JP2016054783A - Electric rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow operation by an operation switch even when there is no detection input of a human detection sensor in an electric rice cooker which is provided with the human detection sensor and is configured to control a function of the operation switch in accordance with detection input or no detection input of the human detection sensor.SOLUTION: There are provided: an operation unit performing operation setting of control input to rice cooker control means in a conductive state; and a human detection sensor which detects whether or not there is an operator operating the operation unit, controls the operation unit into a conductive state in which setting of the control input to the rice cooker control means is possible when the operator is present, and controls the operation unit into a non-conductive state in which setting of the control input to the rice cooker control means is impossible when the operator is not present. Even when the operation unit is controlled into the non-conductive state and the human detection sensor does not detect the presence of the operator, the conductive state is recovered in the case where the operator operates the operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The invention of this application is provided with a human sensor that detects the presence of a person by receiving infrared rays from the human body, and controls the operation setting unit and the like of the rice cooker to a desired operation state based on the detection result. Regarding the configuration of the electric rice cooker, more specifically, the configuration of the electric rice cooker that can reliably control the operation setting unit and the like of the rice cooker to a desired operation state even when the detection function of the occupant sensor is insufficient. It is about.

  In recent electric rice cookers, in addition to ordinary white rice rice cooking, for example, brown rice and miscellaneous rice cooking, rice cooking functions such as rice cooking, rice bran, rice crackers, etc. Even those with functions such as adjustment, finishing level adjustment, voice guide, cooking, and washing the inner pot are provided.

  In such an electric rice cooker having many functions, there are a large number of operation switches in the operation panel portion for performing operation setting of each function, and a display for displaying information necessary for those operations. The display amount of the panel portion is also large (see, for example, the configuration of the electric rice cooker disclosed in Patent Document 1).

  In the case of an electric rice cooker having such a configuration, as a matter of course, in a standby state (operation standby state) in which an AC power source is connected to the power circuit in the rice cooker body and waiting for its operation setting, as control means As well as the microcomputer control unit, the various switch circuits on the operation panel side operation board are maintained in the activated state (power supply state), and the liquid crystal display drive circuit and lighting circuit on the display panel side are also supplied with power and driven Since it is necessary to maintain the state, wasteful power of a predetermined amount or more is always consumed, and more wasteful power is consumed when the standby time becomes longer.

  In order to solve such problems, recently, a real-time clock function (RTC function) is added to the microcomputer control unit for controlling the operation state of the operation panel and the display panel portion, and in the standby state. When the operation panel is not operated for a predetermined time or more, the WAIT mode (energy saving mode) for automatically saving (or turning off) the power of the switch circuit, the display panel driving circuit, and the lighting circuit is changed, What has been proposed to reduce power consumption as much as possible. And, in the case of an electric rice cooker that adopts the WAIT mode in such an operation standby state, of course, under the same WAIT mode, the operation switch is operated unless the WAIT mode is canceled by some means. Is invalid (cannot be input), and display and illumination on the display panel are not performed (non-driven, unlit).

  Therefore, in the case of an electric rice cooker that adopts the WAIT mode in the same operation standby state, the return from the WAIT mode in the operation standby state to the normal standby mode in which operation setting input, display, and illumination can be performed is performed with the original operation switch. Separately, it is common to provide a dedicated WAIT mode release switch and press the WAIT mode release switch as necessary.

JP 2013-244107 A

  Certainly, an operation switch dedicated to canceling the WAIT mode (energy saving mode) is provided, and if the WAIT mode is canceled by pressing the operation switch, the operation setting input is possible from the standby state in the WAIT mode where the operation setting input is impossible. It is possible to reliably return to the standby state of the normal mode.

  However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to install an operation switch dedicated to canceling the WAIT mode, and there is a problem in that it is not convenient in the sense that an ON operation is necessary each time. Also, if an operation switch dedicated to canceling the WAIT mode is provided, it is difficult to understand the presence of the switch, forgetting to press it, etc., the WAIT mode cannot be canceled, and the necessary operation setting input cannot be performed. There is a problem that can easily cause product trouble.

  In order to solve such a problem appropriately, for example, the electric rice cooker itself has a function of automatically detecting the presence of a person, and for example, a WAIT in which operation setting input is impossible depending on whether or not there is a person. Operation status of the electric rice cooker's operation panel and display panel, such as whether to maintain the standby status in the mode or to return to the standby mode in the normal mode where operation setting input is possible Is desired to be controlled in a desired state.

  Therefore, in order to respond to such a request, for example, the electric rice cooker receives infrared rays emitted from the human body, and whether or not the user is at a position corresponding to a predetermined rice cooker such as an operation corresponding position. It has been studied to provide an infrared human sensor for detection.

  Thus, when a human sensor is provided in an electric rice cooker, it becomes possible to detect the presence of a user in a predetermined corresponding area of the electric rice cooker, and the user is not in a predetermined corresponding position with respect to the electric rice cooker body. If there is no detection input from the presence sensor, the operation switch part of the operation panel, the display part of the display panel, the illumination part, etc. are automatically set to the WAIT mode (power-off mode or power-saving mode). While maintaining and reducing the power consumption as much as possible, when the user is in the corresponding position (when there is a detection input of the human sensor), the WAIT mode (energy saving mode) is automatically canceled. Thus, it is possible to return to the normal mode in which desired operation setting input, display, and illumination can be performed. Therefore, compared with the conventional case where an operation switch dedicated to canceling the WAIT mode is provided and the switch has to be turned on every time an operation setting is to be made, the convenience is very high. In addition, there is no need to provide an operation switch dedicated to canceling the WAIT mode.

  However, in the course of various studies and developments, it has been found that there are some problems even when such a human sensor is provided. One of them is the problem of the dead area of the human sensor.

  In other words, the infrared human sensor is highly temperature-dependent in terms of its characteristics, and inputs infrared light at a predetermined temperature or higher, and detects the presence of a target person (user) from the change in the input direction. It has become. Since a person is to detect, the predetermined infrared temperature to be detected is naturally based on the body temperature of the person, and the input amount of infrared radiation radiated based on the body temperature of the person is the reference.

  However, the body temperature of this person is a relatively low temperature of around 36.5 ° C., and the ambient temperature (room temperature) around the sensor part of the human sensor may rise to an equivalent temperature on a summer day or the like. . It is also susceptible to the heating temperature of air conditioners and the like. In such a case, it is impossible to distinguish whether the amount of infrared rays input to the human sensor is due to ambient temperature or radiation from the user's body, making it impossible to accurately detect people. There is. That is, the reliability of the detection input itself of the human sensor is impaired.

  The human sensor includes, for example, a light receiving unit that includes a light receiving lens and collects infrared light from the outside and a light receiving circuit unit that receives the infrared light collected by the light receiving unit and outputs an electrical signal. The infrared light incident through the light-receiving lens of the light-receiving unit is selected to have a preset band by passing through an infrared filter, and then collected in the pyroelectric element part in the light-receiving circuit unit. The voltage signal corresponding to the amount of received light output from the part is impedance-converted, amplified to a predetermined voltage level, and then output.

  The pyroelectric element is composed of, for example, a pair of pyroelectric electrodes made of pyroelectric ceramics, which is a kind of piezoelectric ceramic, arranged in parallel with each other, and the pair of pyroelectric electrodes parallel to each other. Detecting the distance of each incident infrared light source and detecting the user's movement based on the change in the difference between the detection distances within a predetermined time to determine whether or not the user is present ing.

  Therefore, the light receiving lens part of the light receiving part necessarily has a limit of the incident angle in the circumferential direction, and the incident angle is determined based on the opening diameter and depth of the infrared inlet to the human sensor formed in the rice cooker part. It is also limited by this.

  As a result, for example, when trying to operate the operation panel by extending only the hand from an undetectable area outside the incident angle range of the human sensor, such as the side part or rear part of the rice cooker body, Since the sensation sensor does not detect the presence of the user and the WAIT mode cannot be released, there arises a problem that the operation setting cannot be performed even though the user operates the necessary operation switch.

  In addition, when a human sensor is provided on the lid, the high-temperature “rice ball” blown out from the steam unit (pressure adjustment unit) flows to the infrared sensor inlet port of the human sensor, and there is no user. Regardless, it is also conceivable to put the human sensor into a detection state. Therefore, there is the same problem as when the ambient temperature around the sensor unit is high. In addition, when the "Oneba" is cooled to a state lower than the human body temperature, such a temperature problem is solved, but since the "Oneba" covers the cover surface of the infrared inlet, There is a problem that the sensitivity of the human sensor is lowered and the detection function is lowered.

  The invention of this application was made in order to solve the technical problem when a human sensor is provided in such an electric rice cooker, and the human sensor as described above cannot perform an appropriate detection function. In the insensitive area, even when there is no detection input of the human sensor, if the operation switch part of the operation panel having at least a plurality of operation switches is operated, the operation of the operation switch part is a condition. An object of the present invention is to provide an electric rice cooker that controls the plurality of operation switches so that they can be input.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured with the following problem solving means.
(1) Problem Solving Means of the Invention of Claim 1 An electric rice cooker according to the present invention includes an inner pot, a rice cooker main body that stores the inner pot so as to be removable, and the rice cooker main body that is stored therein. Inner pot heating means for heating the inner pot, a lid provided on the top of the rice cooker body, which can be opened and closed, a control means for controlling the heating state of the inner pot heating means during rice cooking or heat retention, and an energized state , It is possible to detect the presence or absence of an operation unit that performs operation setting of control input to the control means and an operator who operates the operation unit, and when the operator exists, the operation unit can be set to control input. An electric rice cooker comprising a human sensor that controls the operation unit to a non-energized state where control input cannot be set when there is no operator. Control to a non-energized state where control input cannot be set Even if the human sensor does not detect the presence of the operator, the control input can be set to the operation unit when the operator operates the operation unit. It is characterized by returning to the energized state.

  As described above, in the energized state, in addition to the operation unit for setting the operation of the control input to the control means such as the microcomputer, the presence / absence of the operator who operates the operation unit is detected. An electric sensor provided with a human sensor that controls the control unit to an energized state in which control input can be set, but controls the operation unit to a non-energized state in which control input cannot be set when there is no operator. Even if the operation unit is controlled in a non-energized state where control input cannot be set in the rice cooker and the human sensor does not detect the presence of the operator, at least the operation When the user operates the operation unit, if the operation unit is returned to the energized state where the control input can be set, for example, an operation switch is operated from outside the detection area of the human sensor. Case and human sensor Even if the ambient temperature around the sensor exceeds the same temperature as the human body temperature, or if it is difficult to rely on the detection function of the human sensor, such as the effect of “nebaba”, When the operation unit is operated, the operation unit can be reliably returned to the energized state in which the control input can be set.

Therefore, when the operation switch is operated from outside the detection area of the human sensor, or when the sensor unit ambient temperature of the human sensor exceeds the same temperature as the human body temperature, the detection function of the human sensor functions properly. In such a case, the necessary rice cooking or heat insulation information can be surely input and set even in the case where there is an influence of “Gift”.
(2) The problem solving means of the invention of claim 2 The problem solving means of the present invention is the structure of the problem solving means of the invention of claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a plurality of touch switches having touch keys and the plurality of touch switches. When the human sensor does not detect the presence of the operator for a predetermined time or longer, it shifts to a non-energized state and each control input This is characterized in that the illumination means is turned off and cannot be seen from the outside.

  As described above, the operation unit includes a plurality of touch switches provided with touch keys and illumination means for illuminating the touch key portions of the plurality of touch switches, and the human sensor is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more. When the presence of a person is not detected, the state shifts to a non-energized state, the setting of the control input becomes impossible, and the illumination means is turned off so that it cannot be seen from the outside. Power consumption due to unnecessary energization of the illumination means is eliminated, and energy saving performance is improved. Moreover, the design of the operation surface of the rice cooker main body in the operation standby state becomes novel, and the customer suction power at the time of sale is improved.

  In the case of such a configuration, when shifting to the non-energized state, the user cannot determine the position and type of each touch switch, and if it is appropriately operated based on the memory, it causes an erroneous operation. Moreover, giving priority to the energy saving function, not only the illumination means but also the operation power supply of the touch switch operation input circuit itself is turned off or reduced to the save state, so normal input determination cannot be performed. . Therefore, in this state, any touch switch is operated, the operation is invalidated and no input is made.

  Therefore, when the operation switch is operated from outside the detection area of the human sensor, or the ambient temperature around the sensor part of the human sensor is equal to or higher than the human body temperature, the detection function of the human sensor is appropriate. If the motion sensor does not properly detect the user's approach to the rice cooker body, such as when there is an effect of “Onenba”, it will not be possible to set the input of rice cooking or warming information indefinitely. Become.

  Therefore, as shown in the problem solving means of the invention of claim 1, even when there is no human detection input of the human sensor, the operation of the operation unit, that is, one of a plurality of touch switches, or a plurality of When an object is touched, first, the operation input circuits of the plurality of touch switches and the respective illumination means are returned to the energized state, the control input can be set, and the illumination means is lit to turn on each touch switch. Clearly display the location and type.

Then, a desired touch switch is input again and necessary control inputs are set through an operation input circuit corresponding to the switch. As a result, the control input cannot be set by the operation by the return operation to the energized state in the non-energized state where the position and type of each touch switch cannot be determined.
(3) Problem solving means of the invention of claim 3 The problem solving means of the invention is the non-energization in which the control means cannot set the control input in the structure of the problem solving means of the invention of claim 1 or 2. It is characterized in that the operation input is not judged for the operation of the operation unit for returning from the state to the energized state where the control input can be set.

  The first operation of the operation unit to return to the energized state where the control input can be set from the deenergized state where the control input cannot be set is to cancel the non-energized state with high energy saving performance and set the control input. Since it is only necessary to return to a possible energized state, it is not necessary to specify the operation target (switch) of the operation unit, such as when setting and inputting rice cooking and heat insulation information. The non-energized state can be reliably canceled by rough touch operation without specifying the number of objects (number of switches). Therefore, it is not preferable to determine the operation input corresponding to the operation of the operation unit.

