JP2008048767A - Pressure cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pressure cooker with improved safety by prohibiting opening of a lid when the internal pressure of a container is at least a prescribed value even if a lock releasing mechanism of the lid body is operated. <P>SOLUTION: The pressure cooker comprises the container 7 for storing and cooking an object to be cooked; the openable/closable lid body 10 for covering the opening of the container; a lid opening/closing mechanism 22 with a lid locking mechanism for locking the lid to the container and the lock releasing mechanism for releasing the lock of the lid body; a heating means 5 for heating the object to be cooked in the container; and a control means for controlling the heating means. The lid 10 is composed of an inner lid 11 which covers the opening of the container 7 and a center lid 13 which suspends the inner lid in such a way as movable in the vertical direction. The center lid 13 has a release button locking member 18 which temporarily disables the operation of the lock releasing mechanism and a stopper member 19 operated when the internal force of the container 7 has a prescribed value or larger to sop the operation of the release locking member. The release locking member is cooperated with the lid locking mechanism, and the operation of the lock releasing mechanism is disabled by stopping the operation of the release locking member R by the operation of the stopper member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressure cooker that cooks rice, boiled food, etc. by applying pressure at a high temperature, and in particular, a pressure safety mechanism that prevents the lid from opening even if the lock release button of the lid is pressed during cooking. It is related with the pressure cooker provided with.

  A pressure cooker, for example, a pressure rice cooker, puts a rice-cooked food consisting of rice and water into a container, heats the rice-cooked food in the container, boosts the inside of the container, and cooks rice. At times, the container is hot and the pressure is high. For this reason, if the lid of the container is opened unexpectedly during cooking, hot water and heated cooked rice may scatter outside, which may cause burns to the user depending on the surrounding conditions. In general, a lid locking mechanism is provided, which is devised so that the lid is not opened unexpectedly during rice cooking (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

  FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pressure cooker described in Patent Document 1 below, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part of FIG.

  The pressure cooker 50 includes a container main body 51 and a lid body 52, and the lid body 52 is locked to the opening 51 a of the container main body 51 in a closed state by a lock mechanism 53.

  The lock mechanism 53 includes a lock lever 55 pivotally attached to the cover body cover 54, a lateral hole 52a formed on the side surface of the cover body on which the protrusion 55a at the lower end of the lock lever 55 is engaged, The safety rubber valve 56 fits into a hole 52b formed directly below the upper end of the lock lever 55, and a float valve 57 that is inserted into a vertical hole of the safety rubber valve 56 and can move up and down.

  In the cooking device 50, when the operation switch is turned on, the internal pressure in the container body 51 increases. As the internal pressure rises, the float valve 57 moves upward and pushes up one end of the lock lever 55. Then, the lock lever 55 rotates around the shaft 58, and the protrusion 55 a at the lower end of the lock lever 55 protrudes from the lateral hole 52 a on the side surface of the lid body to the inside of the side surface of the lid body 52, 55a is arranged side by side with the protrusion (not shown) of the container body. From this side, even if the lid 52 is to be rotated with respect to the container main body 51, the protrusion 55a of the lock lever 55 is engaged with the edge of the protrusion of the container main body. The rotation in the direction to release the fitting cannot be performed, and the lid 52 cannot be removed from the container main body 51.

  Therefore, this cooker ensures safety because the fitting between the container body and the lid cannot be removed while the internal pressure is applied in the container body.

  Moreover, the applicant of this application has also acquired the patent of the rice cooker provided with such a cover lock mechanism (refer the following patent documents 2 and 3).

  This rice cooker has a rice cooker body that contains an inner pot and has a heat source for heating the inner pot, a lid that pivots on one side of the rice cooker body, and is openable and closable above the inner pot. An inner lid that covers the opening, and a lock device that is located on the opposite side of the lid from the pivot side and holds the lid in a closed state. A locking plate having a latching portion and a latching piece in part, a lock release button provided on the upper part of the rice cooker body and latching to the latching piece, and a stopper latching on the latching portion In the closed state of the lid body, the locking plate is configured such that the latching portion bites into the stopper obliquely and locks as the inner lid is lifted by the pressure increase in the inner pot. It is a thing.

According to this rice cooker, as the pressure in the inner pot rises, the latching part of the locking plate bites into the stopper diagonally, and the latching (locked state) between the lid and the rice cooker body is ensured, and unexpectedly The lid will not open and the cooked rice in the pan will not splash outside.
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-74658 (FIGS. 3, 4 and claims for utility model registration) Japanese Patent No. 2816112 (FIGS. 1, 3 and claims) Japanese Patent No. 2869389 (FIGS. 1 and 3, paragraphs [0024] to [0035])

  In the pressure cookers described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when the internal pressure of the container is increased, the degree of locking of the lid lock mechanism is increased, and the lid body is not unexpectedly opened during cooking. However, this type of pressure cooker is not securely locked even when the lid is locked at the start of use and is in a semi-locked state, or during cooking even though the lid is completely locked. The lid may be opened by accidentally pressing the unlock button.

