JP2014151037A - Electric rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric rice cooker compatibly achieving an energy saving performance corresponding to electric power conditions and rice cooking performance.SOLUTION: The electric rice cooker includes: an inner pot in which cooking objects are put; heating means for heating the inner pot; and a control part for performing a rice cooking control by controlling the heating means. The rice cooking control includes a normal control for performing a normal rice cooking control, and an energy saving control for performing a rice cooking control consuming less power than that of the normal control. The control part performs the rice cooking control by selecting any of the normal control and the energy saving control according to the electric power conditions of the use environment, thereby solving the problem.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric rice cooker provided with two rice cooking control modes that can be selected between a normal mode and an energy saving mode that has low energy consumption and high energy saving performance as compared to the normal mode.

In recent years, due to concerns about the power supply situation due to various factors, awareness of energy conservation that is worried about power consumption is increasing in the home. Moreover, the consumers who care about the power consumption at the time of rice cooking using the electric rice cooker are increasing from the raise of the electricity bill.
With such a heightened awareness of energy conservation, there is a high demand for more delicious rice, and there is a need for an electric rice cooker that has both energy saving performance and rice cooking performance.

This kind of electric rice cooker that aims to achieve both energy saving and rice cooking performance is equipped with two control modes that can be selected as the rice cooking control mode: normal mode and energy saving mode with higher energy saving performance than this normal mode There is.
Even if such an electric rice cooker is after the rice cooking control in the energy saving mode is started, in the rice cooking control in the energy saving mode, when a predetermined rice cooking condition that makes it difficult to realize good rice cooking is detected, There exists an electric rice cooker which corrects the control level in the said energy saving mode automatically so that favorable rice cooking can be respond | corresponded to it (for example, refer patent document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 4577133 (FIGS. 1 to 3)

However, since the rice cooker described in Patent Document 1 determines the heating output and the heating time regardless of the power situation when starting rice cooking, the power supply to the rice cooker is limited in power use or unstable. In a situation that is tight due to factors, the risk of a power outage during rice cooking is increased.
In addition, there is a problem that rice cannot be cooked deliciously because rice is cooked while suppressing power consumption even during times when it is not necessary to suppress power consumption.

  The present invention solves the above problem, and even in the normal mode, it automatically shifts to energy-saving control in the daytime when the power at the start of rice cooking is expected to be tight. Control by a high-firing process that is weaker than conventional normal control to reduce power consumption. In addition, even in the energy-saving mode, in the case of midnight when there is a margin of power at the start of rice cooking, strong energy-saving control will sufficiently perform the high-fire process and the boiling continuation process, etc. It aims at providing the rice cooker which aims at coexistence of the energy-saving performance and rice cooking performance according to the situation.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electric rice cooker includes an inner pot for putting a cooked food, a heating means for heating the inner pot, and a control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking, The control has normal control that performs normal rice cooking control and energy saving control that performs rice cooking control that consumes less power than this normal control, and the control unit performs either normal control or energy saving control according to the power status of the usage environment. A subject can be solved by selecting either and performing rice cooking control.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is possible to provide the electric rice cooker which can perform the rice cooking in which energy saving performance and rice cooking performance were compatible, without being conscious of the electric power consumption in a home, and the time to cook rice. It becomes.

Sectional drawing of the electric rice cooker of Embodiment 1 Block diagram of electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 Plan view of operation unit according to Embodiment 1 The graph which shows the temperature change of the cooking ranging from the rice cooking start of Embodiment 1 to heat retention. Control flow diagram of Embodiment 1 Control flow diagram of embodiment 2 Control flow diagram of embodiment 3 (1) Control flow diagram of embodiment 3 (2) Control flow diagram of embodiment 3 (3) Control flow diagram (4) of the third embodiment Control flow diagram of embodiment 3 (5) Control flow diagram of embodiment 4 Control flow diagram of embodiment 5 Control flow diagram of embodiment 6 Control flow diagram of embodiment 7

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
Referring to FIG. 1, an electric rice cooker A (hereinafter, rice cooker A) includes a substantially bottomed cylindrical main body 1 whose upper surface is opened, and a hinge provided on the rear side (right side in the figure) of the main body 1. A lid body 30 is provided that covers the upper surface opening of the main body 1 so as to be openable and closable about 31 as an axis.

A cylindrical inner pot support case 2 is installed on the inner upper portion of the rice cooker main body 1 (hereinafter, main body 1). And in the lower part of the inner pot support case 2, the substantially pan-like coil base 3 which has the opening part 3a in the center part is arrange | positioned, and the inner pot accommodating part 5 is formed inside the inner pot support case 2. Has been.
An induction heating coil 6 serving as a heating means is provided on the lower surface of the bottom of the coil base 3 and the outer surface of the corner portion. This induction heating coil 6 performs induction heating of an inner pot 40 described later.

Next, the inner pot 40 is a bottomed cylindrical pot made of a magnetic material such as stainless steel or iron, and a cooked item 42 such as rice 43 or water 44 can be put into and out of the inner pot accommodating portion 5 of the main body 1. Is housed in.
Moreover, the inner pot 40 faces the induction heating coil 6 in the state accommodated in the main body 1, and a flange 41 provided on the outer periphery of the upper end is supported by the upper end of the inner pot support case 2, and its bottom and peripheral walls are It is hold | maintained through some clearance gaps with the inner wall of the inner pot accommodating part 5. FIG.