  In particular, as in the configuration of the problem solving means of the invention of claim 2, the operation unit is composed of a plurality of touch switches provided with touch keys, each of which is provided with illumination means, and considering the energy saving performance. In a non-energized state, when each lighting switch is turned off and each touch switch cannot be seen from the outside, the lighting means is not turned on and the touch switch is not displayed. It is impossible to perform an accurate touch operation that specifies the above. Therefore, if the input can be determined by the same operation, an erroneous control input setting is likely to occur.

  Therefore, in the determination of the operation state of the plurality of touch switches for returning from the non-energized state where the control input cannot be set to the energized state where the control input can be set, any one or more of the plurality of touch switches are determined. It is configured so that only an operation fact that an object has been operated is determined and input determination for control input setting such as which operation switch is operated is not performed.

Thus, erroneous control input settings due to erroneous touch switch operations are reliably avoided.
(4) Problem Solving Means of the Invention of Claim 4 The problem solving means of the present invention is the configuration of the problem solving means of the invention of claim 1, 2 or 3 in a non-energized state where control input cannot be set. When there is a detection input of the human sensor, the detection input of the human sensor is prioritized to return to the energized state in which the control input can be set.

  As in the configuration of the problem solving means of the invention of claim 1, 2 or 3, as means for returning from the non-energized state considering the energy saving performance in which the control input cannot be set to the energized state in which the control input can be set When two means, that is, a return means by a human sensor and a return means by operating the operation unit are provided, even if one of the return means does not operate, the other return means can be used to reliably return. Therefore, a more reliable return function can be realized.

  However, even in that case, if there is a normal detection input of the human sensor, the detection input of the human sensor is given priority to cancel the non-energized state and return to the energized state. It is preferable that the non-energized state is canceled only when there is no human detection input on condition that the operation unit is operated.

  When the user appropriately approaches the rice cooker body, it is faster for the human sensor to detect the user's approach than to touch the operation switch of the operation unit, and the energy-saving mode cancellation response is high. In addition, it is highly convenient because it does not require any operation and is automatically released, and control input can be set by operating the operation switch of the first operation unit, so it only releases the de-energized state. No needless operation.

  As a result of the above, according to the invention of this application, although the user is trying to operate the operation switch of the operation panel, the human sensor is in the insensitive area, the detection function does not work, Even when input settings cannot be made, it is possible to return to the energized state where control input can be set from the non-energized state where control input cannot be set reliably, and to enable input settings for rice cooking and heat insulation information. Thus, even when a human sensor is provided, rice cooking using an operation switch and input setting of heat insulation information can be made without impairing the original appropriate operation feeling of the operation unit.

The rice cooker body of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the invention of this application in the WAIT mode setting state (non-energized state in which control input setting, operation of the operation panel portion, display, illumination, etc. is impossible) It is a top view which shows the structure of an upper surface part. In the WAIT mode release state (control input setting, operation panel operation, display, lighting, etc. energized state), the top surface portion of the rice cooker body of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the invention of this application It is a top view which shows a structure. It is sectional drawing in the AA line cutting | disconnection part of FIG. 1 which shows the structure inside the rice cooker main body of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. It is an expanded sectional view of the left half part of FIG. 3 (front part remove | excluding the cover body) which shows the structure inside the rice cooker main body of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. Configuration of shoulder member, shoulder heater frame, shoulder heater cover, seal sliding packing, and each part of metal plate in rice cooker body shoulder of rice cooker body of electric rice cooker according to first embodiment of invention of this application FIG. The outer pot of the rice cooker body of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second protective frame unit (upper), the first protective frame unit (lower), the magnetic shielding plate, the first FIG. 5 is a vertical exploded perspective view showing configurations of respective parts of the second work coil, the ferrite core, and the coil base. It is an expanded sectional view in the BB line cutting part of Drawing 1 which shows the installation state of a human sensor in the lid front part part of the rice cooker main part of the electric rice cooker concerning a 1st embodiment of the invention of this application. is there. It is sectional drawing of the principal part in the CC line cutting | disconnection part of FIG. 1 which shows the installation state of the human sensor in the cover body part of the rice cooker main body of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. is there. It is a partially notched front view which shows the structure of the sensor main-body part and light-receiving lens part of the human sensitive sensor in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application. It is a front view which shows the structure of the sensor main-body part of the human sensitive sensor in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure (arrangement | positioning state of the pyroelectric electrode in a sensor main-body part) of the human sensor in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the light-receiving part of the human sensitive sensor in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application, and an output circuit part (detection circuit part). It is a top view of the whole microcomputer board which shows the installation state of the human sensor on the microcomputer board in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application invention. It is an enlarged plan view of the microcomputer board corner part of FIG. 13 which shows the installation state of the human sensor on the microcomputer board in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic (mechanism) of the human detection effect | action by the several pyroelectric electrode of the human sensitive sensor of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a wave form diagram of the sensor part output signal which shows the characteristic of the human detection effect | action by the several pyroelectric electrode of the human sensitive sensor of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. It is a perspective view which shows the installation state of the inclination sensor on the battery substrate in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the inclination sensor in the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application, and an electrical circuit structure. Side view for explanation showing the relationship between the open / closed state of the lid and the tilt angle detection state (tilt angle detection action) of the tilt sensor in the rice cooker body portion of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the invention of this application. It is. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the control circuit centering on the microcomputer control knit of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of invention of this application. It is a flowchart which shows the control action in the operation standby state of the operation panel part by the control circuit of FIG. 20 of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this application. It is a flowchart which shows the control action in the operation standby state of the operation panel part using the control circuit of FIG. 20 of the said 1st Embodiment of the said 1st Embodiment of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this application.

Hereinafter, with reference to accompanying drawings of FIGS. 1 to 21 and 22, the configuration and operation of an electric rice cooker according to some embodiments for carrying out the invention of this application will be described in detail.
(1) About 1st Embodiment First, in FIGS. 1-8, the structure of the main part relevant to the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the main body is shown. However, in FIGS. 9-16, the structure of the human sensor used for the rice cooker main-body part of the electric rice cooker and the installation state on a board | substrate are also shown in FIGS. The installation state and internal configuration of the tilt sensor used in the rice cooker body of the electric rice cooker and the operating principle are shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 20 shows the microcomputer control unit using the human sensor and the tilt sensor. FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the control system, and FIG. 21 shows the control operation in the operation standby state of the operation panel using the control system of FIG.
<About the structure of the electric rice cooker body>
The electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment for carrying out the invention of this application has, as a structural feature, an operation switch portion of an operation panel configured by a capacitive touch switch having a touch key. In addition, the touch key portion of the touch switch is displayed by illuminating it from below with a light emitting diode (LED), and a person who detects the presence of a user who is trying to operate the touch switch. The touch sensor and the control means for controlling the energization state of the light emitting diodes are provided, and when the user has not been in a predetermined detection corresponding area corresponding to the operation panel for a predetermined time or longer, the same touch is provided. Control the switches and light emitting diodes to the non-energized state, By each OFF the illumination function of Tchisuitchi operation input function or a light emitting diode, so as to reduce power consumption as much as possible.
On the other hand, when the human sensor detects that the user is in a predetermined detection corresponding area corresponding to the operation panel in the non-energized state, the touch switch and the light emitting diode are returned to the energized state, The operation input function of the touch switch and the lighting function of the light emitting diode are revived so that the setting operation of control input such as rice cooking information and heat insulation information can be performed.

  First, a rice cooker body in an electric rice cooker according to an embodiment of the invention of this application has a bottomed cylindrical inner pot 3 made of a ceramic material that contains rice and water, as shown in FIGS. (For example, a ceramic inner pot such as a clay pot), a bottomed cylindrical outer pot 6 made of the same ceramic material covering the bottom 3a to the side 3c of the inner pot 3, and the outer pot 6 on the bottom side. And a protective frame (inner case) 4 forming an inner hook storage groove 5 for arbitrarily storing and setting the inner hook 3 via the outer hook 6, and a protective frame for receiving and holding the protective frame 4 The main body case 1 is provided with a housing space, and a lid 2 is provided on the rear end side of the opening 5a of the inner hook housing groove 5 of the main body case 1 and opens and closes the opening 5a.

  The main body case 1 is composed of a synthetic resin side-side cylindrical outer case 1a and a synthetic resin bottom-side dish-shaped bottom case 1b. A synthetic resin, which will be described later, is placed inside the upper end of the outer case 1a. A shoulder member 8 made of resin is provided, and the protective frame 4 forming the inner hook housing groove 5 is connected and supported via the shoulder member 8. An edge 84 having an inverted U-shaped outer peripheral side cross section of the shoulder member 8 is engaged with the entire circumferential direction so as to be engaged with the engaging edge 10 having a bowl-shaped cross section on the upper end side of the outer case 1a. Yes.

  The protective frame 4 is composed of two upper and lower housing members, each of which is a synthetic resin molded first and second separate protective frame unit (lower unit) 4A and second protective frame unit (upper unit) 4B. The second protective frame unit 4B constituting the upper housing is laminated on the upper part of the first protective frame unit 4A constituting the lower housing, and is integrally formed.

  First, the first protective frame unit 4A constituting the lower housing includes a bottom portion 41a formed of a flat circular surface having a predetermined radius, and a predetermined height upward while gradually increasing the diameter from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 41a. A bent portion 41b extending in the direction of the curved portion 41b, a stepped portion 41c having a curved cross section formed on the upper edge of the bent portion 41b in a radially outward direction, and rising substantially vertically from the outer peripheral portion of the stepped portion 41c. The support wall 41d is formed with a cylindrical wall having a predetermined height. And this 1st protection frame unit 4A part is supported by the lower side coil stand 9 which mentions the bottom part 41a and the curved part 41b part later.

  Next, the second protective frame unit 4B constituting the upper housing is centered on a cylindrical wall 42b having a U-shaped cross section that is open outward in the radial direction, with a lower end on the lower side. A mounting portion 42a on the support wall 41d of the first protective frame unit 4A is provided, and a hook-like engagement step portion 42d that is enlarged outward in the predetermined radial direction is provided on the upper end side thereof. . An upper portion (substantially upper half portion) partitioned by the rib 42c on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 42b of the second protective frame unit 42B is an installation surface (coiled surface) of a third work coil C3 described later. And a third work coil C3 wound in two layers inside and outside is installed on the work coil installation surface.

  It should be noted that the installation surface of the third work coil C3 is not the entire vertical width of the cylindrical wall 42b, but, for example, the upper half portion, so that the lower first protective frame unit 4A is even a little. This is because the distance to the second work coil C2 on the side is enlarged to avoid mutual induced interference.

  The first and second protective frame units 4A and 4B are stacked and integrated vertically as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, so that the protective frame 4 formed as a whole with a bottomed cylindrical body structure can be obtained. On the bottom upper surface side (the upper surface side of the bottom portion 41a and the curved portion 41b of the first protective frame unit 4A), the bottom portion 6a and the curved portion 6b of the outer pot 6 made of the ceramic material are partially disposed in the radial direction. The upper portion of the ceramic outer pot 6 is pasted with a predetermined heat-insulating air layer maintained on a portion having a predetermined thickness and an adhesive portion (not shown) and without adhesive. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second induction heating elements G1 and G2 made of silver paste or silver spray are provided on each of a circular flat bottom 3a and a curved portion 3b on the rounded surface. The same circular bottom 3a of the inner pot 3 and its Flexure 3b on the rounded surface of the outer periphery is adapted to be accommodated while maintaining a predetermined clearance S.

  Then, in the same storage state, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper end of the side portion 6 c extends long up to the upper portion of the side portion 3 c of the inner hook 3. The outer hook 6 sufficiently covers the bottom 3 a of the inner hook 3 to the vicinity of the side 3 c.

  By the way, the outer hook 6 of this embodiment has a bowl-like structure as a whole, and the center of the flat circular bottom 6a corresponds to the center sensor fitting hole 10a at the center of the first protective frame unit 4A. A sensor part insertion hole 6e of the center sensor is provided, and the sensor part at the upper part of the center sensor CS fitted in the center sensor insertion hole 10a is inserted in a loosely fitting state so that it can be moved up and down. On the radially outer peripheral side, a hill for fitting high pedestal support members 61, 61,... Made of a heat-resistant elastic member such as silicon rubber for supporting the high pedestal 3e of the inner hook 3 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. Portion supporting member fitting holes 6f, 6f... Are provided. Further, from a heat-resistant elastic member such as silicon rubber that supports the outer periphery of the bent portion 3b of the inner hook 3 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction at a portion near the outer periphery of the bent portion 6b at the upper outer peripheral side. Centering support member fitting holes 6g, 6g,... For fitting the centering support members 62, 62,.

  In each of the fitting holes 6f, 6f, 6g, 6g,..., High base support members 61, 61,..., Centering support members 62,. .. Are respectively fitted and fixed to support the bottom portion 3a and the bent portion 3b of the inner hook 3, but the hill portion supporting members 61, 61,... Are provided on the lower first protective frame unit 4A. Are supported in a stable fixed state between the pocket portions P, P,... And the upper portion 3e portion of the outer periphery of the bottom portion 3a of the inner hook 3 is placed in a state where it abuts downward from above, as will be described later. When the protective frame 4 and the outer hook 6 that are elastically supported so as to be movable up and down via the floating support mechanism are lowered according to the weight of the inner hook 3, the outer peripheral side flange portion F of the opening 3d of the inner hook 3 is moved. On the inner edge 82 portion of the shoulder member 8 to be described later The inner hook 3 is hooked uniformly over the entire circumferential direction through the heat-resistant support member, and the protective frame 4 side first and second work coils C1, C2 and the first The second induction heat generating portions G1 and G2 are opposed to each other through an appropriate positional gap and through an appropriate induction gap, and an appropriate predetermined gap (heat storage / convection space) is formed between the outer induction heat sink 6 and the outer pot 6. ) Supported with S maintained.

  At the same time, the opposing position and the corresponding distance between the third induction heat generating portion G3 on the inner peripheral surface of the side portion 6c of the outer hook 6 and the side portion 6c portion of the inner hook 3 that are induction-heated by the third work coil C3. Is also maintained at an appropriate design position and design distance.

