JP2008011891A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly reliable rice cooker which never degrades rice cooking performance with no damage of a locking means or an inner lid if force above a certain level is applied to the locked inner lid. <P>SOLUTION: The rice cooker is equipped with the locking means 12 which locks the inner lid 4 in a self-standing state to keep the inner lid 4 at a certain angle to a lid 3, and the locking means 12 locks the inner lid 4 in the self-standing state and has a locking canceling means 15 for canceling the locking of the inner lid 4 when a force above a certain level is applied to the locked inner lid. Consequently, since the locking of the inner lid 4 is canceled by the locking canceling means 15 when the force above a certain level is applied to the inner lid 4, the breakage of the inner lid 4 and the locking means 12 is reduced, and the highly reliable rice cooker which hardly reduces the rice cooking performance by the breakage is provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker having an inner lid that is detachably attached to a lid and covers an opening of a pan.

  Conventionally, in this type of rice cooker, a rice cooker that can be removed from the lid by rotating the inner lid has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This includes an inner lid that is detachably fixed inside a lid that covers the opening of the pan. The lid includes locking means for allowing the inner lid to stand independently from the lid at a certain angle, a hook for fixing the inner lid to the lid, and a hinge shaft that is an opening / closing axis of the lid. The inner lid is provided with an inner lid packing that is in close contact with the pan when the lid is closed.

With the configuration as described above, when the inner lid is removed by pressing the hook when the inner lid is removed, the inner lid rotates and moves independently, so that the inner lid is independent at a certain angle. It can be easily operated with one hand.
JP 2002-95580 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, when a certain level of force is applied to the locked inner lid that is self-supporting at a certain angle with the lid left open at about 90 degrees with respect to the rice cooker body, All the applied force is applied to the locking means and the inner lid, and the locking means and the inner lid may be damaged. If the locking means or the inner lid is damaged, it will be very difficult to fix the inner lid to the lid. If rice is cooked in this state, rice cooking will start without the inner lid being set in place. At this time, since the inner lid packing and the pan are not in close contact with each other, the steam leaks out of the pan, and the temperature in the pan does not rise close to 100 ° C., so that the rice cooking performance is deteriorated.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and even when a certain level of force is applied to the locked inner lid, the locking means and the inner lid are not damaged and the rice cooking performance is not deteriorated. The purpose is to provide a vessel.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the rice cooker of the present invention includes a locking unit that locks the inner lid in a self-supporting state having a certain angle with respect to the lid, and the locking unit self-supports the inner lid. And a lock releasing means for releasing the lock of the inner lid when a certain level of force is applied to the locked inner lid.

  As a result, when a certain level of force is applied to the inner lid, the locking of the inner lid is released by the locking release means, so damage to the inner lid and the locking means can be reduced, and the rice cooking performance due to breakage can be reduced. It becomes possible to provide a highly reliable rice cooker that is unlikely to deteriorate.

  The rice cooker of the present invention can reduce breakage of the inner lid, the locking means, and the like, and can provide a highly reliable rice cooker that is unlikely to cause a reduction in rice cooking performance due to breakage.

  The first invention includes a pan, a pan, heating means for heating the pan, a lid that covers the opening of the pan, an inner lid that is detachably attached to the lid and covers the opening of the pan, A release means for releasing the fixation of the inner lid with respect to the lid, and a locking means for locking the inner lid in a self-supporting state having a certain angle with respect to the lid when releasing the fixation of the inner lid in the opened state of the lid, The locking means includes locking release means for locking the inner lid in a self-supporting state and releasing the locking of the inner lid when a certain level of force is applied to the locked inner lid. Even if you try to close the lid by pushing the inner lid in the open state, the locking release means will release the locking of the inner lid when a certain force is applied to the inner lid. A reliable rice cooker that can reduce breakage and is less likely to cause a reduction in rice cooking performance due to breakage. It can be provided to become.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the locking means is locked until the inner lid comes into contact with the pan even if the user moves the locked inner lid in the closing direction of the lid. The rice cooker is improved in reliability because the inner lid and the lid move together even if the user applies a force to the inner lid that is self-supporting in the locked state, and is not damaged. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the fixation release means can be released by a single operation. Rotating and moving to the locked state makes it easy for the user to take out, and it can be operated with one hand completely without being caught by the user's hand and the user supporting the inner lid with the other hand An easy-to-use rice cooker can be provided.

