JP2021194363A - Cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

To restrain an increase in power consumption in a cooker capable of changing sealing performance in a container by electric control.SOLUTION: A cooker comprises a container, heating means for heating the container, a lid body for covering the container, a self-holding type first valve for changing sealing performance of an internal space of the container, and a control device for controlling the first valve. When supply of commercial power is stopped, the control device switches the first valve so that the internal space of the container and the outside of the container communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to a cooker for cooking foodstuffs.

Conventionally, in a heating cooker for cooking foodstuffs in a container, it is known that the inside of the container is depressurized during cooking to cook rice or the like (for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in such a cooking device, it has been proposed to maintain the decompressed state in the container even after the cooking is completed and to store the food to be cooked under the decompressed state. By storing the food to be cooked under reduced pressure, the hygiene of the food to be cooked can be maintained and the deterioration of the taste can be prevented.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-209481

As described in Patent Document 1, a heating cooker that depressurizes the inside of a container during cooking or before and after cooking is equipped with a solenoid valve that can electrically control the closed state of the space formed by the container and the lid. There is. Normally, the solenoid valve is configured to maintain one state during energization and switch to another state by stopping energization. Therefore, for example, when the internal space of the container is maintained in a closed state in the heat retention step after cooking, the solenoid valve must be continuously energized for a long time of about several hours to several tens of hours. As a result, the power consumption of the cooking device increases, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of energy saving.

The present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress an increase in power consumption in a cooking device in which the airtightness inside a container can be changed by electrical control. And.

The heating cooker according to the present disclosure includes a container, a heating means for heating the container, a lid covering the container, a self-holding type first valve that changes the airtightness of the internal space of the container, and a first valve. A control device for controlling is provided, and the control device switches the first valve so that the internal space of the container and the outside of the container communicate with each other when the supply of commercial power is stopped.

According to the cooking cooker in the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption of the cooking cooker by providing a self-holding type first valve that changes the airtightness of the internal space of the container.

It is sectional drawing of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a control block diagram of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the temperature and pressure in the normal cooking control of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the drive timing of each apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the 1st valve of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the drive circuit of the 1st valve which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the output signal of the valve control part which concerns on Embodiment 1, the drive timing of a switching element, the current waveform of an exciting coil, and the state of a 1st valve. It is a flowchart which shows the cooking control at the time of a power failure of the heating cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the drive circuit of the 1st valve which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the cooking device will be described with reference to the drawings. The cooking device shown in the drawings is an example, and the applicable equipment is not limited by the cooking device shown in the drawings. Further, in the following description, terms indicating directions (for example, "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) are appropriately used for ease of understanding. These are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit embodiments. Further, in each figure, those having the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent thereof, which are common to the whole text of the specification. In each drawing, the relative dimensional relationship or shape of each component may differ from the actual one.

Embodiment 1.
(Composition of cooking cooker)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking device 100 according to the first embodiment. The heating cooker 100 is a pot-shaped container having a bottomed cylinder and an open top surface, which is detachably stored in a main body 1, a container storage portion 2 internally fixed to the inside of the main body 1, and a container storage portion 2. It is equipped with 6. Further, the cooking cooker 100 is a lid body including an inner lid 8 that covers the upper surface opening of the container 6 and an outer lid 10 that is openably and closably locked to the main body 1 and connected to the inner lid 8 to cover the inner lid 8. It is equipped with.

A heating means 3 is provided on the outer wall portion of the container storage portion 2. The heating means 3 is a heating coil for electromagnetic induction heating wound in a spiral shape. A high-frequency current is supplied to the heating means 3, and the magnetic field generated by the high-frequency current induces and heats the container 6. The heating means 3 is not limited to the heating coil for electromagnetic induction heating, and may be a heater or the like.

A through hole is formed in the center of the bottom of the container storage portion 2, and the pot bottom temperature sensor 4 is arranged in the through hole. The pot bottom temperature sensor 4 is supported from below by the compression spring 5 and is arranged in contact with the bottom of the container 6 to measure the temperature of the container 6.

The container 6 is provided with a handle portion 7, and the handle portion 7 is locked on the holding portion provided in the container storage portion 2 to hold the container 6 in the main body 1. Further, a flange portion 6a extending outward is formed around the upper surface opening of the container 6. A lid packing 9 which is a seal is provided on the peripheral edge of the inner lid 8, and the inner lid 8 is brought into close contact with the flange portion 6a of the container 6 and the inner wall surface of the container 6 by the lid packing 9, and the internal space of the container 6 is provided. Is designed to be sealed.

The inner lid 8 is provided through the inner lid ventilation holes 11a and 11b, and the inner lid 8 and the outer lid 10 are provided with the inner space of the container 6 and the container 6 through the inner lid ventilation holes 11a and 11b. A communication flow path that communicates with the outside is formed. The communication flow path is composed of communication flow paths 15a to 15f, each of which is hollow, and a path packing 13 is arranged at the end of the communication flow path 15a and the communication flow path 15e on the inner lid 8 side. ing. The communication flow path 15a and the communication flow path 15e are connected to the inner lid ventilation holes 11b and 11a by the path packing 13 in a state where the airtightness is maintained.

