JP2004321684A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Rice cooker Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2004321684A
JP2004321684A JP2003124059A JP2003124059A JP2004321684A JP 2004321684 A JP2004321684 A JP 2004321684A JP 2003124059 A JP2003124059 A JP 2003124059A JP 2003124059 A JP2003124059 A JP 2003124059A JP 2004321684 A JP2004321684 A JP 2004321684A
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JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
water storage
steam
storage section
pot
heating
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JP2003124059A
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Japanese (ja)
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JP3903952B2 (en
Inventor
Kuniyuki Nakanishi
邦行 中西
Norio Ikeda
典生 池田
Akihiro Shinabe
晃宏 品部
Atsushi Koma
敦 高麗
Keiji Ishikawa
啓治 石川
Yasuyuki Mimura
泰幸 三村
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Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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Priority to JP2003124059A priority Critical patent/JP3903952B2/en
Publication of JP2004321684A publication Critical patent/JP2004321684A/en
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Publication of JP3903952B2 publication Critical patent/JP3903952B2/en
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a chance that a sticky starchy fluid entering a steam passage adheres to the steam passage, and to remove the sticky starchy fluid attached to the steam passage by easy washing. <P>SOLUTION: The occurrence of the adhesion of the sticky starchy fluid to the steam passage 10 is reduced by providing a lid 11 for a water storage part as a steam guiding means on the water storage part 8 to heat steam to heating steam in the water storage part 8 for eliminating heating in the steam passage 10. Consequently, the occurrence of the decline in the rice cooking performance due to the clogged steam passage 10 is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【0001】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、炊飯性能を向上させるために、水の沸点以上の蒸気を利用する炊飯器に関するものである。
【0002】
【従来の技術】
一般的な家庭用の炊飯器においては、鍋内の米と水を加熱するために鍋底部に配置した鍋加熱手段が主であり、蓋内の加熱手段は鍋内の米、水の上方の空間を介するため、結果的に、補助的な加熱となる。よって、鍋内上層の米は加熱量が不足し、鍋内の米、水を均一に加熱することができなかった。
【0003】
さらに、本来炊飯においては、水がほぼ無くなり米の流動性がなくなる、炊飯の最終工程である、蒸らし工程で、それまでの加熱を継続し、米澱粉の糊化を完成させることが、美味なる飯を炊くために必須であるが、この工程で、加熱を継続すると鍋底付近の米飯が焦げてしまうため加熱を弱めることが多かった。
【0004】
加熱を弱めることに伴う糊化不足を防止し、炊飯性能を向上させるための手段としては、蓋体に高熱源である誘導加熱コイルを設けて鍋開口部の上方から米を加熱するようなものがあった(例えば、特許文献1、特許文献2参照)。
【0005】
図4に、特許文献1の構成を示す。図4において、21は本体ケースで下面には支持脚22を有する底板23が固着されている。24は耐熱性を有するプラスチックスによって構成された保護枠で、上部周縁部に設けられたつば部25が本体ケース21の上面に固着されている。26は保護枠24の下底部に装着された底面加熱用誘導コイル、27は保護枠24の下方側部に設置された側面加熱用誘導コイルで、保護枠24に収容された磁性金属層をもった鍋28を前記底面加熱用誘導コイル26とによって加熱し、鍋28内の米と水との内容物を加熱調理するものである。29は保護枠24の底面の中心に設けられた貫通孔に装着された温度センサ、30はつまみ31を有する蓋体で、保護枠24の上端部のつば部25上に着脱自在に載置されており、耐熱性を有するプラスチックスによって構成された内カバー32を断熱材33を介して固着している。34は内カバー32にピン40によって着脱自在に装着された内蓋で、その周縁部は鍋28のつば部に載置し、鍋28を覆蓋するものである。35は保護枠24のつば部25の内面に設置された本体側上部誘導コイルで本体ケース21内の電源部(図示しない)に接続されている。
