Ultrasonic cooking device and ultrasonic cooking system

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic cooking device and an ultrasonic cooking system capable of applying ultrasonic vibrations to food to be cooked without limiting the container used. The ultrasonic cooking device 110 according to the present disclosure is provided with an ultrasonic vibrator 40 that is removably housed in its entirety inside a container 3 containing an object 2 to be cooked, and that applies ultrasonic vibrations to the object 2 to be cooked.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ultrasonic cooking appliances and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cooking devices that use ultrasonic waves have been proposed that integrate an ultrasonic vibrator with a container or a cooking device. For example, the cooking device in Patent Document 1 uses a container (cooking implement) that does not incorporate an ultrasonic generator (ultrasonic vibrator) to apply ultrasonic waves to food inside the container, and includes an ultrasonic generator, an arm member that holds the tip of the ultrasonic generator so that it can be inserted into the food and a support rod that support the tip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-117521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the arm member and support that hold the ultrasonic generator are attached to the side of a heating unit of a gas stove, etc. Therefore, Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the containers that can be used are limited to those with a depth that is suitable for the size of the arm member and support.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an ultrasonic cooking device and an ultrasonic cooking system that can apply ultrasonic vibrations to the food being cooked without limiting the container used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ultrasonic cooking device according to the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic vibrator that is removably housed in its entirety inside a container containing food to be cooked and that applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food to be cooked. The ultrasonic transducer is not integrated into the cooking device. The ultrasonic cooking device according to the present disclosure also includes an ultrasonic vibrator that is removably housed in a container containing food to be cooked and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food. The ultrasonic vibrator is fixed to a drop lid that covers the food inside the container and further has an adhesive part that detachably fixes the ultrasonic vibrator to the drop lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the ultrasonic cooking device and ultrasonic cooking system of the present disclosure, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to food to be cooked without limiting the container used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the ultrasonic cooking device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the positions of wiring holes provided in the ultrasonic cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the positions of wiring holes provided in the ultrasonic cooking appliance according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic cooking device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic cooking device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic cooking device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic cooking system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking device according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an ultrasonic cooking system according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ultrasonic cooking device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of an ultrasonic cooking device and an ultrasonic cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0010] Embodiment 1 An ultrasonic cooking device applies ultrasonic vibrations to food to break it down slightly, thereby achieving cooking effects such as making it easier for seasoning liquid to penetrate, softening the food, and shortening the seasoning time. First, the basic configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 110 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 110, with Fig. 1(a) being a perspective view and Fig. 1(b) being a top view.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the ultrasonic cooking device 110 includes a power supply unit 10, a cable 20, a control unit 30, and an ultrasonic vibrator 40.

[0012] The power supply unit 10 supplies power to the control unit 30. More specifically, the power supply unit 10 supplies the power necessary for the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to operate. The power supply unit 10 is, for example, a battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or an electrical outlet. The power supply unit 10 may have a switching function that switches between electrical connection and disconnection with the control unit 30. If the power supply unit 10 has a switching function, when the switching function is in an on state, power is supplied to the control unit 30 via the cable 20, and when the switching function is in an off state, power is not supplied to the control unit 30.

[0013] The cable 20 electrically connects the power supply unit 10 and the control unit 30 and transmits power to the control unit 30. Here, the cable 20 refers to a highly safe electric wire made of an insulated electric wire with an exterior sheath. As will be described later, the cable 20 comes into contact with the food 2, so it is desirable that the cable 20 has an exterior sheath with excellent insulating, waterproof, and heat resistance properties. Note that if an exterior sheath with excellent insulating, waterproof, and heat resistance properties is separately provided, the cable 20 may be an insulated electric wire or a cord.

[0014] The control unit 30 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 10 into an oscillation signal. Here, the oscillation signal is a signal that causes the ultrasonic vibrator to output ultrasonic vibrations, and more specifically, an AC signal with a constant frequency. The control unit 30 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 10 into an oscillation signal and outputs it to the ultrasonic vibrator 40.

