Heating cooker

Abstract

To provide a light-weight heating cooker having a simpler structure.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: a pot; a housing for accommodating the pot; a heating part disposed so as to face the pot and for heating the pot; and a bottomed cylindrical container for storing materials to be cooked. A plurality of hole parts allowing water to pass therethrough while inhibiting the material to be cooked from passing therethrough are formed on a bottom part of the container. The container is disposed at a cooking position forming a sealed water storage space except for the plurality of hole parts at a space to the pot in the pot. When the container is at the cooking position, the heating part heats the pot and thereby a part of the water stored in the water storage space is heated via the pot and is vaporized, and remaining parts of the water stored in the water storage space partly move into the container through the plurality of the hole parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking device that changes the state of an object to be cooked between a submerged state in which the object is submerged in water and a non-submerged state in which the object is separated from water. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional cooking device of this type is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking device (rice cooker) that includes a pot (inner pot) for containing water, a container (sieve) placed in the pot for containing food to be cooked (rice), a heating unit for heating the pot, and a lifting means for raising and lowering the container within the pot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-38351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The cooking device of Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of simplifying the structure of the cooking device and reducing the weight of the cooking device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight cooking device having a simpler structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking device according to the present invention comprises: A pot and A housing that houses the pot; a heating unit disposed opposite the pot and configured to heat the pot; A cylindrical container with a bottom for accommodating food to be cooked; Equipped with A plurality of holes are formed in the bottom of the container to prevent the food from passing through while allowing water to pass through, the container is placed in the pot at a cooking position to form a sealed water-containing space between the container and the pot except for the plurality of holes; When the container is in the cooking position, the heating unit heats the pot, causing a portion of the water contained in the water storage space to be heated and vaporized through the pot, and a portion of the remaining water contained in the water storage space to move into the container through the multiple holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the cooking device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooking device that is lightweight and has a simpler structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which water is contained in a water containing space. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the bottom of the container of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3 is an enlarged view of a Z1 region in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the holding member is in a holding position. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged view of a Z1 region in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the holding member is in a release position. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3 as seen from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water guide member shown in FIG. 1 as seen from above. [Figure 9] 2 is a perspective view of the water guide member shown in FIG. 1 as seen from below. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which water has entered the inside of a container. [Figure 11] 1 taken along a plane passing through the shaft of the holding member, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the Z1 region in FIG. 2, showing the state in which the holding member is in the holding position. [Figure 12] 1 taken along a plane passing through the shaft of the holding member, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the Z1 region in FIG. 2, showing the state in which the holding member is in the release position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container in a rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention, seen from below. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a modified example of the water guide member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <Findings that form the basis of this invention> The inventors have conducted extensive research to simplify the structure of a cooking device that changes the state of the food being cooked between submerged and non-submerged states, and to make the cooking device lighter, and as a result, have arrived at the following findings.

[0010] When cooking food using a conventional cooking appliance, first, water contained in a pot is heated by the heating unit through the pot. After the water boils, the lifting means lowers the container, so that the food contained in the container is immersed in the boiling water. In other words, the food is submerged. After the food has been boiled for a certain period of time, the lifting means raises the container before the water in the pot is completely gone. As the container is raised, the food contained in the container is fried from the water in the pot and steamed by the steam generated from the water. In other words, the food is placed in a non-submerged state. In this way, in conventional cooking appliances, the container is raised and lowered within the pot by the lifting means, thereby changing the state of the food between submerged and non-submerged.

[0011] However, in conventional cooking devices, the lifting means is configured with a complex mechanism including an actuator, etc., in order to lift and lower the container, which results in a complex structure of the cooking device and a heavy weight of the cooking device.

[0012] After extensive research, the inventors discovered that by utilizing the evaporation of water contained in the pot, the water level in the pot can be raised and lowered, making it possible to change the state of the food being cooked between submerged and non-submerged. Because no lifting means is required to raise and lower the container, the structure of the cooker that changes the state of the food being cooked between submerged and non-submerged can be simplified and made lighter. Based on this novel finding, the inventors arrived at the present invention.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In the drawings, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0014] In the following, for the sake of convenience, terms indicating directions such as "up" and "down" are used assuming the state during normal use, but these terms are not intended to limit the state of use of the heating cooker of the present invention.