  According to a fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, the fixing release means fixes the lid to the rice cooker body only when the inner lid is fixed in a predetermined state. Since the lid can be completely closed only when the inner lid is fixed in a predetermined state, the user can easily notify that the user has forgotten to attach the inner lid and is fixed at a predetermined position. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rice cooker with higher reliability.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, by providing a damper portion that reduces the moving speed of the inner lid when the inner lid is released from being fixed, Reduces the speed of rotational movement due to its own weight when unlocked, reduces the impact of the inner lid colliding with the locking means, reduces the damage and destruction of parts, and gives the user a sense of security and reliability. It becomes possible to provide a high rice cooker.

  In a sixth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the inner lid is unlocked because the center of gravity is located closer to the hinge axis of the lid than the center of the inner lid. Since the force applied in the direction in which the inner lid collides with the locking means when the lid rotates and reaches the locked state can be reduced, the impact of the inner lid colliding with the locking means is suppressed, and the parts are damaged. It is possible to provide a reliable rice cooker while reducing security and destruction, giving the user a sense of security.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the invention, the inner lid has a handle portion on an axis that passes through the center of the inner lid and is perpendicular to the hinge axis in a state of being fixed to the lid. By providing it, the inner lid can be held in a well-balanced manner with one hand when the inner lid is removed, so that it is possible to provide a rice cooker that is easier to use.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the inner lid has an inner lid fixing portion and an inner lid locking portion, and the inner lid fixing portion and the inner lid locking portion. By having multiple, the orientation to attach the inner lid is not limited to a certain direction, so it provides a convenient rice cooker that can be easily attached with one hand without adjusting the orientation, no matter how the inner lid is held It becomes possible to do.

  In particular, in the ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the fixing release means automatically releases the fixation of the inner lid when the lid is kept open for a certain time or more. When the user cleans after cooking or keeping warm and opening the lid for a certain period of time, it is easy to lower the temperature of the inner lid if the inner lid is automatically shifted to the locked state. It becomes possible to provide a rice cooker with improved careability in which the temperature of the inner lid is reduced during care.

  According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention, the fixing release means is used after the heat retention is terminated by opening the lid after the heat retention stop and the inner lid is in a locked state. When the user cleans the inner lid, it will be easier to lower the temperature of the inner lid if the inner lid is automatically shifted to the locked state, so that the temperature of the inner lid will be reduced when removing or cleaning. It becomes possible to provide a rice cooker with improved properties.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
1 to 3 show a rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a rice cooker body 1 includes a detachable and substantially bottomed cylindrical pan 2, a lid 3 that is supported by a hinge shaft D that is an opening and closing shaft and covers an opening of the pan 2, and a lid 3. And an inner lid 4 that is detachably attached to cover the opening of the pan 2.

  In the rice cooker main body 1, heating means 5 composed of a coil for induction heating the pan 2, temperature detection means 6 composed of a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the pan 2, and control means 7 are installed. .

  The lid 3 includes a steam cylinder 8 for discharging excess steam in the pan 2 to the outside of the rice cooker body 1, lid temperature detecting means 9 including a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the inner lid 4, and an inner lid An inner lid heating means 10 comprising a coil for induction heating 4 is installed. The inner lid 4 includes an inner lid packing 11 made of an elastic body that is in close contact with the pan 2 in a state in which the lid 3 is closed, and a part of the inner lid 4 is made of a metal such as stainless steel capable of induction heating. .

  As shown in the figure, the lid 3 is self-supporting in a state where the inner lid 4 is locked to the lid 3 at a certain angle A (for example, 45 degrees) in a state where the lid 3 is opened at about 90 degrees with respect to the rice cooker body 1. It has a substantially groove-shaped locking means 12 made of resin, an inner lid fixing means 13 for fixing the inner lid 4 to the lid 3, and a hook 14 for fixing the lid 3 to the rice cooker body 1. The locking means 12 has an elastic claw shape that locks the inner lid 4 in a self-supporting state and releases the locking of the inner lid 4 when a certain level of force is applied to the locked inner lid 4. An unlocking means 15 is provided.

  The lid 3 has a rib 3a that regulates the position of the inner lid 4 so that the inner lid 4 and the pan 2 are at a predetermined distance in a state where the lid 3 is closed. The center of gravity of the inner lid 4 is present in the closing direction of the lid 3 with respect to the portion B serving as the rotation axis of the inner lid 4, and closer to the hinge axis D that is the opening / closing axis of the lid 3 than the center of the inner lid 4. Provided.

