pressure cooker

Abstract

To provide a pressure cooker capable of improving user-friendliness.SOLUTION: A pressure cooker includes: a housing that is provided with an upper opening; a pot that is accommodated in the housing; an outer lid that can be moved to a closed position for covering the upper opening and an open position away from the upper opening; an inner lid that is attached to the outer lid for covering an opening of the pot so as to be opened or closed; a clamping part that can be moved to a clamping position for clamping the inner lid and a flange part of the pot and a clamping release position; a lid locking part that can be moved to a locking position for holding the outer lid at the closed position and a locking release position; an operation part that is attached to the outer lid; a clamping part moving mechanism that moves the clamping part; and a lid locking part moving mechanism that moves the lid locking part. The clamping part moving mechanism moves the clamping part to the clamping release position when the operation part is moved from an initial position to a first position in one direction. The lid locking part moving mechanism moves the lid locking part to the locking release position when the operation part is further moved to a second position in one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure cooker. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of this type of pressure cooker is the pressure cooker described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a pressure cooker that includes a clamping part that clamps the flange of the pot and the inner lid, and is configured so that the inner lid receives pressure from within the pot and presses the clamping part, moving upward, while the pressure from within the pot is not applied to the outer lid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-140174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional pressure cookers still have room for improvement in terms of ease of use.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a pressure cooker that can improve usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. According to the present invention, there is provided a housing having an upper opening; an outer lid movable between a closed position covering the upper opening and an open position away from the upper opening; a pan having a flange portion and accommodated in the housing through the upper opening; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and that opens and closes the opening of the pot in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the outer lid; a clamp portion that is movable between a clamp position where the inner lid and the flange portion are clamped in a thickness direction and a clamp release position where the inner lid and the flange portion are separated from each other; a lid locking portion movable between a locking position where the lid is engaged with a portion of the housing to hold the outer lid in the closed position and an unlocking position where the lid is released from engagement with the portion of the housing; an operating unit provided on the outer lid and movable relative to the outer lid; a clamp unit moving mechanism that moves the clamp unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; a lid lock unit moving mechanism that moves the lid lock unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; Equipped with the clamp portion moving mechanism moves the clamp portion from the clamp position to the clamp release position when the operation portion is moved in one direction from an initial position to a first position, The pressure cooker is provided such that the lid locking unit moving mechanism moves the lid locking unit from the locked position to the unlocked position when the operating unit is moved in the one direction from the first position to the second position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a pressure cooker that can improve usability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a pressure cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure cooker taken along line A1-A1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 2 is a perspective view showing how an operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 moves relative to an outer lid. FIG. [Figure 3B] 2 is a perspective view showing how an operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 moves relative to an outer lid. FIG. [Figure 3C]2 is a perspective view showing how an operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 moves relative to an outer lid. FIG. [Figure 3D] 2 is a perspective view showing how an operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 moves relative to an outer lid. FIG. [Figure 4A] 2 is a perspective view showing the parts and mechanisms that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 with respect to the outer lid. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a perspective view showing the parts and mechanisms that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 with respect to the outer lid. FIG. [Figure 4C] 2 is a perspective view showing the parts and mechanisms that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 with respect to the outer lid. FIG. [Figure 4D] 2 is a perspective view showing the parts and mechanisms that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 with respect to the outer lid. FIG. [Figure 5A] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the lid locking unit, the lid locking unit moving mechanism, and the locking unit that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the lid locking unit, the lid locking unit moving mechanism, and the locking unit that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 5C] 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the lid locking unit, the lid locking unit moving mechanism, and the locking unit that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4C. [Figure 5D] 4D, when the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4D, the lid locking part, the lid locking part moving mechanism, and the position of the locking part which move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part. [Figure 6A] 4B is a plan view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp moving mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part when the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 6B]4C is a plan view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp movement mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part when the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. [Figure 6C] 4D is a plan view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp movement mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operation unit when the operation unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4C. [Figure 7A] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp movement mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operation unit when the operation unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 7B] 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp movement mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part when the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. [Figure 7C] 4D is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the clamp and clamp movement mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating part when the operating part of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4C. FIG. [Figure 8A] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the position detection unit, exhaust valve, and clamp unit moving mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 8B] 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the position detection unit, exhaust valve, and clamp unit moving mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 8C] 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the position detection unit, exhaust valve, and clamp unit moving mechanism that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit when the operating unit of the pressure cooker of FIG. 1 is located at the position shown in FIG. 4C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, substantially the same components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] In addition, for the sake of convenience, the following uses terms indicating directions such as "upper," "lower," and "side," assuming a state of normal use, but this does not mean to limit the state of use of the pressure cooker of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment) The overall configuration of a pressure cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pressure cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure cooker of Figure 1. The pressure cooker according to this embodiment is, for example, a pressure rice cooker.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the pressure cooker of this embodiment comprises a housing 1 having an upper opening 1A, a pot 2 accommodated in the housing 1 through the upper opening 1A, and an outer lid 3 that can open and close the upper opening 1A.