A steam hole 17 is further formed in the inner lid 8, and a steam discharge valve 18 is arranged in the steam hole 17. The steam discharge valve 18 is a valve that is automatically opened and closed according to the pressure in the container 6 to seal or not seal the internal space of the container 6. A cartridge 19 provided with a steam discharge port 20 is arranged downstream of the steam discharge valve 18 in a state where the path is kept sealed by the cartridge packing 21.

Further, the inner lid 8 is provided with the sensor hole 24 penetrating, and the outer lid 10 is provided with a lid temperature sensor 22 for measuring the temperature of the internal space of the container 6 via the sensor hole 24, and the sensor hole 24. A lid temperature sensor packing 23 for hermetically connecting the surrounding inner lid 8 and the outer lid 10 is arranged.

The outer lid 10 is provided with a first flow path from the inner lid ventilation hole 11a to the outer lid ventilation hole 16a via the communication flow path 15e and the communication flow path 15f. A first valve 12a that opens and closes the first flow path is arranged between the communication flow paths 15e and 15f. The first flow path communicates the internal space of the container 6 with the outside, and is a flow path for taking in outside air when the inside of the decompressed container 6 is returned to normal pressure.

The first valve 12a is a two-way solenoid valve, and by switching between an open state and a closed state, the first flow path is opened and closed, and the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is changed. Specifically, when the first valve 12a is open, the first flow path is opened, and the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is lowered. Further, when the first valve 12a is closed, the first flow path is closed, and the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is maintained. Further, the first valve 12a is a self-holding solenoid valve that is energized only when the state of the valve is switched and can maintain the state by the latch mechanism even if the energization is stopped after the switching.

Further, the outer lid 10 has a second communication flow path 15a and 15b, a communication flow path 15c, and a second steam discharge port 20 opened to the outer surface of the cartridge 19 through the communication flow path 15c and the cartridge 19 from the inner lid ventilation hole 11b. A flow path is provided. Further, the outer lid 10 is provided with a third flow path from the outer lid ventilation hole 16b to the communication flow path 15d, 15b, the decompression device 14, the communication flow path 15c, and the cartridge 19 to the steam discharge port 20. A second valve 12b for switching between the second flow path and the third flow path is arranged between the communication flow path 15a and the communication flow path 15b.

The second valve 12b is a three-way solenoid valve, and by switching between the second flow path and the third flow path, the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is changed. Specifically, when the second valve 12b communicates with the second flow path, the third flow path is closed and the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is lowered. Further, when the second valve 12b communicates with the third flow path, the second flow path is closed and the airtightness of the internal space of the container 6 is maintained. Further, the second valve 12b is a normally closed or normally open solenoid valve that communicates with the second flow path while the power is on and switches to the third flow path when the power supply is stopped.

Between the communication flow path 15b and the communication flow path 15c, a decompression device 14 is provided that sucks air in the internal space of the container 6 to reduce the pressure inside the container 6. The decompression device 14 is, for example, a decompression pump. The decompression device 14 sucks the air in the container 6 and exhausts the air from the steam discharge port 20 to the outside through the second flow path. Further, the decompression device 14 sucks the outside air from the outer lid ventilation hole 16b and exhausts the outside air from the steam discharge port 20 to the outside through the third flow path.

By arranging the outer lid ventilation hole 16b on the side surface or the bottom surface of the outer lid 10, it is possible to prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering the decompression device 14 and suppress the risk of failure. In FIG. 1, the outer lid ventilation holes 16a and 16b are arranged in the outer lid 10 as exhaust holes for exhausting the air in the container 6 to the outside, but they are arranged in the side surface portion or the bottom portion of the main body 1. You may. Further, since both the outer lid ventilation holes 16a and 16b are used for sucking the outside air, the outer lid ventilation holes 16a and 16b and the communication flow paths 15d and 15f should not suck external dust or the like into the container 6. , A filter or mesh structure may be provided.

Further, the outer lid 10 is provided with a pressure sensor 25. The pressure sensor 25 is provided in a flow path branched from the communication flow path 15a. The pressure sensor 25 includes a diaphragm gauge and the like, and detects the pressure in the internal space of the container 6 including the communication flow path 15a. A new communication flow path that communicates with the internal space of the container 6 may be separately provided instead of the flow path that branches the communication flow path 15a, and the pressure sensor 25 may be arranged therein.

Further, an operation display device 26 for inputting an operation instruction or the like by a user is arranged on the outer lid 10. Although the operation display device 26 is arranged on the outer lid 10 in FIG. 1, it may be arranged on the main body 1. Further, the operation display device 26 may be configured as an external device separate from the cooking cooker 100, such as a smartphone, and may be communicably connected to the cooking cooker 100.