  On the other hand, the centering support members 62, 62,... On the outer peripheral side of the bent portion not only support the inner hook 3 in the protective frame 4 in an appropriate positional relationship via the outer hook 6 after being stored, The outer periphery of the bent portion 3b of the inner hook 3 stored at the time is guided in the entire periphery so as to be stored in an accurate positional relationship, and the centering function is properly performed.

  Further, the protruding dimensions of the hill support members 61, 61... And the centering support members 62, 62... To the inner side of the outer hook 6 are such that the inner hook 3 is properly fitted in the protective frame 4 as described above. 3 and 4 that are stored and set in a positional relationship, the dimensions are set so as to form an appropriate gap S between the outer peripheral surface of the inner hook 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer hook 6.

  As a result, in the storage state of the inner hook 3 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom portion 3a and the bent portion 3b of the inner hook 3 are heated by the heat generated by the first and second induction heating portions G1 and G2. The side portion 3c where the temperature is locally high and the heat at the same time is gradually conducted from the bottom portion 3a and the bent portion 3b side to the upper side portion 3c through the inside of the wall, and no induction heating portion is provided. The temperature on the side also increases gradually.

  Further, in the above configuration, in addition to this, the ceramic outer hook 6 is also provided inside the protective frame 4 in which the inner hook 3 is accommodated, and the first and second induction heating portions G1 and G2 are connected to each other. The outer periphery of the inner pot 3 is covered with the outer pot 6 made of ceramic, so that the bottom 3a of the inner pot 3 and the induction heating parts G1 and G2 of the bent part 3b and the vicinity of the induction heating parts G1 and G2 are outward. The heat radiated to the outer pot 6 is cut off by the outer pot 6 made of the same ceramic, and the radiant heat radiated outward from the induction heating section G1 of the bottom 3a of the inner pot 3, the induction heating section G2 of the bent section 3b and the vicinity thereof. Heats the inner hook 3 itself in such a way as to envelop the outer periphery of the inner pot 3, and the same heat is stored in the opposing surface portion between the outer hook 6 and the inner hook 3 and the gap S between them. The hot air heated in the state is Bottom 3a of the inner hook 3 through S, increases from the outer peripheral surface side of the curved portion 3b on the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 3c, the whole of the inner hook 3 the outer peripheral surface heating, so heated.

  As a result, the inner hook 3 reaches a relatively high temperature from the bottom 3a and the bent portion 3b side to the entire side portion 3c, and effectively stores the amount of heat. Therefore, the amount of heat generated in the first and second induction heat generating portions G1 and G2 can be used effectively.

  Furthermore, in the case of the configuration of this embodiment, in that case, a third induction heat generating portion G3 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the side portion of the outer hook 6 and corresponds to the third induction heat generating portion G3. A third work coil C3, which is electromagnetic induction means for inductively generating heat from the third induction heat generating part G3, is provided on the outer periphery of the side wall of the protective frame 4, and the side part 6c of the outer hook 6 is Heating is performed from the inner peripheral surface side.

  Accordingly, the ceramic outer hook 6 not only simply covers the outer periphery of the bottom 3a side of the inner hook 3 so as not to release heat, but also heats itself to a high temperature. Radiation heat from the hook 6 actively heats the inner inner pot 3 at a close distance with a slight gap S, and the inner pot 3 is not only on the bottom side but also on the side that has been underheated conventionally. The whole including 3c is effectively heated and heated. In this case, since the distance between the third work coil C3 and the third induction heating part G3 is short, the induction efficiency of the third induction heating part by the third work coil C3 is high, and noise is hardly generated.

  Moreover, the heating of the side portion 3c portion of the inner hook 3 is different from the case where the induction heating portion is directly provided in the side portion 3c portion of the inner hook 3, for example, and is heated at a predetermined distance from the outer pot 6 side. Since the inner hook 3 is heated by the radiant heat from the entire side portion 6c of the outer pot 6, the heating state becomes uniform, and the side portion of the inner pot 3 is heated. There is no possibility of causing scorching due to local heating as in the case of heating by directly providing an induction heating part in 3c and the like.

  In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the side portion 6c of the outer hook 6 is highly extended to the vicinity of the upper portion of the side portion 3c of the inner hook 3, and is located on the inner peripheral surface of the side portion 6c extended to be high. The third induction heat generating part G3 is provided, and a third work coil C3 for inductively generating heat by the third induction heat generating part G3 is provided on the outer periphery of the side wall of the protective frame 4 corresponding to the third induction heat generating part G3. Is provided.

  Therefore, in the ceramic outer hook 6, the inner peripheral surface of the side portion 6c extended to a position corresponding to the upper portion of the side portion 3c of the inner hook 3 is efficiently heated to become a high temperature. The upper portion of the side portion 3c of the inner pot 3 which has been underheated is also effectively heated, and the entire inner pot 3 including the side portion 3c and the upper portion thereof is effectively heated and heated. Thus, the space portion of the upper part of the rice in the inner pot 3 is maintained at a high temperature state (near 120 ° C.) similar to the case of rice cake.

In this case, the upper position of the side portion 3c of the inner pot 3 where the side portion 6c of the outer pot 6 where the third induction heat generating portion G3 is provided is determined, for example, from the rated rice cooking capacity of the electric rice cooker. It corresponds to the upper position vicinity (position above the position of the water at the time of water absorption) of the rice after completion of cooking. When doing so, it is possible to appropriately apply a sufficient and sufficient amount of heat similar to the case of rice cake to the cooked rice and its upper space position after completion of cooking determined from the rated rice cooking capacity of the electric rice cooker. Thus, it becomes possible to cook more delicious rice without causing uneven cooking without causing burning.
<About floating support structure of protective frame>
As described above, the protective frame 4 in this embodiment is configured by vertically integrating the first and second protective frame units 4A and 4B. The first protective frame unit 4a includes, for example, It is floatingly supported on the above-mentioned bottom case 1b via a floating support mechanism provided with a coil spring, and can be raised and lowered within a predetermined vertical dimension range.

  On the other hand, the second protective frame unit 4B is also raised and lowered in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 mounted on the upper part of the first protective frame unit 4A. As a result, the bowl-shaped outer hook 6 housed and installed in the bottomed cylindrical protective frame 4 composed of the first and second protective frame units 4A and 4B is also used for the first and second protective frame units. It moves up and down with 4A and 4B in the same manner (see arrows in FIG. 4).

  Therefore, when the inner pot 3 containing water and rice is stored on the outer pot 6 via the high platform support members 61, 61,... And the centering support members 62, 62,. According to the weight, the protective frame 4 and the outer hook 6 are lowered together with the inner hook 3 by a predetermined dimension, and the lower surface of the flange portion F at the outer end of the opening 3d of the inner hook 3 is connected to the opening 5a of the inner hook housing groove 5. The heat-resistant support member part on the inner peripheral edge part 82 of the shoulder member 8 is formed and supported in a state of being suspended from the part.

  As a result, in the case of this embodiment, the inner hook 3 provided with the first and second induction heat generating parts G1 and G2 on the bottom side is the first provided with the first and second work coils C1 and C2. The third work coil C3 and the third induction heating part G3 of the second protection frame unit 4B provided with the first and second work coils C1 and C2 and the third work coil C3 of the protection frame unit 4A The third induction heat generating part G3 of the outer pot 6 provided is set at an appropriate position and dimensional relationship.

At this time, the hill support members 61, 61... And the centering support members 62, 62... Set an appropriate gap S between the outer hook 6 and the inner hook 3, and the centering support members 62, 62. ·· fulfills the centering function of the inner hook 3 during storage as described above.
<About the seal structure of the clearance for lifting>
By the way, when the protective frame 4 and the outer pot 6 are made floating with respect to the rice cooker body as described above, and the lifting space D is formed between the shoulder member 8 and the upper end 6d of the side portion 6c of the outer pot 6, There is a risk that heat between the inner hook 3 and the outer hook 6 escapes from the ascending / descending space D to the outside, water on the outer periphery of the inner hook 3 may invade, and the inner pot housing groove 5 does not look good. There are problems such as.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, they are assembled on the inner peripheral edge side of the metal plate 32, 32 for reinforcing the shoulder heater frame 31 and the shoulder heater cover 30 with respect to the shoulder member 8 described above on the upper side of the lifting space D. Later, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, the shoulder member 8 is extended to a predetermined dimension on the inner peripheral surface side (opening inner peripheral surface side) of the upper end 6 d of the side portion 6 c of the lower outer hook 6. A skirt-like sliding packing 35 is attached to seal the elevating space D between the side portion 6c and the upper end 6d of the outer hook 6 in the inner and outer directions over the entire circumferential direction. When the shoulder member 8, the shoulder heater frame 31, the shoulder heater cover 31, the sliding packing 35, and the metal plates 32, 32 are superposed on each other and connected and integrated, the skirt portion of the sliding packing 35 ( The sealing edge 35b is the outer pot 6 It is adapted to slidably inscribed with the inner circumferential surface of the upper end 6d of the side 6c.

The packing 35 is provided with a fixing portion 35a fixed between the metal plates 32 and 32 and the shoulder heater cover 30 on the upper side of the skirt portion 35b. The fixing portion 35a is used to fix the packing 35. It is attached as shown in FIG.
Yes.
<Installation of shoulder heater at shoulder>
As described above, the opening 5a of the inner pot storage groove 5 in the rice cooker main body of this embodiment is fitted to the inner peripheral edge of the upper end 1c of the main body outer case 1a, as is apparent from FIGS. A shoulder member 8 to be fixed together, and a shoulder heater cover 30 and a shoulder heater frame 31 which are connected and fixed to the inside of the inner peripheral portion of the shoulder member 8 via metal plates 32 and 32 and packing 35 from below. However, the shoulder heater frame 31 has a U-shaped cross-section that opens outward in the radial direction, and a shoulder heater H made of, for example, a cord heater is provided on the entire outer periphery of the shoulder heater frame 31. ing. When the shoulder heater H generates heat, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in the housed state in the inner hook storage groove 5, the thicker wall is formed radially inward in the opening 3 d of the corresponding inner hook 3. The lower part of the heat keep part HK is efficiently heated to prevent the occurrence of dew in the part, thereby preventing the occurrence of white blurring of rice.
<About the configuration of the coil stand>
On the other hand, on the lower side of the protective frame 4 configured as described above (the lower side of the first protective frame unit 4A), a synthetic resin dish-shaped coil base 9 that supports the bottom of the protective frame 4 is provided. Is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the coil base 9 is positioned on the upper surface side in the circumferential direction 4, and the first and second work coils C <b> 1 on the outer peripheral surface side of the first protective frame unit 4 </ b> A. , Ferrite core housing grooves 9a, 9a,... Extending in the radial direction corresponding to C2 are provided, and the first and second ferrite core housing grooves 9a, 9a,. .. Are accommodated for the work coils C1, C2. The first and second work coils C1, C2 are supported in four directions by the upper surfaces of the ferrite core housing grooves 9a, 9a,. Then, the first protective frame unit 4A and the coil base 9 are connected and fixed to each other using a connecting portion on the outer peripheral side.

Further, on the outer peripheral side of the lower part of the coil base 9, four leg portions 9b, 9b,... Are provided downward corresponding to the positions of the ferrite core housing grooves 9a, 9a,. The leg portions 9b, 9b,... Are supported by floating support mechanisms 63, 63,... Provided on the bottom case 1b. A center sensor body fitting opening 9c is provided at the center of the coil base 9 so as to be concentric with the center sensor fitting hole 10a on the first protective frame unit 4A side. -The center sensor CS composed of an inner pan temperature detection sensor such as a thermistor is moved upward from below in a state that it can be moved up and down through the sensor body fitting port 9c and is always upwardly biased by a coil spring. It is installed so as to face.
<About the configuration of the lid>
On the other hand, the lid body 2 that covers the opening 5a of the inner pot housing groove 5 of the rice cooker body has an ABS resin that constitutes the outer peripheral surface thereof as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 7, for example. And the like, and a support surface portion of the nameplate main body 20 and a concave portion 21a for installing a microcomputer board etc. in the front portion on the upper surface side, and a central housing portion of the lid body 2 including the peripheral wall portion 21b. The upper plate 21 made of synthetic resin, the lower plate 22 made of the same synthetic resin provided on the inner side (lower side) of the upper plate 21, and the lower surface on the outer peripheral side of the central portion of the main body 22 a of the lower plate 22. A metal heat radiating plate 23 having a lid heater (not shown) fitted and fixed to the concave portion 22b from below via a rubber first packing 25, and provided below the heat radiating plate 23; A second rubber member is attached to the outer peripheral edge portion of the frame member 27 through a removable frame member 27 made of synthetic resin. Kkin 14 are formed from attached metal inner cover 24.

  As described above, the outer packing 14 portion of the inner cover 24 is detachably fitted and attached to the inner cover fitting recess 22b provided on the outer peripheral side of the central portion of the lower plate 22 from the lower side. . Further, the outer peripheral side edge 22c portion of the lower plate 22 is engaged with the lower end side inner peripheral surface portion of the peripheral wall 21c portion of the upper plate 21 having a predetermined vertical width.

  By the way, in order to increase the pressure resistance strength, the outer peripheral side portion of the rear end portion of the main body portion 22a of the lower plate 22 serving as the center is locked to the connecting piece on the hinge unit 11 side via a connecting piece, a screw or the like. At the same time, on the upper surface of the main body portion 22a of the lower plate 22, a metal reinforcing plate having a predetermined thickness, a predetermined structure, and a large number of reinforcing ribs are provided across the left and right and front and rear. The whole is formed into a high-strength structure.

  That is, the lower plate 22 has an intermediate portion of the outer periphery on the rear end side of the main body portion 22a bent upward and houses the above-described hinge unit 11 on the inner side, and on the outer end side thereof. The descending portion covers the hinge unit 11.

  And the rear-end side outer periphery of the main-body part 22a of these lower plates 22 is made into the bracket for attachment, The said lid body 2 has the rear-end side via the hinge unit 11 with respect to the shoulder member 8 of the said rice cooker main body upper part. A locking and unlocking mechanism 13 that engages with a predetermined position of the lid body 2 to open and close the lid body 2 in the vertical direction is provided on the open end side (front end side). Is provided.