  In such a case, for example, if the lid is half-locked, the lid opens when the cooker falls, and the object to be cooked pops out and contaminates the surroundings, or cooking is in progress. If the lid opens unexpectedly, the heated hot water and the object to be cooked may be scattered outside. Moreover, even if the lid is locked, if the lid is accidentally opened during cooking, the heated object to be cooked scatters outside and causes an accident such as a burn on the user.

  In recent years, the gourmet orientation of users has increased, and in response to this, various types of pressure cookers have been developed and commercialized and have become widespread. Sometimes it is used incorrectly, for example by opening the lid to observe the food in the container even though the food in the container is heated to a high temperature and the internal pressure is high. It may end up. In such a case, if the lid is opened, an accident such as a burn will naturally occur. For this reason, safety standards for this type of pressure cooker are revised year by year, and manufacturers are required to make products with higher safety.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to prevent the lid from being opened even when the lid unlocking mechanism is operated when the internal pressure of the container is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The object is to provide a pressure cooker with improved safety.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressure cooker in which the lid is prevented from being in a semi-locked state and the safety is improved.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an invention of a pressure cooker according to claim 1 of the present application includes a container that accommodates an object to be cooked and is cooked, a lid that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the container, A lid locking mechanism for locking the lid to the container, a lid opening / closing mechanism having a lid unlocking mechanism for releasing the lid locking, a heating means for heating the food in the container, and the heating means A pressure cooker including a control means for controlling the inner cover, and the lid includes an inner lid that covers the opening of the container and an inner lid that suspends the inner lid so as to be movable up and down. A release lock member that temporarily disables the operation of the lid lock release mechanism, and a stopper member that operates when the internal force of the container reaches a predetermined value or more to stop the operation of the release lock member. By means of And the click member to cooperate with the lid locking mechanism, characterized in that said by stopping the operation of the unlock member by operation of the stopper member disabling the operation of said lid unlock mechanism.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pressure cooker according to the first aspect, the stopper member is provided with an adjusting elastic member for lowering the stopper member with a predetermined urging force, so that the internal pressure of the container is increased. When the inner lid is lifted, the stopper member is operated against the biasing force of the adjustment elastic member in accordance with the rise of the inner lid and is engaged with the release lock member. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pressure cooker according to the first aspect, the lid lock mechanism has a locking claw at one end and a release button and a contact piece at the other end, and a substantially intermediate portion is the lid. And a member constituting the release lock member abuts against a contact piece of the lid lock lever.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the pressure cooker according to the third aspect, the release lock member has a release button lock projection at one end and a locking portion at the other end, and an intermediate portion is pivotally supported by the lid. The release member lock lever is formed, and the stopper member is formed by an elevating member that is raised and lowered by raising and lowering the inner lid, and the release button lock protrusion of the release button lock lever is formed by the control means on the lid lock lever. It is made to contact | abut to a contact piece, and the said raising / lowering member is engaged with the said latching | locking part.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the pressure cooker according to the third aspect, the release lock member is formed by a slidably movable member having a release button lock protrusion and a locking portion, and the stopper member is An elevating member that elevates as the inner lid elevates is formed, and the release button lock protrusion of the moving member is brought into contact with the abutting piece of the lid lock lever by the control means, so that the elevating member is engaged with the locking portion. It is made to engage with.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the pressure cooker according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the release button lock lever and the moving member of the release lock member release the lift member from the engagement with the locking portion. A return means for returning to the original position is provided.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the pressure cooker according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control means is configured to start the operation of the pressure cooker and a predetermined timing within a predetermined time from the operation start time. And driving the release lock member.

  The invention of claim 8 is the pressure cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lid body is a pressure valve for adjusting an internal pressure in the container, and a pressure valve opening mechanism for controlling the pressure valve. The release lock member is connected to the pressure valve opening mechanism, and the pressure valve opening mechanism is operated by the control means.

  By providing the above configuration, the present invention has the following excellent effects. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the pressure in the container reaches a predetermined value or more, the stopper member is operated to stop the movement of the release lock member, thereby making it impossible to operate the lid lock release mechanism. Therefore, the inside of the container has a predetermined pressure, that is, operation of the lid unlocking mechanism during cooking, for example, even if the release button is pressed, the lid does not open, so that the heated cooking object does not scatter outside the container. Improves.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the stopper member operates against the elastic force (biasing force) of the adjusting elastic member, the movement of the release lock member is stopped by the internal pressure of the container corresponding to this elastic force. It becomes possible to disable the operation of the lid lock release mechanism. Moreover, since the internal pressure of the container is detected by the inner lid, the internal pressure is accurately detected. That is, the inner lid covers the entire surface of the opening of the container, and the inner pressure is detected by the entire surface of the inner lid covering the opening (not a local detection), so accurate internal pressure detection over a wide range from a low value to a high value is possible. it can. Further, various adjustment elastic members having different elastic forces are prepared and placed, and by selecting this elastic member, the movement of the release lock member is stopped by the internal pressure of the container corresponding to this elastic force, and the lid lock release mechanism It becomes possible to disable the operation.

