JP2011067388A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rice cooker which reduces the temperature of the steam discharged outside and can effectively use the pressure energy of the steam without increasing the power consumption of the rice cooker. <P>SOLUTION: The rice cooker is provided with a body 4 which has an opening on the top, an inner pot 2 which is supplied with a heated object and is held in the body 4, a heating means 3 which heats the inner pot 2, a lid body 8 which has an inner lid 8b capable of closing the upper opening of the inner pot 2 and opens/closes the upper opening of the body 4, a steam conduit 9 which is connected with the inner lid 8b and allow the steam generated within the container to pass therethrough, a turbine 70 arranged in the steam conduit 9, and a magnet 74a and a coil 74b which generate electric power in response to a torque of the turbine 70. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker provided with means for utilizing the pressure of steam generated from a pan during rice cooking.

As a conventional rice cooker, “a discharge pipe having a suction port and a discharge port communicating with the outside of the lid, a communication port at one end communicates with the inside of the container, and a jet outlet at the other end communicates with the inside of the discharge tube. "A communication pipe is provided, and the outlet of the communication pipe is directed toward the discharge port of the discharge pipe.""The fan 11 having the same shape is provided at the suction port 8a of the discharge pipe 8, and external gas is forced into the discharge pipe 8. Have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In addition, it is equipped with a blower that communicates with the outside air, and "the steam path outlet of the steam path is opened in the path wall of the blower path, and the steam path outlet and the steam path inlet communicating with the inside of the pan are shifted in the horizontal direction. Have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 3682252 (page 3, FIG. 1) JP 2009-28513 A (page 3, FIG. 1)

  According to the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the temperature of the steam generated by heating is lowered and the steam is discharged to the outside. However, the steam is only discharged to the outside, and the pressure energy of the steam has not been effectively utilized.

  This invention is made | formed in order to solve the above subjects, and obtains the rice cooker which can utilize the pressure energy which steam has effectively.

  A rice cooker according to the present invention includes a main body having an open top surface, a container into which an object to be heated is charged and accommodated in the main body, heating means for heating the container, and an inner opening capable of closing the upper opening of the container. A lid body having a lid for opening and closing an upper surface opening of the body; a steam conduit connected to the inner lid for passing steam generated in the vessel; and a steam turbine blade disposed in the steam conduit And a power generation mechanism that generates electric power by receiving the rotational force of the steam turbine blades.

  According to the rice cooker according to the present invention, power can be generated using steam generated by heating. For this reason, if the generated electric power is supplied to an electric load, it is possible to recover the steam energy that was conventionally only discharged and effectively use it.

It is an external appearance schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1 of the side view. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1 of the side view, and has shown the state which opened the cover body and removed the inner cover. It is a schematic diagram centering on the steam path | route of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a system block diagram of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the utilization form of the produced | generated electric power in the rice cooking process and heat retention process of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of the other usage pattern of the produced | generated electric power in the rice cooking process of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 2 of the side view. It is a figure explaining the rotation transmission means of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a principal part schematic diagram explaining the turbine and generator element of the rice cooker which concern on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an external appearance schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 3 of the side view. It is a figure explaining the steam conduit | pipe of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 4 of the side view. It is a figure explaining the steam conduit | pipe and rotation transmission means of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1A and 1B are schematic external views of a rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1A shows a plan view and FIG. 1B shows a side view. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1 in a side view, showing a state where the lid is closed. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1 in a side view, showing a state in which the lid 8 is opened and the inner lid 8b is removed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component in each figure.

(Overall configuration of rice cooker)
The rice cooker 1 includes an inner pot 2 for storing an object to be heated such as rice and water (rice r, water W, etc.), a main body 4 that is open at the top and stores the inner pot 2 therein, and a rear surface of the main body 4 A lid 8 that is supported by a hinge mechanism 7 on the side edge and closes the upper opening of the inner hook 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a leg 10 that supports the main body 4 at four points. In addition, a steam conduit 9 that guides steam generated from an object to be heated in the inner pot 2 is provided. On the back side of the main body 4, a control case 11 containing a power supply circuit and a control circuit is provided, and a blower fan 80 is further provided. Handles h used when moving the main body 4 are provided on the side surfaces on both sides of the main body 4. The handle h is rotatably attached as indicated by an arrow shown in FIG.
In the first embodiment, the inner hook 2 corresponds to the container of the present invention, and the lid 8 corresponds to the lid main body of the present invention.

  The display 77 displays the state of the rice cooker 1 such as a heating state, and is provided on the surface of the lid 8. The display 77 is composed of a liquid crystal screen, LEDs, and the like.

  The rice cooker 1 includes heating means 3 such as an induction heating coil that heats the inner pot 2 from the bottom, and auxiliary heating means 90 such as an electric heater that heats the inner pot 2 from the side. The heating means 3 is provided at a position on the inner bottom of the main body 4 and close to the bottom of the inner hook 2 when the inner hook 2 is stored in the main body 4. The auxiliary heating means 90 is provided on the inner side surface of the main body 4.

The lid 8 has an outer lid 8a and an inner lid 8b. The inner lid 8b is formed with a small hole 8c for discharging steam generated during heating to the outside of the inner pot 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the inner lid 8b is provided with a lid sensor 22 for detecting the initial water temperature and boiling of the article to be heated.

The control case 11 is a case that accommodates the control device 101 and the power supply switching circuit 102 (not shown in FIG. 2, refer to FIG. 5) and the like, and is fixed to the side portion on the back side of the main body 4. . Further, a power storage device 76 described later is accommodated in the control case 11.
The control device 101 drives and controls the heating unit 3 and the auxiliary heating unit 90 based on an operation program stored in advance, detection information of the lid sensor 22, and the like.
In the first embodiment, the control device 101 and the power supply switching circuit 102 correspond to the power supply control means of the present invention.

