JP2012205958A - Steam recovery device and rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam recovery device which prevents temperature rise only at the upper side of a water tank.SOLUTION: The steam recovery device includes: a steam introduction pipe having a steam outflow part 16 arranged in cooling water in a water tank, extending horizontally relative to a bottom of the water tank, and released toward the bottom side of the water tank, the steam introduction pipe condensing steam flowing from a steam pipe by cooling water in the water tank flowing in the steam outflow part 16; and a diffusion plate 21 provided at the steam outflow part 16, and bending its shape upward when the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part 16 is more than a predetermined pressure. When the diffusion plate 21 bends upward, a plurality of holes 22 are opened to discharge the steam in the steam outflow part 16 into the water in the water tank.

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam recovery device that condenses and recovers high-temperature steam generated in a rice cooker and a rice cooker equipped with the steam recovery device.

  As a conventional steam recovery device, for example, the steam generated in the rice cooker is led from the steam discharge hole to the steam discharge path, and forcibly discharged from the discharge hole into the water in the heat exchange device to condense. Yes (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-231613 (second page, FIG. 1)

In the above-described conventional steam recovery apparatus, when the cooling performance is to be improved while being compact, the diameter of the steam discharge path is increased or the steam discharge path is lengthened. However, even if the cooling performance is improved by either of them, if the amount of steam exceeding the cooling performance flows into the heat exchange device via the steam discharge passage, a part of the high-temperature steam leaks out as large diameter bubbles. become. The leaked large-diameter bubbles face upward in the heat exchange device without being cooled and are opened in the device at the surface of the water, so that only the upper portion of the heat exchange device may be heated and become hot.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steam recovery device and a rice cooker that prevent the temperature of only the upper side of the water tank from rising.

  A steam recovery apparatus according to the present invention includes a steam pipe that guides steam in a cooking vessel generated by heating of a heating means to the outside, a water tank in which a predetermined amount of cooling water is stored, and cooling water in the water tank. A steam outflow portion that is disposed inside and extends horizontally with respect to the bottom surface of the water tank and is opened toward the bottom surface side of the water tank, and the steam flowing in from the steam pipe flows into the steam outflow portion. The steam introduction pipe for condensing with the cooling water of the water tank, and the steam outflow part, until the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part reaches a predetermined pressure or the steam temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. The steam in the steam outflow part is not discharged, and when the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure or the temperature of the steam is higher than a predetermined temperature, the steam in the steam outflow part is used as a bubble to form the cooling water. A vapor emission means for emitting, in which with a.

  In the present invention, when the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure or the temperature of the steam is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the steam in the steam outflow portion is not only water from the open portion of the steam outflow portion. Steam is discharged into the cooling water so as to form bubbles that are sized to be condensed by the cooling water in the tank. As a result, the bubbles are condensed in the cooling water in the water tank, so that the temperature rise in the space above the water surface in the water tank can be reduced and burns can be prevented.

It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1 seeing from a side surface. It is a side view which shows the steam introduction pipe of the steam recovery apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the steam introduction pipe shown in FIG. 2 as viewed obliquely from above. It is a top view which shows the diffuser board of the steam outflow part of the steam introduction pipe shown in FIG. 3 seeing from upper direction. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnects and shows the longitudinal direction of the diffuser plate shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which immerses the steam outflow part without a diffuser plate in the cooling water in a water tank. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the steam outflow part and diffuser plate which are shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the effect | action of the change of the vapor | steam amount according to the electric power thrown into the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1, and an air diffusing plate. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 4. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 6. FIG. It is the perspective view and cross-sectional view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 7. FIG. It is the perspective view and top view which show the structure of the vapor | steam discharge | release means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus of the rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 8. FIG.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, the rice cooker provided with the steam recovery apparatus of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 as seen from the side.
The rice cooker shown in the figure includes a main body 1 and a lid 3 that covers an upper part of the main body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. The main body 1 includes a heating body 5 that heats a rice cooker 2 (cooking container) that is detachably stored therein, and a circuit board that controls energization of the heating body 5 based on a switch operation of an operation unit (not shown). 6 and a water tank 12 in which a predetermined amount of cooling water is stored, and a steam recovery device 10 that condenses water by introducing steam from the rice cooker 2 into the water tank 12. As the heating body 5 described above, for example, either an induction heating coil or a heater may be used.

  The lid 3 is pivotally supported via a hinge portion (not shown) on the upper back of the main body 1 with the water tank 12 side as the front, and is detachable inside the surface facing the rice cooker 2. An attached inner lid 4 is provided. A steam pipe 11 of a steam recovery apparatus 10 that connects the rice cooker 2 and the water tank 12 is detachably attached to the inner lid 4. When the lid 3 covers the upper part of the main body 1, the inner lid 4 closes the upper opening of the rice cooker 2 in the main body 1 to keep the inside of the rice cooker 2 sealed.