  Further, the upper surface outer periphery 21b forming the nameplate support surface portion of the upper plate 21 is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, for example, a curved surface whose outer diameter is gradually enlarged from the upper side to the lower side. The lower end side is connected and integrated with the upper end side of the peripheral wall portion 21c described above via a nameplate fitting groove (U-shaped groove). The nameplate body 20 forming the transparent window 60c corresponding to the operation panel 60 surface and the liquid crystal panel 60A as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is formed into a shape corresponding to the support surface shape of each part of the upper plate 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7, the plate is integrated and integrated in a substantially flush state by using the nameplate fitting groove on the outer periphery of the upper plate 21. Further, a waterproof cover 80 made of, for example, PET resin for waterproofing and protection is further attached (polymerized) to the upper surface of the nameplate main body 20, and a so-called nameplate is constituted by both of them.

  The nameplate body 20 is provided in a downwardly inclined state in which the height gradually decreases from the rear end side steam unit 51 portion toward the front end side, as described later, and constitutes a support surface portion of the nameplate body 20. The supporting surface structure of the upper plate 21 is also a downward inclined surface structure corresponding to the front end side (see FIG. 8).

Further, the waterproof cover 80 on the upper surface of the nameplate body 20 is formed of, for example, a semi-transparent body or a colored transparent body and transmits infrared rays, but the lid is passed through a first light receiving opening 20c described later formed in the nameplate body 20. It is configured so that the body cannot be seen.
<Configuration of pressure adjustment mechanism in lid part>
In this embodiment, it shows about the case where it applies to a pressure type electric rice cooker as an example, and in the approximate center part of the above-mentioned lid 2, only steam is escaped to the outside while recovering the viscous component, and in the rice cooking process Accordingly, first and second pressure regulating units 26A and 26B for adjusting the pressure in the inner hook 3 in a plurality of stages are provided (the second pressure regulating unit 26B is omitted because it does not appear in the drawing). doing).

These first and second pressure regulating units 26A, 26B are, for example, pressures provided in the steam escape passages 50, 50a-50c and the steam escape passages 50, 50a-50c that detour from the inner pot 3 toward the outside. An adjustment mechanism is used. Each pressure adjusting mechanism includes first and second solenoid coils SL1 and SL2 (not shown). As shown in FIG. 20, these first and second solenoid coils SL1 and SL2 are driven by a solenoid coil drive circuit 111 controlled by a first microcomputer control unit (main microcomputer) 100A described later. It has become.
<About the configuration of the operation panel and display panel on the top of the lid>
The reference numeral 60 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is an operation panel, and this operation panel 60 is configured by using the nameplate body 20 described above, and has a predetermined depth on the back side of the front panel portion. A substrate and a liquid crystal panel storage box are provided, and a microcomputer substrate 60B and a liquid crystal panel (LCD) 60A having a microcomputer as rice cooking and heat retention control means are fitted in the opening of the upper plate 21 and the groove portion of the upper plate 21. They are stored together (see FIG. 7).

  The central portion has a transparent window 60C corresponding to the display surface of the liquid crystal panel 60A, and around the transparent window 60C, a rice cooking reservation switch SW1, a rice cooking switch SW2, a cancel switch SW3, a fire switch, Selection switch SW4, menu selection switch SW5 (return), SW6 (recommend), voice guidance switch SW7, heat retention selection switch SW8, clock for selecting a rice cooking menu (for example, white rice, quick cooking, rice bran, rice cracker, brown rice and other course menus) Various operation switches such as a timer time setting switch SW9, a minute setting switch SW10, and a finishing switch SW11 are provided. In the case of this embodiment, the operation panel 60 employs a capacitive touch panel, and the rice cooking reservation switch SW1, the rice cooking switch SW2, the cancel switch SW3, the hot rice selection switch SW4 for the timer rice cooking, Menu selection switches SW5 (return), SW6 (recommend), voice guide switch SW7, heat retention selection switch SW8, clock and timer time setting switch SW9 / minute setting switch SW10, and finishing switch SW11 are operated by touch keys. It consists of a touch switch consisting of (touch electrode) and a touch sensor. By measuring the stray capacitance generated between the touch key and the human body with the touch sensor, the touch key operation is detected. . Below these touch keys, although not shown, light emitting diodes (LEDs) L1 to L11 (LEDs L1 to L11) for displaying the operation surface portion (character display portion) of the touch keys brightly and clearly as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are omitted (refer to the circuit diagram of FIG. 20) (Note that FIG. 1 shows the light-emitting diodes L1 to L11 being turned off, so that the outline and characters of the touch key are shown. Although the display is not visible, when the light-emitting diodes L1 to L11 are turned on, it becomes as shown in FIG. 2, and the outline and character display of the touch key are clearly displayed and easy to operate).

  In this case, for the five rice cooking reservation switches SW1, rice cooking switch SW2, heat retention selection switch SW8, cancel switch SW3, and voice guide SW7, only one light emitting diode is provided at the center portion thereof. In the switches SW5 (return) and SW6 (proceed) and the time setting switch SW9 / minute setting switch SW10 of the clock and timer, the “·” portion between the SW5 and SW6 and between the SW9 and SW10 is also independent. Light emitting diodes L12 and L13 are provided for display. In the case of the fire control switch SW4 and the finish switch SW11, a plurality of sets (three sets) of light emitting diodes L14 to L16 and L17 to L19 each indicating the set level are provided.

  The liquid crystal panel 60A is further provided with backlight light emitting diodes L20 to L24.

  In the case of this embodiment, as described below, the microcomputer board 60B is provided with a human sensor MS made up of, for example, a pyroelectric sensor for detecting that a user is in a predetermined corresponding area such as an operation corresponding position. Regardless of the standby state, non-standby state, and other rice cooker operating states, for example, in the standby state for operations other than the standby state after control input settings such as during cooking, during timer reservation, and during warming, When the user is not in a predetermined corresponding area such as an operation corresponding position (when the human sensor MS does not detect the presence of the user for a predetermined time or more), the touch keys, touch sensors, and light emission of the operation switches SW1 to SW11 The diodes L1 to L19, the light emitting diodes L20 to L24 of the liquid crystal panel 60A, etc. are controlled to a WAIT mode (energy saving mode) to be described later, and the liquid crystal In addition to the display function and illumination function of the panel, the operation functions and illumination functions of the operation switches SW1 to SW11 are turned off to reduce power consumption as much as possible. As a result, in the same energy saving state, the waterproof cover 80 is made of, for example, a black translucent body or a colored transparent body, and, for example, as shown in FIG. The upper surface of is in an “opaque smoked state”, and nothing is visible except for the light receiving concave lens portion 80a of the human sensor MS described below.

Of course, in this case, necessary displays other than the operation standby state such as “cooking rice”, “during timer reservation”, and “warming” are performed.
<About the structure and installation structure of the human sensor on the lid>
In the case of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8, the above-described human sensor (motion sensor) MS is provided in the front left portion of the lid 2. The human sensor MS has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, for example. The user can check the operation setting or the operation setting state, the rice cooking state, the heat retaining state, the clock display, etc. It is configured to function as a human detection sensor that approaches the front-side operation corresponding position of the main body and detects that its upper body (for example, shoulder, face, hand, etc.) has come on the operation panel 60.

  That is, the human sensor MS includes a light receiving lens 91 and collects infrared light from the outside, and receives the infrared light collected by the light receiving unit 90a and outputs an electrical signal. It is composed of a light receiving circuit section (sensor body section) 90b, and the infrared light incident through the light receiving lens (Fresnel lens) 91 of the light receiving section 90a is passed through the infrared filter 92 and is selected to have a preset band. The voltage signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the pyroelectric element 93 in the light receiving circuit section 90b is impedance-converted by the FET 96, amplified to a predetermined voltage level, and output. It is like that.

  In the case of this embodiment, the pyroelectric element 93 is a rectangular pyroelectric electrode 93a, 93b having a predetermined length made of pyroelectric ceramics, which is a kind of piezoelectric ceramic, as shown in FIGS. Are arranged in parallel with each other, and a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b that are parallel to each other detect the distance to the incident infrared light source, and within a predetermined time. The movement of the user is detected based on the change in the difference between the detection distances of each and the presence or absence of the user is determined.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are connected in series so as to have opposite polarities to each other, and on the output side, a source follower circuit is formed to convert impedance (for amplification). ) Of the FET 96 is connected. As a result, the impedance of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b, which is essentially high impedance, can be effectively reduced, and the sensor signal Vpp having an effective voltage level can be output.

  Rg is a resistance value of the pyroelectric ceramics part of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b, Rs is a source resistance connected between the source part of the FET 96 and Gnd, and Vcc is a drain voltage applied to the drain part of the FET 96. Yes.

  When infrared light enters the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b and the temperature of the pyroelectric ceramic portions of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b rises, spontaneous polarization occurs, and charges corresponding to the amount of temperature rise are generated on the surfaces ( Pyroelectric effect). A current i due to this electric charge flows through the resistor Rg of the pyroelectric ceramic portion, and a gate voltage Rg · i that can control the value of the drain current Id flowing between the drain and the source of the FET 96 at both ends of the resistor Rg. Occur.

  The gate voltage Rg · i controls the conduction state between the drain and the source of the FET 96, and a drain current Id corresponding to the magnitude of the gate voltage Rg · i flows from the drain side to the source side of the FET 96. The drain current Id flows through the source resistance Rs. As a result, an output voltage Vpp of Id · Rs is generated at both ends of the source resistance Rs as shown in, for example, (L) or (R) of FIG. 18, and this becomes a sensor signal of the human sensor MS. The voltage level of the sensor signal Vpp is the magnitude of the gate voltage Rg · i generated at both ends of the resistance Rg of the gate-side pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b of the FET 96, that is, the infrared light incident on the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b. It corresponds to the magnitude of the current i generated in the pyroelectric ceramic portion according to the amount of light.

  And the distance to the light source of each incident infrared light is detected by the sensor signal Vpp corresponding to the incident light quantity to each of the pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b parallel to each other, and each within a predetermined time. The user's movement (motion) is detected depending on whether or not the difference in the detection distance is changed, and it is determined whether or not the user is at a predetermined corresponding position corresponding to the rice cooker body. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the determination as to whether or not the user is at the predetermined corresponding position is made automatically by inputting the sensor signal Vpp to the microcomputer control unit 100 on the microcomputer board 60B side.

  When it is determined that the user is at the predetermined corresponding position, the microcomputer control unit 100 controls the operation board circuit control means 111 for controlling the supply state of power to the operation board circuit, and the LED for operation switch illumination. Operate the driving means 114 and the like to supply power to the operation board circuit of the operation panel 60 in the non-energized state (energy saving mode), and further set the operation of rice cooking or heat retention function by operating various operation switches SW1 to SW9. The operation functions such as cancel, change, etc., and display by illumination of each of these operation switches SW1 to SW9 are enabled, and the liquid crystal panel drive control means 112 is operated to turn off the light when the user is not at a predetermined corresponding position. The backlight of the liquid crystal panel 60A was turned on, and the liquid crystal panel 60A was not displayed when there was no user. To display the information of the liquid crystal panel 60A of Tsu.

  As a result, the operation switches and the liquid crystal panel portion of the operation panel 60 on the upper surface of the lid body 2 that has been in the masking state (opaque state) as shown in FIG. Illuminated and displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no user, the control is reversed.

  Accordingly, the user operates each operation switch SW1 to SW9 of the operation panel 60 while viewing the display information of the liquid crystal panel 60A that is brightly illuminated and displayed through the transparent window 60c. Can be canceled, changed. Moreover, confirmation of the operation setting state in the rice cooking standby state at the time of timer reservation, the rice cooking state during rice cooking, the heat insulation state during heat insulation, a clock display, etc. can also be confirmed. In addition, the code | symbol 115 in FIG. 24 is heating output control means, such as a work coil.

  Moreover, each of them is automatically realized simply by the user approaching the electric rice cooker body, and does not require any manual operation such as an ON operation of the operation key, which is very convenient.

  In addition, in the case of such a configuration, it is not limited to just a standby state as in the prior art. In short, when the user is not near the electric rice cooker and there is no need for operation and display, most of the time including the clock display is included. Since it is possible to save or stop the supply of power to the power consuming part, the energy saving effect is extremely high.

  In addition, the code | symbol 94 in FIG. 12 has shown the one-chip IC incorporating the above various electronic devices.

By the way, the detection sensitivity and detection area of the human sensor MS as described above are such that the user approaches the electric rice cooker body as described above, faces the operation panel 60 surface of the upper surface portion, and appropriately operates. Since it is set to take into account the amount of infrared light emitted from the user's human body, based on being in a normal operation-corresponding position, the amount of infrared light detected from other positions is It can be eliminated as a disturbance. Therefore, the amount of infrared light incident on the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b corresponding to the user's body temperature at the original operation-corresponding position is used as a reference value, and even the amount of infrared light actually input is detected as a reference. For example, in the case of an electric rice cooker like this embodiment, it is possible to detect the approach of the user properly and take the above-mentioned response almost accurately. As described above, the steam unit 51 for pressure adjustment is provided, and the steam unit 51 has a pair of left and right steam ports 51a and 51a. And from this steam port 51a, 51a, the high temperature steam V blows off at the time of rice cooking (boiling maintenance process). Therefore, even if the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 90a of the human sensor MS is at a position lower than the upper surface of the lid 2 (the upper surface of the nameplate 20), for example, as shown in FIGS. If the upper surface of the lid 2 (the upper surface of the nameplate 20) is flat from the rear end side where the steam unit 51 is located to the front end 20b side, the light receiving angle θa in the front-rear direction of the light receiving unit 90a of the human sensor MS is There is a problem that it becomes wider on the rear side, and the infrared rays of the steam V from the steam ports 51a, 51a are detected, and proper user detection cannot be performed. As a result, the transition to the appropriate energy saving mode as described above and the release performance are hindered.

  Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, first, the entire front side portion 20a of the steam unit 51 of the nameplate body 20 constituting the upper surface portion of the lid 2 is formed. The inclined surface is inclined down by a predetermined angle θb so that the height gradually decreases toward the front end 20b (see the configuration of FIG. 8 in particular). A circular first light receiving opening 20c is formed on one side of the large front end portion (next to the timer reservation switch SW1, see FIG. 2), and a microcomputer provided in the microcomputer board installation space 28 on the lower side thereof The human sensor MS including the light receiving unit 90a and the light receiving circuit unit 90b described above is installed at a coaxial portion on the substrate 60B.