  The blower fan 80 blows air to the inside of the control case 11 and the heating means 3, and corresponds to the blower means of the present invention. When the blower fan 80 blows air, the controller 101, the power supply switching circuit 102, and the heating unit 3 that are heated to high temperature by driving are cooled, and these are prevented from excessively heating.

The steam conduit 9 is a passage that guides steam generated from an object to be heated in the inner pot 2 to the outside of the rice cooker 1 during heating. The only port through which steam is introduced from the inner pot 2 into the steam conduit 9 is the spout 64. The jet port 64 has a diameter (flow channel cross-sectional area) equivalent to the total area of the plurality of small holes 8c.
The steam conduit 9 is connected to a steam exhaust port 99 provided in the lid body 8. That is, it can be said that the steam conduit 9 is a passage connecting the jet port 64 and the steam exhaust port 99.

(Configuration of turbine)
The turbine 70 is installed in the steam conduit 9 from the jet port 64 to the steam exhaust port 99. The turbine 70 is installed in a direction facing the flow of steam passing through the steam conduit 9 and has blades 70 a and a rotating shaft 71.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inner lid 8b is detachably attached to the outer lid 8a. And the vapor | steam conduit | pipe 9 attached to the inner cover 8b can be attached or detached from the outer cover 8a with the inner cover 8b.

(Configuration of power generation mechanism)
The generator element 74 includes one or more magnets 74a and one or more coils 74b, and corresponds to the power generation mechanism of the present invention.
The magnet 74a is installed on a surface that does not collide with the steam of the turbine 70 (a surface that does not face the jet port 64).
The coil 74b is installed inside the outer lid 8a at a position facing the magnet 74a. The coil 74b is accommodated in a cover 73 formed inside the outer lid 8a. The cover 73 is configured so that steam does not enter the inside thereof. The cover 73 corresponds to a storage unit that stores the power generation mechanism of the present invention.

  The generator element 74 is a device that generates power by the force generated by the rotation of the turbine 70. The rotation of the turbine 70 causes the magnet 74a installed in the turbine 70 to rotate, and the rotation of the magnet 74a generates an electromotive force in the coil 74b to generate power.

Next, the detailed structure of the steam conduit 9, the turbine 70, and the inner lid 8b will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram centering on the steam path in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 (a) is a partially exploded sectional view, and FIG. 4 (b) is a perspective view of the turbine.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the steam conduit 9 is separable from the inner lid 8b, and the steam conduit 9 is further separable into an upper steam conduit 9a and a lower steam conduit 9b.

A rotating shaft 71 of a turbine 70 is attached to the upper steam conduit 9a.
The lower steam conduit 9 b is formed with a steam inlet 9 c for allowing steam to enter the steam conduit 9. The steam inlet 9c is provided at a position directly above the small hole 8c when the steam conduit 9 is attached to the inner lid 8b. The steam inlet 9c of the lower steam conduit 9b can be fitted to the jet port 64 via the steam seal 8e. When the steam inlet 9c is fitted to the jet outlet 64, a steam passage extending from the small hole 8c to the steam conduit 9 is formed. Since the fitting portion between the steam inlet 9c and the jet port 64 is sealed by the steam seal 8e, the steam does not leak from this fitting portion.

  A claw 8d is formed on the side of the inner lid 8b where the steam conduit 9 is located, and a claw 91 is formed on the lower steam conduit 9b. By hooking the claw 91 of the lower steam conduit 9b to the claw 8d of the inner lid 8b, the steam conduit 9 is attached to the inner lid 8b. The claw 91 is made of an elastic member, and when the steam conduit 9 is attached to or removed from the inner lid 8b, the catch of the claw 91 can be easily operated by the user's hand.

Thus, the inner lid 8b and the steam conduit 9 are separable, and the steam conduit 9 is separable into an upper steam conduit 9a and a lower steam conduit 9b. For this reason, the inner lid 8b and the steam conduit 9 can be easily cleaned.
Further, the steam conduit 9 is accommodated in the lower part of the outer lid 8 a (inside the lid 8), and the steam conduit 9 does not appear on the upper surface of the lid 8. That is, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), only the steam exhaust port 99 is formed on the upper surface of the lid 8, and there is no unevenness due to the steam conduit 9. For this reason, the lid body 8 can be easily cleaned, and further, a design having a seamless appearance can be realized.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of main components of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, a turbine 70, a rotating shaft 71, a generator element 74, a charging rectifier circuit 75, and a power storage device 76 are connected in order.

The power storage device 76 is a device capable of storing power, such as a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, a lithium ion rechargeable battery, a nickel cadmium rechargeable battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or an electric field capacitor.
As the power storage device 76, the above or other devices may be used. However, when an electric double layer capacitor is used, the electric power generated by the generator element 74 is efficiently charged due to its rapid charging characteristics. can do. Further, when a small electric double layer capacitor is used as the power storage device 76, it can be mounted on a control board constituting the control device 101.

  The charge rectifier circuit 75 is a circuit that rectifies the generated power into a voltage / current suitable for storage. The generator element 74 generates electricity using steam generated by the heated object in the inner pot 2. However, since the amount of generated steam varies depending on the amount of rice or water that is the heated object, There may be variations in the voltage of the generated power. By rectifying by the charge rectification circuit 75, the power storage device 76 can be charged stably.

  The display 77 is connected to the downstream side of the coil 74b and emits light upon receiving power from the coil 74b.

