JP2021098078A - Cooking device - Google Patents

Abstract

To report a calorie value by operation from the side of a rice cooker.SOLUTION: When third input operation means is operated, a rice cooking unit transmits a calorie report command from a second communication part. When the calorie report command of the second communication part is received by a first communication part, an induction heating cooker transmits information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by weight measurement means, from the first communication part. The rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value by calculation processing means from weight measurement data of cooked rice transmitted from the side of the induction heating cooker 1, and reports the calculation result by report means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a cooking device capable of cooking rice with an electric heat source, and in particular, a portion of the rice cooking unit is placed on an induction heating cooker and used, and after the rice cooking is completed, the rice cooking unit is removed from the induction heating cooker. Regarding those that can be separated and used as an induction heating cooker alone.

Conventionally, a rice cooking unit (also called "Ohitsu part") equipped with an inner pot is placed on a tabletop induction heating cooker (also called "electromagnetic cooker"), and the rice is cooked by the induction heating source. After cooking rice, there was an electric rice cooker that made it possible to move the rice cooking unit to a place away from the induction heating cooker (see Patent Document 1).

Further, there is an electric rice cooker that not only can be separated into upper and lower parts from an induction heating cooker but also has a function of measuring the weight of an inner pot for storing rice and the like to improve the convenience of the user (Patent Document). See 2, 3 and 4).

Further, a rice cooker has been proposed in which the amount of energy corresponding to the weight of rice is displayed in the unit of calories so that the user or the like can recognize the amount of energy of the rice to be consumed in advance (Patent Documents 5 and 6). reference).

Utility Model Registration No. 3103627 Japanese Patent No. 57758885 JP-A-2017-079207 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-077459 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-081641 Japanese Patent No. 5611456

In recent years, health consciousness has increased, and when rice cooked with a rice cooker is served in a bowl or the like, there is an increasing demand to know the amount of energy intake (calorie value) of the rice each time. However, when a rice cooker with a function that can display the calorie value by itself is used in combination with another induction cooker, cooperation between the rice cooker and the induction cooker is also required, and the rice cooker is cooked. There are problems such as the calorie value cannot be easily known on the rice cooker side or the operability of the user is impaired.

The present invention has been made against the background of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a cooking device capable of notifying a calorie value by an operation from the rice cooker side in a state where an induction cooking cooker and a rice cooker are used in combination. The main purpose is to realize it.

The cooking apparatus according to the first aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing that the rice is converted into a calorie value and notified, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and the calorie value of the cooked rice being notified. A second communication unit and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner are provided.
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker obtains information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means in the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
The rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value by the calculation processing means from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side, and notifies the calculation result by the notification means.
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. ..

The cooking apparatus according to the second aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. Is converted into a calorie value and notified, a third input operation means, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and power is received from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner. Equipped with a power receiving coil, respectively
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker generates calorie conversion information based on the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means. Outgoing from the first communication unit
The rice cooking unit notifies the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side by the notification means.
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. ..

The cooking apparatus according to the third aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing the measurement of rice, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner, respectively. Prepare,
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the first communication unit receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit, the induction heating cooker provides information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means to the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
Further, when the calorie notification command is issued by the third input operation means, the rice cooking unit does not accept the input from the specific input key in the second input operation means, and is included in the notification means. The calorie value is displayed on the display screen
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. ..

The cooking apparatus according to the fourth aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing that the rice is converted into a calorie value and notified, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and the calorie value of the cooked rice being notified. A second communication unit and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner are provided.
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker obtains information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means in the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
The rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value by the calculation processing means from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side, and notifies the calculation result by the notification means.
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. The configuration is characterized by performing a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation.

The cooking apparatus according to the fifth aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. Is converted into a calorie value and notified, a third input operation means, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and power is received from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner. Equipped with a power receiving coil, respectively
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker generates calorie conversion information based on the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means. Outgoing from the first communication unit
The rice cooking unit notifies the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side by the notification means.
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. The configuration is characterized by performing a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation.

The cooking apparatus according to the sixth aspect is
It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing the measurement of rice, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner, respectively. Prepare,
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the first communication unit receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit, the induction heating cooker provides information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means to the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
Further, when the calorie notification command is issued by the third input operation means, the rice cooking unit does not accept the input from the specific input key in the second input operation means, and is included in the notification means. The calorie value is displayed on the display screen
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. The configuration is characterized by performing a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation.

