Pressure adjustment device and cooking appliance

Abstract

To provide a pressure adjustment device that allows a component in which a malfunction has occurred to be replaced as easily as possible when a malfunction occurs in a valve body or a reciprocating mechanism.SOLUTION: A pressure adjustment device 143 according to the present invention includes: a valve seat portion ID2 in which an opening ID1a is formed; a reciprocating mechanism PS having a movable portion PB movable in a first direction toward the opening and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a rod portion RP extending from the movable portion in the first direction; a base portion LE disposed between the reciprocating mechanism and the valve seat portion; and a valve body VB that includes a valve main body portion VO that opens the opening in a state of being separated from the valve seat portion and closes the opening in a state of being in contact with the valve seat portion, and an extending portion VQ1 that extends from the valve main body portion to a space between the base portion and the reciprocating mechanism and is sandwiched by the base portion and the reciprocating mechanism. The valve main body portion is attached to an end in the first direction of the rod portion so as to be screwable to the rod portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure regulating device, and also to a cooking appliance equipped with the pressure regulating device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, a cooking device has been proposed that includes "an inner pot, a cooking device main body that houses the inner pot, a lid body that covers the cooking device main body, and an inner lid that is attached to the lid body and covers the inner pot, the inner lid having a pressure adjustment hole that passes through it, and the lid body having a valve body that is disposed above the pressure adjustment hole and that can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the pressure adjustment hole and that opens and closes the pressure adjustment hole, and a pressure adjustment mechanism that is connected to the valve body and includes a drive means that displaces the valve body, and the drive means is a solenoid that has a fixed part that is fixed to the lid body and a movable part that engages with the valve body and moves in the displacement direction of the valve body" (see, for example, JP 2024-015749 A, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-015749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the pressure adjustment mechanism described above, the valve element is attached to the push rod that protrudes from the lower end of the movable part of the solenoid so as not to come off the push rod. However, in the pressure adjustment mechanism described above, if a malfunction occurs in the valve element or the solenoid, the valve element cannot be easily removed from the push rod, which can make replacing the malfunctioning part time-consuming.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure regulating device that, when a malfunction occurs in the valve body or the reciprocating mechanism, allows the malfunctioning part to be replaced as easily as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pressure regulating device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a valve seat, a reciprocating mechanism, a rod, a base, and a valve body. An opening is formed in the valve seat. The reciprocating mechanism has a movable part that is movable in a first direction toward the opening and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The rod part extends in the first direction from the movable part. The base part is disposed between the reciprocating mechanism and the valve seat. The valve body has a valve main body and an extension part. The valve main body opens the opening when spaced apart from the valve seat, and closes the opening when in contact with the valve seat. The extension part extends from the valve main body between the base and the reciprocating mechanism and is sandwiched between the base and the reciprocating mechanism. The valve main body is attached to the end of the rod part in the first direction so as to be threadably engageable with the rod part.

[0007] According to the above configuration, if a malfunction occurs in the valve body, the reciprocating mechanism, etc., the malfunctioning part can be replaced as easily as possible. Furthermore, when the pressure regulating device is in operation, rotation of the extension part sandwiched between the base part and the reciprocating mechanism can be restricted as much as possible, and loosening of the valve body from the rod part can be prevented as much as possible.

[0008] A pressure regulating device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the pressure regulating device according to the first aspect, further comprising a support member. The support member is detachably attached to the base, and when attached to the base, the support member sandwiches the reciprocating mechanism between the support member and the extension portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to minimize positional deviation of the reciprocating mechanism when the support member is attached to the base.

[0010] A pressure regulating device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the pressure regulating device according to the first aspect, further including a rotation-restricted portion and a rotation restricting portion. The rotation-restricted portion is attached to an end portion of the movable portion in the second direction. The rotation restricting portion engages with the rotation-restricted portion to restrict rotation of the rotation-restricted portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the pressure regulating device is in operation, the rotation of the rotation-restricted part is restricted as much as possible, thereby restricting the rotation of the movable part and the rod part as much as possible, and the attachment of the valve body to the rod part can be prevented from loosening as much as possible.

[0012] A pressure regulating device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the pressure regulating device according to the first aspect, wherein a male thread portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the rod portion in a first direction, and the valve body further includes a female thread forming member. The female thread forming member is provided on the valve main body, and has a female thread portion formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof that screws into the male thread portion.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the valve body can be easily removed from the rod portion.

[0014] A pressure regulating device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the pressure regulating device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the valve body further includes a joining portion. The joining portion is located on the opposite side of the valve body from the valve seat portion and joined to the valve body. When joined to the valve body, the joining portion sandwiches the extension portion between itself and the valve body and embraces the female thread-forming member.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to minimize misalignment of the extension portion relative to the valve body, and also to minimize loss of the female thread forming member when the valve body is removed from the rod portion.