In addition, the power source 100 has a power source 100 that receives power from a commercial power source, and the power source switching circuit 102 that controls the power source device 76 and the power source 100 to the heating unit 3 and the auxiliary heating unit 90.
The power supply switching circuit 102 is a circuit for supplying power from the power supply 100 or the power storage device 76 to the heating unit 3 and the auxiliary heating unit 90, and the connection state of the circuit is controlled by the control device 101. The heating means 3 can be supplied with power by the power supply 100, and the connection with the power supply 100 in the power supply switching circuit 102 is controlled by the control device 101. The auxiliary heating means 90 can receive power supply from the power supply 100 or the power storage device 76, and which is connected to the auxiliary heating means 90 is controlled by the control device 101.

  In FIG. 5, a broken line connecting the heating unit 3 and the auxiliary heating unit 90 and the inner pot 2 indicates that the inner pot 2 is heated by the heating unit 3 and the auxiliary heating unit 90. Moreover, the broken line which connects the steam generated from the inner hook 2 by heating and the turbine indicates that the steam collides with the turbine and transmits pressure energy.

(Operation of rice cooker)
Next, operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 which concerns on this Embodiment 1 is demonstrated.
The rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment cooks the heated object by heating the inner pot 2 containing the heated object (rice r, water W, etc.) with the heating means 3.
Specifically, when the user accommodates the inner pot 2 containing rice r and water W in the main body 4, closes the lid 8, and operates an operation means such as an operation switch (not shown) to instruct the start of rice cooking, Start cooking rice. In the rice cooking operation, the heating means 3 controlled by the control device 101 heats the rice r and the water W through the inner pot 2. During rice cooking, the upper opening of the inner pot 2 is closed by the inner lid 8b.

The steam generated from the inside of the inner pot 2 by heating proceeds to the steam conduit 9 through the small hole 8 c and the jet port 64, collides with the blade 70 a of the turbine 70, and rotates the turbine 70.
Due to the rotation of the turbine 70, the magnet 74a installed in the turbine 70 also rotates, and gives a change in magnetic force to the coil 74b installed at a position facing the magnet 74a. Then, electromagnetic induction is generated in the coil 74b due to a change in magnetic force, and power generation is performed. That is, part of the pressure energy of the steam is converted into electric power.

Next, the behavior of the steam passing through the steam conduit 9 will be described.
The steam that has entered the steam conduit 9 from the jet port 64 collides with the turbine 70 as described above. And it expand | swells immediately after transmitting a pressure to the turbine 70, temperature falls, it condenses and it becomes a water droplet. The water droplets return into the inner pot 2 along the inclined surface of the steam conduit 9. Further, among the steam that has rotated the turbine 70, the steam that has not partially condensed is discharged from the steam exhaust port 99 to the outside of the rice cooker 1 through the steam conduit 9.
Therefore, much of the water vapor that has come out of the inner pot 2 during cooking is condensed and returned to the inner pot 2 again. For this reason, the vapor | steam amount discharged | emitted outside the rice cooker 1 can be reduced, and the humidity increase of the indoor environment by vapor | steam being discharged | emitted can be suppressed.

  In addition, a steam seal is provided at a fitting portion between the steam inlet 9 c and the jet outlet 64 of the steam conduit 9, and the outflow of steam to the inside of the lid body 8 is suppressed. Further, the coil 74 b that generates power is covered with the cover 73 and is not disposed on the steam conduit 9. That is, the vapor path and the electric circuit are physically separated. In general, when steam enters the electric circuit, there is a possibility that the electric circuit is short-circuited due to condensation or the like, causing a failure. However, according to the configuration according to the first embodiment, the vapor path and the electric circuit are physically separated. Therefore, it is possible to avoid failure due to vapor intrusion into the electric circuit.

(Use form of generated power)
Next, a usage form of electric power generated by the generator element 74 by the pressure energy of the steam (hereinafter referred to as generated electric power) will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 5, the indicator 77 connected to the generator element 74 receives a part of the generated power and emits light. By causing the display 77 to emit light in this way, it can be notified to the user that it is heating (during cooking rice).

Further, the other electric power generated by the generator element 74 is converted into current and voltage suitable for power storage by the charging rectifier circuit 75 and then stored in the power storage device 76 as power. And the electric power stored in the electrical storage apparatus 76 is utilized for the heating of the inner pot 2 at the time of rice cooking.
Here, generally, a rice cooking process is comprised by three processes, a preheating process, a boiling process, and a steaming process, and a heat retention process is provided as needed after that. When operating in a mode such as so-called “hurry rice cooking”, there may be no preheating step.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to use generated power in the rice cooking process and the heat retaining process. Here, since the steam from the inner pot 2 is mainly generated during the boiling process, FIG. 6 shows an example in which electric power generated by the steam generated during the boiling process is used in each process of rice cooking.

(1) Utilizing generated power in boiling process, steaming process, and heat retaining process FIG. 6A shows an example in which generated power is utilized in boiling process, steaming process, and heat retaining process.
(S101)
Electric power is generated by the steam generated in the boiling process, and this generated electric power is supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90. Then, the auxiliary heating means 90 heats the inner pot 2 with the supplied electric power.
(S102)
Further, the generated power is stored in the power storage device 76 so that the stored power can be used in a later process.
Use of the generated power for heating (step S101) and power storage (step S102) are alternately performed.
(S103)
In the steaming process and the heat retaining process, the electric power stored in step S102 is supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90, and the generated power is used for heating for steaming and heat retaining.

(2) Using generated power in the steaming step FIG. 6B shows an example of using the generated power in the steaming step.
(S111)
Electric power is generated by the steam generated in the boiling process, and the generated electric power is stored in the power storage device 76.
(S112)
In the steaming step, the power stored in the power storage device 76 is supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90, and the auxiliary heating means 90 performs steaming heating.