[0015] First Embodiment In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below, the cooking device according to the present invention is a rice cooker. The food to be cooked is rice. The overall configuration of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker according to the first embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 1 with a bottom, which has a pot storage compartment 1a formed therein, and a pot 2 stored in the pot storage compartment 1a. The pot 2 stores water during rice cooking. The pot 2 has a bottom 21 and a side 22 extending upward from the edge of the bottom 21. The upper edge of the side 22 is provided with a first flange 23 that protrudes outward, and a second flange 24 that extends from the outer edge of the first flange 23 and protrudes outward above the first flange 23. The pot 2 contains a cylindrical container 3 with a bottom that stores rice, which is the food to be cooked, and a cylindrical water-guiding member 4 that guides water stored in the pot 2 into the container 3. In this embodiment, the opening 33 of the container 3 is circular and can be closed with a lid 7. Two holding members 5 and a tank 6 are attached to the container 3. Tank 6 is configured to receive dew that forms on the inner surface of lid 7 during rice cooking.

[0017] Next, each of the components will be described in more detail. In the following description, the container 3 and the water guide member 4 are assumed to be disposed inside the pot 2, unless otherwise specified.

[0018] The housing 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which water is contained in the water containing space.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, housing 1 faces pot 2 stored in pot storage section 1a and has heating section 11 that heats pot 2, and control section 12 that controls the operation of heating section 11. Heating section 11 is disposed at the bottom of pot storage section 1a so as to be in contact with bottom section 21 of pot 2, for example, and heats the water stored in pot 2 via pot 2. In this embodiment, heating section 11 is an electrically driven heater, but it may also be configured to inductively heat pot 2 using a heating coil, or pot 2 may be heated over an open flame using flammable gas.

[0020] Control unit 12 may simply switch heating unit 11 on and off, or may also adjust the heating power of heating unit 11. In this embodiment, control unit 12 is a thermoswitch that cuts off the power supply to heating unit 11 when bottom 21 of pot 2 reaches a predetermined temperature. However, control unit 12 may also be a microcomputer, integrated circuit, or the like that controls the heating power of heating unit 11 according to a preset process.

[0021] The container 3 and the holding member 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the container shown in Fig. 1 as seen from above. Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the bottom of the container in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of area Z1 in Fig. 2, showing a state in which the holding member is in the holding position. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of area Z1 in Fig. 2, showing a state in which the holding member is in the release position. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the container in Fig. 3 as seen from below.

[0022] 3, the container 3 has a bottom 31 and a side 32 extending upward from the edge of the bottom 31. The upper edge of the side 32 forms an opening 33 of the container 3.

[0023] A plurality of holes 34 are formed in the bottom 31 of the container 3. Each hole 34 prevents the food contained in the container 3 from passing through, but allows water to pass through. The opening area of ​​the holes 34 is configured to prevent the passage of gas generated by evaporation when the water contained in the pot 2 is heated and evaporated by the heating unit 11, thereby increasing the air pressure in the water containing space S1 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later.

[0024] The minimum width of the holes 34 is smaller than the minimum width of the rice stored in the container 3. This prevents the rice from falling through the holes 34 and leaving the container 3. The maximum length of the holes 34 is greater than the maximum length of the rice stored in the container 3.

[0025] 4, in this embodiment, each hole 34 is substantially rectangular, with both ends in the longitudinal direction rounded. In this case, the minimum width of the hole 34 is the length in the short direction, and the maximum length of the hole 34 is the length in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In this embodiment, three holes 34 constitute one group of holes 34, and multiple groups of holes 34 are provided. As shown in Fig. 3, the multiple groups of holes 34 are provided radially from the center of the bottom 31 of the container 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the three holes 34 constituting one group of holes 34 are arranged radially from the center point, spaced apart by 120 degrees. The three holes 34 may be connected, for example, by overlapping the ends of the three holes 34 at the center point.

[0027] 5, the side portion 32 is curved outward in a U-shape at the upper edge of the container 3, thereby forming an upward first groove 35. Furthermore, outward of the first groove 35, a U-shaped extension portion 36 branches off from the upper edge of the container 3, thereby forming an upward second groove 37.

[0028] An annular sealing member 9 is attached to first groove 35. Sealing member 9 is provided to close the gap between side 22 of pot 2 and side 32 of container 3. In this embodiment, sealing member 9 is a gasket that contacts the upper surface of first flange 23 of pot 2 to close the gap.

[0029] 7, the second groove portion 37 is provided with attachment portions 38 for attaching the holding member 5 (see FIG. 1) to the container 3. In this embodiment, two attachment portions 38 are provided for one holding member 5.

