JP7449834B2 - Cooking device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cooking device capable of cooking food under pressure below atmospheric pressure.

2. Description of the Related Art Cooking devices that cook food in a cooking tank whose pressure is reduced to less than atmospheric pressure are conventionally known. An example of this type of cooker is a heating cooker described in Patent Document 1. The heating cooker is connected to a pot corresponding to a cooking tank that stores food, a vacuum pump that reduces the pressure inside the pot that is sealed with a lid, a pipe that connects the lid and the vacuum pump, and a pipe. It is equipped with a pressure sensor.

In this heating cooker, the air inside the pot is sucked by the operation of the pressure reducing pump, and the pressure inside the pot is reduced to less than atmospheric pressure. The reduced pressure inside the pot is detected by a pressure sensor connected to a pipe line communicating with the pressure reduction pump.

Patent No. 6696198

In the cooking device described in Patent Document 1, air sucked from inside the pot by the operation of the vacuum pump flows through a pipe line communicating with the vacuum pump. The air flowing through the pipes contains evaporated substances such as seasonings and moisture (steam) generated during the cooking of the ingredients in the pot, but this moisture is absorbed by the pressure connected to the pipes. Penetrates the sensor. If moisture or the like enters the pressure sensor, not only will the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor decrease, but there is also a risk that the pressure sensor will malfunction.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a cooking device that can suppress moisture generated during cooking of foodstuffs from entering a pressure sensor. It is in.

A cooking device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pressure reducing pump that generates a suction force for sucking air in a cooking tank containing food and reducing the pressure in the cooking tank to a pressure below atmospheric pressure; a pressure reduction pipe that connects the cooking tank and the pressure reduction pump; an outside air introduction pipe that introduces outside air into the cooking tank; an opening/closing mechanism provided in the outside air introduction pipe and having an open/closeable outside air introduction valve; and the outside air introduction pipe. a pressure sensor that is connected to the cooking tank and detects the pressure within the cooking tank , and the outside air introduction pipe is provided separately from the pressure reduction pipe and connected to the cooking tank .

According to this cooking device, the cooking tank is connected to a pressure reduction pipe connected to a pressure reduction pump, and is also connected to an outside air introduction pipe provided separately from the pressure reduction pipe. A pressure sensor is connected to this outside air introduction pipe.

When the pressure reducing pump operates with the outside air introduction valve of the opening/closing mechanism provided in the outside air introduction pipe closed, air is sucked from the cooking tank. The air sucked from the cooking tank flows through the vacuum piping toward the vacuum pump, but does not flow through the outside air introduction piping, which is provided separately from the vacuum piping. Therefore, moisture and the like contained in the air sucked from the cooking tank are prevented from entering the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction pipe.

On the other hand, in a state where the outside air introduction valve is closed and the operation of the pressure reducing pump is stopped, it is assumed that moisture or the like will enter the outside air introduction pipe connected to the cooking tank. In this case, there is a possibility that moisture or the like may accumulate around the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction pipe. However, when the outside air introduction valve is opened, the outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe, so that the flow of the outside air can remove moisture and the like that has accumulated around the pressure sensor. Therefore, moisture and the like are prevented from entering the pressure sensor.

As described above, since moisture and the like are prevented from entering the pressure sensor, it is possible to prevent a decrease in detection accuracy and failure of the pressure sensor due to the penetration of moisture and the like.

In the above cooking device, the opening/closing mechanism includes an opening adjustment means for adjusting the opening of the outside air introduction valve so that the flow rate of outside air introduced into the cooking tank via the outside air introduction pipe changes. It may be.

In this aspect, during cooking in the cooking tank, the pressure in the cooking tank is adjusted to each of a plurality of target pressures by adjusting the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve by driving the opening adjustment means while operating the pressure reducing pump. Can be adjusted. Further, when adjusting the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve, since outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe, it is possible to suppress moisture and the like from entering the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction pipe.

The cooking device described above includes a control unit that controls the pressure reduction pump and the opening/closing mechanism, and when the power of the cooking device is turned on, the control unit controls the outside air introduction valve before operating the pressure reduction pump. The configuration may be such that control is performed to open the outside air introduction valve and then close the outside air introduction valve.

In this aspect, the outside air introduction valve of the opening/closing mechanism is opened when the power of the cooking appliance is turned on. As a result, if moisture, etc. accumulates around the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction piping when the power is turned on before cooking in the cooking tank, the flow of outside air flowing through the outside air introduction piping will remove moisture, etc. Can be removed.

The above-mentioned cooking device includes a control unit that controls the pressure reduction pump and the opening/closing mechanism, and the control unit controls the cooking capacity of the cooking tank included in the cooking conditions during cooking in the cooking tank according to the cooking conditions. Based on at least one of the set pressure and the pressure in the cooking tank, the operation of the pressure reducing pump is stopped, the outside air introduction valve is opened, and the outside air introduction valve is then closed. Good too.

In this aspect, during cooking in the cooking tank, the outside air introduction valve of the opening/closing mechanism is opened while the operation of the pressure reducing pump is stopped. When the outside air intake valve is opened during cooking in the cooking tank, outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe, so if moisture, etc. remains around the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction pipe, Moisture etc. can be removed by the flow of outside air.

The cooking device described above includes a control section that controls the pressure reduction pump and the opening/closing mechanism, and the control section stops the operation of the pressure reduction pump and opens the outside air introduction valve after cooking in the cooking tank is completed. The outside air introduction valve may be opened, and then controlled to close the outside air introduction valve.

In this aspect, the outside air introduction valve of the opening/closing mechanism is opened after the cooking in the cooking tank is completed. As a result, if moisture, etc. remains around the pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction piping after cooking in the cooking tank is finished, the moisture, etc. will be removed by the flow of outside air flowing through the outside air introduction piping. be able to. In addition, since the outside air intake valve that is opened after cooking is finished is then closed, it is possible to prevent insects from entering the cooking tank from the outside air intake piping, and the sanitary condition of the cooker can be maintained. can.