  According to the invention of claim 3, the lid lock mechanism comprises a lid lock lever having a locking claw at one end and a contact piece at the other end and pivotally supported by the lid, and the release lock member is a lid. Since the lock lever is brought into contact with the abutment piece and operated, the lock lever's latching claw can be used to easily engage and lock the lock lever with a small force.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the lock is formed by forming the release lock member with the release button lock projection on one end and the release button lock lever having the engaging portion on the other end and pivotally supporting the intermediate portion on the lid. Using the lever action of the lever, it can abut against the contact piece of the lid lock lever with a small force.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the release lock member is formed of the slide-movable moving member having the release button lock protrusion and the engaging portion, so that the moving member can be downsized and the sliding movement can be performed smoothly. be able to.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the release lock member returns to the original position when the engagement between the elevating member and the engaging portion is released by the return means, so that there is no problem in the operation of the lid lock release mechanism. The release mechanism can be operated without causing any trouble.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the release lock member is driven by the control means at the start of the operation of the cooker or within a predetermined time from the start of the operation, that is, in a time zone in which the pressure in the container does not rise yet. Then, the lid lock lever is struck or pressed with this release lock member, and the locking claw of this lever is locked to the locking portion. The body can be prevented from being released unexpectedly.

  According to the invention of claim 8, since the release lock member is connected to the pressure valve release mechanism and this pressure valve release mechanism is controlled by the control means, the operation of the lid unlocking mechanism is disabled with a simple mechanism, and The half lock of the lid can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment shown below exemplifies a pressure type rice cooker as a pressure cooker for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and is intended to specify the present invention to this pressure type rice cooker. And other embodiments within the scope of the claims are equally applicable. In addition, it is preferable to make this rice cooker target what becomes the pot internal pressure at the time of rice cooking more than 1.01 atmospheres.

  1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pressure rice cooker according to Example 1 of the present invention cut at a substantially central portion, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rice cooker of FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lid portion of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of control means for controlling the rice cooker, and FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing a temperature-pressure relationship in the rice cooking process.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure rice cooker 1 heats the cooked rice by heating the pan 7 into which the cooked rice is put, the opening in which the pan 7 is accommodated, and the pot 7 inside. A rice cooker body (hereinafter referred to as “main body”) 2 having a heating means (hereinafter referred to as “heater”) 5, an openable / closable lid body 10 pivotally supported on one side of the main body 2 and covering the opening, and the lid body A lid locking mechanism 22 having a lid locking member that locks the main body 2 and a release button for releasing the lock, a pressure valve 16 that is attached to the lid 10 and adjusts the internal pressure in the pan 7, and the pressure The pressure valve opening mechanism P that controls the valve 16, the display operation unit 8 that can display and select various rice cooking menus, and the pot 7 by controlling the heater 5 and the pressure valve opening mechanism P based on the selected rice cooking menu. Control means for cooking by cooking the cooked rice inside to a predetermined temperature It is equipped with a 0.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the rice cooker, the lid lock mechanism, the pressure safety mechanism, and the control means will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 2 includes a bottomed box-shaped outer case 3 and an inner case 4 accommodated in the outer case 3. A gap is formed between the outer case 3 and the inner case 4. A control circuit board or the like (not shown) is disposed in the gap. The inner case 4 is provided with a heater 5 at the bottom and sides thereof, and a pan bottom temperature sensor 6 including a thermistor for detecting the pan bottom temperature at the bottom 4a. For the heater 5, an electromagnetic induction coil wound in an annular shape is used. In addition, a heater is not limited to an electromagnetic induction coil, A normal electric heater may be used. In addition, the main body 2 is provided with a display operation unit 8 including a display panel for displaying various rice cooking menus on the front surface and operation buttons for selecting the rice cooking menu.

  The pan 7 is a relatively deep bottom container into which a predetermined amount of rice to be cooked consisting of water and rice is put, and is formed of a clad material of aluminum and stainless steel and accommodated in the inner case 4.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lid 10 includes an inner lid 11 that closes the opening of the pan 7, an inner lid 13 that suspends the inner lid so as to move up and down, and a body that covers the inner lid and covers the inner lid 2 and the outer lid 21 that closes the entire opening. The inner lid 11 is provided with an annular packing 12 on the outer periphery, and the packing 12 is sized to be elastically contacted with the inner periphery of the opening of the pan 7. The inner lid 11 is mounted on the middle lid 13 so as to be movable up and down and removable at the center. For this mounting means, for example, a means for fitting and clamping is used. When the inner lid 11 is mounted on the inner lid 13 so as to be movable up and down, the stopper member, which will be described later, can be accurately operated by being lifted efficiently in accordance with the pressure increase in the pan 7. That is, the inner lid covers the entire opening of the pan 7, and the internal pressure can be detected over the entire surface of the inner lid covering the opening (not a local detection), so a wide range from a low pressure value to a high pressure value. And accurate internal pressure detection is possible.