[0030] 1, the holding member 5 has a main body 51 and two shaft portions 52 attached to the attachment portion 38 of the container 3. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 38 is configured as a bearing portion that receives the shaft portions 52. By attaching the shaft portions 52 to the attachment portion 38, the holding member 5 can rotate around the tangential direction of the opening 33 of the container 3 at least between the holding position shown in FIG. 5 and the release position shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing area Z1 in Fig. 2 in a cross section taken along a plane passing through the axial portion of the holding member of the rice cooker of Fig. 1, illustrating a state in which the holding member is in the holding position. Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing area Z1 in Fig. 2 in a cross section taken along a plane passing through the axial portion of the holding member of the rice cooker of Fig. 1, illustrating a state in which the holding member is in the release position.

[0032] As shown in Figure 11, when the container 3 is in the cooking position, the mounting portion 38 of the container 3 (see Figure 7) and the shaft portion 52 of the holding member 5 received in the mounting portion 38 are positioned above the second flange portion 24 of the pot 2.

[0033] 5, when the holding member 5 is in the holding position, a portion of the main body 51 is located below the second flange portion 24 of the pot 2 and makes upward contact with the underside of the second flange portion 24. This contact prevents upward movement of the container 3 relative to the pot 2, and holds the container 3 in the cooking position. In other words, the position of the container 3 relative to the pot 2 is maintained.

[0034] 6, when the holding member 5 is in the released position, the main body 51 does not contact the underside of the second flange portion 24, and the container 3 can be moved upward. In other words, when the holding member 5 is in the released position, the container 3 can be put in or taken out of the pot 2.

[0035] The holding member 5 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it can hold the container 3 in the cooking position. Also, for example, if the container 3 itself or the food inside the container 3 is sufficiently heavy so that the container 3 does not move upward during cooking, the holding member 5 may not be provided.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 , the container 3 is placed in the pot 2 so as to form a water storage space S1 between the container 3 and the pot 2 that is sealed except for the multiple holes 34. The position of the container 3 when the water storage space S1 is sealed except for the multiple holes 34 is called the cooking position. In this embodiment, the contact between the sealing member 9 of the container 3 and the first flange portion 23 of the pot 2 closes the gap between the side portion 22 of the pot 2 and the side portion 32 of the container 3, thereby forming a water storage space S1 that is sealed except for the multiple holes 34. That is, in this embodiment, the container 3 is in the cooking position when the sealing member 9 and the first flange portion 23 are in contact.

[0037] A water-conducting member 4 is disposed in the water containing space S1. That is, the water-conducting member 4 is provided below the container 3 within the pot 2. The water-conducting member 4 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction, and has an upper opening 41 and a lower opening 42. The upper opening 41 surrounds the entire hole 34 of the container 3 in a plan view.

[0038] In this embodiment, the water guide member 4 is funnel-shaped overall and is composed of a tapered section 43 that tapers downward from an upper opening 41, and a pipe section 44 that extends between the lower end of the tapered section 43 and the lower opening 42. The pipe section 44 extends in the vertical direction and has a constant diameter throughout its entire length. In the water guide member 4 configured in this way, the area of ​​the lower opening 42 in a plan view is smaller than the area of ​​the upper opening 41 in a plan view.

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the water guide member shown in Figure 1, seen from above. As shown in Figure 8, an upper edge 48 of the water guide member 4 is formed with a connection hole 45 configured to receive a protrusion 39 (see Figure 7) provided on the bottom 31 of the container 3. The protrusion 39 is received in the connection hole 45, whereby the water guide member 4 is connected to the outer surface of the container 3. In this case, the upper edge 48 of the water guide member 4 may be connected to the bottom 31 of the container 3.

[0040] 2, the water containing space S1 is partitioned by the water guide member 4 into a first space S11, which is the interior of the water guide member 4, and a second space S12, which is sealed except for a lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4. The first space S11 liquid-communicates between the lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4 and the hole 34 of the container 3. In this embodiment, the first space S11 is sealed except for the lower opening 42 and the hole 34.

[0041] The second space S12 is provided with a cylindrical peripheral wall 8 that surrounds the water guide member 4 in a plan view. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the water guide member shown in Fig. 1, viewed from below. As shown in Fig. 9, the peripheral wall 8 has a closed upper edge 81 that surrounds the water guide member 4, and a lower opening 82. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 8 is integrally formed with the water guide member 4. The upper edge 81 is connected to the outer surface of the tapered portion 43 (the surface facing downward in Fig. 2), so that it is closed and not open.

[0042] In this embodiment, the lower opening 82 surrounds the entire heating section 11 in a plan view, but it is sufficient if it surrounds at least a part of the heating section 11 in a plan view. As shown in Fig. 2, the lower opening 82 is located lower than the lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4. In other words, the lowermost part of the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall section 8 is located lower than the lowermost part of the lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4.

