Engagement mechanism

The rice cooker lid mechanism addresses misalignment issues by using a guide groove for smooth locking and stabilizing features, ensuring effective and reliable operation.

JP2025172358APending Publication Date: 2025-11-26TIGER CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024077825
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-13
Publication Date
2025-11-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing rice cooker lid mechanism faces issues with smooth locking due to misalignment of the hook and engaging member, leading to potential locking failures.

Method used

A locking mechanism with a guide groove for the rib to minimize misalignment, allowing the rib to pass through and ensure smooth locking, and additional features to prevent rattling and maintain pressure accuracy.

Benefits of technology

The mechanism ensures smooth locking and minimizes rattling, maintaining pressure accuracy by guiding the rib through a groove and using biasing forces to stabilize the locked portions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an engagement mechanism capable of engaging an engagement part to an engaged part as smoothly as possible.SOLUTION: An engagement mechanism 145 according to the present invention engages an engaged part IB4 including a rib IB5, and includes: an engagement part LL formed with a guide groove GR to which the rib can pass, the engagement part LL being capable of engaging with the engaged part; and an energization part that energizes the engagement part against the engaged part. The rib passes the guide groove while contacting a wall surface GR1 of the guide groove and moves the engagement part so as to be against an energization force of the energization part, and then, the engagement part is engaged with respect to the engaged part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, a rice cooker lid has been proposed in which "a heat sink plate large enough to cover the inner pot opening on the rice cooker body side is attached to the underside of the lid member, a heater is attached between the heat sink plate and the lid member, a gasket is attached to the outer edge of the heat sink plate that fits tightly around the periphery of the opening of the inner pot, and a hook is attached to the lid member to engage with a hook lever on the rice cooker body; the heater is attached to the upper surface of a heater cover fixed to the lid member, the heat sink plate is placed on the underside of the heater cover, and an engaging member on the heat sink is detachably engaged with the hook, the hook is slidably attached so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the lid member, an elastic body is engaged with the hook to urge it inward, and the engaging member is engaged with the hook so that the tip of the hook protrudes outward from the lid member against the urging force of the elastic body" (see, for example, JP 10-243873 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-243873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described lid, the hook is locked to the engaging member after the engaging member moves the hook against the biasing force of the elastic body while abutting against the hook. However, with the above-described lid, if the engaging member abuts against the hook while being out of position, the hook cannot be moved smoothly, and there is a risk that the hook cannot be smoothly locked to the engaging member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism that can lock a locking portion onto a locked portion as smoothly as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A locking mechanism according to a first aspect of the present invention is a locking mechanism for locking a locked portion having a rib, and includes a locking portion and a biasing portion. The locking portion is formed with a guide groove through which the rib can pass. The locking portion can be locked to the locked portion. The biasing portion biases the locking portion toward the locked portion. The rib moves the locking portion through the guide groove while abutting against the wall surface of the guide groove against the biasing force of the biasing portion, and then the locking portion is locked to the locked portion.

[0007] According to the above configuration, by guiding the rib with the guide groove so that the rib passes through the guide groove, it is possible to minimize misalignment of the locked portion relative to the locking portion. Therefore, with this locking mechanism, it is possible to minimize the risk that the locked portion will abut on the locking portion when the locked portion is misaligned. Therefore, with this locking mechanism, it is possible to lock the locking portion to the locked portion as smoothly as possible.

[0008] A locking mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention is the locking mechanism according to the first aspect, wherein the locked portion further has an inclined surface, and the locking portion is locked to the locked portion in a state of contact with the inclined surface.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion, the locked portion can be moved in a direction different from the biasing direction of the biasing portion. Therefore, with this locking mechanism, for example, when an abutment portion is provided at the other end of the other direction, the locked portion and the abutment portion can be brought into abutment with each other, thereby minimizing rattle between the locked portion and the abutment portion.

[0010] A locking mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is the locking mechanism according to the first aspect, further comprising a base and a supported portion. The base extends from the locked portion to a side opposite the locking portion. The supported portion extends from the base to a side opposite the locked portion. When the locking portion is locked to the locked portion, the biasing portion biases the supported portion toward the side opposite the base via the locking portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, for example, when a support portion is provided on the opposite side of the base side of the supported portion, and the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion and the supported portion is supported by the support portion, etc., the biasing force of the biasing portion can minimize positional shifts between the engaged portion, the base, and the supported portion.

[0012] A locking mechanism according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the locking mechanism according to the second aspect, further comprising a base, a pressure valve, and an abutment portion. An opening is formed in the base. The base extends from the locked portion to the side opposite the locking portion. The pressure valve is capable of opening and closing the opening. The abutment portion is provided on the pressure valve side of the base and abuts against the base when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion. The abutment portion is provided near the pressure valve.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of rattle between the base portion and the abutment portion, and therefore, with this locking mechanism, it is possible to minimize the reduction in pressure accuracy of the pressure valve due to rattle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane passing through the center in the left-right direction and along the up-down and front-rear direction. Note that this figure shows the state in which the inner lid is attached to the lid body. [Figure 2] 1 is a bottom view of the lid according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the inner lid is attached to the lid. [Figure 3] 1 is a bottom view of the lid according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the inner lid is not attached to the lid. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the lid and hinge mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lid locking mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the inner lid lever of the lid locking mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the inner lid lever of the lid locking mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an inner cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lid locking mechanism and its surroundings taken along a plane passing through the center of the lid body in the left-right direction and along the up-down and front-rear direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that this figure shows the intermediate stage until the inner lid is attached to the lid body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] <Configuration of rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention> As shown in Figure 1, a rice cooker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mainly composed of a main body 110, an inner pot 130, a lid 140, and a hinge mechanism 150. These components will be described in detail below.