One side of the lid body 10 is pivotally supported by the main body 2 by a hinge mechanism H, and the other side is locked to the main body by a lid body locking mechanism 22. The lid lock mechanism 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a substantially intermediate portion is pivotally supported by the support shaft 23 _0, first, second arms 23a extending from the support shaft 23 _0, 23b Yes In addition, a lid locking member (which is also referred to as a lid locking lever) 23 having a “substantially U-shaped” cross section and a direction in which the lid locking member 23 is locked to the inner case 4. It is comprised with the spring body (illustration omitted) to urge. The first arm 23a, the locking claw 23 ₁ is provided to be engaged with the engaging portion 4c of the inner case 4 at the tip. The locking claw 23 ₁ is preferably provided a plurality by adjacent to the first arm 23a. The second arm 23b has a contact piece 23 ₂ pressure safety mechanism R of the release button locking member 18 whose tip described below is plugged. In the vicinity of the contact piece 23 _2, the lid lock release button (hereinafter, release button hereinafter) 24 is mounted. According to this arrangement, and the release button 24 is pushed down, the lid lock member 23 is pivoted locking pawl 23 ₁ against the urging force of the spring member (not shown) around the support shaft 23 ₀ The lid body 10 is released from the locking portion 4c.

  A support substrate 14 is attached to the inner lid 13 of the lid body 10, and a pressure valve opening mechanism P that opens the pressure valve 16 during rice cooking and a pressure that operates in conjunction with the pressure valve opening mechanism are attached to the substrate 14. A safety mechanism R is provided.

The pressure valve opening mechanism P includes a pressure valve 16 and a plunger mechanism 17 that opens the pressure valve 16. The pressure valve 16 is provided on the inner lid 13, and the plunger mechanism 17 is provided on the support substrate 14. The pressure valve 16 includes a metallic ball 16b having a valve hole 16 ₁ is formed a valve seat 16a having a predetermined diameter, a predetermined dead weight to be placed on the valve seat 16a to close the valve hole 16 _1, By restricting the movement of the ball 16b, the cover 16c is configured to hold the ball 16b on the valve seat 16a. This opening is formed in the cover member 16c, the sealing member 16 ₂ having elasticity in the opening is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the plunger mechanism 17 includes a cylinder 17a around which an electromagnetic coil is wound, a rod 17b (see FIG. 3) that moves a ball 16b in the cylinder 17a by excitation of the electromagnetic coil, The rod 17b includes an operating rod 17c attached to the tip of the rod 17b, and a spring body 17d (see FIG. 2) provided between one end of the cylinder 17a and the operating rod 17c. Tip of the actuating rod 17c is coupled to the seal member 16 ₂ is adapted to push the ball 16b bending to the ball direction by the movement of the seal member 16 ₂ is operated lever 17c. Further, the operating rod 17c is fixed to the support substrate 14 by a fixing member 14a that is slidable in the X direction (see FIG. 2).

This pressure valve opening mechanism P is controlled by the control means 30 shown in FIG. That is, the plunger mechanism 17, the normal state not receiving an output from the control means 30, the rod 17b is protruded from the cylinder 17a pushes the ball 16b on the valve hole 16 ₁ in the lateral direction of the valve hole, the valve forcibly opening the hole 16 _1. Also, when the plunger mechanism 17 receives the output of the control means 30, the rod 17b is immersed in the cylinder 17a. In this case the ball 16b returns on the valve hole 16 ₁ by its own weight to close the valve hole 16 _1. In this way, the plunger mechanism 17 operates in conjunction with the pressure valve opening mechanism P, and the pressure valve 16 and the pressure valve opening mechanism P forcibly lower the pressure in the pan that has been pressurized during the rice cooking process. It is used as a pressure changing means. Further, the outer lid 21 communicates with the atmosphere in the pot through the valve hole 16 _1, a vapor outlet 25 for releasing the pressure and vapor in the pot into the atmosphere is provided (see Figure 1). Further, the outer lid 21 is provided with a safety valve.