[0043] In the second space S12, the peripheral wall portion 8 defines an intra-wall space S21 surrounded by the water guide member 4 and the peripheral wall portion 8, and an extra-wall space S22 located outside the peripheral wall portion 8.

[0044] 8 and 9, a water passage opening 46 is formed in the portion of the tapered portion 43 facing the extra-wall space S22, providing liquid communication between the extra-wall space S22 and the interior of the water-conducting member 4 (i.e., the first space S11). The water passage opening 46 is configured to allow water to move from the extra-wall space S22 to the interior of the water-conducting member 4 when the water-conducting member 4 is immersed in water contained in the pot 2. In this embodiment, the water passage opening 46 penetrates in the vertical direction, but may penetrate in a direction intersecting the vertical direction depending on the shape of the water-conducting member 4.

[0045] An exhaust hole 47 is formed in the portion of the tapered portion 43 facing the intra-wall space S21, providing gas communication between the intra-wall space S21 and the interior of the water guide member 4 (i.e., the first space S11). The exhaust hole 47 is configured to exhaust gas from the intra-wall space S21 into the interior of the water guide member 4 when the water guide member 4 is immersed in water contained in the pot 2. In order to achieve this exhaust, the exhaust hole 47 is provided at a height that prevents the water guide member 4 from being immersed in the water contained in the pot 2 when the water guide member 4 is placed in the pot 2.

[0046] The exhaust hole 47 is preferably small enough to increase the air pressure in the wall space S21 when the water contained in the pot 2 is heated. For example, the opening area of ​​the exhaust hole 47 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the water passage opening 46. Furthermore, the opening area of ​​the exhaust hole 47 may be smaller than the opening area of ​​one of the holes 34. For example, when the diameter of the upper edge 48 of the water guide member 4 is 22 cm, the diameter of the exhaust hole 47 is 2 mm.

[0047] Next, an example of a method of using the rice cooker according to this embodiment and its operation will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 10. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which water has entered the container.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, a container 3 and a water guide member 4 are placed in a pot 2 stored in the pot storage section 1a of the housing 1. The water to be stored in the water storage space S1 may be poured into the pot 2 before the container 3 and the water guide member 4 are installed, or may be supplied to the water storage space S1 through the hole 34 of the container 3 after the container 3 and the water guide member 4 are installed. When water is supplied through the hole 34, the tapered portion 43 of the water guide member 4 prevents water from accumulating on the inner surface of the water guide member 4. This reduces the possibility of a shortage of water stored in the water storage space S1.

[0049] The connection between the container 3 and the water guide member 4 may be made either before or after installation in the pot 2. In the following description, the container 3 and the water guide member 4, which are connected to each other, will be installed in the pot 2 containing water.

[0050] When placing the container 3, grasp the extension 36 of the container 3 with both hands, push up the main body 51 of the holding member 5 with your fingers, and rotate it to the release position shown in Figure 12. When in the release position, the holding member 5 does not come into contact with the second flange 24 of the pot 2. In other words, the container 3 can be put in and taken out of the pot 2.

[0051] After placing the container 3 in the cooking position, when the user releases his / her finger from the body 51 of the holding member 5, the holding member 5 rotates around the shaft 52 due to gravity and is placed in the holding position shown in FIG. 11 . When in the holding position, the holding member 5 contacts the underside of the second flange 24 with its upward facing surface. This prevents the container 3 from moving upward and holds the container 3 in the cooking position. Because the holding member 5 rotates automatically from the release position to the holding position, the container 3 can be held more securely in the cooking position.

[0052] When the water-guiding member 4 is immersed in the water in the pot 2, the gas in the intra-wall space S21 is discharged into the water-guiding member 4 through the exhaust holes 47 (see FIG. 9). This discharge allows water to enter the intra-wall space S21 even if the upper edge 81 of the peripheral wall 8 is closed.

[0053] However, if the water-conducting member 4 is rapidly immersed in water, the gas in the intra-wall space S21 cannot be sufficiently discharged, and the gas in the intra-wall space S21 may displace the water in the pot 2. The displaced water enters the inside of the water-conducting member 4 through the lower opening 42 and also flows upward into the extra-wall space S22 from below the peripheral wall portion 8. At this time, some of the water that has entered the extra-wall space S22 is guided into the inside of the water-conducting member 4 through the water-passing opening 46 (see FIG. 8).

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, once the installation of the container 3 and the water guide member 4 is complete, the water storage space S1 is sealed except for the hole 34 of the container 3. At this time, the water level in the water storage space S1 (indicated by the symbol W in Figure 2) is higher than the lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4 and lower than the bottom 31 of the container 3. In other words, the rice (not shown) stored in the container 3 is separated from the water and is in a non-submerged state. In this embodiment, the water level is higher than the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall 8.