Next, a front panel 15 is provided on the front side in the main body 1. A circuit board on which a microcomputer or the like is mounted is disposed on the back side of the front panel 15, and a control unit 16 that controls an electric current that generates an alternating magnetic field in the induction heating coil 6 and controls electrical components is positioned. doing.
This control part 16 is attached to the outer wall of the inner pot accommodating part 5. The control unit 16 is cooled by the blower 17.

The control unit 16 is configured to apply a high-frequency current to the heating coil 6 with a predetermined control algorithm, a side heating unit, a lid heater, based on various information such as output from the time measurement unit 16a, the operation unit, and the temperature detection unit 16b. In addition to controlling the energization of the rice cooker A, the overall operation of the rice cooker A is controlled.
The control unit 16 may be configured by hardware such as a circuit device that realizes the function, or may be configured by an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer or a CPU and software executed thereon. Also good.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, an information receiving unit 18 a and an information transmitting unit 18 b are connected to the control unit 16.
The information receiving unit 18 a acquires information on the power status of the usage environment from the outside of the rice cooker (such as a power usage status measuring unit 50 described later) and sends the information to the control unit 16. The information receiving unit may be installed in another place.

  In addition, the information transmission unit 18b controls the operation status and power consumption of the rice cooker A, and other various rice cookers with respect to an external system (such as a power usage measurement unit 50 described later) connected to the rice cooker A. Information about

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 20 is provided at the upper part on the front side of the main body 1, and includes a rice cooking start key 21, a cut / heat retention key 22, a reservation timer key 23, a menu key 24, and the like. In the central part, for example, a display unit 25 is provided which is a notifying means made of liquid crystal and displaying the current time, the remaining time until the end of the rice cooking process, and the like. The operation unit 20 may be stored in the lid 30.

The rice cooker A comprised as mentioned above completes a series of rice cooking control through each process shown in FIG. 4 by controlling the output of a heating means by the control part 16. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time t from the start of cooking, and the vertical axis represents the temperature T of the cooked food.
Referring to FIG. 4, first, when rice cooking is started, the water absorption process is performed by maintaining the water temperature at a temperature suitable for the rice to absorb moisture by the heating means for a predetermined time. The time of the water absorption process varies depending on the amount of food and the water temperature.

Next, when the water absorption step is completed, a heating step is performed in which the output of the heating means is increased to heat the inner pot and the temperature of the cooked food is quickly raised to the boiling temperature.
Next, when the temperature raising step is completed, a cooking step is performed in which the cooked product is kept in a boiling state and rice is cooked. During the period from the temperature raising step to the cooking step, the output of the heating means is high.
Next, in the cooking process, the cooking process is terminated when the temperature inside the inner pot exceeds the boiling temperature, and the process proceeds to a steaming process in which the cooked food is steamed for a predetermined time.
Then, when the steaming process is completed, if the heat retention for setting the cooked product at a constant temperature is set, the process proceeds to the heat retention process.

Next, operation | movement of the rice cooker which concerns on this Embodiment comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.
First, a predetermined amount of cooked food 42 made of rice 43 and water 44 is placed in the inner pot 40, accommodated in the inner pot accommodating portion 5, and the lid 30 is closed. At this time, the display unit 25 normally displays the current time.

  Next, in FIG. 3, when the menu key 24 of the operation unit 20 is operated and the menu is selected in the energy saving mode, the display unit 25 displays “eco-cooking”. In FIG. 2, the information receiving unit 18 b transmits the current home power usage information received from the power usage status measuring unit 50 to the control unit 16.

Here, eco-cooking is inferior in the state and taste of cooked rice compared to rice cooked with rice cooking control executed in normal rice cooking mode, but by reducing the output of the heating means to some extent, power consumption can be reduced. It is an energy-saving mode that performs energy-saving control that can be performed while cooking.
The power usage status measuring means 50 is a system that supports energy management in homes, etc., and energy consuming equipment (TV, air conditioner, PC, IH cooking heater, etc.) in a house and power generation equipment (solar power generation system, etc.). Connected to the Internet or the like via a network to monitor power usage and energy consumption, and remotely control and automatically control devices used in the home (for example, HEMS (Home Energy Management System)) ).
In the present embodiment, the rice cooker A is connected in a communicable state to the power usage measurement means 50 via the information receiving unit 18a and the information transmitting unit 18b connected to the control unit 16.

(When eco-cooking is set)
Here, the control flow which transfers to rice cooking control from the rice cooking start in case eco-cooking (energy saving mode) is set is demonstrated.
Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, when rice cooking is started by operating the rice cooking start key 21 of the operation unit 20 in a state set to eco rice cooking, the control unit 16 is set in step S61 in the rice cooking mode set. Determine whether or not is in energy saving mode. Here, since the energy saving mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S62.

  Next, in step S62, when the power status of the use environment of the rice cooker obtained from the power usage status measurement unit 50 is tight in step S62, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S63 and performs preheating. Rice cooking control is started with “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” with less power consumption, which shortens time (water absorption time) or weakens heating power (output) by heating control, and proceeds to step S67 to finish the flow.

  Further, when the power status received from the power usage status measuring means 50 in step S62 is not in a tight state, the process proceeds to step S64 and consumes more power than the “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” that shifts in step S63. It shifts to "weak energy-saving rice cooking control" with less power consumption than rice cooking control of this, starts rice cooking control, progresses to step S67, and finishes a flow.