[0013] In this embodiment, housing 1 has a cylindrical pot accommodating portion 12 with a bottom that is recessed inward from top wall 11. The top opening of pot accommodating portion 12 coincides with top opening 1A. Pot 2 is detachably accommodated in pot accommodating portion 12 through top opening 1A. Pot 2 has an annular flange portion 21 that protrudes outward from the top end. The inner surface of pot accommodating portion 12 is formed so that a predetermined gap is left between it and the outer surface of pot 2. Food to be cooked, such as rice or water, is placed in pot 2.

[0014] A heating section 4 that heats the food being cooked in the pot 2 is provided inside the housing 1 and on the outer peripheral surface of the pot accommodating section 12. In this embodiment, the heating section 4 is composed of an induction heating coil unit that induction heats the pot 2 via the pot accommodating section 12. The induction heating coil unit includes an inner-bottom heating coil 41 and an outer-bottom heating coil 42. The inner-bottom heating coil 41 is positioned to face the periphery of the center of the bottom of the pot 2 across the pot accommodating section 12. The outer-bottom heating coil 42 is positioned to face the corner of the bottom of the pot 2 across the pot accommodating section 12.

[0015] Opening 12A is provided in the center of the bottom of pot housing portion 12. Opening 12A is provided with pot temperature sensor 5, an example of a pot temperature detector for detecting the temperature of pot 2. Pot temperature sensor 5 is positioned so that it can abut against the bottom of pot 2 housed in pot housing portion 12. In this embodiment, the temperature of the food to be cooked in pot 2 is estimated based on the temperature detected by pot temperature sensor 5.

[0016] A control unit 6 is also provided inside the housing 1. The control unit 6 has a memory unit that stores multiple cooking sequences for cooking food. Here, a "cooking sequence" refers to a cooking procedure in which the power supply time, heating temperature, heating time, heating output, etc. are predetermined. Each cooking sequence corresponds to one of multiple cooking courses. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the heating unit 4 and executes the cooking process based on the cooking course input via the input unit 7 (described later) and the temperature detected by the pan temperature sensor 5.

[0017] The outer lid 3 is configured to be movable between a closed position (position shown in Figures 1 and 2) that covers the upper opening 1A and an open position that is spaced apart from the upper opening 1A. In this embodiment, the outer lid 3 is configured to be movable between the closed and open positions by rotating about a hinge shaft 3A that is located above the top wall 11 of the housing 1. The outer lid 3 has a hollow structure. The outer lid 3 is provided with an exhaust hole 31 that penetrates the outer lid 3 in its thickness direction to exhaust steam generated inside the pot 2 to the outside. An input unit 7 for inputting various information is provided inside the outer lid 3.