[0016] (1) Main unit 1, the main body 110 is mainly composed of a housing 111, an induction heating coil 113, a heat retention heater HT, a center sensor 114, a blower fan 115, a heat sink 116, a control board 118, an automatic retractable power cord unit 119, and a latched portion 120. These components will be described in detail below.

[0017] (1-1) Cabinet 1, the housing 111 is mainly composed of a housing 111a, a shoulder member 111c, a protective frame 111d, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0018] (1-1-1) Containment Unit As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 111a is mainly composed of a side wall Aa and a bottom wall Ab. These components will be described in detail below. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 111a houses an induction heating coil 113, a heat retention heater HT, a center sensor 114, a blower fan 115, a heat sink 116, a control board 118, an automatic retractable power cord unit 119, and a locked portion 120.

[0019] The side wall Aa is an enclosing wall portion having a generally rounded rectangular shape in a plan view, and forms the side surface of the main body 110, as shown in Fig. 1. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, a shoulder member 111c is attached to the upper end of the side wall Aa.

[0020] The bottom wall Ab is a wall portion having a substantially rounded rectangular shape in a plan view, and as shown in FIG. 1, closes the lower opening of the side wall Aa. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom wall Ab has leg portions Ab1 extending downward. An exhaust port (not shown) for discharging air inside the housing 111 to the outside of the housing 111 is formed in the front portion of the bottom wall Ab, and an air intake port Ab2 (see FIG. 1) for drawing air outside the housing 111 into the inside of the housing 111 is formed in the rear portion of the bottom wall Ab. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, a blower fan 115 is disposed directly above the air intake port Ab2. When the blower fan 115 is driven, air outside the housing 111 is drawn into the inside of the housing 111 through the air intake port Ab2, and the resulting air flow causes air inside the housing 111 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 111 through the exhaust port.

[0021] (1-1-2) Shoulder member As described above, the shoulder member 111c is attached to the upper end of the side wall Aa of the container 111a. As shown in Fig. 1, the flange portion Db of the protective frame 111d is attached to the underside of the shoulder member 111c. An opening for passing the inner bowl 130 is formed in the center of the shoulder member 111c. An opening for passing the claw portion of the latched portion 120 is also formed in the front of the shoulder member 111c (more specifically, in the area forward of the opening for passing the inner bowl 130).

[0022] (1-1-3) Protective frame The protective frame 111d accommodates the inner pot 130 and supports the shoulder member 111c. As shown in FIG. 1, it is primarily composed of an inner pot housing portion Da and a flange portion Db. The inner pot housing portion Da is a bowl-shaped portion that covers the outer periphery of the inner pot 130 (see FIG. 1) and is connected to the bottom wall Ab of the housing body 111a. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, an opening is formed in the center of the bottom wall of the inner pot housing portion Da to allow the center sensor 114 to pass through. As shown in FIG. 1, the flange portion Db extends outward from the top end of the inner pot housing portion Da and is attached to the underside of the shoulder member 111c as described above.

[0023] (1-2) Induction heating coil Induction heating coil 113 is an induction heating source that inductively heats inner pot 130, and is arranged outside the bottom wall and lower end of the side wall of inner pot accommodating portion Da of protective frame 111d as shown in FIG.

[0024] (1-3) Heater The warming heater HT is an annular heater used during rice cooking and warming operations, and as shown in FIG. 1, is placed outside the upper end of the side wall of the inner pot accommodating section Da of the protective frame 111d.

[0025] (1-4) Center sensor The center sensor 114 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the inner pot 130 and the presence or absence of the inner pot 130. As shown in FIG. 1, it protrudes upward through an opening in the bottom wall of the inner pot housing section Da of the protective frame 111d. The center sensor 114 is biased upward by a biasing member (not shown) such as a coil spring. In other words, the center sensor 114 is free to protrude and retract in the vertical direction. When the inner pot 130 is housed in the protective frame 111d, the center sensor 114 comes into contact with the bottom wall 131 of the inner pot 130 to measure the temperature of the inner pot 130.

[0026] (1-5) Blower fan As described above, the blower fan 115 is disposed directly above the intake port Ab2 in the bottom wall Ab of the housing 111a. When the blower fan 115 is driven, air from outside the housing 111 is sucked in through the intake port Ab2 in the bottom wall Ab of the housing 111a, flows into the inside of the housing 111, and is then sent upward. The air sent upward then passes through the heat sink 116 and is supplied to the control board 118 and the like, cooling them.

[0027] (1-6) Heat sink The heat sink 116 is a component for efficiently exchanging heat with the outside air, and is disposed above the blower fan 115 as shown in FIG.