Here, “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” is set to reduce power consumption by setting the preheating time shorter or reducing the output of the heating means compared to “weak energy-saving rice cooking control”. Has been.
In other words, “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” reduces the quality of cooked rice as much as the preheating time is shortened or the output of the heating means is reduced, but the power consumption of rice cooking can be minimized.
As for the quality of the cooked rice, the normal rice control that is set so that it is cooked most deliciously is the best. The quality of cooking is reduced.

In addition, the “state in which the power situation is tight” refers to a state in which there is no room for usable power in the home, which is the usage environment of the rice cooker.
As an example of such a state, "the state where other electric devices such as air conditioners and IH cooking heaters installed in the home are used at the same time, and the power used is close to the contract power with the power company" , “The state where the power that can be used in the home is limited due to the power saving request from the outside of the electric power company”, “The state that the user uses the power that is close to the usable power that is arbitrarily set by the user”, etc. Is assumed.

In this way, even if the energy saving mode is set, the level of energy saving rice cooking control can be automatically selected according to the power status of the rice cooker's usage environment, so depending on the power environment at the time of rice cooking, The rice can be cooked most deliciously with limited power consumption while suppressing the power consumption.
In other words, in the energy saving mode, multiple rice cooking controls corresponding to the available power can be prepared, and rice cooking control suitable for the power situation can be performed, so the rice is cooked most deliciously according to the power that can be used. can do.

(When eco-cooking rice is not set)
Next, the control flow which transfers to rice cooking control from the rice cooking start in case eco-cooking is not set is demonstrated.
First, when the menu key 24 of the operation unit 20 is operated and the energy saving mode is not selected, the display unit displays that the normal rice cooking mode is set. In addition, in the case of normal rice cooking mode, it is not necessary to display the rice cooking mode on a display part.

When the rice cooking start key 21 of the operation unit 20 is operated in this state, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the energy saving mode is in step S61 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Since it is not selected, the process proceeds to step S65.
In this state, when the power status received from the power usage status measuring means 50 is tight, the process proceeds to step S63, and the rice cooking control is performed by “strong energy saving rice cooking control” that shortens the preheating time or weakens the heating power by heating control. Start and go to step S67 to end the flow.

  In step S65, if the power received from the information receiving unit 18 is not tight, the process proceeds to step S66, and the heating control is most suitable for rice cooking in all processes such as the preheating process, the rice cooking process, and the uneven process. The normal control performed with the thermal power is performed for a predetermined time, and the flow proceeds to step S67 to end the flow.

In this way, even when the rice cooking mode is set to the normal mode, the rice cooking control is executed by switching the rice cooking mode with less power consumption according to the power usage information in the home, so when the power is tight However, it is possible to prevent exceeding the usable power in the home.
That is, power cut by the breaker can be avoided and rice cooking can be performed reliably.

When it is determined in step S65 that the power is tight and the process proceeds to step S63, it is preferable to notify that the rice cooking mode has been changed by a notification unit such as a display unit 25 or a voice notification unit such as a speaker.
Thus, if it is notified that the rice cooking mode has been changed, the user can correctly grasp the cooked state of the rice.

In addition, the flow diagram is configured such that the power is determined to be tight in step S65 and the process proceeds to step S63 in which “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” is executed, but the degree of power tightness is determined. And you may make it transfer to step S64 in which "weak energy saving rice cooking control" is performed.
In this way, by configuring the energy-saving control level so as to be selectable according to the tightness of power, the rice can be cooked most deliciously according to the power that can be used.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted. This Embodiment is a form which changes the form of rice cooking control with the time which cooks rice.

(When eco-cooking is set)
First, the control flow which transfers to rice cooking control from the rice cooking start in case eco-cooking is set is demonstrated.
Referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, when rice cooking is started by operating the rice cooking start key 21 of the operation unit 20 in the state set to eco rice cooking (energy saving mode), the control unit 16 is set in step S71. It is determined whether or not the cooking rice mode is the energy saving mode. Here, since the energy saving mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S72.

Next, in step S72, the control unit 16 proceeds to step S73 if the current time is a time when the power is likely to be tight (for example, 11:00 to 17:00). Rice cooking control is started with “strong energy-saving rice cooking control”, and the flow proceeds to step S77 to finish the flow.
Moreover, when it is not time with high possibility that electric power is tight at step S72, it progresses to step S74, transfers to "weak energy saving rice cooking control", rice cooking control is started, it progresses to step S77, and a flow is complete | finished.

Here, the time when electric power is likely to be tight refers to a time zone in which there is no room for usable electric power in the home, which is the usage environment of the rice cooker.
As an example of such a state, “You are using other electrical devices such as air conditioners and IH cooking heaters that are installed in your home at the same time, and it is likely that you will be using power up to the contract power with the power company. “Time” and “time when electric power that can be used in a home is likely to be limited due to a power saving request from the outside such as an electric power company” are assumed.
In the present embodiment, such a time is set to 11:00 to 17:00, but it may be changed depending on the season, power status, or the like. Also, the time set by the user according to the life pattern may be used.

In this way, even if the energy saving mode is set, the level of energy saving rice cooking control can be automatically selected according to the power status of the rice cooker's usage environment, so depending on the power environment at the time of rice cooking, The rice can be cooked most deliciously with limited power consumption while suppressing the power consumption.
In other words, in the energy saving mode, multiple rice cooking controls corresponding to the available power can be prepared, and rice cooking control suitable for the power situation can be performed, so the rice is cooked most deliciously according to the power that can be used. can do.

