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), and comprises pressure release means (18 and 22) to be operated by a pressure difference between the cooking space (S) and an external space (O) in accordance with a decompression state in which the cooking space (S) is decompressed to predetermined pressure, to open the cooking chamber (S) to atmospheric pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

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, a lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space, and a pressure release means that operates in response to the pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, thereby releasing the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. [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 an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a cooking device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to an embodiment, with an outer lid omitted; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of an inner lid according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a safety valve according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a pressure release valve according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a lid according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a manual opening portion and an automatic opening portion of an embodiment. [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a manual release unit and an automatic release unit according to an embodiment (when the manual release unit is in operation); FIG. [Figure 9B] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a manual opening unit and an automatic opening unit of an embodiment (when the automatic opening unit is in operation); FIG. [Figure 10] Plan view of the packing in Example 1 [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the packing in Example 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a fixed state in which the packing in the first embodiment is attached to the inner lid main body. [Figure 13]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the packing in the first embodiment (pressurized state); [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the packing in the first embodiment (reduced pressure state 1). [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of the operation of the packing in the first embodiment (reduced pressure state 2). [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a packing in Example 1-1. [Figure 16] Enlarged view of part E1 in Figure 15 [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a packing in Example 1-2. [Figure 18] Enlarged view of part E2 in Figure 17 [Figure 19] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the packing in an area (including a weak rigidity portion) that does not include a rib in Example 1-2. [Figure 20] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the packing in the area including the rib in Example 1-2 [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of ribs and weak rigidity portions in a modified example of Example 1-2. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an arrangement pattern of ribs and weak rigidity portions in a modified example of Example 1-2. [Figure 23] Vertical cross-sectional view of the pot in Example 1-3 [Figure 24] Plan view of the pot in Examples 1-3 [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the peripheral structure of the flange of the pot in Example 1-3. [Figure 26] Plan view of the packing fixing portion in Example 1-4 [Figure 27] Enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of part E4 in Figure 26 [Figure 28] Enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of part E5 in Figure 26 [Figure 29] Plan view of the packing fixing portion in Example 1-5 [Figure 30] Enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of part E6 in Figure 29 [Figure 31] Enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of part E7 in Figure 29 [Figure 32]FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the pressure release valve in the second embodiment. 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) 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 an 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 and a pressure release valve 22 .

[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 can be operated automatically under the control of the control unit 11 or manually by a user. The pressure release valve 22 may also be called a "pressure release valve."

[0028] The pressure release valve 22 of this embodiment can also operate automatically to release the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure in response to a reduced pressure state in which the pressure in the cooking space S becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. Details will be described in Example 2.

[0029] 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."

[0030] 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.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the safety valve 20 includes a valve body 28 , a packing 30 , and a spring 32 .

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure relief valve 22 includes a valve body 38, a packing 40, and a spring 42.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the lid 10. As shown in FIG.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 .

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 .

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In particular, the cooker 2 of this embodiment has a reduced pressure cooking function, and if the cooker 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 release unit 25, it is possible to ensure that the lid 10 can be opened even when the cooker 2 is de-energized due to a reduced pressure, thereby improving the functionality and convenience of the cooker 2. Furthermore, if pressure above a predetermined level is applied even when the cooker is powered on, the pressure can be forcibly released, making it possible to repeat reduced pressure cooking at a stable pressure even without a means for automatically opening the pressure release valve 22.

[0063] In addition to the manual release unit 25 and the automatic release unit 50 (FIG. 10), the present embodiment also includes a pressure release means (autonomous pressure release means) that operates autonomously to release the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure when the pressure in the cooking space S reaches a reduced pressure below a predetermined pressure. An example of the pressure release means will be described below.

[0064] (Example 1: When the packing 18 is the pressure release means) In the first embodiment, the pressure release means is a packing 18 provided on the inner lid 14. The general configuration of the packing 18 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the packing 18 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the packing 18. As shown in FIG.

[0066] 10, the packing 18 has a generally annular shape extending along the circumferential direction C. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the packing 18 has a main body portion 100, a first thin-walled portion 102, a second thin-walled portion 104, and an attachment portion 106.