In the above-mentioned cooking appliance, the control section performs control to close the outside air introduction valve when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after opening the outside air introduction valve.

In this aspect, the control to close the outside air introduction valve is performed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the outside air introduction valve was opened. Thereby, after the outside air is introduced into the cooking tank according to the opening of the outside air introduction valve for a predetermined period of time, the pressure inside the cooking tank can be brought to atmospheric pressure. Note that the predetermined time period during which the outside air introduction valve is opened can be set in advance by conducting an experiment or simulation, for example.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooking appliance that can suppress moisture generated during cooking of foodstuffs from entering the pressure sensor.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooker. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow of cooking control by a controller.

Hereinafter, the cooking device according to the present embodiment will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking device 1 includes a cooking device main body 1A, a pressure reduction pump 3, a pressure reduction pipe 4, a trap 5, an outside air introduction pipe 6, a liquid discharge pipe 7, a controller 9, It is equipped with a heater IH and a pressure sensor PS.

The cooking device main body 1A is formed into a box shape having a placement surface 1A1 on which the cooking tank 2 is placed. A heater IH is provided on the placement surface 1A1, and the cooking tank 2 is placed above the heater IH. Moreover, a rod-shaped engagement pin 1A2 is provided protrudingly on the mounting surface 1A1 at a position separated from the heater IH by a predetermined distance. The trap 5 is placed at a position where the engagement pin 1A2 projects on the placement surface 1A1. That is, in the cooking device 1, the cooking tank 2 and the trap 5 are placed side by side on the placement surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A.

In addition, the cooking tank 2 may be configured separately from the cooking device 1 or may be configured as a part of the cooking device 1.

The cooking tank 2 is for storing foodstuffs, and has a tank main body 21 with an open top and a lid 22 that can open and close the opening of the tank main body 21. At least a part of the bottom of the tank body 21 constitutes a heat generating part 211 that generates heat by electromagnetic induction. That is, the entire tank body 21 may constitute the heat generating part 211, the entire bottom of the tank body 21 may constitute the heat generating part 211, or a part of the bottom of the tank body 21 may constitute the heat generating part. 211 may be configured. By closing the opening of the tank body 21 with the lid 22, a space separated from the external space is formed in the cooking tank 2.

The heater IH is arranged on the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A. The heater IH is a heating coil that heats the heat generating portion 211 by electromagnetic induction. The cooking device 1 is used with the cooking tank 2 placed on the heater IH. When the cooking tank 2 is placed on the heater IH, the heat generating part 211 contacts the heater IH. When a high frequency current is supplied to the heater IH, the heat generating section 211 generates heat. The heat generated in the heat generating portion 211 is transmitted to the tank body 21 by thermal conduction. The food contained in the cooking tank 2 is heated by heat conduction and radiation from the tank body 21. Note that the method of heating the cooking tank 2 is not limited to the electromagnetic induction heating method, and other methods may be employed, such as a resistance heating method using a nichrome wire as the heater IH, for example. In this case, the heating portion 211 may not be provided in the cooking tank 2. The heater IH is controlled by a controller 9, which will be described later.

The pressure reduction pump 3 is a vacuum pump that sucks air in the cooking tank 2 via the pressure reduction pipe 4 and generates a suction force for reducing the pressure in the cooking tank 2 to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The pressure reducing pump 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce the pressure inside the cooking tank 2, but it may be a water-seal type that can be operated without any problem even if moisture enters the pump. Preferably a vacuum pump. The pressure reducing pump 3 is controlled by a controller 9, which will be described later.

The pressure reduction pipe 4 is a pipe that connects the cooking tank 2 and the pressure reduction pump 3. The vacuum piping 4 forms at least a portion of a flow path for air sucked from the cooking tank 2 by the operation of the vacuum pump 3. The pressure reduction pipe 4 has a first pressure reduction pipe 41 that connects the trap 5 and the pressure reduction pump 3, which will be described later, and a second pressure reduction pipe 42 that connects the trap 5 and the cooking tank 2. That is, the trap 5 is arranged between the first pressure reducing pipe 41 and the second pressure reducing pipe 42. The first pressure reducing pipe 41 is connected to each of the pressure reducing pump 3 and the trap 5. The second pressure reducing pipe 42 is connected to each of the cooking tank 2 and the trap 5. The air sucked from the cooking tank 2 by the operation of the pressure reduction pump 3 flows through the second pressure reduction pipe 42 and flows into the trap 5, and then flows out of the trap 5 and flows through the first pressure reduction pipe 41 toward the pressure reduction pump 3. flows.

The trap 5 is a hollow member disposed between the cooking tank 2 and the vacuum pump 3 via the vacuum pipe 4. The trap 5 is arranged in the middle of the flow path connecting the cooking tank 2 and the pressure reduction pump 3 by connecting the first pressure reduction pipe 41 and the second pressure reduction pipe 42 that constitute the pressure reduction pipe 4, respectively. . The air flowing into the trap 5 via the second pressure reducing pipe 42 contains scattered substances such as seasonings and evaporated substances generated during cooking of ingredients in the cooking tank 2, or moisture (including water vapor) (hereinafter referred to as , ``moisture, etc.''). The trap 5 traps moisture and the like contained in the air sucked from the cooking tank 2 and flowing in through the second pressure reducing pipe 42 . Therefore, the amount of moisture and the like contained in the air flowing out of the trap 5 and flowing through the first pressure reduction pipe 41 toward the pressure reduction pump 3 is reduced as much as possible.

Moisture or the like captured by the trap 5 is condensed within the trap 5 or stored as it is as a liquid substance. The traps 5 are arranged horizontally on the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A with respect to the cooking tank 2 placed on the heater IH. At least a portion of the trap 5 is made of a transparent member. Therefore, the user of the cooking appliance 1 can visually check the storage status of the liquid in the trap 5 from the outside. Further, since the trap 5 is placed on the placement surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A, it is easy to visually check the storage status of the liquid in the trap 5.