[0028] (1-7) Control board The control board 118 is a board that constitutes a power supply circuit and has several heat-generating components mounted thereon. The control board 118 is disposed inside the housing 111a at the rear of the housing 111a as shown in Fig. 1, and is connected for communication with the microcomputer board CB and the like.

[0029] (1-8) Automatic retractable power cord unit The automatic retractable power cord unit 119 is composed of a power cord (not shown) and an automatic retraction mechanism (not shown), and is located inside the housing 111a at the rear end of the housing 111a as shown in FIG. 1. The power cord is composed of an attachment plug and an electric wire, etc. The attachment plug is located at the tip of the electric wire. The electric wire is wound around the automatic retraction mechanism so that it can be stretched.

[0030] (1-9)Locked part The latched portion 120 has a claw portion, and the latched portion 120 is attached to the shoulder member 111c so that the claw portion passes through an opening in the front of the shoulder member 111c. When the lid 140 is in the closed state, the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC of the opening / closing mechanism 147 of the lid 140 is latched to the claw portion.

[0031] (2) Inner pot As shown in FIG. 1, inner pot 130 passes through the central opening of shoulder member 111c and is accommodated in inner pot accommodation section Da of protective frame 111d with a specified gap. Inner pot 130 is a multilayered body (clad material) made of various aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, etc., and is induction heated by induction heating coil 113. As shown in FIG. 1, inner pot 130 is composed of bottom wall section 131, tubular wall section 132, and flange section 133. Bottom wall section 131 is generally disc-shaped in plan view. Tube wall section 132 is generally cylindrical and extends upward from the outer edge of bottom wall section 131 as shown in FIG. 1. Flange section 133 is generally annular and extends outward from the upper end of tubular wall section 132 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when the inner pot 130 is accommodated in the inner pot accommodating portion Da of the protective frame 111d with a predetermined gap between them, the flange portion 133 is positioned above the shoulder member 111c.

[0032] (3) Lid As shown in FIG. 1, lid 140 is intended to cover from above the opening of inner pot 130 housed in protective frame 111d of main body 110. It is positioned above main body 110 and attached to main body 110 via hinge mechanism 150 so as to be rotatable about hinge mechanism-side rotation shaft 151 of hinge mechanism 150. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, lid 140 is primarily composed of an exterior body 141, a microcomputer board CB, operation button group BT, information display panel DI, a pressure adjustment mechanism 143, a flow path forming section 144, a lid locking mechanism 145, an inner lid IL, a reinforcing member 146, a steam sensor (not shown), and an opening / closing mechanism 147. These components are described in detail below.

[0033] (3-1) Exterior body The exterior body 141 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped resin member, and as shown in Figures 1 to 5, is mainly composed of an upper exterior member UE and a lower exterior member LE. These components will be described in detail below. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the exterior body 141 houses a microcomputer board CB, an information display panel DI, a pressure adjustment mechanism 143, a flow path forming section 144, a reinforcing member 146, a steam sensor and an opening / closing mechanism 147, etc.

[0034] The upper exterior member UE is a member having a substantially rounded rectangular shape in a plan view, and is attached to the lower exterior member LE so as to cover the lower exterior member LE from above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. A first opening is formed in the front end of the top wall of the upper exterior member UE for exposing the top wall of the operation unit OA of the opening / closing mechanism 147, and a second opening is formed in the front part of the top wall of the upper exterior member UE behind the first opening for exposing the top surfaces of the operation buttons of the operation button group BT (see FIGS. 1 and 4). A third opening is formed in the rear part of the top wall of the upper exterior member UE for exposing a part of the flow path forming unit 144 (the part forming the exhaust port BO) (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower exterior member LE has a generally rounded rectangular shape in bottom view. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the lower exterior member LE is primarily composed of an upper wall portion LE1, a side wall portion LE2, a lower wall portion LE3, a support portion LE4, an enclosure wall portion LE5, a cylindrical wall portion LE6, a spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7, and a protrusion portion LE8. The upper wall portion LE1 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, openings LE1a are formed on the left and right sides of the front end of the upper wall portion LE1 for passing the extension portion OC4 and the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC of the opening / closing mechanism 147. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an opening LE1b is formed in the center of the front end of the upper wall portion LE1 for locating the inner lid lever LL of the lid locking mechanism 145. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an opening LE1c is formed in the center of the upper wall portion LE1, allowing the rod portion RP and valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 to pass through. An opening LE1d is formed in the upper wall portion LE1 behind the opening LE1c, allowing steam generated in the inner pot 130 to flow into the space formed by the upper wall portion LE1, the surrounding wall portion LE5, and the flow passage portion 144. As shown in FIG. 4, the opening LE1d is located inside the surrounding wall portion LE5. As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall portion LE2 extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion LE1. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower wall portion LE3 extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion LE2. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the support portion LE4 extends forward from the left and right portions of the rear end of the side wall portion LE2. As shown in FIG. 4, a gap LE4a is formed between the upper wall portion LE1 and the support portion LE4. When the inner lid IL is attached to the lid body 140, the supported portion IB2 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL enters this gap LE4a and is supported by the support portion LE4 (see FIG. 4). The surrounding wall portion LE5 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends upward from the rear portion of the upper wall portion LE1 as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path forming portion 144 is attached to the upper end of the surrounding wall portion LE5. The cylindrical wall portion LE6 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends upward from the edge of the opening LE1d of the upper wall portion LE1 as shown in FIG.Steam generated in the inner pot 130 passes through the opening LE1d in the upper wall portion LE1 and then flows inside the cylindrical wall portion LE6. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7 extends upward from the center of the front end of the upper wall portion LE1 (more specifically, the portion in front of the opening LE1b). The spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7 has a concave shape that is recessed toward the front. In other words, the spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7 is formed by a front wall portion, a right wall portion extending rearward from the right end of the front wall portion, and a left wall portion extending rearward from the left end of the front wall portion. The coil spring of the lid locking mechanism 145 is disposed inside the spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7, and one end of the coil spring of the lid locking mechanism 145 is attached to the rear surface of the front wall of the spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7. 3 and 4, the protrusions LE8 extend downward from three locations on the upper wall portion LE1 that are near the valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143, and surround the opening LE1c of the upper wall portion LE1. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protrusions LE8 extend downward from three locations on the upper wall portion LE1 that surround the opening LE1c (a front portion of the opening LE1c on the upper wall portion LE1, a right rear portion of the opening LE1c on the upper wall portion LE1, and a left rear portion of the opening LE1c on the upper wall portion LE1). When the inner lid IL is attached to the lid body 140, the lower end of the protrusions LE8 abuts against the base portion ID1 of the valve seat portion-forming member ID of the inner lid IL.

