Heating Regulator

Abstract

To provide a cooker capable of reducing oscillation of a pot by an agitator and maintaining airtightness of a cooking space by removably fixing the pot to a proper position of a body.SOLUTION: A cooker includes: a pot that stores a material to be cooked and includes a pot grip part, a body for removably storing the pot; a heating part that comes in contact with the bottom face of the pot and heats the pot; one or a plurality of elastic support bodies provided below the heating part that energize the heating part upward in a height direction; a pot fixing part for fixing the pot provided in an upper region of the body to the body; and a fixing release part for releasing the fixing of the pot provided in the upper region of the body to the body. When the pot is fixed to the body, the height direction of the pot is locked by the pot fixing part, and when the fixing of the pot to the body is released, the pot is uplifted upward in the height direction by the elastic support body, forming a gap that a user's fingers can enter below the pot grip part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating cooker.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic bread maker that fixes a kneading container to a lower portion of a heating chamber. This automatic bread maker includes a bottomed cylindrical device main body with a heating chamber provided therein, a kneading container accommodated in the heating chamber for holding cooking ingredients, a kneading blade that kneads the cooking ingredients in the kneading container by rotating therein, a driving part that rotationally drives the kneading blade, a cylindrical kneading container base attached to the bottom of the kneading container, and a bottomed cylindrical container support base that supports the kneading container in the heating chamber through bayonet coupling with the kneading container base.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a home bakery that fixes a bread case to an upper portion of a baking chamber. This home bakery includes a bakery main body, a protective frame forming an inner wall portion of the bakery main body and the baking chamber, and a bread case accommodated and set in a bread case accommodating chamber inside the protective frame. Near the opening of the bread case, there is provided a convex leaf spring with a dogleg-shaped cross-section, and at the upper end of the protective frame, there is provided a concave leaf spring with a dogleg-shaped cross-section that is elastically engaged with the dogleg-shaped convex leaf spring, respectively on the left and right sides. On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion provided at the bottom of the bread case, four vertically elongated convex portions are arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction, and on the inner peripheral surface of the protective frame-side cylindrical opening facing the cylindrical portion of the bread case, four vertically elongated concave portions, into which the convex portions of the bread case are fitted, are also arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a cooking appliance that reduces the shaking of the pot caused by a stirring element and maintains the airtightness of the cooking space by detachably fixing the pot to the main body in an appropriate position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure includes a pot for holding food to be cooked, a main body for detachably housing the pot, a lid for covering the opening of the pot, a heating element for heating the pot, a stirring element for stirring the food contained in the pot, two pot fixing parts provided in the upper region of the main body for fixing the pot to the main body, and a release part on at least one of the pot fixing parts for releasing the fixing of the pot to the main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The heating appliance in this disclosure allows the pot to be fixed to the main body at a position away from the stirring element. Therefore, the shaking of the pot caused by the stirring element can be reduced, and the airtightness of the cooking space can be maintained. Furthermore, the pot fixing part is located in a visible position when attaching or detaching the pot, and the pot cannot be released unless the fixing release part provided on the pot fixing part is operated. Therefore, the user can fix the pot in the correct position on the main body and easily attach and detach it from the main body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the heating appliance according to this embodiment 1 with the lid closed (lid closed state) [Figure 2] External perspective view of the heating appliance according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid open) [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the heating appliance according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid closed) [Figure 4] Cross-sectional perspective view of the heating appliance according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid closed) [Figure 5] External perspective view of the pot of the cooking appliance according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 6]Cross-sectional view of the main parts near the heater and bottom sensor of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 7] External perspective view of the main body of the heating appliance according to this first embodiment (without a pot inside) [Figure 8] External perspective view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without the pot inside) [Figure 9] External perspective view of the locking lever of the heating appliance according to this embodiment 1 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without the pot in place, cross-sectional view of the locking lever shaft) [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without the pot in place, cross-sectional view of the locking lever spring) [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without the pot in place, cross-sectional view of the protruding part of the locking lever) [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the lock release part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without a pot inside, cross-sectional view of the lock release button) [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid open, with the pot being inserted, and cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the locking lever). [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid open, with the pot inside, and cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the locking lever) [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (with the lid closed, with the pot inside, and cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the locking lever) [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1) [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the release mechanism of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (with the release button pressed). [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot detection section of the heating cooker according to this embodiment 1 (without a pot inside) [Figure 20] Perspective external view of essential parts of the pan detection unit of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment (state where no pan is accommodated) [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view of essential parts near the pan detection unit of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment (A-A cross-sectional view of Fig. 1) [Figure 22] Diagram showing detection information of the pan detection unit pre-stored in the control unit of the heating cooker according to the first embodiment [Figure 23] Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit when a cooking menu using a stirring cooking pan is selected in the heating cooker according to the first embodiment [Figure 24] Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit when a cooking menu using a stir-frying cooking pan is selected in the heating cooker according to the first embodiment [Figure 25] Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit when a cooking menu using a stewing cooking pan is selected in the heating cooker according to the first embodiment [Figure 26] Perspective external view of the pan handle of the heating cooker according to the second embodiment [Figure 27] Cross-sectional view of essential parts near the pan fixing unit of the heating cooker according to the second embodiment (state where the lid is closed and a pan is accommodated) [Figure 28] Plan view of the main body of the heating cooker according to the third embodiment (state where no pan is accommodated) [Figure 29] Perspective external view of the pan of the heating cooker according to the third embodiment MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings etc. on which the present disclosure is based) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a method for an automatic bread-making machine that kneads bread dough contained in a kneading container with a rotating kneading blade, in which the kneading container stand, located at the bottom of the kneading container, was inserted into a container support stand located in the heating chamber, and fixed in the heating chamber by bayonet coupling in the same direction as the rotation of the kneading blade (Patent Document 1). This allowed the kneading container to remain in the heating chamber during the kneading of the bread dough, and the dough could be kneaded in this manner.

[0010] Furthermore, in an automatic bread-making machine that kneads bread dough contained in a bread case with a rotating bread blade, there was a method of fixing the bread case to the baking chamber by inserting a cylindrical part having a convex part on its outer circumference, which is provided at the bottom of the bread case, into a cylindrical opening of a protective frame having a concave part opposite to the convex part, positioning it by fitting the convex and concave parts together, and engaging a convex leaf spring with a V-shaped cross-section provided on the left and right sides of the top of the bread case with a concave leaf spring with a V-shaped cross-section provided on the top of the protective frame. When the leaf springs are securely engaged, a "click" sound is heard and the bread case is placed in the baking chamber (Patent Document 2). As a result, the bread case does not come out of the baking chamber during kneading of the bread dough, and the dough can be kneaded. In addition, the user can recognize that the bread case has been placed in the baking chamber by the "click" sound.

[0011] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has the following problems.

[0012] In the bayonet coupling system, when stirring food in the pot, the rotation direction of the agitator is limited to the direction that maintains the pot's fixation in order to prevent the pot from coming loose. As a result, it is not possible to stir food in the reverse direction, and optimal stirring according to the state of the food may not be possible.

[0013] Furthermore, because the bayonet coupling system involves attaching and detaching the pot by rotating it, if the handle is located on the side of the pot, it is necessary to ensure space for the handle to rotate. This requires a shape on the top surface of the main body that accommodates the handle's rotation range, which can affect the product design and size. In addition, when the pot has a large diameter, contains food, or is heavy, the torque applied to the bayonet coupling during attachment increases, sometimes requiring a robust construction using metal or other heavy materials.

[0014] Furthermore, with the leaf spring fixing method on the side of the pot, when placing it down, the elasticity of the leaf spring could cause the pot to stop midway, preventing it from being properly positioned. In addition, although the design is such that a "click" sound is emitted when the leaf spring is securely engaged when the pot is properly positioned, users sometimes did not notice this sound, resulting in the pot not being properly positioned. Moreover, when removing the pot, it is necessary to exceed the elastic force of the spring, but if the engagement allowance of the leaf spring increased due to the effects of heat during bread baking or aging, it was sometimes necessary to remove the pot with considerable force to release the engagement. If the engagement was released in this state, the pot could come off with force, potentially causing the food inside to spill.

[0015] The inventors have arrived at the subject matter of this disclosure in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0016] Therefore, this disclosure provides a cooking appliance that reduces the shaking of the pot caused by the stirring element and maintains the airtightness of the cooking space by detachably fixing the pot to the main body in an appropriate position.

[0017] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0018] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Structure] Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 25.

[0020] The heating appliance 1 shown in Figures 1 to 25 is a cooking appliance for heating and cooking food and other prepared items (not shown). In this embodiment, the heating appliance 1 is an automatic cooking appliance with a pre-programmed operation sequence for each cooking menu, and is also referred to as an "auto cooker," "multi-cooker," or "slow cooker." The X, Y, and Z directions in the figures represent the width, depth, and height of the heating appliance 1, respectively. Furthermore, the definitions of front / back, left / right, and up / down in this explanation are defined from the user's perspective when viewing the heating appliance 1 from the front.

[0021] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1 with the lid 2 closed. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1 with the lid 2 open. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1 with the lid 2 closed. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1 with the lid 2 closed. Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the pot 6 of the cooking appliance according to this embodiment 1.

[0022] When a user uses the cooking appliance 1, they place the food to be cooked (not shown) in the pot 6 shown in Figures 2 to 5, operate the operation display unit 17 shown in Figure 1 to select a cooking menu, and then press the OK button 18. Upon pressing the OK button 18, the cooking appliance 1 operates to cook the food according to a predetermined program, depending on the selected cooking menu dish (such as stew or curry). The cooking appliance 1 in this embodiment has a function to stir the food using the stirring blades 8 shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0023] The cooking appliance 1 of this embodiment has a "pressure cooking" function, which involves pressurizing and cooking the food while sealing the cooking space S of the pot 6. In order to achieve both a stirring function using stirring blades 8 and a pressure cooking function, the cooking appliance 1 of this embodiment is provided with a sealing mechanism (not shown) for sealing the cooking space S.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the heating appliance 1 comprises a main body 4, a pot 6 and stirring blades 8 housed within the main body 4, and a lid 2.

[0025] The main body 4 is a component that houses the pot 6 and other components. The main body 4 contains various parts necessary for operating the heating cooker 1. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 4 comprises a housing 4a that forms the exterior and a pot housing section 4b that detachably houses the pot 6.

[0026] The pot storage section 4b has a concave shape that conforms to the shape of the pot 6. The pot storage section 4b consists of an upper frame 5 that forms the top opening of the main body 4, a concave protective frame 9 that forms the side and bottom of the pot storage section 4b, and a heater 10 which is a heating element positioned above the bottom surface of the protective frame 9. The protective frame 9 is made of a highly heat-resistant material because it is susceptible to the heat from the heated pot 6 and the heater 10. In this embodiment, it is made of a metal material.