(3) Utilizing Generated Power in the Insulation Process FIG. 6C shows an example in which the generated power is used in the insulation process.
(S121)
Electric power is generated by the steam generated in the boiling process, and the generated electric power is stored in the power storage device 76.
(S122)
In the heat retention step, the electric power stored in the power storage device 76 is supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90, and the auxiliary heating means 90 performs heat insulation heating. When the heat retention process takes a long time and the power stored in the power storage device 76 is consumed, the power can be switched to the power supply from the power supply 100.

  As described above, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the electric power generated by the pressure energy of the steam can be used for heating in each step of cooking rice.

  By supplying the generated power to the auxiliary heating unit 90 in the boiling step, it is possible to perform heating by the auxiliary heating unit 90 without receiving power supply from the power source 100. Here, in rice cooking, the amount of steam bubbles generated increases as the heat is increased, and the steam bubbles pass between the rice grains, the distance between the rice grains is maintained, and the cooked rice can be cooked. Therefore, in addition to the heating means 3, heating by the auxiliary heating means 90 that receives supply of generated power can increase the heating at the time of boiling without increasing the power consumption of the commercial power source. For this reason, you can cook plump and delicious rice with a better texture. Or you may make it cover a part of heating amount required in a boiling process with the heating by the auxiliary heating means 90 which receives supply of generated electric power. By doing in this way, while obtaining the heating amount as usual, the power consumption of a commercial power supply can be reduced and it contributes to energy saving.

  Further, in the steaming step, the generated power stored in the power storage device 76 is supplied to the auxiliary heating unit 90, so that the auxiliary heating unit 90 can perform heating without receiving power supply from the power source 100. Therefore, in the steaming process, the power consumption of the commercial power source can be reduced, which contributes to energy saving.

  Further, by supplying the generated power stored in the power storage device 76 to the auxiliary heating unit 90 in the heat retaining step, heating by the auxiliary heating unit 90 can be performed without receiving power supply from the power source 100. Therefore, the power consumption of the commercial power source can be reduced in the heat retention step, which contributes to energy saving. Furthermore, since the heat insulation heating can be performed by the generated power supplied from the power storage device 76, the heat insulation heating is continued for a certain time even in a state where the connection with the commercial power source is released (that is, a state where a power outlet (not shown) of the rice cooker is disconnected) can do. By doing in this way, after rice cooking is completed, even when the user moves the rice cooker 1 to a place without a commercial power source, so-called "cordless heat insulation" is possible, and usability can be greatly improved. .

As mentioned above, according to the rice cooker 1 which concerns on this Embodiment 1, the generator element which generate | occur | produces the turbine which receives steam and rotates and rotation by rotation of a turbine was provided. For this reason, the pressure energy which steam has can be utilized as electrical energy.
Moreover, the generated electric power was used for the boiling process, the steaming process, and the heat retaining process during cooking. For this reason, the power supply from the power supply 100 in these processes can be reduced, which contributes to energy saving. In addition, since the electric power stored in the power storage device 76 can be supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90, “cordless heat insulation” is possible as described above, and the usability can be greatly improved.

  In addition, a part of the generated power is supplied to the display device 77 so that the display device 77 emits light. For this reason, it is possible to notify the user that rice is being cooked (boiling) by the light emitted from the display 77. Therefore, the user can improve usability, such as being able to confirm that rice cooking is proceeding smoothly and obtaining a sense of security.

  Further, the steam generated in the inner pot 2 is caused to collide with the turbine 70. For this reason, a part of pressure energy which steam has can be converted into electric power. Further, the steam that collides with the turbine 70 expands immediately after it collides with the turbine 70, the temperature decreases, and condenses into water droplets. For this reason, for example, the amount of high-temperature steam discharged to the outside of the rice cooker 1 can be reduced without consuming electric energy by using a blower as in the prior art, which contributes to improving the humidity of the living environment.

  In FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, the indicator 77 is connected downstream of the generator element 74, but may be connected downstream of the charging rectifier circuit 75. In this way, the power rectified by the charging rectifier circuit 75 can be supplied to the display 77. Alternatively, a display device 77 may be connected downstream of the power storage device 76 and power may be supplied from the power storage device 76 to the display device 77. In this case, the control device 101 can also control the light emission of the display 77.

  Further, in the above description, the power storage device 76 is provided to store the generated power, and the generated power is used in the steaming process and the heat retaining process. However, as shown in FIG. It can also be supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90 and used for heating. In this case, the power storage device 76 can be omitted.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the second embodiment, the description will focus on the configuration of the rotation transmission means for transmitting the rotation of the turbine to the power generation mechanism and the power generation mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rice cooker 1A according to Embodiment 2 in a side view. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the rotation transmission means of the rice cooker 1A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 (a) shows that the lid 8 is opened and the inner lid 8b and the steam conduit 9 are removed from the outer lid 8a. FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (c) are diagrams showing the state, and are enlarged schematic views of the main part of FIG. 9 (a). FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a main part for explaining the vicinity of the turbine 70 and the generator element 74. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in the first embodiment.

(Configuration of rotation transmission means)
In the second embodiment, the rotation transmitting means includes a rotating shaft 71, a pulley 71a, a belt 71b, and a pulley 71c.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the pulley 71a is formed with a concave coupling 500a. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, a convex coupling 500 b is formed at the tip of the rotating shaft 71. By coupling the coupling 500b to the coupling 500a, the rotating shaft 71 and the pulley 71a are connected.

As shown in FIG. 10, a belt 71b is wound around the pulley 71a and the pulley 71c, and the rotation of the pulley 71a is transmitted to the pulley 71c by the belt 71b.
Therefore, when the rotating shaft 71 rotates due to the rotation of the turbine 70, the rotation is transmitted from the rotating shaft 71 to the pulley 71a by the coupling structure of the couplings 500a and 500b, and further, the rotation of the pulley 71a is transmitted to the pulley 71c by the belt 71b. Is done. A pulley rotating shaft 71d that rotates together with the pulley 71c is connected to the pulley 71c.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the rotating shaft 71 is connected with the pulley 71a in the cover 73 through the shaft seal 400 provided in the upper steam conduit 9a.