(When eco-cooking rice is not set)
Next, the control flow which transfers to rice cooking control from the rice cooking start in case eco-cooking is not set is demonstrated.
First, when the menu key 24 of the operation unit 20 is operated and the energy saving mode is not selected, the display unit displays that the normal rice cooking mode is set. In addition, in the case of normal rice cooking mode, it is not necessary to display the rice cooking mode on a display part.

When the rice cooking start key 21 of the operation unit 20 is operated in this state, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the energy saving mode is selected in step S71 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Since it is not done, the process proceeds to step S75.
Next, in step S75, the control unit 16 proceeds to step S73 if the current time is a time when there is a high possibility that the power is tight (for example, 11:00 to 17:00). The rice cooking control is started by “energy saving rice cooking control”, and the flow proceeds to step S77 to finish the flow.

  In step S75, if the current time is not a time when there is a high possibility that the power is tight, the process proceeds to step S76, and the heating control is the most in all processes such as the preheating process, the rice cooking process, and the uneven process. Normal control performed with heating power for a time suitable for rice cooking is performed, and the flow proceeds to step S77 to end the flow.

In this way, even when the rice cooking mode is set to the normal mode, the rice cooking control is executed by switching the rice cooking mode with less power consumption according to the power usage information in the home, so when the power is tight However, it is possible to prevent exceeding the usable power in the home.
That is, power cut by the breaker can be avoided and rice cooking can be performed reliably.

In addition, when it is determined that the power is tight in step S75 and the process proceeds to step S73, it may be notified that the rice cooking mode has been changed by a notification unit such as a voice notification unit such as a display unit or a speaker.
Thus, if it is notified that the rice cooking mode has been changed, the user can correctly grasp the cooked state of the rice.

  In addition, the flow diagram is determined to be the time when power is tight in step S75, and is configured to shift to step S73 in which “strong energy-saving rice cooking control” is executed. You may make it determine the degree of a condition and transfer to step S74 in which "weak energy saving rice cooking control" is performed.

In this way, by configuring the energy-saving control level so as to be selectable according to the tightness of power, the rice can be cooked most deliciously according to the power that can be used.
Further, the information receiving unit 18a only needs to receive the current time information, and the power usage measuring means 50 can be omitted. Further, if the condition determination in step S72 is performed based on the current time information input from the operation unit, the information receiving means 18a itself can be omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
This embodiment shows the control processing when the rice cooker receives an instruction (power tightness information) to perform control with reduced power from an external system such as HEMS in each process from the start of rice cooking to the end of rice cooking. .

(1) About the control process in the water absorption process The water absorption process keeps the water temperature at a temperature (temperature control temperature) suitable for the rice to absorb moisture by the heating means during a predetermined water absorption time, thereby absorbing the water in the rice. It is a process to be performed.
Referring to FIG. 7, when the water absorption process is started, it is first determined whether or not there is power tightness information in step S81. When there is no electric power tightness information, it transfers to step S82, sets the temperature control temperature and water absorption time which are the temperature of the foodstuff during a water absorption process, and starts a normal water absorption process.
Then, in step S83, it is determined whether or not the water absorption time set in step S82 has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S84, the water absorption process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the temperature raising process.

Next, when the rice cooker A has received the power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S81 to step S85. In step S85, the temperature control temperature which is the temperature of the food in the water absorption process and the water absorption time are set, and the energy saving water absorption process is started.
Here, the temperature adjustment temperature in the energy saving water absorption process is set lower than the temperature adjustment temperature in the normal water absorption process, and the water absorption time is set longer than the water absorption time in the normal water absorption process.
In step S83, it is determined whether or not the water absorption time set in step S85 has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S84, the water absorption process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the temperature raising process.

In step S85, the temperature adjustment temperature is set lower than the temperature adjustment temperature of the normal water absorption process, and the water absorption time is set longer than that of the normal water absorption process. However, only one of the temperature adjustment temperature and the normal water absorption process is set. It may be different.
Thus, by setting the temperature control temperature low or extending the water supply time, power consumption can be reduced or the peak of power can be lowered.

(2) About the control process in a temperature rising process A temperature rising process is a process which raises the output of a heating means, heats an inner pot, and raises the temperature of a foodstuff to a boiling temperature rapidly.
Referring to FIG. 8, when the temperature raising process is started, first, in step S91, it is determined whether or not there is power tightness information. When there is no electric power tightness information, it transfers to step S92, the output of the heating means in a temperature rising process is set, and a normal temperature rising process is started.
Then, in step S93, it is determined whether or not the food has reached a predetermined temperature (boiling temperature). If the food reaches the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S94, where the temperature raising process is terminated and the food is cooked. Move to the process.

Next, when the rice cooker A has received the power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S91 to step S95. In step S95, the output of the heating means during the temperature raising process is set, and the energy saving temperature raising process is started.
Here, the output of the heating means in the energy saving temperature raising step is set lower (power limit) than the output of the heating means in the normal temperature raising step, and the process proceeds to step S93.
Then, in step S93, it is determined whether or not the food has reached a predetermined temperature (boiling temperature). If the food reaches the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S94, where the temperature raising process is terminated and the food is cooked. Transition to the temperature raising process.
Thus, when receiving the power tightness information, the control unit 16 can reduce the power consumption or the power peak by setting the output of the heating means low.