[0055] Next, heating by the heating unit 11 begins. The water contained in the water containing space S1 is heated and vaporized through the pot 2, and the gas generated by the vaporization is collected in the in-wall space S21. Because the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall 8 surrounds the heating unit 11 in a plan view, the gas generated by the vaporization is enclosed in the in-wall space S21 by the peripheral wall 8. When the gas is collected in the in-wall space S21, the gas generates a buoyant force on the container 3 and the water guide member 4. However, because the holding member 5 maintains the position of the container 3 relative to the pot 2, the container 3 and the water guide member 4 do not move upward, and the container 3 is held in the cooking position.

[0056] In the intra-wall space S21, the air pressure increases due to the collection of gas, and the water surface is pushed down as shown in Figure 10. At this time, the water contained in the intra-wall space S21 enters the first space S11 through the lower opening 42 of the water-guiding member 4 and then enters the inside of the container 3 through the hole 34. In this way, the rice contained in the container 3 becomes submerged in water.

[0057] Before coming into contact with the water, the rice is not in contact with the heated pot 2, and is therefore cooler than the water that is in contact with the pot 2 and being heated. Therefore, the water that enters the container 3 is cooled by contact with the rice, even though it is heated via the pot 2. When the temperature of the water drops, the gas in the intra-wall space S21 liquefies, causing the air pressure in the intra-wall space S21 to decrease, and at least some of the water that entered the container 3 is drawn back into the water storage space S1. In other words, the water level in the container 3 rises as the water enters the container 3, and then temporarily begins to decrease. This change in the water level allows rice that is unevenly distributed in the container 3 (for example, rice that is distributed in a mound) to be leveled out.

[0058] The heating power of the heating unit 11 is maintained constant from the time the water enters the container 3. As a result, the temperature of the water contained in the pot 2 rises, the air pressure in the intra-wall space S21 increases, and the water again enters the container 3. If the temperature difference between the water and the rice is still large at this time, the water will be drawn back again. On the other hand, if the temperature difference is small, the water will continue to enter the container 3 until the water level in the intra-wall space S21 reaches the lower opening 42 of the water-conducting member 4 or until heating by the heating unit 11 is reduced or stopped.

[0059] Heating unit 11 is stopped after the rice is cooked but before the water contained in pot 2 is completely lost. In this embodiment, when the temperature of bottom 21 of pot 2 reaches a preset temperature, a thermoswitch, which is control unit 12, cuts off the power supply to heating unit 11.

[0060] When the heating unit 11 is stopped, the temperature of the water contained in the pot 2 drops, the gas in the intra-wall space S21 liquefies, and the water in the container 3 is drawn back into the water containing space. As a result, the rice contained in the container 3 is separated from the water and becomes non-submerged. The rice is then steamed by the steam (steam) generated from the water contained in the water containing space, and the rice cooking is completed. Note that instead of stopping the heating unit 11, the heating power may be weakened to the extent that the water in the container 3 is drawn back into the water containing space.

[0061] According to this embodiment, as a portion of the water contained in the water containing space S1 evaporates, the air pressure in the water containing space S1 increases and becomes higher than the air pressure inside the container 3. Due to the increase in air pressure in the water containing space S1, the unevaporated water in the water containing space S1 can be sent into the container 3 through the hole 34 of the container 3. In other words, the rice contained in the container 3 can be boiled in a submerged state.

[0062] When the gas in the water storage space S1 cools and liquefies, the air pressure in the water storage space S1 decreases, and the water in the container 3 is drawn back into the water storage space S1 through the hole 34. This separates the rice in the container 3 from the water and keeps it out of the water.

[0063] According to this embodiment, by using the evaporation of water contained in pot 2 to raise and lower the water level in pot 2, it is possible to change the state of rice between submerged and non-submerged without raising and lowering container 3. This allows the structure of the rice cooker to be simpler and lighter.

[0064] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the gas generated by evaporation does not reach the holes 34 of the container 3 unless it enters the first space S11 through the lower opening 42 of the water-guiding member 4, and is instead collected in the second space S12, which is sealed except for the lower opening 42 of the water-guiding member 4. As a result, the air pressure in the second space S12 becomes higher than the air pressure in the first space S11, and the water contained in the second space S12 enters the first space S11 through the lower opening 42 and is sent into the container 3 through the holes 34. In this way, the rice contained in the container 3 is submerged in water.