[0018] The input unit 7 is provided with a display unit (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information such as cooking courses and cooking times, and a selection unit (not shown) that allows a specific cooking course to be selected from multiple cooking courses. The selection unit is configured to be able to instruct the user to start, cancel, reserve, and execute other operations in addition to selecting a cooking course. The user can select a specific cooking course using the selection unit and instruct the user to start cooking while referring to the content displayed on the display unit. In this embodiment, the input unit 7 is a touch panel type input unit.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, an inner lid 8 is detachably attached to the outer lid 3. The inner lid 8 is configured to open and close and cover the opening of the pot 2 in conjunction with the opening and closing (rotating) movement of the outer lid 3. That is, the inner lid 8 is detachably attached to the surface of the outer lid 3 facing the upper opening of the pot 2 housed in the pot housing section 12. When the outer lid 3 is in the closed position, the inner lid 8 is configured to cover the upper opening of the pot 2. An annular gasket 81 is attached to the outer periphery of the inner lid 8 on the surface facing the pot 2. When the outer lid 3 is in the closed position, the gasket 81 is configured to fit closely against the flange portion 21 of the pot 2 and seal the gap between the pot 2 and the inner lid 8.

[0020] An operating unit 32 is provided on the outer lid 3 so as to be movable relative to the outer lid 3. Figures 3A to 3D show how the operating unit 32 moves relative to the outer lid 3. Figures 4A to 4D, 5A to 5D, 6A to 6C, 7A to 7C, and 8A to 8C show the various parts and mechanisms that move in conjunction with the relative movement of the operating unit 32 with respect to the outer lid 3.

[0021] 4A to 4D, the outer lid 3 is provided with a lid locking unit 33, a lid locking unit moving mechanism 34, a clamping unit 35, and a clamping unit moving mechanism 36. The lid locking unit 33, the lid locking unit moving mechanism 34, the clamping unit 35, and the clamping unit moving mechanism 36 are configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 32.

[0022] The lid locking unit 33 is configured to be movable between a locked position (position shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C) where it engages with a portion of the housing 1 to hold the outer lid 3 in the closed position, and an unlocked position (position shown in FIG. 5D) where it is disengaged from the portion of the housing 1. The lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to move the lid locking unit 33 in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 32. Specifically, the lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to move the lid locking unit 33 from the locked position to the unlocked position when the operating unit 32 is moved in one direction from the position shown in FIG. 3A (initial position) to the position shown in FIG. 3D (second position). In this embodiment, the operating unit 32 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 32A (first rotation axis) as shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D.

[0023] In this embodiment, the lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured as a plate-shaped member rotatable about a pivot axis 34A. The lid locking unit 33 is configured as an engagement claw integrally formed on the end of the plate-shaped member away from the pivot axis 34A. The lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to be spaced apart from the operating unit 32 when the operating unit 32 is in the position shown in FIG. 3A (initial position) and the position shown in FIG. 3B. On the other hand, the lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to contact a portion of the operating unit 32 when the operating unit 32 is in the position shown in FIG. 3C (first position). Furthermore, the lid locking unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to be pressed by a portion of the operating unit 32 and rotate about the pivot axis 34A when the operating unit 32 moves from the position shown in FIG. 3C (first position) to the position shown in FIG. 3D (second position). As a result, the lid locking unit 33 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0024] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the clamp portion 35 is configured to be movable between a clamping position (position shown in Figure 7A) in which the inner lid 8 and the flange portion 21 are clamped in the thickness direction, and a clamp-release position (position shown in Figures 7B and 7C) in which the clamp portion 35 is separated from the inner lid 8 and the flange portion 21.

[0025] In this embodiment, the two clamp portions 35 are provided at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the linear direction X1 in a plan view.

[0026] The clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is configured to move the clamp unit 35 in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 32. Specifically, the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is configured to move the clamp unit 35 from the clamped position to the unclamped position when the operating unit 32 is moved in one direction from the position shown in Fig. 3A (initial position) to the position shown in Fig. 3C (first position).

[0027] In this embodiment, the clamp portion moving mechanism 36 includes a link member 361 , a slide plate 362 , and a clamp arm 363 .

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, link member 361 engages with a portion of operating unit 32 and is configured to rotate in the opposite direction to operating unit 32 around rotation axis 36A (second rotation axis) that is disposed parallel to rotation axis 32A. In this embodiment, operating unit 32 is provided with engagement pins 32B that protrude from both side surfaces. Link member 361 has elongated engagement holes 361A that engage with engagement pins 32B. When operating unit 32 rotates, each engagement pin 32B slides within each engagement hole 361A, causing link member 361 to rotate in the opposite direction to operating unit 32 around rotation axis 36A.