The cooking apparatus according to the seventh aspect is
It includes an induction heating cooker provided with a first input operating means, and a rice cooking unit provided with a second input operating means for inputting rice cooking conditions, which is detachably placed on the induction heating cooker. ,
In the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit, the weight of the inner pot heated by the heating coil of the induction heating cooker is measured in a state where the rice cooking unit is placed on the induction heating cooker. Equipped with a weight measuring means,
The induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit are provided with an infrared communication unit and an infrared communication unit for transmitting control information between the two.
The rice cooking unit has a notification means for notifying the calorie value of the cooked rice, a lid opening sensor for detecting whether or not the lid is in the open state after the completion of the rice cooking process, and detecting the presence of the user. Further equipped with a person detection sensor
The rice cooking unit has a control program of "rice cooking mode" and "calorie notification mode".
In the "calorie notification mode", the input operation by the user is effective when the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker and when the human detection sensor detects a person. It is a configuration characterized by that.

The cooking apparatus according to the eighth aspect is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker having a top plate on the upper surface and a rice cooking unit having a built-in inner pot used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate.
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for inductively heating the inner pot and a first input operating means for setting energization conditions for the heating coil.
The rice cooking unit includes a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a control device for determining rice cooking conditions by receiving input from a second input operation means, an infrared communication unit, and an opening on the upper surface of the inner pot. It is equipped with a lid opening sensor that detects whether the lid that can be opened and closed is open.
The rice cooking unit has a control program of "rice cooking mode" and "calorie notification mode".
The induction heating cooker is provided with a cooling fan that supplies cooling air to the heating coil and an infrared communication unit for exchanging necessary information with an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit.
The induction heating cooker has a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil.
At least one of the main control device and the control device
(1) Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal of the infrared communication unit.
(2) After the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed, the input operation function of the second input operation means is enabled.
(3) When the lid opening sensor detects the opening of the lid, the control of the "calorie notification mode" is enabled and the control is enabled.
(4) In the "calorie notification mode", the weight measuring step is executed by the weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the inner pot.

The cooking apparatus according to the ninth aspect is
In the device that receives control data by infrared communication between the control device of the rice cooking unit and the main control device of the induction heating cooker and executes the rice cooking process.
An infrared communication unit A for processing the infrared signal and an infrared communication unit B are respectively arranged in the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit.
The control program of the main control device includes
(1) Before the rice cooking process, a measurement step 1 in which the weight of rice put in the inner pot containing the food to be cooked is measured by a weight measuring means, and a notification notifying the amount of water suitable for cooking rice in the measurement step 1 With steps,
(2) "Calorie notification mode" that is started in response to a specific input after the rice cooking process is completed, or is automatically started in response to the opening of the lid that closes the upper opening of the inner pot. Have,
The "calorie notification mode" includes a measurement step 2 in which the weight reduction of the inner pot is measured by the weight measuring means when the food to be cooked is taken out from the inner pot, and a conversion step of acquiring a calorie value. Have and
The main control device is characterized in that at least one of the operation information signals L1 to L10 and the rice weight data acquired in the measurement step 1 is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the outside.

The cooking apparatus according to the tenth aspect is
Equipped with a rice cooking unit and an induction heating cooker,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil, an infrared communication unit A, and a main control device.
The rice cooking unit includes an inner pot heated by the heating coil and an infrared communication unit B that processes an infrared signal in correspondence with the infrared communication unit A.
The rice cooking unit can be selected from a first usage mode placed on the induction heating cooker and a second usage mode separated from the induction heating cooker.
The rice cooking unit or the induction heating cooker is provided with a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit.
Further, in the rice cooking unit or the induction heating cooker, after the completion of the rice cooking process, the calorie corresponding to the weight of the rice is calculated from the weight change of the rice cooking unit that changes by taking out the cooked food from the inner pot. A calorie calculation unit and a notification means for notifying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit are provided.
The rice cooking unit is characterized in that it is provided with a regulating means for limiting the operation period in the calorie notification mode when the rice cooking process or the unevenness process is switched to the "calorie notification mode". It is a composition.

According to the cooking device of the first aspect, when the user operates the rice cooking unit side, the induction heating cooker side measures the weight of the rice, converts it into a calorie value, and sends it to the rice cooking unit to cook the rice. The amount of energy consumed by rice can be known on the unit side. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means.

According to the cooking apparatus of the second aspect, when the user operates the rice cooking unit side, the cooked rice is converted into the calorie value of rice by the induced cooker. Therefore, on the rice cooker unit side, the calories are converted from the cooker side. By acquiring the value information and notifying it, it is possible to know the amount of energy consumed by the rice. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means.

According to the cooking apparatus of the third aspect, the amount of energy consumed by the rice can be known on the rice cooking unit side by operating the rice cooking unit side by the user. Further, when the user performs an operation of commanding the calorie display, the input of the input key unrelated to the calorie notification is prohibited, and the user can prevent unintentional display and driving. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means.

According to the cooking apparatus of the fourth aspect, the rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side, and provides the calculation result to the rice cooking unit. As a result, the amount of energy consumed by the rice can be known on the rice cooking unit side. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means.

According to the fifth aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means.

According to the sixth aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side. In addition, the inner pot can be heated from above by the lid heating means. Further, when the user performs an operation of instructing the calorie display, the input of the input key unrelated to the calorie notification is prohibited, and the user can prevent unintentional display and driving.

According to the seventh aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice. Further, when the rice cooking unit is correctly placed, the input operation is effective when a person is detected, and the safety is improved.

According to the eighth aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice. Further, when the lid is opened, the calorie notification mode is executed, and the operability is improved.

According to the ninth aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the adjustment of the amount of water suitable for cooking rice and the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice.

According to the tenth aspect, the rice cooking unit can notify the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice. Further, since the mode shifts to the calorie notification mode after the completion of the rice cooking process or the unevenness process, the convenience of the calorie notification mode is improved.

Therefore, according to these aspects, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use cooking apparatus capable of notifying the calorie value.

It is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XX of the cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a vertical sectional view of the operation input part in the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a vertical sectional view of the front part in the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is an enlarged plan view of the lid body in the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a top view of the front part in the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the internal structure in the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the internal structure in the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the rice cooking process of the electric rice cooking unit of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. The operation relation explanatory drawing of the rice cooking unit of this invention and an induction heating cooker. It is the flowchart 1 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart 2 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart 3 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is the flowchart 4 which shows the control operation of the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart 5 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart 6 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart 7 which shows the control operation of the induction cooking apparatus of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is the flowchart 1 which shows the control operation of the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2 showing a control operation of a rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3 showing a control operation of a rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the calorie notification mode in the rice cooking unit of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a vertical sectional view of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the operation input part in the front part of the cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure of the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the calorie notification mode in the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the lower front part of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the operation input part in the front part of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 26. It is a vertical sectional view of the lower part of the left side surface of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 26. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole image of one house (household) using the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 29. It is a top view of the lid body of the rice cooking unit in the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure of the rice cooking unit in the heat cooking apparatus shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cooperation relationship between the cooking apparatus and the electric power command apparatus at home shown in FIG. 29 in chronological order. It is a flowchart which shows the step of the reserved rice cooking operation of a cooking apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring and notification operation of a cooking apparatus. FIG. 1 is a flowchart 1 showing a control operation of an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2 showing a control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 36. FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3 showing a control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 36. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of the rice cooking unit of FIG. It is a flowchart which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention, and shows the control operation of a cooking apparatus. It relates to Embodiment 7 of this invention, and is the perspective view of the cooking apparatus. FIG. 1 is a plan view 1 of a lid of a rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 41. FIG. 2 is a plan view 2 of a lid of a rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 41. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control means of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 41. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation at the time of stew cooking with the rice cooking unit of FIG. 41. It is explanatory drawing of the control pattern in the stew cooking of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 41. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the calorie notification mode of the rice cooking unit in the cooking apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2 of a calorie notification mode showing a continuation of the operation shown in FIG. 47. It is a time chart which shows the mutual operation relationship of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit shown in FIG. 47. It is a top view of the induction heating cooker of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 of FIG. 50. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control relation of the rice cooking unit of the heating cooking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front part plan view of the induction heating cooker of the cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is a control block diagram which shows the internal structure in the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus of FIG. 54. It is a step explanatory view which shows the operation of weight measurement and calorie notification in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 54. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the main control device in the induction cooking device of the cooking device of FIG. 54. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic operation of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 54 in a calorie notification mode of the rice cooking unit. It is a vertical sectional view of the left side main part of the induction heating cooker of the heating cooking apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a step explanatory view which shows the basic operation in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 59.

Hereinafter, the cooking apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual one. Further, in the following drawings, those having the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent thereof, and this shall be common to the entire text of the specification. Furthermore, the forms of the components represented in the full text of the specification are merely examples, and are not limited to these descriptions.

Before the explanation of each embodiment, the definitions and basic configurations of terms will be described below for common matters.
The "rice cooking unit" refers to a device that is heated by an induction heating cooker (induction heating cooker unit) and cooks rice inside, and is placed on the induction heating cooker (induction heating cooker unit) by the user. You can move to another place from. This rice cooking unit is equipped with an "input operation means for inputting rice cooking conditions".

The "input operation means for inputting rice cooking conditions" here does not include a means for giving only a command to start cooking rice.
The "induction heating cooker (induction heating cooker unit)" can independently perform induction heating cooking, and can also heat the "rice cooking unit". It does not matter whether it can be moved to another place by the user, so it may be a so-called "built-in" type that is incorporated and fixed in kitchen furniture such as a sink.

Embodiment 1.
Hereinafter, the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 21 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XX of the electric rice cooker of FIG. Further, in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional display (hatching) is omitted for some configurations.

In the arrow shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the R direction is the right direction of the rice cooking unit (also referred to as “ohitsu portion”) 1 and the induction heating cooker 10. The L direction is the left direction.
In the arrow shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the BK direction is the direction behind the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10. FR also indicates the direction in front of it.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking apparatus 100 includes a rice cooking unit 1 and an induction heating cooker 10. The rice cooking unit 1 is only placed on the top plate 22 constituting the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, and is not fixed by connecting means such as screws. Therefore, if the rice cooking unit 1 is lifted, the induction heating cooker 10 It can be easily separated from the top surface. The induction heating cooker 10 is a member on which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed. For example, the induction heating cooker 10 is configured to have a substantially L shape in a side view (from the left side) of the rice cooker 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice cooking unit 1 has a square (cubic) main body 1A and a hinge portion (not shown) centered on a hinge shaft 51 (see FIG. 5) on the main body 1A. A lid body 1B connected by, a handle 1C (not shown), a cylindrical inner pot 3 having an open upper surface, an inner pot temperature detecting means 5, and a feeding means 6 mainly composed of a feeding coil. , The power receiving coil 7, the lid opening / closing button 8, the lid heating means 9A, the inner pot side heating means 9B, the display means 11 which is an example of the notification means 70, and the rice cooking conditions are input by the user. A second input operation means 12 and the like are provided.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation unit for instructing the measurement of the weight of rice, which will be described later, and an instruction for calculating the energy consumption, and is a third input operation means.
A plurality of operation keys 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are arranged in the operation unit 18. One operation key (switch) 18A is an operation key of a measurement start command for measuring the weight of rice before cooking rice. Reference numeral 18B is an operation key for instructing the display of the weight. 18C is an operation key for instructing to calculate the calories according to the weight of the cooked rice (also referred to as cooked rice) after the cooked rice is finished. When the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed, the calorie calculation result is automatically displayed on the second display screen 11B thereafter.

The operation key 18A issues a command signal for measuring the weight of rice before cooking rice. On the other hand, the operation key 18C is a key for issuing a command signal for measuring the weight of cooked rice (cooked rice) after cooking. Actually, when a command is issued by operating the operation key 18C, the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 is measured in order to measure the weight of the rice, and the energy consumption is converted from the subsequently measured weight of the rice. It will command a series of actions to be taken.
In this way, one operation key 18C gives two instructions, weight measurement and calorie conversion, but the weight measurement after the completion of rice cooking may be performed by the operation key 18A. In that case, there are two corresponding operation keys 18C including the operation key 18A.

18D is an operation key (switch) for canceling the weight measurement result and the calorie measurement result. Further, this key 18D can be canceled even when the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed to enter the "calorie notification mode" described later, and has the same function as the cancellation key 79 described later.

The calorie calculation key 18C is invalidated by the control device 50 so that it cannot be input before the completion of the rice cooking step or the unevenness step described later. Then, after the rice cooking process is completed, it is automatically switched so that input is possible. Specifically, after the time when the determination is "Yes" in step SR15 of FIG. 18, which will be described later, or the time when the determination is "Yes" in step SR17 of FIG. 19, the calorie calculation key 18C is used for input. It becomes possible to do.

Except for the lid 1B, the square case constituting the outer shell of the rice cooking unit 1 is entirely made of a thermoplastic plastic material. 1F shows the case front wall surface of the lid body 1B, and 1R also shows the right wall surface (right side surface) of the lid body 1B.
Similarly, the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is also made of a thermoplastic plastic material. 10F is the front wall surface of the main body case 10A, and 10R is the right wall surface.

The induction heating cooker 10 has a cooling fan 13, an induction heating coil 14, a power transmission coil 17, a magnetic shield plate 19, a control device 50, and an outside air temperature for detecting the temperature of indoor air in a kitchen or the like in the internal space thereof. The detection means 15 and the like are provided. The induction heating coil 14 is referred to as a "heating coil" 14 in the following description.

Further, measuring units 94A to 94D of the weight measuring means 94, which will be described later, are arranged at the four corners of the bottom surface of the induction heating cooker 10. There are a total of four measuring units 94A to 94D. The measurement data of the four measurement units are aggregated in one measurement circuit (not shown), and the weight is calculated. The measuring units 94A to 94D are referred to as "weight sensors" in the following description.

The main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 is a member for accommodating the inner pot 3, and a lid 1B and a U-shaped handle 1C (not shown) are attached to the main body 1A. Both ends of the handle are rotatably fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the electric rice cooker main body 1A, and are used when lifting the entire rice cooker unit 1.

The lid 1B is, for example, a square or rectangular member in a plan view provided so as to cover the entire upper surface of the main body 1A. The lid body 1B has a flat shape having almost the same size as the flat shape of the main body 1A. The lid 1B is entirely formed of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

The inner pot 3 is a bottomed tubular member having an opening at the top. The inner pot 3 is made of a clad material in which a magnetic metal material (for example, a stainless steel plate) and aluminum are laminated, porcelain having a thin film of magnetic metal formed on the outer surface, or a material such as carbon.

An object to be cooked, such as rice, is put into the inner pot 3. The inner pot temperature detecting means 5 is a temperature detecting means (also referred to as “temperature monitoring means”) for detecting the temperature of the inner pot 3, and is composed of, for example, a thermistor 5A. The thermistor measures the temperature by contacting the outer surface of the inner pot 3, but an infrared temperature sensor 5B or the like that detects the temperature without contact may be used. As shown in FIG. 2, the infrared temperature sensor 5B is installed inside the induction heating cooker 10, and receives infrared rays radiated from the inner pot 3 as shown by the arrow of a broken line to measure the temperature.

The power supply means 6 is provided on the rear side (rear surface) side of the rice cooking unit 1 with respect to the inner pot 3, and is a power storage means having a function of storing electric power. The power feeding means 6 is composed of, for example, a secondary battery 95 (see FIG. 8) such as a lead storage battery, a nickel hydrogen storage battery, and a lithium ion storage battery. The power feeding means 6 is not limited to being composed of the secondary battery 95, and may be composed of a primary battery such as a dry battery. As described above, when the power supply means 6 is composed of the primary battery, it is desirable to provide the power supply means 6 at a position where the power supply means 6 can be easily replaced in consideration of the possibility of replacing the primary battery of the power supply means 6. ..

The power receiving coil 7 is, for example, a coil provided inside the rice cooking unit 1, and functions to supply power to the power feeding means 6 in a non-contact manner based on the power transmitted from the power transmitting coil 17. As a method of supplying power to the power feeding means 6 without contact, there are an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field coupling method, and the like. In the first embodiment, an example of the electromagnetic induction method will be described.

The lid opening / closing button 8 is configured so that the lid 1B is released from the main body 1A by applying a force from the front side to the rear side of the rice cooking unit 1, for example, the front surface of the main body 1A. It is provided in. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the lid 1B is locked with the main body 1A by applying a force from the front side to the rear side of the rice cooking unit 1 to the lid opening / closing button 8 (FIG. 1). (Not shown) comes off and is released by the force of a spring mechanism (not shown) built in the rear of the lid 1B.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 48 denotes a human sensing sensor that detects the presence of a human being, and is a kind of non-contact input means. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 5, this human detection sensor detects the presence of a person by irradiating a certain irradiation range with infrared rays from the vicinity thereof above the lid opening / closing button 8. .. The human detection sensor 48 itself may automatically change its orientation in the left-right direction so that it can detect a person in a wide range in the left-right direction. Further, the direction may be automatically changed in the vertical direction so that a person can be detected in a wide range in the vertical direction.

The human detection sensor 48 is an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from a person. When using an infrared sensor, the "shamoji" used by the user to serve rice becomes hot due to the temperature of the cooked rice, so it senses that temperature and distinguishes it from other cold objects. Cheap.

The human detection sensor 48 also serves as a "non-contact input means" for causing calorie notification, and when the lid 1B is opened, it becomes a "non-contact input means" for the control device 50 described later. It switches automatically. This is performed by the lid opening sensor 93 and the control device 50, which will be described later, but the details will be described later.

The lid body heating means 9A is a heating means provided above the inner pot 3, and is, for example, a heating wire provided inside the lid body 1B. The lid heating means 9A spreads while meandering in the horizontal direction so that the entire upper part of the inner pot 3 can be heated.

The inner pot side heating means 9B is a heating means provided on the side of the inner pot 3, and is, for example, a heating wire provided inside the main body 1A. It is wound around the outer circumference of the side (side surface) of the inner pot 3 several times so that it can heat from the upper part of the side (side surface) of the inner pot 3 to at least the upper and lower middle parts.

When the rice cooking unit 1 is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are external power sources (commercial power sources) supplied from the induction heating cooker 10. Driven by the power of. When the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are driven only by the electric power of the power feeding means 6.

The display means 11 is composed of two display screens. The two display screens 11A and 11B have a function of displaying various information of the rice cooker 100 on the screen, and are composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence), and the like.

The first display screen 11A provided on the lid 1B displays, for example, the time during which heat can be retained when the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the top of the induction heating cooker 10. The first display screen 11A also displays, for example, the electricity storage state of the power feeding means 6. The first display screen 11A also displays, for example, the current storage state within the range of 0% to 100%. Further, the first display screen 11A displays the time required for the charging of the power feeding means 6 to be completed.

The second display screen 11B arranged on the front surface of the main body 1A displays information such as the weight of rice to be cooked, the optimum amount of water, and the amount of energy consumed corresponding to the weight of cooked rice in characters and numbers. The amount of energy consumed is displayed in units of calories (or kilocalories).

The first display screen 11A provided on the lid body 1B displays various information toward the lid body 1B in the upward direction. On the other hand, the second display screen 11B arranged on the front surface of the main body 1A shows the weight of rice to be cooked, the optimum amount of water, the amount of energy consumed corresponding to the weight of the rice, etc. toward the front direction of the main body 1A. Display various information.

The second input operating means 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the front portion of the lid body 1B. The input operation means 12 is, for example, an operation means for receiving an operation input for executing a process such as a preheating step, a rice cooking step, and an unevenness step. A plurality of press-type input keys are arranged. Details will be described with reference to FIG. A touch-type input key may be provided in place of or in combination with the pressing-type input key.

Further, the first display screen 11A is arranged at the same position as the second input operation means 12. Then, with the second input operation means 12, the user can input various rice cooking conditions such as the amount of rice cooked, the brand of rice, the hardness of cooked rice, and the rice cooking completion time and time zone in the case of reserved rice cooking, and the input result is Can be confirmed each time on the first display screen 11A. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

The cooling fan 13 is a blowing means for releasing the heat generated in the control device 50 composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, or the like in the induction heating cooker 10 into the air. When the cooling fan 13 rotates, an air flow from the cooling fan 13 toward the heating coil 14 side is generated.