【0006】
36は本体側上部誘導コイル35によって励磁される蓋体側誘導コイルで蓋体30内の本体側誘導コイル35に対向する部分に装着されており、この蓋体側誘導コイル36に励起された電流が誘導コイル39に流れ、誘導コイル39の磁束により磁性金属板で形成された加熱板37が誘導加熱され、鍋28内の上部よりの炊飯加熱または保温加熱ができるものである。
【0007】
特許文献2についてもその基本構成は特許文献1と同様であるのでここでは詳細は省略する。
【0008】
【特許文献1】
特許第2988050号公報
【特許文献2】
特開平6−62956号公報
【0009】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記の従来の構成の炊飯器では、鍋内上層の米が直接、誘導加熱コイルの熱放射により加熱されることになるため、蒸らし工程においては、飯の水分が蒸発して乾燥するという現象が生じている。従って、鍋内の米飯全体が十分な炊飯性能を確保できる温度まで鍋上方から誘導加熱コイルで加熱すると、鍋上層では乾燥して逆に食味が落ちてしまうため、結局、十分な加熱が行えず、鍋内全体にわたっては食味は完全なものではなかった。
【0010】
さらに、炊飯量が多いほど、加熱量を多くしなければならないにも拘わらず、炊飯量が多くなるほど、上層の米は誘導加熱コイルに接近するので乾燥しやすくなるため、加熱を弱めなければならないという矛盾を生じていた。
【0011】
この第1の課題は、鍋と、前記鍋を加熱する鍋加熱手段と、前記鍋の開口部を覆う蓋と、貯水部と貯水部加熱手段とを有する蒸気発生手段と、一端が前記貯水部に連通接続され他端が前記鍋開口部に開放する蒸気経路と、蒸気経路を通る蒸気を加熱する蒸気加熱手段とを備える炊飯器とすることにより解決することができる。
【0012】
すなわち、大気圧下の水の沸点(100℃)以上の加熱蒸気を米に供給することにより、まず、蒸気が供給されるがゆえに飯の乾燥を伴わない、しかも、100℃以下の蒸気供給では米粒表面に水が付着するに留まるが、100℃以上の蒸気であるので、米の糊化を進行させるのに必要なエネルギーをもち、糊化を促進し、炊飯性能を向上させることができるものである。
【0013】
さらに、炊飯量に拘わらず、最適な加熱量を設定できるものである。
【0014】
しかしながら、上記の構成にした場合、新たに、第2の課題が生じる。蒸気発生手段により発生した蒸気を100℃以上の加熱蒸気とするために、蒸気経路を加熱しているが、炊飯中や保温中に発生する糊状のおねばが蒸気経路に入り込むと、おねばが蒸気経路により加熱されて蒸気経路に固着する。このおねばの固着現象が何度も生じると、蒸気経路が詰まってしまう恐れがある。また、蒸気経路が詰まらなくとも、蒸気経路は不衛生な状態となってしまう。
【0015】
蒸気経路は加熱蒸気が通過する通路であるため、蒸気経路の表面積を小さくして他への放熱を少なくするねらいがある。そのため、蒸気経路は細く、洗浄しにくい構造となっており、蒸気経路が詰まったり、不衛生になる恐れを増大させてしまっている。
【0016】
また、貯水部は洗浄しやすいように開口部の面積が大きいので、貯水部から発生する蒸気が貯水部の壁面によって加熱される効果は薄く、貯水部から放出される蒸気が100℃を越えることは難しい。
【0017】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、上記第2の課題をも解決するもので、貯水部に蒸気誘導手段を設けて貯水部で蒸気を100℃以上の加熱蒸気にまで加熱することで、おねばが蒸気経路に入り込み、蒸気経路に固着する恐れを低減し、簡単な洗浄で蒸気経路に付着したおねばを除去することができる。そのため、蒸気経路がおねばで詰まって鍋に加熱蒸気が供給できなくなり、炊飯性能が低下してしまうような事態を低減した炊飯器を提供することを目的とする。
【0018】
【発明の実施の形態】
請求項1記載の発明は、鍋と、前記鍋を加熱する鍋加熱手段と、前記鍋の開口部を覆う蓋と、貯水部と貯水部加熱手段とを有する蒸気発生手段と、一端が前記貯水部に連通接続され他端が前記鍋開口部に開放する蒸気経路とを備え、前記貯水部から発生する蒸気を前記貯水部加熱手段により加熱される前記貯水部壁面に誘導する蒸気誘導手段を備えた炊飯器とすることにより、蒸気経路を加熱しないので、炊飯中におねばが蒸気経路に侵入した場合でも、おねばが蒸気経路に固着する恐れが減少する。そのため、蒸気経路がおねばのために詰まってしまい、蒸気が投入できなくなって炊飯性能が低下する恐れを低減した炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。また、蒸気経路におねばが固着して不衛生な状態になることを低減して、より衛生的な炊飯器とすることができる。
【0019】
請求項2記載の発明は、特に請求項1記載の発明において、蒸気誘導手段は、貯水部の上部開口部の少なくとも一部を覆う貯水部蓋からなることにより、蒸気が十分加熱されない状態で貯水部外に放出されることを低減し、蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させて炊飯性能を向上させた炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0020】
請求項3記載の発明は、特に請求項2記載の発明において、貯水部蓋の開口部は貯水部壁面の一部の略上部に設けたことにより、壁面から離れた場所にある十分加熱されていない蒸気は出にくくなり、加熱された貯水部壁面近傍に存在する、十分加熱された蒸気が貯水部外に出やすくなるので、さらに蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させて炊飯性能を向上させた炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0021】
