JP2020044188A - rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a rice cooker capable of avoiding a trouble of scattering of a viscous substance from a steam discharge port, etc.SOLUTION: A rice cooker is provided with a viscous substance separation unit 25 for introducing a steam flow containing a viscous substance from a rice cooking space S1 for cooking rice to be cooked, separating the viscous substance in a gas-liquid separation space S2 inside, and discharging steam from a steam discharge port 24. The viscous substance separation unit 25 includes an introduction hole 58 for introducing the steam flow, and a bubble size reduction member 68 for reducing the size of viscous substance bubbles contained in the steam flow introduced to the gas-liquid separation space S2 through the introduction hole 58.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker.

  A conventional rice cooker is described, for example, in Patent Document 1 below. In the rice cooker described in the document, a steam flow including oneva is introduced from a rice cooking space for cooking the cooked rice, the oneva is separated in an internal gas-liquid separation space, and a steam discharge port (in the document, “steam discharge” Unit)), and a Oneva separation unit (in the same document, “cartridge”) for releasing steam from the unit.

JP-A-2006-112214

  However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, Oneva bubbles having a large bubble diameter may be introduced into the Oneva separation unit, and the Oneva bubbles having such a large bubble diameter are combined with each other to form a Oneva bubble having a larger bubble diameter. Easy to form. If this phenomenon occurs frequently, the expanded Oneva bubbles may fill the gas-liquid separation space and reach the vapor outlet. In such a case, the oneva foam bursts near the vapor discharge port, and the oneba juice scatters outside the vapor discharge port to sometimes pollute the surroundings.

  In view of the above circumstances, there has been a demand for a rice cooker that can avoid inconveniences such as splashing of oneba juice from a steam discharge port.

Rice cooker according to the present invention,
Oneva separation unit that introduces a steam flow including oneva from the side of the cooking space for cooking the cooked rice, separates oneva in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and emits steam from the steam outlet, is provided.
The oneva separation unit includes an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small-bubble member that reduces oneva bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole. It is.

According to the present invention, the Oneva bubbles included in the steam flow flowing from the rice cooking space toward the Oneva separation unit are reduced by the small-bubble member at the introduction hole, and are introduced into the gas-liquid separation space. Therefore, oneva bubbles having a small diameter and liquid oneva are stored in the gas-liquid separation space, and it is possible to prevent the oneva bubbles from spreading in the gas-liquid separation space. This makes it difficult for the Oneva foam to reach the vapor discharge port, so that there is no situation where the Oneva foam having a large bubble diameter pops near the vapor discharge port.
As described above, according to the present invention, inconveniences such as splashing of oneba juice from the steam discharge port can be avoided.

In the above configuration,
It is preferable that the foaming member is configured to reduce the Oneva foam by being pressed by the steam flow and changing its state.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to configure a small-bubble forming member having a rational structure in which oneva bubbles are crushed into small pieces using the power of the steam flow while passing the steam flow through the introduction hole.

In the above configuration,
It is preferable that the foam generation member is made of an elastic material.

  According to this configuration, the foaming member is elastically deformed by the force of the steam flow, so that the steam flow can be smoothly flowed without clogging in the introduction hole. In addition, since the small-bubble forming member is elastically deformed and shakes by the force of the steam flow, the oneva foam is efficiently crushed by the swinging movement.

In the above configuration,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion and movable along the flow direction of the steam flow, and the introduction hole can be connected to the shaft portion to cover the introduction hole. It is preferable that a suitable first cover part is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the steam flow hits the first cover portion, the first cover portion and the shaft move along the flow direction of the steam flow, and the steam flow between the first cover portion and the introduction hole. A gap is created that allows passage and that does not allow passage of Oneva foam having a bubble diameter of a certain size or more. This makes it possible to realize a structure in which clogging of the steam flow is unlikely to occur while reducing the Oneva bubbles.

In the above configuration,
In the oneva separation unit, a return hole located at a position lower than the introduction hole and returning oneva from the gas-liquid separation space toward the rice cooking space, when introducing the vapor flow into the gas-liquid separation space An inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the vapor flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole.

  According to this configuration, in the oneva separation unit, the path for introducing the steam flow from the rice cooking space side and the path for returning the stored oneva to the rice cooking space side can be separated. In addition, since the return hole is closed by the second covering portion of the inflow prevention member when the vapor flow is introduced, it is possible to prevent oneva bubbles having a large bubble diameter from being introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the return hole. In addition, since the return hole is located at a position lower than the introduction hole, the stored oneva can be efficiently returned to the rice cooking space side.

In the above configuration,
The inflow prevention member is disposed coaxially with the foam generation member,
The first cover portion and the second cover portion in the first erroneous mounting state in which the shaft portion is mounted on the foam reducing member in a direction opposite to the shaft support portion and then the inflow prevention member is mounted. It is preferable to provide a first spacer which secures a gap through which a fluid can flow.