  A substrate cover 29 is provided on the microcomputer board 60B except for a portion corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 60A, so that predetermined electronic components on the microcomputer board 60B are covered. Further, a circular second light receiving opening is formed at a portion corresponding to the same shape as the light receiving portion 90a of the human sensor MS on the microcomputer board cover 29 side and the first light receiving opening 20c on the nameplate body 20 side. (A slightly larger diameter than the first light receiving opening 20c) 29a is opened.

  And by these structures, the groove part of the predetermined depth for the said human sensor MS installation as shown in FIG. 7 is formed, and the said human sensor MS is installed in the form accommodated in the said concave groove part. Thus, only infrared light incident on the light receiving portion 90a through the first and second light receiving openings 20c and 29a is accurately detected.

  In addition, in this case, the front side portion 20a of the nameplate body 20 with respect to the unit 51 is inclined downward from the front side of the steam unit 51 to the front end 20b side at the predetermined downward angle θb as described above. Therefore, the first light receiving opening 20c opened at the inclined surface portion of the nameplate body 20 has a circular opening surface corresponding to the descending inclination angle θb as shown in FIG. 8, for example. Thus, the light reception detection angle θa in the front-rear direction is also inclined by θb with the light reception center axis inclined obliquely downward on the front side from the vertical direction.

  As a result, infrared light due to the steam V blown from the steam ports 51a and 51a of the steam unit 51 located at the center rear end of the nameplate body 20 is not detected, and more accurate user detection is possible. Become.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, the human sensor MS first takes a large distance from the steam ports 51a and 51a of the steam unit 51 in the direction of the front end of the rice cooker body. A steam port 51a provided near the rear end of the lid body center portion, and is provided close to the left side of the nameplate body 20 (left side of the timer reservation switch SW1). The 51a portion is installed in a state in which the position in the left-right direction is largely shifted (see the displacement width a in FIG. 1) and is offset so as not to correspond at all in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in combination with the effects such as the tilt angle θb described above, erroneous detection is less likely to occur.

  Further, in the case of this embodiment, in the above case, the upper surface of the nameplate main body 20 has a translucent waterproof cover (surface of the nameplate main body 20 surface) close to a film structure made of a synthetic resin material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). A waterproof synthetic resin thin plate 80 also serving as a protective function is attached (polymerized), and the waterproof cover 80 is provided near the left end of the front end of the nameplate body 20. 7 and 8, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the concave portion of the first light receiving opening 20c is recessed into a concave spherical shape, and the concave spherical portion is infrared light from the external detection area. The condensing concave lens 80a is formed so that the light is efficiently collected and incident on the light receiving portion 90a of the human sensor MS described above with high sensitivity. As a result, a relatively wide range of infrared light can be efficiently incident to the inside of the concave groove inside the nameplate 20 where the light receiving portion 90a of the human sensor MS is located.

  However, even if the PET material used for the waterproof cover 80 is configured to be transparent or semi-transparent, it does not necessarily efficiently transmit infrared rays due to the spectral characteristics based on the crystal structure. Accordingly, in order to improve the infrared transmittance, the waterproof cover 80 is preferably formed as thin as possible. However, if the cover 80 is made too thin, the above-described operation panel or the like is not illuminated (the state shown in FIG. 1). The operation switch and the LED illumination hole can be seen and it is difficult to see, and the protective function of the nameplate body 20 is also reduced.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover surface portion other than the concave spherical surface portion forming the concave lens 80 a maintains a constant thickness giving priority to the masking effect and the protective function, The concave spherical surface portion that forms the concave lens 80a is configured to have a particularly small thickness and a high infrared transmittance.

  At the same time, a dome-shaped light receiving lens 91 is provided at the light receiving portion 90a on the human sensor MS side as shown in FIG. 9, for example, and the dome-shaped light receiving lens 91 is connected to the pyroelectric element 93. It is configured to function as a high-sensitivity convex lens with a high concentration and convergence function of infrared rays on the part. The dome-shaped light receiving lens 91 has a dome-shaped condensing part (for example, a large number of curved lenses having a triangular cross section arranged in a concentric circle so that light refracted by each triangular portion passes through the same focal point. Infrared-converging lens portion made up of a curved Fresnel lens) 91a and a cylindrical portion 91b on the lower side thereof, and the cylindrical portion 91b is a light receiving circuit that is a sensor body portion of the human sensor MS inside. A stepped portion (large-diameter portion) that fits around the outer periphery of the housing portion of the portion 90b is formed, and is fitted to the outer periphery of the housing portion of the light receiving circuit portion 90b that is the sensor body portion with high dimensional accuracy. As shown in the figure, the vertical dimension of the stepped portion (large diameter portion) in the cylindrical portion 91b is the same diameter as that of the light receiving circuit portion 90b including the pyroelectric element 93 including the pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b. When the both are accurately fitted in the state of FIG. 9, the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b of the pyroelectric element 93 are connected to the concave lens 80a. It is possible to set a focal length at which the infrared light is converged almost accurately. Further, on the outer peripheral surface side of the cylindrical body portion 91b, there is provided a stepped portion (large diameter portion) with which the sensor restrainer 29a from the upper side provided on the microcomputer board cover 29 side is engaged. As shown in FIG. 4, the human detection sensor MS itself fitted with the light receiving lens 91 on the upper side and accurately adjusted in focal length is moved by vibration or the like so that the set focal length does not fluctuate. It is designed to be securely fixed.

  Further, a part of the cylindrical portion 91b on the light receiving lens 91 side in the circumferential direction on the lower end side is provided with a positioning tab T provided on a part of the light receiving portion 90b in the circumferential direction on the lower end side. Similar tabs T that are positioned correspondingly are provided, and these tabs T and T are accurately fitted to each other and fitted to each other, and on the installation part having three pin holes on the microcomputer board 60B. By mounting, it can be properly installed with the focal length accurately adjusted. Moreover, the installation which considered the suitable light distribution characteristic is attained by it.

  The energy of the radiated infrared rays radiated from the human body (infrared light source) decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance to the pyroelectric element 93. Therefore, in order to increase the detection sensitivity of the human sensor MS, it is necessary to optically amplify such infrared energy. Therefore, as described above, the light receiving lens 91 having the condensing concave lens 80a in the first light receiving opening 20c and the dome-shaped light converging portion 91a for converging infrared rays in the light receiving portion 90a of the human sensor. When provided, they come to act as an optical two-stage amplification means, and the infrared energy emitted from the human body can be amplified very effectively. As a result, the detection sensitivity of the human sensor MS is improved.

  In addition, as described above, the concave lens 80a in the first light receiving opening 20c is concave and has a concave spherical surface, and accordingly, the optical distance from the condenser lens 91 on the human sensor side. And the optical amplification degree can be increased. In addition, since it is less likely to come in contact with external obstacles, scratches and dirt are less likely to be attached, and infrared transmittance can be maintained high. Furthermore, damage such as breakage is less likely to occur.

  In addition to the dome-shaped Fresnel lens as described above, for example, a large number of linear lenses having a triangular cross-section are arranged on a concentric circle in the dome-shaped condensing portion 91a on the light receiving lens 91 side. A flat Fresnel lens that allows the light refracted at the same part to pass through the same focal point, or a normal convex lens that increases in thickness from the outer periphery toward the center, can be used to achieve the same effect. can do.

  According to the above configuration, the user detection sensitivity of the human sensor MS can be improved as much as possible. However, as described above, the human sensor MS employed in the present embodiment is a pyroelectric sensor, and the dual pyroelectric element 93 includes a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b parallel to each other. A type pyroelectric sensor is used. In the case of such a sensor, the distance to the light source (user's body) of the incident infrared light is detected by each of the two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b parallel to each other, and the difference between the respective detection distances. The movement of the user is detected based on the change in the number, and it is determined whether the user is present or absent.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when these two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are simply arranged in parallel in the direction of the front F where the user is, the two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are arranged. Since the incident light quantity of the infrared rays incident on the same is equal and the temperature rise of the pyroelectric ceramic portion is also equal, the current i flowing through the resistance Rg of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b cancels each other, and the gate current of the FET 96 is not generated. The signal Vpp is not generated (see (F) in the signal waveform diagram of FIG. 16). Therefore, there is no difference in the detected detection distance, and the presence of the user cannot be detected. Of course, the actual movement of the user also involves left and right movements to some extent, so that a small amount of signal is produced but it is difficult to achieve a sufficient signal level and accurate detection is difficult. This is the same when the two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are arranged in parallel in the left-right direction. In this case, the front side is changed to the back side direction or vice versa. Can achieve a predetermined detection sensitivity, but cannot detect the movement of a person moving in parallel from left to right or from right to left.

  On the other hand, in the installed state of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b in FIG. 15, for example, as shown by L, a person moves from the left direction to the right direction, and infrared rays are sequentially transmitted from the pyroelectric electrode 93b side to the pyroelectric electrode 93a side. , For example, as shown in the signal waveform diagram (L) of FIG. 16, even if the incident light quantity of infrared rays incident on the pyroelectric electrodes 93b and 93a is equal, and the temperature rise of the pyroelectric ceramic portion is also equal, Since there is a predetermined time difference in the timing at which charges are generated in them, current i in different directions flows through the pyroelectric electrodes 93b and 93a at the timing when infrared rays are incident, respectively, and the FET 96 depends on the voltage of the current i and resistance Rg. Is controlled, and a sensor signal Vpp corresponding to each incident light quantity is generated.

  In the installed state of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b in FIG. 15, for example, as shown by R, a person moves from the right direction to the left direction, and infrared rays are sequentially incident from the pyroelectric electrode 93a side to the pyroelectric electrode 93b side. In this case, for example, as shown in the signal waveform diagram (R) of FIG. 16, even if the incident light amounts of infrared rays incident on the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are equal and the temperature rise of the pyroelectric ceramic portions is equal, the charges are charged to them. Since there is a predetermined time difference in the timing of occurrence of current, a current i in a different direction flows through the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b at the timing when infrared rays are incident, and the gate current of the FET 96 is generated by the voltage of the current i and the resistance Rg. And a sensor signal Vpp corresponding to each incident light quantity is generated.

  That is, when the above-described dual type pyroelectric sensor having a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b parallel to each other is employed as the pyroelectric element 93, each of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b is It can be seen that effective detection sensitivity can be realized when the light source crosses with a predetermined time difference, but effective detection sensitivity cannot be realized when the light source moves in parallel therewith. However, the movement of the user varies, and such a sensor having a specific direction cannot necessarily increase the effective detection sensitivity.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, each pyroelectric electrode 93a, 93b portion of a dual type pyroelectric sensor having a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a, 93b parallel to each other. Is installed on the microcomputer board 60B in a state where it is inclined by 45 degrees in an oblique direction when viewed from the front. In this way, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 14, the infrared ray incidence F from the front side to the rear side direction (from the back side to the front side direction), the infrared ray incidence L from the left side to the right side, and the right side In any case of infrared incidence R from the left side to the left side, the light source (human body) crosses each pyroelectric electrode 93a, 93b (93b, 93a) with a certain time difference, and the required detection sensitivity. Can be greatly expanded in both the XY directions.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the human sensor MS has three mounting pins P1 to P3 on the lower surface portion of the sensor housing, and corresponds to the microcomputer board 60B. It is installed in the sensor installation part having a pinhole.

  In the case of the configuration of this embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 13, the human sensor MS is most sandwiched between the power supply ICs 98 and 98, which are heat generating components, on the microcomputer substrate 60B with the liquid crystal panel 60A interposed therebetween. It is arranged at a position on a diagonal line far away. Therefore, the influence of the heat generating components on the microcomputer board 60A can be avoided as much as possible for the human sensor MS that dislikes the influence of heat, and the detection accuracy can be further increased.

  As in this embodiment, the presence sensor MS for detecting the presence of the user is provided so that the presence of the user in the predetermined corresponding area can be detected. When the user is not near the electric rice cooker The operation switch units SW1 to SW9 and the liquid crystal panel unit 60A of the operation panel unit 60 of the lid body 2 are automatically set to the WAIT mode (power-off non-energized state) to reduce power consumption as much as possible. On the other hand, when the presence sensor MS detects the presence of the user, the WAIT mode is automatically canceled, and when the desired operation and display are adopted, the WAIT mode is set. And the control performance and reliability of release are how reliable the human sensor MS can detect the presence of the user, that is, the high user detection sensitivity of the human sensor MS. It is bought.

  As the human sensor MS for detecting the presence of the user as described above, infrared light emitted from the user's body (light source) is incident on the light receiving unit (pyroelectric element) according to the body temperature, and the user at a predetermined position It is equipped with a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects the presence of the sensor, an infrared light emitting part (light emitting diode) and an infrared light receiving part (phototransistor) that are separate from the user's body, and is emitted from the infrared light emitting part (light emitting diode). A reflected light receiving infrared sensor that detects the presence of a user at a predetermined position by receiving infrared light reflected by the user's body with an infrared light receiving unit (phototransistor), or an image detection type person using a solid-state imaging device Various devices such as detection sensors can be used.

  However, in the case of the reflected light receiving type infrared sensor, in addition to the two independent optical elements of the light emitting part and the light receiving part, two optical system paths of the light emitting system path and the light receiving system path are necessary, and the cost is high. It is difficult to install in the lid of an electric rice cooker, which has a complicated structure and many space constraints. In addition, an image detection type human detection sensor using a solid-state imaging device is inevitably expensive. For this reason, in this embodiment, the configuration is relatively simple and the cost is low. Infrared light having the user's body as the light source is incident on the light receiving unit (pyroelectric element) and the user at a predetermined position is placed. Employing a pyroelectric infrared sensor that detects the presence, and providing optical amplification means in multiple stages, such as a concave lens structure and a convex lens structure, on the optical system path, compensates for the attenuation of radiant infrared energy from the human body. Further, the detection sensitivity is improved as much as possible by improving the infrared transmittance of the light receiving opening.