請求項4記載の発明は、特に請求項1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の発明において、蒸気誘導手段は貯水部内側にらせん状のリブを備えたことにより、蒸気がらせん状のリブに沿って上昇するようになり、上昇していく過程で蒸気は貯水部壁面から十分な熱量を受け取り、所定の温度まで加熱されるので、さらに蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させて炊飯性能を向上させた炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0022】
請求項5記載の発明は、特に請求項1〜4のいずれか1項に記載の発明において、貯水部の一部中間を熱伝導性の低い素材で構成したことにより、蒸気を加熱するための熱量が貯水部内の水を沸騰させるのに使用され、蒸気を加熱しにくくなってしまうことを低減し、さらに蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させて炊飯性能を向上させた炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0023】
請求項6記載の発明は、特に請求項5記載の発明において、蒸気の発生以前に、熱伝導性の低い素材の上部である貯水上部を加熱することにより、貯水部内の水が沸騰し、蒸気が発生すると即座に蒸気を所定の温度まで加熱して鍋に加熱蒸気を供給することが可能となり、さらに蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させて炊飯性能を向上させた炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0024】
請求項7記載の発明は、特に請求項1〜6のいずれか1項に記載の発明において、蒸気経路の貯水部側端におねばを回収する回収手段を設けたことにより、炊飯中に蒸気通路に侵入したおねばが蒸気通路を逆流しても、貯水部に侵入して貯水部内の水が不衛生な状態になる恐れを低減することができ、衛生的に好ましい炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0025】
請求項8記載の発明は、特に請求項1〜7のいずれか1項に記載の発明において、蒸気経路の鍋側端におねばを回収する回収手段を設けたことにより、炊飯中におねばが蒸気通路に流入しようとしても、おねばが回収手段に流入しやすくなり、蒸気経路に流入するおねばを低減することができ、蒸気経路や貯水部が不衛生な状態になる恐れを低減することができ、より衛生的に好ましい炊飯器を提供することが可能となる。
【0026】
【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。
【0027】
(実施例1)
図1は本発明第1の実施例における炊飯器の断面図を示すものである。
【0028】
図1に示すように、炊飯器本体1は米と水を収納する鍋2と、鍋2を誘導加熱する鍋加熱手段3と、鍋2の上方開口部を閉じる蓋4と、蒸気を発生させる蒸気発生手段5を備えている。蓋4には鍋2の上方開口部を密閉する内蓋6が設けられており、内蓋6を加熱する内蓋加熱手段7が設けられている。貯水部8は着脱可能な略有底円筒形の容器であり、鍋2の横方向に配置されている。貯水部8は貯水部加熱手段9によって加熱される。貯水部8から発生した蒸気を鍋2内に誘導するための蒸気経路10は蓋4内に設けられており、蒸気経路10は貯水部8の上方開口部と鍋2とを連通接続する。貯水部8には貯水部8の上方開口部の一部を閉じる貯水部蓋11が設けられており、この貯水部蓋11は着脱自在である。
【0029】
また、貯水部蓋11には、貯水部8の略中心部に略円柱形の突起部11aを、また貯水部8壁面の一部の略上方に開口部11bを備えている。蒸気誘導手段は貯水部蓋11からなる。制御手段13は鍋加熱手段3、内蓋加熱手段7および貯水部加熱手段9を制御している。
【0030】
上記構成において、動作を説明する。使用者は米と水を鍋2に、所定量の水を貯水部8にセットし、炊飯器の電源を入れ、炊飯開始ボタン(図示せず)を押すと炊飯行程が開始される。炊飯行程が始まると所定のプログラムにしたがって鍋加熱手段3および内蓋加熱手段7、貯水部加熱手段9が加熱を行う。炊飯中、貯水部8内の水は貯水部加熱手段9によって蒸発し、約100℃の蒸気となる。発生した蒸気はさらに貯水部8内で100℃以上にまで加熱され、加熱蒸気となる。貯水部8から流出した加熱蒸気は貯水部蓋開口部11bから蒸気経路10に流入する。蒸気は、蒸気経路10を通って鍋2内に供給され、ご飯に必要な熱量を与える。炊飯行程が終了すると、自動的に保温行程に移行し、使用者はいつでもあたたかいご飯を得られる。
【0031】
蒸気を発生させるために制御部13は貯水部加熱手段9を動作させ、貯水部8を加熱する。貯水部8内の水は蒸発し、この蒸気は貯水部蓋突起部11aにより貯水部8の壁面近くに誘導される。貯水部8の壁面近くに誘導された蒸気は、加熱された貯水部8の壁面により100℃以上に加熱される。このように、本実施例によると、蒸気誘導手段である貯水部蓋突起部11aを設けることによって、貯水部8内の蒸気を100℃以上の温度まで加熱することが可能となり、蒸気経路10を加熱しないので、炊飯中や保温中におねばが蒸気経路10に流入しても、おねばが蒸気経路10に固着することを低減することができる。そのため、蒸気経路10がおねばによって詰まったり、不衛生な状態になることを低減することができる。
【0032】
また、貯水部蓋11を設けてその一部に開口部11bを設けることで、貯水部8内の蒸気が蒸気経路10に流出しにくくなり、貯水部8内で十分加熱されやすくなる。より加熱された蒸気は貯水部8内の上方へ移動しやすくなるので、高い温度の蒸気から蒸気経路10に流出する。このように、貯水部8内の蒸気の加熱効率を向上させることができる。
【0033】
さらに貯水部蓋開口部11bを貯水部8壁面の略上方に設けることにより、貯水部8の壁面により十分に加熱された蒸気が蒸気経路10に流出しやすくすることで、貯水部8内の蒸気の循環を良くし、貯水部8内の蒸気を効率良く加熱することができる。
【0034】
なお、貯水部蓋突起部11aは蒸気を貯水部8の壁面に誘導する形状であればよく、円柱形でなくとも、角柱形、逆円錐形、有底円筒形など他の形状でもよい。
【0035】
また、貯水部蓋突起部11aは、図1では水没していないが、水没するほど長いと、水位が低い時にも効率的に蒸気を貯水部8壁面に誘導できるので有用である。
【0036】
また、本実施例では、貯水部8の形状は略有底円筒形としたが、逆円錐形や段つきの円筒形、角柱形など他の形状でもよい。
