Heating regulator

Abstract

To improve the functions of a cooker.SOLUTION: A cooker (2) comprises a pot (4) comprising a cooking space (S), a heating part (9) for heating the pot (4), and a lid (10) comprising an inner lid (14) for sealing the cooking space (S). The inner lid (14) is provided with a pressure release valve (22) capable of moving between a sealing position at which the cooking space (S) is sealed, and a release position at which it is opened to atmospheric pressure. The lid (10) is provided with an automatic release part (50) to be automatically operated so as to move the pressure release valve (22) toward the release position, and a manual release part (25) to be manually operated by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, cooking devices have been known in which food or other ingredients are placed in a pot and cooked by heating (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cooking device of Patent Document 1 has a function of automatically operating a pressure release valve to control the pressure inside the pot, and when certain conditions are met, the pressure release valve is operated to release the pressure inside the pot to atmospheric pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-174703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the cooking device of Patent Document 1, if the device is de-energized due to a power outage or the like, the pressure release valve cannot be operated, and in particular, if the pressure inside the pot is reduced below atmospheric pressure, the lid of the pot may not be able to be opened. For this reason, it can be said that there is room for improvement in terms of the functionality and convenience of cooking devices.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and improve the functionality of a cooking device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the heating cooker of the present disclosure comprises a pot having a cooking space, a heating unit for heating the pot, and a lid having an inner lid for sealing the cooking space, the inner lid being provided with a pressure release valve that is movable between a sealed position that seals the cooking space and an open position that opens it to atmospheric pressure, and the lid being provided with an automatic release unit that operates automatically to move the pressure release valve toward the open position and a manual release unit that is manually operated by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the functionality of a cooking device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to a first embodiment, with an outer lid omitted; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an inner lid according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a safety valve according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a pressure release valve according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lid of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the manual opening section and the automatic opening section of the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a manual release unit and an automatic release unit of the first embodiment (when the manual release unit is in operation). [Figure 9B] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the manual opening unit and the automatic opening unit of the first embodiment (when the automatic opening unit is in operation). [Figure 10A] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a manual release portion and a locking member of the first embodiment (unlocked state); FIG. [Figure 10B] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a manual release portion and a locking member of the first embodiment (locked state); FIG. [Figure 10C] 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing another example of the manual release portion and the locking member of the first embodiment (unlocked state); FIG. [Figure 10D] 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing another example of the manual release portion and the locking member of the first embodiment (locked state) [Figure 11A] 10 is a schematic front view of a manual opening unit and an automatic opening unit provided in a cooking device according to a second embodiment (connected state) [Figure 11B] 10 is a schematic front view of a manual opening unit and an automatic opening unit provided in a cooking device according to a second embodiment (unconnected state) [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a cooking device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations of the following embodiments, and configurations based on similar technical ideas are included in the present disclosure.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) First, a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device 2 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device 2 (a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1).

[0013] 1 and 2 is a cooking appliance for cooking food or other ingredients (not shown). The cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment is an automatic cooker in which an operating sequence for each cooking menu is pre-programmed, and is also called an "auto cooker," "multi cooker," or "slow cooker."

[0014] When using the cooking appliance 2, the user places an item to be cooked (not shown) in the cooking space S of the pot 4 shown in Fig. 2, and operates the operation display unit 6 shown in Fig. 1 to select a cooking menu and decide to perform cooking. The cooking appliance 2 operates to cook the item to be cooked according to a predetermined program in accordance with the dish (stew, curry, etc.) of the selected cooking menu.

[0015] The cooker 2 of this embodiment has a "pressure cooking function" for cooking with the cooking space S pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and a "vacuum cooking function" for cooking with the cooking space S depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. When performing vacuum cooking, for example, the air in the cooking space S may be forced out through a check valve and then the pot 4 may be cooled to create a vacuum state, or the air in the cooking space S may be forcibly exhausted using a pump to create a vacuum state.

[0016] The cooking device 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a main body 8 that houses a pot 4, and a lid 10 for opening and closing the main body 8.

[0017] Main body 8 is a member that houses pot 4 and other components. Main body 8 houses various parts for operating cooking appliance 2, and as shown in Figure 2, it houses heater 9 for heating pot 4 and control unit 11 for controlling the operation of cooking appliance 2. Control unit 11 is shown in a simplified form.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 8 supports the lid 10 rotatably (arrow R1).