[0016] A cooking appliance according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a main body and a lid. The main body has a locked portion. The lid has a pressure adjusting device, a locking portion, and an interlocking member. The pressure adjusting device is the pressure adjusting device according to the third aspect. The locking portion can be locked to the locked portion. The interlocking member interlocks with the locking portion. Furthermore, when the locking portion is locked to the locked portion and the movable portion is moving in the first direction, movement of the interlocking member is restricted by the rotation restricted portion. Furthermore, when the locking portion is not locked to the locked portion, movement of the movable portion in the first direction is restricted by the interlocking member.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the cover can be prevented from being in an open state when the pressure regulating device is activated, and the pressure regulating device can be prevented from operating when the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 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. This figure shows the state in which the inner lid is attached to the lid body and the valve body of the valve of the pressure adjustment mechanism opens the pressure adjustment port of the valve seat forming member of the inner lid. [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] This is an enlarged view of the pressure adjustment mechanism and its vicinity shown in Figure 4. Note that this figure shows a state in which the valve body of the pressure adjustment mechanism opens the pressure adjustment port of the valve seat forming member of the inner lid. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an inner cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a plan view of a lower exterior member, a pressure adjustment mechanism, a flow path forming portion, a reinforcing member, an opening / closing mechanism, an interlocking member, and a hinge mechanism of an exterior body according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a lower exterior member, a pressure adjustment mechanism, a flow path forming portion, a reinforcing member, an opening / closing mechanism, an interlocking member, and a hinge mechanism of an exterior body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a lower exterior member, a flow path forming portion, a reinforcing member, an opening / closing mechanism, and a hinge mechanism of an exterior body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a pressure adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of an interlocking member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the extension of the plate member and the extension of the rear interlocking member of the interlocking member when the inside of the inner pot is pressurized in the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. The position of the cutting line is the same as the position of line AA in FIG. [Figure 13] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the extension of the plate member and the extension of the rear interlocking member of the interlocking member when the claw of the lever member of the opening / closing mechanism is not locked to the claw of the locked part of the main body in the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. The position of the cutting line is the same as the position of line AA shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] <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.

[0020] (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.

[0021] (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.

[0022] (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, a locked portion 120, and the like.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] (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).

[0026] (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.

[0027] (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 the lower end of the side wall of inner pot accommodating portion Da of protective frame 111d as shown in FIG.

[0028] (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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] (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.

[0032] (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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] (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.

[0035] (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.

[0036] (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 exterior body 141, microcomputer board CB, operation button group BT, information display panel DI, pressure adjustment mechanism 143, flow path forming section 144, lid locking mechanism 145, inner lid IL, reinforcing member 146, steam sensor (not shown), opening / closing mechanism 147, and interlocking member 148. These components are described in detail below.

[0037] (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, an opening / closing mechanism 147, an interlocking member 148, and the like.

[0038] 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).

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower exterior member LE has a generally rounded rectangular shape in bottom view, and is disposed between the solenoid PS of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 and the valve seat portion-forming member ID of the inner lid IL as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 7 to 9, the lower exterior member LE is primarily formed 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, a protrusion portion LE8, and a screw receiving portion LE9. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper wall portion LE1 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 to 9, openings LE1a are formed on the left and right sides of the front end of the upper wall portion LE1 to allow the extension portion OC4 and the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC of the opening / closing mechanism 147 to pass through. As shown in Figures 2-4 and 7-9, an opening LE1b is formed in the center of the front end of the upper wall portion LE1, through which the inner lid lever LL of the lid locking mechanism 145 is positioned. As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 9, an opening LE1c is formed in the center of the upper wall portion LE1, through which the rod portion RP and valve body VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 pass. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, an opening LE1d is formed in the rear portion of the upper wall portion LE1 behind the opening LE1c, through which steam generated in the inner pot 130 flows into the space formed by the upper wall portion LE1, the surrounding wall portion LE5, and the flow passage forming portion 144. As shown in Figure 4, the opening LE1d is located inside the surrounding wall portion LE5. The side wall portion LE2 extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion LE1, as shown in Figures 4, 7-9. As shown in Figures 4 and 7 to 9, the lower wall portion LE3 extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion LE2. As shown in Figures 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 4.As shown in FIG. 4, a flow path forming portion 144 is attached to the upper end of the surrounding wall portion LE5. The cylindrical wall portion LE6 is generally cylindrical and, as shown in FIG. 4, extends upward from the edge of the opening LE1d in the upper wall portion LE1. 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 FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, 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. A 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. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, 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 to 5, the protrusions LE8 extend downward from three locations on the upper wall portion LE1 around 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 protrusion LE8 abuts against the base portion ID1 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the screw receiving portions LE9 extend upward from three locations on the upper wall portion LE1 around the opening LE1c (a portion of the upper wall portion LE1 in front of the opening LE1c, a portion of the upper wall portion LE1 to the right rear of the opening LE1c, and a portion of the upper wall portion LE1 to the left rear of the opening LE1c). A screw receiving hole for passing a screw SC is formed in the screw receiving portion LE9. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, this screw receiving hole overlaps with a screw receiving hole in the screw receiving portion SP6 of the support member SP of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 to form a communication hole. By passing the screw SC through this communication hole, the support member SP of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is attached to the lower exterior member LE.

[0040] (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.

[0041] (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.

[0042] (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.