【0037】
また、保温行程においても蒸気を鍋22に投入することでご飯に不足した水分を補うとともに熱も与えることができ、有用である。
【0038】
また、蒸気経路10を着脱可能とすると、蒸気経路10の内部の洗浄が行いやすいのでよい。
【0039】
また、鍋加熱手段2や内蓋加熱手段7、貯水部加熱手段9は誘導加熱手段でなくともよく、ヒーター線など他の加熱手段でもよい。
【0040】
(実施例2)
図2は本発明の実施例2における炊飯器の要部構成を示すものである。実施例1と同一部分は同一符号を付して説明を省略し、相違点についてのみ説明する。
【0041】
この実施例は、貯水部蓋14の貯水部8内側に略円柱形の突起部14aを設けたものであり、この突起部14aにはらせん状のリブ14bが構成されている。また、貯水部蓋14には一部の貯水部8壁面の略上方に開口部14cが設けられている。蒸気誘導手段12は貯水部蓋14からなる。また、貯水部8は、中間の一部全周をセラミックスや樹脂など一般に金属よりも熱伝導性の低い材質で構成して、貯水下部8aと貯水上部8bとから構成している。そのため、貯水下部8aの熱は貯水上部8bに伝わりにくくなっている。この貯水上部8bを加熱するための加熱手段15を設けている。蒸気経路10の貯水部8略上方には、着脱可能な回収手段16が設けられている。
【0042】
上記の構成で、蒸気を発生させる際に、加熱手段9により貯水下部8aを加熱する以前に加熱手段15によって貯水上部8bを加熱する。使用者は炊飯後に回収手段16を洗浄し、使用以前に回収手段16を炊飯器本体1に取り付けて使用する。
【0043】
このように本実施例によると、貯水部蓋突起部14aにらせん状のリブ14bを設けた事で、貯水部8内の水が蒸発して発生する蒸気がリブ14bに沿って上昇する。そのため、蒸気は貯水部8の壁面に近接して十分加熱され、より蒸気の加熱効率を上昇させることができる。
【0044】
また、貯水部8を貯水下部8aと貯水上部8bに分けることで、蒸気を加熱させるために使われる貯水上部8bの熱量が、水を蒸発させるための貯水下部8aに移動してしまって蒸発初期に蒸気が加熱されにくいという恐れを低減し、蒸気を発生させると同時に蒸気を加熱して鍋2に加熱蒸気を供給することができる。
【0045】
また、貯水部8内の水を蒸発させる以前から貯水上部8bを加熱することで、貯水部8内の水が蒸発し始めると即座に蒸気は貯水上部8bにより加熱され、鍋2に所定の温度の加熱蒸気を素早く供給することが可能となる。
【0046】
さらに、蒸気経路10を逆流したおねばを回収する回収手段16を設けることで、炊飯中などにおねばが蒸気経路に流入した場合でもおねばが回収手段16に流入しやすくなり、貯水部8内におねばが流入しないため、貯水部8内の水に菌が発生するなど、貯水部8内の水が不衛生な状態になる恐れを低減することができる。
【0047】
なお、貯水部8の一部全周を構成する低熱伝導性の素材は、蒸気を加熱するための貯水上部8bの熱量が貯水下部8aに移動しにくければよく、全周でなく貯水部8の一部に構成しても同様の効果が得られればよい。
【0048】
(実施例3)
図3は本発明の実施例3における炊飯器の要部構成を示すものである。実施例1と同一部分は同一符号を付して説明を省略し、相違点についてのみ説明する。
【0049】
この実施例は、蒸気経路10の鍋2側端におねばを回収する着脱可能な回収手段17を設けたものである。また蒸気通路10の鍋側端部18も着脱可能となっている。
【0050】
上記の構成で、使用者は炊飯後や保温後に回収手段17や蒸気経路端部18を取り外して洗浄し、炊飯前や保温前に回収手段17を炊飯器本体1に取り付けて使用する。
【0051】
このように本実施例によると、おねばが蒸気経路10に流入しても回収手段17に入り込みやすくなり、蒸気経路10の中におねばが流入することが低減でき、蒸気経路10および貯水部8におねばが付着して不衛生な状態になることを低減することができる。
【0052】
なお、おねばによる汚れが少なくなるような回収手段17であれば、蒸気経路端部18は着脱可能でなくともよい。
【0053】
【発明の効果】
以上のように請求項1〜8に記載の発明によれば、貯水部に蒸気誘導手段を設けて貯水部内で蒸気を100℃以上に加熱し、蒸気経路を加熱しないことで、炊飯中や保温中におねばが蒸気経路に侵入しても、おねばが蒸気経路に固着して詰まりを生じ、炊飯性能の低下が生じてしまうことを低減することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図1】本発明の実施例1における炊飯器を示す断面図
【図2】本発明の実施例2における炊飯器の要部構成を示す断面図
【図3】本発明の実施例3における炊飯器の要部構成を示す断面図
【図4】従来の炊飯器の断面図
【符号の説明】
1 炊飯器本体
2 鍋
3 鍋加熱手段
4 蓋
5 蒸気発生手段
8 貯水部
9 貯水部加熱手段
10 蒸気経路
11 貯水部蓋(蒸気誘導手段)
16、17 回収手段
[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a rice cooker that utilizes steam having a boiling point higher than that of water to improve rice cooking performance.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a general household rice cooker, the pot heating means arranged at the bottom of the pot to heat the rice and water in the pot is mainly used, and the heating means in the lid is for the rice in the pot, above the water. As a result of passing through the space, auxiliary heating results. Therefore, the heating amount of rice in the upper layer in the pot was insufficient, and rice and water in the pot could not be heated uniformly.
