JP2004129942A

JP2004129942A - Rice cooker

Info

Publication number: JP2004129942A
Application number: JP2002299241A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuhiro Ukita; 浮田　和宏; Masafumi Kubo; 久保　雅史; Hiroshi Kitaki; 北木　宏
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-10-11
Filing date: 2002-10-11
Publication date: 2004-04-30
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-11
Also published as: JP4000981B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the deformation and discoloring of a lid even when the upper surface of the lid is covered with a kitchen cloth or a towel in a rice cooker for cooking rice by covering an opening part on the upper surface of a rice cooker body for freely removably storing a pot through the use of the lid so as to be freely opened/closed. <P>SOLUTION: The pot 2 is freely removably stored in the rice cooker body 2. The pot 2 is heated with a bottom induction coil 3, so as to detect inner pot temperature by a bottom sensor 4. The opening part on the upper surface of the rice cooker body 1 is covered with the lid 8 which is pivotally supported so as to be freely opened/closed. The lid 8 includes a lid steam opening 8c for discharging steam inside the pot 2. The temperature of the lid 8 is detected by a lid temperature detecting means 20. The means 20 is disposed on the inner surface of a resin-made outer lid 8a constituting the top surface of the lid 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、鍋を着脱自在に収納する炊飯器本体の上面開口部を蓋により開閉自覆って炊飯する炊飯器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の炊飯器は図９に示すように構成していた。以下、その構成について説明する。
【０００３】
図９に示すように、炊飯器本体５１は内部に保護枠５３とコイルベース５４を配設して有底円筒状の鍋５２の収納部を形成している。保護枠５３の外側に鍋５２を誘導加熱する誘導コイル５５を設けている。回路基板５６は加熱コイル５５への高周波電力の供給を制御するものである。
【０００４】
蓋５７はヒンジ部材５８を介して炊飯器本体５１の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆っている。そして、鍋５２で炊飯中に発生した蒸気は蓋蒸気口６３より外部に排出される。放熱板６０はステンレス製であり、蓋誘導コイル６１により発熱する。温度検知装置６２は放熱板６０に圧接されている。蓋５７には操作手段６４を配し、炊飯、保温の操作を行なう（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−２６３号公報（第３−７頁、図１）
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながらこのような従来の構成では、炊飯中に蓋５７を覆うようにふきんやタオルをかけると、蓋蒸気口６３から出る蒸気は蓋５７とふきんやタオルとの間に充満して蓋５７の表面温度が上昇し、蓋５７が変形したり変色したりする。また、蓋５７に操作手段６４がある場合、炊飯中に蓋５７を覆うようにふきんやタオルをかけると、異常温度上昇による故障や誤動作が発生するという問題があった。
【０００７】
本発明は上記課題を解決するもので、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することを目的としている。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記目的を達成するために、炊飯器本体内に鍋を着脱自在に収納し、この鍋を加熱手段により加熱して鍋内の温度を底センサにより検知し、炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に軸支された蓋により覆い、蓋に鍋内の蒸気を排出する蓋蒸気口を設け、蓋の温度を蓋温度検知手段により検知するよう構成し、蓋温度検知手段は、蓋の天面を構成する樹脂製の外蓋の内面に設置したものである。
【０００９】
これにより、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記鍋を加熱する加熱手段と、前記鍋内の温度を検知する底センサと、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を覆い開閉自在に軸支された蓋と、前記蓋に設け前記鍋内の蒸気を排出する蓋蒸気口と、前記蓋の温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段とを備え、前記蓋温度検知手段は、前記蓋の天面を構成する樹脂製の外蓋の内面に設置したものであり、蓋温度検知手段の出力により、蓋の温度を蓋が変形したり、変色したりしないような温度となるように、蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したりすることができ、蓋の表面温度が異常に上昇するのを防止することができ、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００１１】