[0067] The main body portion 100 is a portion that constitutes the main body of the packing 18, and has a relatively large thickness within the packing 18. The main body portion 100 may also be referred to as a thick-walled portion. The first thin-walled portion 102 is a portion that is thinner than the main body portion 100, and extends from the main body portion 100 to the outside D1. The second thin-walled portion 104, like the first thin-walled portion 102, is a portion that is thinner than the main body portion 100, and extends from the main body portion 100 to the inside D2. The attachment portion 106 is a portion for attaching the packing 18 to the inner lid main body portion 16, and has a shape that rises on the opposite side from the main body portion 100.

[0068] The mounting portion 106 is provided with a protrusion 108 and a hook 110 .

[0069] FIG. 12 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the packing 18 attached and fixed to the inner lid main body 16.

[0070] 12, the packing 18 is fixed to the inner lid main body 16 via a packing fixing part 112. The packing fixing part 112 is a member for fixing the packing 18 to the inner lid main body 16, and is engaged with the mounting part 106 of the packing 18 and fixed to the outer periphery 117 of the inner lid main body 16 by fixing means such as screws (not shown).

[0071] The packing fixing portion 112 has a protrusion 114 for hooking the hook portion 110 of the packing 18. The protrusion 108 of the packing 18 is in close contact with the underside of the inner lid main body 16. The second thin-walled portion 104 extending from the mounting portion 106 abuts against the underside of the inner lid main body 16.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, when lid 10 is closed and packing 18 is brought into close contact with pot 4, first thin-walled portion 102 is disposed between packing fixing portion 112 and flange 113 of pot 4.

[0073] Gasket fixing portion 112 has a pressing portion 116 that presses first thin-walled portion 102 toward flange 113 of pot 4. Pressing portion 116 is a protrusion that protrudes from packing fixing portion 112 toward the opposite side from protrusion 114, and extends around the entire circumference in circumferential direction C. By pressing first thin-walled portion 102 toward flange 113 with pressing portion 116, first thin-walled portion 102 comes into close contact with flange 113, and a sealing point K that seals cooking space S of pot 4 is formed.

[0074] In the above configuration, when the pressure in the cooking space S changes during cooking or the like, the shape of the packing 18 changes in accordance with the pressure difference between the cooking space S and the outside space O, and the packing 18 moves spontaneously.

[0075] 13, 14A, and 14B show examples of the operation of the packing 18. Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the packing 18 when the cooking space S is in a pressurized state, and Figs. 14A and 14B are vertical cross-sectional views of the packing 18 when the cooking space S is in a depressurized state.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, when cooking space S is pressurized, the pressure difference between cooking space S and external space O causes main body 100 of packing 18 exposed to cooking space S to be pressed against the inner wall surface of pot 4, and second thin-walled portion 104 to be pressed against the underside of inner lid main body 16. An external force acts on first thin-walled portion 102 extending from main body 100 toward external space O. Because first thin-walled portion 102 attempts to move toward the narrower space, a stronger seal is formed at sealing point K.

[0077] 14A, when the cooking space S is in a reduced pressure state, the main body 100 of the packing 18 is drawn toward the cooking space S in accordance with the pressure difference between the cooking space S and the external space O, and the first thin-walled portion 102 is also drawn toward the cooking space S. The greater the pressure difference between the cooking space S and the external space O, the more the first thin-walled portion 102 is drawn toward the cooking space S.

[0078] 14B, in response to a reduced pressure state in which the pressure in the cooking space S becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the first thin-walled portion 102 moves inward (to the lower right of the drawing) from the position sandwiched between the flange 113 and the pressing portion 116. This releases the seal at the sealing point K, connecting the cooking space S with the external space O and opening the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0079] In Example 1, the shape of packing 18 is devised so that release of sealing in response to a reduced pressure state below a predetermined pressure as shown in Fig. 14B occurs at a specific location in packing 18. Examples 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, and 1-5 will be described below as variations of Example 1.

[0080] (Example 1-1) Example 1-1 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a plan view showing a packing 18A in Example 1-1, and Figure 16 is an enlarged view of part E1 in Figure 15.