  The control means 7 operates the heating means 5 and the inner lid heating means 10 according to a predetermined program based on information from the temperature detection means 6 and the lid temperature detection means 9.

  The locking means 12 has a substantially groove shape with a distance greater than the thickness of the inner lid locking portion 4a and a part of the lid 3 positioned on the back surface of the inner lid 4 when the inner lid 4 is fixed to the lid 3. It is configured. The unlocking means 15 is erected from the bottom of the groove constituting the locking means 12 and locks the inner lid locking portion 4a of the self-supporting inner lid 4.

  The inner lid fixing means 13 includes a spring 13a and a hook 13b biased by the spring 13a, and the inner lid 4 can be fixed by sliding the hook 13b. At the same time, the inner lid fixing means 13 also serves as the fixing release means 16 for the inner lid 4. The fixing release means 16 can fix the lid 3 to the rice cooker body 1 only when the inner lid 4 is fixed in a predetermined state.

  FIG. 2A shows a state in which the inner lid 4 is fixed by the locking release means 15 of the locking means 12 and is self-supporting in the locked state. The locking release means 15 has a strength capable of withstanding the impact of the inner lid 4 rotating from the fixed state to the lid 3 to the locked state, and is self-supporting in the locked state as shown in FIG. . However, when the user applies a force to the inner lid 4 with the lid 3 fixed in the open state, the locking release means 15 having an elastic claw shape bends gradually, and the direction of the force received from the inner lid 4 2B, the inner lid 4 gets over the locking release means 15 as shown in FIG. 2 (b), so that the inner lid 4 cannot be supported, and the locking of the inner lid 4 is released and the inner lid 4 comes off. End up. The lock release means 15 has sufficient elasticity, and after the lock of the inner lid 4 is released, it returns to the state as shown in FIG. To do.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below using FIG.

  First, predetermined rice and water are set in the pan 2, and as shown in the figure, the lid 3 to which the inner lid 4 is attached is rotated in the direction of the arrow to close the lid 3. And a rice cooking process is started by pressing down a rice cooking start button (not shown). The rice cooking process is a soaking process in which the water is kept at a constant temperature and the rice absorbs water, the cooking pot 5 is heated at a stretch by the heating means 5 and the water in the cooking pot 2 is boiled, the water in the cooking pot 2 It consists of a steaming process that suppresses heating in a state where there is almost no rice. During these processes, rice is gelatinized by promoting gelatinization. The control means 7 controls the heating means 5 optimally according to the temperature of the pan 2 by the temperature detection means 6, and cooks rice according to a predetermined rice cooking sequence. Several courses are prepared for the cooking sequence depending on the type of rice. When this steaming process ends, cooking rice ends, and the process automatically shifts to a heat retaining process, so that the temperature of the cooked rice does not decrease, and the user can always obtain warm rice.

  When rice cooking is started as described above, a soaking process is first started in which rice absorbs water. The control means 7 heats the pot 2 with the heating means 5, detects the temperature of the water in the pot 2 with the temperature detection means 6, and adjusts the temperature to a temperature at which rice gelatinization does not start (less than about 60 ° C.). Promotes water absorption.

  In the cooking process, water and heat are added to the rice to cause gelatinization. The control means 7 operates the heating means 5 to rapidly heat the pot 2 to bring the water in the pot 2 to a boiling state. At this time, boiling continuously occurs and a large amount of steam is generated. However, when the inner lid 4 is fixed at a predetermined position, the inner lid packing 11 is in close contact with the pan 2, so that the steam passes through the steam cylinder 8, It is discharged outside the rice cooker. However, when the position of the inner lid 4 is shifted, the manner in which the inner lid packing 11 and the pan 2 are brought into contact with each other varies, and a portion having a strong degree of adhesion and a portion having a weak degree are produced. In such a case, if the opening area of the steam cylinder 8 is not sufficiently large, steam may leak out from a portion where the tightness between the inner lid packing 11 and the pan 12 is weak.

  In the steaming step, while the excess water adhering to the rice is evaporated, the inside of the pan 2 is maintained at a high temperature (about 100 ° C.) to further promote gelatinization. The control means 7 confirms the temperature of the temperature detection means 6, and when the temperature of the pot 2 falls below a certain temperature in order to maintain the inside of the pot 2 at a high temperature, the heating means 5 is operated to heat the pot 2. To do.