  According to this configuration, even when the user starts rice cooking without noticing the first erroneously mounted state, the gap between the rice cooking space and the gas-liquid separation space where the first spacer is secured is secured. Fluid flow is allowed in between. For this reason, it is possible to preferably avoid a situation where the pressure on the rice cooking space side cannot be released.

In the above configuration,
The inflow prevention member is disposed coaxially with the foam generation member,
The first cover portion and the second cover member are attached to the inflow prevention member in a second erroneous mounting state in which the shaft portion of the foam reducing member is mounted on the shaft support portion in the opposite direction after the inflow prevention member is mounted. It is preferable that a second spacer that secures a gap through which a fluid can flow is provided between the cover and the cover.

  According to this configuration, even if the user starts rice cooking without noticing the second incorrect mounting state, the gap between the rice cooking space and the gas-liquid separation space where the gap is secured by the second spacer is ensured. Fluid flow is allowed in between. For this reason, it is possible to preferably avoid a situation where the pressure on the rice cooking space side cannot be released.

It is a top view which shows a rice cooker. It is a side view which shows a rice cooker. It is sectional drawing (A1-A1 sectional drawing of FIG. 1) of the side view which shows a rice cooker. It is sectional drawing (A2-A2 sectional drawing of FIG. 1) of the side view which shows a rice cooker. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a protection frame and a shoulder member are removed from a main body case when viewed obliquely from above and rearward. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main frame in a state where a protective frame and a shoulder member are removed from an oblique front upper view. It is a bottom view showing the back of a Mayvan member. It is a bottom view which shows a resin boss structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the resin boss structure as viewed obliquely from the front and below. It is sectional drawing of the side view which shows a resin boss structure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 3) in a side view, showing the steam path and the periphery of the Oneva separation unit in an enlarged manner. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diagonally front upper view, showing each part of a part constituting a steam path in an exploded manner. It is a side view which shows an Oneva separation unit. It is a bottom view which shows an Oneva separation unit. It is sectional drawing (A3-A3 sectional drawing of FIG. 14) of the front view which shows an Oneva separation unit. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a lower member of the Oneva separation unit and a foaming member as viewed obliquely from above and rearward. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state in which a steam flow flows into an Oneva separation unit. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state where Oneva returns toward the rice cooking space side from Oneva separation unit. It is a typical sectional view showing the 1st erroneous attachment state. It is a typical sectional view showing the 2nd erroneous attachment state. It is a bottom view which shows the Oneva separation unit in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing (A4-A4 sectional drawing of FIG. 21) of the front view which shows the Oneva separation unit in another embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lower member of the Oneva separation unit and the foam reducing member according to another embodiment, viewed obliquely from above and rearward.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the pressure rice cooker 1 will be described as an example of the “rice cooker”. The pressure type rice cooker 1 has an IH type heating system. The front-back direction of the pressure rice cooker 1 is as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like, a pressure rice cooker 1 (an example of a “rice cooker”) includes a main unit 2 and a lid unit 3 that can be opened and closed with respect to the main unit 2. I have. The main unit 2 and the lid unit 3 are connected by a hinge mechanism 4 located at the rear of the pressure cooker 1. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the lid unit 3 is supported by the main unit 2 via a hinge mechanism 4 so as to be openable and closable. By closing the lid unit 3, a rice cooking space S <b> 1 is formed between the lid unit 3 and the main unit 2 so as to pressure cook rice to be cooked. In addition, the lid unit 3 can swing about the swing axis X of the hinge mechanism 4 with respect to the main body unit 2 to be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and the like, the main unit 2 can accommodate an inner pot 5 for storing the cooked rice. The main unit 2 is provided with a main body case 6 that forms part of the exterior material E, a support structure 85 that forms part of the exterior material E, and the like. A shoulder member 9, which constitutes a part of the exterior material E adjacent to the upper side of the main body case 6, is integrally connected and fixed to the support structure portion 85 below the shoulder member 9 with higher strength than the shoulder member 9. And a protective frame 8. Further, the support structure portion 85 has a storage portion 7 that stores the inner pot 5 and a connection portion 86 that extends rearward from the storage portion 7 and is connected and supported by the hinge mechanism 4. The main unit 2 also includes an IH heater 10 serving as a heating means, a center sensor 11 which is an example of sensors and detects the temperature of the inner pan 5, a main body side control device 12 which controls the IH heater 10, A cooling fan 13 for discharging heat to the outside is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 and the like, the main body case 6 surrounds a lower portion of the support structure portion 85 and constitutes a part of the exterior material E adjacent to a lower side of the support structure portion 85. ing.