  The steam recovery apparatus 10 includes the steam pipe 11 and the water tank 12 described above, and a steam introduction pipe 14 inserted into the water tank 12. One end of the steam pipe 11 is detachably connected to the substantially central portion of the inner lid 4 and the other end is detachably connected to the steam introduction pipe 14 in the water tank 12. The water tank 12 is detachably installed on the front side of the main body 1 and is made of a transparent resin material such as ABS or PP so that the amount of water stored inside can be grasped at a glance. The tank lid 13 is covered. The water tank 12 condenses the steam flowing in via the steam introduction pipe 14 with cooling water and stores it as recovered water. The above-mentioned tank lid 13 is fixed so that the upper end of the steam introduction pipe 14 penetrates.

  The upper end of the steam introduction pipe 14 is detachably connected to the steam pipe 11 in a state where the tank lid 13 is attached to the water tank 12. The steam introduction pipe 14 is separated from the steam pipe 11 when the lid 3 is opened, and is connected to the steam pipe 11 when the lid 3 is closed. The steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14 function as a steam guide path that guides steam generated during rice cooking into the water tank 12.

Next, the configuration of the steam introduction pipe 14 will be described.
2 is a side view showing a steam introduction pipe of the steam recovery apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the steam introduction pipe shown in FIG.
The steam introduction pipe 14 is made of, for example, a material having high heat conductivity, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a hollow steam introduction portion 15 having a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, and a lower end of the steam introduction portion 15. A steam outlet 16 having a reverse U-shaped cross section in which a rectangular opening 17 is provided on the side facing the bottom surface of the water tank 12, and a steam inlet 15. The backflow prevention plate 18 is provided and has a plurality of holes. The steam outflow portion 16 increases the speed of heat exchange with the cooling water in the water tank 12 and promotes condensation of high-temperature steam.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steam inlet 15 extends downward from the tank lid 13 (see FIG. 1) so that the steam outlet 16 is located on one side in the water tank 12. For example, the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16 is inclined downward in the longitudinal direction from the skirt portion 16 a toward both ends, and the tip end portion of the steam outflow portion 16 is positioned at the substantially center in the longitudinal direction of the water tank 12. is doing. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the steam outflow portion 16 is formed obliquely so that one side in the longitudinal direction is narrowed from the substantially center. This shape is formed so that the steam outflow portion 16 is accommodated in the water tank 12 because the center of the surface on the rice cooker 2 side is narrower than both sides when the water tank 12 is viewed from above. Yes. In addition, an opening penetrating in the vertical direction with respect to the surface of the steam outflow portion 16 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening is closed by a rectangular diffuser plate 21. As will be described later, the diffuser plate 21 is provided with a plurality of normally closed holes 22. The opening and the diffuser plate 21 constitute a vapor discharge means.

Next, the configuration and characteristics of the diffuser plate 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
4 is a plan view showing the diffuser plate of the steam outlet portion of the steam introduction pipe shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the longitudinal direction of the diffuser plate shown in FIG. In addition, FIG.5 (b) has shown the diffuser plate of the state curved upwards by vapor pressure.

Configuration of the diffuser plate 21 The diffuser plate 21 is made of, for example, an elastic member such as a resin such as low-density polypropylene or an elastomer such as silicon rubber or fluorine rubber, and as described above, a plurality of normally closed states penetrating the upper and lower surfaces. It is composed of a porous film having holes 22. The plurality of holes 22 provided in the diffuser plate 21 are, for example, uniformly arranged, and the radius of each hole 22 is 0.25 mm or less. The film thickness of the diffuser plate 21 is uniform. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the diffuser plate 21 is curved upward, the diameter of each hole 22 in the open state is the largest at the top and becomes smaller as going downward.
In addition, although the arrangement | positioning of the some hole 22 was made uniform, it may be non-uniform | heterogenous, and although the film thickness of the diffuser plate 21 was made uniform, you may make it thin, for example as it approaches the center. Moreover, the diameter of the open state of each hole 22 due to the curvature of the diffuser plate 21 may be uniform, or may be different depending on the position in the surface of the diffuser plate 21.