(3) About the control process in a cooking process A cooking process is a process of keeping rice in a boiling state and cooking rice.
Referring to FIG. 9, when the cooking process is started, it is first determined whether or not there is power tightness information in step S101. When there is no power tightness information, it transfers to step S102, the output of the heating means in a cooking process is set, and a normal cooking process is started.
In step S103, it is determined whether or not the food has reached a predetermined temperature (for example, a dry-up temperature that is a temperature when the water content of the food 42 is exhausted). It transfers to step S104, a cooking process is complete | finished, and it transfers to the unevenness process.

Next, when the rice cooker A receives the power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S101 to step S105. In step S105, the output of the heating means in the cooking process is set, and the energy saving cooking process is started.
Here, the output of the heating means set in step S105 is set lower (power limit) than the output of the heating means in the normal cooking process, and the process proceeds to step S103.
In step S103, it is determined whether or not the food has reached a predetermined temperature (dry-up temperature). If the food reaches the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S104, where the cooking process is terminated. Shift to the process.
Thus, when receiving the power tightness information, the control unit can reduce the power consumption or the power peak by setting the output of the heating means low.

(4) Control Process in Steaming Process Referring to FIG. 10, when the steaming process is started, it is first determined whether or not there is power tightness information in step S111. When there is no power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S112, the output of the heating means and the steaming time during the steaming process are set, and the normal steaming process is started.
In step S113, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of steaming, and the process proceeds to 114, where the steaming process is terminated.
In addition, when heat retention is set, after a steaming process is complete | finished, it transfers to the heat retention process which maintains the cooked rice at fixed temperature.

Next, when the rice cooker A receives the power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S111 to step S115. In step S115, the output of the heating means and the steaming time during the steaming process are set, and the energy saving steaming process is started.
Here, the output of the heating means set in step S115 is set lower (power limit) than the output of the heating means in the normal cooking process, the steaming time is set longer than the time of the normal steaming process, step The process proceeds to S113.

In step S113, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of steaming, and the process proceeds to 114, where the steaming process is terminated.
In addition, when heat retention is set, after a steaming process is complete | finished, it transfers to the heat retention process which maintains the cooked rice at fixed temperature. In step S115, the output is set low and the steaming time is set long, but only one of them may be different from the normal steaming.
Thus, when receiving the power tightness information, the control unit 16 can reduce the power consumption by setting the output of the heating means low, or making the steaming time longer than the normal steaming process, The peak can be lowered.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted. In the present embodiment, when there is power tightness information in each process from water absorption to steaming, this information is notified to the user, and a rice cooking control pattern can be selected in the subsequent processes.

(When there is no power tightness information)
When there is no power tightness information, when each process is started, it is determined in step S121 whether there is power tightness information. Here, since there is no power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the present process is performed by normal rice cooking control, and the process proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, it is determined whether or not the process being executed has been completed. When the process is completed, the process proceeds to step S124, and this routine is terminated. If there is a next process, the process proceeds to the next process and the routine is started again from step S121.
Thus, when there is no power tightness information, the control part 16 performs normal rice cooking control in each process, and operate | moves so that the cooking of rice becomes the best.

(If there is power tightness information)
When there is power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S121 to step S125. In step S125, in response to the power tightness information, a notification for urging the user to confirm whether or not the process to be executed is to be controlled by the energy saving control (energy saving mode) is performed.

A specific notification method is to display information indicating that power is tight on the display unit 25, information on the status of the rice cooker such as the current process, etc. A message prompting the user to confirm whether or not to perform in the energy saving mode) is displayed and notified.
Moreover, the rice cooker A is the information transmission part 18b with respect to the user about whether to perform the information regarding the status of the rice cooker, such as the present process, and the control of the process to be executed in the energy saving control (energy saving mode). Information for prompting confirmation is transmitted to the power usage status measuring means 50.

The power usage status measuring means 50 that has received these information displays the received information on a connected television, various display devices, etc., and controls the process to be executed in an energy saving control (energy saving mode). ) And a notification prompting the user to confirm whether or not to perform the operation.
Further, the power usage status measuring means 50 may transmit these pieces of information to a portable terminal held by the user via the Internet.
After receiving such notification, the user answers whether or not to perform energy-saving control by operating and inputting a device or a mobile terminal connected to the operation unit 20 or the power usage measurement unit 50. .

Next, when the above process ends, the process proceeds to step S126, and it is determined whether or not answer information from the user whether or not to perform energy saving control is input to the control unit, that is, whether or not there is an instruction from the user. .
And when the information in step S126 is input, it transfers to step S127 and judges whether the said input changes to an energy-saving driving | operation. If the information input in step S127 can be changed to the energy saving control, the process proceeds to S128, the energy saving control is executed, and the process proceeds to S123.
If the information input in step S127 is a content that rejects the change to the energy saving control, the process proceeds to step S122 and normal rice cooking control is performed.

Moreover, when the input regarding the possibility of transfer to energy saving control is not made by step S126, it transfers to step S129.
In step S129, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the process in step S125. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S126. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S128, and energy saving control is executed.

  In addition, when the setting performed by energy-saving rice cooking is carried out beforehand, the above routines may be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, in each process from water absorption to steaming, it is determined whether or not to shift to energy saving control in each process, but once transferred to energy saving control, until the end of rice cooking The rice cooking control may be performed by fixing with energy saving control.

