JP2008289944A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rice cooker which suppresses an increase in a manufacturing cost without impairing a reduction in power consumption and an improvement in energy saving by a heat insulating member. <P>SOLUTION: The rice cooker is equipped with a pot 11 as a container, a frame body 1 for housing the pot 11, and a lid body 31 which opens and closes to hermetically seal the pot 11, and a main body 7 including the frame body 1 and the lid body 31. The main body 7 is equipped with a handle 152 on the main body 7 and a heat insulating member 151 therein. Since an attachment part of the handle 152 is attached to the main body 7 by penetrating through the heat insulating member 151, the movement of the heat insulating member 151 inside the main body 7 is regulated by the attachment part of the handle 152. Therefore, an inexpensive rice cooker is provided by eliminating factors increasing the manufacturing cost such as adhering the heat insulating member 151 to the other member or fixing the heat insulating member 151 with a separate part, thus a reduction in power consumption and an improvement in energy saving by the heat insulating member 151 can be achieved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker having a rice cooking function.

  In general, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a pressure rice cooker in which a container is storable in a main body, a lid is provided so as to cover an upper surface opening of the container, and a pressure regulator is provided in the lid. Yes.

  In this type of rice cooker, the container is generally provided in a frame so that the container can be freely stored, and the container is generally heated by heating means such as a heater or an induction heating (IH) coil to cook rice. A lid that covers the opening of the container is provided on the upper portion of the frame, and a main body is formed by the lid and the frame. The main body is provided with a handle for easy carrying.

  The rice cooker with such a structure generally shifts to a heat insulation process when the rice cooking process is completed, and the heat flow to the outside of the main body is shut off in each process, thereby reducing the power consumption of the rice cooker. In order to improve the energy saving performance, an increasing number of products are provided with a heat insulating member on one or both of the lid and the frame.

  In this case, in the case where the handle is provided on the lid and the heat insulating member is provided on the lid, the heat insulating member is disposed between the outer lid cover and the outer lid constituting the lid. However, there is a problem that the heat insulating member inside the lid body moves each time it is carried, and the effect of reducing power consumption and improving energy saving performance is not sufficiently exhibited. In order to avoid this, there is a method of attaching the heat insulating member to the outer lid or the outer lid cover, but this leads to an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Also, even if the handle is provided on the frame and the heat insulating member is provided on the frame, a method of attaching the heat insulating member or fixing it with another part is necessary so that the heat insulating member does not fall under its own weight. This has led to an increase in manufacturing costs.

  On the other hand, the rice cooker shown in Patent Document 1 includes a display LCD as display means for displaying a clock, a menu, and the like. FIG. 20 shows a configuration related to the backup function of a rice cooker including such a display LCD. Here, when the power plug 201 is inserted into an outlet (not shown), the AC input voltage from the commercial power source is rectified by the power circuit 202.・ Step down. The rectified and stepped down voltage is supplied as a power supply voltage to a CPU 203 that controls rice cooking and heat retention, the display LCD 204, and a load control circuit 206 that controls a load 205 such as a heater. In response to this, the CPU 203 controls operations of the display LCD 204, the load control circuit 206, and the like.

  Conventionally, a battery 208 is provided as a backup power source in the event of a power failure. That is, when the commercial power supply is not energized (when the power plug 201 is not inserted into the outlet or when the commercial power supply is cut off), the AC input voltage is not supplied to the power supply circuit 202, and the CPU 208 to the CPU 203 A power supply voltage is supplied to the display LCD 204. As a result, the CPU 203 can be driven even during a power failure, and the display LCD 204 can display the clock and menu. Even if there is a power failure (including momentary power failure) during the setting of timer cooking, The operation of the timer set at the time of power recovery can be continued without clearing the timer time and menu. Also, at the time of store display at the time of sale, it is possible to display a clock or a menu on the display LCD 204 using the battery 208.

  However, the current consumption increases as the display LED 204 increases in size, and it is necessary to increase the capacity of the battery 208 in order to ensure the same backup time during a power outage. That is, when the capacity of the battery 208 is increased, there are problems that the space for storing the battery 208 increases and the cost of the battery 208 increases. Further, when the capacity of the battery 208 is made equal to the conventional capacity, the backup time during a power failure is shortened. For example, when the consumption current of the display LED 204 is twice that of the prior art, the backup time during a power failure is halved (2 years if the conventional is 4 years). In addition, when the capacity of the battery 208 is exhausted, the CPU 203 is reset at the moment when a power failure occurs, the clock timing, the set timer time and menu, etc. are initialized, and the clock, timer time, menu, etc. are reset. You have to set up frequently. Moreover, if a power failure occurs during the setting of timer rice cooking, the setting is reset at that point and becomes invalid.

In addition, in a rice cooker equipped with a backup power source as shown in Patent Document 1, when a product used in the market is returned due to failure, it cannot be determined how many months the product has been used, and the failure It is difficult to estimate whether the cause is, for example, initial failure, accidental, or wear. Also. There is a problem that the period until the user actually uses the product after it is manufactured at the factory is unclear, and the design basis for determining the battery life of the backup power source, that is, the battery capacity, is unclear.
JP 2006-350 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a rice cooker that can suppress an increase in manufacturing cost without impairing power consumption reduction and energy saving performance improvement by a heat insulating member.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a rice cooker that can extend the backup time during a power outage as much as possible even when the power consumption of the display means increases.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a rice cooker that can correctly recognize how much time has passed since the user actually started use.

  In the rice cooker according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the attachment portion of the handle penetrates the heat insulating member and is attached to the main body, the movement of the heat insulating member in the main body is restricted by the attachment portion of the handle. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive rice cooker by eliminating the factors that increase the manufacturing cost, such as attaching the heat insulating member to another member or fixing it with another component, and reducing the power consumption by the heat insulating member. In addition, energy saving performance can be improved.

  In the rice cooker in Claim 2 of this invention, a heat insulation member is located between the hole of a frame, and a receiving part, and is hold | maintained in the state suspended by the axial support part of the handle | steering_wheel. Therefore, the position of the heat insulating member in the frame can be further stabilized, and power consumption can be reduced and energy saving performance can be further improved. In addition, since the heat insulation member can be prevented from falling off and moving, it eliminates the factors that increase the manufacturing cost, such as attaching the heat insulation member to another member or fixing it with another component, and provides an inexpensive rice cooker. it can.

  In the rice cooker in Claim 3 of this invention, since a hollow part acts as a still air layer, heat insulation efficiency improves. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  In the rice cooker in Claim 4 of this invention, since a hollow part acts as a still air layer, heat insulation efficiency improves. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  In the rice cooker in Claim 5 of this invention, since a concave part forms a big heat insulation air layer, the thermal radiation amount from a heat insulation member can be reduced. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  In the rice cooker in Claim 6 of this invention, another heat-shielding member can be provided in the predetermined position in a frame body with a heat insulation member. Furthermore, heat radiation from the frame body to the outside can be further reduced by the heat insulating member and the heat shielding member. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  In the rice cooker according to claim 7 of the present invention, since the backup power source for the control means and the backup power source for the display means are provided separately, even if the capacity of the backup power source for the display means is lost, the control means during the power failure Can continue its operation, for example, keep the clock, timer time, menu, etc., and return to the state before the power failure at the time of power recovery. Further, the backup power source for the control means does not need to back up the display means during a power failure, and the capacity can be reduced while securing the conventional backup time. Therefore, even when the power consumption of the display means increases, the backup time during a power failure can be extended as much as possible.

  Furthermore, since the backup time of the control means and the display means can be defined separately, the capacity of the battery can be arbitrarily selected by making the battery provided in the display means replaceable. As an example, if you want to display only when you are displaying at the point of sale, use a small-capacity battery as a backup power source for the display means, and then use it when the user uses it. A battery having a capacity may be used as a backup power source for the display means. Further, when the capacity of the backup power source for the display means is exhausted, the user can determine whether or not the display means is necessary during a power failure, and the battery can be replaced at an appropriate time.

  In the rice cooker according to claim 8 of the present invention, since the battery for the display means is not attached, the user can immediately attach a battery having an appropriate capacity.

  In the rice cooker according to claim 9 of the present invention, the capacity of the backup power source for the control means is prevented from disappearing within the lifetime of the product, and for example, the clock timing, the timer time, the menu, etc. are reset. This eliminates the inconvenience that occurs during the use of the product.

  In the rice cooker according to claim 10 of the present invention, the measuring means counts the time from the time of factory shipment, and the recording means records the time when the user uses it for the first time. Therefore, when data of each time is acquired from the sending means when the product is returned, it is possible to correctly recognize how much time has passed since the user actually started using the product. In addition, it is not necessary to set the date and time at the time of factory shipment, and it is not necessary to increase the setting items at the time of manufacture.

In the rice cooker according to claim 1, the movement of the heat insulating member in the main body is regulated by the mounting portion of the handle, thereby reducing the power consumption by the heat insulating member and improving the energy saving performance without increasing the manufacturing cost. Can be suppressed.
In the rice cooker according to claim 2, in addition to preventing the heat-insulating member from falling off and moving in the frame, the position of the heat-insulating member is further stabilized to further reduce power consumption and improve energy-saving performance. Can do.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 3, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted by the hollow portion.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 4, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted by the hollow portion.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 5, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy-saving performance can be further promoted by the portion having the concave cross-sectional shape formed on the heat insulating member.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 6, while being able to provide a heat-shielding member in the predetermined position in a main body, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy-saving performance can be promoted further.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 7, even when the power consumption of a display means increases, the backup time during a power failure can be extended as much as possible. Moreover, the battery provided in the display means can be replaced at an appropriate time with an arbitrary capacity.

  In the rice cooker according to claim 8, the user can immediately attach a battery having an appropriate capacity.

  In the rice cooker of Claim 9, the troublesomeness which resets in the middle of use of a product can be eliminated.