[0036] (3-2) Microcomputer board The microcomputer board CB is mounted with electronic components such as a microcomputer and is communicatively connected to the information display panel DI, the solenoid PS of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143, the steam sensor, and the control board 118 of the main body 110. It is also communicatively connected to the induction heating coil 113, center sensor 114, warming heater HT, and blower fan 115 of the main body 110 via the control board 118 of the main body 110. The microcomputer on the microcomputer board CB is equipped with memory, which stores various programs and data for controlling rice cooking and keeping warm. The microcomputer on the microcomputer board CB executes each process in the rice cooker 100, controls the output of the induction heating coil 113 and warming heater HT of the main body 110, measures time, energizes the coil PD of the solenoid PS of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 to perform pressure cooking, and stops pressure cooking by cutting off the energization of the coil PD of the solenoid PS of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143.

[0037] (3-3) Operation buttons The operation button group BT includes, for example, a rice cooking start button, a cancel button, etc. Furthermore, the upper surface of each operation button in the operation button group BT is exposed from the second opening in the top wall portion of the upper exterior member UE of the exterior body 141, as described above.

[0038] (3-4) Information display panel The information display panel DI is located behind the operation button group BT as shown in Figures 1 and 4. The information display panel DI displays various information such as rice cooking menu information and rice cooking progress information based on commands from the microcomputer on the microcomputer board CB.

[0039] (3-5) Pressure adjustment mechanism The pressure adjustment mechanism 143 adjusts the pressure inside the inner pot 130 to 1 atmosphere or higher when the lid 140 is closed and pressure cooking is in progress. As shown in Figure 4, the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is mainly composed of a solenoid PS, a rod portion RP, a valve body VB, and a support member SP. These components are described in detail below.

[0040] (3-5-1) Solenoid The solenoid PS is a push-type solenoid, and as shown in Fig. 4, is disposed above the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and is mainly composed of a frame PA, a movable iron core PB, a fixed iron core PC, a coil PD, and a coil spring (not shown), etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0041] The frame PA is a housing for accommodating the movable core PB, the fixed core PC, the coil PD, the coil spring, and the rod portion RP (see Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 4, the top wall of the frame PA has openings for passing the movable core PB and the rod portion RP, and the bottom wall of the frame PA has openings for passing the rod portion RP.

[0042] The movable core PB has a generally cylindrical shape and is movable in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, a rod portion RP is disposed inside the movable core PB and attached to the movable core PB. The movable core PB is biased upward by a coil spring. When current is applied to the coil PD, the movable core PB is attracted to the fixed core PC against the biasing force of the coil spring and moves toward the fixed core PC (downward). At this time, the rod portion RP attached to the movable core PB and the valve body VB attached to the rod portion RP also move downward. When current is cut off from the coil PD, the movable core PB moves toward the opposite side (upward) of the fixed core PC due to the biasing force of the coil spring. At this time, the rod portion RP and the valve body VB also move upward.

[0043] The fixed core PC has a generally cylindrical shape and is disposed below the movable core PB and attached to the upper surface of the bottom wall of the frame PA, as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the rod portion RP passes through the inside of the fixed core PC.

[0044] The coil PD is formed by, for example, winding an insulated copper wire around a bobbin, and generates a magnetic flux when a current is passed through it. The coil PD is located around the movable iron core PB and the fixed iron core PC, as shown in Figure 4.

[0045] The coil spring is disposed between the movable core PB and the fixed core PC, and as described above, biases the movable core PB upward.