[0081] 15 and 16, the packing 18A of Example 1-1 has a first thin portion 102A, and the first thin portion 102A forms a notch 120A in a part of the circumferential direction C. The notch 120A is a notch provided in a part of the outer periphery of the first thin portion 102A, and a narrow width portion 122A (FIG. 16) is formed in the region including the notch 120A by narrowing the length of the first thin portion 102A in the width direction D.

[0082] 14B, when the cooking space S is decompressed and the first thin-walled portion 102A is drawn toward the cooking space S, the sealing at the sealing point K is first released in the narrow portion 122A that forms the notch 120A. In this way, the sealing can be released at a specific location in the circumferential direction C of the packing 18A, making it easy to control the pressure conditions when the cooking space S is opened to atmospheric pressure by the packing 18A.

[0083] (Example 1-2) Example 1-2 will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a plan view showing packing 18B in Example 1-2, and Figure 18 is an enlarged view of part E2 in Figure 17.

[0084] 17 and 18, the packing 18B of Example 1-2 has a plurality of ribs 124B with a relatively large thickness provided on the main body 100B. By providing the ribs 124B, the rigidity of the main body 100B is partially increased.

[0085] The multiple ribs 124B are provided at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction C, but are thinned out in part of the circumferential direction C. In the example shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, one rib 124B is thinned out in the region on the right side of the paper. In the region where the rib 124B is thinned out, the rigidity is weaker than in the region where the rib 124B is provided, and a low-rigidity portion 126B is formed.

[0086] FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the packing 18B in an area not including the rib 124B (including the weak rigidity portion 126B), and FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the packing 18B including the rib 124B.

[0087] 19, in a cross section that does not include the rib 124B, the main body 100B located between the first thin-walled portion 102 and the second thin-walled portion 104 has a thickness T1. As shown in Fig. 20, in a cross section that includes the rib 124B, the main body 100B located between the first thin-walled portion 102 and the second thin-walled portion 104 has a thickness T2 that is larger than thickness T1.

[0088] 14B, when the cooking space S is decompressed, the main body 100B and the first thin-walled portion 102 are drawn toward the cooking space S. The relatively weakly rigid portion 126B and the first thin-walled portion 102 closer to the weakly rigid portion 126B are more likely to be drawn in. Therefore, the sealing at the sealing point K near the weakly rigid portion 126B is released first. In this way, the sealing can be released at a specific point in the circumferential direction C of the packing 18B, making it easier to control the pressure conditions when the packing 18B opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0089] The pitch of the ribs 124B may be adjusted as appropriate depending on the pressure conditions for releasing the seal. For example, the arrangement of the ribs 124B and the weak rigidity portions 126B as shown in the modified examples of FIGS. 21 and 22 may be adopted.

[0090] Furthermore, instead of providing ribs 124B to locally increase the thickness of packing 18B as shown in Figures 17 to 20, a weak rigidity portion may be formed by locally reducing the thickness of a portion of packing 18B in the circumferential direction C.

[0091] (Examples 1-3) Example 1-3 will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 25. Figure 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of pot 4C in Example 1-3, Figure 24 is a plan view of pot 4C, and Figure 25 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the peripheral configuration of flange 113C of pot 4C.

[0092] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, pot 4C of Example 1-3 has a flange 113C that abuts against gasket 18 (not shown). As shown in Figure 24, multiple flanges 113C are provided on pot 4C at intervals in the circumferential direction C. In the example shown in Figure 24, flanges 113C are provided in three locations, and a recess 128C is formed in one of the flanges 113C.

[0093] Fig. 25 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view (enlarged view of part E3 in Fig. 24) showing flange 113C forming recess 128C. As shown in Fig. 25, recess 128C is formed by partially recessing the base portion of flange 113C.

[0094] 14B, when the cooking space S is decompressed and the first thin-walled portion 102 is drawn toward the cooking space S, the sealing at the sealing point K is first released between the flange 113C where the recess 128C is formed and the packing 18. In this way, the sealing can be released at a specific point in the circumferential direction C of the packing 18 (the point facing the recess 128C), making it easy to control the pressure conditions when the packing 18 opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0095] (Examples 1-4) Example 1-4 will be described with reference to Figures 26 to 28. Figure 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a packing fixing portion 112D in Example 1-4, Figure 27 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part E4 in Figure 26, and Figure 28 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part E5 in Figure 26.

