JP7128413B2 - rice cooker - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rice cooker.

A conventional rice cooker is described in Patent Document 1 below, for example. In the rice cooker described in the same document, a steam flow containing the slime is introduced from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, and the slime is separated in the internal gas-liquid separation space and a steam discharge port (in the document, "steam discharge A oneeba separation unit ("cartridge" in the same document) is provided that releases vapor from the "part").

JP 2016-112214 A

However, in the above-described conventional technique, the slime foam having a large bubble diameter may be introduced into the slime separation unit. Easy to form. If this phenomenon occurs frequently, the expanded slime bubbles may fill the gas-liquid separation space and reach the steam discharge port. In such a case, the slime foam pops in the vicinity of the steam discharge port, and the slime juice may splash outside the steam discharge port to stain the surroundings.

In view of the above circumstances, there has been a demand for a rice cooker capable of avoiding inconveniences such as splashing of oneeba juice from the steam outlet.

The rice cooker according to the first aspect of the present invention is
A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the steam flow, and a small-foaming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the steam flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole ,
The small bubble-forming member is made of an elastic material so as to reduce the slime bubbles by being pushed by the steam flow and changing its state,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion and movable along the flow direction of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion to cover an end portion of the introduction hole. A first cover is provided that can
The shaft support section is supported by a wall surface inside the introduction hole to partition the introduction hole into a plurality of small holes,
The steam flow containing the slime is formed to be small bubbles by passing through the plurality of small holes and then between the first cover portion and the end of the introduction hole. It is what is done.

According to the first aspect of the invention , the slime bubbles contained in the steam flow flowing from the rice cooking space toward the slime separation unit are reduced in size by the foam making member in the introduction hole and introduced into the gas-liquid separation space. Therefore, small-diameter slime bubbles and liquid slime are stored in the gas-liquid separation space, and the spread of slime bubbles in the gas-liquid separation space can be prevented. As a result, it becomes difficult for the slime bubbles to reach the steam outlet, and the situation in which the slime bubbles having a large bubble diameter pop in the vicinity of the steam outlet does not occur.
As described above, according to the first invention , it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as splashing of the slime juice from the steam outlet.

Furthermore, according to the first invention , it is possible to construct a small-bubble member with a rational structure that crushes the slime bubbles by utilizing the force of the steam flow while allowing the steam flow to pass through the introduction hole.

Furthermore, according to the first invention , the force of the steam flow causes the small bubble generating member to elastically deform, so that the steam flow can flow smoothly without clogging the introduction hole. In addition, the force of the steam flow causes the small bubble forming member to elastically deform and sway, and the swaying motion efficiently crushes the slime foam.

Furthermore, according to the first invention , when the steam flow hits the first cover portion, the first cover portion and the shaft portion move along the flow direction of the steam flow, and between the first cover portion and the introduction hole, A gap is created that allows passage of the vapor flow but does not allow passage of the slime foam having a bubble diameter larger than a certain size. As a result, it is possible to achieve a structure in which clogging of the steam flow is less likely to occur while reducing the slime bubbles to small bubbles.

In the above configuration,
a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole in the slime separation unit for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. and an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space through the return hole.

According to this configuration, in the slime separation unit, it is possible to separate the path for introducing the steam flow from the rice cooking space side and the path for returning the stored skins to the rice cooking space side. In addition, since the return hole is closed by the second cover portion of the inflow prevention member when the steam flow is introduced, it is possible to prevent the large-diameter slime bubbles 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, it is possible to efficiently return the stored oneva to the rice cooking space side.

The rice cooker according to the second aspect of the present invention is
A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small-foaming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion of the microbubble member and movable along the direction of flow of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion so as to cover the introduction hole. A first cover portion is provided,
a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole in the slime separation unit for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole;
The inflow prevention member is arranged coaxially with the microbubble member,
In a first erroneous attachment state in which the shaft portion is attached to the small bubble generating member in the opposite direction to the shaft support portion and then the inflow prevention member is attached, the first cover portion and the second cover portion A first spacer is provided to secure a gap through which fluid can flow .