[0027] On both the left and right sides (in the X direction) of the upper part of the upper frame 5, there are components that constitute a pot detection unit 200 for detecting when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b, a pot fixing unit 100 for fixing the stored pot 6 to the main body 4, and a fixing release unit 110 for releasing the fixing between the pot 6 and the main body 4. The pot detection unit 200, the pot fixing unit 100, and the fixing release unit 110 will be described in detail in Figure 7 and subsequent figures.

[0028] The pot 6 is a cylindrical member having a bottom portion 6d with an open top, and has a cooking space S for heating and cooking food. The bottom portion 6d of the pot 6 is provided with stirring blades 8, and the inner surface of the pot 6 is provided with ribs 6b.

[0029] The stirring blade 8 is a component for stirring the food contained in the cooking space S. The stirring blade 8 has the function of rotating in the rotational direction R1 (or circumferential direction R) around the rotation axis 25 shown in Figure 4. The rib 6b is a projection that assists the stirring of the food by the stirring blade 8. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 25, the main body 4, and the center of the pot 6 are at approximately the same position.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pot 6 is provided with pot handles 7 on both the left and right sides (in the X direction) of the upper part of the pot 6 for gripping the pot 6. The pot handles 7 are fastened with rivets or the like to the side surface 6a that forms the flat surface of the upper part of the pot 6. In this embodiment, the pot handles 7 are in contact with the heated pot 6 and are susceptible to heat, so they are made of a highly heat-resistant resin. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the pot handles 7 are provided with a locking claw portion 7a for fixing the pot 6 to the pot storage portion 4b, and a detection shaft pressing portion 7b for pressing the detection shaft 202, which is a component of the pot detection unit 200 that detects when the pot 6 is stored in the pot storage portion 4b (described later).

[0031] The lid 2 is a component for opening and closing the opening of the main body 4 and the pot 6 housed in the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4. The lid 2 is pivotally supported on the main body 4 by a lid mounting section 4c provided on the main body 4 as shown in Figure 3, allowing it to be opened and closed. Figure 1 shows the lid 2 closed on the main body 4, and Figure 2 shows the lid 2 open on the main body 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid 2 and the housing 4a are provided with handles 4d on both the left and right sides (X direction) for the user to grip the cooking appliance 1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the lid 2 comprises an outer lid 3 and an inner lid 14. The outer lid 3 is a lid for opening and closing the entire body 4, and the inner lid 14 is a lid for opening and closing the opening of the pot 6 and is attached to the inside of the outer lid 3. An elastic packing 15 is provided around the inner lid 14, and when the lid 2 is closed on the body 4, it comes into contact with the inner surface of the side portion 6a of the pot 6, sealing the opening of the pot 6. In this embodiment, the packing 15 is molded from silicone rubber.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the upper surface of the outer cover 3 is provided with a handle 16, an operation display unit 17, and an exhaust outlet 20.

[0034] The handle 16 is a component used by the user to open and close the lid 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the handle 16 is positioned parallel to the X direction, the lid 2 and the pot 6 are locked in the Z direction, and the lid 2 is closed to the body 4. As shown in Figure 1, when the handle 16 is rotated clockwise in the R2 direction with respect to the center of the handle axis, the locking of the lid 2 and the pot 6 in the Z direction is released, and the lid 2 can be opened from the body 4.

[0035] The operation display unit 17 is a part that serves as both an operation unit for operating the heating cooker 1 and a display unit for displaying information. The operation display unit 17 is located on the upper surface of the outer cover 3. As part of the operation unit, the operation display unit 17 includes a confirmation button 18. The confirmation button 18 is used to select a cooking menu and to command the start of cooking.

[0036] The exhaust outlet 20 is an opening for discharging steam and other vapors generated in the cooking space S of the pot 6 to the outside. The exhaust outlet 20 communicates with the exhaust inlet 19 shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0037] The exhaust inlet 19 is an opening provided in the inner lid 14 and communicates with the exhaust outlet 20 through the internal flow path of the lid 2. Air from the cooking space S enters the internal flow path of the lid 2 from the exhaust inlet 19 and is discharged to the outside from the exhaust outlet 20.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, a pressure valve 23 is provided in the internal passage connecting the exhaust inlet 19 and the exhaust outlet 20. The pressure valve 23 is a valve for controlling the communication state between the exhaust inlet 19 and the exhaust outlet 20. The pressure valve 23 is normally closed and acts to maintain a sealed state of the cooking space S. By heating and cooking food in a sealed state in the cooking space S, pressurized and heated cooking of the food can be performed. On the other hand, when the pressure valve 23 is opened, the exhaust inlet 19 and the exhaust outlet 20 communicate, and the pressure in the cooking space S approaches atmospheric pressure. The pressure valve 23 functions as a "pressure control means" for controlling the pressure in the cooking space S.

[0039] In this embodiment, a pressure valve drive motor 24 is provided to drive the pressure valve 23. The timing for the pressure valve drive motor 24 to open / close the pressure valve 23 is preset for each cooking menu. When the pressure valve drive motor 24 is not driving the pressure valve 23, the pressure valve 23 is normally closed, but when the pressure in the cooking space S reaches a predetermined pressure (for example, 2 to 3 atmospheres) or higher, the pressure valve 23 opens automatically. This prevents the cooking space S from becoming excessively pressurized, thereby improving safety.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the heating cooker 1 is equipped with a heater 10, which is a heating element, a protective frame 9 that supports the heater 10 in the pot compartment 4b, a bottom sensor 21, a connector 26, an output shaft 27, a gear unit 29, a drive motor 28, and a control board 40, all located in the pot compartment 4b of the main body 4.

[0041] The heater 10 is a heat source that heats the food being cooked in the cooking space S by heating the pot 6. In this embodiment, the heater 10 is a cast-in heater, and the food being cooked in the pot is heated by bringing the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6 into contact with the heater 10.

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the heater 10 and bottom sensor 21 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 6, the heater 10 is elastically supported upward in the Z direction by a heater spring 11 below the pot housing 4b. The lower surface of the heater 10 is provided with a boss 10a and a flat portion 10b formed from the base of the boss 10a. On the other hand, the protective frame 9 is provided with an opening 9a on the surface facing the boss 10a that is larger than the outer diameter of the boss 10a, and the outer peripheral end of the opening 9a is provided with an annular rib 9b extending upward in the Z direction and a flat portion 9c formed from the base of the annular rib 9b.

[0043] The heater spring 11, which is an elastic support, is formed from a compression coil spring. The heater spring 11 is sandwiched between the heater 10 and the protective frame 9, with its upper end in contact with the flat portion 10b of the heater 10 and its lower end in contact with the flat portion 9c outside the annular rib 9b of the protective frame 9. The flat portion 10b of the heater 10 and the flat portion 9c of the protective frame 9 extend to a position larger than the outer diameter of the compression coil spring. This ensures that the heater spring 11 is securely installed on the respective flat portions 9c and 10b. This prevents the heater spring 11 from being positioned at an angle between the heater 10 and the protective frame 9.

[0044] The lower end of the boss 10a of the heater 10 is inserted into the opening 9a of the protective frame 9 and fastened with a screw 13 to a flat washer 12 made of metal with an outer diameter larger than the opening 9a, located below the opening 9a. As a result, the heater 10 is biased upward in the Z direction by the heater spring 11, and its position in the Z direction is restricted by the contact between the flat washer 12 and the planar portion 9c of the protective frame 9, and it is elastically supported by the protective frame 9 below the pot housing portion 4b. Furthermore, the position of the heater 10 in the X and Y directions is restricted by the gap between the outer shape of the boss 10a and the opening 9a of the protective frame 9. In this embodiment, in an XY plan view, the aforementioned heater spring 11 is installed at three locations at approximately 120 degrees from the center of the pot 6, at the same distance from the center of the pot 6. This suppresses tilting when the heater 10 operates in the Z direction.

[0045] The protective frame 9 is fixed to the upper frame 5 at multiple points with screws or the like and is supported within the main body 4. As a result, the protective frame 9 does not move even when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b, the heater 10 moves downward in the Z direction and comes into contact with the protective frame 9, or when the heater 10 is biased upward in the Z direction by the heater spring 11. This allows the heater 10, which is the heating source, to be stably fixed to the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4.

[0046] The bottom sensor 21 is a component that detects the temperature of the pot 6 and transmits that temperature information to the control board 40. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the bottom sensor 21 is positioned so that the upper surface of the contact 21a, which is the heat-sensing part of the bottom sensor 21, protrudes from the upper surface of the heater 10 through an opening 10c of the heater 10 located near the rotation axis 25 of the stirring blade 8, and is elastically supported upward in the Z direction by a sensor spring 22 below the pot housing 4b. This ensures that the pot 6 and the bottom sensor 21 make reliable contact when the pot 6 is placed in the pot housing 4b.

[0047] The protective frame 9 is provided with an opening 9d on the surface facing the opening 10c of the heater 10, which is smaller than the outer diameter of the opening 10c of the heater 10. The outer peripheral end of the opening 9d is provided with an annular rib 9e extending upward in the Z direction and a flat portion 9f formed from the base of the annular rib 9e.

[0048] The sensor spring 22, which is an elastic support, is formed from a compression coil spring. The upper end of the sensor spring 22 is in contact with the flat portion 21b of the contact 21a, and the lower end is in contact with the flat portion 9f outside the annular rib 9e of the protective frame 9 below the bottom sensor 21, so that the sensor spring 22 is sandwiched between the bottom sensor 21 and the protective frame 9. The flat portion 21b of the contact 21a and the flat portion 9f of the protective frame 9 are formed to a position larger than the outer diameter of the sensor spring 22. This ensures that the sensor spring 22 is securely positioned on the respective flat portions 9f and 21b, and prevents it from being positioned at an angle between the bottom sensor 21 and the protective frame 9.

[0049] Below the sensor cover 21c that forms the side of the bottom sensor 21, there is a flange portion 21d that is larger than the opening hole 9d of the protective frame 9 and is formed in a substantially XY plane.

[0050] The surface of the protective frame 9 facing the flange portion 21d of the sensor cover 21c is formed in an approximately XY plane to an area larger than the outer shape of the flange portion 21d. As a result, the bottom sensor 21 is biased upward in the Z direction by the sensor spring 22, and its position in the Z direction is restricted by the contact between the flange portion 21d of the sensor cover 21c and the flat portion 9f of the protective frame 9, and is elastically supported by the protective frame 9 below the pot storage portion 4b. Furthermore, the position of the bottom sensor 21 in the X and Y directions is restricted by the gap between the outer shape of the sensor cover 21c and the opening hole 9d of the protective frame 9.

[0051] The connector 26 is a component for connecting the rotating shaft 25 of the stirring blade 8 to the output shaft 27. The connector 26 has a connecting shape for connecting the rotating shaft 25, and when the rotating shaft 25 is connected to the connector 26, the rotating shaft 25 and the output shaft 27 can rotate together. The rotating shaft 25 is provided so as to penetrate the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6 from inside to outside the pot. Therefore, the rotating shaft 25 and the connector 26 are connected in the space below the pot 6.