[0046] (3-5-2) Rod part As shown in Fig. 4, the rod portion RP extends vertically and passes through an opening in the top wall of the frame PA of the solenoid PS, an opening in the bottom wall of the frame PA, the inside of the movable iron core PB, and the inside of the fixed iron core PC. As described above, the rod portion RP can move up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the movable iron core PB of the solenoid PS. As shown in Fig. 4, the valve body VB is attached to the lower end of the rod portion RP (more specifically, to the lower portion of the bottom wall of the frame PA of the solenoid PS).

[0047] (3-5-3) Valve body The valve disc VB is used to open and close an opening ID1a in a valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, and is disposed between the solenoid PS and the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, as shown in Fig. 4. When the coil PD of the solenoid PS is energized, the valve disc VB moves downward (toward the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL) and abuts against the upper end of the valve seat ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, closing the opening ID1a of the valve seat-forming member ID. When the coil PD of the solenoid PS is de-energized, the valve disc VB moves upward (to the side opposite the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL) and moves away from the valve seat ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, opening the opening ID1a of the valve seat-forming member ID.

[0048] (3-5-4) Support member The support member SP is for supporting the solenoid PS, and as shown in FIG. 4, covers the solenoid PS from above, and is attached to the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141.

[0049] (3-6) Flow path forming section The flow path forming portion 144 forms a flow path within the lid 140 and, as described above, is attached to the upper end of the surrounding wall portion LE5 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an exhaust port BO is formed in the flow path forming portion 144. As described above, the portion of the flow path forming portion 144 that forms the exhaust port BO is exposed from the third opening of the upper exterior member UE of the exterior body 141. Steam generated in the inner pot 130 passes through the opening ID1b in the valve seat forming member ID of the inner lid IL, then through the opening LE1d in the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and into the space formed by the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, the surrounding wall portion LE5, and the flow path forming portion 144. The steam is then discharged to the outside of the lid 140 through the exhaust port BO.

[0050] (3-7) Lid locking mechanism 1, 2, 4 and 5, the lid locking mechanism 145 is made up of an inner lid lever LL, a coil spring (not shown), etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0051] (3-7-1) Inner lid lever The inner lid lever LL is a member that can be locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, and as described above, is disposed in the opening LE1b of the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7, the inner lid lever LL is primarily formed of a lower wall portion LL1, a right side wall portion LL2, a left side wall portion LL3, a front wall portion LL4, a spring mounting portion LL5, a rear wall portion LL6, an extension portion LL7, and a flat portion LL8. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower wall portion LL1 has a substantially rectangular shape in bottom view and is located below the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the lower surface of the lower wall portion LL1 slopes downward toward the rear and then extends rearward. If the lid body 140 is closed when the inner lid IL is not attached to the lid body 140 (when the inner lid lever LL is not engaged with the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL), the lower wall portion LL1 will come into contact with the flange portion 133 of the inner pot 130, preventing the lid body 140 from being closed. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the right side wall portion LL2 extends upward from the right and rear end of the lower wall portion LL1. As shown in Figure 6, the left side wall portion LL3 extends upward from the left and rear end of the lower wall portion LL1. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front wall portion LL4 extends upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the lower wall portion LL1. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the spring mounting portion LL5 extends forward from the center of the front wall portion LL4 in the left-right direction. One end of a coil spring is attached to the spring mounting portion LL5. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the rear wall portion LL6 is located between the right side wall portion LL2 and the left side wall portion LL3 and extends upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the lower wall portion LL1. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a first inclined surface LL6a and a second inclined surface LL6b are formed on the rear wall portion LL6. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the first inclined surface LL6a is inclined rearward as it extends upward. As shown in Figure 5, the second inclined surface LL6b is inclined forward as it extends upward.As shown in FIG. 5, when the inner lid IL is attached to the lid body 140 (in other words, when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL), the second inclined surface LL6b and the inclined surface IB4a of the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL come into contact with each other. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 7, a guide groove GR is formed in the left-right center of the lower wall portion LL1 and the left-right center of the rear wall portion LL6, extending from the rear end of the lower wall portion LL1 to the vertical center of the rear wall portion LL6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the front wall surface GR1 of the guide groove GR slopes rearward as it extends upward. When the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL passes through the guide groove GR while abutting against the front wall surface GR1 of the guide groove GR. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the extension portion LL7 extends obliquely upward from the upper and rear ends of the right side wall portion LL2 and the upper and rear ends of the left side wall portion LL3. The extension portion LL7 abuts against the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the flat portion LL8 is formed by chamfering the corners that are the boundaries between the lower wall portion LL1 and the rear wall portion LL6.

[0052] (3-7-2) Coil spring The coil spring biases the inner cover lever LL rearward. As described above, one end of the coil spring is attached to the rear surface of the front wall of the spring mounting surface forming wall portion LE7 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and the other end of the coil spring is attached to the spring mounting portion LL5 of the inner cover lever LL. When the inner cover lever LL is engaged with the locking portion IB4 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL (see Figures 2, 4, and 5), the coil spring biases the inner cover lever LL rearward (in other words, toward the center of gravity of the inner cover IL or the locking portion IB4 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL as viewed from the inner cover lever LL), thereby biasing the inner cover IL rearward via the inner cover lever LL. This minimizes play between the locking portion IB4 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL and the rear end of the side wall portion LE2 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. In addition, when the inner lid lever LL is engaged with the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the inner lid IL is also forced upward via the inner lid lever LL due to the inclination of the second inclined surface LL6b of the rear wall portion LL6 of the inner lid lever LL that abuts against the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL.