[0043] (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 Figures 4, 5, and 10, the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is mainly composed of a solenoid PS, a rod portion RP, a valve body VB, a support member SP, and a plate member SQ. These components will be described in detail below, followed by a detailed description of the operation of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143.

[0044] (3-5-1) Solenoid The solenoid PS is a push-type solenoid, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is disposed above the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 10, the solenoid PS is mainly composed of a frame PA, a movable iron core PB, a fixed iron core PC, a coil PD, a coil spring PE, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the frame PA is formed of a top wall portion PA1, a front wall portion PA2, a rear wall portion PA3, and a bottom wall portion PA4. As shown in FIG. 5, the movable core PB, the fixed core PC, the coil PD, and the coil spring PE are arranged inside these walls. The top wall portion PA1 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 5, an opening PA1a is formed in the center of the top wall portion PA1 to allow the upper ends of the movable core PB and the rod portion RP to pass through. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the front wall portion PA2 extends downward from the front end of the top wall portion PA1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the rear wall portion PA3 extends downward from the rear end of the top wall portion PA1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the bottom wall portion PA4 extends from the lower end of the front wall portion PA2 to the lower end of the rear wall portion PA3. As shown in FIG. 5, an opening PA4a is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion PA4 to allow the lower end of the rod portion RP to pass through.

[0046] The movable core PB has a generally cylindrical shape and is movable in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, 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 PE. 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 PE and moves toward the fixed core PC (downward). At this time, the rod portion RP attached to the movable core PB also moves 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 PE. At this time, the rod portion RP also moves upward.

[0047] 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 portion PA4 of the frame PA, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a rod portion RP passes through the inside of the fixed core PC.

[0048] 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.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the coil spring PE is disposed between the movable core PB and the fixed core PC, and biases the movable core PB upward as described above.

[0050] (3-5-2) Rod part As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 10, the rod portion RP extends vertically and passes through an opening PA1a in the top wall portion PA1 of the frame PA of the solenoid PS, an opening PA4a in the bottom wall portion PA4 of the frame PA, the interior of the movable core PB, the interior of the fixed core PC, and the opening in the upper wall portion VP1 of the joint portion VP of the valve body VB. As described above, the rod portion RP is attached to the movable core PB of the solenoid PS and can move vertically in conjunction with the vertical movement of the movable core PB of the solenoid PS. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ is attached to the upper end of the rod portion RP. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, a male thread portion RPa is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower end of the rod portion RP. The male thread portion RPa is threadedly engaged with the female thread portion of the female thread forming member VR of the valve body VB, thereby attaching the valve body VB to the lower end of the rod portion RP (more specifically, to the lower portion of the bottom wall portion PA4 of the frame PA of the solenoid PS).

[0051] (3-5-3) Valve body The valve disc VB is used to open and close the pressure adjustment port ID1a in the valve seat forming member ID of the inner lid IL, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, is disposed between the bottom wall portion PA4 of the frame PA of the solenoid PS and the base portion ID1 of the valve seat forming member ID of the inner lid IL. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the valve disc VB is mainly composed of a valve main body portion VO, a joint portion VP, a packing member VQ, and a female thread forming member VR. These components will be described in detail below.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the valve body VO is mainly composed of a base portion VO1, an extension portion VO2, and the like. As shown in Figure 10, the base portion VO1 has a generally disk shape. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the extension portions VO2 extend upward from six equally spaced locations on the circumference of the center of the base portion VO1. That is, the extension portion VO2 has a cylindrical shape with six equally spaced cutouts cut from the top to the bottom. As shown in Figure 5, a female thread-forming member VR is disposed inside the extension portion VO2.

[0053] As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the joint portion VP is located above the valve body portion VO and is mainly composed of an upper wall portion VP1, an inner wall portion VP2, a lower wall portion VP3, and an outer wall portion VP4. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the upper wall portion VP1 has a generally annular shape with an opening in its center. As described above, the rod portion RP passes through this opening. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the inner wall portion VP2 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the upper wall portion VP1. The lower end of the inner wall portion VP2 is joined to the base portion VO1 of the valve body portion VO by welding, such as ultrasonic welding. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the lower wall portion VP3 has a generally annular shape and extends outward from the vertical center of the inner wall portion VP2. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the outer wall portion VP4 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the lower wall portion VP3. As shown in Figure 5, the inner wall portion VP2, the lower wall portion VP3, and the outer wall portion VP4 form a recess, into which the fitting portion VQ5 of the packing member VQ is fitted.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the packing member VQ is mainly composed of a clamped portion VQ1, an outer wall portion VQ2, an inner wall portion VQ3, a lower wall portion VQ4, a fitting portion VQ5, and a deformation portion VQ6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the clamped portion VQ1 has a generally annular shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the clamped portion VQ1 is disposed between the bottom wall portion PA4 of the frame PA of the solenoid PS and the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and is sandwiched between these walls. The outer wall portion VQ2 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the inner end of the clamped portion VQ1, as shown in FIG. 5. The inner wall portion VQ3 has a generally cylindrical shape and is located outside the outer wall portion VP4 of the joint portion VP, as shown in FIG. 5. The lower wall portion VQ4 has a generally annular shape and extends inward from the lower end of the inner wall portion VQ3, as shown in FIG. 5. The lower wall portion VQ4 is sandwiched between the base portion VO1 of the valve body portion VO and the outer wall portion VP4 of the joint portion VP, as shown in FIG. 5. The fitting portion VQ5 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends upward from the outer end of the lower wall portion VQ4, as shown in FIG. 5. As described above, the fitting portion VQ5 is fitted into the recess formed by the inner wall portion VP2, the lower wall portion VP3, and the outer wall portion VP4 of the joint portion VP. The deformation portion VQ6 has a generally annular shape and extends from the lower end of the outer wall portion VQ2 to the upper end of the inner wall portion VQ3, as shown in FIG. 5. The deformation portion VQ6 is an elastically deformable portion and elastically deforms in response to the vertical movement of the movable iron core PB of the solenoid PS.

