WO2018193874A1

WO2018193874A1 - Rice steamer

Info

Publication number: WO2018193874A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/014716
Authority: WO
Inventors: 修志香川; 岳史桝澤; 亜衣子猪俣
Original assignee: アイリスオーヤマ株式会社
Priority date: 2017-04-19
Filing date: 2018-04-06
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Also published as: TWI676450B; JP2018175671A; CN113208414B; CN110520021A; CN110520021B; JP6578315B2; TW201841579A; CN113208414A

Abstract

The rice steamer (1) is provided with: an electromagnetic cooker (200) for electromagnetic induction heating; and a rice steamer unit (100) to be disposed on the electromagnetic cooker when rice is steamed. The electromagnetic cooker (200) is configured to perform a rice-steaming operation in response to a control signal from the rice steamer unit (100), and stop the rice-steaming operation when the control signal cannot be received for a prescribed time. Thereby, the rice steamer can avoid a situation wherein the electromagnetic cooker (200) is unable to correctly perform the prescribed rice-steaming operation, even when the control signal for controlling rice-steaming is not properly transmitted during the rice-streaming operation.

Description

rice cooker

This embodiment relates to a rice cooker.

In recent years, IH rice cookers have become widespread. IH is electromagnetic induction heating (Induction Heating). The IH rice cooker is a rice cooker that cooks rice by generating electromagnetic waves with an IH coil installed at the bottom, and heating the rice cooker with the electromagnetic waves.

Also, there is known a rice cooker that can cook rice by mounting a rice cooker on an IH cooker (electromagnetic cooker).

In the above rice cooker, a separate rice cooker is mounted on the versatile IH cooker, and the rice cooker on the rice cooker side is heated by the IH coil on the IH cooker side to cook rice. .

Japanese Patent No. 6080472

In the above rice cooker, if the control signal for performing the rice cooking control is not normally transmitted, for example, adjusting the rice cooking power during the rice cooking operation, the IH cooker may not be able to correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation. was there.

In this embodiment, even when a control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation, it is possible to avoid the situation where the IH cooker cannot correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation. Provide a bowl.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, an electromagnetic cooker that performs electromagnetic induction heating, and a rice cooker unit that is placed on the electromagnetic cooker during rice cooking, the electromagnetic cooker includes the rice cooker unit. A rice cooker configured to stop the rice cooking operation when the control signal is not received for a predetermined time is provided.

According to the present embodiment, even when a control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation, the situation where the IH cooker cannot correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation is avoided. A rice cooker that can be provided can be provided.

The perspective view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view of the rice cooker part with which the IH rice cooker shown by FIG. 1 is provided. Sectional drawing of the rice cooker part shown by FIG. The perspective view of the IH cooker with which the IH rice cooker shown by FIG. 1 is provided. The perspective view of the state which removed the top plate of the IH cooker shown by FIG. Sectional drawing of the IH cooker shown by FIG. Sectional drawing of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view of the bottom face of the IH rice cooker shown by FIG. The enlarged view which expanded the weight sensor part shown by FIG. The schematic circuit block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation part with which the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment is provided, (a) Rice cooker operation part, (b) Weighing display part. The screen transition figure of the measurement display part shown by FIG.11 (b). The side view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The bottom view of the IH rice cooker shown by FIG. The circuit block diagram of the weight sensor with which the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment is provided. The circuit block diagram of the single load cell shown by FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the overcooking prevention process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the subroutine of the IH stop process in the overcooking prevention process. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the empty cooking detection process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 1st structural example. The flowchart which shows the subroutine of the IH stop process in an empty cooking detection process. The graph which shows the temperature curve etc. of the normal rice cooking state of 0.5 go by the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 1st structural example. The graph which shows the temperature curve etc. of the empty cooking rice state by the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 1st structural example. The graph which expanded a part of temperature curves etc. of FIG. The graph which shows the temperature curve etc. of the empty cooking rice (800W) state by the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 1st structural example. The chart which shows the example of the optimal water quantity with respect to the amount of rice. The chart which shows the example of a table of the weight coefficient of the optimal water amount at the time of non-washed rice and white rice being selected in the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The chart which shows the example of a table of the weighting coefficient of the optimal water amount when quick cooking and energy saving are selected in the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the process sequence of w1, w2, w3 calculation process in the measurement rice cooking process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the continuation of the process sequence of the measurement rice cooking process performed with the IH rice cooker which concerns on a 2nd structural example. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation | movement of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor control operation | movement of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the IH cooker with which the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment is provided.

Next, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

In addition, the embodiments described below exemplify apparatuses and methods for embodying the technical idea, and do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the component parts as follows. . This embodiment can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[Example of overall configuration of IH rice cooker]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an IH rice cooker (electromagnetic rice cooker) 1 according to an embodiment. This IH rice cooker 1 is an IH jar rice cooker that uses the rice cooking technology by IH and enables the main body and the IH part to be separated by wireless communication and power supply.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the IH rice cooker 1 is separable into a rice cooker unit 100 and an IH cooker (electromagnetic cooker) 200. The appearance is a jar rice cooker, but when the rice cooker unit 100 is removed, the operation unit of the IH cooker 200 appears. The IH cooker 200 side can be used alone for IH cooking, and the rice cooker unit 100 side can be easily carried to the dining table as a rice cake.

Also, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has an automatic weighing function. This makes it possible to “notify the optimal amount of water” according to the amount of rice cooked and the brand of rice, cook delicious rice at any time, and enjoy the special features of rice.

Also, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has a rice branding function. Thereby, with respect to rice brands and rice cooking of each menu, the electric power and the time of the rice cooking process can be controlled from the temperature sensor information, and delicious rice can be cooked.

[Configuration example of rice cooker]
Hereinafter, the structure of the rice cooker part 100 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rice cooker unit 100 included in the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the rice cooker unit 100 includes a lid 100A, a rice cooker body 100B, and a bottom 100C. A rice cooker operation unit 101 for operating the rice cooker unit 100 is provided on the top surface of the lid 100A. On the front surface of the rice cooker body 100B, a weighing display unit 102 that displays the weight of rice or water is provided. The appearance of the rice cooker unit 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In order to make it easy for the user to see the weighing display unit 102, it is desirable to slightly tilt the front surface of the rice cooker body 100B.

The outer edge portion of the bottom portion 100 </ b> C is structured to be fitted with the outer edge portion of the top surface of the IH cooker 200. Specifically, the casing on the rice cooker unit 100 side and the casing on the IH cooker 200 side overlap each other by about 8.5 mm. Since the installation area of the IH cooker 200 and the installation area of the rice cooker unit 100 are substantially equal, the upper and lower casings are exactly matched, the appearance is smart, and space saving can be achieved. As a device for fitting up and down, the outer edge portion of the top surface of the IH cooker 200 and the outer edge portion of the bottom portion 100C may be tapered, or the curvature radius R may be different between the front and rear in order to eliminate the front and rear errors. .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rice cooker unit 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the front side of the lid portion 100A rotates in the vertical direction with a lid hinge 129 provided on the rear side as a fulcrum. A lid locking mechanism 124 is provided at a position where the lid portion 100A on the front side and the rice cooker body 100B are opposed to each other. The inner pot (rice cooker) 121 is accommodated from the upper opening of the rice cooker body 100B. A heat insulating material and a protective frame are provided around the inner hook 121, and a thermistor 131 for measuring temperature is provided at the bottom of the inner hook 121. The steam generated in the inner pot 121 is discharged to the outside through a steam cylinder 128 provided on the inner lid 127. A handle for carrying the rice cooker unit 100 is rotatably provided on the side wall of the rice cooker body 100B.