The pressure safety mechanism R is provided on the support substrate 14 adjacent to the pressure valve opening mechanism P. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pressure safety mechanism R is lifted by lifting a release button lock member (hereinafter referred to as a release button lock lever) 18 that locks the release button 24 and the inner lid 11. A stopper member (hereinafter referred to as a stopper) 19, and a coil spring 20 between the inner lid 11 and the release button lock lever 18, which expands and contracts by the pressure of the pan 7 and operates the stopper 19. Release button lock lever 18 is substantially intermediate portion is pivotally supported by the support shaft 18 ₀ to the supporting substrate 14 has first, second arms 18a, 18b extending from the support shaft 18 ₀ at a predetermined angle, the upper viewed from shape without the "Ryakugyakuku Jijo" release button lock projection on the end of the first arm 18a (hereinafter, referred to as locking projections) 18 ₂ is formed, engagement holes in the end of the second arm 18b 18 ₁ is formed. An extended coil spring S is mounted between the end of the second arm 18 b and the plunger mechanism 17. The lock lever 18 is operated in conjunction with the operation of the plunger mechanism 17 of the pressure valve opening mechanism P.

The operation of the pressure safety mechanism R includes the first arm 18a is pushed by the operation lever 17c of the plunger mechanism 17, the contact piece 23 of the coil spring S is compressed locking projections 18 ₂ lid lock member 23 ₂ (see FIG. 6A). When the locking projection 18 ₂ is repeated several times the operation of entering the contact piece 23 ₂ in the lower lid lock member 23, even if the locking claws 23 ₁ of lid lock member 23 is not in the half-lock The degree of engagement is increased, and half-locking of the lid can be prevented. Further, when the operating lever 17c of the plunger mechanism is retracted, it returns to the original position by the restoring force of the coil spring S, and the release button 24 can be operated as usual, which may impede the operation of the release button. No (see FIG. 6B).

The stopper 19 has a mounting portion 19c to the inner lid 13, a spring support portion 19a, and a columnar protruding pin 19b protruding upward from the spring support portion 19a. Attachment portion 19c is made ring-shaped flange made of an elastic piece, also the diameter of the projecting pin 19b is sized fittable to the locking hole 18 _1. The stopper 19 is urged and fixed by a coil spring 20 in a gap G between the inner lid 13 and the support substrate 14. That is, a circular hole 13a is provided in the inner lid 13, and a ring-shaped flange of the stopper 19 is fixed to the outer periphery of the hole 13a. On the other hand, a hole 14a for projecting the projecting pin 19b of the stopper 19 is formed in the support substrate 14, and the projecting pin 19b projects from the hole.

The coil spring 20 serves as an adjustment member that operates according to the operation of the stopper of the pressure safety mechanism, that is, the internal pressure of the pan 7, and a spring that is compressed with a predetermined compression force is used. That is, when the stopper 19 is pushed downward by the coil spring 20 and the pressure in the pan 7 rises, the inner lid 11 is lifted upward, and the inner lid 11 is lifted to raise the stopper 19. Te, it is desirable to make the projecting pin 19b is engaged with the engaging hole 18 ₁ of the locking lever 18. By changing the urging force (compression force) of the coil spring 20 to a predetermined value and selecting one corresponding to the internal pressure of the pan 7, the timing of engagement with the locking hole of the lock lever 18 can be changed. it can. For example, when the urging force of the coil spring 20 is selected so that the internal pressure is 4 KPa with respect to atmospheric pressure (about 0.04 atm when converted to atmospheric pressure), when the pressure rise in the pan is less than 4 KPa, the coil spring 20 moves down along with the downward movement of the inner lid 11 spring force prevailed projecting pin 19b of the stopper comes out locking hole 18 _1. On the other hand, when the internal pressure rises to 4 KPa or more, the coil spring 20 is compressed, and the pin rises and engages with the locking hole. This state continues until the internal pressure rises below 4 KPa. By the engagement of the stopper 19, the locking projection 18 ₂ is also press the release button 24 situated beneath the lid lock member, never lock the lid 10 is disengaged.

Control means 30, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 31a, the arithmetic unit 31b, a microcomputer 31 having a clock unit 31c and a storage unit 31d, the input portion 31 ₁ of the control means, cooking start button 32 , menu selection button 33, a temperature sensor 34 for detecting the temperature of the timer setting button 35 and the pan bottom are connected, the output unit 31 _2, the heater (induction coil) 5, a pressure valve opening mechanism P, and the display means 8A Is connected. The storage unit 31d stores various rice cooking menus and programs for executing the menus. That is, the rice cooking program includes, for example, a water absorption process for absorbing a predetermined amount of moisture into the rice grains, a rising heating process for heating the absorbed rice grains until boiling, a boiling maintenance process for maintaining the rice grains in a boiling state, It is a steaming process in which rice is steamed after the boiling maintenance process (see FIG. 5).

  Next, the operation of the pressure safety mechanism R will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, 6, and 7. 6 is a plan view for explaining the pressure safety mechanism of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 (a) is a state in which the internal pressure rise of the pan is not less than a predetermined value and the pressure valve is closed, and FIG. 6 (b) is less than the predetermined value. The pressure valve is in an open state, and FIG. 6C shows a state in which the pressure valve is open at a predetermined value or more. 7A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6A, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6B, FIG. 7C, and FIG.