Further, the trap 5 includes a cylindrical or box-shaped trap main body 51 having an opening 511 and a trap lid body 52 that allows the opening 511 to be opened and closed. In the trap 5, at least one of the trap body 51 and the trap cover 52 may be made of a transparent member. A user of the cooking appliance 1 can clean the inside of the trap body 51 through the opening 511 by opening the trap lid 52. Thereby, the sanitary condition of the trap 5 can be maintained.

The trap body 51 is formed with a suction air inlet 512, a suction air outlet 513, a liquid discharge port 514, and an engagement groove 515.

The engagement groove 515 is a groove that is formed on the outer surface of the bottom of the trap body 51 and can be engaged with the engagement pin 1A2 protruding from the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device body 1A. The trap 5 is positioned at a predetermined position on the mounting surface 1A1 in a state where the engagement pin 1A2 and the engagement groove 515 are engaged. That is, positioning means for positioning the trap 5 at a predetermined position is provided on the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A. The user of the cooking appliance 1 can position the trap 5 by placing the trap 5 on the mounting surface 1A1 so that the engagement pin 1A2 is inserted into the engagement groove 515. Further, the user of the cooking appliance 1 can release the engagement state between the engagement pin 1A2 and the engagement groove 515 by simply lifting the trap 5 upward relative to the mounting surface 1A1, and place the trap 5 on the mounting surface 1A1. The trap 5 can be removed from the surface 1A1.

The suction air inlet 512 is an opening through which air suctioned from the cooking tank 2 flows into the trap body 51. The suction air outlet 513 is an opening through which air after moisture and the like have been captured within the trap body 51 flows out from the trap body 51. The liquid discharge port 514 is an opening for discharging liquid such as moisture captured by the trap body 51 from the trap body 51. In the trap body 51, a suction air inlet 512 and a suction air outlet 513 are formed at the same height near the top surface of the trap body 51, and a liquid discharge port 514 is formed at the same height as the suction air inlet 512 and the suction air outlet 513. 513, and is formed near the bottom surface on the side surface of the trap body 51. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a structure in which the suction air inlet 512 and the suction air outlet 513 are formed on the side surface of the trap body 51, these openings may be formed on the upper surface of the trap body 51. In addition, when the cooking tank 2 and the trap 5 are placed side by side on the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A, the top surface of the trap main body 51 is at a lower position than the lid part 22 of the cooking tank 2. There is.

The first pressure reducing pipe 41 is connected to the suction air outlet 513 of the trap body 51 . The first pressure reduction pipe 41 has one end connected to the suction air outlet 513 of the trap 5 via the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81, and the other end connected to the pressure reduction pump 3.

The first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81 connects the first pressure reducing pipe 41 and the trap 5. The first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81 includes a first trap side fitting part 811 attached to the suction air outlet 513 and a first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 attached to one end of the first pressure reducing pipe 41. This is a one-touch type pipe joint that has a male and female fitting structure. In the fitting structure of the first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81, the first trap side fitting part 811 and the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 may be either male or female, but as an example, the first trap side fitting part 811 is a male fitting part (plug), and the first pressure reducing tube side fitting part 812 is a female fitting part (socket). In the first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81, the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 is pushed into the first trap side fitting part 811, so that both fitting parts are fitted together. Thereby, the first pressure reducing pipe 41 is connected to the suction air outlet 513 of the trap 5. On the other hand, in the state where the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 and the first trap side fitting part 811 are fitted, the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 is connected to the first trap side fitting part 811 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first trap side fitting part 811 is located. By pulling the mating portion 812, the fitting between the two mating portions is released. As a result, the connection of the first pressure reducing pipe 41 to the suction air outlet 513 of the trap 5 is released.

The second pressure reducing pipe 42 is connected to the suction air inlet 512 of the trap body 51 . One end of the second pressure reducing pipe 42 is connected to the suction air inlet 512 of the trap 5 via a second pressure reducing pipe connection part 82, and the other end is connected to the lid of the cooking tank 2 via a third pressure reducing pipe connection part 83. It is connected to a reduced pressure connection port 22A formed on the upper surface of 22.

The second pressure reducing pipe connection portion 82 connects the second pressure reducing pipe 42 and the trap 5. The second pressure reducing pipe connection part 82 is a one-touch type pipe joint similar to the first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81, and has a second trap side fitting part 821 attached to the suction air inlet 512, and a second pressure reducing pipe connection part 82. 42 and a second pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 822 attached to one end of the fitting structure.

Regarding which of the fitting parts 821 and 822 in the second pressure reducing pipe connection part 82 is a male fitting part, the male and female parts of the second trap side fitting part 821 are the male and female parts of the first trap side fitting part 811. The male and female parts are the same, and the male and female parts of the second pressure reducing tube side fitting part 822 are the same as the male and female parts of the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812. That is, in the second pressure reducing pipe connection part 82, the second trap side fitting part 821 is a male fitting part (plug), and the second pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 822 is a female fitting part (socket). ). Therefore, the second pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 822 can be fitted with the first trap side fitting part 811 in addition to being able to fit with the second trap side fitting part 821. be.

The third pressure reducing pipe connection part 83 connects the second pressure reducing pipe 42 and the cooking tank 2. The third pressure reduction pipe connection part 83 is a one-touch type pipe joint similar to the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81, and is fitted on the first cooking tank side attached to the pressure reduction connection port 22A of the lid part 22 of the cooking tank 2. 831 and a third pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 832 attached to the other end of the second pressure reducing pipe 42.