(Control of cooking cooker)
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the cooking device 100 according to the first embodiment. The cooking device 100 includes a control device 27 that controls the entire cooking device 100. The control device 27 can be configured by hardware such as a circuit device that realizes the function, or can be configured by an arithmetic unit such as a microcomputer or a CPU and software executed on the arithmetic unit. The pot bottom temperature sensor 4, the lid temperature sensor 22, the pressure sensor 25, and the operation display device 26 are electrically connected to the control device 27, and the temperature and pressure of the container 6 and the user's instruction from these devices. Information such as is entered. Further, in the control device 27, the decompression device 14, the inverter unit 28 that supplies a high frequency current to the heating means 3, the first valve 12a, and the second valve 12b are electrically connected.

The control device 27 includes a heating control unit 271, a valve control unit 272, and a drive circuit 273. The heating control unit 271 and the valve control unit 272 are functional units realized by the control device 27 executing a program. The heating control unit 271 controls the inverter unit 28 based on the information input from the operation display device 26, the pot bottom temperature sensor 4, the lid temperature sensor 22, and the pressure sensor 25, and executes cooking. The valve control unit 272 controls the first valve 12a and the second valve 12b based on the information input from the operation display device 26, the pot bottom temperature sensor 4, the lid temperature sensor 22, and the pressure sensor 25. Control of the first valve 12a and the second valve 12b includes switching the state of the first valve 12a and the second valve 12b and maintaining the state. The drive circuit 273 switches the opening and closing of the first valve 12a based on the signal from the valve control unit 272.

The control device 27 controls the decompression device 14, the inverter unit 28, the first valve 12a, and the second valve 12b to perform cooking control. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the temperature and pressure in the normal cooking control of the cooking device 100 according to the first embodiment and the driving timing of each device. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows the temperature [° C.] of the container 6, the pressure [atm] in the container 6, the input of the heating means 3, the decompression device 14, the second valve 12b, and the first valve 12a, and the steam discharge. The state of the valve 18 is shown. Further, in the temperature of FIG. 3, the solid line indicates the temperature of the bottom of the container 6 detected by the pot bottom temperature sensor 4, and the broken line indicates the space temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 22.

First, the user puts rice, meat, fish, or vegetables, as well as ingredients such as water and seasonings, into container 6 to cook any menu. After that, the user grips the handle portion 7, places the container 6 on the container storage portion 2, and closes the outer lid 10. As a result, the lid packing 9 of the inner lid 8 is pressed against the flange portion 6a of the container 6 and the internal space of the container 6 is substantially sealed.

Then, when the user selects a menu on the operation display device 26 and gives an instruction to start cooking, the control device 27 is given a cooking start instruction and cooking is started. Specifically, a menu including a set cooking temperature T [° C.], a set cooking pressure P [atm], a drive pattern of the decompression device 14, and a set cooking time t [minutes] for maintaining the set cooking temperature T by selecting a menu. The cooking sequence according to the above is given to the control device 27 as an instruction. The user may directly select cooking conditions such as a set cooking temperature T, a set cooking pressure P, and a set cooking time t. Alternatively, the user may select the type, amount, cooking method, and the like of the ingredients, and the cooking conditions may be set accordingly. Further, the relationship between the saturated water vapor pressure for each temperature that can be set in advance may be stored as a table, the pressure for boiling at the set cooking temperature T may be automatically set, and the pressure may be displayed on the operation display device 26.

When cooking is started, the inverter unit 28 is controlled by the heating control unit 271, and a high frequency current is supplied from the inverter unit 28 to the heating means 3. Then, a high-frequency magnetic field is generated in the heating means 3, the surface of the container 6 magnetically coupled to the heating means 3 facing the heating means 3 is excited, and an eddy current is induced in the bottom surface of the container 6. Joule heat is generated by this eddy current and the resistance of the container 6, the bottom surface of the container 6 generates heat, the object to be cooked is heated, and the temperature of the container 6 rises. This process is called a temperature raising process. After the container 6 reaches the set cooking temperature T, the inverter unit 28 is controlled by the heating control unit 271 to control the temperature at the set cooking temperature T. This process is called the temperature control process. In addition, the temperature raising process and the temperature control process are collectively referred to as a cooking process. When the set cooking temperature T is 100 ° C., the container 6 may be continuously heated without controlling the temperature.

The valve control unit 272 does not energize the second valve 12b at the start of cooking, but allows the third flow path to communicate with each other. The device 14 and the internal space of the container 6 are communicated with each other. Then, by driving the decompression device 14 by the heating control unit 271, the air in the internal space of the container 6 is sent to the steam discharge port via the inner lid ventilation holes 11b, the communication flow paths 15a, 15b, 15c, and the cartridge 19. It is discharged from 20 to the outside. As a result, the pressure in the internal space of the container 6 is reduced. Then, when the temperature of the container 6 reaches the boiling point of the object to be cooked contained in the container 6 at the pressure in the container 6, the object to be cooked boils and low-pressure low-temperature boiling is started. The pressure in the internal space of the container 6 at this time is 1.0 atm or less at atmospheric pressure. When the pressure in the internal space of the container 6 becomes the set cooking pressure P, the heating control unit 271 stops the depressurizing device 14 and stops the depressurizing. Further, the valve control unit 272 stops the energization of the second valve 12b and switches to the third flow path. The timing for stopping the decompression device 14 may be when the boiling of the food to be cooked is detected. As a method for detecting boiling, a conventionally known method can be used. For example, the timing at which the temperature difference between the bottom of the container 6 and the internal space detected by the pot bottom temperature sensor 4 and the lid temperature sensor 22 becomes less than a certain value can be regarded as boiling.