(Configuration of generator element)
As shown in FIG. 10, the generator element 174 is composed of a pair of magnets 174a having N and S poles, and a coil 174b. The generator element 174 corresponds to the power generation mechanism of the present invention, and is configured as an integrated type in which a magnet 174a and a coil 174b are packaged. The pair of magnets 174a is fixed in the cover 73 and in the vicinity of the pulley 71c. The coil 174b is attached to the pulley rotation shaft 71d of the pulley 71c, and the coil 174b is also rotated by the rotation of the pulley rotation shaft 71d.

  As shown in FIG. 9, as in the first embodiment, the inner lid 8b is configured to be detachable from the outer lid 8a. Furthermore, the steam conduit 9 containing the turbine 70 is detachable from the inner lid 8b, and the upper steam conduit 9a and the lower steam conduit 9b constituting the steam conduit 9 are also detachable from each other.

(Operation of rice cooker)
When cooking is started and the heating means 3 is driven, the rice r and the water W are heated through the inner pot 2. The steam generated from the inside of the inner pot 2 by heating proceeds to the steam conduit 9 through the small hole 8 c and the jet port 64, collides with the blade 70 a of the turbine 70, and rotates the turbine 70.

  The rotation of the turbine 70 is transmitted to the pulley 71a through the rotating shaft 71 of the turbine 70, the coupling 500a, and the coupling 500b, and the pulley 71a rotates. Furthermore, the rotation of the pulley 71a is transmitted to the pulley 71c via the belt 71b spanned over the pulley 71a. And the coil 174b attached to the pulley rotating shaft 71d rotates by rotation of the pulley 71c and the pulley rotating shaft 71d.

  When the coil 174b rotates, a change in magnetic force is applied to the coil 174b by a pair of magnets 174a installed in the vicinity of the coil 174b. Due to this change in magnetic force, electromagnetic induction occurs in the coil 174b to generate power. That is, part of the pressure energy of the steam is converted into electric power.

  The generator element 174 is disposed in the cover 73 provided on the inner side of the lid 8, and is not disposed on the steam conduit 9. That is, the steam path and the electrical path are configured to be physically separated. Generally, when steam enters the electric circuit, there is a possibility that the electric circuit is short-circuited due to dew condensation or the like, causing a failure. However, according to the configuration according to the second embodiment, the vapor path and the electric circuit are physically connected. Therefore, it is possible to avoid failure due to vapor intrusion into the electric circuit.

Next, the behavior of the steam passing through the steam conduit 9 will be described.
The steam that has entered the steam conduit 9 from the jet port 64 collides with the turbine 70 as described above. And it expand | swells immediately after transmitting a pressure to the turbine 70, temperature falls, it condenses and it becomes a water droplet. The water droplets return into the inner pot 2 along the inclined surface of the steam conduit 9. Further, among the steam that has rotated the turbine 70, the steam that has not partially condensed is discharged from the steam exhaust port 99 to the outside of the rice cooker 1 through the steam conduit 9.
Therefore, much of the water vapor that has come out of the inner pot 2 during cooking is condensed and returned to the inner pot 2 again. For this reason, the vapor | steam amount discharged | emitted outside the rice cooker 1 can be reduced, and the humidity increase of the indoor environment by vapor | steam being discharged | emitted can be suppressed.

  The power generated as described above can be supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90 and the display 77 as in the first embodiment.

Thus, according to the rice cooker 1A according to the second embodiment, the rotation transmitting means for transmitting the rotation from the turbine 70 to the generator element 174 is provided. For this reason, the turbine 70 and the generator element 174 can be separated, and the freedom degree of the installation position of the turbine 70 or the generator element 174 can be raised.
Further, as a means for transmitting rotation from the turbine 70 to the generator element 174, a rotating shaft 71, a pulley 71a, a belt 71b, and a pulley 71c were used. The rotating shaft 71 communicates with the inside of the cover 73 in which the generator element 174 and the like are accommodated via the shaft seal 400. For this reason, invasion of water vapor into the cover 73 that houses the electric circuit can be suppressed, and failure due to invasion of vapor into the electric circuit can be avoided.
Further, as the generator element 174, as shown in FIG. 10, an integrated type in which a pair of magnets 174a and a coil 174b are combined into one package can be used. In the case of the integrated generator element 174, since the magnet 174a and the coil 174b can be arranged very close to each other, the magnetic force reaching the coil 174b from the magnet 174a can be increased, and efficient power generation is possible.

  In the second embodiment, the example in which the rotating shaft 71 and the pulley 71a are detachably connected by the couplings 500a and 500b having the concave and convex shapes is shown. However, it is also possible to connect the rotating shaft 71 and the pulley 71a by another coupling structure such as a magnetic coupling structure.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the third embodiment, the configuration of the steam conduit, the turbine, and the rotation transmission means will be mainly described.
FIG. 11: is an external appearance schematic diagram of the rice cooker 1B which concerns on Embodiment 3, FIG. 11 (a) has shown the top view and FIG.11 (b) has shown the side view. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rice cooker 1B according to the third embodiment as viewed from the side, and FIG. 12 (a) is a schematic diagram of the main part centering on the lid 8, with the steam conduit 9 removed. FIG. 12B is a schematic view of the entire rice cooker 1B with the steam conduit 9 attached. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the steam conduit, FIG. 13A is a top view, FIG. 13B is a side view, FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view in front view, and FIG. Is a sectional view in side view, and FIG. 13E is a perspective view showing the turbine. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a recess 82 is formed in the upper portion of the outer lid 8 a of the lid 8, and the vapor conduit 9 is supported by the recess 82. As shown in FIG. 11 (a), when the rice cooker 1B is viewed from above, a substantially circular steam conduit 9 can be seen on the surface of the outer lid 8a.