請求項２に記載の発明は、上記請求項１に記載の発明において、外蓋に肉薄の薄肉部を設け、前記薄肉部に蓋温度検知手段を設置したものであり、薄いふきんやタオルをかけた場合でも蓋の表面の温度上昇を防止することができ、薄いふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００１２】
請求項３に記載の発明は、上記請求項１または２に記載の発明において、蓋温度検知手段を外蓋内面と外蓋内面に当接した蓋温度検知手段取付部材で挟持したものであり、蓋の表面の温度上昇をより確実に防止することができる。
【００１３】
請求項４に記載の発明は、上記請求項１または２に記載の発明において、蓋温度検知手段を蓋蒸気口の近傍に配したものであり、蓋の表面の温度上昇をより確実に防止することができる。
【００１４】
請求項５に記載の発明は、上記請求項１に記載の発明において、外蓋の天面に凸部を設け、蓋温度検知手段を前記凸部の内面に設置したものであり、薄いふきんやタオルをかけた場合でも蓋の表面の温度上昇を防止することができ、薄いふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００１５】
請求項６に記載の発明は、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記鍋を加熱する加熱手段と、前記鍋内の温度を検知する底センサと、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を覆い開閉自在に軸支され天面に前記加熱手段を操作する操作手段を有する蓋と、前記蓋に設け前記鍋内の蒸気を排出する蓋蒸気口と、前記蓋の温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段とを備え、前記蓋温度検知手段は、前記蓋の操作手段と蓋蒸気口の間に設置したものであり、蓋温度検知手段の出力により、操作手段の温度を操作手段が変形したり、熱による故障や誤動作が発生しない温度となるように、蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したりすることができ、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても異常温度上昇による故障や誤動作を防止できる。
【００１６】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００１７】
（実施例１）
図１に示すように、炊飯器本体１は有底筒状の鍋収納部１ａを有し、鍋２を着脱自在に収納している。鍋収納部１ａの底部に底誘導コイル（加熱手段）３を設け、鍋２を誘導加熱し炊飯・保温を行う。底誘導コイル３を用いた誘導加熱方式ではなく鋳込みヒータを加熱手段とし、鍋２を加熱する場合もあるが、誘導加熱方式のほうがより高火力・高効率で鍋を加熱することができる。
【００１８】
底センサ４は、鍋２の温度を検知し、制御部５へ信号を送る。制御部５は底センサ４の信号より底誘導コイル３の通電量を制御し、鍋２の加熱量を可変することで鍋２の温度を炊飯・保温時に適温に制御するようにしている。
【００１９】
炊飯器本体１の上部は炊飯器本体１の後部に設けたヒンジ部６のヒンジ軸７にて軸支した蓋８により、開閉自在に覆われている。蓋８の外郭は蓋天面を構成する樹脂製の外蓋８ａと鍋２側を構成する樹脂製の外蓋カバー８ｂとで構成し、外蓋８ａと外蓋カバー８ｂは外周部で嵌合している。
【００２０】
外蓋８ａと外蓋カバー８ｂを樹脂で構成すると、外観形状の自由度が高くデザイン性がよい。また、外蓋８ａの一部分を表面にさまざまな絵柄の印刷フィルムを一体成形したパネル８ｄで構成することで、絵柄のデザインの自由度も高くなる。加えて、熱絶縁性や電気絶縁性に優れ、金属製の外蓋で必要となる絶縁材や断熱材が不要となりコストも安くなる。
【００２１】
外蓋８ａの内面に、図２に示すように、外蓋８ａの温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段２０を設置している。ここで、蓋温度検知手段２０はパネル８ｄの内面に設置する場合もある。蓋温度検知手段２０としては、半導体素子利用したものや、バイメタル式のサーモスタットなどがある。
【００２２】
蓋８の先端に蓋係合部１５を設けており、炊飯器本体１の前方のフックボタン１６と閉蓋時に係合し、炊飯または保温中に蓋８が開くのを防止している。フックボタン１６を押すと、蓋係合部１５とフックボタン１６の係合が外れ、蓋８のヒンジ部６に設けたヒンジばね１７の力よって蓋が開くようにしている。
【００２３】
炊飯中や保温中にご飯から発生した蒸気は蓋８の鍋２側に付着し、蓋８を開いたときに露が炊飯器本体１の上縁部１ｂに滴下したり、保温中にご飯の上に落下して、ご飯を白化させたりする。そこで、蓋８には鍋２の内部空間を加熱する加熱板９を設けており、加熱板９は蓋加熱手段である蓋誘導コイル１０により誘導加熱されて発熱し、炊飯・保温中の蓋８への露つきを防止している。ここで、蓋誘導コイル１０の代わりに、電気抵抗で発熱する発熱線を加熱板９に貼り付ける方式もあるが、誘導加熱方式の方がより、効率的に加熱板９を発熱させることができる。
【００２４】
加熱板９に加熱板蒸気口９ａを設けており、炊飯・保温中に発生する蒸気は、加熱板蒸気口９ａを通過し、蓋蒸気口８ｃから外部へ流出するようにしている。蒸気口パッキン１８は、加熱板蒸気口９ａからの蒸気が蓋８の内部に流入するのを防止している。また、鍋パッキン１９は、加熱板９と鍋２のフランジ部２ａの間から蒸気が外部へ漏れ出すのを防止している。
【００２５】
上記構成において動作を説明する。炊飯器を使用しないときに、蓋８の天面がほこりや油煙で汚れないように、蓋８の天面にふきんやタオルを掛けることがある。ここで、誤ってふきんをかけたまま炊飯すると、炊飯中に蓋蒸気口８ｃから噴出した蒸気は、蓋８の天面に掛けたふきんやタオルに阻まれ、大気中に噴出されにくくなり、ふきんやタオルと外蓋８ａの間に熱気をこもらせる。外蓋８ａの温度は熱気で上昇し、最も温度の高いところでおよそ１００℃前後になる。
【００２６】
そのまま長時間高温の状態を放置しておくと外蓋８ａが変形したり変色したりするが、本実施例では、外蓋８ａ内面に設けた蓋温度検知手段２０で外蓋８ａの温度上昇を検知できる。
【００２７】
この場合、外蓋８ａの温度を外蓋８ａが変形したり、変色したりしないような温度となるように蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したり、表示部あるいは報知部を設けて外蓋８ａの温度が上昇していることを表示あるいは報知したりと、さまざまな外蓋８ａの温度上昇に対する手段を講ずることができ、蓋８にふきんやタオルをかけられても、蓋８の変形や変色を防止することができる。このことは、外蓋８ａの一部分をパネル８ｄで構成したとき、パネル８ｄについても同じである。