Near the rice cooker operation unit 101, a rice cooker operation board 126 for controlling the rice cooker operation unit 101 is disposed. In the vicinity of the weighing display unit 102, a weighing display substrate 123 for controlling the display content on the weighing display unit 102 is arranged. Below the weighing display board 123, an interface board 122 to which a communication terminal 112 and a power receiving coil are connected is arranged. The communication terminal 112 constitutes a communication means and is a terminal for wirelessly communicating with the IH cooker 200.

The power receiving coil is a coil for receiving power by electromagnetic induction from the power supply coil on the IH cooker 200 side.

In addition, although the case where the thermistor 131 is provided in the bottom of the rice cooker part 100 is illustrated here, it is not limited to this. For example, the thermistor 131 may be provided on the side surface of the rice cooker unit 100 or may be provided on the inner lid 127.

[Configuration example of IH cooker]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the IH cooker 200 will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the IH cooker 200 provided in the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the IH cooker 200 is a desktop electromagnetic cooker that is used on a table or the like, and has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A top plate 200B made of crystallized glass or the like is disposed so as to close the upper opening of the IH cooker body 200A. An IH operation unit 201 having a power button, a temperature adjustment button, and the like is provided on the front side of the top surface of the IH cooker 200. The top plate 200B and the IH operation unit 201 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view. On the rear side of the IH cooker 200, there is provided an insertion port for attaching a plug of a power cord detachably with a magnet.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the IH cooker 200 shown in FIG. 4 with the top plate 200B removed. As shown in FIG. 5, when the top plate 200B on the IH cooker body 200A is removed, an IH coil 211, a power supply coil 212, a communication terminal 213, and a reed switch 214 appear. The IH coil 211 is a heating coil that electromagnetically heats an object to be heated. The power supply coil 212 is a coil for supplying power to the power receiving coil on the rice cooker unit 100 side by electromagnetic induction. The communication terminal 213 is a terminal for wirelessly communicating with the rice cooker unit 100. The reed switch 214 is a switch that operates when a magnet is brought close to it. The operation of these members will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the IH cooker 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, an IH coil 211 is arranged at the upper part of the center of the IH cooker main body 200 </ b> A. Heat generated inside the IH cooker main body 200 </ b> A is exhausted to the outside by the fan 221. An IH operation board 224 that controls input from the IH operation unit 201 is disposed on the front side of the upper portion of the IH cooker body 200A. In the vicinity thereof, a main board 225 for controlling the heating of IH is arranged. Four pedestal portions 223 protrude from the four corners of the bottom of the IH cooker body 200A to the outer surface. The pedestal portion 223 can be attached with a weight sensor in correspondence with mold nesting.

[Configuration example of weight sensor]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the weight sensor will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the weight sensor portion (pedestal portion 223) shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, strain gauges 223B are provided on the pedestals 223 at the four corners, and weight measurement is performed. Specifically, the strain gauge 223B, the weight sensor base 223C, and the rubber feet 223D are attached to the base member 223A, and are fixed by the weight sensor cover 223E. When the rice cooker unit 100 is mounted on the IH cooker 200, the rubber feet 223D push up the entire weight sensor base 223C and deform the strain gauge 223B. Thus, the weight sensor substrate 224a (see FIG. 10) measures the weight based on the strain of each strain gauge 223B.

[Schematic circuit configuration example of rice cooker]
FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, an interface substrate 122 and a rice cooker operation substrate 126 connected to the interface substrate 122 are arranged on the rice cooker unit 100 side of the IH rice cooker 1.

The interface board 122 is for communicating with the IH cooker 200 side, and the rice cooker operation board 126 is for operating the rice cooker section and operating the IH cooker 200 via the communication means 300.

Here, the interface board 122 is provided with a third control unit (third control means) 500b that includes the microcomputer MCU3 and controls the rice cooking operation and the like of the rice cooker unit 100.

Further, the rice cooker operation board 126 is provided with a fourth control unit (fourth control means) 500a that includes the microcomputer MCU4 and controls the rice cooking operation of the rice cooker unit 100 and the like.

The third control unit (third control unit) 500b or the fourth control unit (fourth control unit) 500a may be provided only on at least one of the interface board 122 and the rice cooker operation board 126. .

The interface board 122 includes a weighing display board 123 configured by a liquid crystal display, a thermistor 131 that performs temperature detection, a communication terminal 112 that constitutes a part of communication means 300 that performs wireless communication (infrared communication, etc.), IH cooking A power receiving coil 113 is connected to receive power from the container 200 side.

Also, on the IH cooker 200 side, an IH operation board 224 and a main board (for IH heating) 225 connected to the IH operation board 224 are arranged.

Here, the IH operation board 224 is provided with a first control unit (first control means) 400a that includes the microcomputer MCU1 and controls the IH cooker 200 according to a control signal.

The main board 225 is provided with a second control unit (second control means) 400b that includes the microcomputer MCU2 and controls the IH cooker 200 according to a control signal.

The IH operation board 224 is supplied with power to the weight sensor board 224a to which the strain gauge 223B is connected, the communication terminal 213 constituting a part of the communication means 300 for performing wireless communication (infrared communication or the like), and the rice cooker unit 100 side. A reed switch 214 that is turned on and off by a magnet 111 disposed on the rice cooker unit 100 side is connected to the power supply coil 212 that performs the operation.

The main board 225 is connected to an IH coil 211, an AC 100V magnet plug 226, and a thermistor 231 for detecting temperature.

Note that the IH operation board 224 also serves as a detection unit that detects a control signal received via the communication terminal 213.

Here, in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment, when the control signal is not detected for a predetermined time by the detection means (IH operation board 224), the first control unit 400a (microcomputer MCU1). Alternatively, the operation of the IH cooker 200 is controlled to be stopped by the second controller 400b (microcomputer MCU2).

Thereby, even when the control signal for performing the rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation, the situation where the IH cooker cannot correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation can be avoided.

The first control unit 400a (microcomputer MCU1) or the second control unit 400b (microcomputer MCU2) did not detect a control signal for adjusting the heating power (electric power) of the IH cooker 200 by the detection means. In this case, the operation of the IH cooker 200 can be controlled to stop.

Thereby, even when the control signal for performing the rice cooking control during the rice cooking operation is not normally transmitted, the situation where the IH cooker cannot correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation is more reliably avoided. Can do.

In addition, either the first control unit 400a (microcomputer MCU1) or the second control unit 400b (microcomputer MCU2) receives the control signal received via the communication means (communication terminals 112 and 213) as IH cooking. When it is determined that the instruction is to stop the cooker 200, or when it is determined that the signal indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the rice cooker unit 100, control is performed to stop the operation of the IH cooker 200. You may do it.

This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which an operation unintended by the operator is performed by detecting the stop instruction of the IH cooker 200 and the detection of the abnormal signal of the rice cooker unit 100.

Further, when communication failure due to the communication means 300 (communication terminals 112 and 213) is detected on the interface board 122 side, the IH operation of the IH cooker 200 is performed from the microcomputer MCU3 (third control unit 500b) of the interface board 122. The rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted in the order of the main board 225 from the board 224 and the IH operation board 224, and the IH is controlled by the microcomputer MCU2 (second control unit 400b) included in the main board 225 based on the rice cooking operation stop signal. The operation of the cooking device 200 can be stopped.

Further, when a communication failure due to the communication means 300 (communication terminals 112 and 213) is detected on the IH operation board 224 side, the microcomputer MCU1 (first control unit 400a) on the IH operation board 224 causes the IH cooker 200 to A rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted to the main board 225, and based on the rice cooking operation stop signal, the operation of the IH cooker 200 is stopped by the control of the microcomputer MCU2 (second control unit 400b) included in the main board 225. May be.

Moreover, when the communication failure by the communication means 300 (communication terminal 112,213) is detected in the main board | substrate 225 side, microcomputer MCU2 (2nd control part 400b) of the main board | substrate 225 is based on the rice cooking operation stop signal. Then, the operation of the IH cooker 200 may be stopped.