[0055] The female thread-forming member VR is, for example, a hexagonal nut. An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the female thread-forming member VR, which is threadable with the male thread portion RPa of the rod portion RP. As shown in FIG. 5, the female thread-forming member VR is disposed between the base portion VO1 of the valve body portion VO and the upper wall portion VP1 of the joint portion VP, inside the extension portion VO2 of the valve body portion VO and inside the inner wall portion VP2 of the joint portion VP, and is embraced by the joint portion VP.

[0056] (3-5-4) Support member The support member SP is detachably attached to the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. As shown in FIG. 5, when the support member SP is attached to the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, the frame PA of the solenoid PS is sandwiched between the support member SP and the sandwiched portion VQ1 of the packing member VQ of the valve body VB. This supports the solenoid PS. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, the support member SP is primarily composed of a top wall portion SP1, a front wall portion SP2, a right wall portion SP3, a rear wall portion SP4, a left wall portion (not shown), an intermediate wall portion SP5, and a screw receiving portion SP6. As shown in FIG. 7, the top wall portion SP1 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10, a recess SP1a recessed upward is formed in the rear portion of the top wall portion SP1. A portion of the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ (more specifically, a rectangular portion having a substantially rectangular shape) is fitted into this recess SP1a. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the front wall portion SP2 extends downward from the front end of the top wall portion SP1, excluding the left end portion. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the right wall portion SP3 extends downward from the right end of the top wall portion SP1. The rear wall portion SP4 extends downward from the rear end of the top wall portion SP1 (see FIG. 5). The left wall portion extends forward from the left end of the rear wall portion SP4. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the intermediate wall portion SP5 extends rearward from the left end of the front wall portion SP2 and is located to the right of the left wall portion. The extension portion IN2 of the rear interlocking member IN of the interlocking member 148 is movable in the front-to-rear direction between the left wall portion and the intermediate wall portion SP5 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). 12 and 13, a notch SP5a is formed in the rear portion of the intermediate wall portion SP5, cutting it from the top to the bottom. This notch SP5a is for the left end of the rectangular portion of the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ to pass through. This notch SP5a allows the extension portion SQ2 of the plate member SQ to move up and down between the left wall portion and the intermediate wall portion SP5 (see FIGS. 12 and 13).5, 7, 8, and 10, the screw receiving portions SP6 are formed on the front side of the vertical center portion of the front wall portion SP2, on the right side of the rear lower end portion of the right wall portion SP3, and on the rear side of the lower left end portion of the rear wall portion SP4. The screw receiving portions SP6 are formed with screw receiving holes for passing screws SC through.

[0057] (3-5-5) Plate member The plate member SQ moves up and down in accordance with the vertical movement of the movable iron core PB of the solenoid PS. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10, the plate member SQ is primarily composed of a base portion SQ1 and an extension portion SQ2. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 10, the base portion SQ1 is composed of a rectangular portion having a generally rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction and a square portion having a generally square shape extending forward from the right side of the front end of the rectangular portion. As described above, the base portion SQ1 is attached to the upper end of the rod portion RP. More specifically, the base portion SQ1 is attached to the upper end of the rod portion RP so that the upper end of the rod portion RP passes through an opening formed in the square portion of the base portion SQ1. As described above, the rectangular portion of the base portion SQ1 is fitted into the recess SP1a of the support member SP. This restricts the rotation of the plate member SQ. 10, the extension portion SQ2 extends downward from the left end of the rectangular portion of the base portion SQ1 and is disposed between the left wall portion and the middle wall portion SP5 of the support member SP. The role of this extension portion SQ2 will be described later.

[0058] (3-5-6) Operation of the pressure adjustment mechanism Here, we will explain the operation of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143. First, to pressurize the interior of the inner pot 130, the microcomputer on the microcomputer board CB energizes the coil PD of the solenoid PS. This causes the movable core PB of the solenoid PS to move downward toward the fixed core PC of the solenoid PS against the biasing force of the coil spring PE, and the rod portion RP attached to the movable core PB of the solenoid PS also moves downward. At this time, the deformation portion VQ6 of the packing member VQ of the valve disc VB elastically deforms, and the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB, the joint portion VP, the female thread-forming member VR, the inner wall portion VQ3 of the packing member VQ, the lower wall portion VQ4, and the fitting portion VQ5 also move downward. The valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB then abuts against the upper end of the valve seat portion ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, closing the pressure adjustment port ID1a of the valve seat-forming member ID. In this way, the inside of the inner pot 130 is pressurized.