  When cleaning the inner lid 4 after cooking, the user operates the inner lid fixing means 13 to release the fixing of the inner lid 4, so that the center of gravity of the inner lid 4 is in the closing direction of the lid 3. The inner lid 4 automatically rotates and moves to the locked state with a part of the locking means 12 as the rotation shaft portion B (the state shown in FIG. 2A). The user can easily remove the inner lid 4 from the lid 3 by taking out the inner lid 4 in the locked state in an oblique direction.

  When the inner lid 4 is attached to the lid 3 after being cleaned by the user or before cooking, the inner lid 4 is inserted into the locking means 12 from an oblique direction and is self-supported in the locked state (FIG. 1). State). After that, when a part of the inner lid 4 is pushed to rotate about the rotation shaft portion B, the inner shaft 4 rotates about the rotation shaft portion B and is fixed to the lid 3 as shown in FIG. When the lid 3 is closed in a completely fixed state, the inner lid 4 is not greatly displaced in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the inner lid packing 11 and the pan 2 come into contact with each other at a predetermined position. Since the distance between the inner lid 4 and the pan 2 is also regulated to a predetermined distance by the rib 3a, the inner lid packing 11 is completely in close contact with the pan 2, and no steam leaks during cooking.

  In addition, when the lid 3 is fixed in an open state, when the user applies a force to the locked inner lid 4, or the lid 3 is pressed to close the lid 3 by pressing the locked inner lid 4. In the case of being fixed by hitting an object, all the force applied to the inner lid 4 is applied to the locking means 12 and the locking release means 15. When this force exceeds a certain level, the locking release means 15 is bent and deformed by the elastic claw shape in accordance with the force to release the locking of the inner lid 4, thereby releasing the inner lid 4. As a result, the locking means 12 and the inner lid 4 are not damaged no matter how much force is applied to the locked inner lid 4. If the locking means 12 or the inner lid 4 is damaged, the positions of the inner lid 4 and the pan 2 are shifted, so that the inner lid packing 11 cannot be in close contact with the pan 2, and the gap between the inner lid packing 11 and the pan 2 during cooking is not possible. Steam leaks out and the temperature in the pan 2 is lowered, so that the rice cooking performance is extremely lowered. However, the lock release means 15 can reduce such a reduction in the rice cooking performance.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the locking release means, even if a force is applied to the locked inner lid with the lid fixed, the locking means or It is possible to provide a highly reliable rice cooker in which deterioration of the rice cooking performance due to breakage of the locking means or the inner lid is reduced without damaging the inner lid.

  In addition, even if the lid 3 is not opened at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the rice cooker body 1, the state where the inner lid 4 and the lid 3 are independent while maintaining a certain angle A is referred to as a locked state.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the latch release means 15 is provided as a part of the lid | cover 3, you may provide in a part of the inner cover 4, and the components to provide are not limited. Further, even if the locking means 12 does not have a substantially groove shape, it is sufficient if the inner lid 4 can be held at a certain angle A. For example, the inner lid 4 has a groove shape and the locking means may have a protruding shape. The stopping means may have other shapes such as a hole shape or a hook shape. In addition, as long as the inner lid 4 can be locked, the locking means 12 may be configured as a separate component from the lid 3.

  Further, the locking means 12 may not be made of resin but may be other means such as metal, and it is more preferable that the locking means 12 is configured to absorb an impact such as a metal having a spring property. Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the latching means 12 is arrange | positioned in the hinge axis | shaft D vicinity, it is not limited to this position, You may arrange | position in the place which is separated from the hinge axis | shaft D more. Moreover, the rotating shaft part B does not necessarily need to be a part of the locking means 12, and may be a part of the inner lid locking part 4a or in the vicinity of both. Further, the inner lid fixing means 13 and the fixing release means 16 may be provided separately.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a main part of the rice cooker in the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the rice cooker in the present embodiment is provided with a protrusion 4 d on the inner lid locking portion 4 a of the inner lid 4 and a groove 12 a on the locking means 12. That is, the locking means 12 continues the locked state until the inner lid 4 comes into contact with the pan 2 even if the user moves the locked inner lid 4 in the closing direction of the lid 3. The locking means 12 is strong enough to withstand that the user pushes the inner lid 4 and rotationally drives the lid 3.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  When the user sets the inner lid 4 to the lid 3 in a locked state, even if the user accidentally pushes the inner lid 4 instead of the lid 3 in the closing direction, the inner lid 4 moves together with the lid 3. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the locked inner lid is pushed in the closing direction, the inner lid and the lid move together, and the inner lid is detached and the inner lid and the lid are damaged. Therefore, it is possible to provide a reliable rice cooker that gives a sense of security to the user.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion 4d and the groove 12a are provided, but the inner lid locking portion 4a and the locking means 12 can be provided with a certain amount of engagement (for example, 1 cm) even if nothing is provided. Is set and the locking means 12 is strong enough for the user to push the inner lid 4 and drive the lid 3 to rotate, the locking means 12 is not damaged and the inner lid 4 and the lid 3 are integrated. And move.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 shows the lid of the rice cooker in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, in the rice cooker in the present embodiment, the fixing release means 16 can be released by a single operation. That is, the fixing release means 16 that releases the fixation of the inner lid 4 at one place is provided, and the inner lid fixing means 13 is released when the user presses the fixing release means 16 formed of a button. .