The pressure safety mechanism R operates as follows in conjunction with the operation of the pressure valve opening mechanism P.
(1) When the rice cooker is started Before the lid 10 is closed and the rice cooking start button 32 is pressed, the plunger mechanism 17 is connected to the spring body 17d as shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 (b), FIG. 7 (b), for example. the prestressing force, the rod 17b is forcibly opened by pushing the ball 16b on the valve hole 16 ₁ protrudes from the cylinder 17a in the lateral direction of the valve hole 16 _1.

When the rice cooking start button 32 is pressed, the plunger mechanism 17 of the pressure valve opening mechanism P receives the output of the control means 30, and the rod 17b is drawn into the cylinder 17a. In this case the ball 16b returns on the valve hole 16 ₁ by its own weight to close the valve hole 16 ₁ (see FIG. 6 (a), the FIG. 7 (a)).

When the rod 17b is retracted into the cylinder 17a, since the rod 17b is connected to the actuating rod 17c, the operating rod 17c collides with the arm 18a of the lock lever 18, the lock projections 18 ₂ of the arm It pushes the contact piece 23 ₂ of the lid lock lever. At this time, when the lid 10 is in the take half, by the collision of the actuating rod 17c, the locking projection 18 ₂ is inserted into the contact piece 23 ₂ below the lid lock lever 23, locking the lid work is leverage lever 23 is rotated about the spindle 23 _0, the engaging claw 23a with a small pressing is locked deeply with the locking portion 4c is a semi-locked condition is removed.

This pressure valve opening mechanism P is an initial period of the rice cooking process shown in FIG. 5, that is, a time zone in which the pressure in the pan 7 has not yet increased within a predetermined time from the start of the operation of the rice cooker 1 and / or the start of the operation. to, and intermittently actuates the plunger mechanism 17, in seconds, the locking claws 23 ₁ of the lid lock lever hitting several times the lid lock lever 23 to operate the lock lever 18 of the rice cooker main body locking It is preferable to bite into the part 4c. Thereby, even if the lid is in a half-locked state, this half-locked state is eliminated at the initial stage of the rice cooking process, so that the lid can be prevented from being opened unexpectedly during cooking. When the pressure valve opening mechanism P is actuated several times, the pressure valve is opened each time, but at the start, since it is a rice water absorption process, opening and closing of the pressure valve does not affect the heating of the pan. . At the start, since the increase in the internal pressure of the pan 7 is a predetermined value, for example, less than 4 KPa, the inner lid 11 is lowered downward due to its own weight, while the stopper 19 is caused by the extension force of the coil spring 20. It is pushed down. Therefore, even if the pressure valve opening mechanism P is operated several times, the movement of the release button lock lever 18 is not stopped, and the original position is restored by the restoring force of the spring S.
(2) Water absorption / rise heating process In this water absorption / rise process, the cooked rice in the pan 7 is heated while the pressure valve of the pressure valve opening mechanism P is closed. When entering the rising heating process, as shown in FIG. 5, the internal pressure of the pan 7 rises rapidly. Therefore, when the internal pressure rise exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 4 KPa, the inner lid 11 receives the internal pressure rise and is lifted upward. Thus, the stopper 19 is raised against the extension force of the coil spring 20 and comes into contact with the release button lock lever 18. In accordance with the rise timing of the stopper, by pushing the lock lever 18 actuates the pressure valve opening mechanism P, this movement is stopped projecting pin 19b of the stopper 19 is engaged with the engaging hole 18 ₁ The When the lock lever 18 is locked by the stopper 19, the locking projection 18 ₂ is positioned below the contact piece 23 _2, pressing the release button 24, the contact piece 23 ₂ collides with the locking projections 18 ₂ The lowering is prevented and the lid body 10 cannot be opened. In this state, the coil spring S is in a compressed state between the end of the second arm 18b and the plunger mechanism 17.
(3) Boiling maintenance process After the lock lever 18 is locked by the stopper 19, the heating of the pan 7 is continued with the pressure valve of the pressure valve opening mechanism P being closed, and the process proceeds to the boiling maintenance process. Is a predetermined pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, about 1.2 atm, and the rice grains boil at a saturation temperature corresponding to this pressure. In this boiling maintenance step, the pressure valve opening mechanism P is opened by moving the ball 16b by operating the pressure valve opening mechanism P by the control means 30. This forcible opening operation of the pressure valve continues for a predetermined time, for example, 4 seconds (see FIGS. 6C and 7C). By the forced opening operation of the pressure valve, the pressure in the pan 7 is reduced to near atmospheric pressure. When the pressure in the pan 7 is lowered from the predetermined boiling pressure (about 1.2 atm) to the vicinity of the atmospheric pressure at once, the inside of the pan 7 is in a severe bumping state. In this bumping state, bubbles are generated in the pan, and the rice grains are stirred by the bubbles. As a result, the rice grains are heated uniformly and cooked. When the operation of opening the pressure valve a plurality of times is finished, the forced opening of the pressure valve by the pressure valve opening mechanism P is stopped, and the pressure valve is closed (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). .