[0019] Lid 10 is a member for opening and closing main body 8 and pot 4 housed in main body 8. Figures 1 and 2 show lid 10 in a closed state.

[0020] Lid 10 comprises outer lid 12 and inner lid 14 (Fig. 2). Outer lid 12 is a lid for opening and closing the entire main body 8, and inner lid 14 is a lid for opening and closing pot 4. Inner lid 14 is attached to the inside (underside) of outer lid 12.

[0021] Here, the configuration of the inner lid 14 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cooking device 2 without the outer lid 12, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inner lid 14 alone.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner lid 14 has an inner lid main body 16 and a packing 18.

[0024] The inner lid main body 16 corresponds to the main body of the inner lid 14 and is roughly disk-shaped. A gasket 18 is attached to the outer periphery of the inner lid main body 16. The gasket 18 is a roughly annular member attached to the underside of the inner lid main body 16. When the lid 10 is closed, the gasket 18 abuts against the flange of the pot 4 to seal the cooking space S.

[0025] The inner lid body 16 is provided with a safety valve 20, a pressure release valve 22, and a locking member 24.

[0026] The safety valve 20 is a valve that operates to open the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure when the pressure in the cooking space S rises above a predetermined pressure. The safety valve 20 prevents the cooking space S from becoming overpressurized. The safety valve 20 may also be called a "pressure regulating valve" or a "check valve."

[0027] The pressure release valve 22, like the safety valve 20, is a valve that operates to open the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure. Unlike the safety valve 20, the pressure release valve 22 operates automatically under the control of the control unit 11 or manually by a user's operation. The pressure release valve 22 may also be called a "pressure release valve."

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an operation button 26 is provided on the surface of the lid 10. The operation button 26 is an operation unit (push button) for manually operating the pressure release valve 22 described above, and constitutes the manual release unit 25 shown in Figure 2. The operation button 26 may also be referred to as a "pressure release button."

[0029] Here, the configurations of the safety valve 20 and the pressure release valve 22 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the safety valve 20, and Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the pressure release valve 22.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the safety valve 20 includes a valve body 28 , a packing 30 , and a spring 32 .

[0031] Valve element 28 is a movable part that moves between a sealing position where it seals cooking space S and an open position, and has a rod-like shape that extends vertically. Valve element 28 is inserted into opening 34 of valve receiving portion 33 that is erected on inner lid main body 16. Valve element 28 is exposed to cooking space S through opening 34, and is also exposed to external space O (internal space of lid 10) outside cooking space S across opening 34. External space O is open to atmospheric pressure.

[0032] An expanded diameter portion 36 is provided in the center of the valve body 28, and a packing 30 is attached to the expanded diameter portion 36. The packing 30 seals the cooking space S when it abuts against the upper surface of the valve receiving portion 33 around the opening 34.

[0033] The spring 32 is a biasing member for biasing the valve body 28 toward the sealing position. The biasing force F1 of the spring 32 acts in a direction to press the packing 30 attached to the valve body 28 against the upper surface of the valve receiving portion 33 (i.e., in a direction toward the cooking space S).

[0034] The safety valve 20 is biased toward the sealed position by the biasing force F1 of the spring 32, but when the cooking space S is pressurized, the pressurizing force F2 of the cooking space S acts upward on the valve body 28. When the pressurizing force F2 becomes greater than the biasing force F1, the spring 32 contracts and the safety valve 20 rises to the open position (arrow M1). This unseals the cooking space S, and the cooking space S communicates with the external space O and is open to atmospheric pressure.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure relief valve 22 includes a valve body 38, a packing 40, and a spring 42.

[0036] The valve element 38 is a movable part that moves between a sealing position where it seals the cooking space S and an open position, and has a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The valve element 38 is inserted into an opening 44 of a valve receiving part 43 that is erected on the inner lid main body 16. The valve element 38 is disposed in the cooking space S and the external space O through the opening 44.

[0037] A pressed portion 46 is provided at the upper end of the valve body 38 and is disposed in the external space O. The pressed portion 46 is a portion that is pressed downward by the manual release portion 25 shown in FIG.

[0038] An expanded diameter portion 48 is provided at the lower end of the valve body 38 and is placed in the cooking space S. The expanded diameter portion 48 is a member for attaching a sealing packing 40. The packing 40 seals the cooking space S when it abuts against the lower surface of the valve receiving portion 43 around the opening 44.