Characteristics of the diffuser plate 21 When the diffuser plate 21 is not deformed, the plurality of holes 22 are sealed by the elastic force of the diffuser plate 21 as shown in FIG. When the diffuser plate 21 is distorted upward, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the plurality of holes 22 expand according to the extension amount of the diffuser plate 21, and the gas or liquid partitioned by the diffuser plate 21 comes and goes. Is possible. Expansion and contraction of the diffuser plate 21 is caused by a pressure difference, and the amount of deformation at the time of expansion (curving) is determined by the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16, and the elastic modulus and diffuser of the resin material used for the diffuser plate 21. It can be adjusted by the film thickness of the air plate 21 and the area of the portion where the air diffuser plate 21 is not fixed. That is, it is possible to adjust a predetermined pressure for bending the diffuser plate 21 upward.

Here, the temperature transition of the space in the water tank in the steam outflow part 16 provided with the diffuser plate 21 and the steam outflow part 16 provided with the diffuser plate 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a steam outlet without a diffuser plate immersed in cooling water in a water tank. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part as Embodiment 1 demonstrated in FIG. 2, or an equivalent part. The steam outflow part 16 shown in FIG. 6 extends to substantially the center in the water tank 12, and its upper part is inclined in the same manner as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, it is assumed that it has substantially the same shape as the steam outlet 16 in the first embodiment.

  When the amount of steam exceeding the capacity flows into the steam outflow portion 16 (including the skirt portion 16a), large-diameter bubbles leak from the opening 17 of the steam outflow portion 16. The leaked large-diameter bubbles rise toward the water surface in the water tank 12 and reach the water surface as it is without being sufficiently cooled to reach the water surface. Since the inside of the bubbles is in a high temperature state close to 100 degrees, when the air is repelled on the water surface in the water tank 12, the heat is transferred to the air in the space 50 in the water tank 12 and the temperature rises. In order to prevent the temperature of the space 50 in the water tank 12 from rising, bubbles are generated from the steam introduction pipe 14 by increasing the capacity of the steam outlet 16 or increasing the contact area with the cooling water to improve the cooling performance. Do not let it.

  However, the capacity of the steam outlet 16 may not be sufficiently large due to structural limitations. When the amount of steam exceeding the cooling performance obtained from the capacity of the steam outflow portion 16 or the contact area with the water surface flows into the steam outflow portion 16, bubbles having a large diameter as described above It is generated from the opening 17 of the part 16 and causes the temperature of the space 50 in the water tank 12 to rise.

Next, the temperature transition of the space 50 in the water tank 12 in the steam outflow part 16 provided with the diffuser plate will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the steam outlet and the diffusion plate shown in FIG.
When the amount of steam not exceeding the cooling performance obtained from the capacity of the steam outlet 16 or the contact area with the water surface flows into the steam outlet 16, the diffuser plate 21 is deformed as shown in FIG. Therefore, no steam leaks from the plurality of holes 22 of the diffuser plate 21. In this case, the steam pressure in the space in the steam outlet 16 is lower than the amount of steam that exceeds the capacity of the steam outlet 16. Accordingly, the steam is cooled and condensed by contacting the cooling water in the opening 17 of the steam outlet 16 as usual.

  When the amount of steam exceeding the cooling performance obtained from the capacity of the steam outflow portion 16 or the contact area with the water surface flows into the steam outflow portion 16 due to a user error or the like, the vapor pressure in the space in the steam outflow portion 17 is reduced. When the pressure increases and becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the diffuser plate 21 is bent upward and deformed as shown in FIG. 7B. In accordance with this deformation, the plurality of holes 22 are opened, and the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 passes through the plurality of holes 22 and becomes small-sized bubbles in the cooling water. The generated small-diameter bubbles are cooled while rising in the cooling water, and are condensed before reaching the water surface in the water tank 12. Thereby, the temperature rise of the space 50 in the water tank 12 can be reduced.

Next, the effect | action of the diffuser plate with respect to the vapor | steam amount which changes according to the electric power input at the time of rice cooking operation | movement is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change in the amount of steam according to the electric power input to the rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 and the operation of the diffuser plate. (A) in a figure shows an example of the electric power thrown into heating body 5 at the time of rice cooking operation. (B) shows the volume change of the steam in the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14 corresponding to the temperature change in the rice cooker 2. Moreover, (c) shows the change of the amount of displacement of the vertical direction of the diffuser plate 21 according to the change of the volume of the steam.
When rice and water in the rice cooker 2 are heated by supplying electric power to the heating body 5 and a large amount of steam is generated, the volumes in the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14 are expanded, and the diffuser plate 21 is deformed. . For example, when the capacity of the steam outflow portion 16 is 20 ml (broken line in FIG. 8B) and the volume of the generated steam exceeds the capacity of the steam outflow portion 16, bubbles are generated from a part of the opening 17 of the steam outflow portion 16. And bubbles with a radius of about 15 mm were generated. In the first embodiment, by providing the diffuser plate 21 on the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16, the radius of the bubbles becomes about 1.0 mm, and the bubbles are cooled in the cooling water until they reach the water surface. Condensed water does not reach the water surface.