  In the rice cooker of claim 10, it is possible to correctly recognize how much time has passed since the user actually started use. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the setting items at the time of manufacturing, the process time can be shortened and management can be facilitated.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a rice cooker according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Reference example

  First, based on FIG. 1, the structure common to the Example of the rice cooker which is a reference example of this invention is demonstrated. In the figure, a frame body 1 constituting the lower outer portion of a rice cooker is formed with an upper surface opened by an upper frame 2 constituting an upper surface and an upper side surface thereof, and a substantially cylindrical outer frame 3 constituting a side surface. A bottom plate 4 that covers the bottom opening of the outer frame 3 is provided. At that time, the upper frame 2 and the bottom plate 4 are formed of a synthetic resin such as PP (polypropylene), while the outer frame 3 is formed of a metal member such as stainless steel, for example, in order to improve cleanability and appearance quality. The Moreover, it is provided covering the bottom opening of the substantially cylindrical pan accommodating portion 6 formed integrally from the inner peripheral portion of the upper surface of the upper frame 2 and the pan accommodating portion 6, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The inner frame 8 formed of a synthetic resin forms a pan container 9 made of a nonmagnetic material and having a bottomed cylindrical shape for accommodating a pan 11 described later.

  In the pot housing 9, a bottomed cylindrical pot 11 for storing a rice to be cooked such as rice or water is detachably accommodated. The pan 11 has a pan body 12 mainly made of aluminum having good thermal conductivity, and a heating element 13 made of a magnetic metal plate such as ferritic stainless steel joined from the lower side to the bottom of the outer surface of the pan body 12; Consists of. The reason why the heating element 13 is not provided from the center to the top of the side surface of the pan 11 is to reduce the weight of the pan 11. An annular flange portion 14 is formed around the upper end of the pan 11 so as to extend to the outer periphery thereof. In addition, it has the structure which does not provide a heating means in the outer periphery of the pan accommodating part 6. FIG.

  A heating coil 16 as heating means for electromagnetic induction heating of the bottom of the pan 11 is provided on the lower and bottom sides of the inner frame 8 facing the heating element 13 on the outer surface. When a high frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 16, the heating element 13 of the pan 11 is heated by the alternating magnetic field generated from the heating coil 16, and the cooked rice in the pan 11 and thus the pan 11 is heated. Yes.

  In addition, a temperature sensor 21 serving as a pan temperature detecting means is disposed in the center of the bottom of the inner frame 8 so as to elastically contact the outer surface of the bottom of the pan 11, and detects the temperature of the pan 11. The heating temperature of the bottom of the pan 11 by 16 is mainly controlled.

  A cord heater 26 for heating the upper part of the side surface of the pan 11, particularly the flange portion 14, is arranged in an annular shape at the upper end of the pan container 9. The cord heater 26 is an electric heater, and is held on a heater ring 27 as a heat dissipation suppressing member mounted and mounted on the upper end of the pan container 9 and covers the cord heater 26 from above. A flange heater is configured by including a metal plate 29 that is attached to the heater ring 27 and has both a fixing metal member made of, for example, an aluminum plate, which is excellent in thermal conductivity, and a heat radiating portion. The metal plate 29 is positioned to face the gap between the frame body 1 and the lid body 31. Then, the lower surface of the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 is placed on the upper surface of the metal plate 29, so that the pan 11 is accommodated in the pan accommodating body 9 while being hung on the upper frame 2 of the frame 1. It has become so. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the pan 11 and the upper end of the pan housing 9 in which the pan 11 is housed. Moreover, the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 has an outer shape that is equal to or greater than the size of the cord heater 26, so that the cord heater 26 is covered with the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 from above. . However, although not shown in the drawing, the handle portion (flange portion 14) of the pan 11 is made non-contact, and by partially forming a gap, when cooking rice with water attached to the outer surface of the pan 11, Steam is discharged from the gap.

  The lid 31 is formed by combining the outer lid 32 as an external component forming the outer shell of the upper surface, the heat radiating plate 34 that forms the lower surface that is the inner surface of the lid 31, and the outer lid 32 and the heat radiating plate 34. The main component is an outer lid cover 35 as a lid base material forming the skeleton of the main frame. A lid heater 36 as a lid heating means is provided on the upper surface of the heat radiating plate 34 inside the lid 31. The lid heater 36 may be an electric heating heater such as a cord heater or a heating coil by electromagnetic induction heating. In the present reference example and the examples described later, the frame body 1 and the lid body 31 form a main body 7 of the rice cooker.

  A hinge portion 38 connected to the lid 31 is provided behind the upper frame 2. The hinge portion 38 is provided with a pair of holes (not shown) in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a hinge spring 40 formed of a torsion coil spring or the like is accommodated therein. On the other hand, an outer lid cover hinge hole (not shown) as a hinge receiving portion is also provided behind the outer lid cover 35 so as to face the hole provided in the hinge portion 38. By inserting a rod-shaped hinge shaft 41 in common with the hinge hole and the hole of the hinge portion 38, the frame body 1 and the lid body 31 are pivotally supported with the hinge shaft 41 as a fulcrum. Further, one end and the other end of the hinge spring 40 are hooked on the outer cover cover 35 and the outer frame 2, respectively, so that the cover body 31 is always urged in the opening direction.

  A lid open button 46 is disposed in an exposed state on the front upper surface of the lid 31. When the lid open button 46 is pressed, a clamp (not shown) provided inside the lid 31 rotates. Thus, the engagement between the lid 31 and the frame 1 is released, and the lid 31 is automatically opened by the hinge spring 40.

  Reference numeral 55 denotes an inner lid assembly as a lower member of the lid 31 provided on the outer side, ie, the lower side of the heat radiating plate. The inner lid assembly 55 has a disk shape that is substantially the same diameter as the upper opening of the pan 11 and seals between the pan 11 and the inner lid 56 with a metallic inner lid 56 anodized with stainless steel or aluminum. For this purpose, a cover packing 57 made of an elastic member such as silicone rubber or fluorine rubber, and a pressure adjusting unit 58 for adjusting the internal pressure of the container are provided on the entire outer periphery of the inner lid 56. When the lid 31 is closed (when the lid is closed), the ring-shaped lid packing 57 abuts against the upper surface of the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 and closes the gap between the pan 11 and the inner lid 56. The steam generated from the pan 11 is sealed. That is, the lid 31 here covers the opening of the pan 11 so as to be openable and closable.

  The heat radiating plate 34 is provided with a thermistor-type lid temperature sensor 61 for managing the temperature of the inner lid 56 by the lid heater 36 as lid temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the inner lid 56 of the lid 31 in particular. ing. Further, a steam port (not shown) that can be attached and detached from the upper surface side of the lid body 31 is provided in a portion closer to the upper surface of the lid body 31. The steam port and the pressure adjusting unit 58 communicate with each other inside the lid 31, and a steam discharge mechanism for discharging the steam generated in the pan 11 to the outside is formed by the steam port and the pressure adjusting unit 58. Is done.

  Here, the configuration of the pressure adjusting unit 58 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The pressure regulating unit 58 includes a pressure regulating valve 65 for regulating pressure, a pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 that holds the pressure regulating valve 65, and a dome-shaped pressure regulating valve cover 67 that covers the pressure regulating valve 65. The pressure regulating valve 65 is a material excellent in corrosion resistance and may be a component having a certain weight, and is formed of, for example, a ball made of austenitic stainless steel.

  The pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 includes a first holder 68, a second holder 69, a first pressure regulating packing 71 corresponding to a pressure reducing support member, a second pressure regulating packing 72, and a pressure from the inside of the pan 11. In order not to directly apply to the 1 pressure regulation packing 71, there is a valve support 73 below the first pressure regulation packing 71, corresponding to a pressure support member, and a valve support on the lower surface of the first pressure regulation packing 71. And a pressure regulating spring 74 as an elastic body that urges the valve support 73 in the direction in which the 73 abuts. The valve support 73 is provided with a communication hole 70 that abuts below the ball-shaped pressure regulating valve 65 when the inside of the pan 11 is pressurized. The communication hole 70 is for communicating the pan 11 and the inner lid 56, and the steam passing through the communication hole 70 is discharged from the steam port to the outside air. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first holder 68 and the second holder 69 are provided with a convex engaging portion 75 and a concave engaged portion 76 for fitting each other. Yes. The first holder 68 and the second holder 69 are mounted in a hole 77 provided in the inner lid 56 as a holding member for holding the first pressure regulating packing 71, the valve support 73, and the like. The first holder 68 is entirely formed in a cap shape, and has a through hole 68A at the center thereof. The first holder 68 has a peripheral portion 68B of the through hole 68A and an upper end portion 69A of the second holder 69. The base is clamped. The second holder 69 has a cylindrical shape, and a flange 69B that abuts the lower surface of the inner lid 56 around the hole 77 is formed on the lower side thereof. A concave groove 69 </ b> C for fitting the pressure regulating packing 72 is formed. Furthermore, a projecting piece 69d having an L-shaped cross section is formed on the inner peripheral side of the second holder 69 in order to fit one end of the pressure adjusting spring 74.

  When assembling the pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66, first, the pressure regulating packing 72 fitted into the concave groove 69C of the second holder 69 is inserted into the hole 77 provided in the inner lid 56, and the inner circumference of the second holder 69 is inserted. The valve support 73 is inserted from above the second holder 69 so as to sandwich the pressure adjusting spring 74 on the side. Next, the first pressure regulation packing 71 is placed on the valve support 73 so as to cover the valve support 73 and the upper end 69A of the second holder 69, and the first pressure regulation packing 71 is further sandwiched from this state. In this manner, the first holder 68 is covered from above, the engaging portion 75 and the engaged portion 76 are fitted to each other, and the first holder 68 is attached to the second holder 69. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 is assembled, the inner surface of the second holder 69 and the lower surface of the valve support 73 are directly opposed to the inside of the pan 11. The first pressure regulating packing 71 arranged on the upper side of the two holders 69 and the valve support 73 has a structure that does not require direct pressure from the inside of the pan 11.