[0039] The spring 42 is a biasing member for biasing the valve body 38 toward the sealing position. The biasing force F3 of the spring 42 acts in a direction that presses the packing 40 attached to the valve body 38 against the lower surface of the valve receiving portion 43 (i.e., in a direction toward the external space O).

[0040] The pressure release valve 22 is biased toward the sealed position by the biasing force F3 of the spring 42, but when the pressed portion 46 is pressed by the manual release portion 25, a downward pressing force F4 is applied. When the pressing force F4 becomes greater than the biasing force F3, the spring 42 contracts, and the pressure release valve 22 moves downward integrally to the open position (arrow M2). This unseals the cooking space S, and the cooking space S is opened to atmospheric pressure.

[0041] As a configuration for pressing the pressed portion 46 of the pressure release valve 22 shown in Fig. 6 to operate the pressure release valve 22, the cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment is provided with a manual opening portion 25 (Figs. 2 and 10) that is manually operated by the user, and an automatic opening portion 50 (Fig. 10) that is automatically operated under the control of the control unit 11. The configurations of the manual opening portion 25 and the automatic opening portion 50 will be described using Figs. 7, 8, 9A, and 9B.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the lid 10. As shown in FIG.

[0043] 7, a manual opening unit 25 and an automatic opening unit 50 are provided inside the lid 10 as components for operating the pressure release valve 22. Both the manual opening unit 25 and the automatic opening unit 50 are provided on the outer lid 12 of the lid 10, and are positioned so as to allow access to the pressed portion 46 of the pressure release valve 22 attached to the inner lid 14.

[0044] Fig. 8 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the manual release unit 25 and the automatic release unit 50. Fig. 8 shows a state in which the manual release unit 25 and the automatic release unit 50 are not operating and the pressure release valve 22 is in the closed position.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the manual release unit 25 includes, in addition to the operation button 26, a spring 52, a spring retainer 54, a movable unit 56, a pressing unit 58, and a support unit 60.

[0046] The spring 52 is a biasing member that generates a biasing force F5 that biases the operation button 26 upward. The spring 52 is supported from below by a spring retainer 54, which is fixed to the inner wall portion of the lid 10.

[0047] The movable part 56 is attached to the operation button 26 and is a member that moves up and down integrally with the operation button 26. The movable part 56 is an axial member that extends along the axial direction A and moves up and down in the axial direction A. A pressing part 58 is attached to the tip of the movable part 56.

[0048] The pressing portion 58 is a member for pressing the pressed portion 46 of the pressure release valve 22. The pressing portion 58 is disposed above the pressed portion 46 and faces the pressed portion 46. The pressing portion 58 is supported by a support portion 60. The support portion 60 is a member that elastically supports the pressing portion 58, and is fixed to the inner wall of the lid 10.

[0049] 9A, when the user presses the operation button 26, the movable part 56 and the pressing part 58 move downward together, and the pressing part 58 comes into contact with and presses downward the pressed part 46 of the pressure release valve 22. This moves the pressure release valve 22 from the closed position to the open position, and the cooking space S is opened to atmospheric pressure.

[0050] When the user releases the operation button 26, the spring 52 returns the operation button 26 to its original upper position, the pressing portion 58 retracts from the pressure release valve 22, and the pressure release valve 22 returns to its original sealing position.

[0051] When the movable part 56 and the pressing part 58 move up and down, the movable part 68 connected to the pressing part 58 also moves up and down in conjunction with them.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8, the automatic opening unit 50 includes a motor 62, a cam member 63, a movable unit 68, a pressing unit 69, and a spring .

[0053] The motor 62 is a drive unit for driving the automatic opening unit 50, and is driven to rotate in response to a drive signal sent from the control unit 11 (arrow R2). The motor 62 is reversibly rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The cam member 63 is a member connected between the motor 62 and the movable unit 68, and converts the rotational force of the motor 62 into a drive force along the axial direction A and transmits it to the movable unit 68. The cam member 63 has a motor engaging portion 64 and an inclined portion 66.