Regarding which of the fitting parts 831 and 832 in the third pressure reducing pipe connection part 83 is a male fitting part, the male and female of the first cooking tank side fitting part 831 are the male and female fitting parts of the first trap side fitting part 811. The sexes of the third pressure reducing tube side fitting part 832 are the same as those of the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812. That is, in the third pressure reducing pipe connection part 83, the first cooking tank side fitting part 831 is a male fitting part (plug), and the third pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 832 is a female fitting part (plug). socket). Therefore, the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 attached to the first pressure reducing pipe 41 connected to the pressure reducing pump 3 is capable of fitting with the first trap side fitting part 811. , can be fitted with the first cooking tank side fitting part 831 attached to the lid part 22 of the cooking tank 2. In the state where the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 and the first cooking tank side fitting part 831 are fitted, the cooking tank 2 and the pressure reducing pump 3 are connected by the first pressure reducing pipe 41 without using the trap 5. Can be directly connected. Therefore, when cooking in the cooking tank 2 in which moisture is not easily generated, the first pressure reducing pipe 41 may be directly connected to the cooking tank 2 without going through the trap 5. In this case, the first pressure reduction pipe 41 functions as the pressure reduction pipe 4 that connects the cooking tank 2 and the pressure reduction pump 3.

The liquid discharge pipe 7 is connected to the liquid discharge port 514 of the trap body 51 . The liquid discharge pipe 7 is connected to the trap 5 and is a pipe for discharging liquid such as moisture captured by the trap 5 from the trap 5 to the outside. The liquid discharge pipe 7 is connected to the liquid discharge port 514 of the trap 5 via the liquid discharge pipe connection part 85.

The liquid discharge pipe connecting portion 85 connects the liquid discharge pipe 7 and the trap 5. The liquid discharge pipe connection part 85 is a one-touch type pipe joint similar to the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81, and is connected to the third trap side fitting part 851 attached to the liquid discharge port 514 and the liquid discharge pipe. It has a fitting structure composed of a liquid discharge pipe side fitting part 852 attached to one end of the liquid discharge pipe 7. As described above, since the liquid discharge port 514 is formed in the trap body 51 at a lower position than the suction air inlet 512 and the suction air outlet 513, the height relationship of the connection position with respect to the trap 5 is as follows. The liquid discharge pipe 7 is located at a lower position than the first pressure reduction pipe 41 and the second pressure reduction pipe 42 that constitute the pressure reduction pipe 4. Thereby, the liquid stored at the bottom of the trap body 51 in the trap 5 can be appropriately discharged through the liquid discharge pipe 7 connected to the liquid discharge port 514 formed at a low position in the trap body 51. can.

The male and female fitting parts 851 and 852 in the liquid discharge pipe connection part 85 are the same as each fitting part 811 and 812 in the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81 and each fitting part 821 and 822 in the second pressure reduction pipe connection part 82. The males and females are different. Specifically, the gender of the third trap side fitting part 851 is different from that of the first trap side fitting part 811 and the second trap side fitting part 821, and the gender of the third trap side fitting part 851 is different from that of the first trap side fitting part 811 and the second trap side fitting part 821. The male and female parts are different from those of the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 and the second pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 822. That is, the first trap side fitting part 811 and the second trap side fitting part 821 are male fitting parts (plugs), whereas the third trap side fitting part 851 is a female fitting part (plug). The first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 and the second pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 822 are female fitting parts (sockets), whereas the liquid discharge pipe side fitting part 852 is a male fitting part. This is the fitting part (plug) of the mold.

In this way, the male and female fitting parts 851 and 852 in the liquid discharge pipe connection part 85 are different from each other in each fitting part 811 and 812 in the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81 and each fitting part 811 and 812 in the second pressure reduction pipe connection part 82. The male and female portions 821 and 822 are different. Therefore, the liquid discharge pipe side fitting part 852 attached to the liquid discharge pipe 7 is connected to the first trap side fitting part 811 attached to the trap 5, the second trap side fitting part 821, and the third trap side fitting part 821 attached to the trap 5. The side fitting part 851 has a structure in which the third trap side fitting part 851 can be fitted, but the first trap side fitting part 811 and the second trap side fitting part 821 cannot be fitted. It has become. In other words, the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 attached to the first pressure reducing pipe 41 has a structure that cannot be fitted to the third trap side fitting part 851 of the liquid discharge pipe connecting part 85. As a result, when the user of the cooking appliance 1 attempts to connect the first pressure reducing pipe 41, the second pressure reducing pipe 42, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 to the trap 5, for example, when the user of the cooking appliance 1 tries to connect the first pressure reducing pipe 41 to the liquid It is possible to prevent incorrect connections such as connecting to the connection position of the discharge pipe 7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored in the trap 5 from flowing to the vacuum pump 3 when the vacuum pump 3 is activated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid discharge pipe 7 is provided with a trap side opening/closing mechanism 71. The trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 is provided at the other end of the liquid discharge pipe 7 opposite to the one end connected to the trap 5 via the liquid discharge pipe connecting portion 85 . The trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 is arranged at a position lower than the liquid discharge pipe connecting portion 85 in the liquid discharge pipe 7 . That is, the liquid discharge pipe 7 is arranged so that the other end is located at a lower position than the one end connected to the trap 5. Due to such a height difference between one end and the other end of the liquid discharge pipe 7, the liquid stored at the bottom of the trap body 51 in the trap 5 can be appropriately discharged through the liquid discharge pipe 7.

The trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 is configured to be able to open and close the liquid discharge pipe 7. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 includes a liquid discharge valve 711 that can be opened and closed, and a drive motor 712 that opens and closes the liquid discharge valve 711. When the liquid discharge valve 711 is opened by driving the drive motor 712, the inside of the trap 5 communicates with the outside space via the liquid discharge pipe 7, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 is opened. The liquid stored in 5 is allowed to be discharged through liquid discharge piping 7. On the other hand, when the liquid discharge valve 711 is closed by driving the drive motor 712, communication between the inside of the trap 5 and the external space via the liquid discharge pipe 7 is cut off, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 is closed. state. Note that the trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 is not limited to a structure in which the liquid discharge valve 711 is opened and closed by the drive motor 712, and may be configured by a solenoid valve or the like.

As described above, in the cooking device 1, the trap 5 is disposed between the cooking tank 2 and the vacuum pump 3 via the vacuum piping 4. Thereby, the moisture etc. contained in the air suctioned from the cooking tank 2 in accordance with the operation of the vacuum pump 3 can be captured by the trap 5, and the intrusion of the moisture etc. into the vacuum pump 3 can be suppressed.