  In that case, as the pyroelectric elements of the pyroelectric sensor, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, a dual type having two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b is adopted, and these two sets are used. Each of the pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b detects the distance to the incident infrared light source (user's body), and the user's movement is accurately detected by the change in the difference between the detection distances. Whether or not there is is surely judged.

  In that case, the two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b are simply juxtaposed in parallel with the front direction where the user is located, or in parallel with the left and right directions at 90 ° positions. In this case, since the detection function only works in the direction crossing either the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, the detection distance detected by the two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b in the other movement directions. It is difficult to make a difference in detection and it is difficult to improve detection sensitivity.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, each pyroelectric electrode 93a, 93b of a dual type pyroelectric sensor provided with two sets of pyroelectric electrodes 93a, 93b parallel to each other. The part is installed on the microcomputer board 60B in a state where it is tilted by about 45 degrees in an oblique direction when viewed from the front direction, and as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 14, from the front side to the back side direction (from the back side to the front side). In the case of any movement of infrared incidence F in the lateral direction, infrared incidence L in the left to right direction, and infrared incidence R in the right to left direction, each pyroelectric electrode 93a, 93b (93b, 93a) ensures that the light source (human body) crosses with a certain time difference, and the range in which the required detection sensitivity can be maintained is greatly expanded in both the X and Y directions.

Therefore, combined with the above-described detection sensitivity improving effect by the optical amplifying means or the like, a detection sensitivity that is sufficiently practical can be realized.
<About the installation state of the tilt sensor in the lid and the configuration of the sensor>
Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the above-described human sensor MS, the battery board 60C attached to the microcomputer board 60B in the lid 2 is further described above as shown in FIGS. An inclination sensor (lid opening / closing sensor) IS for detecting opening / closing of the lid body 2 is provided, and a touch switch portion when the user opens / closes the lid body 2 using a detection signal of the inclination sensor IS is provided. I try to prevent misoperation.

  As already described, in this embodiment, the operation switch portion of the operation panel 60 on the upper surface side of the lid 2 has a touch panel structure (touch switch structure). When the touch panel structure is employed in this way, the touch sensor can be activated by lightly touching the touch key of the touch switch unit with a fingertip, and operation and input are remarkably facilitated.

  However, on the other hand, it is possible that the user's finger touches the touch key unintentionally during the opening / closing operation of the lid 2 that does not operate the operation switch. In this case, since the user is in the detection corresponding area of the human sensor MS in any case, the human sensor MS detects the presence of the user, cancels the energy saving mode, and operates the operation switches SW1 to SW11. The touch keys are illuminated by the light emitting diodes L1 to L19, and the liquid crystal panel 60A is also illuminated by the light emitting diodes L21 to L25. That is, an erroneous operation such as an operation switch occurs.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the opening / closing state of the lid 2 is detected by the tilt sensor IS, and at least in the lid open state, even if the human sensor MS detects the presence of the user, the operation key input of the operation switch Is impossible, and such erroneous operation input is prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, for example, the inclination sensor IS is provided in a square-shaped solid packaging 99 having a predetermined thickness mounted on a battery substrate 60c having a vertical wall structure on which a battery E is installed. Further, the shape of the packaging 99 is formed in a state where the position is shifted by 90 degrees, and a square-shaped light shielding object moving space 99a having a small dimension is formed. First, a predetermined diameter having a short axial length is formed in the light shielding object moving space 99a. A shading object (rotating body) 99b made of a flat cylindrical body is rotatably provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the light shielding object 99b freely rotates in the light shielding object moving space 99a in accordance with the rotational inclination of the packaging 99 corresponding to the open / closed state of the lid 2 in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, on the outer side of at least three corner positions a, b, and d of the four corner positions a to d of the packaging 99 shown in FIG. For example, an infrared light emitting diode D is arranged at the upper end corner position a, a phototransistor T1 is arranged at the front end corner position b, and a phototransistor T2 is arranged at the rear end corner position d. Are connected to a power source Vcc, and a current limiting resistor R and load resistors R1 and R2 are connected to the ground side.

  Therefore, in the case of the same configuration, for example, when the light shield 99b is at the corner position a, both the phototransistors T1 and T2 are shielded and the outputs are both OFF, and then when the light transistor 99b is at the corner position b, the phototransistor T1 is OFF. The phototransistor T2 is ON, and when the phototransistor T1 is at the corner position c, both the phototransistors T1 and T2 are ON, and when the phototransistor T2 is at the corner position d, the phototransistor T1 is ON and the phototransistor T2 is OFF. Therefore, the tilted state in the front-rear direction, that is, the open / closed state of the lid 2 as shown in FIG. 23 can be determined by the combination of the ON and OFF outputs V1 and V2 of the phototransistors T1 and T2.

  Now, the packaging 99 of the tilt sensor IS is in a state in which the light emitting diode D as shown in FIG. 19 is directly above in the closed state of the lid 2 (at a tilt angle of about 5 degrees, the corner position a in FIG. If the cover body 2 is closed, the phototransistors T1 and T2 are both in the ON state, and the output V1, Both V2 are H. A signal of a combination of both outputs V1 and V2 is input to the microcomputer control unit 100 of FIG. 20 as a signal indicating the closed state of the lid body 2, for example.

  Thereafter, when the lid body 2 is opened, the corner position a and the light emitting diode D portion gradually incline in the horizontal direction according to the rearward rotation of the lid body 2, and the corner position d portion is displaced downward. Then, the light shield 99b moves from the corner position c to the corner position d (see the state of θ1 in FIG. 19).

  From the same state, when the lid 2 is further opened and finally opened to the maximum open position θ2 (slightly before 90 degrees), the light emitting diode D, the corner position a, and the corner position c are in a substantially horizontal state. On the other hand, the corner position b is directly above and the corner position d is directly below, and the light shield 99b stops at the corner position d, and the phototransistor T2 is turned OFF. As a result, the phototransistor T1 is ON, the output V1 is H, the phototransistor T2 is OFF, and the output V2 is L. Then, a combination of the output V1 being H and the output V2 being L is input to the microcomputer control unit 100 together with the output signal Vpp of the human sensor MS as shown in FIG. 23, for example, as a lid open detection signal. Then, the above-described touch switch portion of the operation panel 60 and the energy saving mode and the energy saving mode release control of the liquid crystal panel 60A are controlled.

  As a result, according to the above configuration, for example, when it is determined that the lid 2 is securely closed based on the detection result of the tilt sensor IS, the user is determined based on the detection result of the human sensor MS. When there is, the operation unit can be operated and the display unit can be displayed, and proper operation and setting can be performed.

On the other hand, at least when the inclination sensor IS detects the opening of the lid 2, even if the human sensor MS detects the presence of the user, the detection result of the inclination sensor IS is given priority over the above operation. It is possible to perform a desired control such that the operation and setting cannot be performed by controlling the energy saving mode in which the operation of the unit and the display of the display unit are impossible.
<About the configuration of the control circuit part>
Next, FIG. 20 has shown the structure of the rice cooking and heat retention control circuit comprised focusing on the microcomputer control unit of the electric rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 1 of the said invention of the said application.

  The microcomputer control unit in this control circuit is, for example, the operation of operation switches (touch switches) SW1 to SW11 provided on the operation panel 60 in addition to the first microcomputer control unit 100A which is a main microcomputer control unit that performs rice cooking and heat retention control. Control with the second microcomputer control unit 100B dedicated to the control (ON / OFF control of the light emitting diodes L1 to L19, operation sound control when operating the switches SW1 to SW11, and voice guide control of the voice guide switch SW7) A set of microcomputer control units are provided, and necessary power supply circuits, input / output devices, control targets, control target drive circuits, and display devices are appropriately connected to these.

  That is, first, reference numeral 101 denotes a noise filter circuit for AC power input, and the AC power input from the AC power outlet is the first rectifying / smoothing circuit after the power noise is removed through the noise filter circuit 101. 102, a first IH circuit 103, a first IGBT drive circuit 104 for the first IH circuit 103, a second IH circuit 105, a second IGBT drive circuit 106 for the second IH circuit, The heater H1, the lid heater H2, the second rectifying / smoothing circuit 114, the pressure regulating solenoid coils SL1 to SL2, and the like are supplied as operating power.

  The first IH circuit 103 includes first and second work coils C1, C2, IGBT, choke coil, resonance circuit, and the like. The second IH circuit 105 includes a third work coil C3, an IGBT, a choke coil, a resonance circuit, and the like.

  The second rectifying / smoothing circuit 114 rectifies and smoothes the input AC power, and then converts the input AC power into a DC 20V constant-voltage power through a DC 20V constant-voltage power circuit 115 to drive the first IH circuit 103. First IGBT drive circuit 104, second IGBT drive circuit 106 for driving the second IH circuit 105, fan motor drive circuit 107, shoulder heater drive circuit 109, lid heater drive circuit 110, solenoid drive circuit 111, microcomputer The power supply circuit 117 and the reset circuit 119 are supplied as operation power. The microcomputer power supply circuit 117 is provided with a backup circuit 118 using a predetermined backup power supply such as a battery.

  On the other hand, reference numeral 112 denotes an input current detection circuit for detecting an input current of the AC power input, and the detected input current value is input to the first microcomputer control unit 100A. Reference numeral 113 denotes a zero-cross detection circuit that detects a zero-cross signal of the AC power input, and the detected zero-cross signal is input to the first microcomputer control unit 100A.

  Furthermore, each of the first and second IH circuits 103 and 105 is provided with a synchronization trigger circuit 116a and 116b, respectively.

  On the other hand, reference numerals S1 to S7 are provided in the first thermistor S1 for detecting the temperature of the inner pot provided in the center sensor CS portion, the electric board portion on the downstream side of the rice cooker body side cooling fan 108, and The second thermistor S2 and other thermistors for detecting the temperature of the air outside the rice cooker main body (indoor air temperature) introduced by the cooling fan 108, and the detected temperature data is sent to the first microcomputer control unit 100A. Entered.

  Reference sign MS is the above-described human sensor, and when the human sensor MS performs a normal detection function as described above, the detection signal described above is input to the microcomputer control unit 100A as described above. Take control.

  Further, the symbol IS is the above-described inclination sensor. When the inclination sensor IS performs a normal detection function as described above, the above-described detection signal is input to the microcomputer control unit 100A and the above-described control is performed. do.

  On the other hand, the second microcomputer control unit 100B is provided independently of the first microcomputer control unit 100A as shown in the figure, and is connected so that signals can be exchanged with each other. The second microcomputer control unit 100B is provided with a flash memory 120 and stores necessary voice data such as operation sound data and voice guide data when the switch is operated, and various operation switches described above. It is configured to include an audio amplifier 121 and a speaker 121a that perform operation sound notification and operation guide voice guidance when SW1 to SW11 are turned on. The audio amplifier 121 is configured to be mutable via the mute circuit 122.

  Reference numeral 123 denotes a light emitting diode drive circuit (LED driver), which is a light emitting diode L1 to L19 for illumination of the various operation switches SW1 to SW11 in the operation panel 60 described above, and a light emitting diode L20 to backlight of the liquid crystal panel 60A. It controls the lighting state of L24 and the like.

Reference numeral 124 is a main clock signal generation circuit (8 MHz), and 125 is a sub clock signal generation circuit (32.768 KHz).
<Control of the WAIT mode of the operation switch unit in relation to the detection function of the human sensor>
As described above, even when the human sensor MS as described above is provided, there are some problems, one of which is a problem of the insensitive area of the human sensor.

  That is, the infrared-type human sensor MS is highly temperature-dependent in terms of its characteristics, and inputs infrared rays having a predetermined temperature or higher, and detects the presence of a person from the change in the input direction. Since a person is to detect, the predetermined infrared temperature to be detected is naturally based on the body temperature of the person, and the input amount of infrared radiation radiated based on the body temperature of the person is the reference.

  However, the body temperature of this person is a relatively low temperature of about 36 to 37 degrees, and the temperature of the atmosphere around the sensor part of the human sensor MS is equal to or higher than that in the midsummer day of summer. May rise. In this case, there is a problem that the amount of infrared rays input to the human sensor MS cannot be distinguished from the ambient temperature or the radiation from the user's body, and accurate human detection cannot be performed. In addition, the same ambient temperature is not always constant, and fluctuates in the morning and afternoon even within a day, and the conditions differ depending on whether or not there is wind in the room.

  The human sensor MS includes the light receiving lens 91 as described above and collects infrared light from the outside, and receives the infrared light collected by the light receiving unit 90a to electrically The light receiving circuit unit 90b includes a light receiving circuit unit 90b that outputs a signal. The infrared light incident through the light receiving lens 91 of the light receiving unit 90a is passed through the infrared filter 92, and is selected to have a preset band. A voltage signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the pyroelectric element 93 is converted into an impedance, amplified to a predetermined voltage level, and then output.

  The pyroelectric element 93 is configured by arranging a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b made of pyroelectric ceramics, which are a kind of piezoelectric ceramics, in parallel with each other. The pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b each detect the distance to the incident infrared light source, detect the user's movement based on the change in the difference between the detection distances within a predetermined time, and the user is not present. It is to judge whether.

  Therefore, the light receiving lens 91 portion of the light receiving portion 90a necessarily has a limit of incident angle in the circumferential direction, and the incident angle is applied to the human sensor MS formed on the nameplate body 20 portion on the upper surface of the lid 2. It is also limited by the opening diameter and depth of the infrared inlet 20c.

  As a result, for example, when the human sensor MS tries to operate the operation switches SW1 to SW11 on the operation panel 60 from an undetectable area outside the incident angle of the human sensor MS such as a side portion of the rice cooker body, the human sensor MS Therefore, the above-described WAIT mode (energy-saving mode) cannot be released, so that even if the operation switches SW1 to SW11 on the operation panel 60 are touched, the operation cannot be performed. .

  Further, when the human body sensor MS is provided on the lid 2 as described above, a high-temperature “rice ball” blown out from the steam unit (pressure adjusting unit) 51 is the upper surface of the infrared inlet 20 c of the nameplate body 20. It flows into the (concave surface) and puts the human sensor MS into a detection state even though there is no user. Further, there is also a problem that even after the cooling, the “mother” covers the upper surface (concave surface portion) of the infrared inlet 20c, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the human sensor MS itself and lowering the detection function.