【００２８】
（実施例２）
図３に示すように、外蓋２１は蓋を構成するもので、肉厚が薄肉である薄肉部２１ａを設けており、この薄肉部２１ａに蓋温度検知手段２２を取り付けている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００２９】
上記構成において動作を説明する。薄いふきんやタオルをかけたまま炊飯を行なったとき、ふきんやタオルと蓋の天面との間にこもる熱量は厚いふきんやタオルをかけたときよりも少ないが、蓋の天面の温度はふきんの厚さに関わらず最高で１００℃前後まで上昇する。このとき、ふきんやタオルと蓋の天面との間にこもる熱量は少ないので、蓋の天面の温度が外蓋の内面まで伝わりにくく、蓋温度検知手段に温度が伝わりにくい。
【００３０】
本実施例では、外蓋２１は樹脂製であり、容易に肉厚を変化させることができるので、外蓋２１に薄肉部２１ａを設け、薄肉部２１ａに蓋温度検知手段２２を取り付けることで、薄肉部２１ａでは蓋の天面と外蓋２１の内面の温度差が少ないことから、蓋温度検知手段２２の検知温度が蓋の天面と近くなり、蓋温度検知手段２２は薄いふきんやタオルが掛けられたことを検知することができる。
【００３１】
これにより、外蓋２１の温度を外蓋２１が変形したり、変色したりしないような温度となるように蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したりすることで、薄いふきんやタオルをかけた場合でも蓋表面の温度上昇を防止することができ、薄いふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００３２】
（実施例３）
図４に示すように、外蓋２４は蓋を構成するもので、蓋温度検知手段２３を外蓋２４の内面と、外蓋２４の内面と当接した蓋温度検知手段取付部材２５とで挟持している。他の構成は上記実施例１または２と同じである。
【００３３】
上記構成において動作を説明する。蓋温度検知手段取付部材２５は外蓋２４の内面と当接しており、外蓋２４の内面の温度が上昇すると、外蓋２４の内面から熱が伝わり、蓋温度検知手段取付部材２５の温度も上昇する。外蓋２４の内面と蓋温度検知手段２３は若干の温度差を有するが、本実施例の構成によれば、蓋温度検知手段２３は外蓋２４の内面と蓋温度検知手段取付部２５の両方から熱が伝わり、外蓋２４の内面に対する温度追随性がよくなり、外蓋２４の内面との温度差が減少する。
【００３４】
このことにより、蓋表面の温度上昇をさらに確実に検知し防止することができる。ここで、蓋温度検知手段取付部材２５を熱伝導性のよい金属製で構成すると、外蓋２４の内面に対する温度追随性がさらによくなる。ここで、本実施例では、外蓋２４が樹脂製なので、蓋温度検知手段取付部材２５の取付部も容易に構成できる。
【００３５】
（実施例４）
図５に示すように、外蓋２６は蓋を構成するもので、蓋温度検知手段２７を取り付けており、この蓋温度検知手段２７は蓋蒸気口２８の近傍に取り付けている。他の構成は上記実施例１〜３と同じである。
【００３６】
上記構成において動作を説明する。蓋蒸気口２８から噴出する蒸気は、噴出直後より徐々に大気あるいは蓋にその熱量を奪われて温度が下降する。炊飯時にふきんやタオルで覆われたときの蓋の温度も蓋蒸気口２８が最も高く、蓋蒸気口２８から遠ざかるにつれ低くなっていく。
【００３７】
そこで、本実施例のように、蓋温度検知手段２７を蓋蒸気口２８の近傍に設けることで、蓋の表面温度上昇をさらに確実に防止できる。ここで、蓋蒸気口２８の近傍とは蓋蒸気口２８の周囲１００ｍｍ以内が望ましい。
【００３８】
（実施例５）
図６に示すように、外蓋２９は蓋を構成するもので、この外蓋２９の天面に凸部２９ａを設け、蓋温度検知手段３０を凸部２９ａの内面に設けている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００３９】
上記構成において動作を説明する。炊飯中に外蓋２９の天面にふきんやタオルが掛けられたとき、蓋の表面温度が上昇するが、蓋温度検知手段３０は外蓋２９の天面に設けた凸部２９ａの内面に囲まれており、外蓋２９の内面からの熱が蓋温度検知手段３０に伝達しやすい。
【００４０】
このため、外蓋２９の内面と蓋温度検知手段３０の温度差が少なくなり、蓋温度検知手段３０の温度は外蓋２９の天面の温度と近くなる。このことから、薄いふきんやタオルが掛けられたときでも、蓋温度検知手段３０は外蓋２９の天面の温度上昇を検知し易くなり、蓋の変形や変色を防止できる。
【００４１】
（実施例６）
図７に示すように、炊飯器本体３１は有底筒状の鍋収納部３１ａを有し、鍋３２を着脱自在に収納している。鍋収納部３１ａの底部に底誘導コイル（加熱手段）３３を設け、鍋３２を誘導加熱し炊飯・保温を行う。底誘導コイル３３を用いた誘導加熱方式ではなく、鋳込みヒータを加熱手段とし、鍋３２を加熱する場合もあるが、誘導加熱方式のほうがより高火力・高効率で鍋を加熱することができる。
【００４２】
底センサ３４は、鍋３２の温度を検知し、制御部３５へ信号を送る。制御部３５は底センサ３４の信号より底誘導コイル３３の通電量を制御し、鍋３２の加熱量を可変することで鍋３２の温度を炊飯・保温時に適温に制御するようにしている。
【００４３】
炊飯器本体３１の上部は炊飯器本体３１の後部に設けたヒンジ部３６に設けたヒンジ軸３７にて軸支した蓋３８により開閉自在に覆われている。蓋３８の先端に蓋係合部４５を設けており、炊飯器本体３１の前方のフックボタン４６と閉蓋時に係合し、炊飯または保温中に誤って蓋３８が開くのを防止している。フックボタン４６を押すと、蓋係合部４５とフックボタン４６の係合が外れ、蓋のヒンジ部３６に設けたヒンジばね４７の力よって蓋が開くようにしている。
【００４４】
炊飯中や保温中にご飯から発生した蒸気は蓋３８の鍋側に付着し、蓋３８を開いたときに露が炊飯器本体３１の上縁部３１ｂに滴下したり、保温中にご飯の上に落下して、ご飯を白化させたりする。そこで、蓋３８には鍋３２の内部空間を加熱する加熱板３９を設けており、加熱板３９は蓋加熱手段である蓋誘導コイル４０により誘導加熱されて発熱し、炊飯・保温中の蓋３８への露つきを防止している。ここで、蓋誘導コイル４０の代わりに、電気抵抗で発熱する発熱線を加熱板３９に貼り付ける方式もあるが、誘導加熱方式の方がより、効率的に加熱板３９を発熱させることができる。
【００４５】
加熱板３９に加熱板蒸気口３９ａを設けており、炊飯・保温中に発生する蒸気は、加熱板蒸気口３９ａを通過し、蓋蒸気口３８ｃから外部へ流出するようにしている。蒸気口パッキン４８は、加熱板蒸気口３９ａからの蒸気が蓋３８の内部に流入するのを防止している。また、鍋パッキン４９は、加熱板３９と鍋３２のフランジ部３２ａの間から蒸気が外部へ漏れ出すのを防止している。