(Structure of steam conduit and turbine)
As shown in FIG. 12, the steam conduit 9 including the upper steam conduit 9a and the lower steam conduit 9b is detachably attached to the outer lid 8a. The steam conduit 9 is formed with a steam inlet 9c connected to the jet port 64. The steam generated in the inner pot 2 is guided into the steam conduit 9 by the steam inlet 9c through the small hole 8c provided in the inner lid 8b and the jet port 64.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the steam conduit 9, there are a turbine storage chamber 9 e that stores blades 70 a of the turbine 70, and a rotation shaft chamber 9 f that passes the rotation shaft 71 adjacent to the turbine storage chamber 9 e. A compartment is formed.
The turbine 70 is stored in the turbine storage chamber 9e with the rotation shaft 71 inclined in a substantially horizontal direction. The rotating shaft 71 enters the rotating shaft chamber 9f through a shaft hole 9g provided in a wall that partitions the turbine housing chamber 9e and the rotating shaft chamber 9f. A shaft seal 703 is attached to the shaft hole 9g, and the shaft seal 703 suppresses the entry of steam from the turbine storage chamber 9e to the rotating shaft chamber 9f.
A steam path 9 d that connects the steam inlet 9 c and the blade 70 a of the turbine 70 is formed inside the steam conduit 9.

(Configuration of generator element)
The generator element 274 is installed inside a generator chamber 274 a that is defined inside the outer lid 8 a of the lid 8. The generator element 274 is a device that generates electric power by a force generated by rotation. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the generator element 274 is not specified, but the magnet is rotated by the rotation transmitted from the turbine 70, and the power generation coil provided close to the magnet generates power. Things can be used.

(Configuration of rotation transmission means)
A drive gear 702 is attached to the end of the rotating shaft 71 of the turbine 70 (the end opposite to the blade 70a). A passive gear 701 is attached to the rotating shaft 274 b of the generator element 274.
When the steam conduit 9 is attached to the lid 8 as shown in FIG. 12B, the drive gear 702 and the passive gear 701 are engaged. When the drive gear 702 is rotated by the rotation of the rotation shaft 71, the passive gear 701 that meshes with the drive gear 702 is also rotated, and the rotation of the passive gear 701 is generated via the rotation shaft 274 b of the generator element 274. Is transmitted to.

(Operation of rice cooker)
When cooking is started and the heating means 3 is driven, the rice r and the water W are heated through the inner pot 2. The steam generated from the inside of the inner pot 2 by heating proceeds to the steam path 9d through the small hole 8c, the jet port 64, and the steam inlet port 9c, collides with the blade 70a of the turbine 70, and rotates the turbine 70.

  Further, the rotation of the turbine 70 is transmitted to the drive gear 702 via the rotation shaft 71 of the turbine 70, and the drive gear 702 rotates. Further, the passive gear 701 that meshes with the drive gear 702 also rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the generator element 274 via the rotating shaft 274 b of the generator element 274.

  When rotation is transmitted to the generator element 274, power is generated by this rotational force. That is, part of the pressure energy of the steam is converted into electric power.

  The generator element 274 is installed inside a generator chamber 274a that is defined inside the outer lid 8a, and steam from the turbine storage chamber 9e, which is a space through which steam passes, to the rotary shaft chamber 9f. The entry is prevented by the shaft seal 703. That is, the generator element 274 that is an electrical path is configured to be physically separated from the steam path. In general, when steam enters the electric circuit, there is a possibility that the electric circuit is short-circuited due to condensation or the like, causing a failure. However, according to the configuration according to the third embodiment, the vapor path and the electric circuit are physically separated. Therefore, it is possible to avoid failure due to vapor intrusion into the electric circuit.

Next, the behavior of the steam passing through the steam conduit 9 will be described.
The steam that has entered the steam path 9d through the steam inlet 9c from the jet port 64 collides with the turbine 70 as described above. And it expand | swells immediately after transmitting a pressure to the turbine 70, temperature falls, it condenses and it becomes a water droplet. This water droplet is stored in the turbine storage chamber 9e. Further, among the steam that has rotated the turbine 70, the steam that has not partially condensed is discharged from the steam exhaust port 99 to the outside of the rice cooker 1 through the steam conduit 9.
Therefore, much of the water vapor that has come out of the inner pot 2 during cooking is condensed and returned to the inner pot 2 again. For this reason, the vapor | steam amount discharged | emitted outside the rice cooker 1 can be reduced, and the humidity increase of the indoor environment by vapor | steam being discharged | emitted can be suppressed.

  The power generated as described above can be supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90 and the display 77 as in the first embodiment.

  Thus, according to the rice cooker 1B according to the third embodiment, the rotation shaft 71, the drive gear 702, and the passive gear 701 are used as the rotation transmission means from the turbine 70 to the rotation shaft 274b of the generator element 274. . Here, the gear ratio between the drive gear 702 and the passive gear 701 is the rotational speed or rotational torque generated by the rotation of the turbine 70 due to the collision of steam and the rotational speed required to rotate the constituent members of the generator element 274. And can be determined from the rotational torque. For this reason, by appropriately selecting the number of teeth of the drive gear 702 and the passive gear 701, the rotation speed of the turbine 70 can be easily converted to a rotation speed suitable for power generation by the generator element 274. More specifically, the rotation speed suitable for power generation by the generator element 274 is the rotation speed A (for example, A = 1000 rpm), and the rotation speed of the turbine 70 by steam generated in normal rice cooking is the rotation speed B (for example, B = 2000 rpm). In this case, (the number of teeth of the passive gear 701) :( the number of teeth of the drive gear 702) = A: B (for example, A: B = 1: 2). The rotation speed can be converted to a speed suitable for 274 power generation.