[0003]
Furthermore, in rice cooking, water is almost completely lost and the fluidity of rice is lost. In the steaming step, which is the final step of rice cooking, heating up to that point is continued to complete the gelatinization of rice starch. Indispensable for cooking rice, if heating is continued in this step, the rice cooked near the bottom of the pot will burn, so heating is often weakened.
[0004]
Means to prevent insufficient gelatinization due to weakening of heating and improve rice cooking performance include heating the rice from above the pot opening by providing an induction heating coil, which is a high heat source, on the lid. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0005]
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of Patent Document 1. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 21 denotes a main body case to which a bottom plate 23 having a support leg 22 is fixed on the lower surface. Reference numeral 24 denotes a protective frame made of heat-resistant plastics, and a flange 25 provided on an upper peripheral portion is fixed to an upper surface of the main body case 21. 26 is a bottom surface heating induction coil mounted on the lower bottom of the protection frame 24, and 27 is a side surface heating induction coil installed on the lower side of the protection frame 24, having a magnetic metal layer housed in the protection frame 24. The pot 28 is heated by the bottom surface heating induction coil 26, and the contents of rice and water in the pot 28 are cooked. Reference numeral 29 denotes a temperature sensor mounted in a through hole provided at the center of the bottom surface of the protection frame 24. Reference numeral 30 denotes a lid having a knob 31, which is removably mounted on the flange 25 at the upper end of the protection frame 24. The inner cover 32 made of plastics having heat resistance is fixed via a heat insulating material 33. Numeral 34 denotes an inner lid detachably mounted on the inner cover 32 by means of pins 40. The inner lid is placed on the brim of the pan 28 and covers the pan 28. Reference numeral 35 denotes a main body side upper induction coil installed on the inner surface of the flange 25 of the protection frame 24, which is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) in the main body case 21.
[0006]
Reference numeral 36 denotes a cover-side induction coil that is excited by the body-side upper induction coil 35 and is mounted on a portion of the cover 30 that faces the main-body-side induction coil 35, and the current excited by the cover-side induction coil 36 is induced. The heating plate 37 formed of a magnetic metal plate flows through the coil 39 and is magnetically heated by the magnetic flux of the induction coil 39, so that the rice cooker or the heater can be heated from the upper portion of the pot 28.
[0007]
The basic configuration of Patent Literature 2 is the same as that of Patent Literature 1, and the details are omitted here.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2988050 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-62956
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the rice cooker having the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the rice in the upper layer in the pot is directly heated by the heat radiation of the induction heating coil, so that in the steaming step, the moisture of the rice is evaporated and dried. A phenomenon has occurred. Therefore, if the whole cooked rice in the pot is heated by the induction heating coil from the top of the pot to a temperature at which sufficient rice cooking performance can be ensured, the upper layer of the pot will dry and conversely lose its taste. The taste was not perfect throughout the pot.
[0010]
Furthermore, despite the fact that the higher the amount of cooked rice, the higher the amount of heating, the higher the amount of cooked rice, the higher the rice, the closer to the induction heating coil, the easier it is to dry, so the heating must be reduced. Was inconsistent.
[0011]
The first object is to provide a pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid covering an opening of the pot, a steam generating means having a water storage section and a water storage section heating means, and one end of the water storage section. Can be solved by providing a rice cooker having a steam path that is connected to the other end and opens to the pot opening at the other end, and steam heating means that heats steam passing through the steam path.
[0012]
That is, by supplying heated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or higher of water under atmospheric pressure to rice, first, steam is supplied, so that drying of rice is not accompanied. Water only adheres to the rice grain surface, but it is steam of 100 ° C or more, so it has the energy required to advance gelatinization of rice, promotes gelatinization, and can improve rice cooking performance It is.
[0013]
Furthermore, the optimum heating amount can be set regardless of the amount of cooked rice.
[0014]
However, in the case of the above configuration, a second problem newly occurs. The steam path is heated so that the steam generated by the steam generating means becomes heated steam of 100 ° C. or more. Is heated by the steam path and adheres to the steam path. If this sticking phenomenon occurs many times, the steam path may be clogged. Even if the steam path is not clogged, the steam path will be in an unsanitary state.