【００４６】
蓋３８には、底誘導コイル３３と蓋誘導コイル４０を操作する操作手段４３を設けている。本実施例のように、操作手段４３を蓋３８に設置すると、炊飯器がどちらの向きに向いていても操作手段４３を操作でき、使い勝手がよいのに加え、炊飯器本体３１の設置面積が少なくなり、炊飯器炊飯器本体３１の置き場所を確保しやすい。
【００４７】
また、図８に示すように、蓋３８の天面に設けた蓋蒸気口３８ｃと操作手段４３の間に、蓋３８の温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段４４を配している。
【００４８】
上記構成において動作を説明する。炊飯器を使用しないときに、蓋３８の天面がほこりや油煙で汚れないように、蓋３８の天面にふきんやタオルを掛けることがある。ここで、誤ってふきんをかけたまま炊飯すると、炊飯中に蓋蒸気口３８ｃから噴出した蒸気は、蓋３８の天面のふきんやタオルに阻まれ大気中に噴出されにくくなり、ふきんやタオルと蓋３８の天面の間に熱気をこもらせる。
【００４９】
蓋３８の天面の温度は熱気で上昇し、最も温度の高いところでおよそ１００℃前後になる。そして、蓋蒸気口３８ｃが最も温度が上昇しやすく、蓋蒸気口３８ｃから遠ざかるにつれ温度は上昇しにくくなる。
【００５０】
従来であれば、このとき操作手段４３の温度も上昇し、変形や熱による故障あるいは誤動作といったことが発生するが、本実施例では、蓋温度検知手段４４の温度が操作手段４３よりも先に上昇し、操作手段４３が変形や熱による故障あるいは誤動作といった状態になるまで温度が上昇する前に蓋３８の温度上昇を検知することができる。
【００５１】
この場合、操作手段４３が変形や熱による故障あるいは誤動作する温度とならないように蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したり、表示部あるいは報知部を設けて外蓋の温度が上昇していることを表示あるいは報知したりと、さまざまな操作手段の温度上昇に対する手段を講ずることができ、蓋３８にふきんやタオルをかけられても異常温度上昇による故障や誤動作を防止することができる。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明の請求項１に記載の発明によれば、蓋の温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段を蓋の天面を構成する樹脂製の外蓋の内面に設置したことにより、蓋温度検知手段の出力により、蓋の温度を蓋が変形したり、変色したりしないような温度となるように、蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したりすることができ、蓋の表面温度が異常に上昇するのを防止することができ、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００５３】
また、請求項２に記載の発明によれば、外蓋に設けた薄肉部に蓋温度検知手段を設置したことにより、薄いふきんやタオルをかけた場合でも蓋の表面の温度上昇を防止することができ、薄いふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００５４】
また、請求項３に記載の発明によれば、蓋温度検知手段を外蓋の内面と外蓋の内面と当接した蓋温度検知手段取付部材で挟持したことにより、蓋の表面の温度上昇をより確実に防止することができる。
【００５５】
また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、蓋温度検知手段を蓋蒸気口近傍に配したことにより、蓋の表面の温度上昇をより確実に防止することができる。
【００５６】
また、請求項５に記載の発明によれば、外蓋の天面に設けた凸部の内面に蓋温度検知手段を設置したことにより、薄いふきんやタオルをかけた場合でも蓋の表面の温度上昇を防止することができ、薄いふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても蓋の変形や変色を防止することができる。
【００５７】
また、請求項６に記載の発明よれば、蓋の温度を検知する蓋温度検知手段を蓋の操作手段と蓋蒸気口の間に設置したことより、蓋温度検知手段の出力により、操作手段の温度を操作手段が変形したり、熱による故障や誤動作が発生しない温度となるように、蒸気の噴出量を制御したり、炊飯を中止したりすることができ、ふきんやタオルで蓋の上面を覆われても異常温度上昇による故障や誤動作を防止できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の炊飯器の断面図
【図２】同炊飯器の外蓋の要部拡大断面図
【図３】本発明の第２の実施例の炊飯器の外蓋の要部断面図
【図４】本発明の第３の実施例の炊飯器の外蓋の要部断面図
【図５】本発明の第４の実施例の炊飯器の外蓋の要部断面図
【図６】本発明の第５の実施例の炊飯器の外蓋の要部断面図
【図７】本発明の第６の実施例の炊飯器の断面図
【図８】同炊飯器の外蓋の要部拡大断面図
【図９】従来の炊飯器の断面図
【符号の説明】
１　炊飯器本体
２　鍋
３　底誘導コイル（加熱手段）
４　底センサ
８　蓋
８ａ　外蓋
８ｃ　蓋蒸気口
２０　蓋温度検知手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rice cooker for cooking rice by opening and closing a top opening of a rice cooker main body in which a pot is detachably stored by a lid.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of rice cooker has been configured as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 9, the rice cooker main body 51 has a protective frame 53 and a coil base 54 arranged therein to form a storage portion for a bottomed cylindrical pot 52. An induction coil 55 for induction heating the pot 52 is provided outside the protection frame 53. The circuit board 56 controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil 55.