According to the second aspect of the invention, the slime bubbles contained in the steam flow flowing from the rice cooking space toward the slime separation unit are reduced in size by the foam making member in the introduction hole and introduced into the gas-liquid separation space. Therefore, small-diameter slime bubbles and liquid slime are stored in the gas-liquid separation space, and the spread of slime bubbles in the gas-liquid separation space can be prevented. As a result, it becomes difficult for the slime bubbles to reach the steam outlet, and the situation in which the slime bubbles having a large bubble diameter pop in the vicinity of the steam outlet does not occur.
As described above, according to the second invention, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as splashing of the slime juice from the steam outlet.
Furthermore, according to the second invention, when the steam flow hits the first cover portion, the first cover portion and the shaft portion move along the flow direction of the steam flow, and between the first cover portion and the introduction hole, A gap is created that allows passage of the vapor flow but does not allow passage of the slime foam having a bubble diameter larger than a certain size. As a result, it is possible to achieve a structure in which clogging of the steam flow is less likely to occur while reducing the slime bubbles to small bubbles.
Furthermore, according to the second invention, in the slime separation unit, the path for introducing the steam flow from the rice cooking space side and the path for returning the stored skins to the rice cooking space side can be separated. In addition, since the return hole is closed by the second cover portion of the inflow prevention member when the steam flow is introduced, it is possible to prevent the large-diameter slime bubbles 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, it is possible to efficiently return the stored oneva to the rice cooking space side.
Furthermore, according to the second invention, even if the user starts cooking rice without noticing the first erroneous attachment state, the gap is secured by the first spacer, and the gas-liquid separation from the rice cooking space side is ensured. Fluid flow is allowed between the spaces. Therefore, it is possible to suitably avoid the situation where the pressure on the rice cooking space side cannot be released.

The rice cooker according to the third aspect of the present invention is
A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small-foaming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion of the microbubble member and movable along the flow direction of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion so as to cover the introduction hole. A first cover portion is provided,
a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole;
The inflow prevention member is arranged coaxially with the microbubble member,
In a second erroneous attachment state in which the inflow prevention member is attached to the inflow prevention member and then the shaft portion of the small bubble generating member is attached to the shaft support portion in the opposite direction, the first covering portion and the second A second spacer is provided to secure a gap between the cover and the cover so that the fluid can flow.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the slime bubbles contained in the steam flow flowing from the rice cooking space toward the slime separation unit are reduced in size by the foam making member in the introduction hole and introduced into the gas-liquid separation space. Therefore, small-diameter slime bubbles and liquid slime are stored in the gas-liquid separation space, and the spread of slime bubbles in the gas-liquid separation space can be prevented. As a result, it becomes difficult for the slime bubbles to reach the steam outlet, and the situation in which the slime bubbles having a large bubble diameter pop in the vicinity of the steam outlet does not occur.
Thus, according to the third invention, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as splashing of the slime juice from the steam outlet.
Furthermore, according to the third invention, 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 between the first cover portion and the introduction hole, A gap is created that allows passage of the vapor flow but does not allow passage of the slime foam having a bubble diameter larger than a certain size. As a result, it is possible to achieve a structure in which clogging of the steam flow is less likely to occur while reducing the slime bubbles to small bubbles.
Furthermore, according to the third invention, in the slime separation unit, the path for introducing the steam flow from the rice cooking space side and the path for returning the stored skins to the rice cooking space side can be separated. In addition, since the return hole is closed by the second cover portion of the inflow prevention member when the steam flow is introduced, it is possible to prevent the large-diameter slime bubbles 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, it is possible to efficiently return the stored oneva to the rice cooking space side.
Furthermore, according to the third invention , even if the user starts cooking rice without noticing the second erroneous attachment state, the gap is secured by the second spacer, and the gas-liquid separation from the rice cooking space side is ensured. Fluid communication is allowed between the spaces. Therefore, it is possible to suitably avoid the 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. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view (A1-A1 sectional view of FIG. 1) showing the rice cooker. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the rice cooker (sectional view taken along line A2-A2 in FIG. 1). Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view, viewed obliquely from the rear and upward, showing a state in which the protective frame and the shoulder member are removed from the main body case; Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view, viewed diagonally from above, showing a state in which the protective frame and the shoulder member are removed from the main body case; It is a bottom view which shows the back surface of a Maiban member. It is a bottom view showing a resin boss structure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a resin boss structure as viewed obliquely from the front and downward. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a resin boss structure; FIG. 4 is a side sectional view (enlarged sectional view of FIG. 3) showing an enlarged view of the steam path and the periphery of the Oneva separation unit. FIG. 4 is an exploded oblique view from a diagonally upward front view showing the parts constituting the steam path in an exploded manner; FIG. 10 is a side view showing the one-neva separation unit; It is a bottom view which shows a one-eva separation unit. FIG. 15 is a front cross-sectional view (A3-A3 cross-sectional view of FIG. 14) showing the one-piece separation unit; Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view obliquely rear-upward view showing a lower member and a small-foaming member of the slime separation unit; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a steam flow flows into the oneva separation unit. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the slime returns from the slime separation unit toward the rice cooking space. It is a typical sectional view showing the 1st incorrect wearing state. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second erroneously attached state; It is a bottom view showing an oneva separation unit in another embodiment. FIG. 22 is a front cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view along A4-A4 in FIG. 21) showing the one-piece separation unit in another embodiment; FIG. 11 is an exploded oblique view from the rear and upward, showing the lower member and the small foaming member of the one-piece separation unit according to another embodiment.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a pressure-type rice cooker 1 will be described as an example of a "rice cooker". This pressure-type rice cooker 1 employs an IH heating method. The front-rear direction of the pressure-type rice cooker 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like, a pressure-type 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. there is The main unit 2 and the lid unit 3 are connected by a hinge mechanism 4 located at the rear of the pressure-type rice 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. When the lid unit 3 is closed, it forms a rice cooking space S1 between itself and the main unit 2, in which the food to be cooked can be pressure-cooked. More specifically, the lid unit 3 can be opened and closed by swinging around the swing axis X of the hinge mechanism 4 with respect to the main unit 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, etc., the body unit 2 can accommodate an inner pot 5 into which the food to be cooked is placed. The body unit 2 includes a body case 6 forming part of the exterior material E, a support structure 85 forming part of the exterior material E, and the like. The support structure 85 has a shoulder member 9 that forms a part of the exterior material E adjacent to the upper side of the main body case 6, and is integrally connected and fixed to the lower side of the shoulder member 9, which has higher strength than the shoulder member 9. A protective frame 8 is provided. Further, the support structure portion 85 has a housing portion 7 for housing the inner pot 5 and a connecting portion 86 extending rearward from the housing portion 7 to which the hinge mechanism 4 is connected and supported. In addition, the main unit 2 includes an IH heater 10 as a heating means, a center sensor 11 which is an example of sensors and detects the temperature of the inner pot 5, a main body side control device 12 for controlling the IH heater 10, an internal A cooling fan 13 or the like for discharging heat to the outside is provided.