  When the radius of the plurality of holes 22 of the diffuser plate 21 is 0.4 mm and the steam outlet 16 is installed at a water depth of 110 mm, the bubble radius is about 15 mm in the conventional structure, whereas the steam outlet When the air diffuser plate 21 is provided on the upper surface of 16, the bubble radius is about 0.2 mm. The temperature of the space 50 above the water surface in the water tank 12 is about 70 ° C. in the structure without the diffuser plate 21, but is reduced to about 60 ° C. in the first embodiment. .

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the diffuser plate 21 of the elastic member is provided on the upper portion of the steam outflow portion 16, and when the amount of steam exceeding the capacity of the steam outflow portion 16 flows in, the diffuser plate 21. Is curved upward to open a plurality of holes 22, and bubbles of a size that can be condensed with cooling water are generated from the holes 22. As a result, the bubbles are cooled and condensed in the cooling water in the water tank 12, so that the temperature rise in the space 50 above the water surface in the water tank 12 can be reduced and burns can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment, it has been described that the diffuser plate 21 is provided in the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it provide the diffuser board 21 in the side part of the both sides of the longitudinal direction of the vapor | steam outflow part 16, or any one side part.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, it is described that an elastic member such as resin, silicon rubber, or elastomer is used for the diffuser plate 21. However, in the second embodiment, a member having negative thermal expansion characteristics is used for the diffuser plate. It is what was used.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow part in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the steam discharge means is composed of an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the steam outflow part 16 and a diffuser plate 31 provided so as to close the opening of the steam outflow part 16. . The diffuser plate 31 is made of, for example, a member having a negative thermal expansion characteristic, and has a convex shape on the side surface. The diffuser plate 31 is inserted into the above-described opening (not shown) of the steam outflow portion 16 from the inside, and the protruding portion protrudes from the upper portion, and contacts the inner surface of the steam outflow portion 16 and the side surface of the opening. The surface is fixed by, for example, a heat-resistant adhesive. The diffuser plate 31 is provided with a plurality of normally closed holes 32. The plurality of holes 32 include a hole that penetrates the thickness direction of the diffuser plate 31 and a hole that extends obliquely downward from the side surface and communicates with the hole in the thickness direction.

Next, the effect | action of the diffuser plate 31 of the steam outflow part 16 is demonstrated.
The steam from the rice cooker 2 generated at the time of rice cooking flows into the steam outflow portion 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is cooled by the cooling water in the steam outflow portion 16 to be condensed. This state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outlet 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the diffuser plate 31 contracts. When the amount of steam in the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the diffuser plate 31 provided on the upper part of the steam outlet 16 contracts. (Decrease). In this case, since the side surface side is fixed at the peripheral portion of the diffuser plate 31, the diffuser plate 31 contracts outward. In the portion between the plurality of holes 32 of the diffuser plate 31, FIG. It shrinks in the direction of the arrow shown, and the diameter of the plurality of normally closed holes 32 is increased. At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank 12 through the plurality of open holes 32 to form bubbles, cooled by the cooling water, and condensed. .

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the diffuser plate 31 contracts. Thus, the plurality of normally closed holes 32 are opened. Thereby, since the steam in the steam outflow part 16 is discharged into the cooling water from the plurality of holes 32 and becomes bubbles, the heat exchange efficiency is increased, and the steam can be efficiently cooled and condensed.

  In the second embodiment, it is described that the diffuser plate 31 is provided on the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it provide the diffuser board 31 in the side part of the both sides of the longitudinal direction of the steam outflow part 16, or any one side part.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to Embodiment 3.
In FIG. 10, the steam discharge means is composed of an opening (not shown) provided in the upper part of the steam outlet 16 and a diffuser plate 41 provided so as to close the opening of the steam outlet 16. . The diffuser plate 41 is made of, for example, a member having negative thermal expansion characteristics, and has a circular sheet shape. The sheet-like diffuser plate 41 (hereinafter referred to as “heat-shrinkable sheet 41”) is stretched on an annular support portion 43 fitted into the opening of the steam outflow portion 16 described above. Further, the heat shrinkable sheet 41 is provided with, for example, two cut lines 42 perpendicular to the center. When the inside of the steam outflow part 16 is in a normal temperature state, the heat-shrink sheet 41 is in a closed state with no gaps and without opening. In addition, the vapor | steam discharge | release means is comprised by the opening provided in the upper part of the vapor | steam outflow part 16, and the heat contraction sheet | seat 41. FIG.