[0004]
The lid 57 covers the upper opening of the rice cooker main body 51 via a hinge member 58 so as to be openable and closable. The steam generated during cooking rice in the pot 52 is discharged to the outside through the lid steam port 63. The radiator plate 60 is made of stainless steel, and generates heat by the lid induction coil 61. The temperature detecting device 62 is pressed against the heat sink 60. The lid 57 is provided with operating means 64 for performing rice cooking and heat keeping operations (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-263 (page 3-7, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional configuration, if a towel or a towel is put on the lid 57 to cover the lid 57 during cooking, the steam emitted from the lid steam port 63 is filled between the lid 57 and the towel or towel, and the surface of the lid 57 is filled. The temperature rises, and the lid 57 is deformed or discolored. Further, when the lid 57 has the operation means 64, if a towel or towel is put on the lid 57 so as to cover the lid 57 during cooking, there is a problem that a failure or a malfunction occurs due to an abnormal temperature rise.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has as its object to prevent deformation and discoloration of the lid even when the upper surface of the lid is covered with a towel or towel.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores a pot in a rice cooker body in a detachable manner, heats the pot by heating means, detects the temperature in the pot with a bottom sensor, and opens the upper surface of the rice cooker body. The lid is covered with a lid pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable, the lid is provided with a lid vapor port for discharging steam in the pan, and the temperature of the lid is detected by lid temperature detecting means. It is installed on the inner surface of a resin outer lid that constitutes the top surface.
[0009]
Thereby, even if the upper surface of the lid is covered with a towel or towel, the lid can be prevented from being deformed or discolored.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a rice cooker main body, a pan removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a heating unit for heating the pan, and a bottom for detecting a temperature in the pan. A sensor, a lid that covers the top opening of the rice cooker body and is pivotally supported to open and close, a lid steam port provided in the lid to discharge steam in the pan, and a lid temperature detection that detects the temperature of the lid. Means, the lid temperature detecting means is installed on the inner surface of a resin outer lid constituting the top surface of the lid, and the lid temperature is changed by the output of the lid temperature detecting means. It can control the amount of steam to be blown out or stop cooking so that the temperature does not change or discolor, and can prevent the surface temperature of the lid from rising abnormally, Even if the top of the lid is covered with a towel or towel, the lid can be prevented from being deformed or discolored
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a thin thin portion is provided on the outer lid, and a lid temperature detecting means is provided on the thin portion. In this case, it is possible to prevent a rise in the temperature of the surface of the lid, and to prevent deformation and discoloration of the lid even when the upper surface of the lid is covered with a thin cloth or towel.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the lid temperature detecting means is sandwiched between an inner surface of the outer lid and a lid temperature detecting means mounting member abutting on the inner surface of the outer lid. The temperature rise on the surface of the lid can be more reliably prevented.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the lid temperature detecting means is disposed near the lid steam port, and the temperature of the lid surface is more reliably prevented from rising. be able to.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a convex portion is provided on a top surface of the outer lid, and a lid temperature detecting means is provided on an inner surface of the convex portion. Even when a towel is placed, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the surface of the lid from rising, and it is possible to prevent the lid from being deformed or discolored even when the upper surface of the lid is covered with a thin cloth or towel.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 6, wherein the rice cooker main body, a pan removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a heating means for heating the pan, a bottom sensor for detecting the temperature in the pan, A lid having an operating means for operating the heating means on the top surface, which is rotatably supported so as to cover the upper opening of the rice cooker main body, and a lid steam port provided on the lid to discharge steam in the pan; Lid temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the lid, wherein the lid temperature detecting means is installed between the operating means of the lid and the lid steam port, the output of the lid temperature detecting means, the operation of the operating means It is possible to control the amount of steam to be blown out or stop cooking so that the operating means does not deform the heat or cause a malfunction or malfunction due to heat, and cook the rice with a towel or towel. Even if covered, failures and malfunctions due to abnormal temperature rise can be prevented.
[0016]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker main body 1 has a bottomed tubular pot storage section 1a, and a rice cooker 2 is detachably stored. A bottom induction coil (heating means) 3 is provided at the bottom of the pot storage section 1a, and the pot 2 is induction-heated to cook rice and keep warm. There is a case where the pot 2 is heated by using a casting heater as a heating means instead of the induction heating method using the bottom induction coil 3, but the induction heating method can heat the pot with higher heating power and higher efficiency.
[0018]
The bottom sensor 4 detects the temperature of the pan 2 and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls the amount of current supplied to the bottom induction coil 3 based on a signal from the bottom sensor 4 and varies the amount of heating of the pan 2 so as to control the temperature of the pan 2 to an appropriate temperature during rice cooking and heat keeping.