Thereby, even if it is a case where the control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation, regardless of the occurrence location of the communication failure, the IH cooker can correctly perform the predetermined rice cooking operation. The situation that cannot be done is surely avoided.

The detailed processing procedure of these stop controls will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 10, a power cord is connected to the main board 225 of the IH cooker 200 via a magnet plug 226. When the rice cooker unit 100 is mounted on the IH cooker 200, the detection magnet 111 on the rice cooker unit 100 side turns on the reed switch 214 on the IH cooker 200 side.

In this state, the main board 225 of the IH cooker 200 applies a drive signal to the power supply coil 212 via the IH operation board 224. Thereby, a power signal is generated in the power receiving coil 113 on the rice cooker unit 100 side by electromagnetic induction action, and is applied to the weighing display board 123, the rice cooker operation board 126, and the like via the interface board 122. As a result, wireless communication such as infrared communication becomes possible via the communication terminal 213 on the IH cooker 200 side and the communication terminal 112 on the rice cooker unit 100 side.

When the rice cooker operation unit 101 (see FIG. 2) is operated in this state, the operation signal is transmitted from the rice cooker operation board 126 to the main board 225 on the IH cooker 200 side via the

communication terminals

112 and 213. . The main board 225 controls the start and stop of current supply to the IH coil 211 based on the received operation signal, and controls the current value of the high-frequency current that flows through the IH coil 211. In this control, it is possible to use the weight information of the cooked rice (rice, water, etc.) obtained from the weight sensor substrate 224a and the temperature information of the inner pot 121 obtained from the thermistor 131. The weight information can also be displayed on the weighing display unit 102 (see FIG. 2) via the weighing display substrate 123 on the rice cooker unit 100 side.

In addition, in the state where the rice cooker unit 100 is not mounted on the IH cooker 200, since the top surface of the IH cooker 200 is exposed, the IH operation unit 201 (see FIG. 4) can be operated. When the IH operation unit 201 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the IH operation board 224 to the main board 225. That is, when the rice cooker unit 100 is removed from the IH cooker 200, the operation unit 201 of the IH cooker 200 appears, so that the IH cooker 200 side can be used alone for IH cooking.

[Example of operation unit configuration]
Drawing 11 is an explanatory view of the operation part with which IH rice cooker 1 concerning an embodiment is provided.

Specifically, FIG. 11A shows the rice cooker operation unit 101 provided on the top surface of the rice cooker unit 100. The rice cooker operation unit 101 includes various buttons such as a menu button B1, a heat retention / cancellation button B2, a rice brand button B3, and a rice cooking button B4 in addition to the display unit D1. The display unit D1 is a display device that displays the setting status of the IH rice cooker 1 and the like. Menu button B1 is a button for selecting how to cook. The heat retention / cancellation button B2 is a button for instructing the heat retention and its cancellation. The rice brand button B3 is a button for selecting a rice brand. By pressing the rice brand button B3, brands such as Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Tsuyahime, Yumepirika, Hitomebore, Hinohikari, etc. can be selected. The rice cooking button B4 is a button for instructing rice cooking.

Moreover, FIG.11 (b) has shown the measurement display part 102 provided in the front surface of the rice cooker part 100. FIG. The weighing display unit 102 includes a weighing button B11 in addition to the display unit D11. The display unit D11 is a display device that displays measurement values and the like. The weighing button B11 is a button for instructing use of the weighing mode.

[Outline of weighing operation example]
Hereinafter, an outline of a measurement operation example will be described.

First, the user selects a menu / hardness / rice brand in the rice cooker operation unit 101, opens the lid 100A of the rice cooker unit 100, and puts rice in the inner pot 121. Next, the weighing button B11 of the weighing display unit 102 is pressed (the weight of the rice is navigated by display), the inner pot 121 is taken out and washed, and then the inner pot 121 is set in the rice cooker unit 100. Water is put into the water (the amount of water is navigated by display and sound). Here, the measurement button B11 is pressed in order to make the user recognize the use of the measurement mode. However, when the lid 100A is opened, the measurement mode may be automatically shifted to. Finally, when the lid 100A of the rice cooker unit 100 is closed and the rice cooker button B4 of the rice cooker operation unit 101 is pressed, rice cooking is started.

[Details of weighing operation example]
FIG. 12 is a screen transition diagram of the metric display unit 102 shown in FIG.

First, when the user puts rice into the inner pot 121 in the weighing mode, the weight of the rice is measured. Here, when the weight of the rice is not more than the specified range, as shown in FIG. 12A, the display unit D11 displays “put rice and press the weighing button” or the like (the weighing button B11 blinks). In addition, before entering the measurement mode, the zero point adjustment is performed in a state where the inner pot 121 is mounted on the rice cooker body 100B, and details will be described later. On the other hand, when the rice weight is larger than the allowable weight, an error is displayed on the display unit D11 as shown in FIG. 12B (the weighing button B11 is turned off).

Next, when the user presses the weighing button B11, the weight of the rice is confirmed, and the mode shifts to the water weighing mode. However, if the measured rice weight is out of the specified weight range, the mode does not shift to the water weighing mode and remains in the rice weighing mode. If there is no problem, as shown in FIG. 12 (c), the display unit D11 displays "Add water (after washing)". At this time, the required amount of water is displayed on the display unit D11.

Next, washing rice (this step is not necessary if it is unwashed rice), and adding water with a cup (not shown), the water weight is measured, as shown in FIG. The required water amount displayed on the display unit D11 decreases. When the water weight is within the optimum range, it will beep once and when it is outside the optimum range, it will beep twice. In the optimum value range, as shown in FIG. 12 (e), “0” or the like is displayed on the display unit D11. When the optimum value range is passed, “water” is displayed on the display unit D11 as shown in FIG. 12 (f). To reduce. "

Finally, when the lid 100A is closed, the weighing display is turned off. If rice cooking button B4 (or rice cooking button B4 after a reservation) is pushed in this state, rice cooking will be started.

[Relationship of weight detection legs to the center of gravity of rice cooker]
In order to cook delicious rice with a rice cooker, it is important to input an optimal amount of water for the total number (weight) of rice. For this reason, it is necessary to use a weight sensor with high detection accuracy (specifically, with accuracy of gram order).

Actually, when trying to accurately adjust the amount of water in a rice cooker, it takes time and the operability becomes troublesome if the lid is closed and the weight is measured. In such a case, it is desirable to measure the weight with the lid open.

The IH rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of performing highly accurate gravimetric weight measurement even when the lid is opened.

Here, if the weight can be measured with one weight detection leg, it is ideal in terms of cost / design. However, for example, if the installation surface is uneven and the weight detection leg is located at that position, the weight detection leg may float from the installation surface, and weight measurement may not be possible.

Also, if there are at least three legs, the main body stability can be basically obtained. However, with three legs, the rice cooker body becomes weaker with respect to stability, particularly in the left-right direction, when the lid is opened or with the lid opened. In addition, when one of them is used as a weight detection leg, the same problem as described above occurs, so two or more weight detection legs are required.

】 Use 4 or more legs to eliminate these instability factors. By doing so, it is possible to suppress wobbling / unstableness in the front-rear and left-right directions, particularly in the left-right direction, as compared with three legs. If four of them are used as weight detection legs (especially if at least two weight detection legs are provided on the hinge side), the weight detection legs are temporarily installed while absorbing the wobbling / unstableness when the lid is opened. The weight measurement can be covered with the remaining weight detection legs even if it is away from the surface. This makes it possible to achieve highly accurate weight measurement on the order of grams even when the lid is open.