[0065] When the heating by the heating unit 11 is reduced or stopped, the air pressure in the second space S12 decreases due to the liquefaction of the gas collected in the second space S12, and the water in the container 3 is drawn back into the second space S12 through the first space S11. In this way, the rice can be separated from the water and placed in a non-submerged state.

[0066] Therefore, by using the evaporation of water contained in pot 2 to raise and lower the water level in pot 2, the rice can be changed between a submerged and non-submerged state without raising and lowering container 3.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the lower opening 42 of the water guide member 4 is smaller than the area of ​​the upper opening 41, so that the amount of gas collected in the second space S12 can be increased. Therefore, the air pressure in the second space S12 can be increased more quickly, and the time required to deliver a certain amount of water from the water containing space S1 to the inside of the container 3 can be shortened.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the provision of the peripheral wall 8 allows the gas generated by evaporation to be enclosed and collected in the intra-wall space S21. By enclosing the gas, the air pressure in the intra-wall space S21 can be increased more rapidly than in the second space S12 in a configuration without the peripheral wall 8. Therefore, the time required for a certain amount of water to be delivered from the water storage space S1 to the inside of the container 3 can be shortened until the water level in the intra-wall space S21 reaches the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall 8.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall 8 is located below the lower opening 42 of the water-guiding member 4, so the water level in the intra-wall space S21 reaches the lower opening 42 of the water-guiding member 4 earlier than the lower opening 82 of the peripheral wall 8. In other words, throughout the period in which water is being delivered, it is possible to shorten the time required to deliver a certain amount of water from the water containing space S1 to the inside of the container 3.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since water passage opening 46 is formed, when water guide member 4 is placed on pot 2 containing water, at least a portion of the water that has flowed into extra-wall space S22 can be guided into water guide member 4. This reduces the possibility that water that has flowed into extra-wall space S22 will flow between upper opening 41 of water guide member 4 and side portion 22 of pot 2 and splash out of pot 2.

[0071] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the exhaust holes 47 are formed, so that when the water guide member 4 is placed on a pot 2 containing water, gas in the intra-wall space S21 can be exhausted into the water guide member 4. This exhaust makes it easier for the water contained in the pot 2 to enter the intra-wall space S21, reducing the possibility that the water level in the intra-wall space S21 will be lower than desired. This makes it possible to more reliably deliver water from the water containing space S1 to the inside of the container 3.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing member 9 closes the gap between the pot 2 and the side 32 of the container 3, making it possible to reduce the volume of the water storage space S1 compared to a configuration in which the sealing member 9 is positioned further up. This allows the air pressure in the water storage space S1 to rise rapidly when the water stored in the water storage space S1 is heated, thereby shortening the time required to deliver a certain amount of water from the water storage space S1 to the inside of the container 3.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the heating power of heating unit 11 is maintained constant after water enters container 3, so the temperature of the water that has been cooled by contact with the rice can be raised again and the water can enter container 3 again. As a result, the water level in container 3 can be temporarily lowered and then raised again, and this change in water level can even out the rice contained in container 3. Therefore, the rice can be heated evenly, and variations in the taste and texture of the cooked rice can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, at least one of the holes 34 has a maximum length greater than the maximum length of rice contained in the container 3, which reduces the possibility of the holes 34 being blocked by rice compared to a configuration in which the maximum length of the holes 34 is equal to or less than the maximum length of rice contained in the container 3. This allows for more reliable movement of water between the water containing space S1 and the interior of the container 3.

[0075] Second Embodiment A rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 13. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the container in the rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Note that the mounting portion 38 of the container 3 is omitted in Figure 13. The rice cooker according to the second embodiment differs from the rice cooker according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a peripheral wall portion 8.

[0076] 13, in the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, the container 3 has a cylindrical water guide member 4 extending downward from the bottom 31. In other words, the water guide member 4 is not detachable from the container 3, but is integrated with the container 3.

[0077] The cylindrical water guide member 4 has an annular upper edge 48 that is a connection portion with the bottom 31 of the container 3, and a lower opening 42. In a plan view, the upper edge 48 surrounds all of the holes 34 of the container 3. The water guide member 4 has a constant diameter over the entire length from the upper edge 48 to the lower opening 42. In other words, in a plan view, the area of ​​the portion surrounded by the upper edge 48 is the same or approximately the same as the area of ​​the lower opening 42.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various other forms. For example, in the above description, the cooking appliance is a rice cooker and the food to be cooked is rice, but the present invention is not limited to this. The food to be cooked may be anything that can be boiled in heated water and then fried from the water, such as vegetables or noodles. The cooking appliance may be one that cooks rice and other food ingredients, or one that cooks food ingredients other than rice.