[0015] The ultrasonic vibrator 40 converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 30 into ultrasonic vibrations. Specifically, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 30 and converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 30 into mechanical ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrator 40 is, for example, an ultrasonic speaker composed of a coil and a magnet, or a piezoelectric element that uses the piezoelectric effect. By applying the ultrasonic vibrations converted by the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the food 2, it is possible to obtain ultrasonic cooking effects such as making it easier for seasoning liquid to penetrate. Here, the food 2 includes solid ingredients and liquid broth. For example, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is arranged so as to come into contact with the broth of the food 2, and ultrasonic vibrations converted by the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are transmitted from the broth to the ingredients, softening the ingredients. Alternatively, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 may be arranged so as to come into direct contact with the ingredients of the food 2, and ultrasonic vibrations may be applied directly to the ingredients from the ultrasonic vibrator 40.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1. More specifically, the control unit 30 is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1, and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside of the control unit 30. That is, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 via the control unit 30. As will be described later, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 come into contact with the food 2 and therefore have excellent insulating, waterproof, and heat-resistant properties. For example, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 have an exterior that is excellent in insulating, waterproof, and heat-resistant properties.

[0017] 1, a handle 1c is provided on the top surface 1b of the drop lid 1. The drop lid 1 also has a wiring hole 1d formed therein for passing a cable 20. The cable 20 provided in the ultrasonic cooking device 101 passes through the wiring hole 1d in the drop lid 1 and connects a control unit 30 fixed to the bottom surface 1a of the drop lid 1 to a power supply unit 10 arranged outside the container 3.

[0018] Next, the state of the ultrasonic cooking device 110 when in use will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the ultrasonic cooking device 110 when in use. Here, "when the ultrasonic cooking device 110 is in use" refers to the time when the ultrasonic cooking device 110 applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2 to be cooked and cooks it. Figure 2 shows a state in which a container 3 for storing the food 2 is placed on top of the cooking device 4. The container 3 is, for example, a cooking implement such as a pot or frying pan. The cooking device 4 is a cooking means such as an electromagnetic cooking device or a gas range.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, when the ultrasonic cooking device 110 is in use, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are housed inside the container 3 containing the food 2 to be cooked. If the ultrasonic vibrator 40 were placed outside the container 3, the walls of the container 3 would be an obstacle to the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic vibrator 40, resulting in significant propagation loss of the ultrasonic waves. By housing the ultrasonic vibrator 40 inside the container 3, propagation loss of the ultrasonic waves can be suppressed, and ultrasonic vibrations can be efficiently applied to the food 2 to be cooked.

[0020] In detail, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1, and the drop lid 1 is housed inside the container 3 containing the food to be cooked 2. Here, the drop lid 1, as shown in Figure 2, covers the food to be cooked 2 inside the container 3. The underside 1a of the drop lid 1 is the surface that covers the food to be cooked 2 and comes into contact with the food to be cooked 2. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 comes into contact with the food to be cooked 2 and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food to be cooked 2.

[0021] The control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are configured to be stored together with the drop lid 1 inside the container 3 containing the food 2 to be cooked when the ultrasonic cooking device 110 is in use, and can be removed from the container 3 when the ultrasonic cooking device 110 is not in use. In other words, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is configured to be stored in its entirety so that it can be removed from the container 3 that contains the food 2. When cooking using ultrasound, the user simply stores the ultrasonic vibrator 40 together with the drop lid 1 inside the container 3, eliminating the need for a container specifically for ultrasonic cooking.

[0022] Next, a specific operation of the ultrasonic cooking device 110 configured as described above will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, when the power supply unit 10 is turned on with the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 housed together with the drop lid 1 inside the container 3 containing the food to be cooked 2, power is supplied to the control unit 30 via the cable 20. The control unit 30 converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 10 into an oscillation signal and transmits the converted oscillation signal to the ultrasonic vibrator 40. The ultrasonic vibrator 40 converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 30 into ultrasonic vibrations and applies the ultrasonic vibrations to the food to be cooked 2. The ultrasonic vibrations provide cooking effects such as making it easier for the seasoning liquid to penetrate the food to be cooked 2.

[0023] The operation and effects of the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0024] The ultrasonic cooking device 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic vibrator 40 that is removably housed in its entirety inside a container 3 containing an object 2 to be cooked, and that applies ultrasonic vibrations to the object 2. The ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to a drop lid 1 that covers the object 2 inside the container 3. In detail, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1, and comes into contact with the object 2 to apply ultrasonic vibrations to the object 2.