  The pressure regulating valve 65 is held by the pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 assembled in this manner, and the pressure regulating section 58 is configured by covering the pressure regulating valve cover 67 from above. At this time, the pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 and the pressure regulating valve cover 67 may be attached by claw fitting or may be stopped using a fastening member such as a screw or a rivet. The pressure regulating valve cover 67 is for restricting the movement range of the pressure regulating valve 65, and is provided with a plurality of holes (not shown) for guiding the steam discharged from the communication hole 70 to the steam port. Further, since the inner lid 56 is held by the pressure regulating valve holder assembly 66 and the pressure regulating valve cover 67, the hole 77 of the inner lid 56 is not exposed.

  The opening area of the communication hole 70 of the valve support 73 is smaller than the area of the surface 80 that receives pressure directly from the pot 11 inside the leg 79 formed on the lower side of the valve support 73. Thereby, the pressure in the pan 11 can be adjusted by the opening area of the communication hole 70 and the weight of the pressure regulating valve 65.

  A solenoid 78 that adjusts the sealing degree of the lid 31, that is, the internal pressure of the pan 11, by moving the pressure regulating valve 65 is provided inside the lid 31. When the solenoid 78 is not energized, its tip is held in the advanced position, and the pressure regulating valve 65 is retracted from the communication hole 70, while when the solenoid 78 is energized, its tip is retracted and the pressure regulating valve 65 is retracted from the communication hole. 70 is caused to roll by its own weight, the communication hole 70 is closed, and pressure is put into the pan 11.

  Both the first pressure regulating packing 71 and the second pressure regulating packing 72 are made of an elastic member such as silicone rubber. Thereby, particularly when the pressure in the pan 11 shown in FIG. 3 is reduced, the pressure regulating valve 65 comes into close contact with the first pressure regulating packing 71 due to the elastic deformation of the first pressure regulating packing 71, and the opening in the first pressure regulating packing 71. That is, the sealing performance of the hole 71A is improved.

  In addition, the inner lid assembly 55 is provided with a safety valve 62 that opens when the pressure in the pan 11 is increased to an abnormal pressure that is equal to or higher than a set value for some reason, and reduces the internal pressure of the pan 11. The pressure regulating unit 58 and the safety valve 62 are provided facing the inlet side of the steam port when the inner lid 56 is attached to the lower side of the outer lid cover 35. The inner lid 56, the lid packing 57, the pressure adjusting unit 58, and the safety valve 62 are integrated by a packing base 59 provided on the outer periphery of the inner lid assembly 55, and are detachably provided on the inner surface of the outer lid cover 35.

  Reference numeral 81 denotes pressure reducing means provided for lowering the inside of the pan 11 below the normal atmospheric pressure with the lid 31 closed to the frame 1. The pressure reducing means 81 is an electromagnetic pump 82 as a pressure reducing source provided at the rear of the frame 1 and a tubular shape extending from the electromagnetic pump 82 through the frame 1 and the lid 31 to the hole 83 provided in the inner lid 56. And a path 84. In FIG. 1, the electromagnetic pump 82 is provided in the frame 1, but it may be provided, for example, behind the lid 31. In addition, an electromagnetic valve 87 as an opening / closing means for opening and closing the base end portion of the path 84 and a valve accommodating body 88 for accommodating the electromagnetic valve 87 are provided inside the lid 31. Connected to the valve housing 88 is a cylindrical decompression packing 89 protruding downward from the heat radiating plate 34 toward the periphery of the hole 83 of the inner lid 56. As described above, in this embodiment, it is noted that an expensive pressure sensor is not used for detecting the pressure in the pan 11.

  When the inner lid assembly 55 including the inner lid 56 is attached to the lower surface of the lid body 31, the decompression packing 89 is hermetically abutted against the upper surface of the inner lid 56 while being elastically deformed, whereby the hole 83 and the electromagnetic pump 82 are connected. A communication path 84 is formed. When the lid 31 is closed with the inner lid assembly 55 attached, the lid packing 57 is in close contact with the pan 11 and the pressure regulating valve 65 closes the communication hole 70. 11 and the electromagnetic pump 82 communicate with each other through a path 84. When the electromagnetic pump 82 is started from this state, the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are opened, and the air in the pan 11 is discharged to the outside of the frame 1 through the path 84 and the electromagnetic pump 82, The pressure in the pan 11 decreases while improving the sealing performance with the pan 11. Further, when the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 becomes a certain value or more, the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are closed to keep the inside of the pan 11 in a reduced pressure state. Furthermore, since the pressure in the pan 11 rises due to the slow leak, the electromagnetic pump 82 is similarly operated at regular intervals, and the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are opened, so that the pan 11 is lower than the atmospheric pressure. To maintain.

  In such a state where the inside of the pan 11 is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the air inside the leg 79 constituting the valve support 73 is sucked into the pan 11 and the pressure regulating valve 65 and this pressure regulating valve 65 are mounted accordingly. The valve support 73 to be installed is lowered against the bias of the pressure adjusting spring 74. However, when the opening 70 of the valve support 73 moves to a position lower than the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, the pressure regulating valve 65 is mounted on the first pressure regulating packing 71 in place of the previous valve support 73. And the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71 is closed, so that the inside of the pan 11 is secured and the pressure reduction can be continued (see FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, when the inside of the pan 11 is pressurized to atmospheric pressure or higher, for example during rice cooking, the inside of the valve support leg 79 receives direct pressure from the inside of the pan 11, so that the valve support 73 resists the weight of the pressure regulating valve 65. Rises. Here, when the opening 70 of the valve support 73 moves to a position higher than the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, the pressure regulating valve 65 is replaced by the valve support 73 instead of the first pressure regulating packing 71 so far. The pressure regulating valve 65 that is placed and closes the communication hole 70 and that is placed on the valve support 73 rises in the same manner as the valve support 73. After the valve support 73 is lifted, the valve support 73 comes into contact with the first pressure regulating packing 71, thereby blocking the steam and the like trying to pass through the hole 71 </ b> A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, thereby maintaining the hermetic seal in the pot 11. Yes (see FIG. 2).

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, an operation panel 101 is provided at the front of the frame 1. Inside the operation panel 101, there is an LCD 102 for displaying time and a selected menu, an LED 105 (see FIG. 16) for displaying the current process, rice cooking, A substrate on which an operation switch 103 (see FIG. 5) to be selected is arranged is provided. The operation panel 101 displays button names and the like to prevent dust and water from adhering to the control means that is an electronic component. The operation panel 101 may be provided on the front side of the lid 31.

  111 is a heating control means provided in front of the inside of the frame 1. The heating control unit 111 includes a heating element (not shown) for driving the heating coil 16, which is a heating unit, on a substrate. The element that drives the heating coil 16 is heated along with the oscillation of the heating coil 16, but has a use condition temperature that guarantees the operating state, and therefore needs to be used at a certain temperature or lower. For this purpose, the element that drives the heating coil 16 is thermally connected to a fin-like radiator 112 made of a material having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum and emits from a cooling fan 113 that is a cooling means. The element is driven within the operating temperature by applying wind to the radiator 112 to remove heat.

  The cooling fan 113 is disposed below or on the side of the radiator 112 attached to the heating control means 111. In addition, at the bottom or side of the frame body 1, air that is emitted from the cooling fan 113 and takes heat away from the radiator 112 attached to the heating control means 111 is discharged outside the frame body 1. A plurality of holes (not shown) are provided. The heating control means 111 is housed inside the product, that is, in the frame 1, but may be disposed at any position on the outer periphery of the pan 11. Moreover, you may arrange | position the hole provided in the bottom part or side part of the frame 1 in any position. However, in recent years, there is a demand for miniaturization of products, and the heating control means 111 and the cooling fan 113 and the hole 114 for discharging warm air are arranged at substantially opposite positions across the pan 11. Is preferred. Further, a cord reel 116 for winding a power plug (not shown) is provided inside the frame body 1.

  Next, the control system will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, 111 is the heating control means described above, which receives each temperature information from the pan temperature sensor 21 and the lid temperature sensor 61, and a heating coil 16 that heats the bottom of the pan 11 during cooking and warming. The cord heater 26 for heating the side portion of the pan 11 and the lid heater 36 for heating the lid 31 are controlled, respectively, and the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are respectively controlled. In particular, the heating control means 111 of this reference example mainly controls the heating coil 16 based on the temperature detected by the pan temperature sensor 21 to control the temperature of the bottom of the pan 11 and based on the temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 52. Then, the lid heater 26 is controlled so that the temperature of the heat radiating plate 34 and the inner lid 56 is controlled. The heating control means 111 includes, as a function on the control sequence of the program stored in its own storage means (not shown), a rice cooking control means 118 that heats the cooked food in the pan 11 during rice cooking, Insulation control means 119 for maintaining and heating the rice in the pan 11 to a predetermined temperature is provided.

  The heat retention control means 119 here includes a timer means 120. When the heat retention operation starts, the timer means 120 is activated to measure the elapsed heat retention time, and this heat retention elapsed time is set to a preset time (for example, 1 hour). When the temperature reaches, the pressure in the pan 11 returns from the pressurized state to almost the atmospheric pressure, and the temperature in the pan 11 is reduced to the heat retention temperature, so that the so-called heat retention is in a stable state. In addition, the heating control means 11 receives a command for starting reserved rice cooking from the operation switch 103, and the rice cooking control means 118 so that the cooked rice in the pan 11 is cooked at a predetermined time previously stored in the storage means. Reservation rice cooking control means 121 capable of executing a reservation rice cooking course for controlling the cooking is provided. The predetermined time can be changed as appropriate by operating, for example, the hour key or minute key of the operation switch 103.

  Reference numeral 122 denotes a heating coil driving unit that incorporates a high-frequency inverter circuit that receives a control signal from the heating control unit 111 and supplies a predetermined high-frequency current to the heating coil 16. Separately from this, the output side of the heating control means 111 receives a control signal from the heating control means 111 and drives the lid heater 36 so as to heat the radiator plate 34 and the inner lid 56. 123, code heater driving means 124 for turning on the code heater 26, solenoid driving means 125 for turning on or off the solenoid 78, pump driving means 126 for driving the electromagnetic pump 82, and electromagnetic valve 89 on or off And a display driving means 129 for driving the display means 128 composed of the LCD or LED described above. At the time of cooking by the rice cooking control means 118 and at the time of heat retention by the heat retention control means 119, the heating to the bottom of the pan 11 by the heating coil 16 and the code heater 26 are detected by detecting each temperature from the pan temperature sensor 21 and the lid temperature sensor 61. The heating is performed on the side surface of the pan 11 and the lid 31 is heated by the lid heater 36. In addition, after the rice cooking by the rice cooking control means 118 is finished and the cooked food in the pan 11 is cooked as rice, it automatically shifts to heat insulation by the heat insulation control means 119, and the temperature detected by the pot temperature sensor 21 is reached. Based on this, by adjusting the heating of the pan 11 by the heating coil 16 and the cord heater 26, the rice is kept at a predetermined temperature (about 70 ° C. to 76 ° C.).