[0029] The slide plate 362 is configured to engage with a part of the link member 361, and when the link member 361 rotates, it is pressed or pulled by the link member 361 and moves back and forth in a linear direction X1 (see Figures 4B and 4C) along the surface direction of the outer lid 3.

[0030] 5A to 5D, the link member 361 is provided with an engagement shaft 361A extending parallel to the rotation shaft 36A. The slide plate 362 has an engagement groove 362A with which the engagement shaft 361A engages. When the link member 361 rotates with the engagement shaft 361A engaged in the engagement groove 362A, the slide plate 362 is pushed or pulled by the link member 361 and moves back and forth in the linear direction X1.

[0031] The clamp arm 363 engages with a part of the slide plate 362 and is attached to the clamp portion 35. When the slide plate 362 moves back and forth, the clamp arm 363 is pressed or pulled by the slide plate 362 and moves back and forth in a cross direction Y1 (see FIG. 4C ) that is along the surface direction of the outer lid 3 and intersects (for example, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular) the linear direction X1.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, a pair of cam grooves 362B, 362B is provided on the slide plate 362. The pair of cam grooves 362B, 362B is provided line-symmetrically with respect to the linear direction X1. Each cam groove 362B has an inclined surface 362Ba that is inclined with respect to the linear direction X1 and the intersecting direction Y1. The inclined surface 362Ba of one cam groove 362B and the inclined surface 362Ba of the other cam groove 362B are inclined in directions that move away from each other as they approach the operation unit 32 in a plan view.

[0033] In this embodiment, two clamp arms 363 are provided aligned on the same straight line extending in the transverse direction Y1. A clamp portion 35 is attached to the end of each clamp arm 363. Each clamp arm 363 has a cam pin 363A that engages with a cam groove 362B. When the slide plate 362 moves back and forth in the linear direction X1, each cam pin 363A slides along the inclined surface 362Ba of each cam groove 362B, causing the two clamp arms 363 to move back and forth in the transverse direction Y1 so as to approach or move away from each other. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the two clamp portions 35 move between a clamped position (the position shown in FIG. 7A) and an unclamped position (the position shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C).

[0034] 5A to 5D, a locking mechanism 37 that can engage with a portion of the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is provided between the inner lid 8 and the outer lid 3. When the pressure inside the pot 2 rises above atmospheric pressure, the inner lid 8 is pushed by the pressure and is able to move toward the outer lid 3. The locking mechanism 37 is configured to engage with a portion of the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 when the inner lid 8 moves toward the outer lid 3, thereby locking the operation of the clamp unit moving mechanism 36. Even in this case, the gasket 81 is configured to fit closely near the flange 21 of the pot 2 and seal the gap between the pot 2 and the inner lid 8.

[0035] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 37 includes a lock pin 371 and a lock lever 372. A through-hole 3a is provided in the bottom wall of the outer lid 3 (the wall facing the inner lid 8) so as to penetrate the outer lid 3 in the thickness direction. The lock pin 371 is configured to be movable back and forth within the through-hole 3a and to be able to come into contact with the inner lid 8. The lock lever 372 is a substantially long plate-shaped member with one end attached to a rotation shaft 371A so as to rotate about the rotation shaft 372A. The other end of the lock lever 372 has a hook shape that can engage with a portion of the slide plate 362. The lock pin 371 is configured to be able to come into contact with a longitudinal middle portion of the lock lever 372. When the inner lid 8 moves in a direction approaching the outer lid 3, the lock pin 371 is pressed by the inner lid 8 and slides (rises) within the through-hole 3a, causing the lock lever 372 to rotate about the rotation shaft 371A. As a result, the other end of the lock lever 372 engages with a part of the slide plate 362, locking the operation of the clamp unit moving mechanism 36. Furthermore, when the inner lid 8 moves in a direction away from the outer lid 3, the lock pin 371 presses the inner lid 8 and slides (descends) within the through-hole 3a, causing the lock lever 372 to rotate about the rotation shaft 371A. As a result, the engagement between the other end of the lock lever 372 and a part of the slide plate 362 is released, and the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 becomes operable.