(Example of weight measurement configuration)
FIG. 13 is a side view of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment. When the lock by the lid lock mechanism 124 (see FIG. 3) is released, the front side of the lid portion 100A is rotated upward with the rotation shaft 129a of the lid hinge 129 as a fulcrum, and is stationary in a substantially vertical state. . Let G be the center of gravity of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid 100A opened.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. Here, the case where the four base parts 223 are provided in the four corners of the bottom part of the IH rice cooker 1 is illustrated. Weight sensors are attached to all of the four pedestals 223. In the following description, the pedestal portion 223 is referred to as a weight detection leg 223. Further, when distinguishing the four weight detection legs 223, they are referred to as

weight detection legs

223A, 223B, 223C, and 223D.

As shown in FIG. 14, the two

weight detection legs

223C and 223D are located at both ends with respect to the center of gravity G on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the direction of the rotation axis 129a. On the other hand, the two

weight detection legs

223A and 223B are positioned at both ends with respect to the center of gravity G on the opposite side of the lid hinge 129 with respect to the direction of the rotation shaft 129a. Let L1 and L2 be the two virtual diagonals of the quadrangle formed by the

weight detection legs

223A, 223B, 223C, and 223D, and let P be the intersection of the two virtual diagonals L1 and L2. In this case, it is desirable that the center of gravity G is closer to the lid hinge 129 than the intersection P between the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2.

Specifically, a triangular area formed by the intersection point P and the

weight detection legs

223A and 223B is referred to as “area E1”. When the center of gravity G is inside the region E1, it is likely to be affected by the vibration of the rice due to the bias of the rice and the water injection, and is likely to be swayed in the front-rear direction.

Further, a triangular area formed by the intersection point P and the

weight detection legs

223B and 223C is referred to as “area E2.” When the center of gravity G is inside the region E2, it is likely to be swayed in the left-right direction when the lid 100A is opened or when the lid 100A is opened.

Further, a triangular area formed by the intersection point P and the

weight detection legs

223D and 223A is referred to as “area E4”. Even when the center of gravity G is inside the region E4, it is easy to wobble in the left-right direction when the lid 100A is opened or when the lid 100A is opened.

Finally, a triangular area formed by the intersection point P and the

weight detection legs

223C and 223D is referred to as “area E3”. When the center of gravity G is inside the region E3, the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2, so that it is difficult for the center of gravity G to fluctuate in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

Therefore, each component is arranged so that the center of gravity G comes to the inside of the region E3. Here, the inner pot 121, the IH coil 211, and the like, which are heavy objects, are arranged near the rear of the IH rice cooker 1. Thereby, the center-of-gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 in a state where the lid 100A is opened can be arranged in the vicinity immediately below the center O of the inner pot 121 (see FIG. 13). Here, the center O of the inner hook 121 means the volume center (space center) of the inner hook 121.

Here, the case where four weight detection legs 223 are provided is illustrated, but even when five or more weight detection legs 223 are provided, the inside of the triangular region including the two hinge-side weight detection legs vertices as well. Should have a center of gravity G. The two hinge-side weight detection legs are weight detection legs located at both ends with respect to the center of gravity G and on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the direction of the rotation axis 129a. Also in this case, the point where the center of gravity G is closer to the lid hinge 129 than the intersection of the virtual diagonal lines is the same, and therefore it is difficult for the center of gravity G to fluctuate in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

(Weight measurement operation example)
When the operation of the IH rice cooker 1 is started, the zero point adjustment of the weight sensor is performed in a state where the lid 100A is open. Moreover, after performing zero point adjustment, the weight of the to-be-cooked rice accommodated in the inner pot 121 is measured in a state where the lid 100A is open. Of course, the zero point adjustment of the weight sensor may be performed with the lid 100A closed, or the weight of the cooked rice housed in the inner pot 121 may be measured. However, these processes take less time and are easier to operate if the lid 100A is opened.

That is, the user adjusts the amount of water in the inner pot 121 set in the rice cooker unit 100 while looking at the weighing display unit 102 (see FIG. 2) provided on the front surface of the rice cooker unit 100. For example, when too much water is poured into the inner pot 121, the water is scooped out from the inner pot 121 until an appropriate amount of water is obtained while looking at the weighing display unit 102. Even when the lid portion 100A is open, it is important that wobbling in the front-rear and left-right directions can be eliminated and the weight can be measured stably.

(Weight sensor circuit configuration example)
Next, a weight sensor circuit configuration example will be described. In the above description, the weight of the cooked rice is calculated by averaging the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to calculate the weight of the cooked rice by the sum of the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners.

FIG. 15 is a circuit configuration diagram of a weight sensor provided in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a circuit configuration diagram of a single load cell shown in FIG.

The weight sensor includes load cells SEL1 to SEL4, a differential amplifier circuit 11, an A / D converter (12 bits) 12, a CPU 13, and an RC smoothing circuit 14, as shown in FIG. The load cells SEL1 to SEL4 are obtained by connecting four single load cells as shown in FIG. 16 in series. A total minute voltage signal of four single load cells is output.

First, the basic circuit operation will be described. From the bridge connection of the load cells SEL1 to SEL4, a minute voltage signal (analog small signal) corresponding to the applied weight (distortion amount) is output. The minute voltage signal is amplified by the differential amplifier circuit 11, the amplified analog voltage signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 12, and the superimposed data is transmitted to the CPU 13 by I2C communication.

Next, offset adjustment (microcomputer control) by the CPU 13 will be described. The necessary range of weight measurement is from “a state in which an empty inner pot 121 is put (about 5 kg)” to “a state in which three rice and water are put in the inner pot 121 (about 6 kg)”. Therefore, when the strain gauge is mounted on the weight detection leg 223, it is necessary to measure from zero g to 6 kg, and the measurement accuracy in the range of 5 kg to 6 kg is lowered. Further, in the vicinity of the output zero V of the differential amplifier circuit 11, the measurement accuracy is degraded due to the influence of noise and the like.

In order to improve these problems, the CPU 13 sets the PWM signal so that the output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit 11 is in the range of 1 V to 1.5 V when “the empty inner pot 121 is inserted (about 5 kg)”. Is output. Everything is adjusted individually in the factory inspection process. In addition, the CPU 13 sets the differential amplifier circuit 11 so that the output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit 11 becomes about Vcc-1V when “the rice and water are put in the inner pot 121 (about 6 kg)”. Adjust the gain. As a result, it is possible to achieve a weight sensor that ensures measurement accuracy within the required measurement range (5 kg to 6 kg) and is less susceptible to noise and the like.

As described above, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment includes a main body in which the inner pot 121 is detachably accommodated, a lid portion 100A that can be opened and closed on the main body, and the lid portion 100A. A lid hinge 129 having a rotation shaft 129a provided at the upper part of the main body and four or more legs provided on the bottom surface of the main body, at least four of which are weight detection legs 223 for detecting weight, The weight detection legs 223 have two hinge-side weight detection legs 223C positioned at both ends with respect to the rotation axis 129a direction on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid portion 100A opened. 223D and two reverse hinge side

weight detection legs

223A and 223B located at both ends of the rotation axis 129a on the opposite side of the lid hinge 129, and the IH in a state where the lid portion 100A is opened The center of gravity G of the rice cooker 1 is a lid hinge with respect to the intersection P of two virtual diagonal lines L1, L2 formed by the two hinge side

weight detection legs

223C, 223D and the two reverse hinge side

weight detection legs

223A, 223B. The weight is measured using the four weight detection legs 223 with the lid portion 100A opened, located on the 129 side. As a result, there are two weight detection legs 223 on the lid hinge 129 side, and the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side from the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1, L2. The weight can be measured.

Moreover, the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 in a state where the lid 100A is opened may be arranged in the vicinity immediately below the center of the inner pot 121. Thereby, the gravity center G is arrange | positioned in the center part of the inner hook 121, and the vibration by the bias | inclination of rice or water injection | pouring is hardly received.

Moreover, when starting the operation of the IH rice cooker 1, the zero point adjustment of the weight sensor may be performed in a state where the lid 100A is open. Thereby, the time-dependent change of a weight sensor can be absorbed in the state which the cover part 100A is open, and a highly accurate weight measurement can be maintained.