  In particular, supplementary explanation about the heating by the cord heater 26, until the temperature of the rice is lowered from about 100 ° C. to about 73 ° C. after the rice cooking, and when the temperature is stable at about 73 ° C., the code heater 26 is heated, Heat is radiated from the metal plate 29 to the space between the lid 31 and the frame 1 to suppress cooling due to the intrusion of outside air from the gap, and the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 is heated. In addition, the cord heater 26 also heats the flange portion 14 of the pan 11 during the period when the rice is reheated during heat insulation, so that moisture generated by heating the rice is prevented from condensing on the upper part of the inner surface of the pan 11. ing.

  Furthermore, the heating control means 111 in the present reference example is a period until the rice cooking at the time of standby for the reserved rice by the reserved rice control means 121 or the time until the rice cooking control means 118 starts substantial rice cooking. After the period and the heat retention control means 119 determine that the above-described heat retention is in a stable state, the pressure reduction control that operates the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 for maintaining the pressure reduction state so that the inside of the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. A function as means 130 is also provided.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described based on the timing chart of FIG. In FIG. 6, each graph in the uppermost stage and the next stage shows changes in pressure and temperature in the pan 11, and hereinafter, the operation timing of the decompression selection switch and the decompression display lamp by the LCD will be described. The operation timing, the operation timing of the electromagnetic pump 82, and the operation timing of the electromagnetic valve 87 are shown (the painting state is on).

  First, the operation at the time of reserved rice cooking will be described. By operating the hour key and minute key of the operation switch 103, the desired cooking time corresponding to the predetermined time is set, and the cooked rice is in the pan 11. When rice and water are added and then another timer switch, for example, of the operation switch 103 is operated, a reserved rice cooking course is set (set) by the reserved rice control means 121, and the state shifts to a standby state for reserved rice. In this reserved rice cooking course, the rice cooking control means 118 is controlled so that the cooked rice in the pan 11 is cooked at a predetermined time, but the pressure is reduced between the standby state of the reserved rice cooking and the time when rice cooking starts substantially. The electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are controlled so that the control means 130 operates and the pressure in the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure (1 atm = 1013 hPa).

  Specifically, when the reserved rice cooking course is set, the decompression control means 130 turns on the decompression selection switch until immediately before the rice cooking starts, and the LCD of the display means 128 indicates that the inside of the pan 11 is being decompressed. Display. Thereby, the user can know that the inside of the pan 11 is being decompressed. Further, the decompression control means 130 outputs a signal for driving the electromagnetic pump 82 to the pump driving means 126 in order to discharge air from the inside of the pan 11, and the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are synchronized with the electromagnetic pump 82. Is output to the solenoid valve driving means 127. Thereafter, the decompression control means 130 stops the driving of the electromagnetic pump 82 and closes the solenoid valve 87 and consequently the path 84 to maintain the inside of the pan 11 in a decompressed state.

  While waiting for reserved cooking, the heating control means 111 turns the solenoid 78 on (energized), so the pressure regulating valve 65 is rolled to a position that closes the communication hole 70, but is slightly in the pan 11. However, air enters (slow leak), and the pressure in the pan 11 gradually increases from the time when the solenoid valve 87 is closed. The depressurization control means 130 drives the electromagnetic pump 82 again after a certain period of time and opens the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 to discharge air from the pot 11. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated, and the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are simultaneously turned on / off, and the pressure in the pan 11 is maintained at a value within a desired range. In addition, since the operation | movement after substantial rice cooking started is common with the normal rice cooking operation mentioned later, it abbreviate | omits here.

  Thus, even when the standby time until the rice cooking is started is set long after the reserved rice cooking course is set, the inside of the pan 11 is kept in a decompressed state. At the time of this pressure reduction, the pressure regulating valve 65 is placed on the first pressure regulating packing 71 and closes the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, so that the inside of the pan 11 is secured. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent various germs from growing in the pan 11 and the rot of rice and water as cooked rice. Therefore, finally, delicious rice can be obtained when cooking. Moreover, in this reference example, the pressure control means 130 performs control to reduce the pressure in the pan 11 over the entire period of waiting for reserved rice cooking. When the time (for example, 2 hours) elapses, the pressure reduction control for the pan 11 may be performed. In this way, by reducing the pressure of the pan 11 below the atmospheric pressure for a certain period of time while waiting for reserved rice cooking, for example, the waiting time until the start of rice cooking is not so long, but decompression control into the pan 11 is Forcibly, it is possible to eliminate the concern of consuming unnecessary electric power to operate the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87.

  Next, the operation | movement is demonstrated about the normal rice cooking which does not perform reservation rice cooking. In addition, as above-mentioned, the operation | movement after the substantial rice cooking in a reservation rice cooking course is started is common with the operation | movement of the normal rice cooking demonstrated from now on.

  When rice and water, which are to be cooked, are put into the pan 11 and a rice cooking key of the operation switch 103 is operated, for example, rice cooking by the rice cooking control means 118 is started. Here, the rice cooking control means 118 is based on the temperature detection of the bottom of the pan 11 by the pan temperature sensor 21 in order to promote water absorption of the rice in the pan 11 before starting the substantial rice cooking. Then, the bottom and side portions of the pan 11 are heated by the cord heater 26, respectively, and the water temperature in the pan 11 is kept at about 45 to 60 ° C. for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the solenoid 78 is turned on.

  Even at this time, the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are controlled so that the pressure reduction control means 130 operates and the pressure in the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. Specifically, when the start of the process is started, the decompression control means 130 turns on the decompression selection switch until just before the substantial rice cooking is started, and the LCD of the display means 128 indicates that the inside of the pan 11 is being decompressed. Display. Thereby, the user can know that the inside of the pan 11 is being decompressed. Further, the decompression control means 130 outputs a signal for driving the electromagnetic pump 82 to the pump driving means 126 in order to discharge air from the inside of the pan 11, and the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are synchronized with the electromagnetic pump 82. Is output to the solenoid valve driving means 127. Thereafter, the decompression control means 130 stops the driving of the electromagnetic pump 82 and closes the solenoid valve 87 and consequently the path 84 to maintain the inside of the pan 11 in a decompressed state. After a lapse of time, the decompression control means 130 drives the electromagnetic pump 82 again and opens the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 to discharge air from the pot 11. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated, and the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are simultaneously turned on / off, and the pressure in the pan 11 is maintained at a value within a desired range.

  In this manner, the inside of the pan 11 is maintained in a reduced pressure state at the time of time. At the time of this pressure reduction, the pressure regulating valve 65 is placed on the first pressure regulating packing 71 and closes the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, so that the inside of the pan 11 is secured. Therefore, the inside of the pan 11 can be depressurized in a sealed state at the time of passing, and the rice can sufficiently absorb water in the pan 11.

  After that, when the predetermined time is over, the rice cooking control means 118 starts a substantial rice cooking operation, the decompression control to the pan 11 by the decompression control means 130 is interrupted, the decompression selection switch is turned off, and the LCD The display indicating that the pressure is reduced is also stopped. At the same time, the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are turned off until the subsequent heat retention becomes stable.

  When shifting to the rice cooking process, the rice cooking control means 118 strongly heats the pan 11 by the heating coil 16 and performs boiling heating to the cooked rice. When the temperature of the bottom of the pan 11 becomes 90 ° C or higher during this boiling heating and the temperature of the lid 31 is stabilized at 90 ° C or higher, it is assumed that the inside of the pan 11 is in a boiling state, and the heating amount is reduced more than before. Shift to continuous boiling heating. During boiling heating, the rice cooking control means 118 turns off the solenoid 78 to retract the pressure regulating valve 65 from the communication port 70. As a result, the pressure adjusting unit 58 is in an open state in which the inside and outside of the pan 11 are communicated without being sealed, and the pan 11 is maintained at substantially atmospheric pressure. Note that the fact that the temperature of the lid 31 described above is stable at 90 ° C. or higher is detected by the rate of temperature increase of the detected temperature from the lid temperature sensor 61. In this boiling detection, the pan temperature sensor 21 and the lid temperature sensor 61 can confirm that both the bottom of the pan 11 and the lid 31 have reached 90 ° C. or more, and the pan 11 has completely boiled. Can be detected accurately.

  Further, when any of the bottom part of the pan 11, the side part of the pan 11 or the lid 31 reaches a detection temperature that is not normally 120 ° C. or higher, the heating control means 111 determines that there is some abnormality and cooks rice. The amount of heating in the heating is reduced so that all operations are stopped, or the operation is shifted to the unevenness described later, or the heat is kept to prevent abnormal heating. Conversely, either the bottom of the pan 11 or the lid 31 has reached 90 ° C. or higher and a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has passed, but either the bottom of the pan 11 or the lid 31 other than that. When the temperature is lower than 90 ° C, the pan temperature sensor 21 or the lid temperature sensor 61 in the low temperature state determines that the temperature detection accuracy has deteriorated for some reason (dirt, tilt, poor contact, etc.). In the same manner, the amount of heating in rice cooking heating is reduced to a state where all operations are stopped, or the operation is shifted to unevenness, or the heat is kept to cope with this.

  When shifting to continuation of boiling, the rice cooking control means 118 starts lid heating by the lid heater 36. The lid heating here is managed by the temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 61 so that the temperature of the inner lid 56 becomes 100 to 110 ° C. In addition, when shifting to boiling continuous heating, the rice cooking control means 118 periodically turns the solenoid 78 on and off. In this continuous boiling heating, it is preferable to change the timing for turning on and off the solenoid 78 in accordance with the menu selected by the operation switch 103. Thereby, the sealing degree of the pressure adjusting unit 58 leading to the pan 11 can be changed to an optimum one according to the selected menu.