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

The shoulder member 9 can be made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, for example. The protective frame 8 can be made of a member having a higher strength than the shoulder member 9, for example. Specifically, the protective 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 material 14 that is a rigid member that supports each member, and a lid cover 15 (an example of a separate member) that constitutes a part of the exterior material E. ), a Meban member 16 (an example of a “resin molded product”) that constitutes 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 14, and a main body. A lid-side controller 18 connected to the side controller 12, a lock mechanism 19, a lock release lever 20 for unlocking the lock mechanism 19, an operation button 21 for performing various operations, and various information controlled by the lid-side controller 18. A display unit 22 or the like for displaying is provided. Further, the lid unit 3 is provided with an inner lid unit 23 that is detachably attached to the lower surface of the support base material 14 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the body-side controller 12 and the lid-side controller 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 near the rear end of the main unit 2 .

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

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 11, etc., the lid unit 3 is supplied with a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space S1 for cooking the rice to be cooked through the steam path P. A slime separation unit 25 that separates slime in the liquid separation space S2 and releases steam from the steam discharge port 24 is provided. The one-piece separation unit 25 is detachably attached to the concave portion of the lid cover 15 .

When the lid unit 3 is in a non-pressurized state, pressing the lock release lever 20 releases the lock of the lid unit 3 in the closed state with respect to the main body unit 2, and the hinge spring 26 (see FIG. 3, etc.) is attached. The force swings the lid unit 3 to the open state. Although 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 portion 27, an annular inner lid packing 28 for sealing the inner lid portion 27 and the upper edge portion of the inner pot 5, A pressure regulating portion 29 and the like having pressure regulating holes (not shown) corresponding to two pressure regulating holes for circulating the steam flow including the slime and the slime, 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 food to be cooked is placed between the lid unit 3 and the main unit 2. A rice cooking space S1 for cooking rice is formed.

The pressure-type 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 action of the pressure adjusting unit 29 shown in FIGS. is possible. For example, the pressure regulating unit 29 has the atmospheric pressure (1 atm), a first pressurized state higher than the atmospheric pressure (eg, 1.05 atm), and a second pressurized state (eg, 1.25 atm) from the first pressurized state. can switch the pressure state of the rice cooking space S1.

[Regarding the structure that prevents the gap between the main body case 6 and the shoulder member 9]
As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the support structure 85 is provided with a shoulder member 9 and a protective frame 8 connected and fixed integrally with the shoulder member 9 . The protective frame 8 is provided with a rear extension portion 30 that is integrally connected to the rear of the housing portion 7 and to which the hinge mechanism 4 is connected and fixed. The protective frame 8 is made of a rigid member that is less likely to be elastically deformed.