[0015]
Since the steam path is a path through which the heated steam passes, there is an aim to reduce the surface area of the steam path to reduce heat radiation to other parts. For this reason, the steam path is thin and has a structure that is difficult to clean, thereby increasing the possibility that the steam path is clogged or becomes unsanitary.
[0016]
Also, since the area of the opening is large so that the water storage part can be easily cleaned, the effect of the steam generated from the water storage part being heated by the wall surface of the water storage part is small, and the vapor discharged from the water storage part exceeds 100 ° C. Is difficult.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention also solves the second problem described above. By providing steam induction means in the water storage section and heating the steam to a heating steam of 100 ° C. or more in the water storage section, the asbestos enters the steam path. In addition, the risk of sticking to the steam path can be reduced, and the ash attached to the steam path can be removed by simple washing. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rice cooker in which a situation in which a steam path is blocked by rice cake and heating steam cannot be supplied to a pot and rice cooking performance is reduced is reduced.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 is a steam generator having a pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid covering an opening of the pot, a water storage section and a water storage section heating means, and one end of the water storage section. A steam path communicating with the water storage unit and having the other end open to the pot opening, and a steam induction unit for guiding steam generated from the water storage unit to the water storage unit wall surface heated by the water storage unit heating unit. Since the steam path is not heated by using the rice cooker, even if the tobacco enters the steam path during rice cooking, the risk of the rice sticking to the steam path is reduced. For this reason, it becomes possible to provide a rice cooker in which the risk that the steam path becomes blocked due to the need for steam and the steam cannot be supplied and the rice cooking performance is reduced is reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the tongue adheres to the steam path to cause an unsanitary state, thereby providing a more sanitary rice cooker.
[0019]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the present invention, the steam guiding means includes a water storage portion cover covering at least a part of an upper opening of the water storage portion, so that the water is stored in a state where the steam is not sufficiently heated. It is possible to provide a rice cooker in which discharge to the outside is reduced, steam heating efficiency is increased, and rice cooking performance is improved.
[0020]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the opening of the water storage unit cover is provided at a substantially upper portion of a part of the water storage unit wall surface, so that the water storage unit lid is sufficiently heated at a location away from the wall surface. No steam is generated easily, and the sufficiently heated steam existing near the wall of the heated water storage section is more likely to flow out of the water storage section. Can be provided.
[0021]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the steam guiding means includes a helical rib inside the water storage portion, so that the steam is supplied to the helical rib. As the steam rises along the way, the steam receives a sufficient amount of heat from the water storage wall and is heated to a predetermined temperature, so the steam heating efficiency is further increased to improve the rice cooking performance. It becomes possible to provide a rice cooker.
[0022]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a part of the middle of the water storage portion is made of a material having low thermal conductivity, thereby heating the steam. The amount of heat used to boil the water in the water storage section reduces the difficulty of heating the steam, and it is possible to provide a rice cooker with improved steaming efficiency by increasing the steam heating efficiency It becomes.
[0023]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the water in the water storage portion is boiled by heating the upper portion of the water storage portion, which is the upper portion of the material having low thermal conductivity, before the generation of steam. When steam is generated, the steam can be immediately heated to a predetermined temperature and heated steam can be supplied to the pan, and a rice cooker with improved steaming efficiency by further increasing the steam heating efficiency can be provided. Become.
[0024]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, by providing a recovery means for recovering the tongue at the water storage section side end of the steam path, steam during rice cooking is provided. Provided is a rice cooker that can reduce the risk of invading the water storage section and causing the water in the water storage section to be in an unsanitary state even if the rice cake that has entered the passage reversely flows through the steam passage, and provides a sanitarily favorable rice cooker. Becomes possible.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 8 is, in particular, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, by providing a collecting means for collecting the waste at the pot side end of the steam path, so that the waste can be cooked during rice cooking. Even if the water tries to flow into the steam passage, the waste is more likely to flow into the recovery means, the waste flowing into the steam passage can be reduced, and the possibility that the steam passage and the water storage section become unsanitary can be reduced. It is possible to provide a more hygienic rice cooker.
[0026]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker main body 1 has a pot 2 for storing rice and water, a pot heating means 3 for induction heating the pot 2, a lid 4 for closing an upper opening of the pot 2, and a steam. A steam generating means 5 is provided. The lid 4 is provided with an inner lid 6 for sealing the upper opening of the pot 2, and an inner lid heating means 7 for heating the inner lid 6. The water storage unit 8 is a detachable and substantially bottomed cylindrical container, and is disposed in the lateral direction of the pot 2. The water storage section 8 is heated by the water storage section heating means 9. A steam path 10 for guiding the steam generated from the water storage section 8 into the pot 2 is provided in the lid 4, and the steam path 10 connects the upper opening of the water storage section 8 to the pot 2. The water storage unit 8 is provided with a water storage unit cover 11 that closes a part of the upper opening of the water storage unit 8, and the water storage unit cover 11 is detachable.
[0029]
Further, the water reservoir lid 11 is provided with a substantially columnar projection 11a substantially at the center of the water reservoir 8, and an opening 11b substantially above a part of the wall surface of the water reservoir 8. The steam guiding means includes a water storage unit lid 11. The control means 13 controls the pot heating means 3, the inner lid heating means 7 and the water storage section heating means 9.