[0096] 26, the packing fixing portion 112D of Example 1-4 has a pressing portion 116D on the lower surface 130D. The pressing portions 116D are provided so as to extend in the circumferential direction C, and are thinned out in a partial region on the right side of the page. In the area where the pressing portion 116D is not provided, a weak pressing portion 132D is formed which applies a relatively weak pressing force to press the first thin-walled portion 102.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 27, the lower surface 130D of the packing fixing portion 112D has a convex shape due to the pressing portion 116D, whereas as shown in FIG. 28, the lower surface 130D constituting the weak pressing portion 132D is flat because the pressing portion 116D is not provided.

[0098] 14B, when the cooking space S is decompressed and the first thin-walled portion 102 is drawn toward the cooking space S, the sealing at the sealing point K is first released between the weak pressing portion 132D of the packing fixing portion 112D and the packing 18. In this way, the sealing can be released at a specific location in the circumferential direction C of the packing 18 (the location facing the weak pressing portion 132D), making it easy to control the pressure conditions when the packing 18 opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0099] (Examples 1-5) 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the packing fixing portion 112E in Example 1-5, FIG. 30 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part E6 in FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of part E7 in FIG.

[0100] 29, the packing fixing portion 112E of Example 1-5 has a pressing portion 116E on the lower surface 130E. The pressing portion 116E extends in the circumferential direction C and is arranged at a position shifted in the width direction D in a partial region on the right side of the page.

[0101] In the example shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, the pressing portion 116E (132E) at the E7 portion is provided at a position shifted to the outer side D1 in the width direction D relative to the pressing portions 116E at positions different from the E7 portion, including the E6 portion.

[0102] 14B, when the cooking space S is decompressed and the first thin-walled portion 102 is drawn toward the cooking space S, the sealing at the sealing point K is first released between the pressing portion 132E located on the outer side D1 and the packing 18. In this way, the sealing can be released at a specific location in the circumferential direction C of the packing 18 (the location facing the pressing portion 132E), making it easy to control the pressure conditions when the packing 18 opens the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0103] (Example 2: When the pressure release valve 22 is a spontaneous pressure release means) In the first embodiment, the packing 18 is used as the spontaneous pressure release means, whereas in the second embodiment, the pressure release valve 22 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is used as the spontaneous pressure release means.

[0104] FIG. 32 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the pressure release valve 22F in the second embodiment.

[0105] 32, the spring 42F of the pressure release valve 22F generates a biasing force F3 that biases the valve element 38F toward the sealed position. When the cooking space S is pressurized, the valve element 38F is subjected to a pressure force in the same direction as the biasing force F3, which more firmly maintains the sealed state. However, when the cooking space S is depressurized, the valve element 38F is subjected to a vacuum force F9 that is in the opposite direction to the biasing force F3 and pulls the valve element 38F toward the cooking space S. The lower the pressure in the cooking space S, the greater the vacuum force F9 becomes, and when the vacuum force F9 exceeds the biasing force F3, the valve element 38F descends and the seal is released.

[0106] In Example 2, the magnitude of the spring force F3 is set so that the decompression force F9 exceeds the spring force F3 and the seal is released in accordance with the reduced pressure state in which the pressure in the cooking space S has dropped to the target predetermined pressure.

[0107] According to the above configuration, when the pressure in the cooking space S reaches a reduced pressure state below a predetermined pressure, the valve body 38F of the pressure release valve 22F can be automatically moved from the sealed position to the open position, thereby opening the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure.

[0108] (Actions and Effects) As described above, the cooking device 2 of this embodiment comprises a pot 4 having a cooking space S, a heater 9 (heating unit) for heating the pot 4, a lid 10 having an inner lid 14 that can seal the cooking space S, and a gasket 18 or pressure release valve 22 (pressure release means) that operates in response to the pressure difference between the cooking space S and the external space O to release the cooking space S to atmospheric pressure in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space S is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less.

[0109] According to this cooking device 2, the pressure release means releases the pressure in the cooking space S when the cooking space S is in a reduced pressure state, so that even if the pressure in the cooking space S drops when the power is off, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released and the lid 10 can be opened. This improves the functionality of the cooking device 2.