Next, the effect | action of the heat-shrink sheet | seat 41 of the vapor | steam outflow part 16 is demonstrated.
The steam from the rice cooker 2 generated at the time of rice cooking flows into the steam outflow portion 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is cooled by the cooling water in the steam outflow portion 16 to be condensed. This state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outlet 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the heat shrinkable sheet 41 contracts. When the amount of steam in the steam outflow portion 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG. The sheet 41 is shrunk (decreased) in the direction of the arrow, and each sheet 41 divided by the cut line 42 is warped upward, and a gap 44 is formed at substantially the center. At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank 12 through the gap 44 to form bubbles, cooled by the cooling water, and condensed.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the steam outlet 16 is provided above the steam outlet 16. The heat-shrinkable sheet 41 is contracted in the radial direction, and each sheet 41 divided by the cut line 42 is warped upward to form a gap 44 at substantially the center. Thereby, the steam in the steam outflow part 16 is discharged into the cooling water from the gap 44 and becomes bubbles, so that the heat exchange efficiency is increased and the steam can be efficiently cooled and condensed.

  In the third embodiment, it has been described that the two cut lines 42 are provided in the heat-shrinkable sheet 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number may be used. Further, the heat-shrinkable sheet 41 may be made of a material whose elasticity increases with a temperature rise.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 11, the steam discharge means has an opening provided in the upper part of the steam outlet 16 and a plurality of normally open holes 62, and a diffuser plate provided so as to cover the opening of the steam outlet 16. 61, a heat expansion / contraction block 64 (expansion / contraction part) provided at the upper part of the steam outflow part 16 so as to be located on both sides of the opening, and the heat expansion / contraction block 64 so as to block the plurality of holes 62 of the diffuser plate 61 For example, it is composed of two shielding plates 63 provided.

  The diffuser plate 61 is made of, for example, metal, and is provided so as to cover the opening provided in the upper portion of the steam outflow portion 16 from the inner side (lower side). The two shielding plates 63 located on the lower side of the diffuser plate 61 are made of metal like the diffuser plate 61 and are in contact with each other so that there is no gap between them. The plurality of holes 62 are arranged in contact with the lower surface so as to directly shield them. The thermal expansion / contraction block 64 is configured by, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped member having negative thermal expansion characteristics, and is disposed on both sides of the two shielding plates 63 in the longitudinal direction of the steam outflow portion 16. The heat expansion / contraction block 64 has an outer surface fixed to the steam outflow portion 16 among the surfaces facing the steam outflow portion 16, and shielding plates 63 are fixed to the side surfaces facing each other. This fixing is performed by, for example, an adhesive having heat resistance. The heat expansion / contraction block 64 is moved in a direction in which the volume (shape) contracts and the two shielding plates 63 are separated when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Next, the operation of the steam discharge means of the steam outlet 16 will be described.
Steam from the rice cooker 2 generated during rice cooking flows into the steam outflow portion 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is cooled by the cooling water in the steam outflow portion 16 to be condensed. This state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outlet 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the heat expansion block 64 contracts. When the amount of steam in the steam outflow portion 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 64 contracts (decreases). In this case, the heat expansion / contraction block 64 is contracted in the opposite direction to each other because the outer surface of the surface on the steam outflow portion 16 side is fixed to the steam outflow portion 16, and the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The shield plate 63 is pulled and moved. At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank 12 through a plurality of holes 62 of the diffuser plate 61 from between the two shielding plates 63, and becomes a bubble. Condensed by water.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 64 contracts. Then, the two shielding plates 63 that have shielded the plurality of holes 62 of the diffuser plate 61 are moved in the direction of separating. Thereby, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water from between the two shielding plates 63 through the plurality of holes 62 of the diffuser plate 61 into bubbles, so that the heat exchange efficiency is improved. The steam can be efficiently cooled and condensed.

  In the fourth embodiment, the diffuser plate 61 covers the opening provided on the upper surface of the steam outlet 16 from the inside (lower side). However, the opening may be covered from the upper side. In that case, the two shielding plates 63 are arranged in contact with the inside of the steam outflow portion 16 so that there is no gap, and the plurality of holes 62 of the diffusion plate 61 are shielded through the openings.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment.
In FIG. 12, the steam discharge means includes an opening provided in the upper part of the steam outflow part 16, and a heat expansion / contraction block 73 (expansion / contraction part) provided in the opposite side of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the steam outflow part 16. For example, two shielding plates 71 are provided in the heat expansion / contraction block 73 and are arranged so as to close the opening of the steam outflow portion.