As mentioned above, in the rice cooker where the rice cooker is set to obtain power tightness information from the outside and automatically shift to energy saving control, confirm with the user whether or not to shift to energy saving control. Since the contents of control are changed, the cooked rice does not change without the intention of the user.
In step S129, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the process shifts to energy saving control. However, when the priority is given to the cooking of rice (deliciousness of rice), You may transfer to S122 and continue cooking rice by normal control.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the present embodiment, when there is power tightness information in the rice cooker connected to the power usage measuring means 50 together with the plurality of electric devices B, the process shifts to the energy saving control based on the priority of operation with other devices. It is determined whether or not to do.
In the present embodiment, the case where two electric rice cookers A and B are connected to the power usage measuring means 50 will be described.

(When there is no power tightness information)
When there is no power tightness information, when each process is started, it is determined in step S131 whether there is power tightness information. Here, since there is no power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S132. In step S132, the current process is executed by normal rice cooking control, and the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, it is determined whether or not the process being executed has been completed. When the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S134 and the routine is terminated. If there is a next process, the process proceeds to the next process and the routine is started again from step S131.
Thus, when there is no power tightness information, the control part 16 performs normal rice cooking control in each process, and operate | moves so that the cooking of rice becomes the best.

(If there is power tightness information)
When there is power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S131 to step S135. In step S135, the power tightness information is received, the operating state of the device connected to the power usage status measuring means 50 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S136.
In step S136, it is determined whether or not the operation of the rice cooker A is prioritized compared to the device operating with the device connected to the power usage status measuring means 50.

  When it is determined in step S136 that the operation of the rice cooker A is prioritized over the operation of the other device B, the process proceeds to step S137. In step S137, a signal indicating that the electric power used by the electric rice cooker A is not to be dropped (i.e., performing normal rice cooking control) is transmitted from the information transmitting unit 18b to the power usage state measuring means 50, and the process proceeds to step S132. The rice cooking control is executed.

  If it is determined in step S136 that the operation of the other device B has priority over the operation of the electric rice cooker A, the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, a signal to the effect that power consumption of the electric rice cooker A is reduced (to save energy rice control) is transmitted from the transmitter to the power usage status measuring means 50, and the process proceeds to step S139 to execute energy saving rice cooking control. To do.

  In addition, when the setting performed by energy-saving rice cooking is carried out beforehand, the above routines may be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, in each process from water absorption to steaming, it is determined whether or not to shift to energy saving control in each process, but once transferred to energy saving control, until the end of rice cooking You may cook rice fixed by energy-saving control.

As described above, rice cooker A obtains power tightness information from the outside, and changes whether to shift to energy saving control based on the priority of operation with other devices, so shift to energy saving control more than necessary. It can be controlled so that delicious rice can be cooked as much as possible.
In addition, when a device related to human health or life, such as a medical device, is connected to the power usage measuring means 50, the rice cooker A can be operated with energy saving control or stopped in some cases. It is possible to secure electric power and ensure the operating environment of these devices.

  In addition, you may change the priority of the rice cooker A according to each process of rice cooking. For example, when cooking a rice whose cooking process depends on the amount of power, the priority is set higher and energy-saving control is performed so that power can be secured in preference to the operation of other equipment. It is good to judge whether or not to move to.

(Embodiment 6)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, the rice cooking start time and the cooking time are input and set, and when there is power tightness information during standby for reserved rice cooking in the reserved rice cooking that starts rice cooking control when the predetermined time comes, the rice cooking time It is possible to select whether or not to make a change.

(When there is no power tightness information)
When the reserved cooking is started, the control unit 16 proceeds to step S141 and determines whether there is power tightness information. Here, if there is no power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S142. In step S142, it sets so that rice cooking may be performed by normal rice cooking control, and transfers to step S143.

In step S143, it is determined whether or not the current time has reached the start time of reserved rice cooking. If it is a start time, it will transfer to step S144 and will start rice cooking by the set rice cooking control. In this case, rice cooking is started by normal rice cooking control.
When the start time of reserved rice cooking has not been reached in step S143, the process proceeds to step S141.

(If there is power tightness information)
Next, when there is power tightness information, the process proceeds from step S141 to step S145. In step S145, the power tightness information is received, and notification is made to prompt the user to confirm whether or not to change the reservation.

As a specific notification method, the display unit 25 displays information indicating that power is tight, information on the status of the rice cooker, and the like, and confirms whether or not the reservation start time may be changed. Prompt display.
In addition, the rice cooker transmits information regarding the current status of the rice cooker and information prompting confirmation of whether or not the reservation start time may be changed from the information transmission unit 18b to the power usage status measuring unit 50. .

The power usage status measuring means 50 that has received these information displays the received information on the connected television or various display devices, etc., and can change the reservation start time if it is in the home. Display to prompt confirmation.
Further, the power usage status measuring means 50 may transmit these pieces of information to a portable terminal held by the user via the Internet.
After receiving such notification, the user operates the device 20 or the mobile terminal connected to the operation unit 20 or the power usage measurement unit 50 to determine whether to change the reservation start time. To answer.

  Next, when the above process is completed, the process proceeds to step S146, and it is determined whether or not information indicating whether or not to change the reservation start time is input, that is, whether or not there is an instruction from the user. If the information in step S146 is input, the process proceeds to step S147, and it is determined whether the input changes the reservation start time.

If the information input in step S147 can change the reservation start time, the process proceeds to S142, the normal rice cooking control is set, and the process proceeds to S143. At this time, the control unit 16 may change the reservation time in a change time in which the reservation time is set in advance or in a time zone in which the power supply status is stable.
If the information input in step S147 is the content for which the change of the reservation start time is rejected, the process proceeds to step S148, the energy saving rice cooking control is set, and the process proceeds to S143.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S146 that the reservation start time is not changed, the process proceeds to step S149.
In step S149, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the process in step S145 was completed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S146. When predetermined time has passed, it transfers to step S148 and sets energy-saving rice cooking control.
If there is power tightness information in advance, and if the setting for changing the reservation start time is made, the above routine may be omitted.