[0025] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 110 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 that applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2 is removably housed inside the container 3 together with the drop lid 1, so that a container suitable for a conventional ultrasonic cooking device (for example, a container with a depth suitable for the size of the arm member and support pole of Patent Document 1, or a container with an integrated ultrasonic vibrator) is not required. In other words, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 110 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food 2 without limiting the container 3 to be used.

[0026] When the ultrasonic vibrator is integrated with the cooking device as in Patent Document 1, the cooking means using ultrasonic waves is limited to a dedicated cooking device with an integrated ultrasonic vibrator. According to the ultrasonic cooking device 110 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is not integrated with the cooking device 4, and is configured so that the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is removably housed in its entirety inside the container 3. Therefore, cooking can be performed by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2 to be cooked, without limiting the cooking means.

[0027] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 110 of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, there is no need for large-scale devices such as the arm members and supports described in Patent Document 1, and cooking using ultrasound can be easily performed by inserting the ultrasonic vibrator 40 together with the drop lid 1 into the inside of the container 3 and operating the ultrasonic cooking device 110.

[0028] The ultrasonic cooking device 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a power supply unit 10 that supplies power and a control unit 30 that converts the power supplied from the power supply unit 10 into an oscillation signal, and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 30 into ultrasonic vibrations. That is, in the ultrasonic cooking device 110, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are driven by the power supply unit 10 that supplies power to the control unit 30, and ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the food 2 to be cooked. The ultrasonic cooking device 110 does not use an electromagnetic field to drive the ultrasonic vibrator 40, so the cooking method is not limited to an electromagnetic cooking device. For example, the ultrasonic cooking device 110 can also cook using ultrasound in a gas range. In this way, the ultrasonic cooking device 110 can cook food 2 by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the food, without limiting the cooking method.

[0029] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drop lid 1 having a wiring hole 1d formed therein for passing the cable 20. The wiring hole 1d prevents the cable 20 from being pinched between the drop lid 1 and the container 3, thereby reducing the load on the cable 20.

[0030] While Fig. 1 shows an example in which the wiring hole 1d is formed inside the edge of the drop lid 1, this is not limiting. Modified examples of the position at which the wiring hole 1d is formed will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Figs. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the position of the wiring hole 1d provided in the ultrasonic cooking device 110, with Figs. 3(a) and 4(a) being perspective views and Figs. 3(b) and 4(b) being top views. As shown in Fig. 3, the wiring hole 1d may be provided on the edge of the drop lid 1, or as shown in Fig. 4, the wiring hole 1d may be provided inside the handle 1c.

[0031] 1 and 2 show an example in which the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside of the control unit 30 and further fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 via the control unit 30, but this is not limiting. The ultrasonic vibrator 40 does not necessarily have to be fixed to the control unit 30, as long as it is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1. A state in which the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 includes a state in which it is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 via the control unit 30 and a state in which it is fixed directly to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 without via the control unit 30. For example, the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 may each be fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1, or only the ultrasonic vibrator 40 may be fixed directly to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 without via the control unit 30. When only the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 without the control unit 30, the control unit 30 is placed on the upper side 1b of the drop lid 1 or outside the container 3, and the control unit 30 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 are connected by a cable wire not shown.

[0032] As described above, the control unit 30 does not need to be fixed to the drop lid 1, and its location is not limited as long as it is electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 40. The control unit 30 may be located in a location physically separated from the high-temperature region, for example, outside the container 3. When the control unit 30 is located outside the container 3, the control unit 30 may have poorer insulating properties, waterproofing properties, and heat resistance than when the control unit 30 is fixed to the drop lid 1 inside the container 3, which is a high-temperature region.

[0033] Variation 1. A first modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an ultrasonic cooking device 110 including an ultrasonic vibrator 40 fixed to the drop lid 1 has been described. In the first modification of the first embodiment, an ultrasonic cooking device 111 will be described which further includes an adhesive part 50 that detachably fixes the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the drop lid 1.

[0034] The configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 111 according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 111.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 111 further includes an adhesive part 50 in addition to the configuration of the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] The adhesive part 50 detachably fixes the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the drop lid 1. Fig. 5 shows an example in which the adhesive part 50 is provided on the upper surface of the control part 30, on the underside of which the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is fixed. In the example of Fig. 5, the adhesive part 50 detachably fixes the upper surface of the control part 30 to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1. In other words, the adhesive part 50 detachably fixes the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 via the control part 30.