  The inner lid 4 is fixed to the lid 3, an inner lid locking portion 4 a that is locked to the locking means 12, an inner lid fixing portion 4 b that fixes the inner lid 4 to the lid 3 by the inner lid fixing means 13, and In this state, the handle 4c is provided on an axis that passes through the center of the inner lid 4 and is perpendicular to the hinge axis D of the lid 3.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  When the user pushes the fixing release means 16 in order to remove the inner lid 4 from the lid 3, the user does not place a hand or the like in the locus of the inner lid 4 from the fixed state to the locked state. For this reason, when the user presses the fixing release means 16, the inner lid 4 automatically rotates without any obstacle from the fixed state to the locked state, and becomes independent in the locked state. Thereafter, the user can easily remove the inner lid 4 with one hand.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the user removes the inner lid, if the user operates the fixing release means with one hand, the inner lid automatically shifts to the locked state without hitting the hand, Since it is easy to pull out with one hand, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use rice cooker that can be easily handled with one hand.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing release means 16 is a button, but other means such as a rotation lever and a slide lever can also be used to lock the hand from the fixed state when the user presses the fixing release means 16. It is only necessary that the release operation can be performed without being arranged in the locus of the inner lid 4.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 shows the lid of the rice cooker in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, in the rice cooker according to the present embodiment, the fixing release means 17 includes a spring 17a and a hook portion 17b biased by the spring 17a, and the fixing release means 17 fixes the inner lid 4 to the lid 3. In addition, the fixing of the inner lid 4 is released when the user pushes the fixing release means 17. Further, when the inner lid 4 is fixed in a predetermined state, the hook portion 17b of the fixing release means 17 serves as a lever for fixing the lid 3 to the rice cooker body 1, and the inner lid 4 is not fixed. In this case, the lid 3 is configured so that it cannot be fixed to the rice cooker body 1. That is, the lid 3 can be closed only when the inner lid 4 is fixed to the lid 3 in a predetermined state.

  As a result, rice can be cooked only when the inner lid is securely fixed at a predetermined position, so that steam leaks from between the inner lid packing and the pan, and rice cooking fails. And while providing a reliable rice cooker, since it can be known easily whether the inner cover 4 is attached reliably in a user, it becomes possible to provide an easy-to-use rice cooker.

  In the present embodiment, the fixing release means 17 and the hook portion 17b are integrated, but the fixing release means 17 and the fixing means for fixing the lid 3 are interlocked even if they are configured as different objects. It is sufficient that the lid 3 cannot be closed unless the inner lid 4 is fixed.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 7 shows a main part of the rice cooker in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the rice cooker in the present embodiment is provided with a damper portion 18 including a spring 18a and a friction portion 18b biased by the spring 18a in the vicinity of the locking means 12 of the lid 3. As the lid 4 approaches the locked state, a force opposite to the rotation of the inner lid 4 works. That is, the damper portion 18 is provided to reduce the moving speed when the inner lid 4 is fixed and moved to a self-supporting state. In the present embodiment, the damper portion 18 also serves as the locking release means 15. When a force is applied to the inner lid 4 with the lid 3 fixed, the damper portion 18 is pushed by the inner lid 4 and the friction portion 18b is moved. It is pushed in and the inner lid 4 is removed. The spring 18a is strong enough to support the inner lid 4 in the locked state.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  When the user removes the inner lid 4 and operates the fixing release means 17 to release the fixation of the inner lid 4, the inner lid 4 rotates and moves in the closing direction of the lid 3 by its own weight. At this time, the friction portion 18b receives the force of the spring 18a to generate a frictional force with respect to the rotation of the inner lid 4, and the inner lid 4 receives a force in a direction to stop the rotation. Thereby, the inner lid 4 rotates at a lower speed than when the damper portion 18 is not provided, and the impact when the inner lid 4 collides with the locking means 12 can be reduced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the damper portion, it is possible to reduce the impact impact on the locking means 12 when the inner lid is shifted from the fixed state to the locked state. Therefore, the rice cooker which can improve the reliability by reducing breakage of the locking means 12 and the inner lid locking portion 4a, etc., and also improving the sense of security of the user by rotating at a reduced speed is provided. can do.