  And when the bottom of the pan 11 has a predetermined temperature rise, the cooking in the pan 11 is detected, the rice cooking process by the rice cooking control means 118 is terminated, and the heat insulation control means 119 shifts to the heat insulation process. It shifts to nomura. During unevenness, the lid heater 36 is cut off by temperature control based on the temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 61 to prevent dew condensation on the inner lid 56, and the temperature is high enough that the rice does not burn (98-100 ° C). The temperature at the bottom of the pan 11 is controlled so that it is maintained. The unevenness is continued for a predetermined time (15 to 20 minutes), and when the unevenness is completed, the operation shifts to heat retention by the heat retention control means 119.

  When the temperature is kept warm, the heating coil 16 heats the bottom and the lower side of the pan 11 and is slightly higher than the temperature of the rice contained in the pan 11, and the lower surface of the lid 31 is heated by the lid heater 36. The temperature of the side of the pan 11 is controlled by the code heater 26 so that the rice does not dry and a large amount of dew does not adhere. The temperature of the rice in the pan 11 is maintained at 70 to 76 ° C. Even when the temperature is kept, the pan temperature sensor 21 and the lid temperature sensor 61 are abnormally high or abnormally low. Detects abnormalities and prevents this abnormal heating.

  In addition, the degree of sealing of the pressure adjusting unit 58 in the above-described unevenness varies depending on the selected rice cooking menu, but when a predetermined time before the end of unevenness has been reached, the solenoid 78 is turned off to increase the degree of sealing of the pressure adjusting unit 58. The pressure is reduced to such an extent that there is no problem in opening the lid 31 at the end of cooking.

  On the other hand, the heat retention control means 119 starts to measure the heat retention elapsed time by the timer means 120 when the rice cooking process is completed. At this time, the decompression control means 130 repeatedly performs decompression display for a short time using the LCD of the display means 128 until the heat retention elapsed time reaches a preset time, that is, until it is determined that the heat retention is stable. Make it. Thereby, the user can understand that the inside of the pan 11 has not yet shifted to the reduced pressure state after cooking.

  Thereafter, when the above-described heat retention elapsed time reaches a preset time, that is, when the heat retention is stable in the pan 11, the pressure reduction control means 130 causes the pressure in the pan 11 to be lower than the atmospheric pressure. The pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are controlled. The specific operation of this decompression control is as described above. The decompression control means 130 turns on the decompression selection switch until at least the lid 31 is opened and the decompression selection switch is turned off. Is displayed on the LCD of the display means 128. Thereby, the user can know that the inside of the pan 11 is being decompressed. Further, the decompression control means 130 outputs a signal for driving the electromagnetic pump 82 to the pump driving means 126 in order to discharge air from the inside of the pan 11, and the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are synchronized with the electromagnetic pump 82. Is output to the solenoid valve driving means 127. Thereafter, the decompression control means 130 stops the driving of the electromagnetic pump 82 and closes the solenoid valve 87 and consequently the path 84 to maintain the inside of the pan 11 in a decompressed state. After a lapse of time, the decompression control means 130 drives the electromagnetic pump 82 again and opens the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 to discharge air from the pot 11. Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated, and the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 are simultaneously turned on / off, and the pressure in the pan 11 is maintained at a value within a desired range.

  Thus, when the heat insulation after the completion of cooking is in a stable state, the inside of the pan 11 is maintained in a reduced pressure state. At the time of this pressure reduction, the pressure regulating valve 65 is placed on the first pressure regulating packing 71 and closes the hole 71A of the first pressure regulating packing 71, so that the inside of the pan 11 is secured. Therefore, even if the temperature inside the pan 11 is not lowered or steam is not introduced into the pan 11, if the pressure inside the pan 11 is reduced in a sealed state during the heat insulation, the oxygen concentration in the pan 11 will decrease and the cooked rice It is possible to prevent the evaporation of water and to sufficiently suppress the Maillard reaction and oxidation. Therefore, rice with good taste can be obtained over a long period of time.

  Furthermore, the heating control means 111 can select one cooking menu from a plurality of cooking menus (for example, white rice, brown rice, non-washed rice, etc.) in response to an operation signal from the menu selection key of the operation switch 103, for example. Depending on the selected rice cooking menu, the heating coil 16, the lid heater 36, the code heater 26, and the like are independently controlled, and the above-described decompression control method can be applied to a rice cooker that can perform rice cooking and heat insulation. In that case, it is preferable that different pressure reduction controls can be performed by changing the pressure in the pan 11 and the time during which pressure reduction control is performed depending on the selected rice cooking menu. For example, due to the difference in the moisture content of the rice to be cooked in the pan 11, in the white rice menu using white rice as the cooked rice, the pressure in the pan 11 is reduced to 0.8 atm (atm), and the brown rice is In the brown rice menu for cooking rice, the pressure in the pan 11 is controlled to be 0.6 atm, which is lower than the white rice menu. If pressure reduction control is performed so that the pressure is 0.7 atm, which is higher than the white rice menu and lower than the brown rice menu, optimum pressure reduction control according to the rice cooking menu can be performed. Note that these are merely examples, and in other rice cooking menus, an optimal decompression control corresponding to that may be adopted. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which does not dare pressure control depending on the selected rice cooking menu.

  FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration of the pump driving means 126 and the decompression pump 82 in FIG. In the figure, the electromagnetic pump 82 constitutes a series circuit with a transistor 141 as a first switch means and a resistor 142 as a current detector, and the series circuit is connected to the operating power supply Vcc1 of the electromagnetic pump 82 and the ground. Connected between. The transistor 141 is turned on or off in response to a drive signal from a microcomputer 143 constituting the heating control means 111. This drive signal is divided by resistors 144 and 145 for voltage division and a second switch means. The voltage is supplied to the base of the transistor 141 through a certain transistor 146 and other voltage dividing resistors 147 and 148. The resistor 142 is connected between the electromagnetic pump 82 and the ground. One end of the resistor 142 connected to the electromagnetic pump 82 is connected to the AD terminal which is the input terminal of the microcomputer 143, so that the current flowing through the electromagnetic pump 82 Is monitored as a voltage value generated across the resistor 142 by the microcomputer 143. A capacitor 149 is connected between both ends of the resistor 142, and a diode 150 is connected between one end of the resistor 142 and the operating power supply Vcc2 to the microcomputer 143.

  The pressure reduction control means 130 in this reference example monitors the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 that is a pressure reduction source without providing a separate pressure sensor, and turns on / off the electromagnetic pump 82 and the electromagnetic valve 87 that constitute the pressure reduction means 81, for example. It is provided as a control means for performing control. That is, the pressure reduction control means 130 is configured such that as the inside of the pan 11 is depressurized from the atmospheric pressure and approaches a vacuum, the load of the electromagnetic pump 82 in operation increases, the rotation of the motor constituting the electromagnetic pump 82 becomes slow, and the pump The pressure in the pan 11 is monitored using the increase in current.

  Next, the operation procedure by the decompression control means 130 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 with reference to the graph in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the change over time in the current value and the atmospheric pressure during the operation of the electromagnetic pump 82. The line connecting the symbols ■ is the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 and hence the input voltage applied to the AD terminal of the microcomputer 143. The line connecting the symbol ◆ indicates the atmospheric pressure in the pan 11.

  When the decompression control means 130 outputs an H (high) level drive signal to the pump drive means 126 in order to lower the inside of the pan 11 below the atmospheric pressure during the series of operations from reserved rice cooking to heat insulation, the transistor 141 Is turned on, and the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned on, that is, energized. At this time, the decompression control means 130 simultaneously outputs a signal for opening the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 to the electromagnetic valve driving means 127, and gradually depressurizes the sealed pan 11 from the atmospheric pressure. The degree of vacuum in the pan 11 at this time changes as time passes, as shown in the graph of FIG.

  In step S1 of FIG. 9, when the electromagnetic pump 82 is driven by the pressure reduction control means 130, the pressure reduction control means 130 monitors the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 in the next step S2. Since the value of the current flowing through the electromagnetic pump 82 increases as the inside of the pan 11 becomes vacuum (see the graph of FIG. 8), the decompression control means 130 has a constant input voltage applied to the AD terminal and hence the current of the electromagnetic pump 82. If the value exceeds the value and the process proceeds to the next step S3 and a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the inside of the pan 11 has been sufficiently depressurized, and the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off, that is, is not energized. , An L (low) level drive signal is output to the pump drive means 126 (step S4). At the same time, the pressure reduction control means 130 closes the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 via the electromagnetic valve driving means 127, and maintains the inside of the pan 11 at a state lower than the atmospheric pressure.

  As described above, in the reference example, the pan 11 as a container, the openable / closable lid 31 that seals the pan 11, and the pressure reducing means that lowers the inside of the pan 11 below the atmospheric pressure by driving the electromagnetic pump 82 that is a pressure reducing source. 81, and a decompression control means 130 as a control means for monitoring and controlling the current of the electromagnetic pump 82. In this way, as the pressure in the pan 11 approaches vacuum, the load on the electromagnetic pump 82 increases and the current to the electromagnetic pump 82 increases, and the pressure reduction control means 130 uses this electromagnetic pump 82. By monitoring the change in current to the control, it is possible to realize the same control as when using a pressure sensor.

  By the way, in the pressure reducing control means 130 that realizes the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above, if the adhesion between the lid packing 57 of the inner lid assembly 55 attached to the lower surface of the lid 31 and the pan 11 is insufficient, an electromagnetic pump There is a possibility that the current value of 82 does not rise above a certain value and the electromagnetic pump 82 continues to operate indefinitely. Further, when the energization path to the electromagnetic pump 82 is cut off or short-circuited, it is impossible to detect the open or short of the electromagnetic pump 82. Furthermore, there is a concern that the lock of the motor constituting the electromagnetic pump 82 cannot be detected.