  The embodiment of the present invention solves the problem in the case where the ambient temperature around the former sensor unit becomes equal to or higher than the human body temperature among the technical problems when the human sensor MS is provided. When the ambient temperature around the sensor part of the human sensor MS is equal to or higher than the human body temperature, at least a plurality of operation switches SW1 are used regardless of whether or not the human sensor MS detects input. The WAIT mode (energy saving mode) of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 on condition that any one or a plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 of the operation panel 60 including the SW11 is operated (touched). , The operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be set and input, and display and operating states (light-emitting diodes L1 to L19 are lit, control input is possible) So as to control the energization state) Noh of FIG.

  The flowchart of FIG. 21 shows such a control method. In the control method, first, the control operation starts when the power outlet shown in the control circuit of FIG. 20 of the electric rice cooker is connected to the AC power source and power is supplied to each power circuit of FIG. Is done.

  When the control is started, it is first determined in step S1 whether or not there is a detection input from the human sensor MS. When the user is in a predetermined detection area of the human sensor MS, the human sensor MS detects the amount of infrared rays corresponding to the body temperature radiated from the user's body, and detects it to the first microcomputer control unit 100A. Generate an input, otherwise do not generate a detection input. The determination as to whether or not there is a detection input from the human sensor MS is repeated at a predetermined control cycle.

  The presence sensor MS is present even when the temperature of the room where the electric rice cooker is placed is equal to or higher than the temperature of the user who is the detection target of the presence sensor MS. The detection input may be generated in the same manner as in the case where it is performed, but it is very uncertain because it does not involve the movement of the heat source, and the detection input is not always generated accurately.

  Therefore, in the determination of no detection input of human sensor MS here (NO), whether the temperature in the room where the electric rice cooker is placed is equal to the body temperature of the user who is the detection target of human sensor MS, Or it may be higher than the user's body temperature or not.

  As a result of this determination, if it is determined NO because there is no detection input from the human sensor MS, the process proceeds to step S2, and for example, a predetermined set time “ It is determined whether or not “20 seconds” has elapsed. If “20 seconds” has not elapsed as a result of this determination, it is determined as NO, and the process returns to the input determination in step S1 again to determine the presence / absence of detection input of the human sensor MS. In step S2, the process proceeds to step S2 to determine whether 20 seconds have elapsed. These determination operations are repeated until the above “20 seconds” elapses. This predetermined set time “20 seconds” is set in a standby state in which the electric rice cooker does not require the next switch operation such as during cooking, during timer reservation cooking, during timer reservation confirmation, or during heat retention, and operation setting is made from now on. However, it is performed in any operation standby state where no operation is currently performed.

  In the determination of the number of cycles, if the same set time “20 seconds” has elapsed and it is determined YES in step S2, then the process proceeds to step S3, and first the lid 2 is normally closed. It is determined whether or not. As a result of this determination, if the NO lid 2 is opened, the determination operations in steps S1 to S3 are repeated until the lid 2 is closed.

  On the other hand, the lid 2 is closed from the beginning or is initially opened, but the lid 2 is squeezed in the middle, so that the lid 2 is closed at least when “20 seconds” have elapsed after the start of the control. If YES, the routine further proceeds to step S4, where it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor S2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined set temperature corresponding to the user's body temperature. And when the determination result is NO, since the ambient temperature around the sensor part of the human sensor MS is lower than the human body temperature, the human sensor MS can normally detect the presence of the user. Next, the process proceeds to step S5, where the current state is not the standby state after setting the control input operation such as cooking rice, cooking the timer reservation, confirming the timer reservation, or keeping the heat, etc., but the operation setting of any control input is still performed. It is determined whether or not it is “waiting for operation”. As a result, if YES is “waiting for operation”, the process proceeds to step S6, where the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection described above is shifted to the WAIT mode (non-energization mode), and the above operation is performed. The switch S1 to S11 operation input circuit and the lighting light emitting diodes L1 to L20 are deenergized. Then, the standby state in step S7 is set and maintained in the energy saving standby state in the “WAIT mode (non-energization mode)”, and there is a normal human sensor input thereafter, or a normal human sensor input is expected. Even if not, power consumption is saved as much as possible until there is a touch operation on the operation switches SW1 to SW11.

  On the other hand, the determination in step S5 is NO, and the current state is not “waiting for operation”, but “normal standby state after control input operation settings such as during cooking, during timer reservation cooking, during timer reservation confirmation, during warming, etc. ", The process proceeds directly to step S to set (maintain) the standby state in the normal standby state.

  In this way, for example, there is no detection input of the human sensor MS for “20 seconds” or more, the lid 2 is closed, the detection temperature of the outside air temperature sensor S2 is lower than the human body temperature, and still a plurality of operation switches. In the case of “Waiting for operation” in which SW1 to SW11 are not operated, the energization of the operation input circuits of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 and the light emitting diodes L1 to L19 is stopped, and as much as possible. In addition, an operation standby state (FIG. 2) with low power consumption is realized.

  On the other hand, the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is shifted to the WAIT mode (non-energization mode), and energization to the operation switches S1 to S11 and the light emitting diodes L1 to L19 is stopped. Even in the operation standby state of the energy saving mode, as shown in steps S8 to S12, whether there is a detection input of the human sensor MS at a predetermined cycle, whether the lid 2 is closed, the outside air temperature sensor Whether the detected temperature in S2 is equal to or higher than the body temperature of the person, whether the operation is on standby, whether the current operation standby state is a normal operation standby state, or whether the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 emit light for illumination All diodes L1 to L19 are turned off, and the operation standby state in the energy saving mode with as little power consumption as possible, that is, for touch detection Operation whether the standby state in the WAIT mode 2 of the microcomputer control unit 100B determination is made.

As a result, when there is a detection input from the human sensor MS (YES), the process jumps to step S17 without performing the determinations in steps S9 to S12, and the current operation standby state is the second microcomputer for touch detection. It is determined whether the control unit 100B is in an operation standby state in the WAIT mode. As a result, if the current operation standby state is the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection (YES), the WAIT mode is canceled in the subsequent step S18. In step S1, the determination in steps S1 to S5 and the processing in step S6 are performed, and the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is in the standby state in the normal mode other than the operation standby state in the WAIT mode. Setting or setting of the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is performed.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S17 is NO in the standby mode of the normal mode that is not the operation standby mode in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection, the above step is left as it is. Returning to S1, the above-described determination of steps S1 to S5 and the processing of step S6 are performed.

  On the other hand, if there is no detection input from the human sensor MS (NO in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9 to determine whether or not the lid 2 is closed, and the lid 2 is closed. If not (NO in step S9), the process proceeds to step S17 to determine whether or not the current standby state is the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection. . As a result, if the current standby state is the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection (YES), the WAIT mode is canceled in the subsequent step S18. Returning to step S1, performing the determinations in steps S1 to S5 and the processing in step S6, setting the normal operation standby state other than the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection, Alternatively, the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is set.

  On the other hand, if the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is in the standby state of the normal mode that is not the operation standby state in the WAIT mode (NO), the process returns to step S1 as it is, and the steps described above are performed. The determination of S1 to S5 and the process of step S6 are performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the lid 2 is closed in the determination in step S9 when there is no detection input from the occupant sensor MS (YES), the process further proceeds to step S10, and the outside air temperature sensor S2 It is determined whether or not the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the human body temperature. As a result, when the detected temperature of the outside air temperature sensor S2 is equal to or higher than the human body temperature (YES), the process further proceeds to step S14, where the current standby state is the light emission for illumination of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11. All the diodes L1 to L20 are turned off, and it is determined whether or not the operation standby state in the energy saving mode with the lowest possible power consumption, that is, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection. If it is not the same WAIT mode that has undergone the process of step S6 (NO), the process further proceeds to step S16, whether or not any of the plurality of touch switches SW1 to SW11 described above has been operated, that is, whether or not there is a touch key input. Determine. If the result of the determination is YES when there is an input of a touch key, the process proceeds to step S17 described above, and the current standby state is the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection described above. It is determined whether or not the operation is in a standby state. As a result, if the current standby state is the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection (YES), the WAIT mode is canceled in the subsequent step S18. Returning to step S1, performing the determinations in steps S1 to S5 and the processing in step S6 described above, setting the standby state in the normal mode that is not the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection, Alternatively, the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is set.

  On the other hand, if the current standby state is the operation standby state of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection in the WAIT mode (YES in the determination of step S14), the process proceeds to step S15. Whether or not any of the plurality of touch switches SW1 to SW9 described in step S16 has been operated after the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is canceled, that is, whether or not there is a touch key input. Determine.

  That is, when the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, step S10, step S14, and step S15, the touch detection second microcomputer control unit 100B is in the operation standby state in the WAIT mode, and the human sensor MS There is no detection input, but the lid 2 is closed, but the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor S2 that detects the temperature of the indoor air installed in the rice cooker body is equal to or higher than the human body temperature, Even if the user approaches, the human sensor MS can not expect a normal human detection function, and depending on the human sensor MS, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is canceled as it is. The user cannot operate the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW9. That there is a possibility that can not be.

  Therefore, as described above, in step S15, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer unit for touch detection 100B is forcibly canceled even when there is no detection input from the human sensor MS, and the operation switch SW1 is set. -The operation of SW11 is enabled. Then, in step S16, it is possible to determine whether or not the operation switches SW1 to SW11 are actually operated, that is, whether or not there is a key input.

  If YES as a result of the key input determination, the process proceeds to step S17 described above, and the current standby state is the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection described above. It is determined whether or not it is in an operation standby state in the WAIT mode. As a result, if the current standby state is the operation standby state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer unit for touch detection 100B (YES), the WAIT mode is canceled in the subsequent step S18. Then, the process returns to step S1, and the above-described determination of steps S1 to S5 and the process of step S6 are performed.

  On the other hand, unlike this case, when the process proceeds from step S8 to step S10, the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor TS2 that detects the temperature of the indoor air installed in the rice cooker body is lower than the human body temperature, As long as the user approaches, the human sensor MS can exhibit a normal human detection function. If NO in step S10, the process proceeds to step S11 as it is, and the current standby state is a timer during cooking. It is determined whether or not the operation standby of the non-operating standby state that is not the standby state of the normal mode such as the reservation rice cooking, the timer reservation confirmation, the heat retention, etc., and as a result, the current standby state of NO is during the rice cooking, Pre-set rice cooking information that does not require operation of the operation switches SW1 to SW11 during timer reservation rice cooking, timer reservation confirmation, warming, etc. If it is in standby mode, it returns to the standby state in step S7 described above.

  On the other hand, in the case of YES, which is a standby state during operation standby that requires operation of a touch switch for which rice cooking information or the like is not set, touch detection that has undergone the process of step S6 is further performed in the standby state. It is determined whether or not the second microcomputer control unit 100B is in the WAIT mode. As a result, in the same WAIT mode that has undergone the process of step S6 of YES, as long as the user detection function of the human sensor MS is normal, the process returns to the standby state of step S7 as described above to perform predetermined control. In the cycle, the determination and processing after step S8 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined NO in step S12 and the current standby state is not the same WAIT mode that has undergone the process of step S6, the process proceeds to step S13, and the case of step S6 described above. Similarly, the light emitting diodes L1 to L20 of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 are all turned off, and the operation standby state in the energy saving mode with as little power consumption as possible, that is, the second microcomputer control unit for touch detection. The standby state in the operation standby state shifted to the WAIT mode of 100B is set, and the above determination and processing are repeated at a predetermined control cycle.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the invention of this application, the ambient temperature around the human sensor MS, that is, the detected temperature of the outside air temperature sensor S2 that detects the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the human body temperature (in step S4). NO), in a state in which a normal person can be detected, a state in which there is no detection input of the human sensor MS (NO in step S1) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) or more (YES in step S2), And the lid body 2 of the rice cooker body is closed (YES in step S3), and the operation switches SW1 to SW11 on the operation panel except during cooking, during timer reservation cooking, during timer reservation confirmation, during heat retention, etc. The second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is set to W on the condition that none of them is in a key operation standby state (YES in step S5). The mode is shifted to the IT mode, the operation input circuits of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW9 on the operation panel 60 are turned off, and all the light emitting diodes L1 to L20 are turned off to save energy as much as possible. Set the operation standby mode in the mode. Therefore, the energy saving effect is improved.

  On the other hand, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is a state in which the indoor temperature is lower than the human body temperature as described above, and the human sensor MS can reliably detect the presence of the user. Even if the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is in the key operation standby state in the energy saving mode in which the WAIT mode is set, when the presence sensor MS detects the presence of the user, The WAIT mode (operation standby state in the energy saving mode) of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is canceled so that the operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be operated and input. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the energy saving performance and the operability of the necessary operation switches SW1 to SW11.

  However, as described above, the human sensor MS has a problem of the insensitive area. For example, when the ambient temperature around the sensor part of the human sensor MS is higher than the human body temperature, the user is not present. It is also assumed that there is a person at the same ambient temperature and the energy saving mode is canceled, and there is a possibility that the corner energy saving function will not work.

  In addition, this is a possibility, and it may or may not operate, so that the human body that is an infrared source as in the case where the user is actually trying to operate the operation switches SW1 to SW11. However, it is not possible to reliably detect the presence of a person by moving a predetermined distance within a predetermined time. Therefore, as described above, when the indoor temperature is higher than the human body temperature, the human sensor MS cannot be expected to have a normal human detection function, and even if there is a detection input, It cannot be distinguished whether it is actually being operated by the user or simply due to the high ambient temperature around the human sensor MS.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the invention of this application, as described above, the lid 2 is closed when the AC power supply is ON and no detection input from the human sensor MS continues for 20 seconds or longer. The WAIT mode is always set on the condition that the room temperature is lower than the body temperature of the person, during cooking rice, during timer reservation cooking, and during timer reservation confirmation, etc. In the set state, when the indoor temperature is higher than the human body temperature as described above, it is detected that the indoor air temperature is higher than the human body temperature (step S10), and the human sensor Regardless of whether there is an MS detection input or not, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer unit for touch detection 100B is forcibly released (step S15), and then the human sensor Without being detected by the detection input of S, the touch to any one of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 or the touch to the plurality of touch switches is normally maintained in an invalid state because there is no detection input of the human sensor MS. The plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be operated, and the operation input of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be determined (step S16).