[0059] When the interior of the inner pot 130 is not pressurized, the microcomputer on the microcomputer board CB cuts off current to the coil PD of the solenoid PS. This causes the movable core PB of the solenoid PS to move upward (away from the fixed core PC) due to the biasing force of the coil spring PE, and the rod portion RP also moves upward. At this time, the deformation portion VQ6 of the packing member VQ of the valve disc VB elastically deforms, and the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB, the joint portion VP, the female thread-forming member VR, the inner wall portion VQ3 of the packing member VQ, the lower wall portion VQ4, and the fitting portion VQ5 also move upward. The valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB then separates from the upper end of the valve seat portion ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID of the inner lid IL, opening the pressure adjustment port ID1a of the valve seat-forming member ID. In this state, the interior of the inner pot 130 is not pressurized.

[0060] (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.

[0061] (3-7) Lid locking mechanism 1, 2 and 4, 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.

[0062] (3-7-1) Inner lid lever The inner lid lever LL is a member that can be locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, and as described above, is located in the opening LE1b of the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141. One end of a coil spring is attached to the inner lid lever LL, and the inner lid lever LL is biased rearward by the coil spring. If an attempt is made to close the lid body 140 when the inner lid IL is not attached to the lid body 140 (when the inner lid lever LL is not locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL), the inner lid lever LL comes into contact with the flange portion 133 of the inner pot 130, preventing the lid body 140 from being closed. The rear end of the inner lid lever LL has an inclined surface that slopes forward as it extends upward. As shown in Figure 4, 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), this inclined surface abuts against the inclined surface of the locked portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL. In addition, a guide groove is formed in the rear end of the inner lid lever LL, below the inclined surface. 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 this guide groove while abutting against the front wall of the guide groove.

[0063] (3-7-2) Coil spring The coil spring biases the inner lid lever LL rearward and is disposed between 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 inner lid lever LL. 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 inner lid lever LL. When the inner lid lever LL is engaged with the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL (see FIG. 4), the coil spring biases the inner lid lever LL rearward (in other words, toward the center of gravity of the inner lid IL or the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL as viewed from the inner lid lever LL), thereby biasing the inner lid IL rearward via the inner lid lever LL. This minimizes play between the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid 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 inclined surface at the rear end of the inner lid lever LL that abuts against the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL.

[0064] (3-8) Inner lid As shown in Figures 1 and 4, 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 and 4 to 6, the inner lid IL is mainly composed of an inner lid main body IA, an inner lid ring IB, a packing IC, and a valve seat-forming member ID. These components are described in detail below.

[0065] (3-8-1) Inner lid body As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the inner lid 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, 4, and 5, a downwardly recessed recess IA1a is formed in the center of the lower wall portion IA1. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a valve seat-forming member ID is disposed within the recess IA1a. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, 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 portion ID2 of the valve seat-forming member ID is fitted. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, 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 6, 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 and 6, 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 Figure 4. Furthermore, when the inner lid main body IA is attached to the inner lid ring IB, the outer wall portion IA4 is located inside the outer groove on the upper surface of the base portion IB1 of the inner lid ring IB.

[0066] (3-8-2) Inner lid ring As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the inner cover ring IB is composed of a base portion IB1, a supported portion IB2, a handle portion IB3, a locked portion IB4, and a rib IB5. As shown in Figure 6, the base portion IB1 has a generally annular shape. An outer groove is formed circumferentially on the upper surface of the base portion IB1, and an inner groove is formed circumferentially on the upper surface of the base portion IB1, located inside the outer groove in a plan view. After the packing IC is attached to the inner cover ring IB so that the outer wall portion of the packing IC is positioned inside the inner groove, the inner cover main body IA is attached to the inner cover ring IB so that the outer wall portion IA4 of the inner cover main body IA is positioned inside the outer groove. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the supported portion IB2 extends rearward from the rear end of the base portion IB1. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the handle portion IB3 extends outward from the left and right sides 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 Figures 2 and 6, the locking portion IB4 extends forward from the front end and center in the left-right direction of the base portion IB1. Note that a sloped surface that slopes forward as it extends upward is formed on the part of the locking portion IB4 below the rib IB5. As shown in Figure 6, 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 is formed above the sloped surface of the locking portion IB4.

[0067] (3-8-3) Packing The packing IC is a member made of a flexible material and is mainly composed of an inner wall portion IC1 (see FIG. 6), an upper flange portion, an outer wall portion, and a lower flange portion. The inner wall portion IC1 has a generally cylindrical shape (see FIG. 6). The upper flange portion has a generally annular shape and extends outward from the upper end of the inner wall portion IC1. The outer wall portion has a generally cylindrical shape and extends downward from the outer end of the upper flange portion. As described above, when the packing IC is attached to the inner cover ring IB, the outer wall portion is located inside the inner groove of the base portion IB1 of the inner cover ring IB. The lower flange portion has a generally annular shape and extends outward from the vertical center of the inner wall portion IC1. As shown in FIG. 1, when the lid body 140 is in the closed state, the lower flange abuts against the flange portion 133 of the inner pot 130, closing the gap between the inner pot 130 and the inner lid IL.