  In order to avoid such a problem, a decompression control means 130 for executing each processing procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 may be provided. The decompression control means 130 here is configured to stop the driving of the electromagnetic pump 82 when the current flowing through the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized without reaching a certain value or more.

  A more specific operation will be described. When the electromagnetic pump 82 is energized and at the same time the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 are opened, and the inside of the sealed pan 11 is gradually reduced from atmospheric pressure, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S11. The decompression control means 130 monitors the current of the electromagnetic pump 82. The decompression control means 130 turns off the electromagnetic pump 82 when the input voltage applied to the AD terminal, and hence the current of the electromagnetic pump 82, exceeds a certain value and a certain time has elapsed, as described in the flowchart of FIG. However, when the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 does not reach a predetermined value or more (in the example of the graph of FIG. 8, the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 is 0.15 A and the input voltage of the microcomputer 143 is 1.5 V or less). If the current value is stabilized within a certain range in step S11, the process proceeds to step S3, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off (step S4), and the electromagnetic valve driving means 127 is turned on. Accordingly, the electromagnetic valve 87 and thus the path 84 are closed. As a result, even if the adhesion between the lid packing 57 and the pan 11 is insufficient, if the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized at a value lower than a certain value, the electromagnetic pump 82 is forcibly turned off and the power consumption is reduced. Further, the life deterioration of the electromagnetic pump 82 can be reduced.

  In addition, even when the electromagnetic pump 82 is in an open state due to disconnection of the wiring to the electromagnetic pump 82, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized without reaching a predetermined value (in the open state, The current of the electromagnetic pump 82 is 0A, and the input voltage of the microcomputer 143 is 0V). Therefore, the pressure reduction control means 130 that executes the above operation procedure can also detect the open state of the electromagnetic pump 82 at the same time and appropriately turn off the electromagnetic pump 82.

  As described above, the decompression control means 130 here is configured to stop the electromagnetic pump 82 when the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized at a value smaller than a certain value. In this case, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 remains small if the lid 11 is not sufficiently sealed by the lid or the electromagnetic pump 82 is in the open state during the pressure reducing operation to lower the inside of the pot 11 below atmospheric pressure. However, when the current value is stable while the current value is small, the pressure reduction control unit 130 stops the electromagnetic pump 82. Therefore, the electromagnetic pump 82 is prevented from being energized continuously, reducing power consumption and life of the electromagnetic pump 82. Can be reduced.

  By the way, due to the characteristics of the electromagnetic pump 82, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 rises at first when the inside of the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure, and then turns downward and falls below the initial value. . FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 and the degree of vacuum in the pan 11. The line connecting the symbol ■ represents the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82, and the line connecting the symbol ◆ is The pressure inside the pan 11 is shown. In the electromagnetic pump 82 having such characteristics, the decompression control means 130 that executes the operation procedure of FIGS. 9 and 10 described above cannot correctly detect that the pressure in the pan 11 has sufficiently decreased below the atmospheric pressure.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a processing procedure in another decompression control means 130 considering such points. The decompression control means 130 here is stable regardless of whether or not the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 has reached a certain value, or otherwise falls below a predetermined initial value at the start of energization of the electromagnetic pump 82, for example. Then, the electromagnetic pump 82 is configured to stop.

  More specifically, when the electromagnetic pump 82 is energized and at the same time the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are opened, and the inside of the sealed pan 11 is gradually reduced from atmospheric pressure, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S21. The decompression control means 130 monitors the current of the electromagnetic pump 82. The decompression control means 130 here stores the initial current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 immediately after outputting the drive signal to the pump drive means 126. If the input voltage applied to the AD terminal and thus the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized within a certain range, the decompression control means 130 proceeds to step S4 regardless of whether or not the current value has reached a certain value or more. Then, the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off and the electromagnetic valve 87 and the path 84 are closed through the electromagnetic valve driving means 127. That is, in the electromagnetic pump 82 having the characteristics as shown in FIG. 11, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized when the electromagnetic pump 82 is opened or the adhesion of the lid 31 to the pan 11 is insufficient. When the electromagnetic pump 82 is short-circuited or locked (in any case, for example, the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 is 0.15 A or more and the input voltage of the microcomputer 143 is stabilized at 1.5 V or more. ). Therefore, the decompression control means 130 can quickly cut off the energization of the electromagnetic pump 82 when the electromagnetic pump 82 is abnormal or when the adhesion to the pan 11 is poor.

  Further, when the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 does not become a stable value and changes, the pressure reduction control means 130 is lower than the prestored initial value, and the pressure in the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure. The electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off by determining that it has sufficiently decreased (step S22). Thereby, even if it is the electromagnetic pump 82 with a characteristic like FIG. 11, the pressure fall in the pan 11 can be detected correctly. In step S22, the upper limit (peak value) of the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stored, and when the current of the electromagnetic pump 82 falls below a certain value from the peak value, the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off. Also exhibits the same effect.

  Further, the decompression control means 130 detects that the inside of the normal pan 11 has fallen below atmospheric pressure, and when the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off, the procedure from step S1 is repeated again in order after a predetermined time, for example, 1 hour. If the electromagnetic pump 82 is turned off when the electromagnetic pump 82 is abnormal or the adhesion to the pan 11 is poor, the electromagnetic pump 82 will not restart until the operation switch 103 is pressed, for example. Control is performed.

  As described above, when the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is stabilized or the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 is lower than a predetermined value (for example, an initial value or a peak value), The electromagnetic pump 82 is configured to be stopped. In this way, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 remains small if the pot 11 is insufficiently sealed by the lid 31 during the pressure reducing operation for lowering the inside of the pot 11 below atmospheric pressure. Also, when the electromagnetic pump 82 is short-circuited or opened, or when the electromagnetic pump 82 is locked, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 becomes a constant value. When the electromagnetic pump 82 is abnormal, the decompression control means 130 can monitor the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 to be stable and stop the electromagnetic pump 82.

  Further, due to the characteristics of the electromagnetic pump 82, when the pressure in the pan 11 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 increases at first, but after that, the current value of the electromagnetic pump 82 decreases. The control means 130 monitors that the current value has decreased below a predetermined value, and can reliably stop the electromagnetic pump 82 in a state where the pressure in the pan 11 is sufficiently lower than the atmospheric pressure.

  Next, the handle and its peripheral configuration that are characteristic in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rice cooker viewed from a direction different from that in FIG. 1, but inside the main body 7 composed of the frame body 1 and the lid body 31, external components (for example, Compared with the upper frame 2, the outer frame 3, the bottom plate 4, the outer lid 32, etc.), a heat insulating member 151 made of a material having the same or lower thermal conductivity is disposed. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the heat insulating member 151. Handles 152 having a substantially U-shape are attached to both side surfaces of the main body 7 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction so as to be easy to carry. The handle 152 may be provided in the frame body 2 as shown in FIG.

  When the handle 152 is provided in the lid 31, the heat insulating member 151 is accommodated and disposed between the outer lid 32 and the outer lid cover 35. In addition to the clamp mechanism including the clamp as described above, the outer cover cover 35 is provided with a hinge mechanism including a hinge receiving portion and a lid heater 36 as a lid heating means. In order to provide it at a predetermined position, the heat insulating member 151 needs to be positioned. This is to prevent the heat insulating member 151 from moving when the main body 7 is carried or being stored in a different place during assembly. The handle 152 is provided with an attachment portion (not shown) that is attached to the lid 31. The lid 31 is also provided with an attachment receiving portion (not shown) for receiving the attachment portion. A through hole 153 as shown in FIG. 14 is provided in the heat insulating member 151, and the through hole 153 is formed larger than the attachment portion of the lid 31. Then, the heat insulating member 151 is disposed in the lid 31 so that the through hole 153 faces the attachment receiving portion of the lid 31, and the attachment portion of the handle 152 is passed through the through hole 153 of the heat insulating member 151 to It is attached to the attachment receiving part of the body 31. By doing so, the position of the heat insulating member 151 can be regulated by the lid 31 and the handle 152.

  On the other hand, when the handle 152 is provided on the frame body 1, the handle 152 has a substantially U-shaped shape, and both ends of the tip end portion thereof are provided with shaft support portions 154 as attachment portions directed inward (to the frame body 1 side). . On both sides of the upper side surface of the outer frame 3, through holes 155 through which the shaft support portion 154 passes are provided. Further, a handle receiving portion 156 is formed in the upper frame 2 so as to face the through hole 155 of the outer frame 3 and attach the shaft support portion 154 in a rotatable state. As described above, the shaft support portion 154 of the handle 152 passes through the through hole 155 of the outer frame 3 and is attached to the handle receiving portion 156 of the upper frame 2. The handle 152 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the frame body 1 around a handle receiving portion 156 of the upper frame 2 with a pair of left and right shaft support portions 154 as fulcrums. Although not shown, a handle placement portion is formed on the back surface of the upper frame 2. When the handle 152 is not used, the handle 152 is tilted rearward of the main body 7 and placed on the handle placement portion. 7 is made compact.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the heat insulating member 151 is disposed between the pot housing portion 6 of the upper frame 2 and the outer frame 3. At this time, the heat insulating member 151 may be provided so as to cover the entire circumference of the pot accommodating portion 6 or may be provided so as to partially cover only the side surface of the frame body 1. When attaching the handle 152, the shaft support portion 154 of the handle 152 is passed through the through hole 155 of the outer frame 3, and then is passed through another through hole 153 provided in the heat insulating member 151, so The bearing portion 154 is fitted into the handle receiving portion 156 of the frame 2. At this time, the heat insulating member 151 is held in a suspended state by the shaft support portion 154 of the handle 152. The through hole 155 of the outer frame 3 and the through hole 153 of the heat insulating member 151 are formed larger than the shaft support part 154 of the handle 152 so as not to prevent the rotation of the handle 152.