[0053] (3-8) Inner lid As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, when the inner lid IL is attached to the lid 140, it is located below the upper wall portion LE1 and inside the side wall portion LE2 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. Also, as shown in Figure 1, when the lid 140 is closed with the inner lid IL attached to it, the inner lid IL covers the top of the inner pot 130, sealing the inside of the inner pot 130. Also, as shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 8, the inner lid IL is mainly composed of an inner lid body IA, an inner lid ring IB, a gasket IC, and a valve seat-forming member ID. These components are described in detail below.

[0054] (3-8-1) Inner lid body As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 8, the inner lid main body IA is primarily formed of a lower wall portion IA1, an inner wall portion IA2, an upper wall portion IA3, and an outer wall portion IA4. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower wall portion IA1 has a generally disk-like shape when viewed from the bottom. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a downwardly recessed recess IA1a is formed in the center of the lower wall portion IA1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a valve seat-forming member ID is disposed within the recess IA1a. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an opening IA1b is formed in the front portion of the bottom wall of the recess IA1a, into which the lower end of the valve seat ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID is fitted. An opening IA1c is formed in the rear portion of the bottom wall of the recess IA1a, into which the cylindrical wall portion ID3 of the valve seat-forming member ID is fitted. As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the inner wall portion IA2 extends upward from the outer end of the lower wall portion IA1 and has a generally cylindrical shape. As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8, the upper wall portion IA3 extends outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion IA2 and has a generally annular shape. The outer wall portion IA4 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion IA3 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the inner lid main body IA is attached to the inner lid ring IB, the outer wall portion IA4 is located inside the first groove IB1a of the base portion IB1 of the inner lid ring IB.

[0055] (3-8-2) Inner lid ring As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 8, the inner lid ring IB is formed of a base portion IB1, a supported portion IB2, a handle portion IB3, a locked portion IB4, and a rib IB5. As shown in FIG. 8, the base portion IB1 has a generally annular shape. A first groove IB1a is formed circumferentially on the upper surface of the base portion IB1, and a second groove IB1b is formed circumferentially on the upper surface of the base portion IB1 at a position inside the first groove IB1a in a plan view (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the packing IC is attached to the inner lid ring IB so that the outer wall portion IC3 of the packing IC is positioned inside the second groove IB1b. Then, the inner lid main body IA is attached to the inner lid ring IB so that the outer wall portion IA4 of the inner lid main body IA is positioned inside the first groove IB1a. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, the supported portion IB2 extends rearward from the rear end of the base portion IB1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the handle portion IB3 extends outward from the left and right portions of the front end of the base portion IB1. A user of the rice cooker 100 can grasp the handle portion IB3 when removing the inner lid IL from the lid body 140. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 8, the locking portion IB4 extends forward from the front end and center in the left-right direction of the base portion IB1. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking portion IB4 has an inclined surface IB4a formed below the rib IB5, which slopes forward as it extends upward. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the rib IB5 extends forward from the front end and center in the left-right direction of the base portion IB1, and is formed between the right end wall portion and the left end wall portion of the locking portion IB4, and above the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4.

[0056] (3-8-3) Packing The packing IC is a member made of a flexible material and, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, is mainly composed of an inner wall portion IC1, an upper flange portion IC2, an outer wall portion IC3, and a lower flange portion IC4. The inner wall portion IC1 has a generally cylindrical shape. The upper flange portion IC2 has a generally annular shape and extends outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion IC1 as shown in FIG. 5. The outer wall portion IC3 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the upper flange portion IC2 as shown in FIG. 5. As described above, when the packing IC is attached to the inner cover ring IB, the outer wall portion IC3 is located inside the second groove IB1b of the base portion IB1 of the inner cover ring IB. The lower flange portion IC4 has a generally annular shape and extends outward from the vertical center of the inner wall portion IC1 as shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 1, when the lid 140 is in the closed state, the lower flange IC4 abuts against the flange 133 of the inner pot 130, closing the gap between the inner pot 130 and the inner lid IL.

[0057] (3-8-4) Valve seat forming member The valve seat-forming member ID is composed of a base portion ID1, a valve seat portion ID2, a cylindrical wall portion ID3, and the like. The base portion ID1 has a generally elliptical shape in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, an opening ID1a is formed in the front of the base portion ID1, and an opening ID1b is formed in the rear of the base portion ID1. The valve seat portion ID2 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends vertically from the edge of the opening ID1a of the base portion ID1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. The lower end of the valve seat portion ID2 is fitted into the opening IA1b of the inner lid main body IA, as described above. The cylindrical wall portion ID3 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the edge of the opening ID1b of the base portion ID1. As described above, the cylindrical wall portion ID3 is fitted into the opening IA1c of the inner lid main body IA.