[0036] In addition, inner lid 8 is provided with steam exhaust hole 82 that fluidly connects the inside of pot 2 with exhaust hole 31 in outer lid 3. Steam generated inside pot 2 is exhausted to the outside through steam exhaust hole 82 in inner lid 8 and exhaust hole 31 in outer lid 3. As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, near steam exhaust hole 82 is provided exhaust valve 83 that can move between a closed position (position shown in Figure 8A) that closes steam exhaust hole 82 and an exhaust position (positions shown in Figures 8B and 8C) that opens steam exhaust hole 82. Exhaust valve 83 is normally biased by an elastic member such as a spring so that it is positioned in the exhaust position.

[0037] In this embodiment, the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is configured to move the exhaust valve 83 and the clamp unit 35 in conjunction with the movement of the operating unit 32. When the operating unit 32 is moved from the position shown in Fig. 3A to the position shown in Fig. 3C, the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is configured to move the exhaust valve 83 from the closed position to the exhaust position, and then move the clamp unit 35 from the clamped position to the unclamped position.

[0038] More specifically, the outer lid 3 is provided with a pressing pin 38 that is slidable along the underside of the slide plate 362 (the surface facing the inner lid 8) and that can press the exhaust valve 83 downward. The underside of the slide plate 362 is formed with an inclined surface 362C that slopes downward as it moves away from the operating unit 32. When the operating unit 32 is in the position shown in FIG. 3A (initial position), the pressing pin 38 presses the exhaust valve 83 downward as shown in FIG. 8A, thereby holding the exhaust valve 83 in the closed position. On the other hand, when the operating unit 32 moves from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3C, the pressing pin 38 moves along the inclined surface 362C as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, thereby rising and moving away from the exhaust valve 83. As a result, the exhaust valve 83 moves to the exhaust position (elastic return) due to the elastic force of the elastic member described above.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the pressure cooker according to this embodiment includes a position detector 9. The position detector 9 includes a first position detector 91 and a second position detector 92. The first position detector 91 is attached to the clamp unit moving mechanism 36. In this embodiment, the first position detector 91 is attached to the slide plate 362. The second position detector 92 is attached to the outer lid 3. The position detector 9 is configured to detect whether the clamp unit 35 is in the clamped position or the clamp release position based on the relative positions of the first position detector 91 and the second position detector 92. The first position detector 91 is, for example, a magnet. The second position detector 92 is, for example, a Hall element. In this case, the position detector 9 converts the amount of magnetism received from the magnet by the Hall element into an electric quantity, and detects whether the clamp unit 35 is in the clamped position or the clamp release position based on the magnitude of the electric quantity.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the clamp unit moving mechanism 36 is configured to move the clamp unit 35 from the clamped position to the unclamped position when the operating unit 32 is moved in one direction from the position shown in FIG. 3A (initial position) to the position shown in FIG. 3C (first position). The lid lock unit moving mechanism 34 is configured to move the lid lock unit 33 from the locked position to the unlocked position when the operating unit 32 is moved in one direction from the position shown in FIG. 3C (first position) to the position shown in FIG. 3D (second position). This allows the clamp unit 35 to be moved to the unclamped position and then the lid lock unit 33 to be moved to the unlocked position through a series of operations that move the operating unit 32 from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3D. This improves usability.

[0041] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the slide plate 362 and the clamp arm 363 of the clamp portion moving mechanism 36 are configured to move in the surface direction of the outer lid 3. This allows for a compact configuration that prevents an increase in the thickness of the outer lid 3, improving usability.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locking mechanism 37 is configured to lock the operation of the clamp portion moving mechanism 36 when the pressure inside the pot 2 rises above atmospheric pressure. This prevents the outer lid 3 from moving to the open position when the pressure inside the pot 2 is high, improving safety. Furthermore, since the number of actions the user must perform is not increased, usability is further improved.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a series of actions—moving the operating unit 32 in one direction from the position shown in Fig. 3A to the position shown in Fig. 3C—moves the exhaust valve 83 to the exhaust position and then moves the lid locking unit 33 to the unlocked position. This prevents the outer lid 3 from moving to the open position when the pressure inside the pot 2 has not yet dropped below atmospheric pressure, further improving safety. Furthermore, since the number of actions the user must perform is not increased, usability is further improved.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the device is configured to detect whether the clamp unit 35 is in the clamped position or the unclamped position based on the relative positions of the first position detector 91 and the second position detector 92. This prevents cooking from being started with the clamp unit 35 in the unclamped position, for example, allowing for appropriate pressure cooking. Furthermore, since the number of actions the user must perform is not increased, usability can be further improved.