[0019]
The upper part of the rice cooker main body 1 is openably and closably covered by a lid 8 pivotally supported by a hinge shaft 7 of a hinge part 6 provided at the rear part of the rice cooker main body 1. The outer shell of the lid 8 is composed of a resin outer lid 8a forming the lid top surface and a resin outer lid cover 8b forming the pot 2 side, and the outer lid 8a and the outer lid cover 8b are fitted at the outer peripheral portion. are doing.
[0020]
When the outer lid 8a and the outer lid cover 8b are made of resin, the degree of freedom of the external shape is high and the design is good. In addition, since a part of the outer lid 8a is constituted by a panel 8d in which printed films of various patterns are integrally formed on the surface, the degree of freedom in designing a pattern is increased. In addition, it is excellent in heat insulation and electric insulation, and the insulating material and heat insulating material required for the metal outer lid are not required, and the cost is reduced.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, a lid temperature detecting means 20 for detecting the temperature of the outer lid 8a is provided on the inner surface of the outer lid 8a. Here, the lid temperature detecting means 20 may be installed on the inner surface of the panel 8d. Examples of the lid temperature detecting means 20 include those using a semiconductor element and bimetal thermostats.
[0022]
A lid engaging portion 15 is provided at the tip of the lid 8 and engages with a hook button 16 on the front of the rice cooker main body 1 when the lid is closed to prevent the lid 8 from opening during cooking or warming. When the hook button 16 is pressed, the engagement between the lid engaging portion 15 and the hook button 16 is released, and the lid is opened by the force of a hinge spring 17 provided on the hinge portion 6 of the lid 8.
[0023]
The steam generated from the rice during cooking or keeping the heat adheres to the pot 2 side of the lid 8, and when the lid 8 is opened, dew drops on the upper edge 1 b of the rice cooker main body 1, or the rice is cooked while keeping the temperature. They fall down and whiten the rice. Therefore, the lid 8 is provided with a heating plate 9 for heating the internal space of the pot 2, and the heating plate 9 is heated by induction heating by the lid induction coil 10 which is a lid heating means, and the lid 8 is being cooked and kept warm. To prevent exposure to water. Here, instead of the lid induction coil 10, there is a method in which a heating wire that generates heat by electric resistance is attached to the heating plate 9, but the induction heating method allows the heating plate 9 to generate heat more efficiently. .
[0024]
The heating plate 9 is provided with a heating plate steam port 9a, so that steam generated during cooking and keeping the heat passes through the heating plate steam port 9a and flows out from the lid steam port 8c to the outside. The steam port packing 18 prevents the steam from the heating plate steam port 9 a from flowing into the inside of the lid 8. In addition, the pot packing 19 prevents steam from leaking to the outside from between the heating plate 9 and the flange portion 2 a of the pot 2.
[0025]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the rice cooker is not used, a towel or towel may be hung on the top surface of the lid 8 so that the top surface of the lid 8 is not contaminated with dust or oily smoke. If rice is cooked accidentally with a towel, steam spouted from the lid steam port 8c during cooking will be blocked by a towel or towel hung on the top of the lid 8, making it difficult to spout into the atmosphere. Or between the towel and the outer lid 8a. The temperature of the outer lid 8a rises with hot air and reaches about 100 ° C. at the highest temperature.
[0026]
If the high temperature state is left for a long time, the outer lid 8a is deformed or discolored. In this embodiment, the temperature of the outer lid 8a is increased by the lid temperature detecting means 20 provided on the inner surface of the outer lid 8a. Can be detected.
[0027]
In this case, the temperature of the outer lid 8a is controlled such that the outer lid 8a is not deformed or discolored, the amount of steam blown is controlled, cooking is stopped, and a display unit or a notification unit is provided. It is possible to display or notify that the temperature of the outer lid 8a is rising, and take various measures against the temperature rise of the outer lid 8a. Even if the lid 8 is covered with a towel or towel, Can be prevented from being deformed or discolored. This is the same for the panel 8d when a part of the outer lid 8a is constituted by the panel 8d.
[0028]
(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer lid 21 constitutes a lid, and has a thin portion 21 a having a small thickness, and a lid temperature detecting means 22 is attached to the thin portion 21 a. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0029]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When rice is cooked with a thin towel or towel, the amount of heat stored between the towel and the top of the lid is less than when a thick towel or towel is placed, but the temperature of the top of the lid is lower. The temperature rises up to around 100 ° C. regardless of the thickness. At this time, since the amount of heat stored between the towel and the towel and the top surface of the lid is small, the temperature of the top surface of the lid is hardly transmitted to the inner surface of the outer lid, and the temperature is hardly transmitted to the lid temperature detecting means.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, the outer lid 21 is made of resin, and the thickness thereof can be easily changed. Therefore, by providing the outer lid 21 with a thin portion 21a and attaching the lid temperature detecting means 22 to the thin portion 21a, Since the temperature difference between the top surface of the lid and the inner surface of the outer lid 21 is small in the thin portion 21a, the detection temperature of the lid temperature detecting means 22 is close to the top surface of the lid, and the lid temperature detecting means 22 is a thin cloth or towel. It can detect that it was hung.
[0031]
By controlling the temperature of the outer lid 21 so that the outer lid 21 is not deformed or discolored, by controlling the amount of steam jetted or by stopping rice cooking, a thin towel or towel can be obtained. Can prevent a rise in temperature on the surface of the lid, and can prevent deformation and discoloration of the lid even when the upper surface of the lid is covered with a thin cloth or towel.
[0032]
(Example 3)
As shown in FIG. 4, the outer lid 24 constitutes a lid, and the lid temperature detecting means 23 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the outer lid 24 and the lid temperature detecting means mounting member 25 in contact with the inner surface of the outer lid 24. are doing. Other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment.