Further, after the zero point adjustment, the weight of the cooked rice housed in the inner pot 121 may be measured in a state where the lid 100A is open. Accordingly, the amount of water can be accurately adjusted in a state where the lid portion 100A is open. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the weight by closing the lid portion 100A, and the operation is simple.

In addition, although the upper and lower separation type IH rice cooker 1 was illustrated and demonstrated here, the arrangement | positioning relationship of the weight detection leg with respect to the gravity center position of the above rice cookers is applied to the general rice cooker which does not isolate | separate up and down. It can also be applied to a microcomputer rice cooker.

[Cooking rice operation example]
With reference to FIGS. 17-19, the operation example of the IH rice cooker 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated.

Here, FIG. 17 is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example of IH rice cooker 1 which concerns on this Embodiment, FIG. 18 shows the process sequence of the overcooking prevention process performed with IH rice cooker 1 which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of IH stop processing in overcooking prevention processing.

First, an operation example of the IH rice cooker 1 will be described with reference to an explanatory diagram of FIG. In addition, about the structure of IH rice cooker 1, about the structure similar to the structural example shown in FIG. 10, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

Here, between the rice cooker unit 100 side and the IH cooker 200 side, control signals D1a and D1b are transmitted and received through

communication terminals

112 and 213 as communication means.

That is, a signal (data) D1b including a rice cooking start signal, a rice cooking operation stop signal, a heating power adjustment signal, and the like is transmitted from the rice cooker unit 100 side to the IH cooker 200 side.

Further, a signal (data) D1a including weight sensor information, error information of the IH cooker 200, and the like is transmitted from the IH cooker 200 side to the rice cooker unit 100 side.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the signal line A1 between the interface board 122 on the rice cooker unit 100 side and the rice cooker operation board 126 is broken.

Accordingly, the signal D2 indicating the temperature of the pot detected by the thermistor 131 is transmitted to the rice cooker operation board 126 side through the signal line A1, but the signal D2 is broken due to the disconnection of the signal line A1. The transmission to the rice cooker operation board 126 side is interrupted.

Here, in the normal state, based on the signal D2 indicating the temperature of the pot, a heating power adjustment signal D3 (D3a to D3c) is transmitted from the rice cooker operation board 126 to the main board 225 via the communication means 300. Then, the heating power of the IH coil 211 is adjusted, and optimal rice cooking is performed.

However, when the signal line A1 is disconnected as described above, the signal D2 indicating the temperature of the pot is not transmitted to the rice cooker operation board 126 side, so the rice cooker operation board 126 acquires the temperature of the pot. Thus, the normal heating power adjustment signal D3 is not output.

Therefore, the heating power adjustment of the IH coil 211 cannot be performed normally, causing problems such as overcooking of rice.

Therefore, in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment, the control signal can be received for a predetermined time by the control of the first control unit 400a, the second control unit 400b (microcomputer MCU1, MCU2). If not, the operation of the IH cooker 200 is controlled to stop.

This makes it possible to avoid overcooking rice even if the control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation.

In addition, when the control signal for adjusting the heating power is not detected by the control of either the first control unit 400a or the second control unit 400b (microcomputer MCU1, MCU2), the operation of the IH cooker 200 is performed. You may make it stop.

This makes it possible to more reliably avoid overcooking rice even if the control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation.

The control of the first control unit 400a and the second control unit 400b (microcomputer MCU1, MCU2) is controlled by the control signal received via the communication means 300 (communication terminals 112, 213). When it is determined that the instruction is to stop, or when it is determined that the signal indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the rice cooker unit 100, the operation of the IH cooker 200 may be controlled to stop. .

Thus, overcooking of rice and the like can be avoided by a stop instruction of the IH cooker 200 and detection of an abnormal signal of the rice cooker unit 100.

Note that a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) included in the rice cooker operation board 126 and the interface board 122 is a device for mutually converting serial transfer system data and parallel transfer system data.

The SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) provided in the IH operation board 224 and the main board 225 is a kind of serial bus that connects the IH operation board 224 and the main board 225 to each other.

Further, each

substrate

122, 126, 224, 225 is equipped with a ROM storing a predetermined program. Various controls are realized by the microcomputers MCU1 to MCU4 executing predetermined programs stored in the ROM.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, the process sequence of the overcooking prevention process performed with the IH rice cooker 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated.

In the overcooking prevention process, it is determined in step S301 whether the control signal is a heating power adjustment signal.

And when a determination result is "No", it transfers to step S303 and it is determined whether it is within predetermined time. When the determination result is “Yes”, the process returns to step S301, and when it is “No”, that is, when it is determined that the predetermined time has been exceeded, the process proceeds to the IH stop processing subroutine of step S304.

If “Yes” is determined in step S301, the timer is reset to 0 in step S302, and the process returns to step S301.

In the subroutine of the IH stop process (see FIG. 19), the process returns to the main process of FIG. 18 after transmitting the rice cooking operation stop signal.

More specifically, for example, when a communication failure between the rice cooker operation board 126 and the interface board 122 (due to signal line disconnection, soldering failure, etc.) is detected on the interface board 122 side, for example. The rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted from the microcomputer MCU3 (third control unit 500b) of the interface board 122 in the order of the IH operation board 224 of the IH cooker 200 and the IH operation board 224 to the main board 225 in this order. Based on the signal, the operation of the IH cooker 200 can be stopped under the control of the microcomputer MCU2 (second control unit 400b) included in the main board 225.

When a communication failure between the IH operation board 224 and the main board 225 is detected on the main board 225 side, the microcomputer MCU2 (second control unit 400b) of the main board 225 determines that the rice cooking operation stop signal is received. The operation of the IH cooker 200 may be stopped.

This makes it possible to reliably avoid overcooking rice, etc., regardless of where the communication failure occurs.

The overcooking prevention process described above is not limited to the microcomputer MCU3 (third control unit 500a), but is similar to the microcomputer MCU1 (first control unit 400a) and MCU2 (second control unit 400b). May be performed.

[IH rice cooker according to the first configuration example]
By the way, when cooking rice using an IH rice cooker, the case where rice cooking is performed in the state which does not put rice in the rice cooking pot 121 by the misunderstanding of an operator etc. is assumed.

In such a case, since the IH rice cooker is in an empty cooking state, it is necessary to automatically stop the operation of the IH cooking device 200 to prevent empty cooking.

Therefore, an IH rice cooker 1a according to a first configuration example that can prevent empty cooking will be described with reference to FIGS.

In addition, the hardware configuration of the IH rice cooker 1a is the same as that of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an empty cooking detection process executed by the IH rice cooker 1a according to the first configuration example, and FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an IH stop processing subroutine in the empty cooking detection process.

In the empty cooking detection process executed by the IH rice cooker 1a according to the first configuration example, the temperature increase degree in the empty cooking state is steeper than the temperature increase degree in the normal rice cooking state in which rice is put in the rice cooker 121. It is the process which performs the detection of empty cooking and the operation | movement stop of the IH cooker 200 using this.

Here, an example of the temperature rise will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22 is a graph showing a temperature curve or the like of a normal rice cooking state of 0.5 go by the IH rice cooker 1a according to the first configuration example, and FIG. 23 is an empty rice cooking state by the IH rice cooker 1a according to the first configuration example. FIG. 24 is a graph in which a part of the temperature curve and the like of FIG. 23 is enlarged, and FIG. 25 is the temperature of the empty cooked rice (800 W) state by the IH rice cooker 1a according to the first configuration example. It is a graph which shows a curve etc.

22, a curve L1 indicates a voltage of a thermistor (pot bottom thermistor) 131 disposed at the bottom of the kettle, a curve L2 indicates an ambient temperature, a curve L3 indicates a kettle upper edge temperature, and a curve L4 indicates a kettle bottom temperature.