The bottom surface of the housing portion 7 of the protective frame 8 is fixed to the main body case 6 by screws or the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the protective frame 8 and the shoulder member 9 are fixed by a plurality of locking structures 31 at their peripheral edge portions. Each hooking structure 31 hooks the rectangular annular body on the shoulder member 9 side to the hook body on the protective frame 8 side.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the shoulder member 9 is provided with a rear extension portion 32 that extends rearward with respect to the housing portion 7. As shown in FIGS. A support sheet metal 34 that supports a pin member 33 extending in the lateral direction of the hinge mechanism 4 is provided at the rear portion of the rear extension portion 32 .

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 positioned along the entire circumference of the upper edge of the main unit 2 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the rear portion of the main body unit 2 is provided with a locking structure 35 capable of locking the main body case 6 on the protective frame 8 side. The locking structure 35 includes a projection 37 projecting from the support structure 85 toward the main body case 6 side, and a projection 37 projecting from the main body case 6 toward the support structure 85 to absorb a pressing force from below. and a pressed projection 36 that can receive. The protrusion 37 is formed integrally with the rear end portion of the protective frame 8 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the locking structure 35 is located behind the hinge mechanism 4 .
A pair of locking structures 35 are provided with a predetermined distance in the left-right direction. In other words, 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 when viewed from the side. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusions 37 are substantially U-shaped in rear view, and surround the lower surface and both side surfaces of the corresponding pressed protrusions 36 . During pressure cooking, the bottom surface of the protrusion 37 pushes up the lower surface of the pressed protrusion 36 .

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressure-type rice cooker 1 is provided with another locking structure 91 .
Another locking structure 91 is positioned forward of the hinge mechanism 4 . Other locking structures 91 are a protrusion 93 provided at the rear of the main unit 2 and protruding from the support structure 85 toward the main body case 6 , and a protrusion 93 protruding from the main body case 6 toward the support structure 85 . and a pressed piece 92 capable of receiving a pressing force from below by the protrusion 93 .

As can be understood from FIGS. 3 and 4, when performing pressure cooking, the rice cooking space S1 is in a pressurized state in which the pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure, and the lid unit is attached to the main unit 2. A force is applied to try to lift 3. Therefore, the protective frame 8 and the shoulder member 9 integrally fixed to the protective frame 8 can be lifted by the hinge mechanism 4 which is the connection point between the main unit 2 and the lid unit 3 . Therefore, during pressure cooking, the rearwardly extending portion 30 of the protective frame 8 and the rearwardly extending portion 32 of the shoulder member 9, which are cantilevered rearward from the rice cooking space S1 (receiving portion 7), are somewhat It may be pulled up by the hinge mechanism 4 and flexurally deformed.

However, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking structure 35 and another locking structure 91 are provided at the rear portion of the main unit 2 . In the locking structure 35, the protrusion 37 formed on the protective frame 8 pushes the pressed protrusion 36 upward, and the main body case 6 moves toward the shoulder member 9 by the bending deformation of the protective frame 8 and the shoulder member 9. be drawn in. Also in the other locking structure 91, the projection 93 formed on the protective frame 8 pushes the pressed piece 92 upward, and the body case 6 is pulled toward the shoulder member 9 side. Therefore, when performing pressure cooking, it is possible to effectively prevent the appearance of a gap between the body case 6 and the shoulder member 9 at the rear end of the 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 countermeasures against static electricity to the flexible flat cable 80. FIG. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide such reinforcing sheet metal, etc., as shown in FIGS. become. Therefore, the design of the rear surface portion of the main unit 2 is improved.

[Resin boss structure 38]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the main member 16, which constitutes a part of the exterior material E of the pressure rice cooker 1, has a resin boss structure 38 that is resistant to cracking due to stress. It is adopted at an appropriate place on the back surface of the plate-like 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 main member 16 and is used to fasten the main member 16 and the lid cover 15 with metal screws 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 supported by inserting the screw shaft portion 40 of the screw 39, and the inner side of the outer cylindrical portion 41. It has an inner portion 42 in which the screw 39 is engaged to exert a fastening force. The outer cylindrical portion 41 is provided on the rear surface (lower surface) of the plate-like portion 43 of the Maiban 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 side of the Maiban member 16, whereby the lid cover is assembled. 15 is fixed with a Meban member 16 . In this embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is not threaded in advance, and is fastened by self-tapping with screws 39 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the inner portion 42 is provided with a gap portion 44, which is a space in which the hook portions 45 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The gap portion 44 is formed over substantially the entire area along the axial direction of the inner portion 42 . Four (plural) gaps 44 are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction. The width of the gap portion 44 in the circumferential direction is shorter than the width of the hook portion 45 in the circumferential direction.
As a result, a relatively large hooking allowance for the screw 39 can be secured in the hooking portion 45, and firm fastening can be performed.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , in the resin boss structure 38 , the engaging portion 45 of the inner portion 42 is formed so as to increase in width from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. In addition, the engaging portions 45 of the inner portion 42 that are not the gap portions 44 each have a substantially fan-like shape in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the axial direction. Therefore, when the screw 39 is tightened into the engaging portion 45 of the inner portion 42, it is possible to increase the engaging margin, thereby enhancing the fastening force.