  The shoulder member 9 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The protection frame 8 can be made of, for example, a member having higher strength than the shoulder member 9. Specifically, the protection frame 8 can be made of, for example, a heat-resistant synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, the lid unit 3 includes a support base 14 which is a rigid member for supporting each member, and a lid cover 15 (one example of a “separate member”) that constitutes a part of the exterior material E. ), A Mayban member 16 (an example of a “resin molded product”) that forms a part of the exterior material E and is connected and fixed to the lid cover 15, a sheet metal frame 17 that connects the hinge mechanism 4 and the support base material 14, and a main body Control device 18 connected to the side control device 12, a lock mechanism 19, a lock release lever 20 for releasing the lock mechanism 19, an operation button 21 for performing various operations, various kinds of information under the control of the lid control device 18. Is provided. The lid unit 3 is provided with an inner lid unit 23 which is detachably attached to the lower surface of the support base 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body side control device 12 and the lid side control device 18 are connected by a flexible flat cable 80 (FFC; wiring cable). The flexible flat cable 80 is routed so as to pass near the hinge mechanism 4 and pass near the rear end of the main unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the area in which the lock release lever 20, the operation button 21, and the display unit 22 are arranged is laid out using the front half of the top surface of the lid unit 3 widely.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 11, and the like, a steam flow including oneva is introduced into the lid unit 3 from the rice cooking space S <b> 1 for cooking the rice to be cooked via the steam path P, and the air inside the lid unit 3 is heated. Oneva separation unit 25 that separates oneva in liquid separation space S2 and discharges steam from vapor outlet 24 is provided. Oneva separation unit 25 is provided detachably with respect to the concave portion of lid cover 15.

  When the lid unit 3 is in a non-pressurized state, the lock of the lid unit 3 in the closed state with respect to the main body unit 2 is released by pressing the lock release lever 20, and a hinge spring 26 (see FIG. 3 and the like) is attached. The lid unit 3 swings to the open state by the force. Although a detailed description is omitted, the lock of the lid unit 3 cannot be released even if the lock release lever 20 is operated in the pressurized state during pressure cooking.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner lid unit 23 includes a plate-like inner lid 27, an annular inner lid packing 28 that seals the inner lid 27 and the upper edge of the inner pot 5, A pressure regulating section 29 having a steam flow including oneva, two pressure regulating holes for passing oneva, and pressure regulating balls (not shown) corresponding to each pressure regulating hole, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, by closing the lid unit 3, the inner pot 5 is sealed by the inner lid unit 23, and the cooked rice is placed between the lid unit 3 and the main unit 2. A rice cooking space S1 for cooking rice is formed.

  The pressure rice cooker 1 performs rice cooking (pressure rice cooking) in which the rice cooking space S1 is maintained in a pressurized state exceeding the atmospheric pressure by the operation of the pressure adjusting unit 29 shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 11, and 12. Has become possible. For example, the pressure adjusting unit 29 is at an atmospheric pressure (1 atm), a first pressurized state (e.g., 1.05 atm) higher than the atmospheric pressure, and a second pressurized state (e.g., 1.25 atm) from the first pressurized state. The pressure state of the rice cooking space S1 can be switched.

[Regarding structure for preventing gap from occurring between main body case 6 and shoulder member 9]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the support structure portion 85 includes a shoulder member 9 and a protection frame 8 that is connected and fixed so as to be integrated with the shoulder member 9. The protection frame 8 is provided with a rear extension 30 that is integrally connected to the rear of the housing 7 and is connected and fixed to the hinge mechanism 4. The protection frame 8 is formed of a rigid member that does not easily undergo elastic deformation.

  The bottom surface of the housing 7 of the protection frame 8 is fixed to the main body case 6 by screwing or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the protection frame 8 and the shoulder member 9 are hooked and fixed by a plurality of hooking structures 31 at the peripheral edge. Each hooking structure 31 hooks the rectangular ring-shaped body on the shoulder member 9 side to the hook body on the protection frame 8 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the shoulder member 9 is provided with a rear extension 32 extending rearward with respect to the housing 7. At the rear of the rearward extending portion 32, a supporting metal plate 34 for supporting a pin member 33 of the hinge mechanism 4 extending in the lateral direction is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the shoulder member 9 is provided with an exposed portion 87 sandwiched between the lid unit 3 and the main body case 6 and exposed to the outside. The exposed portion 87 is formed so as to be located all around the upper edge of the main unit 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a locking structure 35 capable of locking the main body case 6 on the side of the protection frame 8 is provided at the rear portion of the main body unit 2. The locking structure 35 has a protrusion 37 protruding from the support structure 85 toward the main body case 6, and a protrusion 37 protruding from the main case 6 toward the support structure 85 to reduce the pressing force from below. And a pressed projection 36 that can be received. The protrusion 37 is formed integrally with the rear end of the protection frame 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking structure 35 is located behind the hinge mechanism 4. The locking structures 35 are provided as a pair at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction. That is, two (plural) locking structures 35 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pressed protrusion 36 has a triangular shape protruding from the inner surface of the main body case 6 in a side view. As shown in FIG. 5, the projection 37 has a substantially U-shape in rear view, and surrounds the lower surface and both side surfaces of the corresponding pressed projection 36. During pressure cooking, the bottom surface of the protrusion 37 pushes up the lower surface of the pressed protrusion 36.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressure rice cooker 1 is provided with another locking structure 91. Another locking structure 91 is located forward of the hinge mechanism 4. The other locking structures 91 are provided at the rear of the main unit 2 and project from the support structure 85 toward the main body case 6 and protrude from the main case 6 toward the support structure 85. And a pressed piece 92 capable of receiving a pressing force from below by the projection 93.