23 and 24, the curve L1 indicates the voltage of the thermistor (pot bottom thermistor) 131 disposed at the bottom, the curve L10 indicates the ambient temperature, the curve L11 indicates the top edge temperature, and the curve L12 indicates the bottom. Each temperature is indicated.

In FIG. 25, a curve L20 indicates the voltage of the thermistor (pot bottom thermistor) 131 arranged at the bottom of the pot, a curve L21 indicates the ambient temperature, a curve L22 indicates the top temperature of the pot, and a curve L23 indicates the bottom temperature. Show.

Here, about the graph of FIG. 22 of an empty cooking rice state, and the graph of FIG. 23 of a normal rice cooking state, as the bottom temperature curve L4 and L12 compare, the bottom temperature curve L12 of an empty cooking rice state is sharper. Has changed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of kinds of experiments are performed on the voltage of the bottom thermistor 131 and the state of change in the bottom temperature corresponding to the voltage by enlarging the steep temperature change portion 500 in FIG. The study was based on the data.

As a result, when the transition time T from the point P11 of the thermistor voltage 1.98V (65 ° C.) to the point P12 of the thermistor voltage 1.7V (75 ° C.) is less than 30 seconds, the rice can be cooked empty. The nature is high.

For example, in the case of FIGS. 23 and 24, the transition time t1 from the point P11 of the thermistor voltage 1.98V (65 ° C.) to the point P12 of the thermistor voltage 1.7V (75 ° C.) is about 20 seconds. Because it is less than 30 seconds, it is determined that the rice is cooked empty.

In addition, when rice is cooked at 800 W as shown in FIG. 25, the transition time t2 from the point P21 of the thermistor voltage 1.98V (65 ° C.) to the point P22 of the thermistor voltage 1.7V (75 ° C.) is about Since it is 15 seconds and less than 30 seconds, it is determined that it is an empty cooked rice.

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 22, the transition time t10 from the point P1 of the thermistor voltage 1.98V (65 ° C.) to the point P2 of the thermistor voltage 1.7V (75 ° C.) is about 50 seconds and 30 seconds. Since it is above, it is determined that it is not empty cooking rice.

Based on such research results, a processing procedure (program) for empty cooking detection processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 was devised.

Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20, the process sequence of the empty cooking detection process performed with the IH rice cooker 1a which concerns on a 1st structural example is demonstrated.

When this process is started, it is determined in step S401 whether “ST (temperature of the inner pot (thermistor output)) ≧ 65 ° C.”.

When the determination result is “No”, the process waits as it is, and when the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S402 and the time T of the timer is reset to zero.

Then, in step S403, it is determined whether or not ST> 75 ° C. If “No”, the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the timer time T is incremented by "1 second" and the process returns to step S403.

If “Yes” is determined in step S403, the process proceeds to step S405, and it is determined whether T <30 seconds.

If the determination result is “No”, the process returns to step S401. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S406, and after executing the subroutine of the IH stop process, the process ends.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the IH stop processing subroutine, a rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted, and then the processing returns to the main processing.

Here, more specifically, for example, when an empty rice cooking state is detected by the microcomputer MCU1 of the rice cooker operation board 126 provided in the IH rice cooker 1a, a rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted from the microcomputer MCU1 to the communication means 300. Is transmitted to the main board 225 via

And based on this rice cooking operation stop signal, the operation of the IH cooker 200 is stopped by the control of the microcomputer MCU4 provided in the main board 225.

Thereby, the empty cooking rice in the IH rice cooker 1a can be surely prevented.

[IH rice cooker according to the second configuration example]
Moreover, in order to perform rice cooking which extracted the umami of rice using the IH rice cooker, it is important to determine the optimal water amount according to the characteristics of rice.

However, in the conventional IH rice cooker, the amount of water is determined based only on the measured weight of rice.

That is, for example, as shown in the chart of FIG. 26, in the case of 0.5 go (80g), the amount of water is 100cc, in the case of 1 go (160g), the amount of water is 200cc, and in the case of 2 go (320g), 400cc. In the case of 3 water (480 g), the amount of water was 600 cc.

Thus, the amount of water determined based only on the weight of rice may be different from the optimal amount of water corresponding to the rice cooking menu set by the user (for example, cooking, rice crackers, etc.) or the rice brand.

Therefore, with the amount of water determined by the conventional method, there was an inconvenience that it was difficult to fully extract the original umami of cooked rice.

Therefore, referring to FIGS. 27 to 38, the IH rice cooker 1b according to the second configuration example capable of calculating the optimum water amount in consideration of not only the information of the measured rice weight but also the information of the rice cooking menu and the rice brand. explain.

In addition, the hardware configuration of the IH rice cooker 1b is the same as that of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the above-described embodiment.

In the IH rice cooker 1b according to the second configuration example, the optimum water amount Q is calculated by the following equation.

Q = q × w1 × w2 × w3

However, q: general water amount with respect to the weight of rice to be cooked (equivalent to the amount of water by the conventional method), w1: weight coefficient for adjusting the amount of water with respect to the amount of rice when the rice cooking menu is “washless rice”, “white rice”, w2: Weighting factor for adjusting the amount of water relative to the amount of rice when the rice cooking menu is “new rice”, w3: Weighting factor for adjusting the amount of water relative to the amount of rice when the rice cooking menu is “early cooked”, “energy saving” It is.

FIG. 27 shows an example of the table TB1 describing the weighting factor w1. In the table TB1, in the case of the brand A, 3 go (w1 = a times), 2 go (w1 = b times), 1 go (w1 = c times), 0.5 go (w1 = d times). .

Moreover, in the case of the brand B, it is set to 3 go (w1 = e times), 2 go (w1 = a times), 1 go (w1 = f times), 0.5 go (w1 = g times).

Moreover, in the case of the brand C, it is set to 3 go (w1 = e times), 2 go (w1 = e times), 1 go (w1 = f times), and 0.5 go (w1 = g times).

Note that a to g are predetermined integers or decimal numbers.

FIG. 28 shows an example of the table TB3 describing the weighting factor w3. In table TB3, in the case of “early cooking” (rice cooking menu “4” or “8”), 3 go (w3 = a times), 2 go (w3 = b times), 1 go (w3 = c times), 0.5 (w3 = d times).

In the case of “energy saving” (rice cooking menu “3” or “7”), 3 go (w3 = e times), 2 go (w3 = f times), 1 go (w3 = b times), 0.5 (W3 = f times).

Note that a to f are predetermined integers or decimal numbers.

In addition, although illustration of the table TB2 regarding the weighting factor w2 is omitted, it is desirable that the weighting factor w2 is approximately the same as the weighting factor w1.

(About weighing rice operation)
Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 29 to 38, processing procedures such as a weighing rice cooking process executed by the IH rice cooker 1b according to the second configuration example will be described.

First, when the rice cooker unit 100 of the IH rice cooker 1b is not placed on the IH cooker 200, the rice cooker operation unit 101 only displays the time, and the weighing display unit 102 remains off (S1 → S2 → S3). → S2). When the rice cooker unit 100 is placed on the IH cooker 200, the menu display or the like of the rice cooker operation unit 101 is activated, but the weighing display unit 102 remains off (S2 → S4). At this time, the previous information on the menu, brand, and hardness is maintained (S5).

Next, when the user presses the menu button B1, the menu selection is switched (S6 → S7 → S6). For example, (1) Wash-free rice → (2) Wash-free rice, New rice → (3) Wash-free rice, energy saving → (4) Wash-free rice, quick cooking → (5) White rice → (6) White rice, New rice → (7) White rice, Energy saving → (8) white rice, quick cooking → (9) cooking → (10) porridge → (11) brown rice → (12) stew / steaming → (1) unwashed rice →.