In this boiling maintenance step, since the movement of the lock lever 18 has already been stopped by the stopper 19, the pressure valve release mechanism P does not act on the lock lever 18 of the pressure safety mechanism R.
(4) Steaming and additional cooking process When the water in the pan 7 is dried up and the forced dry-up is completed, the heating action by the heater 5 is stopped and the steaming process is started. In the steaming process 1, a predetermined steaming time is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 4 minutes, the pressure valve 16 is forcibly opened by the pressure valve opening mechanism P, and the process proceeds to the additional cooking process. When the additional cooking process is started, the heater 5 is reheated to evaporate the water adhering to the surface of the rice, and the additional cooking (reheating) is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 3 minutes, and then the heating by the heater is stopped. Then, the process goes to the steaming step 2 to finish cooking rice.

When the rice cooking process is finished, the inner pressure of the pan 7 is lowered, so that the inner lid 11 is lowered, and at the same time, the stopper 19 is lowered by the restoring force of the coil spring 20 that has been compressed so far, and the protruding pin 19b is locked. exit from the hole 18 _1. When the engagement is disengaged, the lock lever 18 is locked projection 18 ₂ returns to the original by the stretching force of the coil spring S moves away from the contact piece 23 _2. As a result, the release button 24 can be pushed downward and the lid 10 can be opened.

  Since the pressure safety mechanism R is connected to the pressure valve opening mechanism P, it is possible to share components constituting the pressure valve opening mechanism, for example, the plunger 17a and the exciting coil that act on the pressure valve 16. By sharing these parts, the number of parts can be reduced, assembling and the like can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the drive means for operating the pressure safety mechanism R is connected to the pressure valve opening mechanism 15, but a drive means for operating the pressure safety mechanism R may be provided separately. Moreover, the control means 30 may operate a half-lock prevention mechanism according to the temperature state in the container by the output of the temperature sensor 6. According to this configuration, when the temperature in the cooker is low or at the beginning and during the rise, the operating means is operated to increase the degree of engagement between the locking claw and the locking portion, so that the lid half-locks. Can be prevented in advance. Moreover, a pressure detection means may be provided in any one of a container and a cover body, and a control means may operate the pressure safety mechanism R with the output of this pressure detection means.

  FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressure rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present invention cut at a substantially central portion, FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the pressure safety mechanism of FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG. 9B shows the pressure valve closed when the internal pressure rise of the pan is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, FIG. 9B shows the pressure valve opened when the pressure valve is open below the predetermined value, and FIG. . 10A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9A, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10C and FIG.

  The pressure-type rice cooker 1A according to the second embodiment has the same configuration except for the configuration of the rice cooker of the first embodiment and the release button lock member 26, and the other components are the same. In addition, overlapping description will be omitted, and different configurations will be described.

The pressure safety mechanism R ′ of the rice cooker 1A is provided on the support substrate 14 adjacent to the pressure valve opening mechanism P. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the pressure safety mechanism R ′ has a release button lock member 26 that locks the pushing of the release button 24, and the lock member 26 operates the plunger mechanism 17 by a spring body 27. It has the structure connected with the collar 17c. The release button the locking member 26, engaging holes 26 ₁ are provided to be engaged with the stopper 19. The lock member 26 has the same function as the lock lever of the first embodiment. That is, (1) When the rice cooker is started, the release button lock member 26 is slid by the operating rod 17c to eliminate the half lock of the lid. At this time, the stopper 19 is pushed downward by the extension force of the coil spring 20. (2) In the water absorption / rise heating process, the inner lid 11 is lifted upward in response to the increase in the internal pressure of the pan 7, and the stopper 19 is lifted against the extension force of the coil spring 20, and the release button lock member 26. Abut. In accordance with the rise timing of the stopper, by pushing the lock member 26 by operating the pressure valve opening mechanism P, the movement is stopped stopper 19 is engaged with the engaging hole 18 _1. In the (3) boiling maintenance step, the operating rod 17c extends away from the lock member 26 while the spring body 27 is extended, and the pressure valve 16 is opened and closed. Further, (4) in the steaming / cooking process, when the rice cooking process is completed, the inner pressure of the pan is lowered, so that the inner lid 11 is lowered, and at the same time, the stopper 19 is restored by the restoring force of the coil spring 20 that has been compressed so far. and dropped by, it exits the locking hole 18 _1. When the engagement is disengaged, the locking member 26 locking member 26 returns to the original by stretching force of the spring member 27 moves away from the contact piece 23 _2. As a result, the release button 24 can be operated and the lid 10 can be opened.

  According to this configuration, by forming the release lock member with a slide-movable lock member having the release button lock protrusion and the locking portion, the lock member can be downsized and the slide movement can be performed smoothly. .