[0052] The output shaft 27 is a component for transmitting the rotational force from the drive motor 28 to the rotating shaft 25. The tip of the output shaft 27 is connected to a connector 26. A gear unit 29 is connected to the output shaft 27, and the rotational force from the drive motor 28 is transmitted to the output shaft 27. The drive motor 28 has a motor shaft 30, and the rotational force of the motor shaft 30 is transmitted to the output shaft 27 via the gear unit 29. With this configuration, the rotational force of the drive motor 28 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 25 via the output shaft 27, and the stirring blade 8 is driven to rotate in the rotational direction R1. The rotational direction R1 of the stirring blade 8 corresponds to the circumferential direction R of the rotating shaft 25, and the rotational direction R1 and the circumferential direction R will be used as appropriate thereafter.

[0053] The control board 40 is a board for controlling each component of the cooking appliance 1. The control board 40 is electrically connected to each component, such as the bottom sensor 21, the operation display unit 17, the pressure valve drive motor 24, the drive motor 28, the heater 10, and the detection body 201 of the pot detection unit 200, and controls the operation of each component based on a predetermined program. In this embodiment, the control board 40 is equipped with a CPU having a memory for storing the program and a processor for executing the program. The control board 40 functions as a "control unit" for controlling the cooking appliance 1.

[0054] [1-2. Configuration of the pot fixing part] In the cooking appliance 1 configured as described above, the configuration of the pot fixing part 100 that fixes the pot 6 to the pot storage part 4b will be explained.

[0055] Figure 7 is an external perspective view of the main body 4 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, with the pot 6 not housed in the pot storage section 4b. Note that the lid 2 is omitted for illustrative purposes. Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the main parts near the pot fixing section 100 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, with the pot 6 not housed in the pot storage section 4b.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the upper frame 5 above the handle portion 4d of the main body 4 has two recessed spaces for accommodating the pot handle portion 7, located on both the left and right sides (in the X direction) opposite the pot handle portion 7.

[0057] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first recessed space 50 is a space formed by three side walls 50a and a bottom surface 50b that connect to the top surface and the top surface of the upper frame 5, which has an opening on the side facing the center of the pot 6. When the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b, a portion of the pot handle section 7 is accommodated. The side wall 50a in the X direction shown in Figure 8 is formed by an inclined surface that connects from the bottom surface 50b to the top surface of the upper frame 5.

[0058] The second recessed space 51 is located inside and below the first recessed space 50, and is formed by three side walls 51a and a bottom surface 51b that connect to the bottom surface 50b of the first recessed space 50, with the top surface and the side facing the center of the pot 6 being open. The side walls 51a and bottom surface 51b in the X direction are provided with openings 51c so that the locking lever 101, which will be described later, can rotate. Furthermore, the bottom surface 51b has an opening 51d for the detection shaft 202, which will be described later, to protrude, and is provided in front of the reference line of the axis in the X direction that passes through the center of the pot 6 in the Y direction. When the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing section 4b, a part of the pot handle section 7 is also housed in this second recessed space 51.

[0059] Figure 9 is an external perspective view of the locking lever 101 of the heating appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0060] The locking lever 101 is a component that restricts the movement of the pot 6 in the Z direction when the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing 4b. As shown in Figure 9, the locking lever 101 has a shaft 101a and protrusions 101b at approximately both ends of the locking lever 101 in the Y direction. When the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing 4b, the four protrusions 101b on both the left and right sides engage with the locking claws 7a of the opposing pot handles 7, thereby restricting the movement of the pot 6 in the Z direction. By enabling the engagement of the protrusions 101b and the locking claws 7a at both ends of the locking lever 101 in the Y direction, the swaying of the pot 6 can be reduced, and the movement of the pot 6 in the Z direction can be stably restricted.

[0061] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the shaft 101a of the locking lever 101) of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot storage part 4b. For illustrative purposes, the lid 2 has been omitted.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the locking lever 101 is pivotally supported on the upper frame 5 by inserting its shaft 101a into a recess 5a provided on the upper frame 5 that corresponds to the shaft 101a. As a result, the locking lever 101 has the function of rotating around the shaft 101a in the rotational direction R3 toward the center of the pot 6 and in the rotational direction R4 in the opposite direction. Furthermore, because the locking lever 101 is pivotally supported by the shaft 101a and the recess 5a at both ends of the locking lever 101 in the Y direction, the swinging of the locking lever 101 can be reduced, and the locking lever 101 can be stably pivotally supported on the upper frame 5.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pot 6 can be locked in the Z direction, so the pot 6 will not become unfixed due to the rotation of the stirring blade 8. This eliminates the need to limit the stirring direction of the stirring blade 8, allowing for optimal stirring according to the state of the food being cooked.

[0064] Furthermore, the user can configure the operation of storing the pot 6 into the main body 4 as an operation from top to bottom in the Z direction. This allows the user to easily store and secure the pot 6 in the pot storage section 4b. Also, since there is no operation of rotating the pot 6 while securing it in the pot storage section 4b, as in the bayonet coupling method, there is no need to provide a shape on the top surface of the main body 4 to accommodate rotational movement. This improves the design of the cooking appliance 1 and makes the product size more compact.

[0065] The locking lever support 102 is a metal member formed to reinforce the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101. As shown in Figure 9, it is formed to reinforce the space between the surface of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 that engages with the locking claw portion 7a of the pot handle portion 7 and the shaft 101a, and is fixed to the locking lever 101. This prevents deformation and damage to the locking lever 101 caused by the force applied when the protrusion 101b contacts the locking claw portion 7a.

[0066] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the locking lever spring 103) of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot housing part 4b. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101) of the cooking appliance 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot housing part 4b. Note that the lid 2 is omitted in both Figure 11 and Figure 12 for illustrative purposes.

[0067] The locking lever spring 103 is a component formed from a compression coil spring that elastically supports the locking lever 101 to the upper frame 5. As shown in Figure 11, the locking lever spring 103 is provided between the locking lever 101 and the upper frame 5 so that its free length is compressed. As a result, the locking lever 101 is biased in the rotational direction R3 shown in Figure 10, with the axis 101a as the center. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the biased locking lever 101 is elastically supported on a surface formed along the side surface of the upper frame 5 of the locking lever cover 104, with the protrusion 101b being convex relative to the side wall 51a in the X direction from the opening hole 51c, and the ribs 101c provided near both ends of the locking lever support 102 below the protrusion 101b contacting the side surface of the opening hole 51c of the second recessed space.

[0068] The locking lever cover 104 is a component for restricting the downward movement of the shaft 101a. As shown in Figure 10, the locking lever cover 104 is fixed to the upper frame 5 in contact with the downward movement of the shaft 101a. This prevents the shaft 101a of the locking lever 101 from shifting downward in the Z direction when it rotates (R3, R4), allowing the locking lever 101 to stably perform rotational movements (R3, R4) around the shaft 101a.

[0069] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the release section 110 (cross-sectional view of the release button 111) of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot storage section 4b. For illustrative purposes, the lid 2 has been omitted.

[0070] The lock release button 111 is a component for releasing the engagement between the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 and the locking claw 7a of the pot handle 7. In this embodiment, the lock release button 111 is the lock release part 110. As shown in Figure 9, the lock release button 111 is fixed to the locking lever 101 with a screw, and as shown in Figures 8 and 13, the button part 111a is provided so as to be convex to the upper surface of the upper frame 5, in front of the first recessed space 50 provided on both the left and right sides (X direction) of the upper part of the upper frame 5 in the Y direction. In other words, the lock release button 111 is provided in the vicinity of the pot fixing part 100. This allows the user to see the lock release button 111 and easily press the lock release buttons 111 on both the left and right sides. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the release button 111 is fixed to the locking lever 101, its operation is linked to the locking lever 101, and it is located near the pot handle 7 that engages with the locking lever 101. This allows the user to quickly grasp the pot handle 7 after releasing the pot 6. As a result, the user can quickly and easily transport the pot 6 after releasing it from the pot fixing part 100. In addition, the stroke amount of the release button 111 can be increased by the amount of the protrusion. This reduces the amount the user needs to press the release button 111, thereby suppressing the decrease in workability during release, such as the user's fingers getting caught on the upper frame 5 or fingers getting pinched.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, a flange portion 111b is formed below the button portion 111a. The flange portion 111b is formed to have a larger outer diameter than the opening 5b of the upper frame 5 for providing the button portion 111a. On the part of the upper frame 5 facing the flange portion 111b, a plurality of ribs 5c that contact the flange portion 111b are provided evenly in the X and Y directions from approximately the center of the button portion 111a. The ribs 5c and the flange portion 111b contact in the Z direction, and the release button 111 is elastically supported by the upper frame 5 via a locking lever 101 and a locking lever spring 103. This prevents the button portion 111a from coming off the upper frame 5 and maintains a uniform amount of protrusion of the button portion 111a from the upper surface of the upper frame 5, thereby suppressing a decrease in appearance quality. Furthermore, even if the components of the heating appliance 1 are deformed due to heat, shaking, dropping, etc., the amount of protrusion of the button portion 111a can be maintained uniformly, thus preventing the inner lid 14, etc., which is located above the button portion 111a as shown in Figure 3, from pressing the button portion 111a.

[0072] [1-3. Operation of the pot fixing part] Next, the operation of the pot fixing part 100 and the configuration associated with its operation will be described for the heating cooker 1 configured as described above.

[0073] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101) of the cooking appliance according to this embodiment 1, as the pot 6 is being placed in the pot storage part 4b. The downward arrow in the Z direction in the figure indicates the direction in which the pot 6 is being placed. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101) of the cooking appliance according to this embodiment 1, as the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage part 4b. Note that the lid 2 is omitted in both Figures 14 and 15 for illustrative purposes.

[0074] As described above, before the pot 6 is housed in the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4, the locking lever 101 is biased toward the center of the pot 6 by the locking lever spring 103. The rib 101c of the locking lever 101 is in contact with the side surface of the opening hole 51c of the second recessed space, and the convex portion 101b is elastically supported by the upper frame 5 in a state where it protrudes from the opening hole 51c toward the side wall 51a in the X direction.

[0075] As shown in Figure 14, when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4, if the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 comes into contact with the locking claw 7a of the pot handle section 7, the locking lever 101 rotates in the R4 direction around the axis 101a to avoid contact, while compressing the locking lever spring 103. Due to this rotation, the engagement allowance D between the protrusion 101b and the locking claw 7a gradually decreases. The engagement allowance refers to the dimension by which the protrusion 101b and the locking claw 7a overlap in the X direction.

[0076] When the pot 6 is placed in the pot housing section 4b to a predetermined position, the heater 10 contacts the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6 and moves downward in the Z direction in conjunction with the movement of the pot 6, compressing the heater spring 11 that biases the heater 10 upward in the Z direction. When the protrusion 101b rotates to a position where the engagement allowance D is eliminated, the locking claw 7a moves below the protrusion 101b, and at the same time, the compression of the locking lever spring 103 is released, causing the locking lever 101 to rotate in the R3 direction around the axis 101a. In conjunction with the rotation, the protrusion 101b enters above the locking claw 7a, and engages with the locking allowance D as shown in Figure 15. As a result, the pot 6 is locked in the Z direction by the locking lever 101. At the time of engagement, the user can recognize that the pot 6 has been placed in the pot housing section 4b by the feeling and sound of the locking lever spring 103 being compressed and released.