  As a result, according to the electric rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere temperature is lower than the body temperature of the person who is the original detection target (NO in step S10), and the human sensor MS is normal. Of course, the ambient temperature is higher than the body temperature of the person who is the original detection target (YES in step S10), and the presence sensor MS cannot normally detect the presence of the person. Even in the case, the WAIT mode is surely canceled based on the user's touch operation to the operation switches SW1 to SW11 without depending on the detection input of the human sensor MS, and the necessary operation switches SW1 to SW11 are operated and input. Can be made possible.

  Therefore, even when the human sensor MS is provided, it is possible to enable appropriate rice cooking and input of warming information using the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 without impairing the original appropriate operation feeling. .

In this case, when the WAIT mode is canceled, the user's finger may touch a plurality of operation switches continuously after a predetermined time. In that case, of course, the first microcomputer control unit 100A detects the touch operation to the first touch key first touched by the finger, cancels the WAIT mode, and allows the operation input from the second touch operation. However, if the time between the first and second touch operations is too short (for example, 15 seconds or less), do not allow input as a double operation when the WAIT mode is canceled rather than an operation input. ing.
(2) About 2nd Embodiment Next, FIG. 22 is control of the WAIT mode in relation to the detection function of the human sensor in the structure of the electric rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of invention of this application. Shows how.

  The human sensor MS includes the light receiving lens 91 as described above and collects infrared light from the outside, and receives the infrared light collected by the light receiving unit 90a and outputs an electrical signal. The light receiving circuit unit 90b is configured to output infrared light incident through the light receiving lens 91 of the light receiving unit 90a through the infrared filter 92, and is selected to have a preset band. A voltage signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the pyroelectric element 93 and output from the pyroelectric element 93 is impedance-converted, amplified to a predetermined voltage level, and then output.

  The pyroelectric element 93 is configured by arranging a pair of pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b made of pyroelectric ceramics, which are a kind of piezoelectric ceramics, in parallel with each other. The pyroelectric electrodes 93a and 93b each detect the distance to the incident infrared light source, detect the user's movement based on the change in the difference between the detection distances within a predetermined time, and the user is not present. It is to judge whether.

  Therefore, the light receiving lens 91 portion of the light receiving portion 90a necessarily has a limit of incident angle in the circumferential direction, and the incident angle is applied to the human sensor MS formed on the nameplate body 20 portion on the upper surface of the lid 2. It is also limited by the opening diameter and depth of the infrared inlet 20c.

  As a result, for example, when the human sensor MS tries to operate the operation switches SW1 to SW11 on the operation panel 60 from an undetectable area outside the incident angle of the human sensor MS such as a side portion of the rice cooker body, the human sensor MS Since the WAIT mode (energy saving mode) of the second microcomputer unit for touch detection 100B described above cannot be released, the operation switches SW1 to SW11 on the operation panel 60 are touched. However, the operation cannot be performed (the second problem described in the first embodiment).

  Therefore, in the case of the configuration of the second embodiment, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22, when the AC power is on and no detection input from the human sensor MS continues for 20 seconds or longer, the lid 2 is closed, and the room temperature is lower than the person's body temperature. During the cooking, the timer reservation cooking, the timer reservation is confirmed, the key is on standby except during the heat retention, etc. The detection second microcomputer control unit 100B is set to the WAIT mode.

  When there is no detection input from the human sensor MS in the WAIT mode setting state (NO in step S8), it is detected that the temperature in the same room is higher than the human body temperature (step S10). In other words, considering that the detection input of the human sensor MS is not appropriate, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer unit for touch detection 100B is forcibly released (step S15), and thereafter Without being detected by the detection input of the sensation sensor MS, by touching any of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 or touching the plurality of switches, there is normally no detection input of the sensation sensor MS, so that the invalid state is entered. The operation switches SW1 to SW11 that are maintained can be operated, and the operation inputs of the operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be input. To so allow a constant (step S16). The contents of control up to this point are the same as the contents of control in the flowchart of FIG. 21 in the first embodiment.

  However, in this embodiment, NO is determined in the presence / absence of the detection input of the human sensor MS in step S8, that is, the human sensor MS has not detected the presence of the user, but the determination in step S10. NO, that is, if the ambient temperature around the human sensor MS is not equal to or higher than the human body temperature and the human sensor MS can detect the presence of the user normally, the current status is during the cooking of the timer. Atmosphere temperature around human sensor MS under conditions of cooking, timer reservation confirmed, waiting for key operation other than warming (YES in step S11) and WAIT mode (YES in step S12) As in the case where it is determined that the temperature is equal to or higher than the human body temperature (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S15 and the second microcomputer control unit for touch detection described above. 100B forcibly canceling the WAIT mode, and then touching any one of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 or touching the plurality of switches without depending on the detection input of the human sensor MS, Normally, since there is no detection input of the human sensor MS, the operation switches SW1 to SW11 maintained in an invalid state can be operated, and the operation inputs of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 can be determined. (Step S16). Other configurations are exactly the same as the configuration of the flowchart of FIG. 21 of the first embodiment.

  As a result, according to the electric rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ambient atmosphere temperature is lower than the body temperature of the person who is the original detection target (NO in step S10), and the human sensor MS is normal. Although the user can detect the presence of the person, the user is trying to operate from outside the detectable area of the human sensor MS such as the side or rear of the rice cooker body. Even when the function cannot be detected even though the function is normal, the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection is surely canceled, and then the human sensor It is normal to detect and detect the human sensor MS by touching any one of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 or touching the plurality of switches without using the MS detection input. Therefore, it is possible to operate the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 maintained in an invalid state because there is no operation, and to determine the operation input of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 (step S16). .

Therefore, even when the human sensor MS is provided, it is possible to enable appropriate rice cooking and input of warming information using the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 without impairing the original appropriate operation feeling. .
(3) Third Embodiment Furthermore, when the human body sensor MS is provided on the lid 2 as described above, the steam port 51a of the steam unit (pressure regulating unit) 51 of the lid 2 of the rice cooker body, The high-temperature “rice ball” blown out from 51b flows into the upper surface (concave surface) of the infrared inlet 20c of the nameplate main body 20, and the human sensor MS is set in the detection state even though there is no user. End up. In addition, even after the cooling, the “mother” covers the upper surface (concave surface portion) of the infrared introduction port 20c, thereby lowering the sensitivity of the human sensor MS itself and lowering the detection function (described above). Third problem described in the first embodiment).

Therefore, in such a case as well, as in the case of FIGS. 21 and 22, the detection of the human sensor MS is performed by touching the operation switches SW1 to SW11 separately from the detection function of the human sensor MS. If the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection can be surely released even when there is no input, touching any one of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 or a plurality of switches Even when the detection function of the human sensor MS becomes unreliable due to the sticking of “Gift” due to the touch of the button, the operation functions of the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW11 are restored, and the plurality of operation switches SW1 to SW1 are recovered. It is possible to determine the operation input by the operation of SW11.
(4) Fourth Embodiment In each of the above embodiments, the entire operation panel 60 is masked in a smoked state in the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B for touch detection. Therefore, even if it is attempted to cancel the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B by touching any one of the operation switches (touch switches) SW1 to SW11 as described above, it is difficult to understand the existence of the operation switch portion. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform a reliable operation.

  Therefore, for example, the electrode area of the touch electrode (electrostatic electrode) of the heat retention selection switch SW8, which is an operation switch whose position is closest to the relatively clear human sensor MS, for example, other operation switches In addition to increasing the detection sensitivity by forming the SW1 to SW7 and SW9 to SW11 to have a considerably larger area than the electrode area of the touch electrodes, and increasing the change in the stray capacitance generated between the touch body and the human body, The area ratio with respect to the character display portion lit by the light emitting diode is also made larger than the others so as to be relatively easy to visually recognize.

With such a configuration, even in the smoked state (operation standby / light-off state) of the above-described energy saving mode, the heat retention selection switch SW8 becomes easier to see to some extent than the other, and the detection sensitivity is also high. The release operation is easy and reliable.
(5) About 5th Embodiment The electrostatic electrode part of operation switch (touch switch) SW1-SW11 comprised by the said electrode sheet is provided in the nameplate main-body 20 part, for example, required black smoke material and printing It is further covered with a waterproof cover 80 through the material.

  In the WAIT mode of the second microcomputer control unit 100B described above, the operation switches (touch switches) including the electrostatic electrode portions and the character display portions of the operation switches (touch switches) SW1 to SW11 are all ( In particular, it is effectively masked by smoked material) so that it can hardly be seen, and a novel rice cooker design in which the upper surface of the lid 2 as shown in FIG. 1 is refreshed is realized.

  Of course, this is an effective configuration, but as a result, there is a problem that the position of the operation switch is difficult to understand when the second microcomputer control unit 100B is released from the WAIT mode.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as a countermeasure, for example, the thickness of the portion corresponding to the electrostatic electrode of the smoke material is formed to be thinner than the other portions, whereby the electrostatic electrode portion on the outer periphery of the touch key is formed. It is configured to appear thin in a ring shape. With such a configuration, even in the smoked state as shown in FIG. 1, the position of each operation switch can be easily understood, and the operation of the second microcomputer control unit 100B when releasing the WAIT mode is facilitated.

  Further, when such a configuration is adopted, in addition to the ease of the non-energized state canceling operation, the distance between the human body and the electrostatic electrode is reduced and the electrostatic resistance is reduced, so that the detection sensitivity is also improved.

In this case, in addition to the case where the thickness of the smoke material is reduced, the same effect can be obtained by reducing the smoke degree of the portion corresponding to the electrostatic electrode on the outer periphery of the touch key.
(6) Other Embodiments In the description of each of the above embodiments, as an example of an electric rice cooker to be applied, for example, electromagnetic induction including a ceramic inner pot and a ceramic outer pot Although the case of adopting the type of electric rice cooker has been described, the invention of this application is only applicable to the electric rice cooker of the specific configuration as described above, as is apparent from the contents of the essential technical idea. For example, an electric rice cooker with a ceramic inner pot without an outer pot, an electric rice cooker with a non-ceramic metal inner pot, an electric rice cooker with a non-metallic inner pot other than ceramic, an electromagnetic induction type Even if it is applied to general electric rice cookers having various configurations such as a heater type electric rice cooker that is not, the above-mentioned beneficial effects can be obtained in exactly the same manner.

  In addition, for the lid opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the lid, it is possible to employ various types of inclination sensors other than the above-described inclination sensor that is a combination of a light-emitting diode, a pair of phototransistors, and a movable light blocking object. is there. Further, in view of detecting the opening / closing of the lid, it is not necessarily limited to the tilt sensor, and it goes without saying that, for example, a proximity sensor combining a light emitting element and a light receiving element or a limit switch can be adopted.

  1 is a rice cooker body case, 1a is an outer case, 1b is a bottom case, 2 is a lid, 3 is an inner pot, 3a is a bottom part, 3b is a bent part, 3c is a side part, 3d is an opening part, and 4 is a protective frame 4A is the first protective frame unit, 4B is the second protective frame unit, 5 is the inner hook storage groove, 6 is the outer pot made of ceramic, 6a is the bottom, 6b is the bent portion, 6c is the side portion, and 6d is Side upper end, 7 is a magnetic shielding plate, 8 is a shoulder member, 9 is a coil base, 20 is a nameplate body, 20c is a first light receiving opening, 29a is a second light receiving opening, 60A is a liquid crystal panel, and 60B is Microcomputer board, 80 is a waterproof cover, 80a is a concave lens, 90 is a concave groove part, 90a is a light receiving part, 90b is a light receiving circuit part, 91 is a light receiving lens, 91a is a dome-shaped condensing part, 91b is a cylindrical part, 93 is Pyroelectric elements, 93a and 93b are pyroelectric electrodes, 100A is a first microcomputer control unit, 00B is a second microcomputer control unit, SW1 to SW11 are touch panel operation switches, 120 is a flash memory, 121 is an audio amplifier, 123 is a light emitting diode drive circuit, MS is a human sensor, IS is a tilt sensor, L1 to L19 Is a light emitting diode for operating switch illumination, L20 to L24 are light emitting diodes for a backlight of a liquid crystal panel, C1 is a first work coil, C2 is a second work coil, C3 is a third work coil, and G1 is a first work coil. The induction heating part, G2 is a second induction heating part, and G3 is a third induction heating part.

Claims (4)

  An inner pot, a rice cooker main body that stores the inner pot in a removable manner, an inner pot heating means that heats the stored inner pot inside the rice cooker main body, and an upper portion of the rice cooker main body that can be opened and closed. A lid provided on the control unit, a control unit that controls the heating state of the inner pot heating unit during rice cooking or heat retention, an operation unit that performs operation setting of a control input to the control unit in the energized state, and the operation The presence or absence of an operator who operates the unit is detected, and when the operator is present, the operation unit is controlled to be in an energized state capable of setting a control input. An electric rice cooker comprising a human sensor that controls a non-energized state where control input cannot be set, wherein the operation unit is controlled to be in a non-energized state where control input cannot be set, and The human sensor does not detect the presence of the operator. Even when Tsu, if the operator has operated the operation unit, electric rice cookers, characterized in that the operating unit has to be returned to the conduction state can be set the control input.   The operation unit includes a plurality of touch switches having touch keys and illumination means for illuminating the touch key portions of the plurality of touch switches, and the human sensor continuously detects the presence of the operator for a predetermined time or more. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein when not detected, the state shifts to a non-energized state, the control input cannot be set, and the illumination means is turned off and cannot be seen from the outside. Electric rice cooker.   The control means is configured not to perform the operation input determination for the operation of the operation unit for returning from the non-energized state where the control input cannot be set to the energized state where the control input can be set. The electric rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2.   In the non-energized state where the control input cannot be set, if there is a detection input from the human sensor, the detection input from the human sensor is prioritized to return to the energized state where the control input can be set. The electric rice cooker according to claim 1, 2, or 3.

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