Further, the trap 5 is connected to a liquid discharge pipe 7 provided with a trap-side opening/closing mechanism 71. Therefore, by opening the liquid discharge pipe 7 using the trap side opening/closing mechanism 71, the liquid such as moisture captured in the trap 5 can be discharged from the trap 5 through the liquid discharge pipe 7. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of liquid stored in the trap 5 as much as possible, thereby preventing the liquid from flowing out from the trap 5 to the first pressure reducing pipe 41 of the pressure reducing pipe 4. Infiltration of liquid into the pressure reduction pump 3 through the pressure reduction pipe 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, failure of the pressure reducing pump 3 due to intrusion of liquid can be prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an outside air introduction pipe 6 that is provided separately from the second pressure reducing pipe 42 is connected to the cooking tank 2. The outside air introduction pipe 6 is connected to the cooking tank 2 and is a pipe through which outside air to be introduced into the cooking tank 2 flows. One end of the outside air introduction pipe 6 is connected to an outside air connection port 22B formed on the top surface of the lid part 22 of the cooking tank 2 via an outside air introduction pipe connection part 84. In addition, on the upper surface of the lid part 22, the outside air connection port 22B is formed separately and independently from the pressure reduction connection port 22A to which the second pressure reduction pipe 42 is connected.

The outside air introduction pipe connecting portion 84 connects the outside air introduction pipe 6 and the cooking tank 2. The outside air introduction pipe connection part 84 is a one-touch type pipe joint similar to the first pressure reducing pipe connection part 81, and is a second cooking tank side fitting part attached to the outside air connection port 22B of the lid part 22 of the cooking tank 2. 841 and an outside air introduction pipe side fitting part 842 attached to one end of the outside air introduction pipe 6. Regarding which of the fitting parts 841 and 842 in the outside air introduction pipe connection part 84 is a male fitting part, the male and female parts of the second cooking tank side fitting part 841 are male and female of the first trap side fitting part 811. The male and female parts are the same, and the male and female parts of the external air introduction pipe side fitting part 842 are the same as the male and female parts of the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outside air introduction pipe 6 is provided with an outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 61. As shown in FIG. The outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 61 includes an outside air introduction valve 611 whose opening degree can be adjusted, and a stepping motor 612 (opening degree adjustment means) which adjusts the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611. When the stepping motor 612 is driven to open the outside air introduction valve 611, the inside of the cooking tank 2 and the outside space communicate with each other via the outside air introduction pipe 6, and outside air is allowed to be introduced into the cooking tank 2. On the other hand, when the outside air introduction valve 611 is closed by the driving of the stepping motor 612, communication between the inside of the cooking tank 2 and the external space via the outside air introduction pipe 6 is cut off.

Furthermore, a pressure sensor PS is connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via a sensor connection pipe 6A. The sensor connection pipe 6A is a T-shaped pipe branching from the outside air introduction pipe 6 and extending in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the outside air introduction pipe 6, and is connected to the internal space of the cooking tank 2 via the outside air introduction pipe 6. It's communicating. Pressure sensor PS is connected to outside air introduction pipe 6 via sensor connection pipe 6A. The pressure sensor PS detects the pressure within the cooking tank 2 that communicates with the outside air introduction pipe 6 and the sensor connection pipe 6A. The pressure sensor PS is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the pressure inside the cooking tank 2, but it has waterproofness that does not interfere with pressure detection even if moisture enters the sensor. Preferably it is a pressure sensor. The detection results of the pressure sensor PS are input to a controller 9, which will be described later.

When the decompression pump 3 operates with the outside air introduction valve 611 of the outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 61 provided in the outside air introduction pipe 6 closed, air is sucked from the cooking tank 2. The air sucked from the cooking tank 2 flows through a second pressure reduction pipe 42 toward a first pressure reduction pipe 41 connected to the pressure reduction pump 3, but a second pressure reduction pipe 42 is provided separately from the second pressure reduction pipe 42. It does not flow into the outside air introduction pipe 6. Therefore, moisture and the like contained in the air sucked from the cooking tank 2 are suppressed from entering the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A.

On the other hand, in a state where the outside air introduction valve 611 is closed and the operation of the pressure reducing pump 3 is stopped, it is assumed that moisture etc. will enter the outside air introduction pipe 6 connected to the cooking tank 2. In this case, there is a possibility that moisture etc. may also accumulate around the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A. However, when the outside air introduction valve 611 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe 6, so that the flow of outside air removes moisture etc. that have accumulated around the pressure sensor PS. Can be done. Therefore, moisture and the like are prevented from entering the pressure sensor PS. By operating the pressure reducing pump 3 after opening the outside air introduction valve 611, moisture etc. that have accumulated around the pressure sensor PS can be efficiently removed.

As described above, since moisture and the like are prevented from entering the pressure sensor PS, it is possible to prevent a decrease in detection accuracy and failure of the pressure sensor PS due to the penetration of moisture and the like.

Further, in the outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 61, the stepping motor 612 adjusts the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611 so that the flow rate of outside air introduced into the cooking tank 2 via the outside air introduction pipe 6 changes. In the cooking device 1, while food is being cooked in the cooking tank 2, the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611 can be adjusted by driving the stepping motor 612 while operating the pressure reducing pump 3. Thereby, the pressure in the cooking tank 2 can be adjusted to each of the plurality of target pressures, and the rate of change in the pressure in the cooking tank 2 can be adjusted.

The controller 9 is a control unit that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area for the CPU, and the like. The detection result by the pressure sensor PS is input to the controller 9. Further, the controller 9 is connected to a power source SE and a touch panel TP. When the power supply SE is turned on, the controller 9 controls the touch panel TP, the heater IH, the vacuum pump 3, the stepping motor 612 of the open/close mechanism 61 on the outside air introduction side, and the trap side by executing the control program stored in the ROM by the CPU. It supplies power to the drive motor 712 of the opening/closing mechanism 71 and controls these operations. Note that the touch panel TP has a function as an input section that receives input of various commands from the user of the cooking appliance 1, and also has a function as a display section that displays various information.