When the instructed set cooking time t [minutes] elapses, the heating control unit 271 ends the cooking process and stops the inverter unit 28. At this time, the operation display device 26 may notify the end of cooking. After that, when the temperatures of the food to be cooked and the container 6 decrease and reach the heat insulating temperature Tk [° C.], the heating control unit 271 controls the inverter unit 28 again and starts temperature control at the heat insulating temperature. This process is called a heat insulation process.

The heat insulation step continues until a predetermined maximum heat insulation time elapses or the user instructs to stop the heat insulation. The heat retention process includes a process after the cooking sequence preset according to the menu is completed, a process after the cooking time set by the user is completed, or a cooking sequence determined by the type or amount of ingredients and the cooking method. It includes all the processes after completion. Note that FIG. 3 shows an example of control of each device in the cooking process and the heat insulating process, and any other control may be performed.

Subsequently, the first valve 12a in the cooking device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the second valve 12b communicates with the second flow path only while the power is on, and is switched to the third flow path when the power supply is stopped. That is, the control device 27 needs to continue to be energized in order to maintain the state of the second valve 12b. On the other hand, the first valve 12a is a self-holding solenoid valve equipped with a latch mechanism. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first valve 12a of the cooking cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the first valve 12a includes a movable iron core 121, an exciting coil 122, a compression spring 123, and a permanent magnet 124.

The opening and closing of the first valve 12a is switched by the reciprocating operation of the movable iron core 121, and the first flow path is opened and closed. The first valve 12a is energized only when the state of the valve is switched, and even if the energization is stopped after the switching, the state can be maintained by the mechanical latch mechanism. The switching of the first valve 12a is carried out by performing bidirectional energization. Specifically, the first valve 12a is maintained in a closed state by pushing the movable iron core 121 toward the first flow path side because the reaction force of the compression spring 123 exceeds the attractive force of the permanent magnet 124. Here, when the exciting coil 122 is energized by the valve control unit 272, the movable iron core 121 moves in the direction of compressing the compression spring 123, the state is switched to open, and the first flow path is opened. Then, the attractive force of the permanent magnet 124 exceeds the reaction force of the compression spring 123, so that the open state is maintained even after the energization is stopped. Then, when the exciting coil 122 is energized in the opposite direction by the valve control unit 272, the movable iron core 121 moves away from the permanent magnet 124 toward the first flow path side, and the state is switched to closed. Then, the closed state is maintained by the reaction force of the compression spring 123.

The cooking apparatus 100 of the present embodiment maintains the internal space of the container 6 in a reduced pressure state during the cooking process or before and after the cooking process. The maintenance time of the decompressed state varies depending on the cooking content. For example, in the case of boiling cooking, the maintenance time of the decompressed state is several hours, and it is desirable that the maintenance time of the decompressed state in general rice cooking is 12 hours or more including the heat retention time. Generally, the solenoid valve used to maintain the decompression state keeps the state only while the power is on, and automatically switches to another state when the power supply is stopped. Therefore, in order to maintain the decompression state for several hours or more with this type of solenoid valve, it is necessary to continue energizing the solenoid valve from beginning to end, and an increase in power consumption becomes an issue.

In addition, since the solenoid valve generates heat during energization, when the solenoid valve is mounted inside the cooking cooker 100, not only the solenoid valve but also other peripheral devices deteriorate due to the rise in the ambient temperature of the solenoid valve. Can be a factor in accelerating. In order to lower the ambient temperature, it may be necessary to provide a cooling mechanism such as a fan, and there is a concern that the entire cooking cooker 100 may become large.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a self-holding solenoid valve is adopted for the first valve 12a for maintaining the decompressed state in the container 6, so that the state can be maintained even when the container 6 is not energized. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption of the cooking device 100 and improve energy saving. In addition, deterioration of the first valve 12a and peripheral devices due to heat generation during energization can be suppressed, and the life time can be improved.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive circuit 273 of the first valve 12a according to the first embodiment. The drive circuit 273 supplies a bidirectional current to the exciting coil 122 included in the first valve 12a. As shown in FIG. 5, the drive circuit 273 has a bridge circuit consisting of _{four switching elements Q 1} , Q ₂ , Q ₃ and Q ₄ , and diodes D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ and D 4.