  Further, the drive gear 702 and the passive gear 701 can be connected and disconnected from each other. That is, it is possible to physically separate the steam conduit 9 through which steam passes and the generator element 274 that is vulnerable to water wetting. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the steam from entering the generator element 274, and to remove the steam conduit 9 from the lid 8, the steam conduit 9 can be easily cleaned and maintained.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the steam conduit, the turbine, and the rotation transmission means will be mainly described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a rice cooker 1C according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an essential part in a side view centering on the lid 8, and the steam conduit 9 is removed. FIG. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the entire rice cooker 1C with the steam conduit 9 attached. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the relevant part for explaining the configuration in the vicinity of the steam conduit 9 and the rotation transmission means. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a recess 82 is formed in the upper portion of the outer lid 8 a of the lid 8, and the vapor conduit 9 is supported by the recess 82.

(Structure of steam conduit and turbine)
The steam conduit 9 is formed with a steam inlet 9 c connected to the jet port 64. The steam generated in the inner pot 2 is guided into the steam conduit 9 by the steam inlet 9c through the small hole 8c provided in the inner lid 8b and the jet port 64.
In the steam conduit 9, a turbine storage chamber 9 e that functions as a steam path through which steam passes and a storage chamber for storing the turbine 70 is defined. The turbine storage chamber 9e forms a path from the steam inlet 9c to the steam exhaust port 99.
A rotating shaft chamber 9f is defined on the upper side of the turbine storage chamber 9e.

  The turbine 70 is stored in the turbine storage chamber 9e with the blades 70a facing the steam inlet 9c. The rotary shaft 71 enters the rotary shaft chamber 9f through a shaft hole 9g provided in a wall that partitions the turbine housing chamber 9e and the rotary shaft chamber 9f. A shaft seal 400 is attached to the shaft hole 9g, and the shaft seal 400 suppresses the entry of steam from the turbine storage chamber 9e to the rotating shaft chamber 9f.

(Configuration of generator element)
The generator element 374 is installed inside a generator chamber 374 a that is partitioned and formed inside the outer lid 8 a of the lid 8. The generator element 374 is a device that generates electric power by a force generated by rotation. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the generator element is not specified, but the magnet is rotated by the rotation transmitted from the turbine 70, and the power generation coil provided close to the magnet generates power. Can be used.

(Configuration of rotation transmission means)
As shown in FIG. 15, the pulley 71a is connected with the rotating shaft 71 in the rotating shaft chamber 9f. Further, a belt 71b is wound around the pulley 71a and the pulley 71c, and the rotation of the pulley 71a is transmitted to the pulley 71c by the belt 71b. The pulley 71a and the pulley 71c are installed on substantially the same surface.
A pulley rotating shaft 71d that rotates together with the pulley 71c is connected to the pulley 71c.

  A coupling 705 is provided at the lower end of the pulley rotation shaft 71d. A coupling 706 is also provided at the tip of the rotating shaft 374 b of the generator element 374. The coupling 705 and the coupling 706 are so-called magnetic couplings incorporating magnets having different poles. The coupling 705 and the coupling 706 are coupled in contact with each other by attracting magnets contained therein.

(Operation of rice cooker)
When cooking is started and the heating means 3 is driven, the rice r and the water W are heated through the inner pot 2. Steam generated from the inside of the inner pot 2 due to heating enters the turbine housing chamber 9e of the steam conduit 9 through the small hole 8c, the jet port 64, and the steam inlet port 9c, and collides with the blade 70a of the turbine 70 to hit the turbine. 70 is rotated. And the water vapor | steam which rotated the turbine 70 is discharged | emitted from the steam exhaust port 99 to the exterior of the rice cooker 1C through the steam conduit 9.

  Further, the rotation of the turbine 70 is transmitted to the pulley 71a via the rotating shaft 71 of the turbine 70, and the pulley 71a rotates. Furthermore, the rotation of the pulley 71a is transmitted to the pulley 71c via the belt 71b spanned over the pulley 71a. The coupling 705 is also rotated by the rotation of the pulley 71c and the pulley rotation shaft 71d.

  When the coupling 705 rotates, the coupling 706 magnetically coupled to the coupling 705 also rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the generator element 374 via the rotating shaft 374 b of the generator element 374.

  When rotation is transmitted to the generator element 374, power is generated by this rotational force. That is, part of the pressure energy of the steam is converted into electric power.

  The generator element 374 is disposed in a generator chamber 374a provided inside the outer lid 8a of the lid body 8, and from the turbine storage chamber 9e, which is a space through which steam passes, to the rotary shaft chamber 9f. The entrance of the steam is suppressed by the shaft seal 400. That is, the generator element 374 that is an electric circuit is configured to be physically separated from the steam path. In general, when steam enters the electric circuit, there is a possibility that the electric circuit is short-circuited due to condensation or the like, causing a failure. However, according to the configuration according to the third embodiment, the vapor path and the electric circuit are physically separated. Therefore, it is possible to avoid failure due to vapor intrusion into the electric circuit.

  The power generated as described above can be supplied to the auxiliary heating means 90 and the display 77 as in the first embodiment.

  Thus, according to the rice cooker 1C according to the fourth embodiment, as the rotation transmission means from the turbine 70 to the rotating shaft 374b of the generator element 374, the rotating shaft 71, the pulley 71a, the belt 71b, the pulley 71c, the cup A ring 705 and a coupling 706 were used. In particular, since the pulley 71c and the rotating shaft 374b of the generator element 374 are coupled using the coupling 705 and the coupling 706, which are magnetic couplings, there is almost no noise caused by the contact between the coupling 705 and the coupling 706. For this reason, rotation transmission from the turbine 70 to the generator element 374 can be performed silently.