  The material of the heat insulating member 151 is formed of a material having a hollow portion such as foamed PP in which a PP material is expanded, or a shape having a hollow portion by gas molding or the like. In any case, the hollow portion acts as a still air layer, and in addition to the heat insulating performance of the heat insulating member 151 itself, a further heat insulating effect can be expected.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the plate-like heat insulating member 151 is formed with a recess 158 having one opened so that the cross-sectional shape thereof becomes, for example, a substantially U shape. The recess 158 is for securing a heat insulation space by air. The substantially U-shaped orientation may be upward, downward, or left and right. Further, the recess 158 may be formed in the entire region of the heat insulating member, or may be formed in a partial region. The through hole 153 in the present embodiment is provided in a narrow portion other than the recess 158 in order to reduce the size of the main body 7, but the through hole 153 may be provided in the recess 158, or the through hole A configuration in which the recess 158 is not provided only in the vicinity of 153 may be employed.

  Reference numeral 159 denotes a heat shield member made of a material different from that of the heat insulating member 151. As the heat shield member 159, for example, a material obtained by welding and sealing a material having low thermal conductivity such as glass wool or silica with a resin laminate film or a resin film is used. In this case, when the inside of the film is evacuated, the heat insulating effect is further improved. The heat shield member 159 is preferably made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the heat insulating member 151.

  A heat shield member 159 may be inserted into the recess 158 provided in the heat insulating member 151. In this case, the recess 158 is preferably opened upward in order to prevent the heat shield member 159 from falling off. Further, when the plurality of recesses 158 are formed in the heat insulating member 151, the heat shield member 159 may be inserted into all the recesses 158, or only in the recess 158 corresponding to the portion where the heat insulating effect can be obtained. 159 may be inserted.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the frame body 1 that accommodates the pan 11 and the lid body 31 that covers the opening of the pan 11 are provided, and the main body 7 is formed by the frame body 1 and the lid body 31. In the rice cooker in which the heat insulating member 151 made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the external parts of the main body 7 is provided in the main body 7, an attaching portion (which is attached to the main body 7 through the heat insulating member 151 is provided. A shaft support 154) is provided on the handle 152.

  As a result, the attachment portion of the handle 152 passes through the heat insulating member 151 and is attached to the main body 7, so that the movement of the heat insulating member 151 in the main body 7 is restricted by the attachment portion of the handle 152. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inexpensive rice cooker by eliminating the factors that increase the manufacturing cost, such as attaching the heat insulating member 151 to another member or fixing it with another component, and at the same time, the power consumption by the heat insulating member 151 Can be reduced and energy-saving performance can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the attachment portion of the handle 152 is provided as a shaft support portion 154 that pivotally supports the frame body 1, and the frame body 1 includes a through hole 155 as a hole through which the shaft support portion 154 passes and a shaft support portion 154. A handle receiving portion 156 as a receiving portion to be attached is provided, and the shaft support portion 154 passes through a through hole 153 as a passage portion provided in the heat insulating member 151 and is attached to the handle receiving portion 156 so as to be attached to the handle receiving portion 156. A heat insulating member 151 is disposed between the through hole 155 and the handle receiving portion 156.

  In this way, the heat insulating member 151 is positioned between the through hole 155 of the frame body 1 and the handle receiving portion 156, and is held in a state of being suspended by the shaft support portion 154 of the handle 152. Therefore, the position of the heat insulating member 151 in the frame 1 can be further stabilized, and power consumption can be reduced and energy saving performance can be further improved. In addition, since the heat insulation member 151 can be prevented from falling off or moving, an inexpensive rice cooker that eliminates the factors that increase the manufacturing cost, such as attaching the heat insulation member 151 to another member or fixing it with another part, is eliminated. Can provide.

  The heat insulating member 151 in the present embodiment may be formed from a material having a hollow portion. In this embodiment, a hollow portion may be formed in the heat insulating member 151. Since these hollow portions act as a still air layer, the heat insulation efficiency is improved. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  In the present embodiment, the concave portion 158 which is a concave portion is formed in the heat insulating member 151, and the concave portion 158 forms a large heat insulating air layer, so that the heat radiation amount from the heat insulating member 151 can be reduced. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heat shield member 159 made of a material different from that of the heat insulating member 151 is provided, and the heat shield member 159 is disposed in the recess 158. In this way, another heat shield member 159 can be provided at a predetermined position in the frame 1 using the heat insulating member 151. Furthermore, heat radiation from the frame 1 to the outside can be further reduced by the heat insulating member 151 and the heat shielding member 159. Therefore, reduction of power consumption and improvement of energy saving performance can be further promoted.

  Next, a configuration related to the backup function during a power failure will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common description is omitted as much as possible to avoid duplication. In the figure, the configuration other than the battery unit, that is, the power plug 201, the power circuit 202, the CPU 203, the display LCD 204, the load 205, and the load control circuit 206 are the same as those described in the background art. The difference is that a battery 208A for CPU that supplies backup power to the CPU 203 in the event of a power failure and a battery 208B for LCD that supplies backup power to the display LCD 204 are provided separately. The LCD battery 208B provided in correspondence with the display LCD 204, which is a display means, is a generally replaceable battery that can be replaced by a user when the battery capacity is exhausted. It has become.

  When the commercial power supply is energized, the voltage rectified and stepped down by the power supply circuit 202 is supplied as a power supply voltage to the CPU 203, the display LCD 204, and the load control circuit 206 that controls the load 205 such as a heater, as in the conventional case. In response to this, the CPU 203 controls operations of the display LCD 204, the load control circuit 206, and the like. On the other hand, when the commercial power is not energized, backup power for driving the CPU 203 is supplied from the CPU battery 208A, while backup power for driving the display LCD is supplied from another LCD battery 208B. .

  In this case, the LCD battery 208B may run out of battery capacity earlier than the CPU battery 208A due to the display LCD 204 having a relatively large current consumption. However, as long as the battery capacity of the CPU battery 208A remains, a power failure occurs. While the display on the display LCD 204 is turned off, the operation as the CPU 203 is ensured. For this reason, for example, it is possible to maintain the timekeeping of a clock necessary for a rice cooker, timer time, menu settings, and the like without resetting, and to return to the state before the power failure at the time of power recovery. Further, the CPU battery 208A does not need to supply backup power to the display LCD 204 during a power failure, and a battery with a small capacity can be used. Furthermore, the backup time of the display LCD 204 can be defined separately from the backup time of the CPU 203 by arbitrarily selecting the capacity of the replaceable LCD battery 208B. Since the LCD battery 208B has a structure that can be replaced by the user, such as a commercially available button-type battery or dry battery, when the capacity of the LCD battery 208B is exhausted, The necessity of display can be determined by the user, and the LCD battery 208B can be replaced at an appropriate time.

  Thus, in this embodiment, in the rice cooker provided with the CPU 203 as the control means, the display LCD 204 as the display means, and the backup power supply for supplying power to the CPU 203 and the display LCD 204 during a power failure, the backup power supply is the CPU The battery 208A and the LCD battery 208B are provided separately for the CPU 203 and the display LCD 204, respectively, and the backup provided on the display LCD 204 is provided as a replaceable battery, that is, an LCD battery 208B.

  As described above, the backup power source for the CPU 203 and the backup power source for the display LCD 204 are separately provided as the CPU battery 208A and the LCD battery 208B. Therefore, even if the capacity of the LCD battery 208B is exhausted, Can continue its operation, for example, keep the clock, timer time, menu, etc., and return to the state before the power failure at the time of power recovery. Further, the CPU battery 208A does not need to back up the display LCD 204 during a power failure, and the capacity can be reduced while securing the conventional backup time. Therefore, even when the power consumption of the display LCD 204 increases, the backup time during a power failure can be extended as much as possible.

  Furthermore, since the backup times of the CPU 203 and the display LCD 204 can be defined separately, the capacity of the LCD battery 208B can be arbitrarily selected by making the LCD battery 208B provided in the display LCD 204 replaceable. For example, when it is desired to display only when displaying at a store at the time of sale, a small-capacity battery is used as the LCD battery 208B, and after that, when the user uses the battery with a larger capacity. The LCD battery 208B may be used as a backup power source for the display LCD 204. In addition, when the capacity of the LCD battery 208B runs out, the user can determine whether or not display on the display LCD 204 during a power failure is necessary, and the battery can be replaced at an appropriate time.

  In this case, it is preferable that the LCD battery 208B is not attached at the time of product shipment and is not attached so that the user can attach it later. As described above, since the rice cooker is provided with an empty battery storage unit into which the LCD battery 208B can be mounted later, the LCD battery 208B is not mounted. Can be installed immediately.

  Further, in this case, it is preferable that the CPU battery 208A has a capacity satisfying the product life, and the LCD battery 208B has a capacity shorter than the product life. As a result, the capacity of the CPU battery 208A is prevented from running out within the life of the product, and for example, resetting the clock, timer time, menu, etc., is performed during use of the product. This can be solved.

  Next, the structure of the rice cooker provided with the function which monitors the use condition in a market is demonstrated based on FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same location as description of each part mentioned above, and in order to avoid duplication, it abbreviate | omits as much as possible. In the figure, the display / operation unit 171 provided in the main body 7 includes a microcomputer 143 provided with the above-described heating control means 111 and decompression control means 130, the LCD 102, the operation switch 103, and the LED 105, as well as a power failure. When a power failure is detected, a power failure detection circuit 172 that outputs a power failure signal and a backup circuit 173 that includes the above-described CPU battery 208A and LCD battery 208B and supplies a power supply voltage to the microcomputer 143 when a power failure is detected are provided. In addition, the microcomputer 143 includes a rice cooking / warming program 174, a display program 175 for controlling the display of the LCD 102 and the LED 105, a switch operation program 176 for controlling a switch operation related to the operation switch 103, a time measurement program 177, a monitor A program 178 and a communication program 179 are provided. The operations of these programs 174 to 178 will be described later.

  Reference numeral 181 denotes a heating circuit incorporated in the main body 7 together with the display / operation unit 171. The heating circuit 181 includes a load driving circuit 182 that drives the code heater 26, the lid heater 36, the cooling fan 113, and the like, which are loads 187 excluding the heating coil 16, and the heating coil 16 based on a driving signal from the microcomputer 143. Oscillation / trigger detection circuit 183 corresponding to the drive circuit, input voltage / input current / regenerative current detection circuit 184 corresponding to the control signal detection circuit for driving the heating coil 16, and surge (abnormal high voltage) When added, a surge signal is output to the microcomputer 143 to stop the driving of the heating coil 16, and a sensor signal from the temperature sensor 188 corresponding to the pan temperature sensor 21 or the temperature sensor 61 described above is output. And a temperature detection circuit 186 corresponding to a circuit for detecting the temperature of the pan 11 and the lid 31 at the time of cooking rice or keeping warm.