[0037] 5 shows an example in which the adhesive part 50 is provided on the upper surface of the control unit 30, but this is not limiting. The adhesive part 50 may be any part as long as it can detachably fix the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the drop lid 1. For example, the adhesive part 50 may be provided on the upper surface of the ultrasonic vibrator 40, and detachably fix the upper surface of the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1. In this case, the control unit 30 may be detachably fixed to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 separately from the ultrasonic vibrator 40, or may be disposed outside the container 3.

[0038] The adhesive part 50 is, for example, a suction cup, a high-adhesion film, a magnet, or a clip. Here, a suction cup is a device made of a material such as rubber or synthetic resin, and uses its plasticity to adhere to a smooth surface, creating a near-vacuum state inside, and then adhering to an object using a difference in pressure such as atmospheric or water pressure. Furthermore, a high-adhesion film is a member made of a material such as rubber, silicone, or plastic, and has adhesion to the adhesive surface.

[0039] The adhesive portion 50 is preferably made of a material with high heat resistance. Also, the adhesive portion 50 is preferably made of a material that has high adhesion to the adhesive surface.

[0040] 5, the drop lid 1 does not have to have a wiring hole 1d for passing the cable 20. If the drop lid 1 does not have a wiring hole 1d, the cable 20 provided in the ultrasonic cooking device 111 passes between the drop lid 1 and the container 3 to connect the control unit 30 fixed to the underside 1a of the drop lid 1 with the power supply unit 10 arranged outside the container 3. Since the cable 20 is sandwiched between the drop lid 1 and the container 3, it is desirable for it to have a strong exterior.

[0041] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 111 of the first modification of the first embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 40 is detachably fixed to the drop lid 1 by the adhesive part 50, so that the ultrasonic vibrator 40 can be attached to the drop lid 1 later. That is, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 111, when cooking using ultrasound, it is sufficient to attach the ultrasonic vibrator 40 to the drop lid 1 and store the drop lid 1 and the ultrasonic vibrator 40 inside the container 3, so that a drop lid 1 and container 3 dedicated to ultrasonic cooking are not required. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 111, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food 2 to be cooked without being limited to the drop lid 1 and container 3 used, making ultrasonic cooking easier.

[0042] Variation 2. A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, an ultrasonic cooking device 110 including an ultrasonic vibrator 40 fixed to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 has been described. In the second modification of the first embodiment, an ultrasonic cooking device 112 including an ultrasonic vibrator 41 fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 will be described.

[0043] The configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 112 according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 112.

[0044] 6, the ultrasonic cooking device 112 differs from the first embodiment in that the control unit 31 and ultrasonic vibrator 41 provided therein are fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1. Specifically, the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1, and the control unit 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the ultrasonic vibrator 41. Here, the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 is the surface opposite to the lower surface 1a.

[0045] The state of ultrasonic cooking device 112 when in use will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of ultrasonic cooking device 112 when in use.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, when the ultrasonic cooking device 112 is in use, the drop lid 1, to which the control unit 31 and the ultrasonic vibrator 41 are fixed on the upper surface 1b, is stored inside the container 3 containing the food to be cooked 2. At this time, the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 is in contact with the food to be cooked 2. When the power supply unit 10 is turned on and the ultrasonic vibrator 41 converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 31 into ultrasonic vibrations and outputs them, the ultrasonic vibrations are propagated to the drop lid 1, and the drop lid 1 resonates, imparting ultrasonic vibrations from the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 to the food to be cooked 2. In other words, the ultrasonic vibrator 41 imparts ultrasonic vibrations to the food to be cooked 2 via the drop lid 1.

[0047] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 112 of the second modification of the first embodiment, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food 2 without the ultrasonic vibrator 41 coming into contact with the food 2, so the ultrasonic vibrator 41 does not need to have a waterproof exterior. Furthermore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 112, the cable 20 connecting the control unit 31 and the power supply unit 10 and the cable (not shown) connecting the control unit 31 and the ultrasonic vibrator 41 are not arranged on the underside 1a of the drop lid 1, so the load on them can be reduced compared to the cable 20 of the first embodiment.

[0048] The ultrasonic vibrator 41 may be removably fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 by an adhesive part 50. When the ultrasonic vibrator 41 is removably fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 by the adhesive part 50, ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the drop lid 1 via the adhesive part 50, and are then applied from the drop lid 1 to the food 2. Therefore, it is desirable that the adhesive part 50 be made of a material that has high adhesion to the adhesive surface. When the adhesive part 50 is made of a material that has high adhesion to the adhesive surface, ultrasonic vibrations have less propagation loss and can be propagated more efficiently than when the adhesive part 50 is made of a material that has low adhesion.