Also, the gap 44 of the inner portion 42 is formed so as to increase in width from the radially inner side to the radially outer side. Moreover, each of the gaps 44 has a substantially fan-like shape in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction. The gap portion 44 extends along the axial direction from the end surface of the inner portion 42 to the boundary with the plate-like portion 43 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , reinforcing ribs 46 are provided between the outer cylindrical portion 41 and the plate-like portion 43 of the Maiban member 16 . A plurality of reinforcing ribs 46 are provided dispersedly in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing rib 46 reinforces the boundary between the base of the outer cylindrical portion 41 and the plate-like portion 43, making cracks and the like less likely to occur.

As shown in FIG. 8 , in the resin boss structure 38 , the cylinder inner diameter D1 of the outer cylinder portion 41 is larger than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39 . Also, the inner surface diameter D3 of the catch portion 45 of the inner portion 42 is smaller than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39 . That is, it is preferable to use screws 39 having a nominal diameter D2 larger than the inner surface diameter D3 of the inner portion 42 and smaller than the cylinder inner diameter D1 of the outer cylinder portion 41 . As a result, the inner surface of the outer cylindrical portion 41 is not damaged by the screws 39, and the outer cylindrical portion 41 is less likely to crack. Incidentally, 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 cylindrical portion 41, the engaging portion 45 of the inner portion 42 can be deformed so as to enter the gap portion 44. , the thermal stress can be relieved. Therefore, cracks due to thermal stress can be prevented from occurring in the outer cylinder portion 41, the boundary between the outer cylinder portion 41 and the plate-like portion 43, and the like. In addition, since cracks can be prevented without increasing the thickness of the outer cylindrical portion 41, it is difficult to cause sink marks on the surface of the thin plate-like portion 43 that constitutes the exterior material E when integrally molding the resin. A boss structure 38 results. Also, in order to avoid sink marks, it is possible to avoid excessively increasing the thickness of the plate-like portion 43 of the Maiban member 16 . That is, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of resin to be used, which contributes to cost reduction.

[Regarding the steam path P]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the lid unit 3 is provided with a steam path P connecting the pressure regulating section 29 to the slime separation unit 25 having the steam discharge port 24 . Vapor flow including slime, liquid slime, and the like pass through the steam path P.

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 that extends away from the pot center C of the inner pot 5 and is provided with an outlet port 47 that guides the steam flow to the slime separation unit 25, and an outlet port 47. A first packing 49 that seals with the one-piece separation unit 25 and a second packing 50 that seals the outer end of the extension member 48 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, as a portion constituting the steam path P, a guide portion 52 having a slime return surface 51 that slopes downward from the slime separation unit 25 side toward the pressure regulating portion 29 side is provided. ing. The slope of the stick-back surface 51 may be set at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees, for example. The guide portion 52 is provided with lateral wall portions that stand up on both side surfaces of the stick-on-needle return surface 51 . An intermediate opening 54 is provided between the extension member 48 side and the enclosing portion 53 side, which is a part of the support base material 14 enclosing the space around the pressure regulating portion 29, to allow the steam flow and the bottleneck to pass through. .

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 unit 2 side during pressure cooking. is set at a position far forward from the hinge mechanism 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front half or more of the lid unit 3 is laid out as the area where the operation buttons 21 and the display section 22 are provided in order to enhance user convenience. For this reason, it is necessary to lay out the one-pot separation unit 25 at a location in the lid unit 3 away from the inner pot 5 and away from the operation button 21, the display unit 22, and the like. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, the rear end position B1 of the steam path P is extended to a position B2 directly above the minimum inner diameter portion 55 having the smallest inner diameter in the inner pot 5 .

That is, the extension member 48 , the first packing 49 , the second packing 50 and the like are provided, and the end position of the steam path P can be set at a location away from the inner pot 5 . Specifically, the steam path P can be freely laid out by selecting an appropriate shape for the extension member 48 or the like according to the positional relationship between the inner pot 5 and the one-pot separation unit 25. Become. The flexibility of the layout design of the one-piece separation unit 25 is improved. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the lid unit 3 is significantly improved.