[0030]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the user sets rice and water in the pot 2 and a predetermined amount of water in the water storage section 8, turns on the rice cooker, and presses a rice cooking start button (not shown), the rice cooking process is started. When the rice cooking process starts, the pot heating means 3, the inner lid heating means 7, and the water storage section heating means 9 heat according to a predetermined program. During rice cooking, water in the water storage section 8 is evaporated by the water storage section heating means 9 to become steam at about 100 ° C. The generated steam is further heated up to 100 ° C. or higher in the water storage section 8 and becomes heated steam. The heated steam flowing out of the water storage unit 8 flows into the steam path 10 from the water storage unit cover opening 11b. The steam is supplied into the pot 2 through the steam path 10 to provide the rice with necessary heat. When the rice cooking process is completed, the process automatically shifts to the warming process, and the user can always get warm rice.
[0031]
In order to generate steam, the control unit 13 operates the water storage unit heating means 9 to heat the water storage unit 8. The water in the water storage unit 8 evaporates, and the vapor is guided to the vicinity of the wall surface of the water storage unit 8 by the water storage unit cover protrusion 11a. The steam guided near the wall surface of the water storage unit 8 is heated to 100 ° C. or more by the heated wall surface of the water storage unit 8. As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the water storage unit cover projection 11a as the steam guiding means, it becomes possible to heat the steam in the water storage unit 8 to a temperature of 100 ° C. or more, and the steam path 10 Since heating is not performed, it is possible to reduce sticking of the rice to the steam path 10 even when the rice flows into the steam path 10 during rice cooking or heat retention. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the steam path 10 is clogged with the necessity and the state becomes unsanitary.
[0032]
In addition, by providing the water storage section lid 11 and providing the opening 11b in a part thereof, the steam in the water storage section 8 is less likely to flow out to the steam path 10 and is easily heated sufficiently in the water storage section 8. Since the heated steam is more likely to move upward in the water storage section 8, the steam having a higher temperature flows out to the steam path 10. Thus, the heating efficiency of the steam in the water storage section 8 can be improved.
[0033]
Further, by providing the water storage unit cover opening 11b substantially above the wall surface of the water storage unit 8, the steam sufficiently heated by the wall surface of the water storage unit 8 can easily flow out to the steam path 10. And the steam in the water storage section 8 can be efficiently heated.
[0034]
The water reservoir lid projection 11a may have any shape as long as it guides steam to the wall surface of the water reservoir 8, and may have another shape, such as a prism, an inverted cone, or a bottomed cylinder, instead of a cylinder.
[0035]
In addition, although the water reservoir lid projection 11a is not submerged in FIG. 1, it is useful if it is long enough to be submerged because steam can be efficiently guided to the wall surface of the water reservoir 8 even when the water level is low.
[0036]
Further, in the present embodiment, the shape of the water storage section 8 is substantially cylindrical with a bottom, but may be other shapes such as an inverted conical shape, a stepped cylindrical shape, and a prismatic shape.
[0037]
Also, in the warming process, steam is supplied to the pot 22 to supplement the insufficient moisture in the rice and to provide heat, which is useful.
[0038]
Further, if the steam path 10 is detachable, the inside of the steam path 10 can be easily cleaned.
[0039]
Further, the pot heating means 2, the inner lid heating means 7, and the water storage section heating means 9 need not be the induction heating means, but may be other heating means such as a heater wire.
[0040]
(Example 2)
FIG. 2 shows a main configuration of a rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be described.
[0041]
In this embodiment, a substantially cylindrical projection 14a is provided inside the water storage section 8 of the water storage section lid 14, and a spiral rib 14b is formed on the projection 14a. In addition, the water reservoir lid 14 is provided with an opening 14 c substantially above the wall surface of a part of the water reservoir 8. The steam guiding means 12 includes a water storage section lid 14. In addition, the water storage section 8 is configured such that a part of the entire periphery of the middle is made of a material such as ceramics or resin, which is generally lower in heat conductivity than metal, and has a water storage lower part 8a and a water storage upper part 8b. Therefore, the heat of the water storage lower part 8a is less likely to be transmitted to the water storage upper part 8b. A heating means 15 for heating the water storage upper portion 8b is provided. Above the water storage section 8 of the steam path 10, a detachable collection means 16 is provided.
[0042]
In the above configuration, when generating steam, the heating means 15 heats the water storage upper part 8b before the heating means 9 heats the water storage lower part 8a. The user cleans the collecting means 16 after cooking the rice, and attaches the collecting means 16 to the rice cooker main body 1 before use for use.
[0043]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the spiral ribs 14b are provided on the water reservoir lid protrusions 14a, the vapor generated by the evaporation of water in the water reservoir 8 rises along the ribs 14b. Therefore, the steam is sufficiently heated close to the wall surface of the water storage section 8, and the heating efficiency of the steam can be further increased.