  The thermal expansion / contraction block 73 is configured by a rectangular parallelepiped member having negative thermal expansion characteristics, for example. The thermal expansion / contraction block 73 contracts in the opposite direction when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The two shielding plates 71 are made of, for example, metal, and are fixed to side surfaces of the thermal expansion / contraction block 73 facing each other. Each shielding plate 71 is provided with, for example, a sawtooth-shaped cut 72 formed in the width direction at the tip, and meshes with each other. Each shielding plate 71 is fixed to the mutually opposing side surfaces of the thermal expansion / contraction block 73. The fixing of the thermal expansion / contraction block 73 to the steam outflow portion 16 and the fixing of the shielding plate 71 to the thermal expansion / contraction block 73 are performed by, for example, a heat-resistant adhesive.

Next, the effect | action of the diffused part of the vapor | steam outflow part 16 is demonstrated.
Steam from the rice cooker 2 generated during rice cooking flows into the steam outlet 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is condensed by the cooling water in the steam outlet 16. This state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outlet 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the heat expansion block 73 contracts. When the amount of steam in the steam outflow portion 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 73 contracts (decreases). In this case, since the heat expansion / contraction block 73 is fixed to the side surface of the opening of the steam outflow portion 16, the heat expansion / contraction block 73 contracts in opposite directions and moves by pulling the shielding plate 71 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Let At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is released into the cooling water in the water tank 12 from the sawtooth gap 74 formed between the tips of the two shielding plates 71 and becomes bubbles, and the cooling water Condensed by

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 73 contracts. Then, the two shielding plates 71 whose tips are meshed in a sawtooth shape are moved away from each other. As a result, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water from the gap 74 between the two shielding plates 71 and becomes bubbles, so that the heat exchange efficiency is increased, and the steam is efficiently cooled and recovered. Can be watered.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the sixth embodiment.
In FIG. 13, the steam discharge means includes an opening provided in the upper part of the steam outlet part 16, and a heat expansion / contraction block 84 (extension part) provided on one side surface of the opening in the longitudinal direction of the steam outlet part 16. The heat expansion / contraction block 73 is provided with a shielding plate 83 disposed so as to block the opening of the steam outflow portion 16 with a fixing plate 81 provided on the other side surface of the opening.

  The above-mentioned fixing plate 81 is made of, for example, metal, and a serrated notch 82 formed in the width direction is provided at the tip. The heat expansion / contraction block 84 is formed of, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped member having a negative thermal expansion characteristic, and is fixed to a side surface facing the fixing plate 81 of the opening of the steam outflow portion 16, and the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16. The volume shrinks in a direction away from the fixed plate 81 when the temperature of the liquid becomes higher than a predetermined temperature. The shielding plate 83 is disposed so as to extend from the side surface of the heat expansion / contraction block 84 to the fixing plate 81 side and overlap the tip portion of the fixing plate 81. That is, one end of the shielding plate 83 is fixed to the side surface of the thermal expansion / contraction block 84. Each fixing mentioned above is performed with the adhesive etc. which have heat resistance, for example.

Next, the effect | action of the diffused part of the vapor | steam outflow part 16 is demonstrated.
Steam from the rice cooker 2 generated during rice cooking flows into the steam outlet 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is condensed by the cooling water in the steam outlet 16. This state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outflow portion 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the heat expansion / contraction block 84 contracts. When the amount of steam in the steam outflow portion 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 84 contracts (decreases). In this case, since one side surface of the heat expansion / contraction block 84 is fixed to the side surface of the opening of the steam outflow portion 16, the heat expansion / contraction block 84 contracts away from the fixing plate 81 and shields in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The plate 83 is pulled and moved to generate a notch-shaped gap 85 formed by the tip of the fixed plate 81. At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank 12 from the gap 85 and becomes bubbles, and is condensed by the cooling water.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 84 contracts. Then, the shielding plate 83 is moved away from the fixed plate 81. As a result, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water from the serrated gap 85 between the shielding plate 83 and the fixed plate 81 and becomes bubbles, so that the heat exchange efficiency is increased and the steam is efficiently used. Can be cooled and condensed.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the seventh embodiment.
In FIG. 14, the steam discharge means has an opening provided in the upper part of the steam outflow part 16, a plurality of normally open holes 92, and a diffuser plate 91 provided in the opening of the steam outflow part 16; A heat expansion / contraction block 96 (expansion / contraction part) provided in the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16 and a heat expansion / contraction block 96 having the same number of holes 94 as the plurality of holes 92 of the air diffusion plate 91, The shield plate 93 is disposed so as to block the plurality of holes 94.