[0077] Furthermore, the heater 10, like the pot 6, is locked in the Z direction by the locking lever 101 via the pot 6. At this time, the heater spring 11 is compressed downward in the Z direction, so the heater 10 is in contact with the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6 and is locked in a state biased upward in the Z direction.

[0078] [1-4. Operation of the pot fixing mechanism during stirring and cooking] Next, we will describe the operation of the pot fixing part 100 and the pot 6 during stirring and cooking, as well as the configuration associated with that operation.

[0079] In this embodiment, stirring cooking refers to stirring the food contained in the pot 6 with the stirring blade 8, and then heating and pressurizing it (hereinafter: stirring cooking).

[0080] Stirring cooking can be performed in two ways: either by heating the food with the lid open while stirring, or by sealing the cooking space S with the lid closed and stirring while pressurizing and heating the food. In this embodiment, the case of stirring cooking with the lid closed will be described with reference.

[0081] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101) of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1 when the lid 2 is closed.

[0082] As shown in Figures 4 and 16, the packing 15 of the inner lid 14 contacts the inner surface of the side portion 6a of the pot 6, sealing the opening of the pot 6 with a sealing allowance H in the Z direction. This configuration and other sealing mechanisms seal the cooking space S.

[0083] Furthermore, a predetermined gap H1 in the Z direction is provided between the lower surface 7c of the pot handle portion 7 and the bottom surface 51b of the second recessed space 51 of the upper frame 5, and a predetermined gap H2 in the Z direction is provided between the inner lid 14 and the outer lid 3. Both gaps H1 and H2 are configured to be narrower than the sealing allowance H.

[0084] When stirring cooking starts, the stirring blades 8 rotate due to the power of the drive motor 28, stirring the food in the pot. During this stirring process, if, for example, a large piece of food goes over the stirring blades 8, a momentary force may be applied to the stirring blades 8. Since the stirring blades 8 are attached to the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6, the force applied to the stirring blades 8 is transmitted to the pot 6 via the rotating shaft 25. Also, when food is between the stirring blades 8 and the ribs 6b inside the pot, a large force such as the force with which the stirring blades 8 push or crush the food is transmitted to the pot 6 via the ribs 6b and the rotating shaft 25.

[0085] When the force applied to the pot 6 (hereinafter F) is transmitted to the pot 6 as a force in the Z direction (hereinafter F1), the pot 6 oscillates within the range of the gap H1. This limits the range of oscillation of the pot 6 and reduces its oscillation. Furthermore, it suppresses oscillation exceeding the sealing allowance H between the pot 6 and the packing 15, thereby maintaining the airtightness of the cooking space S of the pot 6.

[0086] Furthermore, since the pot 6 is sandwiched between the locking lever 101 and the heater 10 and elastically supported in the Z direction by the heater spring 11, when the pot 6 swings within the range of the gap H1, a portion of F1 is absorbed by the elastic force of the heater spring 11, reducing the force applied to the locking lever 101. This prevents all of the F1 transmitted to the pot 6 from being applied to the locking lever 101, thereby preventing deformation, damage, etc. of the locking lever 101. In addition, the force applied to the detection shaft 202, which is in contact with the pot handle portion 7 (described later), can also be suppressed, preventing deformation, damage, etc. of the detection shaft 202 and the detection body 201, which is in contact with the detection shaft 202 and the detection lever 203.

[0087] Furthermore, the opening of the pot 6 is in contact with the packing 15, which is an elastic material. When F1 is transmitted to the pot 6 and the pot 6 oscillates within the range of the gap H1, a portion of F1 is absorbed by the elastic force of the packing 15, reducing the force applied to the locking lever 101. In addition, the packing 15 can move in the Z direction within the range of the gap H2 via the inner lid 14. This allows the packing 15 to maintain its shape for sealing the opening of the pot 6. To maintain the airtightness of the cooking space S of the pot 6, the relationship H > H1 + H2 must be met for the sealing allowance H between the pot 6 and the packing 15.

[0088] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, near the pot fixing part 100 (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1).

[0089] As shown in Figure 17, the side wall 7d of the pot handle portion 7 and the side wall 51a of the second recessed space 51 face each other at two locations, and a predetermined gap H3 in the Y direction is provided for each. When the aforementioned force F is transmitted to the pot 6 as a force in the rotational direction (R1 or circumferential direction R) (hereafter F2), the pot 6 oscillates in the rotational direction within the range of each gap H3, i.e., H3 + H3. This limits the range of oscillation of the pot 6 and reduces the oscillation of the pot 6. Furthermore, it prevents twisting from occurring in the seal portion between the pot 6 and the packing 15, which would deform the packing 15 and create a gap in the seal portion, thus enabling a stable seal of the opening of the pot 6. The heating cooker 1 of this embodiment has a "pressure cooking" function that pressurizes and heats the food while sealing the cooking space S of the pot 6, so the gap H3 is set to 1 mm or less. If the "pressure cooking" function is not present, the gap H3 may be set to 2 mm or less.

[0090] Furthermore, when the side wall 7d and the side wall 51a come into contact, they function as a rotation stopper for the pot 6. This allows for precise stirring of the food being cooked in the pot. In this embodiment, since the rotation stopper for the pot 6 is located away from the rotation axis 25, the force (hereafter F3) that constitutes the rotation torque P generated in the rotation stopper can be made smaller. This reduces damage and breakage to the detection axis 202 and the components that make up the rotation stopper. In addition, since the rotation stopper for the pot 6 can be stopped without making the components that make up the rotation stopper robust, the number of parts and material costs can be reduced.

[0091] [1-5. Operation to release the pot from the locking mechanism] Next, we will describe the operation of removing the pot 6 from the pot storage section 4b and the configuration associated with this operation.

[0092] There are several situations in which a user may remove the pot 6 from the pot storage compartment 4b, such as "before cooking begins," "after cooking is finished," and "during cleaning." However, in this embodiment, we will refer to and explain the case "after cooking is finished."

[0093] When cooking is complete and the pressure in the cooking space S falls below a predetermined level, the lid 2 can be safely opened. At this point, the user can open the lid 2 and remove the pot 6 from the pot storage section 4b. The release button 111 is fixed to the locking lever 101 and is biased by the locking lever spring 103 via the locking lever 101, in contact with the upper frame 5 in the Z direction.

[0094] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the release section 110 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, with the release button 111 pressed. For illustrative purposes, the lid 2 is omitted.

[0095] When the button portion 111a is pressed, the locking lever 101 rotates (R4 in Figure 15), and the engagement between the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 and the locking claw portion 7a of the pot handle portion 7 is released. In this state, the user can remove the pot 6 from the pot storage portion 4b.

[0096] Furthermore, since the button portion 111a is located near the pot 6 and the pot handle portion 7, at the end of cooking, the button portion 111a is heated by radiant heat from the heated pot 6. For this reason, as shown in Figure 18, multiple ribs are provided on the back surface of the button portion 111a. This increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the button portion 111a, enhances the radiance of the transferred heat, and suppresses the temperature rise of the button portion 111a. In addition, multiple ribs 111c are provided on the outer circumference of the upper surface of the button portion 111a to reduce the contact area when the user presses the button portion 111a, making it difficult for heat to be transferred to the user's fingers. The ribs 111c also have the function of making it difficult for the fingers to slip when pressing the button portion 111a. This allows the user to safely press the lock release button 111.

[0097] As shown in Figure 18, when the user presses the button portion 111a, a gap H4 is created between the upper frame 5 and the flange portion 111b. In some cases, pieces of food processed for cooking, seasonings, etc., may get caught in this gap H4. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, the upper surface of the flange portion 111b is formed to be substantially flat. As a result, even if pieces of food or seasonings remain on the upper surface of the flange portion 111b, the upper surface of the flange portion 111b is substantially flat, making it easy to clean and remove the pieces of food or seasonings. In this embodiment, the gap H4 is set to 2 mm or less. This makes it possible to improve the cleanability of the lock release portion 110 and prevent the user from getting their fingers caught when pressing the lock release button 111.

[0098] When the engagement between the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 and the locking claw 7a of the pot handle 7 is released, the elastic support of the pot 6 between the locking lever 101 and the heater 10 is released, and the pot 6 is lifted upward, as shown in Figure 14. In this state, the elastic force of the heater spring 11 is adjusted so that the predetermined gap H5 in the Z direction between the upper surface of the upper frame 5 and below the pot handle 7 becomes a gap into which the user's fingers can enter. This also allows the user to easily grasp the pot handle 7 by inserting their fingers into the gap H5. Furthermore, the user can easily remove the pot 6 from the pot storage section 4b and transport it.

[0099] Furthermore, in this state, the pot 6 is not fixed in the pot storage section 4b, so the heating cooker 1 of this embodiment is not in a state where cooking can begin. Therefore, in order to inform the user that the pot 6 is not properly stored in the pot storage section 4b, the gap H5 is set to a gap where the tip 202a of the detection shaft 202 and the lower surface 7c of the pot handle 7 do not come into contact, so that the pot detection unit 200, which will be described later, does not detect it.

[0100] Furthermore, the X-direction side wall 50a of the first recessed space 50 shown in Figure 8 is formed as an inclined surface connecting the bottom surface 50b to the upper surface of the upper frame 5. This reduces contact between the user's fingers and the upper frame 5 when inserting fingers into the gap H5, allowing the user to easily grasp the pot handle 7.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the upper surface of the upper frame 5 outside the side wall 50a in the X direction is provided with multiple openings 5d that connect to the outside air. This allows the pot handle portion 7, which is heated by conductive heat, radiant heat, etc. from the pot 6, to be cooled by the outside air. This allows the user to safely grasp the pot handle portion 7. In addition, since the side wall 50a in the X direction is made of an inclined surface, the first recessed space 50 can be easily cleaned.

[0102] [1-6. Configuration of the pot detection unit] Next, we will describe the configuration of the pot detection unit 200, which detects when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4 in the heating cooker 1 configured as described above.

[0103] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot detection unit 200 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot storage section 4b. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the main part of the pot detection unit 200 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, when the pot 6 is not housed in the pot storage section 4b. For illustrative purposes, the lid 2 is omitted in Figure 19, and the housing 4a is omitted in Figure 20.

[0104] The detection element 201 shown in Figure 17 is a component that transmits a signal to the control board 40 indicating that the pot 6 has been placed in the pot housing section 4b. In this embodiment, it is composed of a microswitch. The detection element 201 is electrically connected to the control board 40 by lead wires or the like.

