookers 1, 63, 6
Similar to 5 and 66, corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a pair of grips 84 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the housing 4 so as to be detachable. The pair of handles 84 are provided to be substantially symmetrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis 83 a of the rice cooker 83, and are removably engaged with exhaust ports 13, 14 formed on the outer frame 10 and the upper portion of the inner body 11. . FIG.
3 shows a state in which the pair of grips 84 are engaged. The exhaust ports 13 and 14 are provided with the gas burner 7 as described above.
This is an opening for discharging the combustion exhaust gas from outside. Therefore, the present embodiment is suitably applied to a rice cooker provided with a heating means such as gas burner 7.

The handle 84 has a substantially U-shape, and has an engaging piece 85 detachably engaged with the exhaust ports 13 and 14.
A handle 86 is provided, which is connected to the engagement piece 85 and is provided to protrude outward from the exhaust ports 13 and 14. The engagement piece 85 is made of, for example, steel, and the handle 86 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin having low thermal conductivity. The engagement piece 85 has a plate-shaped first engagement portion 87 that extends substantially horizontally when engaged, and a second engagement portion that is arranged at a distance substantially vertically downward from the first engagement portion 87 when engaged. Part 88, the first and second engagement parts 8
7, 88 for connecting the U.S. 7, 88 in a U-shape. First
The engaging portion 87 and the second engaging portion 88 are arranged substantially in parallel. The handle 86 is connected to the base end (the right side in FIG. 23) of the first engagement portion 87. A retaining member 90 extending along the connecting portion 89 is attached to the second engaging portion 88. The retaining member 90 is made of an elastic material and prevents the engaging piece 85 from being pulled out from the exhaust ports 13 and 14.

The length D1 of the first engagement portion 87 is the length D2 of the second engagement portion 88 and the distance F2 from the outer peripheral surface of the outer frame 10 to the inner peripheral surface of the inner shell 11 at the engagement position. Is set to be larger than the sum of Thereby, the handle 86 is
It is arranged so as to protrude outside the outer frame 10. The length D3 of the connecting portion 89 is the vertical length F of the exhaust ports 13 and 14.
It is set to be larger than 1. by this,
Since the engagement piece 85 is prevented from moving outward in the horizontal direction during transportation in combination with the operation of the retaining member 90, the engagement piece 85 is prevented from dropping out of the exhaust ports 13 and 14, and the rice cooker 83 is removed. It can be carried in a stable position. When the rice cooker 83 is lifted by attaching the handle 84, as shown in FIG. 22, the distal end portion of the second engaging portion 88 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner body 11 are at E1.
At the point E2, the upper surface of the first engagement portion 87 near the handle 86 and the lower surface of the end surface of the upper frame 15 contact at the point E2. As described above, the handle 84 is at two points E1 and E2.
Since the rice cooker 83 can be supported at the location, the rice cooker 83 can be lifted safely and easily.

FIG. 24 shows a state in which the engaging piece 85 of the handle 84 is connected to the exhaust port 1.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the handle 84 is attached to and detached from the handlebars 3, 14, and FIG. As described above, since the length D3 of the connecting portion 89 of the engagement piece 85 is greater than the length F1 of the exhaust ports 13 and 14 in the vertical direction, the engagement piece 85 is placed in a horizontal state, and
14 cannot be attached or detached. Therefore, the engagement piece 85
Is an exhaust port 1 in a state of being inclined obliquely as shown in FIG.
It is attached to and detached from 3, 14. When the handle 84 is not used, such as during cooking rice, the handle 84 is stored by hooking the distal end of the engagement piece 85 to the exhaust port 14 of the outer frame 10. Since this position is close to the exhaust port 14, the temperature of the engagement piece 85 during rice cooking rises. However, since the handle 86 is made of a synthetic resin having a low thermal conductivity, the temperature rise of the handle 86 is small. Also,
Since the temperature of the engagement piece 85 after the completion of the unevenness is sufficiently lowered, there is no problem in carrying the rice cooker 83.

As described above, in this embodiment, a pair of handles 84 are detachably provided on both sides of the housing 4, so that the stability during transportation is improved and the rice cooker 83 can be safely transported. . In addition, since the engaging piece 85 is formed in such a size that it cannot escape from the exhaust ports 13 and 14 outward in the horizontal direction, the rice cooker 83 is prevented from dropping during transportation, and safety is improved. Further, since the engaging piece 85 of the handle 84 is engaged with the housing 4 through the existing exhaust ports 13 and 14, there is no need to form a new opening in the housing 4, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, the same effects as in the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the engaging piece 85 of the handle 84 is formed in a substantially U-shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the engaging piece 85 is formed in an L-shape. Is also good. Further, a detection means such as a microswitch for detecting whether or not the handle 84 is engaged may be provided.