  The rice cooking and heat retention program 174 of the microcomputer 143 corresponds to the rice cooking control means 118 and the heat insulation control means 119 described above, and after a series of steps of boiling, heating, continuation of boiling, and unevenness, a series of heat insulation is achieved. Execute the control. In addition to counting (measuring) time such as rice cooking and heat insulation executed by the rice cooking and heat insulation program 174, the time clocking program 177 is a measurement that counts elapsed time including power outage after the microcomputer 143 starts operating. Functions as a means. Therefore, the backup circuit 173 corresponding to the backup means supplies a power supply voltage so that the time counting program 177 is operated even during a power failure.

  The monitor program 178 has a function of recording various data related to rice cooking of the past several times (for example, 1 to 20 times), the number of times of rice cooking for each rice cooking course, and the like. In addition, it has a function as a recording means for recording the time since the microcomputer 143 started to operate when the rice is cooked for the first time and the unevenness control is performed. This recorded time is retained by the backup circuit 173 during a power failure. That is, the monitor program 178 records the time from when the microcomputer 143 starts to operate until the user uses the rice cooker for the first time. If the recorded time and the time counted by the measuring means are acquired from the communication program 179 corresponding to the sending means, the date and time when the user uses the rice cooker for the first time can be known. For example, if the time recorded by the monitor program 178 is 1000 hours and the current time counted by the measuring means is 5000 hours, the current date and time corresponding to the current time may be 10:00 on December 10th. In other words, it is understood that the first time that rice was cooked and steamed was controlled at 18 o'clock on June 26, 166.7 days before, equivalent to 5000 hours-1000 hours = 4000 hours.

  The communication program 179 outputs the time until the user uses the rice cooker for the first time after the microcomputer 143 starts operating as described above, and the time counted by the time counting program 177 including that during power outage to the outside. It has a function as a sending means. Here, communication with an external device such as a personal computer 189 is performed using the UART communication add, and the personal computer 189 obtains such information as time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the time counting program 177 as a measuring means for counting time, the monitor program 178 as a time recording means, and the time counting program 177 are operated during a power failure, and the monitor program 178 Is provided with a backup circuit 173 as a backup means for holding the recorded time, and a communication program 179 as a means for sending out the time counted by the time counting program 177 and the time recorded by the monitor program 178. It is configured to detect the user's use and record the time counted by the time counting program 177.

In this way, the time counting program 177 counts the time from the time of factory shipment, and the monitor program 178 records the time when the user first used. Therefore, if the data of each time is acquired from the communication program 179 using an external communication device such as a personal computer 189 when the product is returned, how much has the user started using it? It is possible to correctly recognize whether the product has passed this time. In addition, it is not necessary to set the date and time at the time of factory shipment, and it is not necessary to increase the setting items at the time of manufacture.

  In the present embodiment, the first use by the user is detected when the user first becomes uneven. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when cooking rice is started for the first time, when the temperature of the pan 11 is higher than a predetermined temperature for the first time, when cooking is finished for the first time and the heat transfer is started, or when cooking is started, the predetermined time has elapsed for the first time. Sometimes it may be detected. Further, as the time sending means, instead of the communication program 179 incorporated in the microcomputer 143, display on the LCD 102, buzzer sound or voice by notifying means (not shown) may be used.

  17 and 18 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a printed circuit board 192 on which a connector 191 provided in the main body 7 is mounted. In the figure, a connector 191 is provided with a plurality of, that is, four connector pins 194A to 194D protruding from the bottom surface of a main body 193, and these connector pins are provided on a printed circuit board 192 corresponding to each connector pin 194A to 194D. Four holes 195A to 195D into which 194A to 194D can be inserted are provided. The feature of this embodiment is that the hole diameters of the holes 195A and 195D located at both ends of the connector 191 are formed smaller than the hole diameters of the other holes 195B and 195C. The dimensional relationship of each part at this time is as follows.

Hole diameters of holes 195A and 195D located at both ends of connector 191> hole diameters of holes 195A and 195D located at both ends of connector 191> pin diameters of connector pins 194A to 194D. The amount of displacement of the connector pins 194A to 194D with respect to the printed circuit board 192, which is caused by the difference in contraction rate between the individual materials when the material of the connector 191 or the printed circuit board 192 contracts, can be regulated. As a result, the load on the solder fillet portion 197 (see FIG. 18) of the connector 191 can be reduced. In addition, by making the hole diameters of the holes 195A and 195D at both ends of the connector 191 smaller than the hole diameters of the other holes 195A and 195D, the connector pins can be made smaller than when all the holes have the same small hole diameter. A margin is provided for insertion of 194A to 194D, and workability when the connector 191 is attached to the printed circuit board 192 can be improved.

  FIG. 19 is a modification of FIG. 17 and FIG. In this figure, six connector pins 194A to 194F are provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the main body 193 of the connector 191. Corresponding to the connector pins 194A to 194F, the printed board 192 has six holes 195A to 195F. Is provided. Then, the hole diameters of a plurality of holes 195A and 195B and holes 195E and 195F from both ends of the connector 191 are formed smaller than the hole diameters of the other holes 195C and 195D.

  Also in this case, the displacement amount of the connector pins 194A to 194F with respect to the printed circuit board 192 caused by the difference in contraction rate of each material when the material of the connector 191 or the printed circuit board 192 contracts with the change of the ambient temperature. Can be regulated. Thereby, the load on the solder fillet portion 197 of the connector 191 can be reduced. Further, by making the hole diameters of the holes 195A and 195B and the holes 195E and 195F from the both ends of the connector 191 smaller than those of the other holes 195E and 195F, all the holes have the same small hole diameter. Compared to the case, the insertion of the connector pins 194A to 194F can be afforded, and the workability when the connector 191 is attached to the printed circuit board 192 can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. The current values and set times in the examples are merely examples, and may be appropriately changed according to the specifications of each rice cooker. Further, the configuration as the pressure reducing means 81 is not limited to the combination of the electromagnetic pump 82, the path 84, and the electromagnetic valve 87 as in the present embodiment, and a pressure reduction source other than the electromagnetic pump 82 is used. May be.

It is whole sectional drawing of the rice cooker in the reference example of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view of the principal part at the time of pressurization same as the above. It is an enlarged sectional view of the principal part at the time of pressure reduction same as the above. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part at the time of pressurization represented by a cross-section different from FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an electrical structure same as the above. It is a timing chart showing the transition of the temperature and pressure in a pan, and the operation state of each part. Claims as originally claimed It is a circuit diagram of a drive pump and its periphery same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a graph which shows the time-dependent change of the electric current value of an electromagnetic pump, and the vacuum degree in a pan same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a pressure reduction control means same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a flowchart which shows another operation | movement procedure of a pressure reduction control means same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a graph which shows the time-dependent change of the electric current value of another electromagnetic pump, and the vacuum degree in a pan same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a flowchart which shows another operation | movement procedure of a pressure reduction control means same as the above. Claims as originally claimed It is a fragmentary sectional view of the rice cooker showing the handle of the rice cooker in the example of the present invention, and its circumference. It is a perspective view of a heat insulation member same as the above. It is a block block diagram of each part related to a backup function. It is a block block diagram of each part relevant to the function which monitors the usage condition in a market same as the above. It is a perspective view of the printed circuit board which mounts a connector same as the above. It is sectional drawing of the printed circuit board which mounts a connector same as the above. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a printed board on which a connector different from the example of FIGS. 17 and 18 is mounted. It is a block block diagram of each part relevant to the backup function in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Frame 7 Body
11 Pot (container)
31 Lid
151 Thermal insulation
152 Handle
153 Through hole
154 Shaft support (mounting part)
155 Through hole
156 Handle receiving part (receiving part)
158 Concave part (concave part)
159 Heat shield
173 Backup circuit (backup means)
177 Timekeeping program (measuring means)
178 Monitor program (recording means)
179 Communication program (transmission means)
203 CPU (control means)
204 Display LCD (display means)
208A CPU battery (backup power supply)
208B LCD battery (backup power supply)

Claims (10)

A container, a frame that accommodates the container, and a lid that covers the container; a body is formed by the frame and the lid; a handle is provided in the body; and a heat insulating member is provided in the body. In the rice cooker
The rice cooker characterized in that the handle is provided with an attachment portion that is attached to the main body via the heat insulating member. The mounting portion of the handle is provided as a shaft support portion for supporting the handle,
The frame body is provided with a hole through which the shaft support portion passes and a receiving portion for attaching the shaft support portion.
The heat insulating member is disposed between the hole of the frame and the receiving portion so that the shaft support portion passes through a passage portion provided in the heat insulating member and is attached to the receiving portion. The rice cooker according to claim 1.   The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat insulating member is made of a material having a hollow portion.   The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a hollow portion is formed in the heat insulating member.   The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is formed on the heat insulating member.   The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein a heat shield member made of a material different from the heat insulating member is provided, and the heat shield member is disposed in the concave portion. In a rice cooker comprising a control means, a display means, and a backup power source for supplying power during a power outage,
The rice cooker characterized in that the backup power supply is provided separately for the control means and the display means, and the backup power supply provided for the display means is a replaceable battery.   The rice cooker according to claim 7, wherein the battery is not attached.   8. The rice cooker according to claim 7, wherein the backup power source provided in the control means has a capacity satisfying a product life, and the backup power source provided in the display means has a capacity shorter than the product life. Vessel. A measuring means for counting time;
Means for recording said time;
Operating the measuring means even during a power failure, and backup means for holding the time recorded by the recording means;
The time of the measuring means and the sending means of the time recorded by the recording means,
The rice cooker characterized in that the recording means detects the first use by the user and records the time of the measuring means.

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