  The damper portion 18 may be provided not on the lid 3 but on the inner lid 4. Further, the damper portion 18 need only be able to reduce the speed at which the inner lid 4 shifts from the fixed state to the locked state with a shape having elasticity such as a claw shape without being biased by the spring 18a. Further, the damper portion 18 may be independent without serving as the locking release means 15.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 8 shows a main part of the rice cooker according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, the rice cooker in the present embodiment has a center of the inner lid 4 such that the center of gravity of the inner lid 4 is closer to the hinge axis D side than the center G of the inner lid 4 as indicated by F in the figure. The weight balance of the inner lid 4 is adjusted by increasing the weight below G. Further, the center of gravity F exists on the substantially left-right central axis C (shown in FIG. 9) of the inner lid 4 when viewed from the front.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  When the user operates the fixing release means 16 to release the inner lid 4 when removing the inner lid 4, the inner lid 4 rotates and moves in the closing direction of the lid 3 by its own weight. At this time, as the center of gravity F of the inner lid 4 is farther from the rotation shaft portion B, the force applied in the rotational direction becomes larger, and the locking means 12 and the inner lid 4 are moved when the inner lid 4 shifts from the fixed state to the locked state. Although the impact on the inner lid locking portion 4a and the like is increased, in this embodiment, the locking means 12 is provided by placing the center of gravity F closer to the rotation shaft portion B than the center G of the inner lid 4. The impact on the inner lid locking portion 4a and the like is reduced. Also, if the user has the removed inner lid 4, the center G of the inner lid 4 and the center of gravity F are misaligned, so that the center of gravity F is naturally held below the center G and used. A person can set the lid 3 on the lid 3 with the inner lid locking portion 4a in a lower state without being aware of the mounting direction of the inner lid 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the center of gravity of the inner lid is below the center, the locking means and the inner lid locking portion when the inner lid rotates from the fixed state to the locked state. Because the impact on the rice can be reduced, a highly reliable rice cooker can be provided. Moreover, since it can hold | maintain in the direction in which a gravity center is below a center, without being aware of a user at the time of attachment, it is easy to attach and can provide an easy-to-use rice cooker.

  The center of gravity F does not have to be on the left and right central axis C of the inner lid 4, but the closer to the left and right central axis C, the more stable the rotational movement from the fixed state to the locked state.

(Embodiment 7)
Next, the rice cooker in Embodiment 7 of this invention is demonstrated.

  As described in FIG. 5, in the rice cooker in the present embodiment, only one handle portion 4 c of the inner lid 4 exists on the left and right central axis C of the inner lid 4.

  As a result, the user can stably hold the inner lid 4 with one hand when the user supports the inner lid 4 with the handle portion 4c existing on the central axis C of the inner lid 4.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the inner lid can be stably held with one hand, the locked inner lid can be stably removed with one hand, and the inner lid can be locked. Even when set in a state, since there is only one handle portion, it is difficult to mistake the orientation even if it is handled with one hand, so that it is possible to provide an easy-to-use rice cooker that can be handled with one hand.

  Two or more handle portions 4c may be provided, but at least one of the handle portions 4c may exhibit the same effect when present on the left and right central axis C of the inner lid 4. In addition, the handle 4c has a hole or dent enough to allow a finger to enter, and when removing the inner lid, by inserting and holding the finger in this hole or dent, the holding property at the time of removal is further improved. It is good because it improves usability.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 9 shows the lid of the rice cooker in the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, in the rice cooker according to the present embodiment, four sets of inner lid locking portions 4a and inner lid fixing portions 4b are provided on the object to be rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the center G of the inner lid 4. ing. Similarly, a plurality of handle portions 4c may be provided.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  The user needs to set the inner lid 4 with care so that the inner lid locking portion 4a of the inner lid 4 and the locking means 12 are fitted when the inner lid 4 is attached. If the plurality of inner lid locking portions 4a and the inner lid fixing portion 4b are provided as described above, the inner lid 4 can be attached regardless of any of the four orientations.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by having a plurality of inner lid locking portions and inner lid fixing portions, the inner lid 4 can be attached without always having a large orientation, An easy-to-use rice cooker that is easy to install can be provided.