[0049] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking device 110 is described that includes an ultrasonic vibrator 40 fixed to a drop lid 1. In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking device 120 is described that includes a drop lid 1 as an ultrasonic vibrator 42. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic cooking device 120 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0050] First, the basic configuration of the ultrasonic cooking device 120 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 120.

[0051] 8, the ultrasonic vibrator 42 included in the ultrasonic cooking device 120 differs from the ultrasonic vibrator 40 according to embodiment 1 in that it is itself a drop lid 1. Furthermore, the control unit 32 included in the ultrasonic cooking device 120 differs from the control unit 30 according to embodiment 1 in that it is fixed to the upper surface 42b(1b) of the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1).

[0052] The state of the ultrasonic cooking device 120 when in use will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the ultrasonic cooking device 120 when in use.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, when the ultrasonic cooking device 120 is in use, the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1) is housed as a drop lid 1 inside a container 3 containing food 2 to be cooked. At this time, the underside 42a(1a) of the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1) is in contact with the food 2 to be cooked. When the power supply unit 10 is turned on, the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1) converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 32 into ultrasonic vibrations, and the underside 42a(1a) of the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1) comes into contact with the food 2 to impart ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2. In more detail, as described above, the food 2 to be cooked contains ingredients and broth, and the underside 42a(1a) of the ultrasonic vibrator 42(1) comes into contact with the broth or ingredients to impart ultrasonic vibrations to the ingredients.

[0054] The operation and effects of the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 120 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] The ultrasonic cooking device 120 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic vibrator 42 that is a drop lid 1 that covers an object 2 to be cooked inside a container 3.

[0056] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 120 of the second embodiment, the drop lid 1 itself serves as the ultrasonic vibrator 42, bringing the underside 42a (1a) into contact with the food 2 to apply ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2, so ultrasonic vibrations can be applied over a wider area than in the ultrasonic cooking device 110 of the first embodiment. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 120 of the second embodiment, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied evenly to the food 2.

[0057] Embodiment 3 In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking device 110 including an ultrasonic vibrator 40 that is housed inside the container 3 together with the drop lid 1 has been described. In the third embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking device 130 including an ultrasonic vibrator 43 that is placed inside the container 3 will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic cooking device 130 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0058] First, the configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 130 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 130. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 130 in use.

[0059] 10, the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 130 includes a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 43. Specifically, two ultrasonic vibrators 43 are connected to one control unit 33.

[0060] As shown in Figure 11, when using the ultrasonic cooking device 130, the control unit 33 and the ultrasonic vibrator 43 are placed inside the container 3 containing the food 2 to be cooked. The ultrasonic vibrator 43 is not fixed inside the container 3, and can be removed from the container 3 when the ultrasonic cooking device 130 is not in use. In other words, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 is configured to be removably stored in its entirety inside the container 3 that contains the food 2 to be cooked. When cooking using ultrasound, the user simply places the ultrasonic vibrator 43 inside the container 3, so there is no need for a container specifically for ultrasonic cooking.

[0061] 11, it is desirable that the ultrasonic vibrator 43 be placed in a position where it contacts the food 2 and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2 by contacting the food 2. By contacting the food 2, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 can suppress ultrasonic propagation loss and apply ultrasonic vibrations more effectively than when it is not in contact with the food 2. Furthermore, since the larger the contact area between the ultrasonic vibrator 43 and the food 2, the more the ultrasonic propagation loss can be suppressed, it is more desirable that the ultrasonic vibrator 43 be disposed so as to be immersed in the food 2. For the same reason, it is desirable that the ultrasonic cooking device 100 be equipped with a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 43.

[0062] 11 shows a desirable example of the placement of the ultrasonic vibrator 43 described above, but is not limited to this. The ultrasonic vibrator 43 may be entirely housed inside the container 3 that houses the food 2, and the ultrasonic cooking device 130 may include one or more ultrasonic vibrators 43. For example, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 may be placed in a position where a portion of it contacts the food 2, or it may be placed in the container 3 together with a medium capable of propagating ultrasonic vibrations and the medium may be placed in a position where it contacts the food 2.