  Further, when the magnetic coupling between the coupling 705 and the coupling 706 is released, the steam conduit 9 can be detached from the lid body 8. That is, it is possible to physically separate the steam conduit 9 through which steam passes and the generator element 374 that is vulnerable to water wetting. For this reason, if the steam conduit 9 is removed from the lid 8, cleaning and maintenance of the steam conduit 9 and components (such as the turbine 70) attached thereto can be easily performed.

  In the fourth embodiment, the example in which the pulley 71c and the rotating shaft 374b of the generator element 374 are detachably connected by the magnetic coupling structure is shown. However, it is also possible to connect the pulley 71c and the rotating shaft 374b of the generator element 374 by a coupling structure or the like that fits the uneven shape as shown in the second embodiment.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned Embodiment 1-Embodiment 4 demonstrated the rice cooker, the power generation mechanism of this invention is also applicable to a water heater pot etc. other than a rice cooker, for example. If the power generation mechanism described in the first to fourth embodiments is provided on the path through which the generated steam passes, the same effect can be obtained.

  1 Rice cooker, 1A rice cooker, 1B rice cooker, 1C rice cooker, 2 inner pot, 3 heating means, 4 body, 7 hinge mechanism, 8 lid body, 8a outer lid, 8b inner lid, 8c small hole, 8d nail, 8e Steam seal, 9 steam conduit, 9a upper steam conduit, 9b lower steam conduit, 9c steam inlet, 9d steam path, 9e turbine storage chamber, 9f rotating shaft chamber, 9g shaft hole, 10 legs, 11 control case, 22 lid Sensor, 64 jet outlet, 70 turbine, 70a blade, 71 rotating shaft, 71a pulley, 71b belt, 71c pulley, 71d pulley rotating shaft, 73 cover, 74 generator element, 74a magnet, 74b coil, 75 charging rectifier circuit, 76 Power storage device, 77 display, 80 blower fan, 82 recess, 90 auxiliary heating means, 91 claws, 99 steam exhaust port, 100 power supply DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control apparatus, 102 Power supply switching circuit, 174 Generator element, 174a Magnet, 174b Coil, 274 Generator element, 274a Generator room, 274b Rotating shaft, 374 Generator element, 374a Generator chamber, 374b Rotating shaft, 400 axis Seal, 500a coupling, 500b coupling, 701 passive gear, 702 drive gear, 703 shaft seal, 705 coupling, 706 coupling, W water, h handle, r rice.

Claims (16)

A main body with an open top;
A container in which an object to be heated is charged and accommodated in the main body;
Heating means for heating the container;
A lid body having an inner lid capable of closing the upper opening of the container, and opening and closing an upper surface opening of the body;
A steam conduit connected to the inner lid for passing steam generated in the container;
A steam turbine blade disposed in the steam conduit;
A power generation mechanism that generates power by receiving the rotational force of the steam turbine blades;
A rice cooker characterized by comprising: The power generation mechanism is
A magnet provided on the steam turbine blade;
The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a coil provided outside the steam conduit and at a position facing the magnet. The inner lid is detachable from the lid body,
Placing the steam conduit in a space formed between the lid body and the inner lid;
3. The steam conduit can be attached to and detached from the inner lid by engaging a claw portion provided on the steam conduit and a claw portion provided on the inner lid. The described rice cooker. The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising rotation transmission means for transmitting rotation of the steam turbine blade to the power generation mechanism. The rotation transmission means is
A first pulley connected to a rotating shaft of the steam turbine blade;
A second pulley connected to the rotating shaft of the power generation mechanism;
The rice cooker according to claim 4, further comprising: a belt that spans between the first pulley and the second pulley. The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the rotary shaft of the steam turbine blade and the first pulley are detachably connected by a coupling structure. A storage section for storing the first pulley, the second pulley, the belt, and the power generation mechanism;
In the space formed between the lid body and the inner lid, the steam conduit and the storage portion are arranged,
The rice cooker according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a rotating shaft of the steam turbine blade is communicated from the inside of the steam conduit to the inside of the storage portion via a shaft seal. The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the rotating shaft of the power generation mechanism and the second pulley are detachably connected by a coupling structure. A power generation mechanism storage for storing the power generation mechanism is provided in either the main body or the lid main body,
The rice steamer according to claim 8, wherein the steam conduit is detachably fitted in a recess provided on a surface of the lid body. The rotation transmission means is
A drive gear provided at an end of a rotating shaft of the steam turbine blade;
The rice cooker according to claim 4, further comprising: a passive gear coupled to the rotating shaft of the power generation mechanism and provided so as to be able to engage with the drive gear. A power generation mechanism storage for storing the power generation mechanism is provided in either the main body or the lid main body,
The rice steamer according to claim 10, wherein the steam conduit is detachably fitted in a recess provided on a surface of the lid body. The steam turbine blade is disposed in the steam conduit in a state where the rotation axis of the steam turbine blade is inclined in a substantially horizontal direction,
The rice cooker according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a rotation shaft of the steam turbine blade is protruded to the outside of the steam conduit through a shaft seal. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising power control means for supplying electric power generated by the power generation mechanism to an electric load. Display means for indicating the operating state of the rice cooker;
Control means for controlling the operation of the rice cooker;
Air blowing means for cooling the heating means,
The rice cooker according to claim 13, wherein the electric load is at least one of the display means, the control means, the air blowing means, and the heating means. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a power storage device that stores electric power generated by the power generation mechanism. The power control means includes
After disconnecting from the commercial power supply,
The rice cooker according to claim 15 dependent on claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the electric load stored in the power storage device is supplied to the electric load.

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