[Regarding the one-piece separation unit 25]
As shown in FIGS. 3, 11, 13 to 18, etc., the slime separation unit 25 includes a lower member 56 through which the steam flow and slime flow into and out of the rice cooking space S1 through the steam path P, and an upper member 57 that is combined with the lower member 56 to form a gas-liquid separation space S2 that separates the vapor of the gas and the bottleneck of the liquid.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 16 to 18, etc., the lower member 56 has an introduction hole 58 for introducing the steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space S1 into the gas-liquid separation space S2, and A return hole 59 is provided for returning the soaked oneba to the rice cooking space S1. The introduction hole 58 is formed inside a cylindrical peripheral wall 81 that rises from the lower surface of the lower member 56 and extends like a chimney. The return holes 59 are, for example, fan-shaped, and are provided in plurality in a circumferential direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 13, 14, 16, etc., the lower member 56 has a detachable hook 61 (see FIG. 13, etc.) that is biased in the protruding direction by a biasing spring 60 (see FIG. 3). are provided.
The attachment/detachment hook 61 is engaged with an engagement piece 62 provided on the lid cover 15 , so that the one-piece separation unit 25 can be suitably attached to the lid cover 15 . The lower member 56 is provided with a pair of annular connected portions 63 and a projecting piece 64 projecting in a rectangular shape.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 11, 13, etc., the upper member 57 is provided with a steam release port 24 for releasing steam outward from the gas-liquid separation space S2. As shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the upper member 57 is provided with a detour wall 65 that detours the skin introduced from the introduction hole 58 so that it does not directly go to the steam 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 that are hooked on the corresponding connected portions 63 and a swinging hook 67 that is hooked on the projecting piece 64 .

As shown in FIGS. 11, 15 to 18, etc., the oneva separation unit 25 includes an introduction hole 58 for introducing a steam flow, and an introduction hole 58 which is attached to the introduction hole 58 and operates by the steam flow passing through the introduction hole 58 to generate steam. A foam miniaturization member 68 is provided to reduce the slime foam contained in the stream. The small foaming member 68 is made of an elastic material.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the microbubble member 68 includes a shaft portion 69 guided along the flow direction of the steam flow, and provided at the tip of the shaft portion 69 to cover the introduction hole 58. A possible first covering portion 70 is provided. The shaft portion 69 is supported by a shaft support portion 75 provided on the lower member 56 . The shaft portion 69 is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 82 having a larger diameter than other portions. The small bubble generating member 68 elastically deforms the enlarged diameter portion 82 and is inserted into the shaft support portion 75 . can be attached to In other words, the microbubble member 68 is detachably attached to the lower member 56 .

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the shaft support portion 75 is supported by the wall surface of the introduction hole 58 .
The introduction hole 58 is divided into, for example, four (plurality) small holes 58A by the shaft support portion 75 . The small holes 58A are fan-shaped. Therefore, among the slime bubbles contained in the steam flow, those that are larger than the small holes 58A are crushed into small bubbles. For this reason, in the introduction hole 58, the small bubbles are formed in two steps, the small hole 58A and the first cover portion 70 of the small bubble forming member 68. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 19, etc., when the small foaming member 68 is erroneously attached to the first cover portion 70, fluid passes between the gas-liquid separation space S2 and the rice cooking space S1. A first spacer 71 is provided to secure a space for Four (a plurality of) first spacers 71 are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction.

The slime separation unit 25 has a return hole 59 for returning the slime from the gas-liquid separation space S2 toward the rice cooking space S1, and is attached to the return hole 59 so that the steam flow flows into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the return hole 59. and an inflow preventing member 72 for preventing the

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 and the like, the inflow prevention member 72 is arranged coaxially with the small bubble generation member 68 . The inflow prevention member 72 is made of an elastic material. The inflow prevention member 72 is provided with a second cover portion 73 capable of covering the return hole 59 . A pair of guide shaft portions 88 are provided on the inflow prevention member 72 . Each guide shaft portion 88 is attached by being inserted into 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 FIGS. 14, 20, etc., the second cover part 73 secures a space through which fluid passes between the gas-liquid separation space S2 and the rice cooking space S1 when the inflow prevention member 72 is erroneously attached. A second spacer 74 is provided. Four (plural) second spacers 74 are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 17, during pressure cooking, the first cover portion 70 of the small foaming member 68 is pushed up by the steam flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the introduction hole 58 during pressure cooking. The shaft portion 69 moves until the enlarged diameter portion 82 contacts the shaft support portion 75 . Vapor flow flows into the gas-liquid separation space S2 through the gap between the first cover portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81 . The gap between the first cover portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81 is smaller than the opening area of the small hole 58A. Therefore, the slime bubbles larger than the gap between the first cover portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81 do not flow into the gas-liquid separation space S2. In addition, since the small bubble generating member 68 is lowered by its own weight so as to block the space between the first cover portion 70 and the peripheral wall 81, the first cover portion 70 is in a state of fluttering. , the one-eba bubble can be crushed efficiently. At this time, the return hole 59 is blocked by the inflow prevention member 72, so that the steam flow does not flow from the return hole 59 into the gas-liquid separation space S2.