[0063] 10 and 11 show an example in which the control unit 33 is formed integrally with the ultrasonic vibrator 43, and when the ultrasonic cooking device 130 is in use, the control unit 33 is stored inside the container 3 together with the ultrasonic vibrator 43. In this case, the control unit 33 and a portion of the cable 20 come into contact with the food 2, and therefore, as described above, they must have an exterior that is excellent in insulating, waterproof, and heat-resistant. It should be noted that it is sufficient that the ultrasonic vibrator 43 is housed inside the container 3, and the control unit 33 may be disposed outside the container 3. When the control unit 33 is provided outside the container 3, the control unit 33 and the ultrasonic vibrator 43 are electrically connected by a cable (not shown).

[0064] The operation and effects of the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 130 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0065] The ultrasonic cooking device 130 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure includes an ultrasonic vibrator 43 that is placed inside the container 3 and comes into contact with the food 2 to apply ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2.

[0066] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 130 of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, when cooking using ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic vibrator 43 can be simply placed inside the container 3 and stored therein, eliminating the need for a drop lid 1 and container 3 specifically for ultrasonic cooking. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 130, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food to be cooked without being limited to the drop lid 1 and container 3 used, making ultrasonic cooking easier.

[0067] Embodiment 4 In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking apparatus 110 including a power supply unit 10 that supplies power has been described. In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking apparatus 140 including a power receiving unit 60 that receives power wirelessly instead of the power supply unit 10 will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Hereinafter, an ultrasonic cooking device 140 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0068] First, the configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 140 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 140. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 140 in use.

[0069] 12, the ultrasonic cooking device 140 includes a power receiving unit 60 that receives power wirelessly. The power receiving unit 60 is connected to the control unit 34 via a cable 21, and the control unit 34 converts the power supplied from the power receiving unit 60 into an oscillation signal. The ultrasonic vibrator 44 converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 34 into ultrasonic vibrations.

[0070] When cooking using an ultrasonic cooking device 140, an ultrasonic cooking system 200 consisting of the ultrasonic cooking device 140 and a power transmitting unit 210 is used. As shown in FIG. 13, when the ultrasonic cooking device 140 is in use, the power receiving unit 60 receives power wirelessly from the power transmitting unit 210. The power transmitting unit 210 is a device that supplies power wirelessly to the power receiving unit 60 and is a wireless power supply device that uses a magnetic resonance method or an electromagnetic induction method. The power transmitting unit 210 may be installed in a position where it can supply power wirelessly to the power receiving unit 60. For example, if the power transmitting unit 210 and the power receiving unit 60 use a magnetic resonance method, the power transmitting unit 210 is externally attached to a range hood or the cooking appliance 4.

[0071] 12 and 13, the power receiving unit 60 can be provided closer to the drop lid 1 than the power supply unit 10 according to embodiment 1. Because the power receiving unit 60 can be provided closer to the drop lid 1 than the power supply unit 10 according to embodiment 1, the cable 21 connecting the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 can be shorter than the cable 20 connecting the power supply unit 10 and the control unit 30. For example, the power receiving unit 60 is fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1. In this case, the cable 21 electrically connects the power receiving unit 60 fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 and the control unit 34 fixed to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 via a wiring hole 1d provided in the drop lid 1. The cable 21 connecting the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 is shorter than the cable 20 according to the first embodiment and does not get in the way during cooking.

[0072] The operation and effects of the ultrasonic cooking device 140 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the ultrasonic cooking system 200 including the ultrasonic cooking device 140 will be described.

[0073] The ultrasonic cooking device 140 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power receiving unit 60 that receives power wirelessly, a control unit 34 that converts the power supplied from the power receiving unit 60 into an oscillation signal, and an ultrasonic vibrator 44 that converts the oscillation signal received from the control unit 34 into ultrasonic vibrations.

[0074] An ultrasonic cooking system 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure includes the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 140 described above and a power transmitting unit 210 that supplies power to the power receiving unit 60 wirelessly.

[0075] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 140 and ultrasonic cooking system 200 of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no need to connect the power supply unit 10 provided outside the container 3 to the control unit 34 with a cable 20 to supply power to drive the control unit 34 and the ultrasonic vibrator 44, and the cable 21 can be kept compact. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 140, it is possible to prevent the cable 21 from interfering with the pot or drop lid 1 and becoming a nuisance during cooking.