[0110] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment, the packing 18 or the pressure release valve 22 (pressure release means) operates spontaneously in response to the reduced pressure state. With such a cooker 2, even if the pressure in the cooking space S drops when not energized, the pressure release means operates spontaneously, ensuring that the lid 10 can be opened.

[0111] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment (Example 1), the inner lid 14 has a packing 18 as a pressure release means, and the packing 18 is drawn toward the cooking space S in response to the reduced pressure, thereby partially releasing the tight contact with the pot 4. With this cooker 2, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released using the packing 18, ensuring that the lid 10 can be opened.

[0112] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (Example 1), the outer periphery of the packing 18 is provided with a first thin-walled portion 102 that comes into contact with the pot 4. According to such a cooking device 2, it is possible to design the cooking device 2 so that the pressure in the cooking space S can be released by utilizing the first thin-walled portion 102.

[0113] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (Example 1-1), the first thin portion 102A has a narrow width portion 122A where the width is partially narrowed. According to such cooking device 2, when the first thin portion 102A of the packing 18A is retracted in a reduced pressure state, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released via the narrow width portion 122A.

[0114] In the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (Example 1-2), the packing 18B has a weak rigidity portion 126B where the rigidity is partially weakened. According to such a cooking device 2, when the packing 18B is retracted in a reduced pressure state, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released via the weak rigidity portion 126B.

[0115] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment (Example 1-2), the packing 18B has a plurality of ribs 124B arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction C, and the weak rigidity portions 126B are provided at locations where the ribs 124B of the packing 18B are partially thinned out in the circumferential direction C. According to such a cooking appliance 2, the weak rigidity portions 126B can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0116] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (a modified example of Example 1-2), the weak rigidity portion 126B is provided in a relatively thin portion of the packing 18B. According to such a cooking device 2, the weak rigidity portion can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0117] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (Examples 1-3), the pot 4C has a flange 113C that contacts the packing 18, and the flange 113C has a recess 128C in a part of the circumferential direction C. According to this cooking device 2, when the packing 18 is retracted under reduced pressure, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released via the recess 128C in the flange 113C.

[0118] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment (Examples 1-4), the inner lid 14 has an inner lid main body 16 and a packing fixing part 112D that fixes the packing 18 to the inner lid main body 16, and the packing fixing part 112D has a pressing part 116D that presses the packing 18 toward the pot 4, and the pressing part 116D has a weak pressing part 132D that is configured so that the pressing force is weak in part of the circumferential direction C. According to this cooking appliance 2, when the packing 18 is retracted in a reduced pressure state, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released via the weak pressing part 132D.

[0119] Furthermore, in the cooking device 2 of this embodiment (Examples 1-5), the inner lid 14 has an inner lid main body 16 and a packing fixing part 112 that fixes the packing 18 to the inner lid main body 16, and the packing fixing part 112E has pressing parts 116E, 132E that press the packing 18 toward the pot 4, and the pressing part 132E is provided in a position shifted to the outside D1 in the width direction D in a part of the circumferential direction C. According to such a cooking device 2, when the packing 18 is retracted in a reduced pressure state, the pressure in the cooking space S can be released via the pressing part 132E.

[0120] Furthermore, in the cooker 2 of this embodiment (Example 2), the inner lid 14 is provided with a pressure release valve 22F as pressure release means and a spring 42F (biasing member) that biases the pressure release valve 22F toward the sealed position, and the pressure release valve 22F has a valve body 38F that is arranged to penetrate the inner lid 14, and the valve body 38F operates to be drawn into the cooking space S against the biasing force F3 of the spring 42F in accordance with a decompression state in which the cooking space S is decompressed to a predetermined pressure or less. According to such a cooker 2, the valve body 38F of the pressure release valve 22F is drawn into the cooking space S in accordance with the predetermined decompression state, thereby releasing the pressure in the cooking space S.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Furthermore, the cooker 2 of this embodiment has a reduced-pressure cooking function. With this cooker 2, even if the cooking space S is in a reduced-pressure state, the pressure can be released by the packing 18 or the pressure release valve 22 (pressure release means), ensuring that the lid 10 can be opened.