[0045] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a housing having an upper opening; a pan having a flange portion and accommodated in the housing through the upper opening; an outer lid movable between a closed position covering the upper opening and an open position away from the upper opening; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and that opens and closes the opening of the pot in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the outer lid; a clamp portion that is movable between a clamp position where the inner lid and the flange portion are clamped in a thickness direction and a clamp release position where the inner lid and the flange portion are separated from each other; a lid locking portion movable between a locking position where the lid is engaged with a portion of the housing to hold the outer lid in the closed position and an unlocking position where the lid is released from engagement with the portion of the housing; an operating unit provided on the outer lid and movable relative to the outer lid; a clamp unit moving mechanism that moves the clamp unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; a lid lock unit moving mechanism that moves the lid lock unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; Equipped with the clamp portion moving mechanism moves the clamp portion from the clamp position to the clamp release position when the operation portion is moved in one direction from an initial position to a first position, The pressure cooker is provided such that the lid locking unit moving mechanism moves the lid locking unit from the locked position to the unlocked position when the operating unit is moved in the one direction from the first position to the second position.

[0046] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operation unit is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, The clamp unit moving mechanism includes: a link member that engages with a portion of the operating unit and is configured to rotate in an opposite direction to the operating unit about a second rotation axis that is arranged parallel to the first rotation axis when the operating unit rotates; a slide plate that is engaged with a part of the link member and is configured to be pressed or pulled by the link member when the link member rotates, and to move forward and backward in a linear direction along the surface direction of the outer lid; a clamp arm that engages with a portion of the slide plate and is attached to the clamp portion, and that is configured to be pressed or pulled by the slide plate when the slide plate moves back and forth, and to move back and forth along the surface direction of the outer lid and in an intersecting direction that intersects with the linear direction; The pressure cooker according to the first aspect is provided, comprising:

[0047] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the clamping mechanism further includes a locking mechanism provided between the inner lid and the outer lid and engageable with a part of the clamping portion moving mechanism, The inner lid is configured to be movable in a direction approaching the outer lid when the pressure in the pot rises to be higher than atmospheric pressure, and is pushed by the pressure; A pressure cooker according to the first or second aspect is provided, wherein the locking mechanism engages with a part of the clamp portion moving mechanism to lock the operation of the clamp portion moving mechanism when the inner lid moves in a direction approaching the outer lid.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the steam discharging device further includes an exhaust valve that is movable between a closing position that closes the steam discharge hole provided in the inner lid and an exhaust position that opens the steam discharge hole, The pressure cooker according to any one of the first to third aspects is provided, wherein the clamp unit moving mechanism is configured to move the exhaust valve and the clamp unit in conjunction with movement of the operating unit, and when the operating unit is moved in one direction from the initial position to the first position, the exhaust valve is moved from the closed position to the exhaust position, and then the clamp unit is moved from the clamp position to the unclamped position.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure cooker according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, comprising a first position detection element attached to the clamp portion moving mechanism and a second position detection element attached to the outer lid, and further comprising a position detection unit that detects whether the clamp portion is located in the clamp position or the clamp release position based on the relative positions of the first position detection element and the second position detection element.

[0050] Any of the various embodiments described above may be combined appropriately to achieve the effects of each of them.