  As can be understood from FIGS. 3 and 4, when pressure cooking is performed, the rice cooking space S <b> 1 is in a pressurized state in which the pressure is increased to a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, and the lid unit with respect to the main unit 2. 3 is going to lift. For this reason, the protection frame 8 and the shoulder member 9 integrally fixed to the protection frame 8 can be lifted by the hinge mechanism 4 which is a connecting portion between the main unit 2 and the lid unit 3. For this reason, at the time of pressure cooking, the rear extending portion 30 of the protective frame 8 and the rear extending portion 32 of the shoulder member 9 extending cantileverly from the rice cooking space S1 (the accommodating portion 7) rearward may be somewhat. The hinge mechanism 4 may be deformed by being pulled up by the hinge mechanism 4.

  However, at this time, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking structure 35 and another locking structure 91 are provided at the rear of the main unit 2. In the locking structure 35, the projection 37 formed on the protection frame 8 pushes the pressed projection 36 upward, and the main body case 6 moves toward the shoulder member 9 by the amount of the bending deformation of the protection frame 8 and the shoulder member 9. Be drawn in. Also in the other locking structure 91, the projection 93 formed on the protection frame 8 pushes the pressed piece 92 upward, and the main body case 6 is pulled into the shoulder member 9 side. For this reason, when performing pressure rice cooking, it can be effectively prevented that the appearance gap is formed between the main body case 6 and the shoulder member 9 at the rear end of the main body unit 2, and the appearance is not spoiled. .

  In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a reinforcing sheet metal or the like on the rear surface of the main body case 6, it is possible to omit measures against static electricity for the flexible flat cable 80. Further, since it is not necessary to provide such a reinforcing sheet metal or the like, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rear surface of the main body case 6 can be designed to have a curved shape inward as going from above to below. Become like For this reason, the design of the rear surface of the main unit 2 is improved.

[Resin boss structure 38]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the resin boss structure 38 in which cracks are unlikely to occur due to stress is provided on the may ban member 16 which constitutes a part of the exterior material E of the pressure cooker 1, and the surface becomes an exterior portion. It is used at an appropriate position on the back surface of the plate portion 43. The resin boss structure 38 is used to fix the lid cover 15 by screwing a metal screw 39 (an example of a “male screw member”). More specifically, the resin boss structure 38 is formed integrally with the hard resin mayvan member 16 and is used to fasten the lid member 15 to the mayban member 16 with a metal screw 39.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and the like, the resin boss structure 38 is formed integrally with an outer cylindrical portion 41 that can be inserted into and supported by the screw shaft portion 40 of the screw 39, and inside the outer cylindrical portion 41. The screw 39 has an inner portion 42 that bites to exert a fastening force. The outer cylindrical portion 41 is provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the plate-shaped portion 43 of the mayvan member 16. As shown in FIG. 10, a screw 39 is inserted from the back side (lower side) of the insertion hole formed in the lid cover 15, and the screw 39 is fastened to the resin boss structure 38 on the back surface of the may-van member 16, thereby forming the lid cover. The Mayvan member 16 is fixed to 15. In this embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is not screwed in advance, but is fastened by self-tapping with a screw 39.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a gap portion 44 which is a space in which the hook portion 45 is circumferentially separated is provided in the inner portion 42. The gap portion 44 is formed in substantially the entire area of the inner portion 42 along the axial direction. Four (several) gap portions 44 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The circumferential width of the gap portion 44 is shorter than the circumferential width of the hook portion 45. This makes it possible to ensure a relatively large allowance for the screw 39 in the hook portion 45, and secure fastening can be performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the resin boss structure 38, the hook portion 45 of the inner portion 42 is formed so as to become wider from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. In addition, the hooks 45 that are not the gaps 44 in the inner portion 42 each have a substantially fan shape in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axial direction. For this reason, when the screw 39 is fastened to the hooking portion 45 of the inner portion 42, it is possible to increase the hooking margin and increase the fastening force.

  Further, the gap portion 44 of the inner portion 42 is formed so as to become wider from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. In addition, each of the gap portions 44 has a substantially fan shape in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axial direction. The gap portion 44 extends in the axial direction from the end face of the inner portion 42 to the boundary with the plate portion 43.