[0057]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the handle which is detachably engaged with the upper portion of the lid is provided, the handle is engaged with the lid during transportation so that the handle can be stably held. Can carry a rice cooker. Also, the handle can be removed from the lid when the cooker is not carried, such as when cooking rice. As a result, the temperature of the handle during rice cooking is prevented from rising, so that safety can be improved. In addition, since the handle is detachable, the rice cooker can be made to have a clean design with little unevenness. Therefore, both safety and aesthetic appearance can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the engaging piece of the handle is detachably engaged with the existing steam port.
The configuration can be simplified.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece are arranged at one end of the handle at an interval in the vertical direction. Can be sandwiched between the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece. As a result, the handle and the lid can be engaged so as not to come off, so that the rice cooker can be carried in a stable posture by grasping and lifting the handle. In addition, the rice cooker can be prevented from falling during transportation.

According to the present invention, the engaging piece of the handle can be inserted into the steam port and the length in the longitudinal direction is formed to be larger than the interval between the steam ports. When the engaging piece is inserted into the steam port and then rotated to span the narrowest portion of the steam port, the engaging piece and the steam port can be engaged so as not to come off.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, if the engaging piece is inserted into the steam port, the heating means is kept off, and rice cooking is not started. The risk of burns from contact is eliminated. Therefore,
Safety can be further improved.

According to the present invention, since the pair of handles are detachably engaged with both sides of the upper portion of the housing, the stability is improved and the rice cooker can be carried safely. . In addition, since the engaging piece of the handle is detachably engaged with the exhaust port of the combustion exhaust gas, the exhaust port can be effectively used, and it is not necessary to form a new opening for engagement. Thereby, the configuration can be simplified.

According to the present invention, since the engaging piece has a substantially U-shape, the engaging piece can be engaged with the exhaust port so as not to come off. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front external view of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view showing a configuration of a handle 6 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a portion A1 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the balance of power when carrying the rice cooker 1 with the handle 6 attached.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG.

8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control means 60 shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 63 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view showing a configuration of a handle 64 shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a portion A2 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the balance of power when carrying the rice cooker 63 with the handle 64 attached.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 65 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

14 shows a rice cooker 65 with the handle 64 shown in FIG.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the balance of the force when carrying.

FIG. 15 is a front sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 66 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of FIG.

17 is a simplified front view showing a configuration of a handle 67 shown in FIG.

18 is a perspective view as viewed from an arrow 69 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view as viewed from the section line XIX-XIX in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a portion A3 in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a situation when the handle 67 is arranged at the mounting position.

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view showing a simplified configuration of a rice cooker 83 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a simplified perspective view showing the configuration of a handle 84 shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the engaging piece 85 of the handle 84 is attached to and detached from the exhaust ports 13 and 14.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing a stored state of the handle 84 in the rice cooker.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 63, 65, 66, 83 Rice cooker 3 Rice cooker 4 Housing 5 Lid 6, 64, 67, 84 Handle 7 Gas burner 17 Input means 22 Open / close valve 23 Outer lid 24 Inner lid 29 Lock projection 30 Steam port 31 Lock piece 43 First engaging piece 44 Second engaging piece 45 Connecting part 47 Rising part 48 Handle part 49 Cover member 53 Engaging member 57 Micro switch

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Kazuko Kuwahara 4-1-2, Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka F-term in Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (reference) 4B055 AA02 BA02 BA05 BA28 BA38 BA57 CA22 CA42 CA48

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A heating means for heating a rice cooker in which cooked rice is stored, a housing for storing the rice cooker and the heating means, a lid provided on an upper part of the housing, for opening and closing the upper part of the rice cooker; A rice cooker comprising: a locking means for locking the cover so as not to open; and a handle detachably engaging with an upper portion of the lid. 2. An upper portion of the lid is formed with a steam port which communicates with the inside of the housing and emits water vapor at the time of cooking rice, and the handle has an engaging piece at one longitudinal end thereof. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rice cooker is detachably engaged with the lid via a steam port. 3. A handle, comprising: a first engagement piece extending substantially horizontally; and a second engagement piece arranged at a longitudinal distance from the first engagement piece and extending in the same direction as the first engagement piece. And a connecting part for connecting the base ends of the first and second engaging pieces, and a handle body connected to the connecting part and extending elongated in a direction opposite to the first and second engaging pieces. The rice cooker according to claim 2, wherein 4. The handle is a plate-shaped engaging piece extending substantially horizontally, is insertable into the steam port, and is formed such that the length in the longitudinal direction is larger than the interval between the steam ports. 3. The rice cooker according to claim 2, further comprising: an engaging piece; a rising portion rising from an intermediate position in a longitudinal direction of the engaging piece; and a grip portion connected to the rising portion and extending substantially parallel to the engaging piece. . 5. A detecting means for detecting that the engaging piece has been inserted into the steam port, and in response to an output of the detecting means, the heating means does not perform a heating operation when the engaging piece is inserted into the steam port. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising control means for maintaining the temperature of the rice cooker. 6. A gas burner for heating a rice cooker in which cooked rice is stored, and a housing for storing the rice cooker and the gas burner, wherein an exhaust port for discharging combustion exhaust gas from the gas burner is substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis of the housing. A rice cooker, comprising: a housing formed at least in a pair with the housing; 7. A handle having a substantially U-shaped shape, an engaging piece detachably engaged with the exhaust port, and a handle connected to the engaging piece and provided to protrude outward from the exhaust port. 7. The rice cooker according to claim 6, comprising: