JP2021090840A - rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vertically separated type rice cooker having improved operability.SOLUTION: An IH rice cooker 1 enables rice cooking by mounting a rice cooker unit 100 in an IH cooker 200. The IH cooker 200 has an IH coil 211 that applies electromagnetic induction heating to an object to be heated, and an IH operation unit 201 that is an operation unit of the IH cooker 200. The rice cooker unit 100 has an inner pot 121 that stores rice to be cooked, and a rice cooker operation unit 101 that is an operation unit of the rice cooker unit 100. With the IH cooker 200 having the rice cooker unit 100 mounted therein, the IH operation unit 201 is covered by the rice cooker unit 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present embodiment relates to a rice cooker.

In recent years, IH rice cookers have become widespread. IH stands for Induction Heating. The IH rice cooker is a rice cooker of a type in which an electromagnetic wave is generated by an IH coil installed at the bottom, and the bottom itself of the rice cooker is heated by the electromagnetic wave to cook rice.

A separate type rice cooker is also known (Patent Document 1). In the rice cooker disclosed in Patent Document 1, a separately installed rice cooker is mounted on an IH cooker that can be used for many purposes, and the rice cooker on the rice cooker side is heated by the IH coil on the IH cooker side to cook rice. It has become like.

Utility Model Registration No. 3103627

However, according to the rice cooker disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operation buttons of the IH cooker are exposed in the state where the rice cooker is mounted on the IH cooker (see FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1). Since this IH cooker is premised on versatile use, there is a possibility that an operation button that is not necessary for cooking rice may be pressed while the rice cooker is mounted on the IH cooker.

The present embodiment provides a top-bottom-separated rice cooker with improved operability.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the rice cooker is capable of cooking rice by mounting the rice cooker unit on the electromagnetic cooker, and the electromagnetic cooker is a heating coil that electromagnetically induces and heats the object to be heated. The rice cooker is provided with an electromagnetic cooker operation unit, which is an operation unit of the electromagnetic cooker, and a weight sensor provided at the bottom of the electromagnetic cooker and capable of measuring the weight of the rice cooker housed in the rice cooker. The rice cooker unit includes the rice cooker for accommodating the food to be cooked and the rice cooker operation unit which is the operation unit of the rice cooker unit, and the electromagnetic cooker is equipped with the rice cooker unit. A rice cooker in which the operation unit is covered by the rice cooker unit is provided.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a top-bottom-separated rice cooker with improved operability.

The perspective view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rice cooker unit included in the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rice cooker section shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an IH cooker included in the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. The perspective view of the IH cooker shown in FIG. 4 with the top plate removed. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the IH cooker shown in FIG. Sectional drawing of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. An enlarged view of the weight sensor portion shown in FIG. 7. The schematic circuit block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation part provided with the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment, (a) rice cooker operation part, (b) measurement display part. The screen transition diagram of the measurement display part shown in FIG. 11B. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation of the weight sensor of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor control operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation of the IH cooker provided in the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The side view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The bottom view of the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. The circuit block diagram of the weight sensor provided in the IH rice cooker which concerns on embodiment. The circuit block diagram of the single load cell shown in FIG.

Next, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

Further, the embodiments shown below exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical idea, and do not specify the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc. of the component parts to the following. .. This embodiment can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

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

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

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has an automatic weighing function. As a result, you can "notify the optimum amount of water" according to the amount of rice cooked and the brand of rice, cook delicious rice at any time, and enjoy the characteristics of rice more.

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has a function of separately cooking rice brands. As a result, it is possible to control the electric power and the time of the rice cooking process from the temperature sensor information for the rice brand and the rice cooking of each menu, and to cook delicious rice.

[Example of rice cooker configuration]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the rice cooker unit 100 will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rice cooker unit 100 included in the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the rice cooker unit 100 includes a lid portion 100A, a rice cooker main body 100B, and a bottom portion 100C. A rice cooker operation unit 101 for operating the rice cooker unit 100 is provided on the top surface of the lid portion 100A. On the front surface of the rice cooker main body 100B, a weighing display unit 102 for displaying the weight of rice or water is provided. The appearance of the rice cooker unit 100 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. It is desirable to slightly incline the front surface of the rice cooker body 100B so that the weighing display unit 102 can be easily seen by the user.

The outer edge of the bottom 100C has a structure that fits with the outer edge of the top surface of the IH cooker 200. Specifically, about 8.5 mm, the housing on the rice cooker 100 side and the housing on the IH cooker 200 side overlap each other. Since the installation area of the IH cooker 200 and the installation area of the rice cooker unit 100 are substantially the same, the upper and lower housings are exactly the same, the appearance is smart, and space can be saved. As a device for vertical fitting, the outer edge of the top surface of the IH cooker 200 and the outer edge of the bottom 100C may be tapered, or the R may be different between the front and rear to eliminate mistakes in the front and back.

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

A rice cooker operation board 126 that controls the rice cooker operation unit 101 is arranged in the vicinity of the rice cooker operation unit 101. A measurement display board 123 that controls the measurement display unit 102 is arranged in the vicinity of the measurement display unit 102. An interface board 122 to which a communication terminal 112 and a power receiving coil are connected is arranged below the measurement display board 123. The communication terminal 112 is a terminal for wireless communication with the IH cooker 200. The power receiving coil is a coil for receiving power by electromagnetic induction from the power supply coil on the IH cooker 200 side.

Although the case where the thermistor 131 is provided on the bottom of the rice cooker unit 100 is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thermistor 131 may be provided on the side surface of the rice cooker unit 100 or may be provided on the inner lid 127.

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

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

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

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the IH cooker 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the IH coil 211 is arranged in the upper part of the center of the IH cooker main body 200A. The heat generated inside the IH cooker main body 200A is exhausted to the outside by FAN221. An IH operation board 224 for controlling the IH operation unit 201 is arranged on the front side of the upper part of the IH cooker main body 200A. A main substrate 225 for IH heating is arranged in the vicinity thereof. Four pedestal portions 223 project from the four corners of the bottom of the IH cooker main body 200A to the outer surface. The pedestal portion 223 is compatible with mold nesting, and a weight sensor can be attached to the pedestal portion 223.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the rice cooker operation unit 101 (see FIG. 2) is operated in this state, the operation signal is transmitted from the rice cooker operation board 126 to the main board 225 on the IH cooker 200 side via the communication terminals 112 and 213. .. The main board 225 controls the start and stop of the current supply to the IH coil 211 based on the received operation signal, and controls the current value of the high frequency current flowing through the IH coil 211. In this control, the weight information of the cooked rice (rice, water, etc.) obtained from the weight sensor substrate 224a and the temperature information of the inner pot 121 obtained from the thermistor 131 can be used. The weight information can also be displayed on the weighing display unit 102 (see FIG. 2) via the measuring display board 123 on the rice cooker unit 100 side.

As described above, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment uses the rice cooking technology by IH, enables the rice cooker unit 100 and the IH cooker 200 to be separated by wireless communication and power supply, and has rice with a weight sensor.・ Weigh water. Since it is equipped with such an automatic weighing function, it can "notify the optimum amount of water" according to the amount of rice cooked and the brand of rice, cook delicious rice at any time, and enjoy the characteristics of rice more.

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

[Configuration example of operation unit]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation unit included in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment.

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

Further, FIG. 11B shows a weighing display unit 102 provided on the front surface of the rice cooker unit 100. The weighing display unit 102 includes a weighing button B11 in addition to the display unit D11. The display unit D11 is a display device that displays a measured value or the like. The weighing button B11 is a button for instructing the use of the weighing mode or the like.

[Outline of weighing operation example]
The outline of the weighing operation example will be described below.

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

[Details of weighing operation example]
FIG. 12 is a screen transition diagram of the measurement display unit 102 shown in FIG. 11 (b).

First, when the user puts rice in the inner pot 121 in the weighing mode, the weight of the rice is measured. Here, when the weight of the rice is less than or equal to the specified range, as shown in FIG. 12A, the display unit D11 displays "Put rice and press the weighing button" or the like (weighing button B11 blinks). Before entering the weighing mode, the zero point is adjusted with the inner pot 121 attached to the rice cooker main body 100B, but the details will be described later. On the other hand, when the weight of rice is heavier than the permissible weight, an error is displayed on the display unit D11 (weighing button B11 is turned off) as shown in FIG. 12B.

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

Next, when the rice is washed (this step is not necessary for non-washed rice) and water is added using a cup (not shown), the weight of the water is measured, and as shown in FIG. 12 (d), the amount of water is added and water is added. The required amount of water displayed on the display unit D11 decreases. When the water weight is within the optimum range, it makes a beep once, and when it is out of the optimum range, it makes a beep twice. In the optimum value range, “0” or the like is displayed on the display unit D11 as shown in FIG. 12 (e), and when the optimum value range is exceeded, “water” is displayed on the display unit D11 as shown in FIG. 12 (f). "Reduce" etc. is displayed.

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

[Example of weighing rice cooking operation]
13A to 13E are flowcharts showing the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker 1.

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

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

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

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

Next, when the lid portion 100A is open, the weight is equal to or greater than the appropriate weight of the hook, and the heat retention is "OFF", the weighing display is started (S16 → S18 → S20 → S24). The appropriate weight of the hook is the weight obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the weight of the hook.

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

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

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

Next, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight of the rice cooking menu, the display of "put rice and press the weighing button" is maintained, and the weighing button B11 blinks (S34 → S35). As a result, when the user presses the weighing button B11, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight range, the rice weight is memorized and the optimum amount of water is displayed for the rice-like amount. Specifically, the water measurement mode "○○ cc water is added (reduced)" or the like is displayed (S36 → S37 → S38). The allowable rice weight "○ go ~ ○ go" is determined for each rice cooking menu.

Here, when the menu is "wash-free rice", "○○ cc water is added" or the like is displayed (S39 → S40). On the other hand, when the menu is other than "wash-free rice", "○○ cc rice is washed and then water is added" or the like is displayed (S39 → S41).

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

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

Finally, when the user presses the rice cooking button B4, if the lid 100A is closed, rice cooking is started in the selected rice cooking menu / brand course (S60 → S61 → S62). After that, when the rice cooking is completed, the heat retention is started (S63), and the process returns to step S16.

[Example of weight sensor zero point adjustment operation]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation.

First, when the lid portion 100A is not opened, it is left as it is (S71 → S72). On the other hand, when the lid 100A is open and the user presses and holds the weighing button B11, if the weight is within the pot weight reasonable range, the zero point adjustment is started and the rice weighing mode is entered. (S71-> S73-> S74-> S75-> S76). The appropriate range of the hook weight "Kama weight ± ○%" is determined based on the kettle weight.

[Weight sensor control operation example]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor control operation.

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

Sensor output average (voltage) = average (sensor output ALL (voltage))
Next, the output voltage is converted into a load (weight) based on the following equation (S83). The strain gauge coefficient is determined by checking the actual product and experimenting.

Measured value [g] = (mean sensor output (voltage)) / (strain gauge coefficient [voltage / N]) / g (gravity acceleration [m / s ^ 2])
Next, the measured weight is calculated based on the following equation (S84).

Weighed weight [g] = measured value [g] -zero point weight [g]
At this time, in the rice weighing mode, the rice weight is recorded in g units (S85 → S86). On the other hand, in the water measurement mode, the water weight is output in cc units based on the following equation (S87 → S88).

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

[Example of IH cooking operation]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the IH cooker 200.

First, when the rice cooker unit 100 is placed on the IH cooker 200, the display of the IH operation unit 201 is turned off (S91 → S92 → S93 → S92). Even if the rice cooker unit 100 is not placed on the IH cooker 200, the display of the IH operation unit 201 is turned off until the user presses the "heating start" or "fried food start" button 201a or 201b. (S94 → S95 → S92).

Then, when the user presses the "heating start" or "fried food start" button 201a or 201b, heating is started with the minimum heating power (S94 → S96). The reason for starting heating with the lowest thermal power is to prevent an inadvertent temperature rise and ensure safety. Further, when the user presses the "strong" button 201c, the thermal power is increased accordingly (S97 → S98), and when the user presses the "weak" button 201d, the thermal power is decreased accordingly (S99 → S100). .. Finally, when the user presses the "off" button 201e, the power is turned down (S101 → S102).

[About rice brand and taste]
The relationship between rice brands and taste will be described below.

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

In this way, since the taste and physical properties differ depending on the brand of rice, the main substrate 225 of the IH cooker 200 is used in the cooking process according to the brand of rice selected by the rice brand button B3 of the rice cooker operation unit 101. The amount of heat (power) to be applied is calculated, and the IH coil 211 or the like is controlled based on the calculated amount of heat. As a result, it is possible to accurately separate the cooking for each brand.

As described above, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment is an IH rice cooker 1 capable of cooking rice by mounting the rice cooker unit 100 on the IH cooker 200. The IH cooker 200 includes an IH coil 211 that electromagnetically induces and heats an object to be heated, and an IH operation unit 201 that is an operation unit of the IH cooker 200. The rice cooker unit 100 includes an inner pot 121 for accommodating the rice to be cooked, and a rice cooker operation unit 101 which is an operation unit of the rice cooker unit 100. The IH operation unit 201 is covered by the rice cooker unit 100 with the rice cooker unit 100 mounted on the IH cooker 200. As a result, the IH operation unit 201 cannot be operated with the rice cooker unit 100 mounted on the IH cooker 200, so that an operation error can be prevented and the operability can be improved. Further, according to the configuration in which the IH operation unit 201 is covered by the rice cooker unit 100 in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of rice cooked for the small installation area of the rice cooker unit 100. When the upper and lower parts are separated, the IH cooker 200 side can be used independently for IH cooking, and the rice cooker unit 100 side can be easily carried to the table as a bowl.

Further, the IH operation unit 201 may be provided on the top surface of the IH cooker 200, and the outer edge portion of the top surface of the IH cooker 200 and the outer edge portion of the bottom surface of the rice cooker unit 100 may be fitted. That is, since the installation area of the IH cooker 200 and the installation area of the rice cooker unit 100 are substantially the same, the upper and lower housings are exactly the same, the appearance is smart, and space can be saved.

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has an automatic weighing function. As a result, you can "notify the optimum amount of water" according to the amount of rice cooked and the brand of rice, cook delicious rice at any time, and enjoy the characteristics of rice more. Specifically, a weight sensor that measures the weight of the cooked rice contained in the inner pot 121 may be provided.

Further, the weight sensor may be provided on the IH cooker 200 side. As a result, a space on the rice cooker unit 100 side can be secured.

Further, the weight sensors may be provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the IH cooker 200, and the weight of the cooked rice may be calculated by averaging the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners. As a result, even when the installation location of the IH rice cooker 1 is tilted, the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners can be averaged, so that the measurement accuracy can be further improved.

Further, electric power may be supplied from the IH cooker 200 to the rice cooker unit 100 by a non-contact power supply method. As a result, it is not necessary to connect a power cord or the like to the rice cooker unit 100, so that the rice cooker unit 100 can be easily removed and carried as a bowl.

Further, the thermistor 131 for measuring the temperature of the inner pot 121 may be provided, and the temperature of the inner pot 121 may be transmitted from the rice cooker unit 100 to the IH cooker 200 by infrared rays. As a result, infrared rays are not affected by IH, so that the temperature of the inner pot 121 can be transmitted with high accuracy.

Further, an inclined portion may be provided on the front surface of the rice cooker unit 100, and a weighing display unit 102 for displaying the weight measured by the weight sensor may be provided on the inclined portion. This makes it easier for the user to see the weighing display unit 102, so that it is possible to provide the IH rice cooker 1 that is more convenient to use.

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has a brand-separating function. As a result, it is possible to control the electric power and the time of the rice cooking process from the temperature sensor information for the rice brand and the rice cooking of each menu, and to cook delicious rice.

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment has a measuring function, but even if the IH rice cooker does not have the measuring function, the total number of rice to be cooked is determined according to each rice cooking mode. May be provided with control to perform. As a result, the optimum cooked rice can be ensured according to each rice cooking mode (including rice cooking modes such as cooking and rice porridge) and the total number of rice.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the upper and lower separated type IH rice cooker 1 with improved operability.

[Arrangement of weight detection legs with respect to the position of the center of gravity of the rice cooker]
By the way, in order to cook delicious rice with a rice cooker, it is important to add the optimum amount of water for the total number (weight) of rice. Therefore, it is necessary to use a weight sensor having a high detection accuracy (specifically, a gram-order accuracy).

When actually trying to adjust the amount of water accurately in a rice cooker, it takes time to measure the weight by closing the lid one by one, and the operability becomes troublesome. In such a case, it is desirable to measure the weight with the lid open.

However, when the lid is opened, the weight of the lid moves upward. Then, the center of gravity of the rice cooker moves upward as compared with the state where the lid is closed, so that it tends to be unstable. In order to suppress wobbling and instability due to such movement, it is preferable to provide many legs. In particular, the hinge side is susceptible to this, so at least two legs should be provided. Further, if not only the front-rear direction of the rice cooker front side and the hinge side but also the wobbling (instability) in the orthogonal left-right direction is suppressed, stable weight measurement becomes possible.

Further, although a weight sensor is used to detect the weight, a patent application has been filed for a rice cooker or a cooking device in which the leg is also used as the weight detecting leg (for example, Patent No. 5231591). Patent No. 5231591 arranges the weight detection legs with respect to the position of the center of gravity of the rice cooker for the purpose of achieving both improvement in weight detection accuracy when the lid is closed and improvement in stability when the lid is open. It defines the relationship.

However, Japanese Patent No. 5231591 is intended to weigh the contents with the lid closed, and it is premised that the weight is measured in a stable state in the first place. That is, no consideration is given to weighing in an unstable state with the lid open.

Therefore, the present embodiment provides a rice cooker capable of achieving highly accurate weight measurement on the order of grams even when the lid is open.

(Implementation technology)
If the weight can be measured with one weight detection leg, it is ideal in terms of cost / design. However, for example, if the installation surface has irregularities and the weight detection leg is located exactly at that position, the weight detection leg may float from the installation surface and the weight may not be measured.

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

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

(Example of weight measurement configuration)
FIG. 17 is a side view of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment. When the lock by the lid lock mechanism 124 (see FIG. 3) is released, the front side of the lid portion 100A rotates upward with the rotation shaft 129a of the lid hinge 129 as a fulcrum, and the lid portion 100A is stationary in a substantially vertical state. .. Let G be the center of gravity of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid 100A open.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. Here, the case where four pedestal portions 223 are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the IH rice cooker 1 is illustrated. Weight sensors are attached to all four pedestals 223. In the following description, the pedestal portion 223 will be referred to as a weight detection leg 223. When distinguishing the four weight detection legs 223, they are referred to as weight detection legs 223A, 223B, 223C, and 223D.

As shown in FIG. 18, the two weight detection legs 223C and 223D are located at both ends on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the center of gravity G and in the direction of the rotation shaft 129a. On the other hand, the two weight detection legs 223A and 223B are located on the opposite side of the lid hinge 129 with respect to the center of gravity G and at both ends in the direction of the rotation shaft 129a. Let L1 and L2 be the two virtual diagonal lines of the quadrangle formed by the weight detection legs 223A, 223B, 223C, and 223D, and let P be the intersection of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2. In this case, it is desirable that the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side of the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2.

Specifically, the triangular region formed by the intersection P and the weight detection legs 223A and 223B is referred to as "region E1". When the center of gravity G is located inside the region E1, it is easily affected by the bias of rice and the vibration caused by water injection, and it is easy to wobble in the front-back direction.

Further, the triangular region formed by the intersection P and the weight detection legs 223B and 223C is referred to as "region E2". When the center of gravity G is located inside the region E2, it tends to sway in the left-right direction when the lid portion 100A is opened or when the lid portion 100A is opened.

Further, the triangular region formed by the intersection P and the weight detection legs 223D and 223A is referred to as "region E4". Even when the center of gravity G is located inside the region E4, it tends to sway in the left-right direction when the lid portion 100A is opened or when the lid portion 100A is opened.

Finally, the triangular region formed by the intersection P and the weight detection legs 223C and 223D is referred to as "region E3". When the center of gravity G is inside the region E3, the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side of the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2, so that it is difficult to wobble in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

Therefore, each component is arranged so that the center of gravity G is inside the region E3. Here, the inner pot 121, the IH coil 211, and the like, which are heavy objects, are arranged closer to the rear of the IH rice cooker 1. As a result, the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid portion 100A opened can be arranged in the vicinity immediately below the center O of the inner pot 121 (see FIG. 17). Here, the center O of the inner pot 121 means the volume center (space center) of the inner pot 121.

Here, the case where four weight detection legs 223 are provided is illustrated, but even when five or more weight detection legs 223 are provided, the inside of the triangular region including the two hinge-side weight detection legs at the apex is the same. It suffices if there is a center of gravity G in. The two hinge-side weight detection legs are weight detection legs located at both ends of the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the center of gravity G in the direction of the rotation axis 129a. In this case as well, since the point where the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side from the intersection of the virtual diagonal lines is the same, it is difficult to wobble in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

(Example of weight measurement operation)
An example of the weight measurement operation is as described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. That is, when the operation of the IH rice cooker 1 is started, the zero point adjustment of the weight sensor is performed with the lid portion 100A open (FIG. 14, S71 → S73 → S74 → S75). Further, after the zero point adjustment is performed, the weight of the cooked rice contained in the inner pot 121 is measured with the lid 100A open (S16 → S18 → S20 → S24 in FIG. 13B). , S46 → S47 in FIG. 13D). Of course, the zero point of the weight sensor may be adjusted with the lid 100A closed, or the weight of the cooked rice contained in the inner pot 121 may be weighed. However, it is quicker and easier to perform these processes when the lid 100A is opened.

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

(Example of weight sensor circuit configuration)
Next, an example of a weight sensor circuit configuration will be described. In the above description, the weight of the cooked rice is calculated by averaging the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners (S81 → S82 in FIG. 15), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to calculate the weight of the cooked rice by the total of the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners.

FIG. 19 is a circuit configuration diagram of a weight sensor included in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a circuit configuration diagram of a single load cell shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, this weight sensor includes load cells SEL1 to SEL4, a differential amplifier circuit 11, an A / D converter (12 bit) 12, a CPU 13, and an RC smoothing circuit 14. The load cells SEL1 to SEL4 are four single load cells as shown in FIG. 20 connected in series. The total minute voltage signal of four single load cells is output.

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

Next, offset adjustment (microcomputer control) by the CPU 13 will be described. The required range of weight measurement is "a state in which an empty inner pot 121 is put (about 5 kg)" to "a state in which 3 go rice and water are put in the inner pot 121 (about 6 kg)". Therefore, when the strain gauge is mounted on the weight detection leg 223, it is necessary to measure from zero g to 6 kg, and the measurement accuracy in the range of 5 kg to 6 kg is lowered. Further, in the vicinity of the output zero V of the differential amplifier circuit 11, the measurement accuracy is lowered due to the influence of noise and the like.

In order to improve these problems, the CPU 13 makes a PWM signal so that the output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit 11 is in the range of 1V to 1.5V when the empty inner pot 121 is inserted (about 5 kg). Is output. All of them are individually adjusted in the factory inspection process. Further, the CPU 13 is set in the differential amplifier circuit 11 so that the output voltage of the differential amplifier circuit 11 is about Vcc-1V when the inner pot 121 is filled with 3 cups of rice and water (about 6 kg). Adjust the gain. As a result, it is possible to secure the measurement accuracy of the required measurement range (5 kg to 6 kg) and realize a weight sensor that is not easily affected by noise or the like.

As described above, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment is for opening and closing the main body in which the inner pot 121 is detachably housed, the lid portion 100A provided on the main body so as to be openable and closable, and the lid portion 100A. It is provided with a lid hinge 129 having a rotation shaft 129a provided on the upper part of the main body and four or more legs provided on the bottom surface of the main body, and at least four of the legs are weight detection legs 223 for detecting weight, and four. The weight detection legs 223 have two hinge-side weight detection legs 223C, which are located at both ends on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the rotation axis 129a direction with respect to the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid 100A open. The IH rice cooker 1 is composed of 223D and two reverse hinge side weight detection legs 223A and 223B located on both ends in the direction of the rotation shaft 129a on the opposite side of the lid hinge 129, and the lid 100A is open. The center of gravity G is located on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2 formed by the two hinge-side weight detection legs 223C and 223D and the two reverse hinge-side weight detection legs 223A and 223B. Then, with the lid 100A open, the weight is measured using the four weight detection legs 223. As a result, there are two weight detection legs 223 on the lid hinge 129 side, and the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side from the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2. The weight can be measured.

Further, the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 with the lid portion 100A opened may be arranged immediately below the center of the inner pot 121. As a result, the center of gravity G is arranged at the center of the inner pot 121, and is hardly affected by the bias of rice or vibration due to water injection.

Further, when the operation of the IH rice cooker 1 is started, the zero point adjustment of the weight sensor may be performed with the lid portion 100A open. As a result, it is possible to absorb the time-dependent change of the weight sensor in the state where the lid portion 100A is open and maintain high-precision weight measurement.

Further, after adjusting the zero point, the weight of the cooked rice contained in the inner pot 121 may be weighed with the lid 100A open. As a result, the amount of water can be accurately adjusted while the lid 100A is open, so that it is not necessary to close the lid 100A and measure the weight, and the operation is simple.

Although the upper and lower separated type IH rice cooker 1 has been described here as an example, the arrangement relationship of the weight detection legs with respect to the position of the center of gravity of the rice cooker as described above is applied to a general rice cooker that is not separated vertically. It can also be applied to a microcomputer-type rice cooker.

[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although described by embodiment, the statements and drawings that form part of this disclosure are exemplary and should not be understood to be limited. This disclosure will reveal to those skilled in the art various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques.

As described above, the present embodiment includes various embodiments not described here. For example, the case where the weight sensor is provided on the IH cooker 200 side is illustrated, but the weight sensor can also be provided on the rice cooker unit 100 side. In addition to strain gauges, pressure sensors and other types of load cells can also be used as weight sensors.

The rice cooker of the present embodiment can be applied to a vertically separated type IH rice cooker or the like, which needs to improve operability.

1 ... IH rice cooker (rice cooker)
100 ... Rice cooker unit 101 ... Rice cooker operation unit 102 ... Weighing display unit 111 ... Detection magnet 112 ... Communication terminal 113 ... Power receiving coil 121 ... Inner pot (rice cooker)
122 ... Interface board 123 ... Weighing display board 124 ... Lid lock mechanism 126 ... Rice cooker operation board 127 ... Inner lid 128 ... Steam cylinder 129 ... Lid hinge 131 ... Thermistor (temperature measuring unit)
200 ... IH cooker (induction cooker)
201 ... IH operation unit (induction cooker operation unit)
211 ... IH coil (heating coil)
212 ... Power supply coil 213 ... Communication terminal 214 ... Reed switch 221 ... FAN
223 ... Pedestal (weight detection leg)
224 ... IH operation board 224a ... Weight sensor board 223A ... Base member 223B ... Strain gauge 223C ... Weight sensor pedestal 223D ... Rubber feet 223E ... Weight sensor cover 225 ... Main board 226 ... Magnet plugs D1, D11 ... Display B1 ... Menu button B2 ... Heat retention / cancellation button B3 ... Rice brand button B4 ... Rice cooking button B11 ... Weighing button

Claims (5)

It is a rice cooker that can cook rice by mounting the rice cooker part on the electromagnetic cooker.
The electromagnetic cooker
A heating coil that electromagnetically induces and heats the object to be heated,
The electromagnetic cooker operation unit, which is the operation unit of the electromagnetic cooker,
It is equipped with a weight sensor installed at the bottom of the electromagnetic cooker and capable of measuring the weight of the rice to be cooked stored in the rice cooker.
The rice cooker section
The rice cooker that houses the rice to be cooked and
It is equipped with a rice cooker operation unit, which is an operation unit of the rice cooker unit.
A rice cooker characterized in that the electromagnetic cooker operation unit is covered by the rice cooker unit in a state where the rice cooker unit is mounted on the electromagnetic cooker unit. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the weight sensors are provided at four corners of the bottom surface of the electromagnetic cooker, and the weight of the cooked rice is calculated by averaging the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners. .. The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer edge portion of the top surface of the electromagnetic cooker and the outer edge portion of the bottom surface of the rice cooker portion are fitted to each other. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein electric power is supplied from the electromagnetic cooker to the rice cooker unit by a non-contact power supply method. It is equipped with a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the rice cooker.
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature information of the rice cooker is transmitted from the rice cooker unit to the electromagnetic cooker by infrared rays.

Images