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and the like, a reinforcing rib 46 is provided between the outer cylindrical portion 41 and the plate-shaped portion 43 of the mayvan member 16. A plurality of reinforcing ribs 46 are provided dispersed in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing rib 46 reinforces the boundary between the base of the outer cylindrical portion 41 and the plate-shaped portion 43, so that cracks and the like hardly occur.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the resin boss structure 38, the inner diameter D <b> 1 of the outer cylindrical portion 41 is larger than the nominal diameter D <b> 2 of the screw 39. Further, an inner surface diameter D3 of the hook portion 45 of the inner portion 42 is smaller than a nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39. That is, it is preferable to use the screw 39 whose nominal diameter D2 is larger than the inner surface diameter D3 of the inner portion 42 and smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the outer cylindrical portion 41. This prevents the screw 39 from being damaged by the screw 39 on the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 41, and makes it difficult for the outer cylindrical portion 41 to crack. The diameter of the screw groove of the screw 39 is smaller than the inner surface diameter D3 of the hook portion 45.

  With such a resin boss structure 38, when heating and cooling during rice cooking are applied to the outer cylinder portion 41, the hook portion 45 of the inner portion 42 can be deformed so as to enter the gap portion 44. As a result, thermal stress can be released. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of cracks due to thermal stress in the outer cylindrical portion 41 or at the boundary between the outer cylindrical portion 41 and the plate-shaped portion 43. In addition, since cracks can be prevented without increasing the thickness of the outer cylindrical portion 41, a resin that is unlikely to cause sink marks on the surface of the thin plate portion 43 constituting the exterior material E when integrally molded. The boss structure 38 is obtained. In addition, in order to avoid sink marks, it is possible to avoid making the plate-like portion 43 of the may-van member 16 excessively thick. That is, the amount of resin used can be reduced, which contributes to cost reduction.

[About steam path P]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the lid unit 3 is provided with a steam path P that connects the pressure regulating unit 29 to the Oneva separation unit 25 having the steam discharge port 24. In the vapor path P, a vapor flow including oneva, liquid oneva, and the like pass.

  The steam path P is composed of a plurality of parts (members). For example, as a part constituting the steam path P, an extension member 48 extended so as to be away from the center C of the inner pot 5 and provided with an outlet 47 for guiding a steam flow to the Oneva separation unit 25; A first packing 49 for sealing between the Oneva separation unit 25 and a second packing 50 for sealing the outer end of the extension member 48 are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, a guide portion 52 having a oneva return surface 51 that is inclined downward from the oneva separation unit 25 side to the pressure regulation portion 29 side is provided as a portion configuring the steam path P. ing. The slope of the oneva return surface 51 may be set to, for example, an angle between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees. The guide portion 52 is provided with horizontal wall portions that stand on both sides of the oneva return surface 51. An intermediate opening 54 is provided between the extension member 48 side and the enclosure 53 side which is a part of the support base 14 which surrounds the space around the pressure regulating section 29, and through which the steam flow and the oneva pass. .

  As can be understood from FIG. 3 and the like, in the pressure rice cooker 1, a strong force is applied to the portion supporting the hinge mechanism 4 on the main body unit 2 side during pressure cooking, so that the inner pan 5 Is set at a position considerably forward from the hinge mechanism 4. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and the like, in order to enhance the convenience for the user, the area where the operation buttons 21 and the display unit 22 are provided is laid out using the area of the front half or more of the lid unit 3. For this reason, it is necessary to lay out the Oneva separation unit 25 in a place away from the inner pot 5 and avoiding the operation buttons 21 and the display unit 22 in the lid unit 3. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the rear end position B1 of the steam path P is extended to a position B2 immediately above the minimum inner diameter portion 55 where the inner diameter of the inner pan 5 is smallest.

  That is, by providing the extension member 48, the first packing 49, the second packing 50, and the like, the terminal position of the steam path P can be set at a position away from the inner pot 5. More specifically, if an appropriate shape is selected for the extension member 48 or the like in accordance with the positional relationship between the inner pot 5 and the oneva separation unit 25, the steam path P can be freely laid out. Become. The flexibility of the layout design of the Oneva separation unit 25 is improved. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the lid unit 3 is significantly improved.

[About Oneva separation unit 25]
As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 11, FIG. 13 to FIG. 18, etc., a lower member 56 into which the steam flow and the oneva flows in and out of the oneva separation unit 25 via the steam path P between the oneba rice cooking space S1 and An upper member 57 which is combined with the lower member 56 to form a gas-liquid separation space S2 for separating gaseous vapor and liquid oneva.

  As shown in FIGS. 14, 16 to 18, etc., the lower member 56 has an introduction hole 58 for introducing a steam flow containing oneva from the rice cooking space S <b> 1 into the gas-liquid separation space S <b> 2, and stores it in the gas-liquid separation space S <b> 2. And a return hole 59 for returning the made Oneva to the rice cooking space S1. The introduction hole 58 is formed inside a cylindrical peripheral wall 81 extending in a chimney shape rising from the lower surface of the lower member 56. The return holes 59 have, for example, a fan-like shape, and are provided in plural numbers distributed in the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 16, and the like, the lower member 56 has a detachable hook 61 (see FIG. 13 and the like) urged in the protruding direction by an urging spring 60 (see FIG. 3). Provided. The one-piece separation unit 25 can be suitably attached to the lid cover 15 by engaging the detachable hook 61 with an engagement piece 62 provided on the lid cover 15. The lower member 56 is provided with a pair of annular connected portions 63 and a protruding piece 64 that is provided in a rectangular shape.