  The above-described diffuser plate 91 is made of, for example, a circular metal. The shielding plate 93 is made of a circular metal larger than the diameter of the diffuser plate 91, and is disposed on the lower surface of the diffuser plate 91 so as to close the plurality of holes 92 of the diffuser plate 91. The shield plate 93 is provided with the same number of holes 94 that are shifted in the circumferential direction with respect to the plurality of holes 92 of the diffuser plate 91. A pair of support portions 95 projecting in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shielding plate 93. The above-mentioned thermal expansion / contraction block 96 is fixed to the tips of the pair of support portions 95 with, for example, a heat-resistant adhesive. The thermal expansion / contraction block 96 is made of, for example, a member having a negative thermal expansion characteristic, and the tip thereof is fixed to a protrusion (not shown) extending downward from the upper inner side of the steam outflow portion 16. When the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the heat expansion / contraction block 96 contracts to the above-described protrusion side, and the shielding plate 93 is shown in FIG. Rotate in the direction of the arrow.

Next, the effect | action of the diffused part of the vapor | steam outflow part 16 is demonstrated.
Steam from the rice cooker 2 generated during rice cooking flows into the steam outlet 16 through the steam pipe 11 and the steam introduction pipe 14, and is condensed by the cooling water in the steam outlet 16. As described above, this state is when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 is within the capacity range of the steam outflow portion 16 and has not reached a temperature at which the heat expansion / contraction block 96 contracts. . When the amount of steam in the steam outflow portion 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the thermal expansion / contraction block 96 contracts toward the projection portion side, and the shielding plate 93. Is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 14B, and the plurality of holes 94 of the shielding plate 93 are overlapped with the plurality of holes 92 provided in the diffuser plate 91. At this time, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank 12 through the plurality of holes 94 and 92, respectively, and becomes bubbles, and is condensed by the cooling water.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the volume of the heat expansion / contraction block 96 contracts. The shield plate 93 is rotated so that the plurality of holes 94 of the shield plate 93 and the plurality of holes 92 of the diffuser plate 91 are overlapped. As a result, the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 passes through the plurality of holes 94 and 92 and is discharged into the cooling water to form bubbles, so that the heat exchange efficiency is increased and the steam is efficiently cooled and condensed. be able to.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
In the above-described fourth to seventh embodiments, when the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 is released into the cooling water in the water tank 12, the heat expansion / contraction blocks 64, 73, 84, and 96 having negative thermal expansion characteristics. In the eighth embodiment, instead of the heat expansion / contraction blocks 64, 73, 84, 96, a shape memory alloy whose shape is deformed by temperature is used.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the steam discharge means of the steam outflow portion in the steam recovery apparatus for a rice cooker according to the eighth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, the shape memory alloy 103 which is a vapor release means intersects in an X shape, and one end of each of the two shape memory alloys 103 is fixed to the moving side 101 in a U shape. It is fixed by a metal fitting 104. Further, the other end portions of the two shape memory alloys 103 are slidably supported by the fixed portion 102 by a U-shaped fixing bracket 105. The two shape memory alloys 103 are greatly deformed in curvature when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion 16 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and the moving side 101 is moved to the fixed portion 102 side (FIG. 15 ( c)).

  For example, in FIG. 11, the shielding plate 63 is the moving side 101 and the upper inside of the steam outflow portion 16 is the fixed portion 102. In FIG. 12, the shielding plate 71 is the moving side 101, and the side surface of the opening provided in the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16 is the fixed portion 102. In FIG. 13, the shielding plate 83 is the moving side 101, and the side surface of the opening provided in the upper part of the steam outflow portion 16 is the fixed portion 102. In FIG. 14, the support portion 95 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shielding plate 93 serves as the moving side 101, and the fixed portion 102 includes a protrusion (not shown) provided on the upper inner side of the steam outlet portion 16. 102.

  As described above, in the eighth embodiment, when the amount of steam flowing into the steam outlet 16 increases and the temperature of the steam in the steam outlet 16 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the shape of the two shape memory alloys 103 is increased. Is deformed, and the moving side 101 is moved to the fixed portion 102 side. As a result, the shield plate on the moving side can be moved in the coaxial direction or the rotational direction, so that the steam in the steam outflow portion 16 can be released into the cooling water, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved. Thus, the steam can be efficiently cooled and condensed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body of rice cooker, 2 Rice cooker, 3 Lid body, 4 Inner lid, 5 Heating body, 6 Circuit board, 10 Steam recovery apparatus, 11 Steam pipe, 12 Water tank, 13 Tank lid, 14 Steam introduction pipe, 15 Steam Introduction part, 16 Steam outflow part, 16a Skirt part of steam outflow part, 17 Opening of steam outflow part, 18 Backflow prevention plate, 21 Diffusing plate, 22 Multiple holes, 31 Diffusing plate, 32 Multiple holes, 41 Scattering Air plate, 42 cut line, 43 annular support, 44 gap, 50 space in water tank, 61 air diffuser plate, 62 holes, 63 shield plate, 64 heat expansion block, 71 shield plate, 72 serrated Notch, 73 thermal expansion / contraction block, 74 gap, 81 fixing plate, 82 serrated notch, 83 shielding plate, 84 thermal expansion / contraction block, 85 gap, 91 diffuser plate, 92 multiple holes, 93 shielding plate, 94 multiple holes, 95 support part, 96 heat expansion / contraction block, 101 moving side, 102 fixing part, 103 shape memory alloy, 104,105 fixing bracket.