The operation of the cooking appliance 1 based on the control of the controller 9 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2.

When the power source SE is turned on (step S1), the controller 9 controls the stepping motor 612 to open the outside air introduction valve 611 (step S2) before operating the pressure reducing pump 3 and the heater IH. As a result, in a case where the power source SE is cut off while the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 remains reduced to less than atmospheric pressure, a flow of outside air is generated in the outside air introduction pipe 6 by turning on the power source SE. Therefore, if moisture, etc. accumulates around the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A, the moisture, etc. is removed by the flow of outside air flowing through the outside air introduction pipe 6. can do.

Furthermore, since outside air is introduced into the cooking tank 2 through the outside air introduction pipe 6 when the power SE is turned on, the power supply SE is shut off while the inside of the cooking tank 2 remains depressurized to less than atmospheric pressure. The pressure inside the cooking tank 2 can be set to atmospheric pressure, such as when Thereby, the lid portion 22 of the cooking tank 2 can be opened.

When the power SE is turned on, the controller 9 controls the drive motor 712 to open the liquid discharge valve 711 (step S3). As a result, when the power supply SE is turned on before cooking in the cooking tank 2, the liquid discharge pipe 7 is in an open state, and the liquid remaining in the trap 5 is passed through the liquid discharge pipe 7 to the trap 5. It can be discharged from

Note that when the power supply SE is turned on, after the controller 9 opens the outside air introduction valve 611, if a detection result indicating that the inside of the cooking tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure is output from the pressure sensor PS, the controller 9 , the liquid discharge valve 711 may be opened. Alternatively, after the controller 9 opens the outside air introduction valve 611, the controller 9 may open the liquid discharge valve 711 when a specific time period determined by conducting experiments or simulations in advance has elapsed. Further, in the above example, the control is explained in which the outside air introduction valve 611 is opened and then the liquid discharge valve 711 is opened, but the control is not limited to this kind of control. For example, the controller 9 determines whether or not the inside of the cooking tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure based on the detection result of the pressure sensor PS. The discharge valve 711 may be opened. Alternatively, when the lid 22 of the cooking tank 2 is open, the controller 9 may open the liquid discharge valve 711 and then open the outside air introduction valve 611.

Next, the controller 9 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed with the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 being opened (step S4). The predetermined time can be set, for example, based on the liquid discharge time and the outside air introduction time, which are determined by conducting experiments or simulations in advance. The liquid discharge time is a time period during which the amount of liquid remaining in the trap 5 after the liquid is discharged from the trap 5 in response to the opening of the liquid discharge valve 711 falls within an allowable range. The outside air introduction time is the time required for the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 to reach atmospheric pressure by introducing outside air into the cooking tank 2 in response to the opening of the outside air introduction valve 611. When the liquid discharge time and the outside air introduction time are the same value, that value is set as the predetermined time. On the other hand, if the liquid discharge time and the outside air introduction time are different values, the longer value is set as the predetermined time.

If the predetermined time has elapsed since the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid material discharge valve 711 were opened (YES in step S4), the controller 9 closes the outside air introduction valve 611 and closes the liquid material discharge valve 711. is closed (step S5).

The controller 9 performs control to display on the touch panel TP a condition input guidance screen that guides input of cooking conditions for ingredients in the cooking tank 2. The touch panel TP receives input regarding instructions for cooking conditions in the cooking tank 2 (step S6). The cooking conditions input to the touch panel TP are input to the controller 9. Examples of the cooking condition commands input to the touch panel TP include commands regarding settings such as a target pressure in the cooking tank 2, a target cooking temperature, and a target cooking time, and commands for selecting a cooking mode. After inputting the cooking conditions via the touch panel TP, a cooking start command is input to the touch panel TP (step S7).

In the flowchart of FIG. 2, step S6 in which cooking conditions are input via the touch panel TP and step S7 in which a cooking start command is input are the same as step S5 in which the outside air intake valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 are closed. It is shown that this will take place later. However, before closing the outside air intake valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711, input of cooking conditions and a cooking start command may be received via the touch panel TP.

Based on the input of the cooking start command via the touch panel TP, the controller 9 operates the pressure reducing pump 3 and the heater IH according to each cooking mode while the outside air intake valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 are closed. At the same time, cooking control is executed by controlling the outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 61 and the trap side opening/closing mechanism 71 (step S8). The details of the cooking control executed by the controller 9 will be described later.

The controller 9 determines whether or not cooking under the set cooking conditions has been completed (step S9). If it is determined that the cooking under the set cooking conditions has been completed (YES in step S9), the controller 9 stops the operation of the vacuum pump 3 and the heater IH to end the cooking in the cooking tank 2 (step S10).

When the operation of the pressure reducing pump 3 and the heater IH is stopped, the controller 9 opens the outside air introduction valve 611 (step S11). As a result, when moisture, etc. is accumulated around the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A, the moisture etc. is removed by the flow of outside air flowing through the outside air introduction pipe 6. can do.

Moreover, since outside air is introduced into the cooking tank 2 via the outside air introduction pipe 6 after cooking in the cooking tank 2 is finished, the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 can be set to atmospheric pressure. Thereby, the lid portion 22 of the cooking tank 2 can be opened.

After finishing cooking in the cooking tank 2, the controller 9 opens the liquid discharge valve 711 (step S12). As a result, the liquid discharge pipe 7 is in an open state after cooking in the cooking tank 2 is finished, and the liquid remaining in the trap 5 can be discharged from the trap 5 through the liquid discharge pipe 7. can.

In addition, after the controller 9 opens the outside air introduction valve 611 after cooking in the cooking tank 2 is finished, if a detection result indicating that the inside of the cooking tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure is output from the pressure sensor PS. , the controller 9 may open the liquid discharge valve 711. Alternatively, after the controller 9 opens the outside air introduction valve 611, the controller 9 may open the liquid discharge valve 711 when a specific time period determined by conducting experiments or simulations in advance has elapsed.