[0033]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The lid temperature detecting means mounting member 25 is in contact with the inner surface of the outer lid 24. When the temperature of the inner surface of the outer lid 24 rises, heat is transmitted from the inner surface of the outer lid 24, and the temperature of the lid temperature detecting means mounting member 25 also decreases. To rise. Although the inner surface of the outer lid 24 and the lid temperature detecting means 23 have a slight temperature difference, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the lid temperature detecting means 23 is provided on both the inner surface of the outer lid 24 and the lid temperature detecting means mounting portion 25. , The temperature following property with respect to the inner surface of the outer lid 24 is improved, and the temperature difference with the inner surface of the outer lid 24 is reduced.
[0034]
This makes it possible to more reliably detect and prevent a rise in the temperature of the lid surface. Here, if the lid temperature detecting means mounting member 25 is made of a metal having good thermal conductivity, the temperature followability to the inner surface of the outer lid 24 is further improved. Here, in the present embodiment, since the outer lid 24 is made of resin, the mounting portion of the lid temperature detecting means mounting member 25 can be easily configured.
[0035]
(Example 4)
As shown in FIG. 5, the outer lid 26 constitutes a lid, and has a lid temperature detecting means 27 attached thereto. The lid temperature detecting means 27 is mounted near the lid vapor port 28. Other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.
[0036]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. The temperature of the steam spouting from the cap steam port 28 gradually decreases immediately after the spouting, as the calorie is taken away by the atmosphere or the cap. The temperature of the lid when covered with a towel or towel during cooking rice is also highest in the lid vapor port 28, and decreases as the distance from the lid vapor port 28 increases.
[0037]
Therefore, by providing the lid temperature detecting means 27 near the lid vapor port 28 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the surface temperature of the lid from rising. Here, the vicinity of the lid steam port 28 is desirably within 100 mm around the lid steam port 28.
[0038]
(Example 5)
As shown in FIG. 6, the outer lid 29 constitutes a lid. A convex portion 29a is provided on a top surface of the outer lid 29, and a lid temperature detecting means 30 is provided on an inner surface of the convex portion 29a. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0039]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When a towel or towel is hung on the top of the outer lid 29 during rice cooking, the surface temperature of the lid rises, but the lid temperature detecting means 30 is surrounded by the inner surface of the convex portion 29a provided on the top of the outer lid 29. The heat from the inner surface of the outer lid 29 is easily transmitted to the lid temperature detecting means 30.
[0040]
Therefore, the temperature difference between the inner surface of the outer lid 29 and the lid temperature detecting means 30 is reduced, and the temperature of the lid temperature detecting means 30 is close to the temperature of the top surface of the outer lid 29. For this reason, even when a thin cloth or towel is hung, the lid temperature detecting means 30 can easily detect a rise in the temperature of the top surface of the outer lid 29, and can prevent deformation and discoloration of the lid.
[0041]
(Example 6)
As shown in FIG. 7, the rice cooker main body 31 has a bottomed cylindrical pot storage section 31a, and stores the pot 32 detachably. A bottom induction coil (heating means) 33 is provided at the bottom of the pot storage section 31a, and the pot 32 is induction-heated to cook rice and keep heat. Instead of the induction heating method using the bottom induction coil 33, the pot 32 may be heated using a casting heater as a heating means, but the induction heating method can heat the pot with higher heating power and higher efficiency.
[0042]
The bottom sensor 34 detects the temperature of the pan 32 and sends a signal to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 controls the amount of current supplied to the bottom induction coil 33 based on a signal from the bottom sensor 34 and varies the amount of heating of the pan 32 so as to control the temperature of the pan 32 to an appropriate temperature during rice cooking and heat keeping.
[0043]
The upper part of the rice cooker main body 31 is openably and closably covered by a lid 38 pivotally supported by a hinge shaft 37 provided on a hinge part 36 provided at the rear part of the rice cooker main body 31. A lid engaging portion 45 is provided at the tip of the lid 38 and engages with the hook button 46 on the front side of the rice cooker main body 31 when the lid is closed, thereby preventing the lid 38 from being opened accidentally during cooking or warming. . When the hook button 46 is pressed, the engagement between the lid engaging portion 45 and the hook button 46 is released, and the lid is opened by the force of a hinge spring 47 provided on the hinge portion 36 of the lid.
[0044]
The steam generated from the rice during cooking or warming adheres to the pot side of the lid 38, and when the lid 38 is opened, dew drops on the upper edge portion 31b of the rice cooker main body 31, or when the rice is kept warm, And whiten the rice. Therefore, the lid 38 is provided with a heating plate 39 for heating the internal space of the pot 32. The heating plate 39 is heated by induction heating by the lid induction coil 40 which is a lid heating means, and the lid 38 during rice cooking and heat retention. To prevent exposure to water. Here, instead of the lid induction coil 40, there is also a method in which a heating wire that generates heat by electric resistance is attached to the heating plate 39, but the induction heating method can more efficiently generate heat in the heating plate 39. .
[0045]
The heating plate 39 is provided with a heating plate steam port 39a, and steam generated during cooking and keeping the heat passes through the heating plate steam port 39a and flows out from the lid steam port 38c to the outside. The steam port packing 48 prevents the steam from the heating plate steam port 39 a from flowing into the inside of the lid 38. Further, the pot packing 49 prevents the steam from leaking to the outside from between the heating plate 39 and the flange portion 32 a of the pot 32.