[0044]
Further, by dividing the water storage section 8 into a lower water storage section 8a and an upper water storage section 8b, the amount of heat in the upper water storage section 8b used for heating the steam moves to the lower water storage section 8a for evaporating water, and the initial evaporation is started. The possibility that the steam is not easily heated can be reduced, and the steam can be heated and the heated steam can be supplied to the pan 2 at the same time as the steam is generated.
[0045]
Further, by heating the upper portion 8b of the water storage before the water in the water storage 8 is evaporated, the steam is immediately heated by the upper portion 8b of the water storage when the water in the water storage 8 starts to evaporate. Can be quickly supplied.
[0046]
Further, by providing the collecting means 16 for collecting the oil flowing backward in the steam path 10, even if the oil flows into the steam path during rice cooking or the like, the oil easily flows into the collecting means 16, and the water storage section 8. Since the tongue does not flow into the inside, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the water in the water storage unit 8 becomes unsanitary, such as the occurrence of bacteria in the water in the water storage unit 8.
[0047]
The material having low thermal conductivity that constitutes a part of the entire circumference of the water storage section 8 may be such that the amount of heat in the upper water storage section 8b for heating the steam does not easily move to the lower water storage section 8a. The same effect may be obtained even if it is partially configured.
[0048]
(Example 3)
FIG. 3 shows a main configuration of a rice cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be described.
[0049]
In this embodiment, a removable collecting means 17 is provided at the end of the steam path 10 on the side of the pot 2 to remove the tongue. The pot-side end 18 of the steam passage 10 is also removable.
[0050]
With the above configuration, the user removes and cleans the collecting means 17 and the steam path end portion 18 after cooking and keeping the temperature, and attaches the collecting means 17 to the rice cooker body 1 before cooking and before keeping the temperature.
[0051]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the tongue flows into the steam path 10, the tongue can easily enter the recovery means 17, and the inflow of the tongue into the steam path 10 can be reduced, and the steam path 10 and the water storage section can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of unsanitary conditions due to the adhesion of the tongue on the surface 8.
[0052]
In addition, if it is the collection | recovery means 17 which the dirt by rice cake is reduced, the vapor path end part 18 does not need to be removable.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, the water storage section is provided with the steam guiding means, and the steam is heated to 100 ° C. or more in the water storage section, and the steam path is not heated, so that the steam is cooked or kept warm. Even if the tongue enters the steam path inside, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the tongue sticks to the steam path and causes clogging, thereby lowering the rice cooking performance.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main configuration of the rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a cooker. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional rice cooker.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rice cooker main body 2 Pot 3 Pot heating means 4 Lid 5 Steam generation means 8 Water storage part 9 Water storage part heating means 10 Steam path 11 Water storage part lid (steam induction means)
16, 17 Collection means

Claims (8)

鍋と、前記鍋を加熱する鍋加熱手段と、前記鍋の開口部を覆う蓋と、貯水部と貯水部加熱手段とを有する蒸気発生手段と、一端が前記貯水部に連通接続され他端が前記鍋開口部に開放する蒸気経路とを備え、前記貯水部から発生する蒸気を前記貯水部加熱手段により加熱される前記貯水部壁面に誘導する蒸気誘導手段を備えた炊飯器。A pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid covering an opening of the pot, a steam generating means having a water storage section and a water storage section heating means, one end of which is connected to the water storage section and the other end is connected to the water storage section. A rice cooker comprising: a steam path open to the pot opening; and steam guide means for guiding steam generated from the water storage section to the water storage section wall surface heated by the water storage section heating means. 蒸気誘導手段は、貯水部の上部開口部の少なくとも一部を覆う貯水部蓋からなる請求項1記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the steam guiding means comprises a water storage unit cover that covers at least a part of an upper opening of the water storage unit. 貯水部蓋の開口部は貯水部壁面の一部の略上部に設けた請求項2記載の炊飯器。3. The rice cooker according to claim 2, wherein the opening of the water storage unit cover is provided substantially at an upper portion of a part of the water storage unit wall surface. 蒸気誘導手段は貯水部内側にらせん状のリブを備えた請求項1〜3のいずれか1項に記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the steam guiding means includes a spiral rib inside the water storage portion. 貯水部の一部中間を熱伝導性の低い素材で構成した請求項1〜4のいずれか1項に記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a part of the middle of the water storage section is made of a material having low thermal conductivity. 蒸気の発生以前に、熱伝導性の低い素材の上部である貯水上部を加熱する請求項5記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the upper portion of the water storage, which is the upper portion of the material having low thermal conductivity, is heated before the generation of steam. 蒸気経路の貯水部側端におねばを回収する回収手段を設けた請求項1〜6のいずれか1項に記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a collecting means for collecting waste from the water path side end of the steam path. 蒸気経路の鍋側端におねばを回収する回収手段を設けた請求項1〜7のいずれか1項に記載の炊飯器。The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a collecting means for collecting the tongue at a pot-side end of the steam path.
JP2003124059A 2003-04-28 2003-04-28 rice cooker Expired - Fee Related JP3903952B2 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009079887A (en) * 2007-09-07 2009-04-16 Sharp Corp Heating cooker

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009079887A (en) * 2007-09-07 2009-04-16 Sharp Corp Heating cooker

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