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

[Countermeasures against incorrect installation of microbubble member]
The microbubble member 68 is attached to the lower member 56 so as to sandwich the shaft support portion 75 between the first cover portion 70 and the enlarged diameter portion 82 . As shown in FIGS. 11, 15, 17, 18, etc., when correctly mounted, the first cover part 70 is mounted in a posture that is close to the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2. However, since the microbubble member 68 is made of an elastic material, it is conceivable that the user may erroneously attach it during cleaning.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the small bubble generating member 68 is mounted in an inverted posture in which the first cover portion 70 is far from the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2, and the inflow prevention member 72 is returned from there. In some cases, the first erroneous attachment state in which it is attached to the hole 59 may occur. However, in this case, as can be understood from FIGS. , a clearance for allowing the fluid to pass is secured, and a path for the fluid to pass through the return hole 59 and the through hole 90 of the inflow prevention member 72 can be secured. Therefore, when the rice cooking space S1 side is decompressed 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 steam discharge port 24 .

In other words, the first spacer 71 is configured so that the shaft portion 69 is attached to the small bubble generating member 68 in the opposite direction to the shaft support portion 75 and then the inflow prevention member 72 is attached in the first incorrect attachment state. Between the portion 70 and the second cover portion 73, a gap is secured through which fluid can flow.

Alternatively, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, after the inflow prevention member 72 is attached to the return hole 59, the small bubble generation member 68 is placed in the opposite direction so that the first cover portion 70 is far from the center side of the gas-liquid separation space S2. In some cases, the device may be put in a second incorrectly worn state in which the device is worn in a posture. However, even in this case, as can be understood from FIGS. , and a path for the fluid to pass through the introduction hole 58 and the through hole 90 can be secured. Therefore, when the rice cooking space S1 side is decompressed 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 steam discharge port 24 .

That is, the second spacer 74 is the second erroneous attachment state in which the inflow prevention member 72 is attached to the inflow prevention member 72 and then the shaft portion 69 of the small bubble generating member 68 is attached to the shaft support portion 75 in the opposite direction. Between the first cover portion 70 and the second cover portion 73, a gap is secured through which fluid can flow.

Another embodiment, which is a modification of the present embodiment, will be described below. Each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the content shown in each embodiment. That is, the scope of the invention includes equivalents of the elements in each embodiment.

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

(2) In the above embodiment, the protective frame 8 is provided with the protrusions 37, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion 37 may be provided on the shoulder member 9 fixed integrally with the protective frame 8 . In other words, the protrusion 37 may be provided on a member that is integrally fixed with the protective frame 8 (on the protective frame 8 side).

(3) In the above embodiment, the protrusion 37 on the side of the protective frame 8 is substantially U-shaped, and the pressed protrusion 36 on the side of the main body case 6 is substantially triangular. Not limited. For example, the protrusion 37 on the protective frame 8 side may be substantially triangular, and the pressed protrusion 36 on the main body case 6 side may be substantially U-shaped.

(4) In the above embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is not threaded in advance, but it 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, the inner portion 42 of the resin boss structure 38 is formed so as to increase in width from the radially inner side to the radially outer side, but the present invention is not limited to this. do not have. For example, the inner portion 42 may be formed to have the same width regardless of the position in the radial direction. Also, the inner portion 42 may be formed so that the width becomes narrower from the radially inner side to the radially outer side.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, four gaps 44 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two, three, or five or more gaps 44 may be provided. In this case as well, it is preferable that the gaps 44 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction because the force is evenly applied to each portion of the inner portion 42 .

(7) In the above embodiment, in the resin boss structure 38, the cylinder inside diameter D1 of the outer cylinder portion 41 is smaller than the nominal diameter D2 of the screw 39, but this is not restrictive. For example, in the resin boss structure 38 , the cylinder inner diameter D<b>1 of the outer cylinder portion 41 may be the same as the nominal diameter D<b>2 of the screw 39 or larger than the nominal diameter D<b>2 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-described embodiment, the resin boss structure 38 is provided on the rear surface of the plate-like portion 43 of the Maiban member 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be integrally formed with a resin molded product other than the Maiban member 16 in the "rice cooker". In addition to the "rice cooker", the resin boss structure 38 can also be applied to a portion of other heating cookers such as electric kettles, hot plates, and bakeries. Such a resin boss structure 38 is particularly suitable for a thin resin molded product that constitutes 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 exemplified as the "male screw member", but it is not limited to this. For example, other "male screw members" such as screws and bolts may be used.