[0076] 12 and 13 show an example in which the power receiving unit 60 is formed on the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1 and the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 are electrically connected by the cable 21, but this is not limited thereto. The power receiving unit 60 may be formed on the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1, and the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 may be electrically connected to each other by the cable 21 at the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1. Alternatively, the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 may be integrally formed, and the cable 21 may not be provided. FIG. 14 shows an ultrasonic cooking device 141 according to a first variation of the fourth embodiment in which the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 are integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 14, the ultrasonic cooking device 141 in which the power receiving unit 60 and the control unit 34 are integrally formed does not require the cable 21, thereby preventing the cable 21 from interfering with the pot or the drop lid 1 during cooking and causing a nuisance, and further improving the ease of ultrasonic cooking.

[0077] In the above, an example has been described in which the magnetic field resonance type power transmitting unit 210 is externally attached to a range hood or cooking device 4, which is located relatively far from the power receiving unit 60, but this is not limiting. The power transmitting unit 210 may be an electromagnetic cooking device. An ultrasonic cooking system 200 according to a second variation of the fourth embodiment, which includes an electromagnetic cooking device as the power transmitting unit 211, will be described using FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking system 200 in use.

[0078] The ultrasonic cooking system 200 includes an electromagnetic cooking device 4a as the power transmission unit 211. The electromagnetic cooking device 4a is a cooking device 4 that performs heating using electromagnetic induction. Here, we will explain the principle of heating by the induction cooker 4a. The induction cooker 4a is equipped with a coil 4b, and generates magnetic flux by passing a current through the coil 4b. When this magnetic flux passes through a container 3, such as a metal pot, placed on the induction cooker 4a, an overcurrent is induced in the container 3, and the container 3 is heated by the electrical resistance of the container 3.

[0079] The induction cooking device 4a functions as a power transmitting unit 211 and wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving unit 60. In detail, the coil 4b functions as a power transmitting coil 212 and supplies power by generating a current through electromagnetic induction in a power receiving coil (not shown) provided in the power receiving unit 60. In other words, the power receiving unit 60 is an electromagnetic induction type power receiving device.

[0080] According to the ultrasonic cooking system 200 of the fourth embodiment, a separate power transmission unit is not required, and the electromagnetic cooking device 4a can be used as the power transmission unit 211 to drive the control unit 34 and the ultrasonic vibrator 44.

[0081] Embodiment 5. In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking apparatus 110 including a control unit 30 that converts power supplied from a power supply unit 10 into an oscillation signal is described. In the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic cooking apparatus 150 including a control unit 35 having a GaN amplifier is described. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present disclosure are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted. Hereinafter, the ultrasonic cooking device 150 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0082] First, the configuration of an ultrasonic cooking device 150 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the ultrasonic cooking device 150 in use.

[0083] 16, the ultrasonic cooking device 150 further includes a control unit 35 having a gallium nitride (GaN) amplifier, and a radio wave absorber 5 that generates heat by absorbing harmonics generated by the control unit 35. The control unit 35 is fixed to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 via the radio wave absorber 5, and the radio wave absorber 5 is formed to cover the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1.

[0084] The control unit 35 is a device with excellent heat resistance. Specifically, because gallium nitride (GaN) is more resistant to high temperatures than silicon (Si) and the like, the GaN amplifier can operate even at an ambient temperature of 100°C. Therefore, with a control unit 35 having a GaN amplifier, the control unit 35 does not need to be placed in a location physically separated from the high-temperature area, and can be fixed to the drop lid 1, for example. Furthermore, with an ultrasonic cooking device 150 equipped with a control unit 35 having a GaN amplifier, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food 2 to be cooked under higher temperature conditions, without limiting the container 3 used.

[0085] As mentioned above, the GaN amplifier has excellent heat resistance, so it does not need a heat-resistant exterior when placed in a high-temperature area, and the exterior can be made smaller. Therefore, the ultrasonic cooking device 150 equipped with a GaN amplifier as the control unit 35 is smaller and more versatile than an ultrasonic cooking device equipped with a Si amplifier.

[0086] Furthermore, GaN amplifiers have high switching efficiency and can reduce energy loss to one-tenth of that of Si amplifiers. Therefore, the ultrasonic cooking device 150 equipped with a GaN amplifier as the control unit 35 can apply ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2 while contributing to energy conservation.