The switching element _{Q 1, Q 4} to the ON state, when the switching element _{Q 2} and _{Q 3} in the OFF state, a current flows in the direction of the arrow from the power supply Vcc to the exciting coil 122. The ON state means a state in which conduction is carried out, and the OFF state means a state in which the state is cut off. Further, when the switching elements Q ₁ and Q ₄ are turned off and the switching elements Q ₂ and Q ₃ are turned on, a current flows through the exciting coil 122 from the power supply Vcc in the direction opposite to the arrow. By switching the energization direction of the exciting coil 122 in this way, the first valve 12a is opened and closed.

In this embodiment, ON and switching elements _{Q 1, Q 4} state, when the switching element _{Q 2} and _{Q 3} and the OFF state, the first valve 12a is closed, the first flow path is closed, the container The sealing of the internal space of 6 is maintained. Further, when the switching elements Q ₁ and Q ₄ are in the OFF state and the switching elements Q ₂ and Q ₃ are in the ON state, the first valve 12a is opened, the first flow path is opened, and the internal space of the container 6 is opened. The airtightness of the is reduced.

Although not shown in FIG. 5, the power supply Vcc is a DC power supply circuit generated by rectifying and stepping down a commercial AC power supply, and outputs, for example, 12V. Further, the drive circuit 273 further includes a capacitor C _{1 and a diode D 5} for preventing discharge from the capacitor C ₁ to the power supply Vcc. Further, the valve control unit 272 of the control device 27 has a voltage detection function for monitoring the voltage of the power supply Vcc.

Drive signal of the switching element _Q 1 to Q ₄ is output from the valve control unit 272, via the transistor Tr ₁ or Tr _2, it is input to the base terminal of the switching element _Q 1 to Q _4. For example, when the transistor Tr ₁ is turned on and the transistor Tr ₂ is turned off by the valve control unit 272, the switching elements Q ₂ and Q ₃ are turned on and the switching elements Q ₁ and Q ₄ are turned off. Further, when the transistor Tr ₁ is turned off by the valve control unit 272 and the transistor Tr ₂ is turned on, the switching elements Q ₁ and Q ₄ are turned on, and the switching elements Q ₂ and Q _{3 are turned off.} Further, when the transistors Tr ₁ and Tr ₂ are turned on at the same time or turned off at the same time by the valve control unit 272, the exciting coil 122 is not energized. The drive circuit 273 also has a plurality of resistance elements for limiting the current of each element.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an output signal of the valve control unit 272 according to the first embodiment, the driving timing of the switching elements Q ₁ to Q _4, and a current waveform of the exciting coil 122, and a state of the first valve 12a be. Current waveform of the exciting coil 122 represents the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5, namely ON and switching elements _{Q 1, Q 4} state, when the switching element _{Q 2} and _{Q 3} and an OFF state as positive. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve control unit 272, the first valve 12a at the timing of the closing, ON the transistor Tr _2, and outputs a signal to the transistor Tr ₁ turned OFF. Further, the valve control unit 272 outputs a signal for turning _{on the transistor Tr 1} and turning off the transistor Tr ₂ at the timing when the first valve 12a is opened.

Further, the valve control unit 272 turns off both the _{transistor Tr 1} and the transistor Tr ₂ when the first valve 12a is maintained in the closed state or in the open state. As a result, the current from the power supply Vcc to the exciting coil 122 is cut off, and the power consumption in the first valve 12a can be suppressed. _{Although both the transistor Tr 1} and the transistor Tr ₂ are turned off in FIG. 6, the current to the exciting coil 122 can be cut off even when both are turned on.

Since the second valve 12b only needs to be able to maintain its state only when the decompression device 14 is driven, a normally closed or always open solenoid valve is used instead of a self-holding solenoid valve, and the second flow path is used when energized. By configuring the communication so as to communicate, the energization time can be suppressed. However, in order to further improve energy saving, the energization amount may be changed between the time of switching the state of the second valve 12b and the time of maintaining the state. Generally, when maintaining the state, the power required at the time of switching is not required, so that the control device 27 may lower the energization rate and reduce the amount of energization at the time of maintaining the state of the second valve 12b than at the time of switching.

Next, the operation when a power failure occurs during the cooking control of the cooking device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing cooking control of the heating cooker 100 according to the first embodiment at the time of a power failure. First, when the power of the cooking cooker 100 is turned on (S1), the first valve 12a is energized by the control device 27 and opened (S2). This is because when an external force is applied to the first valve 12a during the transfer of the cooking device 100, the internal movable iron core 121 moves in the direction of closing the first flow path, and the state is maintained by the mechanical latch mechanism. This is because it may be done. As shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the first valve 12a is switched between opening and closing of the first flow path by the reciprocating operation of the movable iron core 121. However, the operating range of the movable iron core 121 is often small. For example, an external force may be applied to the first valve 12a due to transportation until purchase, and the movable iron core 121 may move to close the first flow path. be. In such a case, the gap through which the outside air flows disappears at the time of the first use, and the outer lid 10 cannot be opened. Therefore, such a situation can be dealt with by always opening the first valve 12a when the power of the cooking cooker 100 is turned on.