[0068] (3-8-4) Valve seat forming member As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the valve seat-forming member ID is composed of a base portion ID1, a valve seat portion ID2, and a cylindrical wall portion ID3. The base portion ID1 has a generally elliptical shape in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, a pressure adjustment port 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 pressure adjustment port ID1a of the base portion ID1, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. 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 shown in FIG. 4. The cylindrical wall portion ID3 is fitted into the opening IA1c of the inner lid main body IA, as described above.

[0069] 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 of the inner lid lever LL. Then, by pushing the front part 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 of the inner lid lever LL while abutting against the front wall surface of the guide groove of the inner lid lever LL. At this time, the inner lid lever LL moves forward against the biasing force of the coil spring. When the front of the inner lid IL is further pushed upward, the rib IB5 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL passes through the guide groove of the inner lid lever LL and is positioned above the rear end of the inner lid lever LL, and the inclined surface of the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL comes into contact with the inclined surface of the rear end of the inner lid lever LL. As a result, the inner lid lever LL is locked to the locking portion IB4 of the inner lid ring IB of the inner lid IL, and the inner lid IL is attached to the lid body 140.

[0070] Next, we will explain how to remove the inner lid IL from the lid body 140. First, for example, by pressing 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. 4, 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 downward to 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.

[0071] (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). As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, 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. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a bearing hole 146a is formed in the front end of the reinforcing member 146 for passing therethrough an opening / closing mechanism-side pivot shaft OD of the opening / closing mechanism 147, and a bearing hole is formed in the rear end of the reinforcing member 146 for passing therethrough a hinge mechanism-side pivot shaft 151 of the hinge mechanism 150.

[0072] (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 .

[0073] (3-11) Opening and closing mechanism 1 and 4, the opening / closing mechanism 147 is a mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the lid body 140, and is mainly composed of an operating part OA, a coil spring OB, a lever member OC, an opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD, an opening / closing mechanism side torsion spring (not shown), and a pressing member OE, etc. These components will be described in detail below.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, the lever member OC is mainly composed of a front wall portion OC1, an upper wall portion OC2, a contact portion OC3, an extension portion OC4, a claw portion OC5, a bearing portion OC6, and a pressing member mounting portion OC7. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the front wall portion OC1 is a substantially rectangular plate-like portion. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the upper wall portion OC2 extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall portion OC1. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 to 9, the contact portion OC3 extends upward from the rear end and center portion of the upper wall portion OC2 in the left-right direction and then extends rearward. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, 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 FIG. 4, the claw portion OC5 extends rearward from the lower end of the extension portion OC4. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the bearing portion OC6 extends rearward from the left and right ends of the front wall portion OC1. A bearing hole is formed in the bearing portion OC6 for passing the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the pressing member attachment portion OC7 extends upward from the rear end and left part of the upper wall portion OC2 and then extends rearward. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, a pressing member OE is attached to the rear end portion of the pressing member attachment portion OC7.

[0077] As described above, the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD is passed through the bearing hole of the bearing portion OC6 of the lever member OC and the bearing hole 146a at the front end of the reinforcing member 146. This allows the lever member OC to rotate about the opening / closing mechanism side rotation shaft OD.

[0078] 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.

[0079] As described above, the pressing member OE is attached to the rear end of the pressing member attachment portion OC7 of the lever member OC. When the lever member OC rotates against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism torsion spring, the pressing member OE comes into contact with the inclined surface IM1a of the front interlocking member IM of the interlocking member 148, and presses and moves the interlocking member 148 rearward.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (3-12) Interlocking members As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 11, the interlocking member 148 is disposed above the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower exterior member LE of the exterior body 141, and is composed of a front interlocking member IM, a rear interlocking member IN, and the like. These components will be described in detail below. The interlocking member 148 is biased forward by a coil spring 148a (see Figure 7). More specifically, the coil spring 148a biases the rear interlocking member IN forward, and also biases the front interlocking member IM forward via the rear interlocking member IN.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 11, the front interlocking member IM is primarily composed of a base portion IM1 and an extension portion IM2. As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 11, the base portion IM1 is a thick plate extending in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the front end of the base portion IM1 is formed with an inclined surface IM1a that slopes downward toward the front. As described above, when the lever member OC of the opening / closing mechanism 147 rotates against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism torsion spring, the pressing member OE of the opening / closing mechanism 147 abuts against this inclined surface IM1a. Then, the rear interlocking member IN is pressed rearward by the pressing member OE of the opening / closing mechanism 147 via the front interlocking member IM and the front interlocking member IM, and moves rearward against the biasing force of the coil spring 148a. As shown in FIG. 11, the extension portion IM2 extends to the right from the rear end of the base portion IM1. The rear ends of the base portion IM1 and the extension portion IM2 are in contact with the front end of the base portion IN1 of the rear interlocking member IN.