[0051] Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is to be understood that such changes and modifications are included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The pressure cooker according to the present invention can improve usability and is therefore useful as, for example, a pressure rice cooker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 chassis 1A Top opening 2. Pot 3 Outer lid 3A Hinge axis 3a Through hole 4 Heating section 5 Pot temperature sensor 6 Control Unit 7 Input section 8 Inner lid 9 Position detection unit 11 Upper wall 12 Pot storage section 12A opening 21 Flange 31 Exhaust hole 32 Operation section 32A Rotating shaft (first rotating shaft) 32B Engagement pin 33 Lid lock 34 Lid lock movement mechanism 34A Rotating shaft 35 Clamp section 36 Clamp section movement mechanism 36A Rotating shaft (second rotating shaft) 37 Locking mechanism 38 Pressing pin 41 Bottom heating coil 42 Bottom outer heating coil 81 Gasket 82 Steam exhaust hole 83 Exhaust valve 91 First position detection element 92 Second position detection element 361 Link member 361A Engagement shaft 362 Slide Plate 362A Engagement groove 362B Cam groove 362C Slope 362Ba Slope 363 Clamp Arm 363A Cam Pin 371 Lock Pin 371A Rotating shaft 372 Lock lever

Claims

1. a housing having an upper opening; a pan having a flange portion and accommodated in the housing through the upper opening; an outer lid movable between a closed position covering the upper opening and an open position away from the upper opening; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and that opens and closes the opening of the pot in conjunction with the opening and closing movement of the outer lid; a clamp portion that is movable between a clamp position where the inner lid and the flange portion are clamped in a thickness direction and a clamp release position where the inner lid and the flange portion are separated from each other; a lid locking portion movable between a locking position where the lid is engaged with a portion of the housing to hold the outer lid in the closed position and an unlocking position where the lid is released from engagement with the portion of the housing; an operating unit provided on the outer lid and movable relative to the outer lid; a clamp unit moving mechanism that moves the clamp unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; a lid lock unit moving mechanism that moves the lid lock unit in conjunction with movement of the operation unit; Equipped with the clamp portion moving mechanism moves the clamp portion from the clamp position to the clamp release position when the operation portion is moved in one direction from an initial position to a first position, The lid lock unit moving mechanism moves the lid lock unit from the locked position to the unlocked position when the operating unit is moved in the one direction from the first position to the second position.

2. The operation unit is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, The clamp unit moving mechanism includes: a link member that engages with a portion of the operating unit and is configured to rotate in an opposite direction to the operating unit about a second rotation axis that is disposed parallel to the first rotation axis when the operating unit rotates; a slide plate that is engaged with a part of the link member and is configured to be pressed or pulled by the link member when the link member rotates, and to move forward and backward in a linear direction along the surface direction of the outer lid; a clamp arm that engages with a portion of the slide plate and is attached to the clamp portion, and that is configured to be pressed or pulled by the slide plate when the slide plate moves back and forth, and to move back and forth along the surface direction of the outer lid and in an intersecting direction that intersects with the linear direction; The pressure cooker of claim 1 .

3. a locking mechanism provided between the inner lid and the outer lid and capable of engaging with a part of the clamp portion moving mechanism; The inner lid is configured to be movable in a direction approaching the outer lid when the pressure in the pot rises to be higher than atmospheric pressure, and is pushed by the pressure; 3. The pressure cooker according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism engages with a part of the clamp portion moving mechanism to lock the operation of the clamp portion moving mechanism when the inner lid moves in a direction approaching the outer lid.

4. The steam discharge port is provided in the inner lid. The steam discharge port is provided with a closing position, and the exhaust valve is movable to an exhaust position, and the exhaust valve is opened. The pressure cooker of claim 1 or 2, wherein the clamp unit moving mechanism is configured to move the exhaust valve and the clamp unit in conjunction with movement of the operating unit, and when the operating unit is moved in one direction from the initial position to the first position, the exhaust valve is moved from the closed position to the exhaust position, and then the clamp unit is moved from the clamp position to the unclamped position.

5. 3. The pressure cooker of claim 1, further comprising a position detection unit that detects whether the clamp unit is in the clamped position or the unclamped position based on the relative positions of the first position detection element and the second position detection element, and a first position detection element attached to the clamp unit moving mechanism and a second position detection element attached to the outer lid.

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