[0105] The detection unit 201 is configured to emit a signal when an internal contact portion 201a is connected. As shown in Figure 20, the detection unit 201 includes a contact portion 201a, a switch lever 201b that contacts the contact portion 201a, and an operating shaft 201c that pivotally supports the switch lever 201b on the detection unit 201. When force is applied to the switch lever 201b, the switch lever 201b rotates around the operating shaft 201c. When the switch lever 201b rotates by a predetermined amount, the contact portion 201a and the switch lever 201b come into contact.

[0106] The detection shaft 202 and detection lever 203 shown in Figures 19 and 20 are components for operating the detection body 201.

[0107] The detection shaft 202 is a cylindrical shaft. Furthermore, the detection shaft 202 is made of a rigid metal to suppress deformation caused by impact from contact with the pot 6 or radiant heat from the heated pot 6.

[0108] As shown in Figure 8, the tip 202a of the detection shaft 202 is positioned so as to protrude from the opening 51d provided in the bottom surface 51b of the second recessed space 51 of the upper frame 5, and from the bottom surface 51b. The opening 51d is positioned forward in the Y direction with respect to a reference line of the axis in the X direction that passes through the center of the pot 6.

[0109] The pot handle portion 7 is provided with a detection shaft pushing portion 7b at a position opposite to the tip portion 202a of the detection shaft 202. When the pot 6 is placed in the pot housing portion 4b, the detection shaft pushing portion 7b and the tip portion 202a come into contact, and the tip portion 202a is pushed downward in the Z direction by the pot 6, causing the detection shaft 202 to move downward in the Z direction.

[0110] Furthermore, by configuring the aforementioned opening 51d to be located in front of the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6 in the Y-direction, the tip portion 202a is prevented from being pressed by the detection shaft pressing portion 7b when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage portion 4b in the reversed orientation. Also, as in this embodiment, if the pot detection portion 200 is provided in two locations, one on the left and one on the right, and both are located in front of the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6 in the Y-direction, then by arranging the detection shaft pressing portion 7b symmetrically with respect to the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6, i.e., two on each side, for a total of four locations, both pot detection portion 200 on both sides can be pressed even when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage portion 4b in the reversed orientation. By applying this, even when detecting multiple types of pots 6 in which only one side of the pot detection portion 200 is pressed, it is possible to detect multiple types of pots 6 without any problems, even when they are mounted in the reversed orientation.

[0111] As shown in Figure 19, the detection shaft 202 is positioned radially by being inserted into a cylindrical guide hole 51e extending downward in the Z direction, which is located below the opening hole 51d, and a cylindrical guide hole 104a extending downward in the Z direction, which is located in the locking lever cover 104. As a result, the direction of movement of the detection shaft 202 is restricted to approximately the Z direction.

[0112] Furthermore, the tip portion 202a of the detection shaft 202 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. This allows for point contact with the detection shaft pressing portion 7b, reducing damage to the detection shaft pressing portion 7b due to contact and preventing snagging. In addition, heat conduction from the detection shaft pressing portion 7b to the detection shaft 202 can be minimized, reducing the transfer of heat to adjacent components via the detection shaft 202. This suppresses thermal deformation of components adjacent to the detection shaft 202.

[0113] Furthermore, the contact point with the detection shaft pushing portion 7b can be limited to approximately the center of the tip portion 202a. In other words, the direction of the force applied from the pot 6 to the detection shaft 202 can be defined to be approximately in the direction of the central axis of the detection shaft 202. As a result, when the detection shaft 202 operates while in contact with the inner surface of the guide holes (51e, 104a), the force that would bend the detection shaft 202 starting from the contact point with the guide holes (51e, 104a) can be reduced, and deformation of the detection shaft 202 can be suppressed. In addition, the contact resistance between the detection shaft 202 and the guide holes (51e, 104a) can be reduced, and the operation of the detection shaft 202 can be stabilized.

[0114] In addition, the aforementioned effect of reducing the force that would bend the detection shaft 202 makes it possible to reduce the gap between the detection shaft 202 and the opening hole 51d and guide holes (51e, 104a). This reduces the tilt of the detection shaft 202 during operation and stabilizes its movement. In this embodiment, the gap between the detection shaft 202 and the opening hole 51d and guide holes (51e, 104a) is configured to be less than half the radius of the detection shaft 202.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the guide holes (51e, 104a) extending downward is formed to be at least longer than the diameter of the detection shaft 202 in order to increase the area where the sides of the detection shaft 202 and the guide holes (51e, 104a) face each other. As a result, when water or a liquid such as seasoning liquid enters from the opening hole 51d, the liquid flowing in the gap between the detection shaft 202 and the guide holes (51e, 104a) can be directed along the detection shaft 202, thereby suppressing the dripping of liquid onto the detection body 201, which is a charging unit installed at the bottom of the main body 4.

[0116] The detection lever 203 is a component that transmits the movement of the detection shaft 202 to the detection body 201. As shown in Figure 20, the detection lever 203 is fixed to the detection shaft 202, and when the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing section 4b and the detection shaft 202 moves downward in the Z direction, the detection lever 203 moves downward in the Z direction in conjunction with the movement of the detection shaft 202. In this embodiment, the detection shaft 202 and the detection lever 203 are fixed together with an e-ring.

[0117] The detection lever 203 is equipped with a lever portion 203a for pressing the switch lever 201b of the detection body 201. The surface on which the lever portion 203a contacts the switch lever 201b of the detection body 201 is formed as a gently sloping surface that tapers towards the tip of the lever portion 203a. When the detection lever 203 is operated, the lever portion 203a gradually pushes the switch lever 201b along the sloping surface, causing the switch lever 201b to rotate in stages. This reduces the sudden transfer of force to the switch lever 201b when a sudden force is applied to the detection shaft 202, thereby suppressing damage to the detection body 201.

[0118] Furthermore, the inclined surface is set to contact the switch lever 201b and the contact portion 201a when the amount of depression of the detection shaft 202 reaches a level that allows it to be determined that the pot 6 is properly housed in the pot housing portion 4b. This allows for accurate detection of when the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing portion 4b.

[0119] The detection lever spring 204 is an elastic support made of a compression coil spring. As shown in Figure 19, the detection lever spring 204 has a detection shaft 202 inserted inside it, and the upper end of the detection lever spring 204 is in contact with the flat portion 203c of the detection lever 203, and the lower end of the detection lever spring 204 is in contact with the flat portion 205b of the detection body support 205, so that its free length is compressed between the detection lever 203 and the detection body support 205.

[0120] Furthermore, the area of ​​the flat portion 203c of the detection lever 203 and the area of ​​the flat portion 205b of the detection body support 205 are formed to a position larger than the outer diameter of the compression coil spring. This ensures that the detection lever spring 204 is securely installed on the respective flat portions 203c and 205b, and prevents the detection lever spring 204 from being positioned at an angle between the detection lever 203 and the detection body support 205.

[0121] The detection shaft 202, to which the detection lever 203 is fixed, is inserted into an opening 205c provided in the flat portion 205b of the detection body support 205, and an e-ring having an outer diameter larger than the opening 205c is fastened below the opening 205c. As a result, the detection shaft 202 does not come off the detection body support 205, and the detection lever spring 204 is held between the detection lever 203 and the detection body support 205. As a result, the detection lever 203 and the detection shaft 202 are biased upward in the Z direction by the detection lever spring 204, and the tip portion 202a of the detection shaft 202 is elastically supported in a state convex to the bottom surface 51b of the second recessed space 51 of the upper frame 5 through an opening 51d provided in the bottom surface 51b of the upper frame 5.

[0122] Furthermore, when the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing section 4b and the detection shaft 202 moves downward in the Z direction, the biasing force of the detection lever spring 204 acts in the opposite direction to the movement of the detection shaft 202. As a result, not all of the force applied to the detection shaft 202 is applied to the switch lever 201b, and the force applied to the switch lever 201b and the contact section 201a can be reduced. This helps to suppress deformation and damage to the detection body 201.

[0123] Furthermore, the flat portion 205b of the detection support 205 is positioned below the surrounding surface in the Z direction. When water or a liquid such as seasoning liquid enters through the opening 51d of the upper frame 5, the liquid flowing along the detection axis 202 is temporarily collected around the flat portion 205b. Subsequently, the liquid drips down from the opening 205c provided in the flat portion 205b along the detection axis 202, directly below the detection axis 202. This prevents the liquid from flowing onto the detection body 201, which is a rechargeable part installed on the detection support 205.

[0124] As mentioned above, the detection element support 205 is a component that supports the members that make up the pot detection unit 200. The detection element 201, detection shaft 202, detection lever 203, and detection lever spring 204 are fixed or supported by it.

[0125] The detection element support 205 is stably fixed to the housing 4a with screws or the like in the lower region of the main body 4, below the pot fixing part 100 and away from the pot 6 and heater 10. This allows the detection element 201 to be placed away from the heating source such as the heated pot 6 and heater 10, thereby suppressing a decrease in the durability of the detection element 201 due to the influence of radiant heat from the heating source.

[0126] Furthermore, an opening 4e that communicates with the outside air is provided near the fixing portion of the detection element support 205. This allows for air circulation with the outside air within the main body 4 around the detection element 201, cooling the detection element 201 and preventing a decrease in the durability of the detection element 201 due to the effects of radiant heat from the heat source.

[0127] Furthermore, the detection support 205 is equipped with an opening 205c into which the detection shaft 202 is inserted, and a side wall 205d that extends to a position lower than the lowest position of the switch lever 201b. This allows water or other liquids such as seasoning liquid that enter from above the main body 4 to flow along the detection shaft 202, and prevents the liquid from adhering to the switch lever 201b, which is the charging part.

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the detection body 201 is installed on the detection body support 205 in a position where the operating axis 201c is oriented approximately perpendicular to the Z-direction in which the detection lever 203 operates, and the operating axis 201c is above the detection body 201 in the Z-direction. In addition, in an XY plan view, the operating axis 201c and contact portion 201a of the detection lever 203, detection body 201, and switch lever 201b are arranged so as not to overlap. This prevents the detection axis 202 from pressing the side and end of the switch lever 201b when the detection lever 203 contacts the switch lever 201b, and prevents contact between the operating axis 201c and contact portion 201a of the detection body 201 and the detection body 201 itself.

[0129] [1-7. Operation of the pot detection unit] Next, we will explain the detection and configuration of the pot detection unit 200, which detects when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4 in the heating cooker 1 configured as described above.

[0130] The cooking appliance 1 of this embodiment has multiple pots 6 corresponding to different cooking menus. For example, there is a "stirring pot" with a configuration for attaching stirring blades 8, a "stir-frying pot" with a configuration for attaching stirring blades 8 and made of a different material than the "stirring pot," and a "simmering pot" without a configuration for attaching stirring blades 8. The user can change the pot 6 according to the desired cooking menu and use the cooking appliance 1.

[0131] In this embodiment, we will refer to and explain the case in which the pot detection units 200 provided on both the left and right sides (X direction) of the upper part of the upper frame 5 each have one detection element 201, and the above-mentioned three types of pots 6 are present.