  As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, etc., the upper member 57 is provided with a vapor discharge port 24 for discharging vapor from the gas-liquid separation space S2 to the outside. As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the upper member 57 is provided with a bypass wall 65 that bypasses the oneva introduced from the introduction hole 58 so as not to go directly to the vapor discharge port 24. The bypass wall 65 extends downward to near the upper end of the peripheral wall 81. The upper member 57 is provided with a pair of fixed hooks 66 hooked on the corresponding connected portion 63 and a swing hook 67 hooked on the projecting piece 64.

  As shown in FIGS. 11, 15 to 18, etc., the Oneva separation unit 25 has an introduction hole 58 for introducing a steam flow, and operates by a steam flow attached to the introduction hole 58 and passing through the introduction hole 58 to operate the steam. A foam reducing member 68 for reducing Oneva bubbles contained in the flow is provided. The foam reducing member 68 is made of an elastic material.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the foaming member 68 is provided with a shaft 69 guided along the flow direction of the steam flow, and provided at the tip of the shaft 69 to cover the introduction hole 58. A possible first cover 70 is provided. The shaft 69 is supported by a shaft support 75 provided on the lower member 56. The shaft portion 69 is provided with a diameter-enlarging portion 82 whose diameter is larger than other portions. The small-bubble member 68 elastically deforms the enlarged diameter portion 82 and inserts it into the shaft support portion 75, and sandwiches the shaft support portion 75 between the first covering portion 70 and the enlarged diameter portion 82, and forms the lower member 56. Attached to. That is, the foam reducing member 68 is detachably attached to the lower member 56.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the shaft support 75 is supported by the wall surface of the introduction hole 58. The introduction hole 58 is divided into, for example, four (plural) small holes 58 </ b> A by the shaft support 75. The small hole 58A has a fan shape. Therefore, oneva bubbles larger than the small holes 58A among the oneva bubbles included in the steam flow are crushed and reduced into small bubbles. For this reason, in the introduction hole 58, the Oneva foam is reduced in size in two stages: the small hole 58 </ b> A and the first cover 70 of the small-bubble forming member 68.

  As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 19, etc., when the foaming member 68 is erroneously attached to the first cover 70, the fluid passes between the gas-liquid separation space S <b> 2 and the rice cooking space S <b> 1. A first spacer 71 that secures a space to be provided is provided. Four (plural) first spacers 71 are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction.

  The return hole 59 for returning the oneva from the gas-liquid separation space S2 to the rice cooking space S1 and the return hole 59 are attached to the oneva separation unit 25, and the vapor flow flows into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the return hole 59. And an inflow prevention member 72 for preventing the inflow.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 and the like, the inflow prevention member 72 is arranged coaxially with the foam reducing member 68. The inflow prevention member 72 is made of an elastic material. The inflow prevention member 72 is provided with a second covering portion 73 capable of covering the return hole 59. Further, the inflow prevention member 72 is provided with a pair of guide shaft portions 88. Each guide shaft portion 88 is inserted and attached to a corresponding attachment hole portion 89 in the lower member 56 while being elastically deformed. That is, the inflow prevention member 72 is detachably attached to the lower member 56. Further, the inflow prevention member 72 is provided with a through hole 90 having substantially the same diameter as the introduction hole 58.

  As shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 20, etc., the second cover portion 73 secures a space through which the fluid passes between the gas-liquid separation space S2 and the rice cooking space S1 when the inflow prevention member 72 is incorrectly mounted. A second spacer 74 is provided. Four (two or more) second spacers 74 are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 17, at the time of pressure cooking, the foaming member 68 pushes up the first cover 70 by the steam flow introduced from the introduction hole 58 into the gas-liquid separation space S2 at the time of pressure cooking, The shaft 69 moves until the enlarged diameter portion 82 hits the shaft support 75. The vapor flow flows into the gas-liquid separation space S2 through the gap between the first cover 70 and the peripheral wall 81. The gap between the first cover 70 and the peripheral wall 81 is smaller than the opening area of the small hole 58A. Therefore, oneva bubbles larger than the gap between the first covering portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81 do not flow into the gas-liquid separation space S2. In addition, since the foam reducing member 68 is dropped by its own weight so as to close the gap between the first covering portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81, the first covering portion 70 is in a state of fluttering. , Oneva foam can be efficiently crushed. At this time, the return hole 59 is closed by the inflow prevention member 72, and the vapor flow does not flow into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the return hole 59.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 18, when the pressure cooked rice is finished, the oneva stored in the gas-liquid separation space S2 flows down by its own weight, and returns to the return hole 59 and the second cover 73 of the inflow prevention member 72. It flows through the upper surface to the oneva return surface 51 side of the steam path P, and returns to the rice cooking space S1 through the pressure adjusting hole of the pressure adjusting unit 29.