[0046]
The lid 38 is provided with operating means 43 for operating the bottom induction coil 33 and the lid induction coil 40. When the operating means 43 is installed on the lid 38 as in the present embodiment, the operating means 43 can be operated regardless of which direction the rice cooker faces, and in addition to being easy to use, the installation area of the rice cooker main body 31 is reduced. It is easy to secure a place for placing the rice cooker body 31.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 8, a lid temperature detecting means 44 for detecting the temperature of the lid 38 is provided between the lid steam port 38 c provided on the top surface of the lid 38 and the operation means 43.
[0048]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the rice cooker is not used, a towel or towel may be hung on the top surface of the lid 38 so that the top surface of the lid 38 is not stained with dust or oily smoke. Here, if rice is cooked accidentally with a towel, steam spouted from the lid steam port 38c during cooking will be impeded by a towel or towel on the top of the lid 38, making it difficult for it to be spouted into the atmosphere. Hot air is trapped between the top surfaces of the lid 38.
[0049]
The temperature of the top surface of the lid 38 rises with hot air and reaches about 100 ° C. at the highest temperature. Then, the temperature of the lid steam port 38c tends to rise most easily, and the temperature hardly rises as the distance from the lid steam port 38c increases.
[0050]
In the related art, at this time, the temperature of the operation unit 43 also increases, and a failure or malfunction due to deformation or heat occurs. In this embodiment, the temperature of the lid temperature detection unit 44 is higher than that of the operation unit 43. The temperature rise of the lid 38 can be detected before the temperature rises until the temperature rises and the operation means 43 becomes in a state such as deformation or heat failure or malfunction.
[0051]
In this case, the steam ejection amount is controlled so that the operation means 43 does not reach a temperature at which the operation means 43 malfunctions or malfunctions due to deformation or heat, cooking is stopped, or a display unit or a notification unit is provided to increase the temperature of the outer lid. It is possible to display or inform that the operation is in progress, and to take measures against the temperature rise of various operation means, and even if a towel or towel is put on the lid 38, it is possible to prevent a failure or malfunction due to an abnormal temperature rise. .
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the lid temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the lid is provided on the inner surface of the resin outer lid constituting the top surface of the lid. By the output of the temperature detecting means, the amount of steam spouting can be controlled or the rice cooking can be stopped so that the temperature of the lid does not deform or discolor the lid. The surface temperature can be prevented from rising abnormally, and the lid can be prevented from being deformed or discolored even when the lid is covered with a towel or towel.
[0053]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the surface of the lid can be prevented from increasing even when a thin cloth or towel is placed by installing the lid temperature detecting means on the thin portion provided on the outer lid. Even if the top surface of the lid is covered with a thin cloth or towel, deformation and discoloration of the lid can be prevented.
[0054]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the temperature rise on the surface of the lid is prevented by sandwiching the lid temperature detecting means between the inner surface of the outer lid and the lid temperature detecting means mounting member in contact with the inner surface of the outer lid. This can be more reliably prevented.
[0055]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the lid temperature detecting means is disposed near the lid vapor port, it is possible to more reliably prevent a rise in the temperature of the surface of the lid.
[0056]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the lid temperature detecting means is provided on the inner surface of the convex portion provided on the top surface of the outer lid, the temperature of the surface of the lid can be maintained even when a thin cloth or towel is applied. The lid can be prevented from rising, and the lid can be prevented from being deformed or discolored even when the lid is covered with a thin cloth or towel.
[0057]
According to the invention of claim 6, since the lid temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the lid is provided between the operating means of the lid and the lid steam port, the output of the lid temperature detecting means allows the operating means to be operated. It is possible to control the amount of steam to be blown out or to stop cooking so that the temperature does not deform the operating means or cause a malfunction or malfunction due to heat, and cook the rice with a towel or towel. Even if covered, a failure or malfunction due to abnormal temperature rise can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an outer lid of the rice cooker. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a rice cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a main part of an outer lid of a rice cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a rice cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the outer lid of the cooker. [Fig. 9] Cross-sectional view of a conventional rice cooker.
1 rice cooker body 2 pot 3 bottom induction coil (heating means)
4 Bottom sensor 8 Lid 8a Outer lid 8c Lid vapor port 20 Lid temperature detecting means

Claims

A rice cooker main body, a pot removably housed in the rice cooker main body, heating means for heating the pan, a bottom sensor for detecting a temperature in the pan, and an upper opening of the rice cooker main body. A cover that is pivotally supported so as to be able to open and close, a cover steam port provided in the cover and configured to discharge steam in the pan, and a cover temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the cover; and the cover temperature detection unit includes: A rice cooker installed on an inner surface of a resin outer lid constituting a top surface of the lid.

2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein a thin portion is provided on the outer lid, and a lid temperature detecting means is provided on the thin portion.

3. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lid temperature detecting means is sandwiched between an inner surface of the outer lid and a lid temperature detecting means mounting member abutting on the inner surface of the outer lid.

3. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lid temperature detecting means is disposed near the lid steam port.

The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on a top surface of the outer lid, and a lid temperature detecting means is provided on an inner surface of the convex portion.

A rice cooker main body, a pot removably housed in the rice cooker main body, heating means for heating the pan, a bottom sensor for detecting a temperature in the pan, and an upper opening of the rice cooker main body. A cover which is rotatably supported so as to be openable and closable and has an operation means for operating the heating means on a top surface, a cover steam port provided on the cover for discharging steam in the pan, and a cover temperature detection for detecting a temperature of the cover Means, wherein the lid temperature detecting means is disposed between the lid operating means and the lid steam port.