[0132] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot detection unit 200 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1, with the pot 6 housed in the pot storage unit 4b (cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1).

[0133] As shown in Figure 21, when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b, the detection shaft pushing section 7b of the pot handle section 7 pushes the tip section 202a of the detection shaft 202, causing the detection shaft 202 to move downward in the Z direction. As this movement occurs, the lever section 203a of the detection lever 203 fixed to the detection shaft 202 comes into contact with the switch lever 201b of the detection body 201. The switch lever 201b is pushed in stages by the lever section 203a, rotates around the operating shaft 201c, and comes into contact with the contact section 201a when it reaches a predetermined amount of rotation.

[0134] Furthermore, the lever portion 203a is equipped with a guide rib 203b on the opposite side of the detection body support 205. When the detection lever 203 is operated, the guide rib 203b comes into contact with the opening hole 205a of the detection body support 205 into which the lever portion 203a is inserted, stabilizing the position of the lever portion 203a. This allows the switch lever 201b to be pressed stably.

[0135] When the switch lever 201b and the contact portion 201a come into contact, the detection unit 201 becomes energized, and this signal is transmitted to the control board 40. Based on this signal, the control unit 40 determines whether the pot 6 is housed in the pot storage portion 4b. In the following description, "the pot detection unit 200 detects" is defined as the state in which the switch lever 201b and the contact portion 201a of the detection unit 201 come into contact, the detection unit 201 becomes energized, and this signal is transmitted to the control board 40.

[0136] In this embodiment, there are three types of pots 6 depending on the cooking menu, but cooking cannot be done unless each pot 6 is properly placed in the pot storage section 4b. Therefore, all pots 6 are formed in a shape that allows them to be placed in the pot storage section 4b. As a result, users may place a pot 6 different from the one used for the desired cooking menu into the pot storage section 4b.

[0137] In this embodiment, if a user places a pot 6 that is different from the cooking menu they desired into the pot storage section 4b, cooking cannot be started. To prevent this, the shape of the detection shaft pressing portion 7b of the pot handle portion 7, which faces the tip portion 202a of the detection shaft 202, is changed for each pot 6, so that the detection of each type of pot 6 is different for the pot detection unit 200.

[0138] The control unit 40 determines whether the pot 6 corresponding to the cooking menu is properly housed in the pot storage unit 4b, based on the cooking menu selected by the user, the detection information of the pot detection unit 200 stored in the control unit 40 beforehand, and the information actually detected by the pot detection unit 200.

[0139] Figure 22 shows the detection information of the pot detection unit 200 that is pre-stored in the control unit 40 of the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0140] As shown in Figure 22, when detection occurs at both the left and right sides (X direction) of the pot detection unit 200, it is determined that the "stirring cooking pot" has been properly placed in the pot storage unit 4b. The detection shaft pressing portion 7b of the pot handle portion 7 of the "stirring cooking pot" is shaped to press at both the left and right sides (X direction) of the detection shaft 202 when the pot 6 is properly placed in the pot storage unit 4b.

[0141] When the pot detection unit 200 detects only the left side, it is determined that the "stir-fry cooking pot" is properly housed in the pot storage unit 4b. The detection shaft pressing portion 7b of the pot handle portion 7 of the "stir-fry cooking pot" is shaped to press only the left detection shaft 202 when the pot 6 is properly housed in the pot storage unit 4b.

[0142] When the pot detection unit 200 detects only the right side, it is determined that the "stewing pot" is properly placed in the pot storage unit 4b. The detection shaft pressing part 7b of the pot handle 7 of the "stewing pot" is shaped to press only the right detection shaft 202 when the pot 6 is properly placed in the pot storage unit 4b.

[0143] If the pot detection unit 200 does not detect the pot at both the left and right sides (X direction), it is determined that either the pot 6 is not properly housed in the pot housing 4b, or the pot 6 is not housed in the pot housing 4b. Examples of when the pot 6 is not properly housed in the pot housing 4b include cases where the pot 6 is not engaged with the pot fixing unit 100 on both sides, or where the pot 6 is housed in the pot housing 4b with its front and back reversed.

[0144] The operation of the control unit 40, which determines whether the pot 6 corresponding to the cooking menu is properly housed in the pot storage section 4b in this implementation, will be explained below using Figures 23 to 25.

[0145] Before starting cooking, the user first places the ingredients for the desired cooking menu into the pot 6, and then places the pot 6 into the pot storage section 4b of the main body 4. Next, the user closes the lid 2 and rotates the handle 16 in the opposite direction to the R2 direction shown in Figure 1 to secure the lid 2 to the main body 4. After that, the user operates the operation display unit 17 to select the desired cooking menu, and then presses the confirm button 18.

[0146] First, we will explain the case where the cooking menu desired by the user involves the use of the stirring pot 6. Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 40 when a cooking menu using the stirring pot 6 is selected in the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0147] As shown in Figure 22, when the stirring pot 6 is properly placed in the pot storage section 4b, the pot detection sections 200 on both the left and right sides (X direction) will detect it.

[0148] When the confirmation button 18 is pressed, the control unit 40 starts detecting the pot in the pot detection unit 200 (S101).

[0149] Next, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 detects both the left and right sides (X direction) (S102). If both the left and right sides (X direction) detect the pot, it is determined that the stirring cooking pot 6 is properly housed in the pot storage unit 4b, and the detection is terminated (S103), and cooking is started (S104).

[0150] Next, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting one of the two locations on both the left and right sides (X direction) (S005). If one of the two locations on both the left and right sides (X direction) is detecting, it is determined that a pot 6 other than the stirring cooking pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b. Since cooking cannot be started in this state, the user is notified with the message "Please put in the correct pot" which encompasses the aforementioned state (S106).

[0151] If the pot detection unit 200 does not detect a pot at both the left and right sides (X direction), it is determined that a different pot 6 than the stirring cooking pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that pot 6 is not stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that pot 6 is stuck in the pot storage unit 4b in a position where the detection shaft pressing part 7b of the pot handle 7 cannot press the detection shaft 202, or that pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b upside down. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the user is notified with the message "Please put the pot in correctly" which encompasses the aforementioned conditions (S107).

[0152] Furthermore, during cooking, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting anything (S108). If at least one of the pot detection units 200 does not detect anything, it is determined that the pot 6 has tilted out of the pot storage unit 4b during the cooking process, or that a malfunction has occurred in the pot detection unit 200. Since cooking cannot be continued in this state, cooking is stopped and a message "Please place the pot correctly" is sent (S109). If the pot detection unit 200 is detecting something, cooking is continued (S110).

[0153] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the stirring cooking pot 6 is properly housed in the pot housing section 4b.

[0154] Next, we will explain the case where the cooking menu desired by the user involves the use of the stir-fry pan 6. Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 40 when a cooking menu using the stir-fry pan 6 is selected in the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0155] As shown in Figure 22, the stir-fry pan 6 is designed to be detected by the pan detection unit 200 on the left side when it is properly placed in the pan storage unit 4b.

[0156] When the confirmation button 18 is pressed, the control unit 40 starts detecting the pot using the pot detection unit 200 (S201).

[0157] Next, the system checks whether the pot detection unit 200 detects a pot at both the left and right sides (X direction) (S202). If both sides (X direction) detect a pot, the system determines that a pot 6 other than the stir-fry pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the system notifies the user to "put in the correct pot" (S203).

[0158] Next, the system checks whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting the right side (S204). If it is detecting the right side, it determines that a different pot 6 than the stir-frying pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the system notifies the user to "Please put in the correct pot" (S205).

[0159] Next, the system checks whether the pan detection unit 200 is detecting the left side (S206). If the left side is detected, the system determines that the stir-fry pan 6 is properly housed in the pan storage unit 4b, terminates the detection (S207), and proceeds to start cooking (S208).

[0160] When the pot detection unit 200 does not detect the left side, in other words, when the pot detection unit 200 does not detect in both the left and right sides (X direction), it is determined that a different pot 6 than the stir-frying pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that pot 6 is not stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that pot 6 is caught in the pot storage unit 4b in a position where the detection shaft pressing part 7b of the pot handle 7 cannot press the detection shaft 202, or that pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b in the wrong direction. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the user is notified with the message "Please put the pot in correctly" which encompasses the aforementioned state (S209).

[0161] Furthermore, during cooking, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting anything (S210). If only the left side of the pot detection unit 200 is not detecting anything, it is determined that the pot 6 has tilted out of the pot storage unit 4b during the cooking process, or that the pot detection unit 200 has malfunctioned. In this state, cooking cannot be continued, so cooking is stopped and a message "Please place the pot correctly" is issued (S211). If the pot detection unit 200 is detecting something, cooking continues (S212).

[0162] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the stir-fry pan 6 is properly housed in the pan storage section 4b.

[0163] Next, we will explain the case where the cooking menu desired by the user is one in which the simmering pot 6 is used. Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 40 when a cooking menu using the simmering pot 6 is selected in the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0164] As shown in Figure 22, the pot detection unit 200 on the right side detects when the simmering pot 6 is properly placed in the pot storage unit 4b.

[0165] When the confirmation button 18 is pressed, the control unit 40 starts detecting the pot using the pot detection unit 200 (S301).

[0166] Next, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 detects a pot at both the left and right sides (X direction) (S302). If both sides (X direction) detect a pot, it is determined that a pot 6 other than the simmering pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the user is notified to "Please put in the correct pot" (S303).

[0167] Next, the system checks whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting the right side (S304). If it is detecting the right side, it determines that the simmering pot 6 is properly housed in the pot storage unit 4b, and the detection is terminated (S305), and the system proceeds to start cooking (S306).

[0168] Next, the system checks whether the pot detection unit 200 detects the left side (S307). If it detects the left side, it determines that a pot 6 other than the simmering pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the system notifies the user to "Please put in the correct pot" (S308).

[0169] When the pot detection unit 200 does not detect the left side, in other words, when the pot detection unit 200 does not detect in both the left and right sides (X direction), it is determined that a different pot 6 than the simmering pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that the pot 6 is not stored in the pot storage unit 4b, or that the pot 6 is caught in the pot storage unit 4b in a position where the detection shaft pressing part 7b of the pot handle 7 cannot press the detection shaft 202, or that the pot 6 is stored in the pot storage unit 4b upside down. In this state, cooking cannot be started, so the user is notified with the message "Please put the pot in correctly" which encompasses the aforementioned state (S309).

[0170] Furthermore, during cooking, it is checked whether the pot detection unit 200 is detecting anything (S310). If only the right side of the pot detection unit 200 is not detecting anything, it is determined that the pot 6 has tilted out of the pot storage unit 4b during the cooking process, or that the pot detection unit 200 has malfunctioned. In this state, cooking cannot be continued, so cooking is stopped and a message "Please place the pot correctly" is issued (S311). If the pot detection unit 200 is detecting something, cooking continues (S312).

[0171] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to detect whether the simmering pot 6 is properly housed in the pot storage section 4b.