  The inner lid locking portion 4a, the inner lid fixing portion 4b, and the handle portion 4c may be attached without being conscious of the directionality at the time of attachment if they are all around.

  10 includes an inner lid outer peripheral portion 4e that also serves as an inner lid locking portion 4a and an inner lid fixing portion 4b of the inner lid 4, and a handle portion 4c. The inner lid outer peripheral portion 4e and the handle portion are shown in FIG. 4c is provided all around the center G of the inner lid 4 so that the inner lid 4 can be attached in any direction. It should be noted that there is only one handle portion 4c, and a plurality of handle portions 4c may not be provided, or may not be provided at all.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 11 shows a rice cooker according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Since the whole structure of the rice cooker is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in the figure, in the rice cooker in the present embodiment, as the fixation release means, the fixation of the inner lid 4 is automatically released when the state of opening the lid 3 is continued for a certain time or longer. In addition, the inner lid 4 is locked in a self-supporting state when the lid 3 after the heat insulation stop is opened.

  Specifically, an automatic fixing release means 19 made of a solenoid and a lid opening detection means 20 made up of a magnetic force detection means 20a and a magnet 20b are provided. When the lid 3 is closed, the magnet 20b approaches the magnetic force detecting device 20a. When the lid 3 is opened, the magnet 20b moves away from the magnetic force detecting device 20a as shown in FIG. The opening / closing of the lid 3 is detected from the difference.

  Thus, when it is detected that the lid 3 is opened for a certain time (for example, 5 minutes) or longer, the control means 7 operates the automatic fixing release means 19 to release the fixation of the inner lid 4 by the fixing means 13 and 4 shifts to the locked state. The state in which the lid 3 is opened for a certain period of time is usually a state where rice cooking or heat insulation has been completed, and since it is often the case where the inner lid 4 is cleaned, the inner lid 4 is further removed in such a scene. This makes it possible to provide an easy-to-use rice cooker. In addition, the inner lid 4 may be at a high temperature close to 100 ° C. immediately after rice cooking or heat insulation is finished, but by automatically shifting the inner lid 4 to the locked state, the inner lid 4 Since it becomes easier to cool than in the case of the fixed state, the temperature of the inner lid 4 is reduced when the user cleans it, and the rice cooker can be made easy to use because it is easy to touch.

  The automatic fixing release means 19 may be any means other than the solenoid, such as a motor, as long as it can release the fixation of the inner lid 4. In addition to the magnetic force detection means 20a and the magnet 20b, the lid opening detection means 20 may be other means such as a pin and a push switch that move when the lid 3 is closed as long as the opening of the lid 3 can be detected.

  Further, when the control means 7 detects the stop of cooking rice and the stop of heat insulation and detects that the lid 3 remains open for a certain time (for example, 3 minutes) when it is opened thereafter, the control means 7 7 is an easy-to-use rice cooker that is easy to remove the inner lid 4 when the inner lid 4 is moved more securely by operating the automatic fixing release means 19 to shift the inner lid 4 to the locked state. Can be provided.

  If the temperature of the inner lid 4 is detected by the lid temperature detection means 9 and the temperature is equal to or higher than a certain temperature (for example, 80 ° C.) when the lid 3 is opened, the control means 7 causes the automatic fixing release means 19 to The inner lid 4 is moved to the locked state by operating, but in other cases, the inner lid 4 is kept in a fixed state, so that the inner lid 4 is kept at a low temperature when being cleaned by the user. As the number of cases increases, the usability is improved, and it can be easily understood that the inner lid 4 is hot when the inner lid 4 is in the locked state.

  In each of the above first to ninth embodiments, the heating means 5 may be an IH coil that induction-heats the pan 2, may be other means such as a heater wire, and may be other means as long as the pan 2 can be heated. The inner lid heating means 10 may be an IH coil or other means such as a heater wire. However, the inner lid heating means 10 may be omitted.