[0054] The motor engagement portion 64 is a portion that meshes with the gear of the motor 62, and moves in the lateral direction B together with the inclined portion 66 as the motor 62 rotates. The inclined portion 66 is a portion that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and engages with the press-down portion 69. The press-down portion 69 is disposed around the movable portion 68 and has the function of pressing down the spring 70. While the press-down portion 69 extends in the horizontal direction, the inclined portion 66 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, so that the vertical position of the press-down portion 69 changes depending on the contact position between the inclined portion 66 and the press-down portion 69. This changes the pressing force F6 with which the spring 70 presses down the pressing portion 58.

[0055] Movable part 68 is an axial member that extends along axial direction A, similar to movable part 56 described above, and has its tip connected to pressing part 58. Movable part 68 has a cylindrical shape that houses movable part 56 inside, and is arranged coaxially with movable part 56. A spring 70 is provided around movable part 68, and spring 70 is arranged between press-down part 69 and pressing part 58.

[0056] 9B, when motor 62 is rotated in predetermined rotation direction R3, cam member 63 moves to the right side of the drawing, and inclined portion 66 of cam member 63 presses down depressing portion 69. Spring 70 is compressed by the pressed down depressing portion 69, and pressing portion 58 and movable portion 68 are pressed downward via spring 70, and pressing portion 58 presses pressed portion 46 of pressure release valve 22. As a result, pressure release valve 22 moves from the sealed position to the open position, and cooking space S is opened to atmospheric pressure.

[0057] When the motor 62 is rotated in the opposite direction to the rotation direction R3, the pressing portion 58 retreats from the pressure release valve 22, and the pressure release valve 22 returns to its original sealing position.

[0058] When the movable portion 68 and the pressing portion 58 move up and down, the movable portion 56 arranged coaxially with the movable portion 68 does not move, and the movable portion 68 moves up and down independently of the movable portion 56 .

[0059] As described above, by providing two types of mechanisms (manual release unit 25 and automatic release unit 50) for operating pressure release valve 22, cooking space S can be opened to atmospheric pressure by manual operation by the user or automatic operation under the control of control unit 11. The timing and direction of rotation of motor 62 in automatic release unit 50 are predetermined according to the cooking course and are stored in a memory unit (not shown) of control unit 11.

[0060] For example, during cooking or reduced pressure cooking, the automatic release unit 50 can be used to operate the pressure release valve 22 at a predetermined timing according to a pre-stored program, and the user can manually operate the pressure release valve 22 using the manual release unit 25 when cooking is not in progress. The user can also manually operate the pressure release valve 22 to open the lid 10 at any time during cooking. In particular, if the cooker 2 is de-energized due to a power outage or the like, the automatic release unit 50 cannot be operated. Therefore, by being able to operate the pressure release valve 22 using the manual release unit 25, the cooking space S can be provided with the function of releasing it to atmospheric pressure even in emergencies such as a power outage.

[0061] In particular, the cooking device 2 of this embodiment has a reduced pressure cooking function, and if the cooking device 2 is de-energized when the pressure in the cooking space S is lower than atmospheric pressure, there is a risk that the lid 10 will not be able to be opened. In response to this, by providing the manual opening part 25, it is possible to ensure that the lid 10 can be opened even when the cooking device 2 is de-energized due to a reduced pressure state, thereby improving the functionality and convenience of the cooking device 2.

[0062] Although not shown in Figures 7 to 9B, the cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment is provided with a locking member 24 (Figures 1 and 2) for restricting the operation of the manual release portion 25. Examples of the configuration and operation of the locking member 24 will be described with reference to Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D.

[0063] 10A and 10B are simplified vertical cross-sectional views of the manual release portion 25 and the locking member 24A (an example of the locking member 24), respectively. Fig. 10A corresponds to the unlocked state, and Fig. 10B corresponds to the locked state.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the locking member 24A includes a locking pin 72, a base 74, and a locking plate .

[0065] The lock pin 72 is a movable part that operates in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space S. The lock pin 72 has a rod-like shape and is inserted into a base 74 erected on the inner lid body 16 of the inner lid 14, and is exposed to the cooking space S and the external space O. When the cooking space S is not pressurized, the lock pin 72 is supported at the bottom dead center by the base 74, as shown in FIG. 10A.

[0066] The lock plate 76 is a plate-shaped member provided above the lock pin 72 and configured to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. The lock plate 76 is attached to the inner wall of the lid 10 with its vertical position fixed.