[0058] Here, we will explain how to attach the inner lid IL to the lid body 140. First, the supported portion IB2 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL is inserted into the gap LE4a between the upper wall portion LE1 and the support portion LE4 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL is inserted into the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL as shown in FIG. 9. Then, by pushing the front portion of the inner lid IL upward, the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL moves upward through the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL while abutting against the front wall surface GR1 of the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL. At this time, the inner lid lever LL moves forward against the biasing force of the coil spring. Then, by further pushing the front portion of the inner lid IL upward, the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL passes through the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL and moves upward while abutting against the first inclined surface LL6a of the rear wall portion LL6 of the inner lid lever LL. At this time, the inner cover lever LL moves further forward against the biasing force of the coil spring. Then, when the front of the inner cover IL is further pushed upward, as shown in Figure 5, the rib IB5 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL passes over the first inclined surface LL6a of the rear wall LL6 of the inner cover lever LL and is positioned above the rear wall LL6 of the inner cover lever LL, and the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL comes into contact with the second inclined surface LL6b of the rear wall LL6 of the inner cover lever LL. This causes the inner cover lever LL to lock onto the locking portion IB4 of the inner cover ring IB of the inner cover IL, and the inner cover IL is attached to the cover body 140.

[0059] Next, we will explain how to remove the inner lid IL from the lid body 140. First, for example, by pressing the flat portion LL8 of the inner lid lever LL forward with the pad of a finger, the inner lid lever LL, which is in the position shown in FIG. 5, is moved forward against the biasing force of the coil spring. This releases the state in which the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL. Then, for example, by gripping the handle portion IB3 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the front of the inner lid IL is moved below the inner lid lever LL. Then, the supported portion IB2 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL is pulled out from the gap LE4a between the upper wall portion LE1 and the support portion LE4 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and the inner lid IL is removed from the lid body 140.

[0060] (3-9) Reinforcement member The reinforcing member 146 is intended to increase the rigidity of the exterior body 141, and is formed, for example, from sheet metal such as hot-dip galvanized steel (SGCC) or engineering plastic such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The reinforcing member 146 is attached to the upper surface of the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. A bearing hole for passing an opening / closing mechanism-side rotation shaft OD of the opening / closing mechanism 147 is formed in the front end of the reinforcing member 146, and a bearing hole for passing a hinge mechanism-side rotation shaft 151 of the hinge mechanism 150 is formed in the rear end of the reinforcing member 146.

[0061] (3-10) Steam sensor The steam sensor is a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the lid 140 , more specifically, the temperature of the steam flowing through the flow path inside the lid 140 .

[0062] (3-11) Opening and closing mechanism The opening / closing mechanism 147 is a mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the lid body 140, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is mainly composed of an operating part OA, a coil spring OB, a lever member OC, an opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD, and an opening / closing mechanism side torsion spring (not shown), etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0063] The operation unit OA has a generally rounded rectangular shape in a plan view, and is biased upward by a coil spring OB. As described above, the top wall of the operation unit OA is exposed from the first opening in the top wall of the upper exterior member UE of the exterior body 141.

[0064] The coil spring OB is disposed below the top wall of the operation unit OA as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and biases the operation unit OA upward as described above.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the lever member OC is mainly formed by a front wall portion OC1, an upper wall portion OC2, a contact portion OC3, an extension portion OC4, a claw portion OC5, and a bearing portion (not shown). The front wall portion OC1 is a substantially rectangular plate-like portion. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wall portion OC2 extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall portion OC1. As shown in FIG. 4, the contact portion OC3 extends upward from the rear end and left-right center portion of the upper wall portion OC2 and then extends rearward. The extension portion OC4 extends downward from the left and right portions of the lower end of the front wall portion OC1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the claw portion OC5 extends rearward from the lower end of the extension portion OC4. The bearing portion extends rearward from the left and right ends of the front wall portion OC1. A bearing hole is formed in the bearing portion for passing the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD therethrough.

[0066] As described above, the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD is passed through the bearing hole in the bearing portion of the lever member OC and the bearing hole in the front end portion of the reinforcing member 146. This allows the lever member OC to rotate about the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD.

[0067] The opening / closing mechanism torsion spring biases the lever member OC in the counterclockwise direction around the opening / closing mechanism rotation axis OD when viewed from the right side.

[0068] When a user of the rice cooker 100 wishes to close the lid 140, the user does not need to operate the operating unit OA; they simply tilt the lid 140 toward the main body 110. At this time, the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC moves downward while contacting the upper surface of the claw portion of the locked portion 120 of the main body 110. During this movement, the lever member OC rotates clockwise about the opening / closing mechanism rotation axis OD in a right side view against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism torsion spring. When the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC moves to the lower side of the claw portion of the locked portion 120 of the main body 110, the lever member OC is biased by the opening / closing mechanism torsion spring and rotates. The claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC then engages with the claw portion of the locked portion 120 of the main body 110, and the lid 140 is closed.

[0069] On the other hand, when opening the cover 140, the user presses down the operating member OA against the biasing force of the coil spring OB. This causes the operating member OA to contact the contact portion OC3 of the lever member OC, causing the lever member OC to rotate against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism torsion spring. At this time, the state in which the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC is locked with the claw portion of the locked portion 120 of the main body 110 is released. Then, the biasing force of the hinge mechanism torsion spring 152 of the hinge mechanism 150 causes the cover 140 to rotate about the hinge mechanism rotation shaft 151, opening the cover 140.