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a pressure rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention cut at a substantially central portion. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rice cooker of FIG. 1 as viewed from above with the outer cover removed. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lid portion of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of control means for controlling the rice cooker. FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the temperature-pressure relationship in the rice cooking process. 6 is a plan view illustrating the pressure safety mechanism of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 (a) is a state where the internal pressure rise of the pan is not less than a predetermined value and the pressure valve is closed, and FIG. 6 (b) is a pressure less than the predetermined value. The valve is in an open state, and FIG. 6C shows a state in which the pressure valve is open at a predetermined value or more. 7A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6A, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6B, FIG. 7C, and FIG. FIG. 8: is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which cut | disconnected the pressure type rice cooker which concerns on Example 2 of this invention in the approximate center part. FIG. 9 is a plan view for explaining the pressure safety mechanism of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 (a) is a state where the internal pressure of the pan is higher than a predetermined value and the pressure valve is closed, and FIG. 9 (b) is a pressure lower than the predetermined value. The valve is in an open state, and FIG. 9C shows a state in which the pressure valve is open at a predetermined value or more. 10A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9A, FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10C and FIG. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional pressure cooker. FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the main part of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1A Rice cooker 2 Rice cooker body 3 External case 4 Internal case 4c Locking part 5 Heating means (heater)
6 Pan bottom temperature sensor 7 Pan (container)
8 Display Operation Unit 10 Lid 11 Inner Lid 13 Middle Lid 16 Pressure Valve 16 ₁ Valve Hole 17 Plunger Mechanism 17a Cylinder (Plunger)
17b Rod 17c Actuation rod 18 Release button lock member (release button lock lever)
18 ₁ Locking hole (Locking part)
18 ₂ (Release button) Lock projection 19 Stopper 20 Coil spring (adjustment elastic member)
21 outer lid 22 lid locking mechanism 23 lid locking member (lid locking lever)
23 ₁ Locking claw 23 ₂ Contact piece 24 Release button 25 Steam port 30 Control means H Hinge mechanism P Pressure valve opening mechanism R Pressure safety mechanism

Claims (8)

  A container that accommodates an object to be cooked and cooks, a lid that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the container, a lid locking mechanism that locks the lid to the container, and a lid that unlocks the lid A pressure cooker comprising: a lid opening / closing mechanism having a lock release mechanism; a heating means for heating an object to be cooked in the container; and a control means for controlling the heating means and the like, wherein the lid is the container An inner lid that covers the opening of the inner lid and an inner lid that suspends the inner lid so as to freely move up and down. A stopper member that operates when the value exceeds the value and stops the operation of the release lock member is provided, and the release lock member is linked to the lid lock mechanism by the control means, and the stopper member is operated. in front The pressure cooker, characterized in that disabling the operation of said lid unlock mechanism to stop the operation of the unlock member.   The stopper member is provided with an adjusting elastic member for lowering the stopper member with a predetermined biasing force, and when the inner lid is lifted by receiving an increase in the internal pressure of the container, the stopper member responds to the rise of the inner lid. The pressure cooker according to claim 1, wherein the stopper member is engaged with the release lock member by operating against a biasing force of the adjustment elastic member.   The lid lock mechanism has a latch claw at one end, a release button and a contact piece at the other end, a lid lock lever pivotally supported by the lid, and a release lock member. The pressure cooker according to claim 1, wherein the constituent member abuts against a contact piece of the lid lock lever.   The release lock member is formed by a release button lock protrusion at one end and a release button lock lever having an engaging portion at the other end and pivotally supported by the lid, and the stopper member is formed by the inner lid. The lifting member is lifted and lowered by lifting and lowering, and the control means causes the release button lock protrusion of the release button lock lever to abut against the contact piece of the lid lock lever so that the lift member is attached to the locking portion. The pressure cooker according to claim 3, wherein the pressure cooker is engaged.   The release lock member is formed by a slidable moving member having a release button lock protrusion and a locking portion, and the stopper member is formed by a lifting member that is raised and lowered by raising and lowering the inner lid, and the control means The pressure cooker according to claim 3, wherein a release button lock protrusion of the moving member is brought into contact with a contact piece of the lid lock lever, and the elevating member is engaged with the locking portion. .   The release button lock lever and the moving member of the release lock member are provided with return means for returning the lifting member to its original position after being released from engagement with the locking portion. The pressure cooker according to claim 4 or 5.   The said control means drives the said cancellation | release lock member at the predetermined timing in the predetermined time within the predetermined time from the operation start time of the said pressure cooker, and the said operation start time. Pressure cooker.   The lid includes a pressure valve that adjusts an internal pressure in the container, and a pressure valve opening mechanism that controls the pressure valve, and the release lock member is connected to the pressure valve opening mechanism, and the pressure valve opening The pressure cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mechanism is operated by the control means.

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