[Countermeasures against incorrect mounting of small foaming members]
The foam reducing member 68 is attached to the lower member 56 such that the shaft supporting portion 75 is interposed between the first covering portion 70 and the enlarged diameter portion 82. As shown in FIG. 11, FIG. 15, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, etc., when properly mounted, the first cover 70 is mounted in a posture close to the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2. However, since the foam reducing member 68 is made of an elastic material, it is assumed that the user may erroneously wear it during maintenance.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the foam reducing member 68 is mounted in a reverse orientation in which the first cover part 70 is far from the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2, and the inflow prevention member 72 is returned from there. There is a case where the first erroneous mounting state attached to the hole 59 is caused. However, in this case, as can be understood from FIGS. 16 and 19, the first spacer 71 of the small-bubble forming member 68 causes the first covering portion 70 and the second covering portion 73 of the inflow prevention member 72 to be positioned. Therefore, a gap allowing the passage of the fluid is secured, and a path through which the fluid passes through the return hole 59 and the through hole 90 of the inflow prevention member 72 can be secured. Therefore, when the pressure in the rice cooking space S1 is reduced from the pressurized state to the atmospheric pressure side, the pressure in the rice cooking space S1 can be released to the outside via the gas-liquid separation space S2 and the vapor discharge port 24.

  That is, the first spacer 71 covers the first foaming member 68 in the first erroneous mounting state in which the shaft 69 is mounted in the opposite direction to the shaft support 75 and then the inflow prevention member 72 is mounted. A gap through which fluid can flow between the portion 70 and the second covering portion 73 is ensured.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, after the inflow prevention member 72 is attached to the return hole 59, the foaming member 68 is turned in the opposite direction in which the first cover portion 70 is farther from the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2. In some cases, the second erroneously mounted state may be set in the posture. However, also in this case, as understood from FIGS. 14 and 20, the passage of the fluid between the second cover 73 and the first cover 70 by the second spacer 74 of the inflow prevention member 72. Is secured, and a path through which the fluid passes through the introduction hole 58 and the through hole 90 can be secured. Therefore, when the pressure in the rice cooking space S1 is reduced from the pressurized state to the atmospheric pressure side, the pressure in the rice cooking space S1 can be released to the outside via the gas-liquid separation space S2 and the vapor discharge port 24.

  That is, the second spacer 74 is in the second erroneous mounting state in which the inflow prevention member 72 is mounted on the inflow prevention member 72 and then the shaft portion 69 of the foam reducing member 68 is mounted on the shaft support portion 75 in the opposite direction. A gap through which a fluid can flow is secured between the first cover 70 and the second cover 73.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment in which this embodiment is modified will be described. The embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as no contradiction occurs. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each embodiment. That is, the scope of the present invention includes equivalents of the elements in each embodiment.

(1) In the above embodiment, an example in which two locking structures 35 are provided is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one locking structure 35 may be provided. Further, three or more locking structures 35 may be provided. Further, one or three or more other locking structures 91 may be provided.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the protrusions 37 are provided on the protection frame 8 is illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protrusion 37 may be provided on the shoulder member 9 fixed integrally with the protection frame 8. That is, the protrusion 37 may be provided on a member (the protection frame 8 side) that is integrally fixed to the protection frame 8.

(3) In the above embodiment, the protrusion 37 on the protection frame 8 side has a substantially U-shape, and the pressed protrusion 36 on the body case 6 side has a substantially triangular shape. Not limited. For example, the protrusion 37 on the protection frame 8 side may have a substantially triangular shape, and the pressed protrusion 36 on the body case 6 side may have a substantially U-shaped shape.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is illustrated as being not threaded in advance, but is not limited to this. For example, a guide groove having a diameter smaller than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39 may be threaded in the inner portion 42 in advance.

(5) In the above embodiment, in the resin boss structure 38, the inner portion 42 is formed so as to become wider from the radially inner side to the radially outer side, but is not limited thereto. Absent. For example, the inner portion 42 may be formed to have the same width regardless of the position in the radial direction. Further, the inner portion 42 may be formed so as to become narrower from the radially inner side to the radially outer side.

(6) In the above embodiment, an example in which four gap portions 44 are provided is illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, two, three, or five or more gap portions 44 may be provided. Also in this case, it is preferable that the gap portions 44 be provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, since the manner in which the force is applied at each portion of the inner portion 42 becomes uniform.

(7) In the above embodiment, in the resin boss structure 38, the inner diameter D1 of the outer cylindrical portion 41 is smaller than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the resin boss structure 38, the inner diameter D1 of the outer cylindrical portion 41 may be the same as the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39, or may be larger than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39. In this case, since the screw 39 is applied to the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 41, the fastening force can be increased.