[0067] Although not shown in FIGS. 7 to 9B, the movable part 56 of the manual release part 25 is provided with a protrusion 78 for locking.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10B, when the pressure in the cooking space S reaches a pressurized state higher than atmospheric pressure, an upward pressure force F7 acts on the lock pin 72 exposed to the cooking space S. This causes the lock pin 72 to rise and engage with the lock plate 76, causing the lock plate 76 to rotate in a horizontal plane. The contact point between the lock pin 72 and the lock plate 76 has a cam shape, and movement of the lock pin 72 in the axial direction A is converted into movement of the lock plate 76 in the rotational direction. As shown in FIG. 10B, the tip 80 of the lock plate 76 moves directly below the protrusion 78, thereby restricting the descent of the protrusion 78 and the movable part 56. Even if the user presses the operation button 26, it cannot be depressed, and the operation of the manual release part 25 is restricted.

[0069] According to the above configuration, when the cooking space S is pressurized, the lock pin 72 is automatically raised, thereby restricting the operation of the manual release part 25. This prevents the user from accidentally manually operating the pressure release valve 22 when the cooking space S is pressurized, prevents the contents of the cooking space S from scattering, and improves safety.

[0070] The weights of the lock pin 72, the valve body 28, etc. are set so that the lower limit of the pressure F7 at which the lock member 24A operates is smaller than the lower limit of the pressure F2 (FIG. 5) at which the safety valve 20 operates. This allows the lock member 24A to operate in a pressurized state before the safety valve 20 opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure, thereby restricting the operation of the manual release part 25.

[0071] 10C and 10D are simplified vertical cross-sectional views of the manual release portion 25 and the locking member 24B (an example of the locking member 24), respectively. Fig. 10C corresponds to the unlocked state, and Fig. 10D corresponds to the locked state.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the locking member 24B includes a locking pin 82, a movable base 84, a first arm 86, a second arm 88, and a third arm 90.

[0073] The lock pin 82 is a movable part that operates in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space S. The lock pin 82 is inserted into a movable base 84 placed on the inner lid body 16 of the inner lid 14, and is exposed to the cooking space S and the external space O. The movable base 84 integrally supports the lock pin 82 and moves integrally in response to the up and down movement of the lock pin 82.

[0074] The first arm 86, the second arm 88, and the third arm 90 are members provided to perform a predetermined reciprocating motion in response to the up and down movement of the lock pin 82. One end of the first arm 86 is attached to the tip of the lock pin 82, and one end of the second arm 88 is attached to the outer lid 12. The other end of the first arm 86 and the other end of the second arm 88 are rotatably connected, and one end of the third arm 90 is also rotatably connected. The other end of the third arm 90 is disposed near the operation button 26.

[0075] 10C, when the pressure in the cooking space S is close to atmospheric pressure, the lock pin 82 does not rise, and the tip of the third arm 90 is located away from the operation button 26. At this time, even if the operation button 26 is pressed, it does not interfere with the tip of the third arm 90, so the operation button 26 can be pressed down to the desired pressed position.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 10D, when the pressure in the cooking space S becomes higher than atmospheric pressure, an upward pressure force F7 acts on the lock pin 82, causing the lock pin 82 and the movable base 84 to rise together. As the lock pin 82 rises, the arms 86, 88, and 90 rotate, and as shown in Fig. 10D, the tip of the third arm 90 moves in a direction approaching the operation button 26. At this time, the tip of the third arm 90 is positioned directly below the outer periphery of the operation button 26. Therefore, even if the user presses the operation button 26, the operation button 26 cannot be pressed down due to interference with the third arm 90, and the movement of the manual release part 25 is restricted.

[0077] According to the above configuration, when the cooking space S is pressurized, the lock pin 82 is automatically raised, thereby restricting the operation of the manual release part 25. This prevents the user from accidentally manually operating the pressure release valve 22 when the cooking space S is pressurized, prevents the contents of the cooking space S from scattering, and improves safety.

[0078] In addition, a locking member that operates spontaneously when the cooking space S becomes pressurized may be provided, but it is also possible to provide a locking member that uniformly restricts the operation of the manual release portion 25 when the heating cooker 2 is cooking (including pressurized cooking and reduced pressure cooking).