  Further, the material of the inner lid 4 may be a material corresponding to this as long as the inner lid heating means 10 is a means other than the IH coil, as long as it can be induction-heated, such as a carbon material, even if it is not a metal. Further, if the metal portion of the inner lid 4 is made of a metal or resin having a low specific gravity such as aluminum, and the weight of the inner lid 4 is reduced, the locking means 12 and the inner portion at the time of transition from the fixed state to the locked state are obtained. The impact on the lid locking portion 4a and the like may be reduced.

  The fixing means such as the inner lid fixing means 13 is not limited to the sliding type fixing means, but may be fixed to the inner lid 4 by a latch lever and a magnet on the back surface of the inner lid 4 when attached to the lid 3. It only needs to be fixed at the position. Further, if the lid 3 and the inner lid 4 have a guide portion made of a groove or a guide that makes it easy to set the latched state while the inner lid 4 slides and moves at a predetermined angle, the engagement of the inner lid 4 is further increased. The operability at the time of setting to the stop state may be improved.

  Further, when the inner cover 4 in the locked state is rotated and fixed, if a guide portion is provided so that the inner cover 4 is easily fixed at a predetermined position, the inner cover 4 is easily fixed at the predetermined position. Thus, the leakage of steam from the gap formed between the inner lid packing 11 and the pan 2 during rice cooking may be reduced. Moreover, the control means 7 may be in the rice cooker body 1 or in the lid 3.

  In addition, although it is described that the inner lid 4 rotates from the locked state and shifts to the fixed state, the inner lid 4 is not limited to the rotational movement at all, and may move in a direction other than the rotational direction during the rotational movement. . Moreover, the rice cooker main body 1 is provided with the pressure adjustment means which adjusts the pressure in the pan 2, and may cook rice under the pressure more than atmospheric pressure at the time of rice cooking.

  The configurations in the first to ninth embodiments can be appropriately combined as necessary, and are not limited to the configurations shown in the respective embodiments.

  As described above, the rice cooker according to the present invention reduces the start of rice cooking while the inner lid is fixed in a position or state other than the predetermined position, and has a reliable rice cooking performance. Since a high-priced rice cooker can be provided, it can be applied to not only general household use but also business use rice cookers.

Sectional drawing of the rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Cross-sectional view of the main part of the lid of the rice cooker Sectional drawing explaining the time of use of the rice cooker Sectional drawing of the principal part of the rice cooker in Embodiment 2 of this invention. Front view of lid of rice cooker in embodiment 3 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the principal part of the rice cooker in Embodiment 4 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the principal part of the rice cooker in Embodiment 5 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the rice cooker in Embodiment 6 of this invention. Front view of lid of rice cooker in embodiment 8 of the present invention Cross section of the main part of the inner lid showing another example of the rice cooker Sectional drawing of the principal part of the rice cooker in Embodiment 9 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rice cooker body 2 Pan 3 Lid 4 Inner lid 4a Inner lid latching part 4b Inner lid fixing part 4c Handle part 5 Heating means 12 Engaging means 15 Unlocking means 16, 17 Unlocking means 18 Damper part

Claims (10)

A pan, heating means for heating the pan, a lid covering the opening of the pan, an inner lid removably attached to the lid and covering the opening of the pan, and releasing the fixation of the inner lid to the lid A release means; and a lock means for locking the inner lid in a self-supporting state having a certain angle with respect to the lid when the inner lid is released from being fixed when the lid is open. A rice cooker having an unlocking means for locking in a self-supporting state and releasing the locking of the inner lid when a certain level of force is applied to the inner lid in the locked state. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the locking means continues the locked state until the inner lid comes into contact with the pan even if the user moves the locked inner lid in the closing direction of the lid. The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing release means can be released by a single operation. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing release means fixes the lid to the rice cooker body only when the inner lid is fixed in a predetermined state. The rice cooker of any one of Claims 1-4 which provided the damper part which reduces the moving speed of the said inner lid at the time of canceling | releasing fixation of an inner lid. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner lid has a center of gravity closer to a hinge shaft side of the lid than a center of the inner lid. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner lid is provided with a grip portion on an axis that passes through the center of the inner lid and is perpendicular to the hinge axis when the inner lid is fixed to the lid. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner lid has an inner lid fixing portion and an inner lid locking portion, and has a plurality of the inner lid fixing portion and the inner lid locking portion. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fixation release means automatically releases the fixation of the inner lid when the lid is kept open for a predetermined time or longer. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the lid is opened after the heat retention is stopped, the fixing release means is locked.