Next, when the user presses the rice brand button B3, if the selection menu is not white rice or non-washed rice, the brand selection remains off (S8 → S9 → S10 → S8). On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the brand selection is switched (S8 → S9 → S11 → S8). For example, (0) Other → (1) Koshihikari → (2) Akitakomachi → (3) Princess Princess → (4) Yumepirika → (5) Hitomebore → (6) Hinohikari → (0) Other → It is like that.

Next, when the user presses the hardness button, if the selection menu is not white rice or non-washed rice, the hardness selection remains off (S12 → S13 → S14 → S12). On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the hardness selection is switched (S12 → S13 → S15 → S12). For example, it is switched in the order of (1) standard → (2) fold → (3) soft → (1) standard →.

Here, with reference to step S501 to step S515 and the like, a processing procedure such as an optimal water amount calculation process will be described.

In step S501, the currently set rice cooking menu number (Mn) is substituted for variable M, and the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, it is determined whether or not the “menu” button has been pressed. If “No”, the menu number m is set in step S503 and the M value substituted in step S501 is set, and then the process proceeds to step S507. To do.

If it is determined “Yes” in step S6, the process proceeds to step S504, and it is determined whether M = 12.

If the determination result is “Yes”, the M value is reset to 0 in step S505, and the process proceeds to step S7.

When the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S7, the M value is incremented by “1”, the process proceeds to step S7, and the menu display is sequentially switched as shown in the table shown in the lower right of FIG. .

On the other hand, in step S507, the currently set US brand number (Bn) is substituted for variable B, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, it is determined whether or not the “rice brand” button has been pressed. If “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S9 to determine whether the selection menu is “white rice” or “no-wash rice”. Determined.

If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S10, the brand selection remains off, and the process returns to step S8.

If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S511 to determine whether B = 6. If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S513, the B value is reset to 0, and the process proceeds to step S11. If the determination result is “No”, the process proceeds to step S512, the B value is incremented by “1”, and the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the brand display is sequentially switched as shown in the table shown in the lower right of FIG.

On the other hand, if “No” is determined in step S8, the process proceeds to step S514, the B value in step S507 is set in b, and the process proceeds to step S515.

In step S515, a subroutine for calculating the weighting factors w1, w2, and w3 is executed.

Here, a processing procedure of a subroutine for calculating the weighting factors w1, w2, and w3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S600, it is determined whether the rice cooking menu number “m” is “1” or “5”, that is, “no-wash rice” or “white rice”.

When the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S601, and a weighting factor corresponding to the b value (value corresponding to the set rice brand) is substituted for w1 by the table TB1 illustrated in FIG. The process proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, “1” is assigned to the weighting factors w2 and w3, and the process returns to the main process in FIG.

If it is determined “No” in step S600, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether the rice cooking menu number “m” is “2” or “6”, that is, “no-wash rice / new rice” or “white rice / new rice”.

If the determination result is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step S604, and a weighting factor corresponding to the b value (value corresponding to the set rice brand) is substituted into w2 by table TB2 (not shown). Then, the process proceeds to step S605.

In step S605, “1” is assigned to the weighting factors w1 and w3, and the process returns to the main process in FIG.

If it is determined “No” in step S603, the process proceeds to step S606.

In step S606, the weighting factor corresponding to the m value is substituted for w3 in the table TB3 illustrated in FIG. 28, and the process proceeds to step S607.

In step S602, “1” is assigned to the weighting factors w1 and w2, and the process returns to the main process of FIG.

By such a process, it becomes possible to calculate the optimum water amount Q for various types of cooked rice by a calculation formula of Q = q × w1 × w2 × w3.

This makes it possible to determine the optimal amount of water according to the characteristics of the rice, etc., and perform rice cooking that fully draws out the umami of the rice.

Next, the processing procedure according to the flowchart of FIG. 32 will be described.

When the lid 100A is open, the weight is more than the proper weight of the kettle, and the heat retention is “OFF”, the weighing display is started (S16 → S18 → S20 → S24). The pot weight is a weight obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pot weight.

On the other hand, if the lid 100A is not opened, the weight is not more than the proper weight of the hook, or the heat retention is not "off", the state is left as it is (S16 → S17, S18 → S19, S20 → S21). However, when the heat retention / cancellation button B2 is pressed, the weighing display is started (S21 → S22 → S24). If lid 100A is closed (S23: YES), the process returns to step S16.

Next, when the measurement display is left for 10 minutes or more after the measurement display is started, the measurement display is turned off unless the measurement button B11 is pressed (S25 → S26 → S27 → S26). Even if it is not left for 10 minutes or more, when the heat retention / cancel button B2 is pressed, the weighing display is turned off from the viewpoint of energy saving unless the weighing button B11 is pressed (S25 → S28 → S29 → S30 → S29). .

On the other hand, if the weight of the rice is less than the upper limit / allowable weight of the rice cooking menu when it is left for 10 minutes or more and the heat retaining / cancellation button B2 is not pressed, "Press" is displayed (S25 → S28 → S31 → S33). When the rice weight is not less than the allowable rice weight / upper limit of the rice cooking menu, an error is displayed (S25 → S28 → S31 → S32). In this flow, the leaving time is 10 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Next, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight of the rice cooking menu, the display of “put rice and press the weighing button” is maintained, and the weighing button B11 is blinked (S34 → S35). Thus, when the user presses the weighing button B11, if the weight of the rice is within the range of the allowable rice weight, the weight of the rice is stored and the optimal amount of water is displayed for the amount of rice. Specifically, a display such as a water metering mode “insert (reduce) cc water” (S36 → S37 → S38) is displayed. In addition, the allowable rice weight “○ go to ○ go” is determined for each rice cooking menu.

Here, when the menu is “washless rice”, “add XXcc water” is displayed (S39 → S40). On the other hand, when the menu is other than “no-wash rice”, a message such as “add water after ◯ cc washing” is displayed (S39 → S41).

Next, when the cancel button is not pressed and the water (+ rice) weight is not within the optimum water amount range, a beep is sounded and the rice cooking button B4 and the reservation button are turned off (S42 → S43). → S44 → S43). On the other hand, when the weight of water (+ rice) is within the optimal water amount range, a beep is sounded, the rice cooking button B4 and the reservation button blink, and if the lid 100A is closed, the weighing mode is canceled. "Time mode: 00:00" is displayed (S42 → S43 → S45 → S46 → S47). In addition, the optimal water amount range “optimum water amount ± ○%” is determined based on a combination of the rice cooking menu, brand, and hardness setting. Further, when the optimum water amount range is reached, it is desirable to prompt the user with a display or voice to close the lid 100A.

Next, when the user presses the reservation button, it shifts to the reservation mode and displays “00:00” or the like, “reservation 1” is lit and the previous registration time is displayed (S48 → S49 → S50). Here, if the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the cancel button or the reservation button, the registration time of reservation 1 is updated (S51 → S52 → S58 → S59). On the other hand, if the user presses the reservation button without pressing the cancel button, “Reservation 2” is lit and the previous registration time is displayed, and if the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the reservation button, The registration time of reservation 2 is updated (S51 → S52 → S53 → S54 → S56 → S57). If the user presses the reservation button in step S54, the reservation mode is canceled and “time mode: 00:00” or the like is displayed (S54 → S55).

Finally, when the user presses the rice cooking button B4, when the lid 100A is closed, rice cooking is started in the selected rice cooking menu / brand course (S60 → S61 → S62). Then, if cooking rice is completed, heat insulation will be started (S63) and it will return to Step S16.

[Example of weight sensor zero point adjustment]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation.

First, when the lid 100A is not open, it is left as it is (S71 → S72).
On the other hand, when the lid 100A is open and the user presses and holds the weighing button B11, if the weight is within the proper range of the shuttle weight, the zero point adjustment is started and the mode shifts to the rice weighing mode. (S71 → S73 → S74 → S75 → S76). The appropriate range of the weight of the hook is determined based on the weight of the hook.