[0079] As described above, the cooking device 2 of this embodiment includes a pot 4 having a cooking space S, a heater 9 (heating unit) that heats the pot 4, and a lid 10 having an inner lid 14 for sealing the cooking space S. The inner lid 14 is provided with a pressure release valve 22 that is movable between a sealed position that seals the cooking space S and an open position that opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure. The lid 10 is provided with an automatic opening unit 50 that operates automatically to move the pressure release valve 22 toward the open position, and a manual opening unit 25 that is manually operated by the user.

[0080] According to such a cooking device 2, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released both automatically and manually, so that even if the automatic opening unit 50 does not operate when the power is off, the pressure can be manually released using the manual opening unit 25. This ensures that the pressure in the cooking space S can be released and the lid 10 can be opened, improving the functionality of the cooking device.

[0081] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the automatic opening unit 50 and the manual opening unit 25 have a common pressing unit 58 for pressing the pressure release valve 22 toward the open position. With such a cooker 2, the common pressing unit 58 can be used, thereby saving space and reducing costs.

[0082] Cooking device 2 of the present embodiment further includes movable parts 56 and 68 connected to pressing part 58, with movable part 56 being driven in axial direction A by manual opening part 25 and movable part 68 being driven in axial direction A by automatic opening part 50. According to such cooking device 2, pressing part 58 can be operated with a simple configuration.

[0083] Moreover, in the cooking device 2 of the present embodiment, the movable parts 56, 68 include a movable part 68 (first movable part) that constitutes the automatic opening part 50 and a movable part 56 (second movable part) that constitutes the manual opening part 25, and the movable part 68 and the movable part 56 are each movable in the axial direction A. According to such a cooking device 2, the automatic opening part 50 and the manual opening part 25 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0084] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment, the movable part 68 and the movable part 56 are arranged coaxially. According to such a cooking device 2, space saving can be achieved.

[0085] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the lid 10 is further provided with a locking member 24 for restricting the operation of the manual release part 25. With such a cooker 2, it is possible to restrict the pressure release valve 22 from being manually operated when it is not desirable to release the pressure in the cooking space S (for example, when the cooking space S is pressurized).

[0086] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the locking member 24 is provided with a locking pin 72 (movable part) that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that restricts the operation of the manual release part 25. The locking pin 72 is attached to the inner lid 14 so as to be exposed to the cooking space S, and operates to rise from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space S. According to this cooker 2, by operating the locking pin 72 when the cooking space S is in a pressurized state, it is possible to restrict the pressure release valve 22 from being manually operated when it is not desirable to open the cooking space S, thereby improving safety.

[0087] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the inner lid 14 is further provided with a spring 42 (biasing member) that biases the pressure release valve 22 toward the sealed position, and the automatic opening unit 50 and the manual opening unit 25 each operate to press the pressure release valve 22 toward the open position against the biasing force F3 of the spring 42. According to such a cooker 2, the pressure release valve 22 can be operated only at desired timing.

[0088] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the pressure release valve 22 has a packing 40 exposed to the cooking space S and a valve body 38 connected to the packing 40 and inserted into an opening 44 (through-hole) of the inner lid 14, and the automatic opening unit 50 and the manual opening unit 25 each operate to press the valve body 38 down toward the cooking space S. According to this cooker 2, by pressing the valve body 38 down toward the cooking space S, the pressure in the cooking space S can be easily released.

[0089] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment, the inner lid 14 is further provided with a safety valve 20 that operates to release the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space S. According to such a cooking device 2, the safety valve 20 operates when the cooking space S becomes pressurized, thereby preventing the pressure in the cooking space S from becoming excessively high and improving safety.

[0090] Furthermore, the cooking device 2 of this embodiment has a reduced-pressure cooking function. With this cooking device 2, even if the cooking space S is in a reduced-pressure state, the pressure in the cooking space S can be automatically or manually released to ensure that the lid 10 can be opened.

[0091] (Embodiment 2) A cooking device 102 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. In the second embodiment, the same or similar configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same names and symbols. In the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0092] 11A and 11B are schematic front views of the manual opening part 125 and the automatic opening part 150 provided in the cooking device 102 of the second embodiment.

[0093] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the manual opening section 125 and the automatic opening section 150 can be selectively connected.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, manual release section 125 has operation button 126, movable section 156, connecting section 158, flange section 160, spring 162, and pressing section 164.