[0084] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 11, the rear interlocking member IN is disposed behind the front interlocking member IM and is mainly composed of a base portion IN1 and an extension portion IN2. As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 11, the base portion IN1 is a thick plate portion extending in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 11, the extension portion IN2 extends rearward from the right end of the base portion IN1.

[0085] <Feature to prevent the lid from opening when the inner pot is pressurized> Here, referring to FIG. 12 , we will explain the function of the rice cooker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention that prevents the lid 140 from switching from the closed state to the open state when the inside of the inner pot 130 is pressurized. As described above, when the lid 140 is closed and the inside of the inner pot 130 is pressurized, the movable iron core PB of the solenoid PS moves downward against the biasing force of the coil spring PE, and the rod portion RP attached to the movable iron core PB of the solenoid PS also moves downward. At this time, the plate member SQ attached to the rod portion RP also moves downward so that the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ passes through the notch portion SP5a in the middle wall portion SP5 of the support member SP. When the plate member SQ moves downward, the extension portion SQ2 of the plate member SQ is located immediately behind the upper end of the extension portion IN2 of the rear interlocking member IN of the interlocking member 148, and the rearward movement of the interlocking member 148 is restricted by the extension portion SQ2 of the plate member SQ. For this reason, when the inside of inner pot 130 is pressurized, it is not possible to press down operating part OA of opening / closing mechanism 147 against the biasing force of coil spring OB and rotate lever member OC against the biasing force of the torsion spring on the opening / closing mechanism side. As a result, claw portion OC5 of lever member OC of opening / closing mechanism 147 remains locked to the claw portion of locked part 120 of main body 110, preventing lid 140 from being opened.

[0086] <Pressure prevention function when the claw of the lever member is not locked to the claw of the locked part of the main body> Next, a function of the rice cooker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention that prevents the inside of the inner pot 130 from being pressurized when the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC of the opening / closing mechanism 147 is not engaged with the claw portion of the locking portion 120 of the main body 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . Note that when the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC is not engaged with the claw portion of the locking portion 120, this means that the lever member OC is rotating about the opening / closing mechanism-side pivot shaft OD against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism-side torsion spring, such as when the claw portion OC5 of the lever member OC is partially engaged with the claw portion of the locking portion 120. When the lever member OC is rotating about the opening / closing mechanism-side pivot shaft OD against the biasing force of the opening / closing mechanism-side torsion spring, the pressing member OE abuts against the inclined surface IM1a of the front interlocking member IM of the interlocking member 148, pressing and moving the interlocking member 148 rearward. When interlocking member 148 is moved rearward, extension portion IN2 of rear interlocking member IN of interlocking member 148 is located directly below the front end of extension portion SQ2 of plate member SQ, and downward movement of plate member SQ is restricted by extension portion IN2 of rear interlocking member IN of interlocking member 148. Therefore, when claw portion OC5 of lever member OC is not engaged with the claw portion of locking portion 120, movable iron core PB of solenoid PS cannot be moved downward against the biasing force of coil spring PE. Therefore, when claw portion OC5 of lever member OC is not engaged with the claw portion of locking portion 120, pressurization of the interior of inner pot 130 is prevented.

[0087] (4) Hinge mechanism As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 to 9, 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. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hinge mechanism side rotation shaft 151 is inserted into a bearing hole 153a of the base portion 153 and a bearing hole of the reinforcing member 146 of the lid 140. The hinge mechanism side torsion spring 152 biases 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, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. 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. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base portion 153 is formed with a bearing hole 153a for passing the hinge mechanism side rotation shaft 151 therethrough.

[0088] <Features of the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention> (1) In rice cooker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a male threaded portion RPa is formed at the lower end of rod portion RP of pressure adjustment mechanism 143, and this male threaded portion RPa screws into the female threaded portion of the female thread-forming member VR of valve body VB, thereby attaching valve body VB to the lower end of rod portion RP. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, if a malfunction occurs in valve body VB, solenoid PS, rod portion RP, or the like, valve body VB can be easily removed from rod portion RP and the malfunctioning part can be easily replaced.

[0089] (2) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the clamped portion VQ1 of the packing member VQ of the valve element VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is positioned between the bottom wall portion PA4 of the frame PA of the solenoid PS and the upper wall portion LE1 of the lower outer casing member LE of the exterior body 141, and is sandwiched between these walls. Furthermore, when the support member SP is attached to the lower outer casing member LE of the exterior body 141, the frame PA of the solenoid PS is sandwiched between the support member SP and the clamped portion VQ1 of the packing member VQ of the valve element VB. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, rotation of the clamped portion VQ1 of the packing member VQ of the valve element VB can be restricted as much as possible during pressure cooking operation, thereby minimizing loosening of the valve element VB relative to the rod portion RP. Furthermore, misalignment of the solenoid PS can be minimized.