As described above, after the rice cooker is configured to obtain power tightness information from the outside and automatically change the reservation time, after confirming whether the reservation can be changed for the user, Since the reservation time is changed, the reservation time is not changed unintentionally by the user.
In addition, when predetermined time has passed in step S149, it is configured to set the energy saving control, but when the setting that gives priority to the cooked rice (deliciousness of rice) is made, You may transfer to step S142 and set to normal rice cooking control.

(Embodiment 7)
Next, Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the present embodiment, the rice cooking reservation time is changed in consideration of the operation reservation status of other devices connected to the power usage status measuring means 50 during standby for rice cooking reservation.

First, after the rice cooking reservation is started, the control unit 16 proceeds to step S151. In step S151, it is determined whether or not the current time is a reserved time. If the current time has passed the reserved time, the process proceeds to step S152 to start cooking rice.
If the current time has not reached the reserved time in step S151, the process proceeds to step S153. Step S153 determines whether there is power tightness information from the outside of the rice cooker. If there is no power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S151. When there is power tightness information, the process proceeds to step S154.

In step S154, operation reservation information of other devices connected to the power usage status measuring unit 50 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S155.
In step S155, based on the acquired reservation information of other devices, the operation reservation time of the rice cooker is changed, and the process proceeds to step S151. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation reservation time is changed so that the rice cooking control is started before the time required for the preheating process and the cooking process rather than the start time of the operation reservation of other models.

When configured as in the present embodiment, it is possible to shift the operation time between devices in the home, and to prevent a situation where power is tight in the home.
That is, in the case of this Embodiment, electric power can be prevented from being used simultaneously at the same time by shifting the time of the cooking process which uses electric power most by rice cooking control with the operation start time of another apparatus. For example, the cooking time of the rice cooker and the time zone that is in the high output state at the start of operation of the air conditioner that has started operation by reservation can be shifted.

(Embodiment 8)
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to Embodiment 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In this embodiment, at the time of setting a rice cooking reservation, the operation reservation status of other devices connected to the power usage status measuring means 50 is grasped, and a notification for prompting the change of the rice cooking reservation time is performed. .

First, when reservation setting is started, the process proceeds to step S161, where the operation reservation status of other devices connected to the power usage status measuring means 50 is acquired and displayed on the display unit 25, and step S162 is performed. Migrate to
In step S162, when rice cooking is performed at the reservation time input by the user, if the cooking process time and the reservation time of another model overlap, the user is notified.

  If configured as in the present embodiment, during the operation reservation of the rice cooker, it is possible to shift the operation time for using a lot of power between the devices, and the situation that the power is tight in the home. Can be prevented.

A electric rice cooker, 1 rice cooker body, 2 inner pot support case, 3 coil stand, 4, 5 inner pot accommodating section, 6 induction heating coil, 15 front panel, 16 control section, 18a information receiving section, 18b information transmitting section , 20 Operation part, 21 Rice cooking start key, 22 Cut / heat key, 23 Reservation timer key, 24 Menu key, 25 Display part, 30 Cover, 40 Inner pan, 42 Cooked food, 43 Rice, 44 Water, 50 Electricity use Situation measurement means.

Claims (25)