[0172] As described above, in this embodiment, even if a user places a pot 6 that is different from the cooking menu they desired into the pot storage section 4b, they can change to the correct pot by being notified before cooking begins. Furthermore, abnormalities in the state of the pot 6 being stored in the pot storage section 4b can be detected during the cooking process, allowing the user to use the heating appliance 1 safely.

[0173] [1-8. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 comprises a pot 6 for containing food to be cooked, a main body 4 that detachably houses the pot 6, a lid 2 that covers the opening of the pot 6, a heating unit 10 for heating the pot 6, a stirring unit 8 for stirring the food contained in the pot 6, two pot fixing units 100 provided in the upper region of the main body 4 for fixing the pot 6 to the main body 4, and a fixing release unit 110 on at least one of the pot fixing units 100 for releasing the fixing of the pot 6 to the main body 4.

[0174] This allows the user to securely and detachably fix the pot 6 to the main body 4 in a stable and appropriate position. Furthermore, the pot 6 cannot be released unless the release part 110 provided on the pot fixing part 100 is operated. As a result, the pot 6 will not detach from the main body 4 during stirring, reducing the shaking of the pot 6 caused by the stirring body 8 and maintaining the airtightness of the cooking space S. This allows the user to use the heating appliance 1 safely.

[0175] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing release part 110 is provided near the pot fixing part 100.

[0176] This allows the user to see both the release mechanism 110 and the pot fixing mechanism 100 simultaneously. As a result, the user can quickly and easily transport the pot 6 after releasing it from the pot fixing mechanism 100.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pot 6 is equipped with a pot handle portion 7 for transporting the pot 6.

[0178] This allows the user to easily carry the pot 6 by grasping the pot handle 7. Furthermore, by constructing the pot 6 and the pot handle 7 as separate parts, the user does not need to directly grasp the heated pot 6 when carrying it, thus enabling safe transport of the pot 6.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pot fixing part 100 includes a locking lever 101 pivotally supported on the main body 4, and the locking lever 101 includes a protrusion 101b that locks the pot 6 or the pot handle part 7 in the Z direction.

[0180] As a result, the pot 6 can be locked in the Z direction, so the pot 6 will not be released due to the rotation of the stirring body 8. This eliminates the need to limit the stirring direction of the stirring blades 8, allowing for optimal stirring according to the state of the food being cooked. In addition, the user can move the pot 6 into the main body 4 from top to bottom in the Z direction. This allows the user to easily move and secure the pot 6 into the main body 4. Furthermore, when moving the pot 6 into the pot storage section 4b, there is no movement to fix the pot 6 while rotating it, as in a bayonet coupling system, so there is no need to provide a shape on the top surface of the main body 4 to accommodate rotational movement. This improves the design of the cooking appliance 1 and makes the product size more compact.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusions 101b engage with the pot 6 or the pot handle portion 7, and one or more protrusions are provided in the region where they engage with the pot 6 or the pot handle portion 7.

[0182] This allows for stable restriction of the Z-direction of the pot 6, thereby reducing the oscillation of the pot 6.

[0183] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lock release part 110 is connected to the locking lever 101.

[0184] This causes the release mechanism 110 and the locking lever 101 to operate in conjunction. As a result, the user can quickly grasp the pot handle 7 after releasing the pot 6 from its fixed position. This allows the user to quickly and easily transport the pot 6 after releasing it from the pot fixing mechanism 100.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one of the pot handle portion 7 or the protrusion portion 101b is made of metal.

[0186] This prevents deformation and damage to the locking lever 101 and the pot handle portion 7 due to the force applied when the protrusion 101b and the pot handle portion 7 come into contact.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom surface 6d of the pot 6 and the heating element 10 are in contact, and one or more elastic supports 11 are provided below the heating element 10 to bias the heating element 10 upward in the Z direction.

[0188] As a result, the pot 6 makes stable contact with the heating unit 10. This allows for efficient heating of the food in the pot. In addition, the force in the Z direction of the pot 6 generated during the operation of the stirring body 8 is partially absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic support 11, reducing the force applied to the locking lever 101. This prevents deformation, damage, etc., of the locking lever 101.

[0189] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the fixing of the pot 6 to the pot fixing part 100 is released, the pot 6 is lifted upward in the Z direction by the elastic support 11.

[0190] This creates a gap in the Z direction below the pot handle portion 7. This allows the user to easily insert their fingers into the gap and grasp the pot handle portion 7. In addition, the user can easily remove the pot 6 from the pot storage portion 4b and transport it.

[0191] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 26 and 27. Figure 26 is an external perspective view of the pot handle portion of the heating cooker according to Embodiment 2. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the main part near the pot fixing portion 100 of the heating cooker 1 according to Embodiment 2 with the lid 2 closed.

[0192] [2-1. Structure] As shown in Figure 26, the locking claw portion 7a is fixed to the pot handle portion 7 by a screw. The locking claw portion 7a is made of a metal component. The locking claw portion 7a may also be fixed to the pot handle portion 7 by insert molding. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 27, when fastening the pot handle portion 7 and the pot 6, they may be fastened together with a fixing member 250 such as a rivet.

[0193] [2-2. Operation] The operation and function of the heating appliance 1 configured as described above are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0194] [2-3. Effects, etc.] This prevents deformation and damage to the locking claw portion 7a caused by the force applied when the protrusion 101b and the locking claw portion 7a come into contact during the process of placing the pot 6 into the pot storage portion 4b.

[0195] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to Figures 28 and 29. Figure 28 is a plan view of the main body 4 of the cooking appliance 1 according to Embodiment 3, with the pot 6 not housed in the pot storage section 4b. For illustrative purposes, the lid 2 has been omitted. Figure 29 is an external perspective view of the pot 6 of the cooking appliance according to Embodiment 3.

[0196] [3-1. Structure] As shown in Figure 28, the detection axes 202 are provided in two locations, one on the left and one on the right, on the upper surface of the upper frame 5, and both are positioned in front of the reference line of the axis in the Y direction with respect to the X direction axis passing through the center of the pot 6. Furthermore, they are positioned symmetrically with respect to the reference line of the axis in the Y direction axis passing through the center of the pot 6.

[0197] As shown in Figure 29, the pot 6 is provided with a detection shaft pressing portion 300 at a position opposite to the tip portion 202a of the detection shaft 202. The detection shaft pressing portion 300 is fixed to the flange portion 6c of the pot 6 with screws or rivets.

[0198] [3-2. Operation] When the pot 6 is placed in the pot housing section 4b, the bottom surface 300a and the tip 202a of the detection shaft pushing section 300 come into contact, and the tip 202a is pushed downward in the Z direction by the pot 6, causing the detection shaft 202 to move downward in the Z direction. The other operations and functions of the heating cooker 1 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0199] [3-3. Effects, etc.] The detection shaft 202 is positioned in front of the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6 in the Y-direction. This configuration prevents the tip 202a from being pressed by the detection shaft pressing part 300 when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b in the reversed orientation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the pot detection section 200 is provided in two locations, one on the left and one on the right, and both are positioned in front of the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6 in the Y-direction, then by arranging the detection shaft pressing parts 300 symmetrically with respect to the reference line of the X-axis passing through the center of the pot 6, i.e., two on each side, for a total of four, both pot detection sections 200 can be pressed even when the pot 6 is placed in the pot storage section 4b in the reversed orientation. By applying this, even when detecting multiple types of pots 6, each where only one side of the pot detection section 200 is pressed, it is possible to detect multiple types of pots 6 without any problems, even when they are mounted in the reversed orientation.

[0200] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 to create new embodiments.

[0201] Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0202] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the configuration of the pot handle portion 7 for transporting the pot 6, a configuration in which the pot handle portion 7 is fastened to the side portion 6a forming the flat portion on the upper part of the pot 6 with rivets or the like was described. However, the configuration for transporting the pot 6 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it can engage with the locking lever 101, which is the pot fixing portion 100. For example, the flange portion 6c of the pot 6 may be partially made to protrude outward to form the pot handle portion 7.

[0203] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration in which the heater spring 11 is installed between the protective frame 9 and the heater 10, a configuration was described in which three heater springs are installed at approximately 120 degrees from the center of the pot 6, at the same distance from the center of the pot 6. However, the configuration in which the heater spring 11 is installed between the protective frame 9 and the heater 10 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the heater 10 can operate without getting stuck when the heater spring 11 is pressed. For example, three or more installation points for the heater spring 11 may be installed at the same distance from the center of the pot 6. Also, in an XY plan view, an axis in the X direction or an axis in the Y direction passing through the center of the pot 6 may be used as a reference line, and an even number of installation points for the heater spring 11 may be installed symmetrically with respect to the reference line.

[0204] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration in which the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 engages with the locking claw 7a of the pot handle 7, a configuration in which the protrusion 101b is provided at approximately both ends of the locking lever 101 in the Y direction was described. However, the configuration in which the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101 engages with the locking claw 7a of the pot handle 7 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it realizes a contact area or contact position between the protrusion 101b and the locking claw 7a that can stably restrict the movement of the pot 6 in the Z direction. For example, one protrusion 101b may be provided along the entire Y direction of the locking lever 101, and a locking claw 7a may be provided opposite the pot handle 7.

[0205] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration in which the locking lever 101 is pivotally supported on the upper frame 5, a configuration was described in which the shaft 101a provided on the locking lever 101 is inserted into a recess 5a provided on the upper frame 5 that corresponds to the shaft 101a. However, the configuration in which the locking lever 101 is pivotally supported on the upper frame 5 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the locking lever 101 is pivotally supported on the upper frame 5. For example, a shaft may be provided on the upper frame 5, and a recess corresponding to the shaft on the upper frame 5 may be provided on the locking lever 101.

[0206] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration for reinforcing the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101, a configuration was described in which a locking lever support 102 made of a metal material is placed between the surface of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101b that engages with the locking claw portion 7a of the pot handle portion 7 and the shaft 101a. However, the configuration for reinforcing the locking lever 101 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it can suppress deformation or damage caused by the force applied when the locking lever 101 comes into contact with the locking claw portion 7a. For example, the locking lever 101 may be made of a metal material to increase its rigidity, and the locking lever support 102 may not be provided. Alternatively, a reinforcing rib may be provided to reinforce the space between the surface of the protrusion 101b of the locking lever 101b that engages with the locking claw portion 7a of the pot handle portion 7 and the shaft 101a, thereby increasing the rigidity of the locking lever 101, and the locking lever support 102 may not be provided.

[0207] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration for fixing the release button 111 to the locking lever 101, a configuration in which the release button 111 is fixed to the locking lever 101 with a screw was described. However, the configuration for fixing the release button 111 to the locking lever 101 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the release button 111 can be stably fixed to the locking lever 101 during use. For example, the release button 111 and the locking lever 101 may be fixed by claw fitting or press-fitting.