[0070] (4) Hinge mechanism As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the hinge mechanism 150 is mainly composed of a hinge mechanism side rotation shaft 151, a hinge mechanism side torsion spring 152, and a base portion 153. The hinge mechanism side rotation shaft 151 is inserted through a bearing hole in the base portion 153 and a bearing hole in the reinforcing member 146 of the lid 140. The hinge mechanism side torsion spring 152 is used to urge the lid 140 in the opening direction. One end of the hinge mechanism side torsion spring 152 is fixed to the base portion 153, and the other end of the hinge mechanism side torsion spring 152 is fixed to the reinforcing member 146 of the lid 140. The base portion 153 is attached to the rear end of the flange portion Db of the protective frame 111d of the main body 110. The base portion 153 is formed with a bearing hole for passing the hinge mechanism side rotation shaft 151 therethrough.

[0071] <Features of the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the inner lid lever LL is engaged with the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL passes through the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL while abutting against the front wall surface GR1 of the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, by guiding the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL with the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL so that the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL passes through the guide groove GR of the inner lid lever LL, it is possible to minimize misalignment of the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL relative to the inner lid lever LL. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, it is possible to minimize the risk of the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL abutting against the inner lid lever LL when the engaging portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL is misaligned. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, the inner lid lever LL can be locked as smoothly as possible to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL.

[0072] (2) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL comes into contact with the second inclined surface LL6b of the rear wall portion LL6 of the inner lid lever LL, and the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the inner lid IL can be moved upward. Therefore, in this case, the protrusion LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 comes into contact with the base portion ID1 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, minimizing rattle between the protrusion LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 and the base portion ID1 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL.

[0073] (3) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the coil spring of the lid locking mechanism 145 biases the inner lid IL rearward via the inner lid lever LL when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, the biasing force of the coil spring of the lid locking mechanism 145 can minimize displacement of the inner lid IL.

[0074] (4) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the protrusion LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 abuts against the base portion ID1 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL. Furthermore, the protrusion LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 is located near the valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, it is possible to minimize play between the protrusion LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 and the base portion ID1 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, it is possible to minimize a decrease in the pressure accuracy of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 due to play.

[0075] <Modification> (A) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL and the second inclined surface LL6b of the rear wall LL6 of the inner lid lever LL abut against each other. However, in this case, it is not necessary for the inclined surface of the inner lid lever LL to abut against the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL. For example, instead of forming the second inclined surface LL6b of the rear wall LL6 of the inner lid lever LL, a horizontal surface extending forward from the upper end of the first inclined surface LL6a of the rear wall LL6 of the inner lid lever LL may be formed, and the corner at the boundary between this horizontal surface and the first inclined surface LL6a may abut against the inclined surface IB4a of the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL.

[0076] (B) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, the protrusions LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 were provided at three locations on the upper wall portion LE1 near the valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143. However, the number of protrusions LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the protrusions LE8 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141 may be provided so as to abut against the lower wall portion IA1 of the inner lid main body IA when the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL.

[0077] (C) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, the inner lid body IA and the valve seat forming member ID of the inner lid IL are separate members, and the valve seat forming member ID is disposed inside the recess IA1a of the lower wall portion IA1 of the inner lid body IA. However, the valve seat forming member ID may be integrally molded with the inner lid body IA, and the valve seat against which the valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 abuts when the coil PD of the solenoid PS of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is energized may be formed on the inner lid body IA.

[0078] (D) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the rice cooker 100, but the present invention may also be applied to cooking appliances, devices, etc. other than rice cookers that perform pressure adjustment.

[0079] The above modified examples may be applied individually or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 145 Lid locking mechanism (locking mechanism) GR guide groove GR1 Front wall (wall) IA inner lid body (base) IA1b aperture IB1 Base part (base) IB2 Supported part IB4 Locked part IB4a sloped surface IB5 Rib ID Valve seat forming member (base) ID1a aperture LE8 Projection (contact part) LL Inner lid lever (locking part) VB Valve body (pressure valve)

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for locking a locked portion having a rib, a locking portion having a guide groove through which the rib can pass and capable of being locked to the locked portion; a biasing portion that biases the locking portion toward the locked portion, The rib moves the locking portion through the guide groove against the biasing force of the biasing portion while contacting the wall surface of the guide groove, and then the locking portion is locked to the locked portion. Locking mechanism.

2. The locked portion further has an inclined surface, The locking portion is locked to the locked portion while being in contact with the inclined surface. The locking mechanism of claim 1 .

3. a base portion extending from the locked portion to the opposite side to the locking portion; a supported portion extending from the base portion to a side opposite to the locked portion, When the locking portion is locked to the locked portion, the biasing portion biases the supported portion toward the opposite side to the base portion via the locking portion. The locking mechanism of claim 1 .

4. a base portion having an opening and extending from the locked portion to a side opposite to the locking portion; a pressure valve capable of opening and closing the opening; a contact portion provided on the base portion on the pressure valve side and contacting the base portion when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion, The contact portion is provided in the vicinity of the pressure valve. The locking mechanism of claim 2 .

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Lid of rice cooker

    JP1998243873A