[0087] Furthermore, the control unit 35, which has a GaN amplifier, is capable of high-speed switching. When high-speed switching is performed using the control unit 35, harmonics, which are radio waves with frequencies higher than ultrasonic waves, are generated. The harmonics generated by the control unit 35 are converted into heat by the radio wave absorber 5. The heat converted by the radio wave absorber 5 is transmitted to the drop lid 1 and the food 2, and is used for cooking. The radio wave absorber 5 is, for example, carbon, graphite, or a mixture of carbon or graphite with urethane or rubber.

[0088] 16 shows an example in which the control unit 35 is fixed to the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1 via the radio wave absorber 5, and the radio wave absorber 5 is formed so as to cover the lower surface 1a of the drop lid 1, but this is not limiting. The control unit 35 and the radio wave absorber 5 may be arranged anywhere as long as the radio wave absorber 5 can convert the harmonics generated by the control unit 35 into heat and transfer the heat to the drop lid 1. In particular, the control unit 35 may be fixed to the drop lid 1, or may be fixed to the upper surface 1b of the drop lid 1. The radio wave absorber 5 may be arranged between the drop lid 1 and the control unit 35, for example, between the upper surface 1b of the drop lid and the control unit 35.

[0089] 16 shows an example in which the radio wave absorber 5 is formed so as to cover the lower surface 1a of the drop lid, but the size of the radio wave absorber 5 is not limited to this. The larger the size of the radio wave absorber 5, the more efficient the heat conduction to the drop lid 1 will be, which is desirable.

[0090] 16 shows an example in which the ultrasonic cooking device 150 is equipped with a radio wave absorber 5, the ultrasonic cooking device 150 does not have to be equipped with a radio wave absorber 5. The drop lid 1 itself can also absorb harmonics and generate heat. The radio wave absorber 5 is more preferable because it is made of a material that easily absorbs harmonics.

[0091] The operation and effects of the ultrasonic cooking apparatus 150 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0092] An ultrasonic cooking apparatus 150 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit 35 having an amplifier that includes a GaN amplifier.

[0093] According to the ultrasonic cooking device 150 of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 35 has excellent heat resistance, so ultrasonic vibrations can be applied to the food 2 without limiting the location of the control unit 35 and under higher temperature conditions without limiting the container 3 used. Furthermore, the control unit 35 generates harmonics by high-speed switching, so the drop lid 1 can absorb the harmonics generated by the control unit 35 and generate heat, thereby using the drop lid 1 as a heat source. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic cooking device 150, in addition to applying ultrasonic vibrations to the food 2, it is also possible to heat the food 2 from the drop lid 1 side, i.e., from above, and thereby improve the efficiency of cooking.

[0094] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, appropriate combinations, modifications, or omissions of the embodiments are also within the scope of the technical ideas shown in the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Drop lid 1a Bottom side 1b Top side 1c Handle 1d wiring hole 2 Food to be cooked 3 containers 4 Cooking device 5. Radio wave absorber 10 Power supply section 20, 21 Cable wire 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 Control section 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Ultrasonic transducer 60 Power receiving unit 110, 111, 112, 120, 130, 140, 141, 150 Ultrasonic cooking equipment 200 Ultrasonic Cooking System 210, 211 Power Transmission Section 212 Transmission coil

Claims

1. An ultrasonic vibrator that is removably housed in a container containing food to be cooked and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the food to be cooked; An ultrasonic cooking apparatus comprising: a drop lid for covering the food inside the container; The ultrasonic vibrator is not integrated with the cooking device and is fixed to the drop lid, The drop lid has a wiring hole for passing a cable that electrically connects a control unit that outputs an oscillation signal for vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator and a power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit. Ultrasonic cooking device.

2. The ultrasonic cooking device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive part for detachably fixing the ultrasonic vibrator to the drop lid.

3. 2. The ultrasonic cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is fixed to the underside of the drop lid and contacts the food to apply ultrasonic vibrations to the food.

4. The ultrasonic cooking device according to claim 1 , comprising a plurality of the ultrasonic vibrators.

5. The ultrasonic cooking appliance of claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes a GaN amplifier.

6. The ultrasonic cooking device according to claim 2 , wherein the adhesive portion is a suction cup, a highly adhesive film, a magnet, or a clip.

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