[0208] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration to make the amount of protrusion of the button portion 111a of the lock release button 111 from the upper surface of the upper frame 5 uniform, a contact configuration between the flange 111b and the upper frame 5 was described in which a plurality of ribs 5c that contact the flange portion 111b are provided evenly in the X and Y directions from approximately the center of the button portion 111a on the part of the upper frame 5 facing the flange portion 111b. However, the contact configuration between the flange 111b and the upper frame 5 is not limited to the above-described contact configuration, as long as the contact positions are evenly distributed and the contact area is small. For example, a plurality of protrusions may be evenly distributed on the upper frame 5 and brought into contact with the flange 111b and the upper frame 5. Also, in order to reduce the contact area, the tip shapes of the ribs and protrusions may be semicircular, arc, or hemispherical.

[0209] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration that reduces the contact area when the user presses the button portion 111a of the release button 111 and makes it less likely for the finger to slip, a configuration in which multiple ribs 111c are provided on the upper surface of the button portion 111a was described. However, the configuration of the upper surface of the button portion 111a is not limited to the above-described contact configuration, as long as it reduces the contact area between the user's finger and the button portion 111a. For example, a configuration in which multiple protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the button portion 111a or a textured finish may be applied.

[0210] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the configuration for releasing the locking release unit 110, a configuration in which the locking release button 111 is pressed and the engaging part is rotated to release the locking release unit was described. However, the configuration for releasing the locking release unit 110 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it allows the user to release the locking release unit easily and safely, and is easy to clean. For example, the engaging part may be released by moving the locking release button 111 in one direction on the XY plane of the upper surface of the upper frame 5.

[0211] In Embodiment 1, a configuration using a microswitch was described as an example of the configuration of the detection element 201. However, the configuration of the detection element 201 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it can transmit the signal received by the pot 6 in the pot housing section 4b to the control board 40. For example, it may be configured using a reed switch, a Hall element, or a photointerrupter.

[0212] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration for fixing the detection lever 203 to the detection shaft 202, a configuration in which the detection shaft 202 and the detection lever 203 are fixed with an e-ring was described. However, the configuration for fixing the detection lever 203 to the detection shaft 202 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the detection lever 203 can be stably fixed to the detection shaft 202 during use. For example, the detection shaft 202 may be press-fitted into the detection lever 203 and then fitted together.

[0213] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a configuration to prevent the detection shaft 202 from coming off the detection body support 205, a configuration was described in which an e-ring with an outer diameter larger than the opening hole 205c is fastened to the detection shaft 202 at a position below the opening hole 205c of the detection body support 205. However, the configuration to prevent the detection shaft 202 from coming off the detection body support 205 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as the detection shaft 202 at a position below the opening hole 205c is larger than the opening hole 205c. For example, the lower end portion 202b of the detection shaft 202 may be processed by header machining or the like to provide a protrusion for preventing it from coming off.

[0214] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the operation of the control unit 40 for determining whether a pot 6 corresponding to a cooking menu is properly housed in the pot storage section 4b, the operation of the control unit 40 was described in which each of the pot detection units 200 provided on both the left and right sides (X direction) of the upper part of the upper frame 5 has one detection body 201, and the detection of each of the three types of pots 6 is different for each type of pot 6. However, the operation of the control unit 40 for determining whether a pot 6 corresponding to a cooking menu is properly housed in the pot storage section 4b only needs to be configured to determine whether the pot 6 is properly housed in the pot storage section 4b, and the position and number of detection bodies 201, and the type of pot 6 are not limited to the above configuration. For example, two detection bodies 201 may be provided on each of the pot detection units 200 provided on both the left and right sides (X direction) of the upper part of the upper frame 5, i.e., a total of four detection bodies 201, and these may be positioned so that the X-axis and Y-axis passing through the center of the pot 6 are offset from the reference line.

[0215] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, and omissions may be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

[0216] (Note) Based on the embodiments described above, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0217] (Technical 1) A cooking appliance comprising: a pot for containing food to be cooked; a main body for detachably housing the pot; a lid covering the opening of the pot; a heating element for heating the pot; a stirring element for stirring the food contained in the pot; pot fixing elements provided at two locations in the upper region of the main body for fixing the pot to the main body; and a fixing release element on at least one of the pot fixing elements for releasing the fixing of the pot to the main body.

[0218] This configuration allows the user to securely and detachably fix the pot in a stable and appropriate position on the main body. Furthermore, the pot cannot be released unless a release mechanism is operated on the pot fixing part. As a result, the pot will not detach from the main body during stirring, reducing the movement of the pot caused by the stirring mechanism and maintaining the airtightness of the cooking space S. This allows the user to use the cooking appliance safely.

[0219] (Technology 2) The heating appliance according to Technology 1, wherein the fixing release part is provided near the pot fixing part.

[0220] This configuration allows the user to simultaneously see the release mechanism and the pot fixing mechanism. This enables the user to quickly and easily transport the pot after releasing it from the pot fixing mechanism.

[0221] (Technical 3) The cooking appliance according to Technical 1 or 2, wherein the pot is provided with a pot handle for transporting the pot.

[0222] This configuration allows users to easily carry the pot by grasping the handle. Furthermore, by making the pot and the handle separate parts, users do not need to directly grasp the heated pot when carrying it, thus enabling safer transport.

[0223] (Technical 4) The cooking appliance according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, wherein the pot fixing part comprises a locking lever pivotally supported on the main body, and the locking lever comprises a protrusion that locks the pot or the pot handle in the Z direction.

[0224] This configuration allows the pot to be locked in the Z-direction, preventing it from becoming unlocked due to the rotation of the agitator. This eliminates the need to restrict the agitation direction of the agitator blades, allowing for optimal agitation according to the state of the food being cooked. Furthermore, the user can place the pot into the main body with a top-down motion in the Z-direction. This allows the user to easily place and secure the pot into the main body. Additionally, since there is no rotational movement required to secure the pot when placing it into the pot compartment, as with bayonet-type connections, there is no need to provide a shape on the top surface of the main body to accommodate rotation. This improves the design of the cooking appliance and allows for a more compact product size.

[0225] (Technical 5) The heating cooker according to Technical 4, wherein the protrusions engage with the pot or the pot handle, and one or more protrusions are provided in the region where they engage with the pot or the pot handle.

[0226] This configuration allows for stable control of the pot's movement in the Z-direction, thereby reducing pot oscillating.

[0227] (Technical 6) The heating appliance according to Technical 4 or 5, wherein the locking release part is connected to the locking lever.

[0228] This configuration ensures that the release mechanism and the locking lever operate in conjunction. This allows the user to quickly grasp the pot handle after releasing the pot from its fixing mechanism. As a result, the user can quickly and easily transport the pot after releasing it from its fixing mechanism.

[0229] (Technology 7) A cooking appliance according to any one of the Art 4 to 6, wherein at least one of the pot handle portion or the protrusion portion is made of metal.

[0230] This configuration prevents deformation and damage to the locking lever and the pot handle due to the force applied when the protrusion and the pot handle come into contact.

[0231] (Technical 8) A cooking appliance according to any one of Technical 4 to 7, wherein the bottom surface of the pot and the heating element are in contact, and one or more elastic supports are provided below the heating element that bias the heating element upward in the Z direction.

[0232] This configuration ensures stable contact between the pot and the heating element, allowing for efficient heating of the food inside. Furthermore, the Z-direction force generated by the pot during the agitator's operation is partially absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic support, reducing the force applied to the locking lever. This prevents deformation, damage, and other issues to the locking lever.

[0233] (Technical 9) When the fixing of the pot and the pot fixing part is released, the pot is lifted upward in the Z direction by the elastic support, as described in Technical 8.

[0234] This configuration creates a gap in the Z direction below the pot handle. This allows the user to easily insert their fingers into the gap and grasp the pot handle 7. Furthermore, the user can easily remove the pot from the pot storage compartment and transport it. [Industrial applicability]

[0235] This disclosure is applicable to cooking appliances that stir and heat food. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to automatic cookers, pressure cookers, rice cookers, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0236] 1 Cooker 2 lid 3 Outer lid 4 Main unit 4a enclosure 4b Pot storage section 4c Lid mounting section 4d handle part 4e opening hole 5. Upper frame 5a recess 5b Opening hole 5c Rib 5d Opening hole 6. Pot 6a Side part 6b Rib 6c flange section 6d Bottom part 7 Pot handle 7a Locking claw part 7b Detection shaft pressing part 7c Bottom side 7d side wall 8. Agitator blade (agitator) 9. Protective frame 9a opening hole 9b Annular rib 9c Plane part 9d Opening hole 9e Annular Rib 9f flat part 10 Heater (heating section) 10a Boss 10b Flat part 10c opening hole 11. Heater spring (elastic support) 12 flat washers 13 screws 14 Inner lid 15 Gasket 16 handle 17 Operation display section 18. Select button 19 Exhaust inlet 20 Exhaust outlet 21 Bottom sensor 21a Contact 21b Flat portion 21c Sensor cover 21d Flange portion 22 Sensor spring (elastic support) 23 Pressure valve 24 Pressure valve drive motor 25 Rotating shaft 26 Connector 27 Output shaft 28 Drive motor 29 Gear unit 30 Motor shaft 40 Control board (control unit) 50 First concave space 50a Side wall 50b Bottom surface 51 Second concave space 51a Side wall 51b Bottom surface 51c Opening hole 51d Opening hole 51e Guide hole 100 Pot fixing portion 101 Locking lever 101a Shaft 101b Convex portion 101c Rib 102 Locking lever support 103 Locking lever spring (elastic support) 104 Locking lever cover 104a Guide hole 110 Fixing release portion 111 Fixing release button 111a Button portion 111b Flange portion 111c Rib 200 Pot detection portion 201 Detection body 201a Contact portion 201b Switch lever 201c Operating shaft 202 Detection shaft 202a Tip end portion 202b Lower end 203 Detection lever 203a Lever portion 203b Guide rib 203c Flat portion 204 Detection lever spring (elastic support member) 205 Detector support 205a Opening hole 205b Flat portion 205c Opening hole 205d Side wall 250 Fixing member 300 Detection shaft pressing portion 300a Bottom surface

Claims

1. A pot for holding food and having a pot handle, A main body that detachably houses the aforementioned pot, A heating element that contacts the bottom surface of the pot and heats the pot, A pot fixing part for fixing the pot to the main body, Equipped with, One or more elastic supports are provided below the heating section. When the fixing of the pot to the main body by the pot fixing part is released, The aforementioned pot is lifted upward in the height direction by the elastic support, forming a gap below the pot handle for the user's fingers to enter, in this cooking appliance.

2. A release mechanism for releasing the fixation between the pot and the main body is provided near the pot fixing mechanism. A heating appliance according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned pot fixing part is equipped with a locking lever that is pivotally supported on the main body, The locking lever is provided with a projection that locks the pot or the pot handle in the height direction. A cooking appliance according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned protrusion engages with the pot or the pot handle, One or more are provided in the region that engages with the pot or the pot handle. A cooking appliance according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned release mechanism is connected to the locking lever, A cooking appliance according to claim 3.

6. At least one of the pot handle portion or the protrusion portion is made of metal. A cooking appliance according to claim 3.

Images