Then, it is determined by the user's operation whether or not the cooking start is instructed (S3), and the process waits until the instruction is given (S3: NO). Then, when the start of cooking is instructed (S3: YES), the first valve 12a is energized and closed by the control device 27 (S4), and the cooking process is performed (S5). Even if the first valve 12a is closed during the cooking process, when the inside of the cooking device 100 is heated to 100 ° C. or higher, the pressure is appropriately released from the steam discharge valve 18, so that the internal space of the container 6 is not intended. There is no pressure. Further, by closing the first valve 12a at least before the temperature of the container 6 reaches 100 ° C., in other words, before the food to be cooked boils at the latest, most of the steam is discharged from the outer lid ventilation hole 16a. Will not be done. As a result, the arrangement of the outer lid ventilation holes 16a is not restricted, and foreign matter can be suppressed from entering the communication flow path 15e.

However, when it is necessary to suck outside air during cooking, such as causing a pressure change in the container 6, the first valve 12a may be opened. For example, it is known that by opening and closing the first valve 12a after depressurizing the inside of the container 6, it is possible to impregnate the voids of the foodstuff with the broth even in the unheated foodstuff. Further, by opening the first valve 12a during pressurization to open the internal space of the container 6, bumping can occur and the food to be cooked can be agitated.

When the cooking process is completed, the heat insulating process is performed (S6). When the cooking temperature is 100 ° C. or higher, when the heating is stopped, the steam discharge valve 18 is lowered by its own weight as the temperature is lowered, and the container 6 is sealed. Then, when a power failure occurs during the heat insulating process (S7), the first valve 12a is energized and opened (S8). The power failure is detected by the valve control unit 272 monitoring the voltage of the power supply Vcc. If no power failure occurs, the heat insulation process is continued until the user operates to stop the heat insulation or the maximum heat insulation time elapses. Then, after the heat retention step is completed, the first valve 12a is opened and the heating by the heating means 3 is stopped.

During the cooking process and the heat retention process, the object to be cooked is charged into the container 6, the first valve 12a is closed, the first flow path is closed, and the internal space of the container 6 is lower than the atmospheric pressure. It is sealed with. In this state, it is assumed that a power failure occurs for some reason and the commercial power supply is cut off. Since the power supply Vcc is generated from the commercial power supply, when the commercial power supply is cut off, the power supply Vcc is not generated either, and the voltage drops. The valve control unit 272 detects a drop in the voltage of the power supply Vcc and outputs a signal for turning _{on the transistor Tr 1} and turning off the transistor Tr _2.

At this time, in the drive circuit 273, the _{switching elements Q 2} and Q ₃ are turned on and the switching elements Q ₁ and Q ₄ are turned off due to the energy stored in the _{capacitor C 1 while the commercial power is being supplied.} .. As a result, a _{current is supplied from the capacitor C 1} to the exciting coil 122 in the direction of opening the first valve 12a, and the first flow path is opened. As a result, the airtightness inside the container 6 is lowered, and the state of atmospheric pressure is restored.

When the first valve 12a is maintained in the closed state during a power failure, the internal space of the container 6 is sealed and remains below the atmospheric pressure. In this case, since a suction force acts on the outer lid 10, it is not easy for the user to open the outer lid 10. Further, if the power failure lasts for a long period of time, if the outer lid 10 is left unopened, it causes spoilage of the cooked food. Therefore, it is desirable to take out the food to be cooked promptly in the event of a power outage. In this embodiment, the first valve 12a is opened by using the energy previously stored in the capacitor C ₁ at the time of power failure as described above, by returning the internal space of the container 6 to the atmospheric pressure, facilitates user The outer lid 10 of the heating cooker 100 can be opened and the food to be cooked can be taken out.

The driving power source for driving the control device 27 in the event of a power failure _{may be supplied from the capacitor C 1,} or a separate capacitor may be provided and energy may be stored and supplied to the capacitor. Alternatively, the cooking device 100 may be supplied from a battery for clock display of the operation display device 26 when power is not received from the commercial power source. As a result, the control device 27 can operate even when a power failure occurs. Further, as an electric storage device for supplying electric current to the exciting coil 122 in the event of a power failure, has been described as an example configuration using the capacitor C _1, the energy during the primary battery such batteries or commercial power, is supplied The stored secondary battery may be used as a power storage device in the event of a power failure.

Regarding the time from the occurrence of a power failure to the opening of the first valve 12a, the first valve 12a may be opened immediately after the occurrence of the power failure is detected, but the first valve 12a may be opened after a preset delay time. It may be open. For example, when the power failure is instantaneous for about several seconds, cooking may be restarted after the power failure is restored without opening the first valve 12a. In this case, when the valve control unit 272 detects the occurrence of a power failure, the valve control unit 272 counts the power failure time. During this time, the first valve 12a remains closed. When the power failure time is equal to or longer than a preset time, the valve control unit 272 determines that the power failure is not instantaneous, and energizes the first valve 12a so as to open the first valve 12a.