[0095] The operation button 126 is a manual operation button provided on the surface of the lid 10, and is connected to a movable part 156. The movable part 156 is an axial member that is movable along the axial direction A, and a connecting part 158 ​​is connected to the movable part 156. The connecting part 158 ​​is a member that has a gear for engaging with an engaging part 168 of the automatic opening part 150, and moves up and down integrally with the movable part 156. A flange part 160, a spring 162, and a pressing part 164 are attached to the tip side of the movable part 156, and the pressing part 164 is positioned opposite the pressed part 46 of the pressure release valve 22 (not shown).

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the automatic opening unit 150 includes a motor 166 and an engaging unit 168.

[0097] The motor 166 has a function of rotating the engagement portion 168. The engagement portion 168 has a gear that can be engaged with the connecting portion 158.

[0098] In this configuration, the automatic opening portion 150 is configured to be movable between a connected position (FIG. 11A) in which the engaging portion 168 engages with the connecting portion 158 and a non-connected position (FIG. 11B) in which the engaging portion 168 is separated from the connecting portion 158.

[0099] 11A, in a connected state in which the engaging portion 168 is engaged with the connecting portion 158, the rotational force of the motor 166 is transmitted to the connecting portion 158. As a result, the rotational drive of the engaging portion 168 can press the connecting portion 158 and the movable portion 156 downward, which presses the pressing portion 164 via the spring 162 and presses the pressed portion 46 of the pressure release valve 22 (not shown).

[0100] 11B, in a non-connected state where engaging portion 168 is not engaged with connecting portion 158, the rotational force of motor 166 is not transmitted to connecting portion 158, and instead, the user can press operation button 126 of manual release portion 125. Pressing operation button 126 presses movable portion 156 and connecting portion 158 downward, which in turn presses pressing portion 164 via spring 162, thereby pressing pressed portion 46 of pressure release valve 22 (not shown).

[0101] In the cooker 102 of the second embodiment, the automatic opening unit 150 can be manually switched between the coupled state and the uncoupled state by a user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, an operating unit 170 is provided on the surface of the lid 10. The operating unit 170 is provided slidably along an opening 172 formed in the surface of the lid 10, and can be grasped and slid by a user. The operating unit 170 is connected to the automatic opening unit 150 inside the lid 10, and operates to place the automatic opening unit 150 in the coupled position (FIG. 11A) when in a first sliding position, and to place the automatic opening unit 150 in the uncoupled position (FIG. 11B) when in a second sliding position.

[0102] According to the above configuration, the user can manually switch between the connected state shown in FIG. 11A and the unconnected state shown in FIG. 11B.

[0103] 11A, even if the user presses operation button 126 of manual release unit 125, engaging portion 168 of automatic release unit 150 engaged with connecting portion 158 may limit downward movement of connecting portion 158. This allows a design in which only automatic release unit 150 operates in the connected state shown in FIG. 11A, and only manual release unit 125 operates in the unconnected state shown in FIG. 11B.

[0104] As described above, in the cooking appliance 102 of the second embodiment, the manual opening unit 125 has a movable unit 156 that is movable along the axial direction A, and a connecting unit 158 ​​that is attached to the movable unit 156 and connected to the automatic opening unit 150, and the automatic opening unit 150 moves the connecting unit 158 ​​and the movable unit 156 together by driving the connecting unit 158 ​​along the axial direction A. With this configuration, the manual opening unit 125 and the automatic opening unit 150 can be configured with a simple structure.

[0105] Moreover, in the cooking device 102 of the second embodiment, the automatic opening unit 150 has an engaging unit 168 that engages with the connecting unit 158, and the engaging unit 168 is movable between a connecting position where it engages with the connecting unit 158 ​​and a non-connecting position where it is spaced apart from the connecting unit 158. With this configuration, the automatic opening unit 150 and the manual opening unit 125 can be selectively operated.

[0106] Moreover, the cooking appliance 102 of the second embodiment further includes an operating unit 170 for manually operating the engaging unit 168. With this configuration, the user can switch between an operable state of the automatic opening unit 150 and an operable state of the manual opening unit 125.