An inner pot for cooking,
Heating means for heating the inner pot;
A control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking,
The rice cooking control has normal control for performing normal rice cooking control, and energy saving control for performing rice cooking control with less power consumption than the normal control,
The said control part performs rice cooking control by selecting either the said normal control or the said energy saving control according to the electric power condition of use environment, The electric rice cooker characterized by the above-mentioned. The rice cooking control consists of a plurality of steps,
The said control part selects either the said normal control or the said energy-saving control according to the electric power condition of use environment before the start of each said process, The rice cooking control is performed, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Electric rice cooker. The energy-saving control is composed of a strong energy-saving rice cooking control that performs less-power-consuming rice cooking control and a weak energy-saving rice cooking control that consumes more power than the strong energy-saving rice cooking control,
When the rice cooking control is set in advance to be energy-saving control,
When the power situation of the usage environment is tight, perform the energy-saving rice cooking control,
The electric rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the weak energy-saving rice cooking control is performed when the power condition of the usage environment is not tight. The energy-saving control is composed of a strong energy-saving rice cooking control that performs less-power-consuming rice cooking control and a weak energy-saving rice cooking control that consumes more power than the strong energy-saving rice cooking control,
When the rice cooking control is set to be performed in normal control in advance,
When the power situation of the usage environment is tight, change to the strong energy-saving rice control or the weak energy-saving rice control to perform rice cooking control,
The electric rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the normal control is performed when the power condition of the usage environment is not tight. Having a notification means connected to the control unit;
5. The electric rice cooker according to claim 4, wherein when the rice cooking control is changed to the strong energy saving rice cooking control or the weak energy saving rice cooking control, the notification means notifies the change. An inner pot for cooking,
Heating means for heating the inner pot;
A control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking,
The rice cooking control has normal control for performing normal rice cooking control, and energy saving control for performing rice cooking control with less power consumption than the normal control,
The said control part performs rice cooking control by selecting either the said normal control or the said energy saving control according to the time to use, The electric rice cooker characterized by the above-mentioned. The energy-saving control is composed of a strong energy-saving rice cooking control that performs less-power-consuming rice cooking control and a weak energy-saving rice cooking control that consumes more power than the strong energy-saving rice cooking control,
When the rice cooking control is set in advance to be energy-saving control,
When the time to use is in a state of tight power, perform the energy-saving rice cooking control,
The electric rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein the weak energy-saving rice cooking control is performed when the time of use is not in a state where the power situation is tight. The energy-saving control is composed of a strong energy-saving rice cooking control that performs less-power-consuming rice cooking control and a weak energy-saving rice cooking control that consumes more power than the strong energy-saving rice cooking control,
When the rice cooking control is set to be performed in normal control in advance,
When the time to use is in a state where the power situation is tight, change to the strong energy-saving rice control, or the weak energy-saving rice control, perform rice cooking control,
The electric rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein the normal control is performed when the time of use is not in a state where the power situation is tight. Having a notification means connected to the control unit;
The electric rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein when the rice cooking control is changed to the strong energy saving rice cooking control or the weak energy saving rice cooking control, the notification means notifies the change. An inner pot for cooking,
Heating means for heating the inner pot;
An information receiving unit for receiving information from outside;
An information transmission unit for transmitting information to the outside;
A control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking,
The rice cooking control has normal control for performing normal rice cooking control, and energy saving control for performing rice cooking control with less power consumption than the normal control,
The control unit performs rice cooking control by selecting either the normal control or the energy saving control according to the power status of the usage environment. When changing from the normal control to the energy saving control, the user The electric rice cooker characterized by performing the confirmation process which confirms the said change with respect to.   11. The electric rice cooker according to claim 10, wherein when there is answer information permitting a change from the normal control to the energy saving control from a user, the control unit changes to energy saving control.   The said control part is changed into energy-saving control, when the reply information which permits changing from the said normal control to the said energy-saving control from a user does not pass predetermined time, The change to Claim 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. The electric rice cooker described. The rice cooking control consists of a plurality of steps,
The said control part performs rice cooking control by selecting either the said normal control or the said energy saving control according to the electric power condition of use environment before the start of each said process. Electric rice cooker.   The information transmitting unit and the information receiving unit are connected to a power usage status measuring unit that is a system that supports energy management in a home or the like, and the answer information and the confirmation process are performed via the power usage status measuring unit. The electric rice cooker according to claim 10, wherein the electric rice cooker is performed.   The information receiving unit is connected to a power usage status measuring unit that is a system that supports energy management in a home or the like, and receives information on a power status of a usage environment from the power usage status measuring unit. The electric rice cooker according to claim 10. An inner pot for cooking,
Heating means for heating the inner pot;
An information receiving unit for receiving information from outside;
An information transmission unit for transmitting information to the outside;
A control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking,
The information receiving unit and the information transmitting unit can be connected to a power usage measuring unit that is a system that supports energy management in a home or the like,
The rice cooking control has normal control for performing normal rice cooking control, and energy saving control for performing rice cooking control with less power consumption than the normal control,
The control unit receives an operation status of another device connected to the power usage status measurement unit, and performs either the normal control or the energy saving control based on the priority of the operation with the other device. Electric rice cooker characterized by selecting and performing rice cooking control.   When the operation priority is higher than other devices connected to the power usage measurement unit, the control unit sends information indicating that power is not reduced from the information transmission unit to the power usage measurement unit. The electric rice cooker according to claim 16, wherein the electric rice cooker performs normal control by transmission.   When the operation priority is lower than other devices connected to the power usage measurement unit, the control unit sends information indicating that the power is reduced from the information transmission unit to the power usage measurement unit. The electric rice cooker according to claim 16, wherein the electric rice cooker performs energy saving control by transmitting. An inner pot for cooking,
Heating means for heating the inner pot;
An information receiving unit for receiving information from outside;
An information transmission unit for transmitting information to the outside;
A control unit for controlling the heating means to control rice cooking,
The information receiving unit and the information transmitting unit can be connected to a power usage measuring unit that is a system that supports energy management in a home or the like,
The rice cooking control has normal control for performing normal rice cooking control, and energy saving control for performing rice cooking control with less power consumption than the normal control,
It has a reservation rice cooking function that inputs the reservation time such as rice cooking start time and cooking time in advance and starts rice cooking control at a predetermined time,
The said control part changes the said reservation time according to the electric power condition of use environment, The electric rice cooker characterized by the above-mentioned.   The said control part performs the confirmation process which confirms the said change with respect to a user, before changing reservation time, The electric rice cooker of Claim 19 characterized by the above-mentioned.   21. The electric rice cooker according to claim 20, wherein the control unit performs normal control when there is answer information permitting the user to change the reservation time.   21. The electric rice cooker according to claim 20, wherein the control unit performs energy saving control when there is answer information that does not permit the user to change the reservation time.   21. The electric rice cooker according to claim 20, wherein the control unit performs energy saving control when there is no response information from the user regarding the change of the reservation time even if a predetermined time has elapsed.   When the power status of the usage environment becomes tight before reaching the reservation time, the control unit displays the operation reservation status of other devices connected to the power usage status measurement means. The electric rice cooker according to claim 19, wherein the electric rice cooker is acquired and the reservation time is changed.   The said control part acquires the driving reservation status of the other apparatus connected to the said electric power usage condition measurement means, when setting a reservation time, It alert | reports to a user, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The electric rice cooker described.

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