[0079] In the above description, the container 3 and the water-conducting member 4 are connected by inserting the projections 39 of the container 3 into the connecting holes 45 of the water-conducting member 4, but they may be connected by other methods. The container 3 may not be connected to the water-conducting member 4, but may simply be placed on the water-conducting member 4 inside the pot 2. Alternatively, the container 3 may be integrated with the water-conducting member 4.

[0080] Furthermore, although the sealing member 9 is described above as being placed in the first groove 35 of the container 3, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it can close the gap between the side 22 of the pot 2 and the side 32 of the container 3. For example, the sealing member 9 may be placed around the bottom 31 of the container 3 to close the gap when the container 3 is placed in the pot 2. In this case, it is possible to prevent water and gas from entering the gap and further reduce the volume of the water storage space S1.

[0081] Furthermore, although the water guide member 4 has been described above as having a tapered portion 43 that tapers downward from the upper opening 41, the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing a modified example of the water guide member. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the upper edge portion 81 of the peripheral wall portion 8 is connected to the bottom portion 31 of the container 3. The water guide member 4 has a pipe portion 44 and a top surface portion 43A that extends between the upper end of the pipe portion 44 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 8 and forms the top surface of the intra-wall space S21. The top surface portion 43A slopes downward from the upper end of the pipe portion 44 toward the peripheral wall portion 8.

[0082] Furthermore, although the peripheral wall 8 is described above as being integrated with the water guide member 4 and extending downward from the tapered portion 43, it may be detachable from the water guide member 4. It is sufficient that the peripheral wall 8 can form a space capable of collecting gas between itself and the water guide member 4. For example, the upper edge 81 of the peripheral wall 8 may be connected to the bottom 31 of the container 3, rather than to the water guide member 4.

[0083] Any of the various embodiments described above may be combined appropriately to achieve the effects of each embodiment.

[0084] The present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

[0085] <Outline of the embodiment> According to a first aspect of the present invention, Pot (2) and a housing (1) for accommodating the pot (2); a heating unit (11) disposed opposite the pot (2) and configured to heat the pot (2); A cylindrical container (3) with a bottom for containing food to be cooked; Equipped with The bottom (31) of the container (3) is formed with a plurality of holes (34) that prevent the food from passing through while allowing water to pass through. the container (3) is placed in the pot (2) at a cooking position to form a water-containing space (S1) sealed between the container (3) and the pot (2) except for the plurality of holes (34); The cooking device is configured such that when the container (3) is in the cooking position, the heating section (11) heats the pot (2), so that part of the water contained in the water containing space (S1) is heated and vaporized through the pot (2), and part of the remaining water contained in the water containing space (S1) moves into the container (3) through the plurality of holes (34).

[0086] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical water guide member (4) disposed in the water storage space (S1) and guiding water stored in the water storage space (S1) to the plurality of holes (34); The water guide member (4) extends in the vertical direction and has an upper opening (41) and a lower opening (42), The upper opening (41) surrounds the plurality of holes (34) in a plan view seen in the up-down direction, The water guide member (4) divides the water storage space (S1) into The cooking device according to the first aspect is configured to divide the cooking device into a first space (S11) including the internal space of the water guide member (4) and providing liquid communication between the plurality of holes (34) and the lower opening (42), and a second space (S12) sealed except for the lower opening (42).

[0087] According to a third aspect of the present invention, The water guide member (4) has a tapered portion (43) that tapers downward from the upper opening (41), In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooking device, wherein the area of ​​the lower opening (42) is smaller than the area of ​​the upper opening (41) in the plan view.

[0088] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical peripheral wall portion (8) disposed in the water storage space (S1) and surrounding the water guide member (4) in the plan view; The peripheral wall portion (8) has a closed upper edge portion (81) surrounding the water guide member (4) and a lower opening portion (82), the heating section (11) is disposed so as to be surrounded by the lower opening (82) of the peripheral wall section (8) in the plan view, In the cooking device according to the second or third aspect, the peripheral wall portion (8) forms an intra-wall space (S21) between the peripheral wall portion (8) and the water guide member (4).

[0089] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, When the container (3) is in the cooking position, the lowest portion of the lower opening (82) of the peripheral wall portion (8) is located lower than the lowest portion of the lower opening (42) of the water guide member (4). A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a cooking device.

[0090] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, The upper edge (81) of the peripheral wall (8) is connected to the outer surface of the water guide member (4) and closed. The cooking device according to the fourth or fifth aspect is provided, wherein the water guide member (4) has a water passage opening (46) formed therein for moving water contained in the pot (2) from the space outside the peripheral wall portion (8) to the inside of the water guide member (4) when the water guide member (4) is placed in the pot (2) containing water.