[0123] Although the invention of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the invention of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, in the embodiments, the manual release unit 25 and the automatic release unit 50 are provided as mechanisms for operating the pressure release valve 22. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a case, and either or both of the manual release unit 25 and the automatic release unit 50 may not be provided. Even in such a case, it is possible to use the gasket 18, the safety valve 20, and the pressure release valve 22 to prevent excessive pressurization / depressurization while cooking.

[0124] In the embodiment, the pressure release valve 22 is a spring-type valve, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a ball-type valve, for example. However, with a spring-type valve, it is not necessary to increase the weight of the valve in order to increase the valve operating pressure, as is the case with a ball-type valve, and it is easy to adjust the valve operating pressure without significantly changing the weight or size of the inner lid 14.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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]

[0127] The present disclosure is applicable to any cooking device that heats and cooks food or other ingredients. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 2 Cooker 4. Hotpot 9 Heater (heating part) 10 Lid 14 Inner lid 18 Packing (pressure relief means) 22 Pressure relief valve (pressure relief means) S cooking space O External space

Claims

1. a pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; A lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space; and a pressure release means that operates in response to a pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, and releases the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. The inner lid has a packing as the pressure release means, The packing is pulled toward the cooking space in response to the reduced pressure, and the tight contact state with the pot is partially released, The outer periphery of the packing is provided with a thin-walled portion that comes into contact with the pot.

2. The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the thin-walled portion has a narrow portion whose width is partially narrowed.

3. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; A lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space; and a pressure release means that operates in response to a pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, and releases the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. The inner lid has a packing as the pressure release means, The packing is pulled toward the cooking space in response to the reduced pressure, and the tight contact state with the pot is partially released, The packing has a weak rigidity portion where the rigidity is partially weakened.

4. The packing has a plurality of ribs spaced apart in the circumferential direction, The cooking device according to claim 3 , wherein the weak rigidity portion is provided at a location where the ribs are partially thinned out in the circumferential direction of the packing.

5. The cooking device according to claim 3 , wherein the weak rigidity portion is provided at a location where the packing has a relatively small thickness.

6. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; A lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space; and a pressure release means that operates in response to a pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, and releases the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. The inner lid has a packing as the pressure release means, The packing is pulled toward the cooking space in response to the reduced pressure, and the tight contact state with the pot is partially released, The pot has a flange that contacts the packing, The flange has a recess in a part of its circumferential direction.

7. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; A lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space; and a pressure release means that operates in response to a pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, and releases the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. The inner lid has a packing as the pressure release means, The packing is pulled toward the cooking space in response to the reduced pressure, and the tight contact state with the pot is partially released, The inner lid has an inner lid body and a packing fixing portion that fixes the packing to the inner lid body, A heating cooker, wherein the gasket fixing portion has a pressing portion that presses the gasket toward the pot, and the pressing portion has a weak pressing portion configured so that the pressing force is weak in part of the circumferential direction.

8. A pot having a cooking space; A heating unit that heats the pot; A lid having an inner lid capable of sealing the cooking space; and a pressure release means that operates in response to a pressure difference between the cooking space and an external space in response to a reduced pressure state in which the cooking space is reduced to a predetermined pressure or less, and releases the cooking space to atmospheric pressure. The inner lid has a packing as the pressure release means, The packing is pulled toward the cooking space in response to the reduced pressure, and the tight contact state with the pot is partially released, The inner lid has an inner lid body and a packing fixing portion that fixes the packing to the inner lid body, A cooking appliance in which the gasket fixing portion has a pressing portion that presses the gasket toward the pot, and the pressing portion is provided at a position shifted outward in the width direction at a portion of the circumference.

9. A heating cooker described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure release means operates spontaneously in response to the reduced pressure state.

10. The inner lid is provided with a pressure release valve as the pressure release means and a biasing member that biases the pressure release valve toward a sealing position, 10. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure release valve has a valve body arranged to penetrate the inner lid, and the valve body operates to be drawn into the cooking space against the biasing force of the biasing member in response to the reduced pressure state.

11. 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.

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

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