Next, the controller 9 determines whether the predetermined time has elapsed while the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 are open (step S13).

If the predetermined time has elapsed since the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid material discharge valve 711 were opened (YES in step S13), the controller 9 closes the outside air introduction valve 611 and closes the liquid material discharge valve 711. is closed (step S14). When the predetermined time period has elapsed, the outside air introduction valve 611, which was opened after cooking, is closed, so that insects and the like can be prevented from entering the cooking tank 2 from the outside air introduction pipe 6. Similarly, when the predetermined time period has elapsed, the liquid discharge valve 711 that was opened after cooking is closed, thereby preventing insects from entering the trap 5 or the cooking tank 2 from the liquid discharge pipe 7. Can be done. Thereby, the sanitary state of the cooking device 1 can be maintained.

Next, an example of the cooking control in step S8 described above executed by the controller 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3.

In addition, in the cooking device 1, it is possible to select three cooking modes: a reduced pressure heating cooking mode, an impregnation cooking mode, and a manual cooking mode. The reduced-pressure heating cooking mode is a cooking mode in which cooking is performed by reducing the pressure of the cooking tank 2 containing foods to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and heating the food under the reduced pressure. The impregnation cooking mode is a cooking mode in which the cooking conditions include a condition in which the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 is set to atmospheric pressure. Specifically, the impregnation cooking mode includes a reduced pressure cooking process in which food is cooked in a state where the cooking tank 2 containing food is reduced to a pressure below atmospheric pressure, and an atmosphere release process in which food is cooked in a state where the cooking tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure. In this mode, cooking is performed under conditions in which the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 fluctuates between reduced pressure and atmospheric pressure. The manual cooking mode allows the user of the cooking device 1 to change the cooking conditions of the cooking tank 2 to different cooking conditions or manually move to the next cooking condition during cooking in the cooking tank 2. This is a cooking mode that allows you to Here, a case where the impregnation cooking mode is selected from among the three cooking modes will be described.

When cooking conditions are input to the touch panel TP in step S6 and a cooking start command is input to the touch panel TP in step S7, the controller 9 performs cooking control illustrated in FIG. 3.

The controller 9 starts controlling the cooking tank 2 to be heated by the heater IH if necessary according to the cooking conditions (step S821). This heating control is a control that heats the food stored in the cooking tank 2 until the temperature reaches the target cooking temperature and maintains the temperature.

Next, the controller 9 starts operating the pressure reducing pump 3 (step S822). The controller 9 controls the stepping motor 612 while operating the decompression pump 3 according to the target pressure of the cooking tank 2, and performs control to adjust the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611 (step S823). When control is being performed to adjust the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611, outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe 6, so that the outside air flows around the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A. If moisture or the like has accumulated, it can be removed by the flow of outside air.

After starting the control to adjust the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611, the controller 9 determines whether the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 has been reduced to reach the target pressure based on the detection result of the pressure sensor PS. (Step S824).

If it is determined that the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 has been reduced to the target pressure (YES in step S824), the controller 9 maintains the opening degree of the outside air introduction valve 611 (step S825), and operates the pressure reducing pump 3. is maintained (step S826). Thereby, the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 is maintained at the target pressure as the set pressure included in the cooking conditions.

Next, the controller 9 determines whether or not the set pressure reduction time has elapsed while the inside of the cooking tank 2 is maintained at the target pressure (step S827). If it is determined that the set pressure reduction time has elapsed (YES in step S827), the controller 9 adjusts the pressure in the cooking tank 2 as indicated by the set pressure in the cooking tank 2 included in the cooking conditions and the detection result of the pressure sensor PS. Based on at least one of the pressures, the operation of the pressure reducing pump 3 is stopped, and the outside air introduction valve 611 is opened (step S828). That is, the controller 9 stops the operation of the pressure reducing pump 3 while maintaining the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 at the target pressure included in the cooking conditions, and opens the outside air introduction valve 611. As a result, during cooking in the cooking tank 2, the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 changes from the target pressure to the atmospheric pressure. In this case, the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 will fluctuate between reduced pressure and atmospheric pressure during cooking. As a result, when the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 is reduced, air escapes from the food and the food expands, while when the inside of the cooking tank 2 is returned to atmospheric pressure, the expanded food contracts. Therefore, seasonings and the like can be permeated into the inside of the food. Further, when the outside air introduction valve 611 is opened during cooking in the cooking tank 2, outside air flows through the outside air introduction pipe 6. Therefore, even if moisture or the like remains around the pressure sensor PS connected to the outside air introduction pipe 6 via the sensor connection pipe 6A, the moisture or the like can be removed by the flow of outside air.

During cooking in the cooking tank 2, if the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 is assumed to be atmospheric pressure, for example, the controller 9 stops the operation of the pressure reducing pump 3 and opens the outside air introduction valve 611. Afterwards, or when the target pressure is set to atmospheric pressure or when cooking is performed in the cooking mode under atmospheric pressure conditions, the controller 9 opens the liquid discharge valve 711 (step S829). Thereby, the liquid discharge pipe 7 is in an open state during cooking in the cooking tank 2, and the liquid stored in the trap 5 can be discharged from the trap 5 through the liquid discharge pipe 7. Then, since the liquid discharge valve 711 is opened when the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 is assumed to be atmospheric pressure, the liquid discharge valve 711 is opened, so that the liquid discharge pipe 7, the trap 5, and the second pressure reducing pipe 42 are discharged. This prevents outside air from being introduced into the cooking tank 2, thereby preventing the liquid in the trap 5 from flowing into the cooking tank 2 due to the flow of the outside air. However, during cooking in the cooking tank 2, the liquid discharge valve 711 is not necessarily opened when the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 reaches atmospheric pressure. If the inside of the cooking tank 2 reaches atmospheric pressure a plurality of times, the liquid discharge valve 711 may be opened at least once, or this step may be omitted.