On the other hand, when the power failure time is less than the preset time, the process carried out immediately before the power failure occurs is restarted without energizing the first valve 12a. In this case, the first valve 12a opens and closes according to the subsequent cooking. In this way, by switching the first valve 12a after the elapse of the preset delay period after the occurrence of the power failure, the heating is restarted and continued after the supply of the commercial power supply is restarted for the momentary power failure. Can be cooked. Since the second valve 12b basically does not greatly contribute to the degree of sealing of the container 6, the operation of the second valve 12b at the time of a power failure does not affect the degree of sealing inside the container 6.

Further, the control device 27 may notify the user when the outer lid 10 can be opened and closed by the user by opening the first valve 12a due to the occurrence of a power failure. The notification to the user may be displayed on the operation display device 26, or may be notified by sound from a speaker (not shown) or the like. In addition, wireless communication may be performed on a smartphone or the like to notify the user. Since there is a power outage, these operations are performed by the control device 27 driven by the drive power supply.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive circuit 273A of the first valve 12a according to the second embodiment. The same or corresponding configurations as the cooking cooker 100 and the drive circuit 273 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described below.

The drive circuit 273A of the cooking device 100 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it includes a power failure detection circuit for detecting a power failure without using the valve control unit 272. The power failure detection circuit is composed of a transistor Tr ₃ , a transistor Tr ₄ , a diode D ₆ , a diode D ₇ , and a resistance element for current limiting. The base terminal of the transistor Tr ₃ is connected to the positive terminal of the power source Vcc, the collector terminal of the transistor Tr ₃ is connected to the base terminal of the transistor Tr _4. The cathode terminals _{of the diode D 6} and the diode D ₇ are connected to the collector terminal of the transistor Tr _4. The anode terminal of the diode D ₆ is connected to the collector terminal of the _{transistor Tr 1 , and the anode terminal of the diode D 7} is connected to the base terminal of the transistor Tr _2.

Next, the operation of the drive circuit 273A of the cooking device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In a state where commercial power is applied, the base current is supplied to the base terminal of the transistor Tr ₃ from the power source Vcc, the transistor Tr ₃ is turned ON, the conduction state. As a result, the base current is not supplied to the base terminal of the transistor Tr _{4 , so that the transistor Tr 4} maintains the OFF state. Therefore, the diodes D ₆ and D ₇ are also turned off. In this state, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to control the switching element Q ₁ to Q ₄ from the valve control unit 272, the first valve 12a is opened and closed.

Next, it is assumed that a power failure occurs for some reason and the commercial power supply is cut off. When the commercial power supply is cut off, the power supply Vcc is not generated either, so that the voltage of the power supply Vcc drops. Then, since the base current is not supplied to the transistor Tr _3, the transistor Tr ₃ is turned OFF, and the cut-off state. When the transistor Tr ₃ is OFF, the capacitor _{C 1} charges are charged in advance by the power supply Vcc, the transistor Tr ₄ is supplied base current to the transistor Tr ₄ is turned ON. As a result, the diodes D ₆ and D ₇ are turned on, and a conduction state is established.

When the diode D ₆ is turned on, the switching element Q ₁ is turned off and the switching element Q ₂ is turned on instead of the transistor Tr _1. Further, when the diode D ₇ is turned on, the base current does not flow through the transistor Tr _{2, so that the diode D 7 is turned off.} As a result, the switching element Q ₃ is turned on and the switching element Q _{4 is turned off.} Thus, the output signal of the power failure before the valve control unit 272, and regardless of the ON / OFF states of the switching elements _Q 1 to Q _4, i.e. regardless of the open or closed state of the first valve 12a, when a power failure occurs first The valve 12a can be switched to open.

In the present embodiment, the first valve 12a can be opened without depending on the output signal of the valve control unit 272. Therefore, even if the drive power source for operating the valve control unit 272 is cut off and the valve control unit 272 stops operating almost at the same time as the power failure occurs, the first valve 12a can be reliably opened. As a result, the user can safely and easily open the outer lid 10 even when a power failure occurs, and can take out the food to be cooked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cooked food from rotting inside the container 6 without opening the outer lid 10 due to a long-term power failure or the like.

The above is the description of the embodiment, but the above-described embodiment can be variously modified. For example, the internal structure of the first valve 12a is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 as long as it is a self-holding type equipped with a latch mechanism. For example, the internal structure of the first valve 12a is a combination of a ball valve made of a sphere that enhances the airtightness of the first flow path by its own weight, and a solenoid equipped with a latch mechanism that applies an external force to the sphere to reduce the airtightness. It may be configured as a new type. Further, in the above embodiment, the inside of the container 6 is depressurized by using the decompression device 14 including a pump, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the principle of natural decompression may be used in which the heating operation of the container 6 is stopped and the temperature is lowered in a closed state to reduce the pressure.