(8) In the above embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is provided on the back surface of the plate-shaped portion 43 of the may-van member 16, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be provided integrally with a resin molded product other than the mayban member 16 in the “rice cooker”. In addition to the “rice cooker”, the resin boss structure 38 can be applied to a part of another heating cooker such as an electric kettle, a hot plate, and a bakery. Such a resin boss structure 38 is a thin-walled resin molded product constituting a part of the exterior material E, and can be suitably applied to a portion where it is desired not to cause sink marks on the surface portion that appears in the appearance.

(9) In the above embodiment, the screw 39 is illustrated as the “male screw member”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other "male screw members" such as screws and bolts may be used.

(10) In the above embodiment, the pressure rice cooker 1 is provided with the oneva return surface 51 having a downward slope from the oneva separation unit 25 side toward the pressure regulation unit 29 side as a portion constituting the steam path P. Are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the oneva return surface 51 may not be provided.

(11) In the above-described embodiment, the foaming member 68 having a substantially T-shaped cross section in a side view is illustrated, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a foam reducing member 168 having another structure as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 may be used. The pair of guide shafts 188 is attached to the foam reducing member 168. The small-bubble forming member 168 also has an inflow prevention function of preventing a vapor flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the return hole 59. In the different structures shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the size of the introduction hole 158 is larger than in the above embodiment. A cantilevered valve body 201 is provided in the middle of the tubular portion 200 through which the steam flow passes in the small foaming member 168, and when cooking rice, the valve body 201 hits the steam flow and flutters. In this manner, the Oneva bubbles introduced into the gas-liquid separation space S2 are broken and made smaller. In other words, also in this alternative structure, the bubble reducing member 168 is configured to reduce the Oneva bubbles by changing the state by being pushed by the steam flow.

(12) In the above embodiment, the foaming member 68 is made of an elastic material, but is not limited to this. For example, the foam reducing member 68 may be made of an inelastic material such as a hard resin.

(13) In the above embodiment, the inflow prevention member 72 is made of an elastic material, but is not limited thereto. For example, the inflow prevention member 72 may be made of an inelastic material such as a hard resin.

(14) In the above embodiment, the oneva separation unit 25 is illustrated as being detachable from the lid cover 15, but is not limited thereto. For example, the Oneva separation unit 25 may be formed integrally with the lid cover 15 so as to be non-detachable.

(15) In the above embodiment, the heating system is exemplified by the IH system as an example of the “rice cooker”, but the heating system is not limited to this. For example, the heating system may be a “cooker” of a sheathed heater system or a gas system.

(16) In the above embodiment, the pressure rice cooker 1 is illustrated as an example of the “rice cooker”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an ordinary rice cooker of a type that does not apply a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure may be used.

1: Pressure type rice cooker (rice cooker)
Reference numeral 24: steam discharge port 25: oneva separation unit 58: introduction hole 59: return hole 68: small foaming member 69: shaft portion 70: first covering portion 71: first spacer 72: inflow inhibiting member 73: second covering portion 74: second spacer 75: shaft support 158: introduction hole 168: foaming member S1: rice cooking space S2: gas-liquid separation space

Claims (7)

Oneva separation unit that introduces a steam flow including oneva from the side of the cooking space for cooking the cooked rice, separates oneva in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and emits steam from the steam outlet, is provided.
The rice cooker, wherein the oneva separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small-bubble member for reducing oneva bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole. vessel.   2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the foaming member is configured to reduce the Oneva foam by being pressed by the steam flow to change the state. 3.   The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the foaming member is made of an elastic material.   A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion and movable along the flow direction of the steam flow, the cover member being connected to the shaft portion and covering the introduction hole; The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first cover portion.   In the oneva separation unit, a return hole located at a position lower than the introduction hole and returning oneva from the gas-liquid separation space toward the rice cooking space, when introducing the vapor flow into the gas-liquid separation space 5. The rice cooker according to claim 4, further comprising: an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover that prevents the vapor flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole. The inflow prevention member is disposed coaxially with the foam generation member,
The first cover portion and the second cover portion in the first erroneous mounting state in which the shaft portion is mounted on the foam reducing member in a direction opposite to the shaft support portion and then the inflow prevention member is mounted. The rice cooker according to claim 5, further comprising a first spacer for securing a gap through which a fluid can flow. The inflow prevention member is disposed coaxially with the foam generation member,
In the second erroneous mounting state in which the inflow prevention member is mounted with the inflow prevention member and then the shaft portion of the foam reducing member is mounted in the shaft support portion in the opposite direction, the first cover portion and the second cover member are mounted in the second incorrect mounting state. The rice cooker according to claim 5, further comprising a second spacer that secures a gap through which the fluid can flow between the rice cooker and the cover.