Next, the controller 9 determines whether or not the set atmospheric release time has elapsed while the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 are open (step S830). If the set atmospheric release time has elapsed since the outside air introduction valve 611 and the liquid material discharge valve 711 were opened (YES in step S830), the controller 9 closes the outside air introduction valve 611 and discharges the liquid material. Valve 711 is closed (step S831).

When the outside air intake valve 611 and the liquid discharge valve 711 are closed, the controller 9 determines whether the number of pressure fluctuations in which the pressure inside the cooking tank 2 fluctuates between reduced pressure and atmospheric pressure has reached the target number of times. Determination is made (step S832).

If it is determined that the number of pressure fluctuations has reached the target number (YES in step S832), the controller 9 proceeds to step S9 in FIG. Process each step. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of pressure fluctuations has not reached the target number of times (NO in step S832), the controller 9 processes each step from step S822 to step S832 until the number of pressure fluctuations reaches the target number of times. Repeat.

As mentioned above, the trap 5 is at least partially made of a transparent member, and is arranged horizontally on the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A with respect to the cooking tank 2 placed on the heater IH. As shown, the engagement pin 1A2 is placed in a protruding position. Therefore, after the cooking in the cooking tank 2 is finished, the user of the cooking appliance 1 can easily visually check the storage status of the liquid in the trap 5 from the outside.

If liquid remains in the trap 5 and cleaning is required inside the trap 5, the user of the cooking appliance 1 can open the trap lid 52 and clean the inside of the trap body 51 through the opening 511. Can be cleaned.

When removing the trap 5 from the mounting surface 1A1 of the cooking device main body 1A to clean it, the user of the cooking device 1 removes the first pressure reducing pipe connection portion 81, the second pressure reduction pipe connection portion 82, and the liquid discharge pipe. The work of releasing the fitting of each fitting structure of the connecting portion 85 is performed. By this operation, the first pressure reducing pipe 41, the second pressure reducing pipe 42, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 can be disconnected from the trap 5.

Further, the first pressure reducing pipe side fitting part 812 of the first pressure reducing pipe connecting part 81 has a structure that it cannot fit into the third trap side fitting part 851 of the liquid discharge pipe connecting part 85. Therefore, when the user of the cooking appliance 1 connects the first pressure reducing pipe 41, the second pressure reducing pipe 42, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 to the trap 5 after cleaning the trap 5, the first pressure reducing pipe 41 is connected to the liquid discharge pipe 7. It is possible to prevent incorrect connections such as connection to the connection position of the material discharge pipe 7.

Although the cooking device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the following modified embodiments can be adopted.

In the above embodiment, the first pressure reduction pipe connection part 81, the second pressure reduction pipe connection part 82, the third pressure reduction pipe connection part 83, the outside air introduction pipe connection part 84, and the liquid discharge pipe connection part 85 are male type. Although a configuration having a fitting structure composed of a fitting portion and a female fitting portion has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a fitting structure. For example, each pipe connection part 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 may be of a screw type or one that uses a magnet.

Further, the first pressure reducing pipe 41, the second pressure reducing pipe 42, and the liquid discharge pipe 7 may be connected to the trap 5 without using the pipe connecting portions 81, 82, and 85. Similarly, the second pressure reducing pipe 42 and the outside air introduction pipe 6 may be connected to the cooking tank 2 without using the respective pipe connecting parts 83 and 84.

In the above embodiment, the control for opening the liquid discharge valve 711 within a predetermined time when the power supply SE is turned on has been described, but this control may be omitted.

Moreover, although the control for opening the liquid discharge valve 711 when the inside of the cooking tank 2 is at atmospheric pressure during cooking in the cooking tank 2 has been described, this control may be omitted.

Moreover, although the control for opening the liquid discharge valve 711 within a predetermined period of time after the completion of cooking in the cooking tank 2 has been described, this control may be omitted.

1 Cooker 2 Cooking tank 3 Pressure reducing pump 4 Pressure reducing pipe 6 Outside air introduction pipe 61 Outside air introduction side opening/closing mechanism 611 Outside air introduction valve 612 Stepping motor (opening adjustment means)
9 Controller (control unit)
PS pressure sensor

Claims (6)

a pressure reducing pump that generates a suction force to suck air in a cooking tank containing food and reduce the pressure in the cooking tank to a pressure below atmospheric pressure;
a reduced pressure pipe connecting the cooking tank and the reduced pressure pump;
an outside air introduction pipe that introduces outside air into the cooking tank;
an opening/closing mechanism provided in the outside air introduction pipe and having an open/closeable outside air introduction valve;
a pressure sensor connected to the outside air introduction pipe and detecting the pressure in the cooking tank ;
In the cooking appliance, the outside air introduction pipe is provided separately from the pressure reduction pipe and connected to the cooking tank . The opening/closing mechanism has an opening adjustment means for adjusting the opening of the outside air introduction valve so that the flow rate of outside air introduced into the cooking tank via the outside air introduction piping changes. Cooking device. comprising a control unit that controls the decompression pump and the opening/closing mechanism,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the power source of the cooking device is turned on, the control unit performs control to open the outside air introduction valve before operating the pressure reducing pump, and then close the outside air introduction valve. 2. Cooker according to item 2. comprising a control unit that controls the decompression pump and the opening/closing mechanism,
During cooking in the cooking tank according to cooking conditions, the control unit controls the pressure reduction pump based on at least one of a set pressure in the cooking tank and a pressure in the cooking tank included in the cooking conditions. The cooking appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein control is performed to stop the operation, open the outside air introduction valve, and then close the outside air introduction valve. comprising a control unit that controls the decompression pump and the opening/closing mechanism,
3. The control unit controls to stop the operation of the decompression pump, open the outside air introduction valve, and then close the outside air introduction valve after the cooking in the cooking tank is finished. The cooker described in. The cooking appliance according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control unit performs control to close the outside air introduction valve when a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the outside air introduction valve.

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