Claims (9)

A steam pipe for guiding the steam in the cooking vessel generated by heating of the heating means to the outside;
A water tank in which a predetermined amount of cooling water is stored;
Steam that is disposed in the cooling water in the water tank, has a steam outflow portion that extends horizontally with respect to the bottom surface of the water tank and is open toward the bottom surface side of the water tank, and flows in from the steam pipe. A steam introduction pipe for condensing with the cooling water of the water tank flowing into the steam outflow part,
It is provided in the steam outflow part and does not release the steam in the steam outflow part until the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part reaches a predetermined pressure or the temperature of the steam reaches a predetermined temperature, and flows into the steam outflow part. Steam recovery means comprising: steam discharge means for discharging the steam in the steam outlet as bubbles to the cooling water when the steam pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure or when the steam temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. apparatus. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
A plurality of normally closed holes are provided so as to close the opening of the steam outflow portion, and the shape is curved upward when the pressure of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion exceeds a predetermined pressure. With air plates,
The plurality of holes are opened when the diffuser plate is curved upward, and the steam in the steam outflow portion is released into the cooling water in the water tank. Steam recovery equipment. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
A diffuser plate having a plurality of normally closed holes, which is provided so as to close the opening of the steam outlet, and whose shape contracts when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outlet exceeds a predetermined temperature. And
2. The steam according to claim 1, wherein when the diffuser plate contracts, the plurality of holes are opened to release the steam in the steam outflow portion into the cooling water in the water tank. Recovery device. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
It has a plurality of normally closed cut lines perpendicular to the center, is provided so as to close the opening of the steam outlet, and the shape of the steam flowing into the steam outlet becomes a predetermined temperature or higher. A shrinking air diffuser,
The plurality of cut lines are opened when the diffuser plate contracts, and the steam in the steam outflow portion is released into the cooling water in the water tank. Steam recovery device. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
A diffuser plate having a plurality of normally open holes and provided to cover the opening of the steam outlet,
An expansion / contraction part that is provided at the upper part of the steam outflow part so as to be located on both sides of the opening, and whose shape contracts when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature,
A shield plate provided to close the plurality of holes of the diffuser plate in the stretchable part,
When the expansion / contraction part contracts, the shielding plate moves to open the plurality of holes of the diffusion plate, and the steam in the steam outflow part passes through the plurality of holes into the cooling water in the water tank. The steam recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam recovery apparatus is discharged. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
An expansion / contraction part that is provided on the upper part of the steam outflow part and whose shape contracts when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature;
A shielding plate provided on the expansion and contraction part and disposed so as to close the opening of the steam outflow part;
When the expansion / contraction part contracts, the shielding plate moves to form a gap in the opening of the steam outflow part, and the steam in the steam outflow part is discharged into the cooling water in the water tank through the gap. The steam recovery apparatus according to claim 1. The vapor discharge means includes
An opening provided in the steam outlet,
A diffuser plate having a plurality of normally open holes, provided in the opening of the steam outlet,
An expansion / contraction part that is provided on the upper part of the steam outflow part and whose shape contracts when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow part becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature;
A shield plate provided in the expansion and contraction portion, having the same number of holes as the plurality of holes of the diffuser plate, and arranged so as to close the plurality of holes of the diffuser plate;
When the expansion / contraction part contracts, the shielding plate moves to open the plurality of holes of the diffuser plate by the holes of the shielding plate, and the steam in the steam outflow part passes through the holes in the water tank. The steam recovery apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam recovery apparatus is discharged into cooling water. The steam discharge means includes two X-shaped shape memory alloys whose shape is deformed when the temperature of the steam flowing into the steam outflow portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, instead of the expansion / contraction portion,
One end of the two shape memory alloys is fixed to the shielding plate side, and the other end of the two shape memory alloys is slidably supported on the vapor outflow portion side. The steam recovery apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that A rice cooker comprising the steam recovery apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images