Further, in the above embodiment, the movable iron core 121 is moved in the extension direction of the compression spring 123 to close the first flow path, and the movable iron core 121 is moved in the compression direction of the compression spring 123 to make the first flow. The configuration is to open the road, but it is not limited to this. For example, the movable iron core 121 may be moved in the extension direction of the compression spring 123 to open the first flow path, and the movable iron core 121 may be moved in the compression direction of the compression spring 123 to close the first flow path. good.

In order to move the movable iron core 121 in the compression direction of the compression spring 123, the electromagnetic force of the exciting coil 122 needs to overcome the reaction force of the compression spring 123. On the other hand, when the movable iron core 121 is moved in the extension direction of the compression spring 123, the reaction force of the compression spring 123 is applied, so that the electromagnetic force of the exciting coil 122 may be small. That is, in the case of a power failure, the energy consumption of the _{capacitor C 1} is smaller when the movable iron core 121 is moved in the extension direction than when the movable iron core 121 is moved in the compression direction of the compression spring 123. _{Therefore, the capacitor C 1} can be miniaturized by configuring the movable iron core 121 so that the first flow path is opened when the movable iron core 121 is moved in the extension direction of the compression spring 123.

Further, the drive circuits 273 and 273A shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 are circuit configurations for explaining the basic operating principle, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and parts may be added or deleted as appropriate. May be good. Further, another circuit configuration may be used as long as it has a circuit configuration having the same function.

Further, if the first valve 12a, the control device 27, or the like fails during a power failure, it becomes difficult to release the sealed state of the container 6. Therefore, a forced sealing release means that mechanically opens from the outside may be provided. As the forced sealing release means, a fourth flow path that communicates the inside and the outside of the container 6 may be further provided, and a third valve may be separately provided in the fourth flow path, or the steam discharge valve in the above embodiment may be provided. 18 may be used.

1 Main body, 2 Container storage, 3 Heating means, 4 Pot bottom temperature sensor, 5 Compression spring, 6 Container, 6a Flange, 7 Handle, 8 Inner lid, 9 Lid packing, 10 Outer lid, 11a, 11b Inner lid through Pore, 12a 1st valve, 12b 2nd valve, 13 path packing, 14 decompression device, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f communication flow path, 16a, 16b outer lid ventilation hole, 17 steam hole, 18 steam discharge Valve, 19 cartridge, 20 steam outlet, 21 cartridge packing, 22 lid temperature sensor, 23 lid temperature sensor packing, 24 sensor hole, 25 pressure sensor, 26 operation display device, 27 control device, 28 inverter section, 100 heating cooker , 121 Movable iron core, 122 Exciting coil, 123 Compression spring, 124 Permanent magnet, 271 Heating control unit, 272 Valve control unit, 273, 273A Drive circuit, C ₁ Condenser, D ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , D ₄ , D ₅ , D ₆ , D ₇ diode, Q ₁ , Q ₂ , Q ₃ , Q ₄ switching element, Tr ₁ , Tr ₂ , Tr ₃ , Tr ₄ transistor, Vcc power supply.

Claims (10)

With the container
A heating means for heating the container and
The lid covering the container and
A self-holding type first valve that changes the airtightness of the internal space of the container,
A control device for controlling the first valve is provided.
The control device is a cooking device that switches the first valve so that the internal space of the container and the outside of the container communicate with each other when the supply of commercial power is stopped. The control device includes a power storage device and is equipped with a power storage device.
The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the first valve is switched by the power storage device when the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped. The power storage device is a capacitor.
The capacitor stores energy while the commercial power is being supplied.
The cooker according to claim 2, wherein the first valve is switched by the energy stored in the condenser when the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped. The power storage device is a secondary battery and is
The secondary battery stores energy while the commercial power is being supplied.
The cooker according to claim 2, wherein the first valve is switched by using the energy stored in the secondary battery when the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped. The power storage device is a primary battery and
The cooker according to claim 2, wherein the first valve is switched by using the energy stored in the primary battery when the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped. A claim that the control device controls the first valve so that the internal space of the container and the outside of the container communicate with each other after the elapse of a preset delay period after the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped. The heating cooker according to any one of 1 to 5. The control device is
If the supply of the commercial power is restarted after the supply of the commercial power is stopped and before the preset delay time elapses, the first valve is used to maintain the sealing of the internal space of the container. Control and
The cooker according to claim 6, wherein if heating by the heating means is being performed before the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped, or if the supply of the commercial power supply is restarted, the heating is restarted. Further provided with a decompression device that sucks air in the internal space of the container and decompresses the internal space of the container.
The cooking according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control device controls the first valve so as to maintain the sealing of the internal space of the container when sucking the air in the internal space of the container. vessel. The first valve includes a movable iron core, a compression spring, an exciting coil, and a permanent magnet.
The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the movable iron core moves in the direction in which the compression spring compresses, so that the internal space of the container is hermetically sealed. The control device can open the lid when the supply of the commercial power supply is stopped and the first valve is controlled so that the internal space of the container and the outside of the container communicate with each other. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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