[Weight sensor control operation example]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor control operation.

First, the sensor values of four weight sensors (strain gauges) are measured, and the values for a certain time are averaged based on the following equation (S81 → S82).

Sensor output average (voltage) = average (sensor output ALL (voltage))

Next, the output voltage is converted into a load (weight) based on the following equation (S83). The strain gauge coefficient is determined by actual inspection and experiment.

Measured value [g] = (sensor output average (voltage)) / (strain gauge coefficient [voltage / N]) / g (gravity acceleration [m / s ^ 2])

Next, the measured weight is calculated based on the following equation (S84).

Weighed weight [g] = Measured value [g] −Zero point weight [g]

At this time, in the rice weighing mode, the weight of rice is recorded in units of g (S85 → S86).
On the other hand, in the water metering mode, the water weight is output in units of cc based on the following equation (S87 → S88).

Output value [cc] = (required amount of water calculated from recorded rice weight, rice brand, etc. [cc]) − ((weighed weight [g]) − (recorded rice weight [g]))

[IH cooking operation example]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the IH cooker 200.

First, when the rice cooker unit 100 is placed on the IH cooker 200, the display of the IH operation unit 201 is turned off (S91 → S92 → S93 → S92). Further, even when the rice cooker unit 100 is not placed on the IH cooker 200, the display of the IH operation unit 201 is turned off until the user presses the “heating start” or “fried food start”

button

201a or 201b. (S94 → S95 → S92).

Next, when the user presses the “start heating” or “start fried food”

button

201a or 201b, heating is started with the lowest heating power (S94 → S96). The reason for starting heating with the lowest heating power is to prevent inadvertent temperature rise and ensure safety. When the user presses the “strong” button 201c, the heating power is increased accordingly (S97 → S98), and when the user presses the “weak” button 201d, the heating power is decreased accordingly (S99 → S100). . Finally, when the user presses the “OFF” button 201e, the power is reduced (S101 → S102).

[About the brand and taste of rice]
Hereinafter, the relationship between rice brands and taste will be described.

The brands “Koshihikari”, “Hinohikari” and “Akitakomachi” are relatively tight in terms of taste and the hardness of rice belongs to a relatively hard category. The brands "Yumepirika", "Mori no Kuma-san", "Hitomebore", and "Tsuyahime" are relatively tight in terms of taste and the hardness of rice belongs to a relatively soft category. The brands “Nanatsuboshi”, “Haenuki”, and “Mashigura” are relatively light in terms of taste and the hardness of rice belongs to a relatively hard category. In addition, the brand “Sasanishiki” is relatively light in terms of taste, and the hardness of rice belongs to a relatively soft category.

Thus, since the taste and physical properties differ depending on the brand of rice, the main board 225 of the IH cooker 200 is used in the cooking process according to the brand of rice selected by the rice brand button B3 of the rice cooker operation unit 101. The amount of heat (electric power) to be applied is calculated, and the IH coil 211 and the like are controlled based on the calculated amount of heat. Thereby, cooking for every brand can be performed accurately.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the control signal for performing rice cooking control is not normally transmitted during the rice cooking operation of the rice cooker, the IH cooker performs the predetermined rice cooking operation. It is possible to provide a rice cooker that can avoid a situation in which cooking cannot be performed correctly.

[Other embodiments]
As described above, the embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that the descriptions and drawings forming a part of this disclosure are illustrative and are not restrictive. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

As described above, this embodiment includes various embodiments not described here.
For example, although the case where the weight sensor was provided in the IH cooker 200 side was illustrated, a weight sensor can also be provided in the rice cooker part 100 side. In addition to the strain gauge, a pressure sensor, another type of load cell, or the like can be used as the weight sensor.

The rice cooker of this embodiment can be applied to an IH rice cooker of a vertical separation type.

1 (1a, 1b) ... IH rice cooker (rice cooker)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Rice cooker part 101 ... Rice cooker operation part 102 ... Measurement display part 111 ... Magnet for detection 112 ... Communication terminal 113 ... Electric power receiving coil 121 ... Inner pot (rice cooker)
122 ... Interface board 123 ... Weighing display board 124 ... Lid lock mechanism 126 ... Rice cooker operation board 127 ... Inner lid 128 ... Steam cylinder 129 ...

Lid hinge

131, 231 ... Thermistor (temperature measurement part)
200 ... IH cooker (electromagnetic cooker)
201 ... IH operation unit (electromagnetic cooker operation unit)
211 ... IH coil (heating coil)
212 ... Power supply coil 213 ... Communication terminal 214 ... Reed switch 221 ... FAN
223 ... Base (weight detection leg)
224 ... IH operation board 224a ... weight sensor board 223A ... base member 223B ... strain gauge 223C ... weight sensor base 223D ... rubber foot 223E ... weight sensor cover 225 ... main board 226 ... magnet plug 300 ... communication means 400a ... first control Part (first control means)
400b ... 2nd control part (2nd control means)
500b ... 3rd control part (3rd control means)
500a ... 4th control part (4th control means)
D1, D11 ... Display section B1 ... Menu button B2 ... Insulation / cancellation button B3 ... Rice brand button B4 ... Rice cooking button B11 ... Weighing button MCU1-MCU4 ... Microcomputer

Claims

An electromagnetic cooker that performs electromagnetic induction heating;
A rice cooker unit placed on the electromagnetic cooker during rice cooking;
With
The electromagnetic cooker
A rice cooking operation is performed by a control signal from the rice cooker unit,
A rice cooker configured to stop the rice cooking operation when the control signal cannot be received for a predetermined time.
The electromagnetic cooker
A communication terminal constituting a part of communication means for receiving the control signal from the rice cooker unit;
First control means or second control means for controlling the electromagnetic cooker in response to the control signal;
With
The first control means or the second control means is:
The rice cooker of Claim 1 comprised so that the said rice cooking operation | movement of the said electromagnetic cooker may be stopped when the said control signal cannot be received over the said predetermined time.
The electromagnetic cooker
The rice cooker of Claim 2 comprised so that the said rice cooking operation | movement of the said electromagnetic cooker may be stopped when the control signal for the rice cooking thermal power adjustment which adjusts the thermal power at the time of the said rice cooking operation cannot be received.
The first control means or the second control means is:
When receiving a rice cooking operation stop signal for stopping the rice cooking operation of the electromagnetic cooker via the communication means, or when receiving an abnormality occurrence signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the rice cooker section The rice cooker according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured to stop the rice cooking operation of the electromagnetic cooker.
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the communication by the communication means is wireless communication.
The electromagnetic cooker includes a main board for controlling an IH coil capable of adjusting heat power, and an IH operation board for operating the electromagnetic cooker and communicating with the rice cooker unit,
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first control means or the second control means is provided on at least one of the main board and the IH operation board.
The rice cooker unit includes an interface board that communicates with the electromagnetic cooker, and a rice cooker operation board for operating the electromagnetic cooker via the communication means while operating the rice cooker part,
The at least one of the interface board and the rice cooker operation board is provided with third control means or fourth control means for controlling the rice cooking operation of the rice cooker section. Rice cooker according to item.
When the communication failure between the interface board and the rice cooker operation board is detected on the interface board side, the rice cooker section from the third control means provided on the interface board via the communication means The rice cooker according to claim 7, wherein a rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted, and the main board is configured to stop the rice cooking operation of the electromagnetic cooker based on the rice cooking operation stop signal.
When the electromagnetic cooker detects a communication failure between the rice cooker unit and the electromagnetic cooker by the communication means on the IH operation board side, the first cooker provided on the IH operation board The rice cooker according to claim 7, wherein a rice cooking operation stop signal is transmitted to the main board, and the main board is configured to stop the rice cooking operation of the electromagnetic cooker based on the rice cooking operation stop signal.