[0107] Although the invention of the present disclosure has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the pressure release valve 22 is a spring-type valve. However, this is not a limitation and the valve may be, for example, a ball-type valve. However, with a spring-type valve, it is not necessary to increase the weight of the valve to increase the valve operating pressure, as with a ball-type valve, and the valve operating pressure can be easily adjusted without significantly changing the weight or size of the inner lid 14.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. Furthermore, changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0109] By appropriately combining any of the various modifications of the above embodiment, it is possible to achieve the effects of each of the modifications. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] The present disclosure is applicable to any cooking device that heats and cooks food or other ingredients. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 2 Cooker 4. Hotpot 9 Heater (heating part) 10 Lid 14 Inner lid 22 Pressure relief valve 25 Manual release part 50 Automatic opening section S cooking space

Claims

1. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; a lid having an inner lid for sealing the cooking space, The inner lid is provided with a pressure release valve that is movable between a sealing position that seals the cooking space and an open position that is open to atmospheric pressure, the lid is provided with an automatic opening portion that operates automatically to move the pressure release valve toward the open position and a manual opening portion that is manually operated by a user; The lid is further provided with a locking member for restricting the operation of the manual opening portion, the locking member includes a movable portion movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that restricts the operation of the manual release portion, The movable part is attached to the inner lid so as to be exposed to the cooking space, and operates to rise from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space.

2. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; a lid having an inner lid for sealing the cooking space, The inner lid is provided with a pressure release valve that is movable between a sealing position that seals the cooking space and an open position that is open to atmospheric pressure, the lid is provided with an automatic opening portion that operates automatically to move the pressure release valve toward the open position and a manual opening portion that is manually operated by a user; The pressure release valve has a packing exposed to the cooking space and a valve body connected to the packing and inserted into the through-hole of the inner lid, The cooking device, wherein the automatic opening unit and the manual opening unit each operate to press the valve body downward toward the cooking space.

3. a pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; a lid having an inner lid for sealing the cooking space, The inner lid is provided with a pressure release valve that is movable between a sealing position that seals the cooking space and an open position that is open to atmospheric pressure, the lid is provided with an automatic opening portion that operates automatically to move the pressure release valve toward the open position and a manual opening portion that is manually operated by a user; the automatic release unit and the manual release unit have a common pressing unit for pressing the pressure release valve toward the open position, Further, a movable part connected to the pressing part is provided, The cooking device, wherein the movable part is driven in a linear motion in the axial direction by the automatic opening part or the manual opening part.

4. A heating cooker as described in claim 3, wherein the manual release section is provided with an operation button that transmits downward pressing force by the user to the movable section and the pressing section, and the pressing section presses the pressure release valve toward the open position in a downward direction.

5. the movable portion includes a first movable portion constituting the automatic opening portion and a second movable portion constituting the manual opening portion, The cooking device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first movable portion and the second movable portion are each linearly movable in an axial direction.

6. The cooking device according to claim 5 , wherein the first movable portion and the second movable portion are arranged coaxially.

7. the manual opening unit has a movable part that is movable along the axial direction and a connecting part that is attached to the movable part and connected to the automatic opening unit, The cooking device according to claim 3 , wherein the automatic opening unit drives the connecting unit along the axial direction to move the connecting unit and the movable unit integrally.

8. The cooking device according to claim 7, wherein the automatic opening portion has an engaging portion that engages with the connecting portion, and the engaging portion is movable between a connecting position where it engages with the connecting portion and a non-connecting position where it is spaced apart from the connecting portion.

9. The cooking device according to claim 8 , further comprising an operating part for manually operating the engaging part.

10. The cooking device according to claim 2 , wherein the lid is further provided with a locking member for restricting operation of the manual opening portion.

11. the locking member includes a movable portion movable between a locked position and an unlocked position that restricts the operation of the manual release portion, The cooking device according to claim 10, wherein the movable part is attached to the inner lid so as to be exposed to the cooking space, and operates to rise from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space.

12. The inner lid is further provided with a biasing member that biases the pressure release valve toward the sealing position, 12. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic opening unit and the manual opening unit each operate to press the pressure release valve toward the open position against the biasing force of the biasing member.

13. The pressure release valve has a packing exposed to the cooking space and a valve body connected to the packing and inserted into the through-hole of the inner lid, The cooking device according to claim 3 , wherein the automatic opening portion and the manual opening portion each operate to press the valve body downward toward the cooking space.

14. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the inner lid is further provided with a safety valve that operates to release the cooking space to atmospheric pressure in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space.

15. The cooking device according to claim 1 , which has a reduced pressure cooking function.

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