(10) In the above-described embodiment, the pressure-type rice cooker 1 is provided with the slime return surface 51 that slopes downward from the slime separation unit 25 side toward the pressure regulating unit 29 side as a portion that constitutes the steam path P. However, it is not limited to this. For example, such a glue return surface 51 may not be provided.

(11) In the above embodiment, the microbubble member 68 having a substantially T-shaped cross section in side view was exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a microbubble member 168 having a different structure as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 may be used. A pair of guide shafts 188 are attached to the microbubble member 168 . The small bubble generating member 168 also has an inflow prevention function to prevent the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space S2 from the return hole 59. As shown in FIG. In another structure 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 cylindrical part 200 through which the steam flow passes in the small bubble generating member 168, and when rice is cooked, the valve body 201 hits the steam flow and flutters. , and destroys the slime bubbles introduced into the gas-liquid separation space S2 into small bubbles. In other words, even in this separate structure, the small bubble-generating member 168 is configured to reduce the slimy foam by being pushed by the steam flow and changing its state.

(12) In the above embodiment, the microbubble member 68 is made of an elastic material, but it is not limited to this. For example, the microbubble member 68 may be made of a non-elastic material such as hard resin.

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

(14) In the above embodiment, the one-piece separation unit 25 is detachable from the lid cover 15, but it is not limited to this. For example, the one-piece separation unit 25 may be integrally formed with the lid cover 15 so as to be non-detachable.

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

(16) In the above embodiment, the pressure-type rice cooker 1 is exemplified as an example of the "rice cooker", but it is not limited to this. For example, a normal rice cooker that does not apply pressure higher than atmospheric pressure may be used.

1: Pressure-type rice cooker (rice cooker)
24: Steam discharge port 25: Oneneva separation unit 58: Introduction hole
58A: small hole
59 : return hole 68 : microbubble member 69 : shaft portion 70 : first cover portion 71 : first spacer 72 : inflow inhibiting member 73 : second cover portion 74 : second spacer 75 : shaft support portion 158 : introduction hole 168: Small foaming member S1: Rice cooking space S2: Gas-liquid separation space

Claims (4)

A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the steam flow, and a small-foaming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the steam flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole.,
The small bubble-forming member is made of an elastic material so as to reduce the slime bubbles by being pushed by the steam flow and changing its state,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion and movable along the flow direction of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion to cover an end portion of the introduction hole. A first cover is provided that can
The shaft support section is supported by a wall surface inside the introduction hole to partition the introduction hole into a plurality of small holes,
The steam flow containing the slime is formed to be small bubbles by passing through the plurality of small holes and then between the first cover portion and the end of the introduction hole. being rice cooker. a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole in the slime separation unit for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1 , further comprising an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover portion for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole. A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small-foaming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion of the microbubble member and movable along the direction of flow of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion so as to cover the introduction hole. A first cover portion is provided,
a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole in the slime separation unit for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole;
The inflow prevention member is arranged coaxially with the microbubble member,
In a first erroneous attachment state in which the shaft portion is attached to the small bubble generating member in the opposite direction to the shaft support portion and then the inflow prevention member is attached, the first cover portion and the second cover portion A first spacer is provided to secure a gap through which fluid can flow betweencookingRice bowl. A slime separation unit is provided that introduces a steam flow containing the slime from the rice cooking space for cooking the rice to be cooked, separates the slime in the internal gas-liquid separation space, and releases steam from the steam outlet,
The slime separation unit is provided with an introduction hole for introducing the vapor flow, and a small bubble forming member for reducing slime bubbles contained in the vapor flow introduced into the gas-liquid separation space through the introduction hole,
A shaft portion detachably supported by the shaft support portion of the microbubble member and movable along the direction of flow of the steam flow, and a shaft portion connected to the shaft portion so as to cover the introduction hole. A first cover portion is provided,
a return hole positioned at a position lower than the introduction hole to return the slime to the rice cooking space from the gas-liquid separation space, and a return hole in the slime separation unit for introducing the steam flow into the gas-liquid separation space. an inflow prevention member provided with a second cover for preventing the steam flow from flowing into the gas-liquid separation space from the return hole;
The inflow prevention member is arranged coaxially with the microbubble member,
In a second erroneous attachment state in which the inflow prevention member is attached to the inflow prevention member and then the shaft portion of the small bubble generating member is attached to the shaft support portion in the opposite direction, the first covering portion and the second A second spacer is provided to secure a gap between the cover and the cover so that the fluid can flow.cookingRice bowl.

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