[0090] (3) In rice cooker 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rectangular portion of base portion SQ1 of plate member SQ of pressure adjustment mechanism 143 fits into recess SP1a of support member SP, restricting rotation of plate member SQ. Therefore, in this rice cooker 100, during pressure cooking operation, rotation of movable iron core PB and rod portion RP of solenoid PS that accompanies rotation of plate member SQ is restricted as much as possible, and the attachment of valve body VB to rod portion RP is prevented from loosening as much as possible.

[0091] (4) In the rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the lower wall portion VQ4 of the packing member VQ of the valve disc VB of the pressure adjustment mechanism 143 is sandwiched between the base portion VO1 of the valve main body VO and the outer wall portion VP4 of the joint portion VP. The fitting portion VQ5 of the packing member VQ is fitted into a recess formed by the inner wall portion VP2, lower wall portion VP3, and outer wall portion VP4 of the joint portion VP. The lower end of the inner wall portion VP2 of the joint portion VP is joined to the base portion VO1 of the valve main body VO, and the joint portion VP embraces the female thread member VR. This minimizes misalignment of the packing member VQ relative to the valve main body VO and minimizes loss of the female thread member VR when the valve disc VB is removed from the stem portion RP.

[0092] <Modification> (A) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, the interlocking member 148 is made up of a front interlocking member IM and a rear interlocking member IN, etc. However, the front interlocking member IM may be integrally molded with the rear interlocking member IN.

[0093] (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.

[0094] (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 portion VO of 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.

[0095] (D) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, the lower end of the inner wall portion VP2 of the joint portion VP of the valve disc VB is joined to the base portion VO1 of the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB by ultrasonic welding or other welding methods. However, the lower end of the inner wall portion VP2 of the joint portion VP of the valve disc VB may be bonded to the base portion VO1 of the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB by, for example, using an adhesive. Alternatively, for example, a claw portion may be formed extending inward from the inner wall portion VP2 of the joint portion VP of the valve disc VB, and a claw receiving hole may be formed in the extension portion VO2 of the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB. The joint portion VP of the valve disc VB may then be attached to the valve body portion VO of the valve disc VB by fitting the claw portion into the claw receiving hole.

[0096] (E) In the rice cooker 100 according to the previous embodiment, the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ is formed from a rectangular portion extending in the left-right direction and having a generally rectangular shape, and a square portion extending forward from the right side of the front end of the rectangular portion and having a generally square shape. However, the shape of the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ is not particularly limited. If the shape of the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ is changed, it is preferable that the shape of the recess SP1a of the support member SP is also changed so that the base portion SQ1 of the plate member SQ can be fitted into the recess SP1a of the support member SP.

[0097] (F) 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.

[0098] The above modified examples may be applied individually or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 110 Main Unit 120 Locked part 140 Lid 143 Pressure adjustment mechanism (pressure adjustment device) 148 Interlocking members ID1a Pressure adjustment port (opening) ID2 Valve seat part LE Lower exterior member (base) PS solenoid (reciprocating mechanism) PB moving core (moving part) OC5 Claw part (locking part) RP rod part RPa male thread SP support member SP1a Recess (rotation restriction part) SQ plate member (rotation restricted part) VB valve body VO valve body VP joint VQ packing material (extension part) VQ1 Clamped part (extended part) VQ4 Lower wall section (extension section) VR female thread forming member

Claims

1. a valve seat portion in which an opening is formed; a reciprocating mechanism having a movable part movable in a first direction toward the opening and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a rod portion extending in the first direction from the movable portion; a base disposed between the reciprocating mechanism and the valve seat; a valve body having a valve main body that opens the opening when spaced apart from the valve seat and closes the opening when in contact with the valve seat, and an extension that extends from the valve main body between the base and the reciprocating mechanism and is sandwiched between the base and the reciprocating mechanism, The valve body is attached to the end of the rod portion in the first direction so as to be threadably engageable with the rod portion. Pressure regulating device.

2. a support member that is detachably attached to the base and that sandwiches the reciprocating mechanism between itself and the extension portion when the reciprocating mechanism is attached to the base; The pressure regulating device of claim 1 .

3. a rotation restricted portion attached to an end portion of the movable portion in the second direction; a rotation restricting portion that is fitted with the rotation restricted portion to restrict rotation of the rotation restricted portion. The pressure regulating device of claim 1 .

4. a male screw portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the rod portion in the first direction, The valve body further includes a female thread forming member that is provided on the valve body and has a female thread formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the female thread being engaged with the male thread. The pressure regulating device of claim 1 .

5. the valve body further includes a joining portion located on the opposite side of the valve body portion from the valve seat portion and joined to the valve body portion, When the joining portion is joined to the valve body portion, the joining portion sandwiches the extension portion between the valve body portion and the joining portion and embraces the female screw forming member. The pressure regulating device according to claim 4.

6. a main body having a locked portion; a cover body including a locking portion that can be locked to the locked portion, and an interlocking member that interlocks with the locking portion; When the locking portion is locked to the locked portion and the movable portion is moving in the first direction, movement of the interlocking member is restricted by the rotation restricted portion, When the locking portion is not locked to the locked portion, the movement of the movable portion in the first direction is restricted by the interlocking member. Cooker.

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