[0091] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, The water guide member (4) is formed with an exhaust hole (47) for exhausting gas in the wall space (S21) into the water guide member (4) when the water guide member (4) is placed in the pot (2) containing water, In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooking device, wherein an opening area of ​​the exhaust hole (47) is smaller than an opening area of ​​the water passage opening (46).

[0092] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, The cooking device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is provided with a sealing member (9) that seals a gap between the pan (2) and the side portion (32) of the container (3).

[0093] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, The heating cooker according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided, wherein the heating section (11) maintains a constant heating power after the water contained in the water containing space (S1) enters the inside of the container (3) when the container (3) is in the cooking position.

[0094] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, The food to be cooked is rice, The present invention provides the cooking device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the plurality of holes (34) have a minimum width smaller than a minimum width of rice contained in the container (3).

[0095] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a cooking device according to the present invention, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes (34) has a maximum length greater than a maximum length of the rice.

[0096] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, The cooking device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects includes a holding member (5) that holds the container (3) at the cooking position. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The cooking device according to the present invention can be a lightweight cooking device having a simpler structure, and is therefore useful as a cooking device for home and commercial use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 chassis 11 Heating section 2. Pot 21 Bottom 3 containers 31 Bottom 32 Side 34 Hole 4 Water conduction members 41 Upper opening 42 Lower opening 43 Tapered section 46 Water opening 47 Exhaust hole 5. Retaining member 8 Peripheral wall 81 Upper edge 82 Lower opening 9 Sealing member

Claims

1. A pot and A housing that houses the pot; a heating unit disposed opposite the pot and configured to heat the pot; A cylindrical container with a bottom for accommodating food to be cooked; Equipped with A plurality of holes are formed in the bottom of the container to prevent the food from passing through while allowing water to pass through, the container is placed in the pot at a cooking position to form a sealed water-containing space between the container and the pot except for the plurality of holes; A cooking device configured such that when the container is in the cooking position, the heating unit heats the pot, causing a portion of the water contained in the water storage space to be heated and vaporized through the pot, and causing a portion of the remaining water contained in the water storage space to move into the container through the multiple holes.

2. a cylindrical water guide member disposed in the water storage space and guiding the water stored in the water storage space to the plurality of holes; The water guide member extends in a vertical direction and has an upper opening and a lower opening, the upper opening surrounds the plurality of holes in a plan view seen in the up-down direction, The water guide member divides the water storage space into 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the cooking device is configured to divide the water guide member into a first space that includes an internal space thereof and that provides liquid communication between the plurality of holes and the lower opening, and a second space that is sealed except for the lower opening.

3. The water guide member has a tapered portion that tapers downward from the upper opening, The cooking device according to claim 2 , wherein an area of ​​the lower opening is smaller than an area of ​​the upper opening in the plan view.

4. a cylindrical peripheral wall portion disposed in the water storage space and surrounding the water guide member in the plan view; The peripheral wall portion has a closed upper edge portion surrounding the water guide member and a lower opening portion, the heating portion is disposed so as to be surrounded by the lower opening of the peripheral wall portion in the plan view, The cooking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the peripheral wall portion is configured to form an intra-wall space between the peripheral wall portion and the water guide member.

5. The cooking device according to claim 4 , wherein when the container is in the cooking position, a lowermost portion of the lower opening of the peripheral wall portion is positioned lower than a lowermost portion of the lower opening of the water guide member.

6. an upper edge of the peripheral wall portion is connected to an outer surface of the water guide member and closed; 5. The cooking device according to claim 4, wherein the water guide member is formed with a water passage opening for moving water contained in the pot from the space outside the peripheral wall portion to the inside of the water guide member when the water guide member is placed in the pot containing water.

7. The water guide member is formed with an exhaust hole portion for discharging gas in the wall space into the water guide member when the water guide member is placed in the pot containing water, The cooking device according to claim 6 , wherein an opening area of ​​the exhaust hole portion is smaller than an opening area of ​​the water passage opening portion.

8. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sealing member that closes a gap between the pot and a side of the container.

9. The heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating unit maintains a constant heating power after the water contained in the water containing space enters the inside of the container when the container is in the cooking position.

10. The food to be cooked is rice, 4. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes have a minimum width smaller than a minimum width of rice contained in the container.

11. The cooking device according to claim 10 , wherein at least one of the plurality of holes has a maximum length greater than a maximum length of the rice.

12. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a holding member that holds the container at the cooking position.

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