The heating coil 14 heats the inner pot 3 itself by the generated magnetic field lines, and heats the food to be cooked such as rice and water stored in the inner pot 3. For example, the rice cooking unit 1 induces heating. It is provided so as to be located below the inner pot 3 in a state of being placed on the cooker 10. The heating coil 14 is formed by winding a thin copper wire or the like in a donut shape.

The power transmission coil 17 supplies electric power from the induction heating cooker 10 to the rice cooking unit 1 side. The power transmission coil 17 is located on the upstream side of the air flow of the cooling fan 13 with respect to the heating coil 14. That is, the power transmission coil 17 is located on the rear side of the induction heating cooker 10 with respect to the heating coil 14, and is located on the front side with respect to the cooling fan 13. By providing the power transmission coil 17 in this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the heating coil 14 is cooled and the air whose temperature has risen is supplied to the power transmission coil 17.

The magnetic shield plate 19 is a member that shields electromagnetic waves emitted from the heating coil 14 from reaching the power transmission coil 17. The magnetic shield plate 19 has a constant height so as to surround the periphery of the heating coil 14, and is provided in an annular shape in a plan view. The magnetic shield plate 19 extends downward from the lower surface of the top plate 22 at the upper part of the induction heating cooker 10, for example. The magnetic shield plate 19 is not limited to the example in which the magnetic shield plate 19 is provided in an annular shape on the radial outer side of the main body 10 with respect to the heating coil 14, and is located at least between the heating coil 14 and the power transmission coil 17. It suffices if it is provided in.

The outside air temperature detecting means 15 is for detecting the temperature outside the space in which the induction heating cooker 10 is placed. It is installed on the wall surface of the rear vertical portion 16 that stands vertically to the rear of the induction heating cooker 10. The detection temperature of the outside air temperature detecting means 15 is used together with the detection temperature of the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 for calculating the heat retention possible time described later.
Although the outside air temperature detecting means 15 is provided in the induction heating cooker 10 in the first embodiment, it may be provided in the rice cooking unit 1. Alternatively, it may be provided in both the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes legs arranged one by one at four corners of the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1. The legs are made of, for example, hard rubber or a plastic material.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a first input operating means arranged in a horizontally long strip shape on the front portion of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10. In this input operation means, various push-type input buttons (keys) are arranged. In this input operation means, various conditions such as heating power, cooking menu (boiled water, simmered food, etc.), cooking time, etc. can be input so that the induction heating cooker 10 can perform induction heating cooking independently of the rice cooking unit 1. ..

In a state where the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first input operating means 20 is covered by the rice cooking unit 1 from above. It will be in the state of being cooked.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a protrusion (convex) formed long to the left and right on the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 so as to cross the rear of the first input operating means 20 just laterally. The protrusion 21 has a length that extends over the entire width of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, and is made of a material having heat resistance and elasticity, and is formed of a material having heat resistance and elasticity. It is fixed to the upper surface of the top plate 22 formed of heat-resistant glass or the like constituting the above. The protrusion is made of a heat-resistant and elastic material, for example, silicon rubber.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 denotes an inner lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3, which is a thin metal plate having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum and has a circular planar shape. The electric heater, which is the lid heating means 9A, is arranged on the upper surface of the inner lid 23 so as to meander widely or in an annular shape.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a sealing packing attached around the inner lid 23, which is made of a material having high heat resistance and elasticity such as silicon rubber. When the lid 1B is closed, the inner pot 3 is sealed by the inner lid 23 and the packing 24. The inner lid 23 is formed with a small hole (not shown) for removing steam during rice cooking, and a steam discharge passage (not shown) communicating with the outside of the rice cooking unit 1 is provided in the lid 1B. It is formed to penetrate the inside.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 25 denotes an inner body portion made of a heat-resistant resin or a non-magnetic metal (for example, aluminum) that does not cause induction heating, which surrounds the inner pot 3 in close proximity. An electric heater which is a heating means 9B on the side surface of the hook is wound.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) housed in the rear vertical portion 16, which enables wireless communication with local network equipment (including a power command device) installed in the home. Information can be exchanged with remote mobile information terminals and communication devices via the Internet line. It can also receive remote control signals for the rice cooking unit 1. As the wireless communication means, for example, well-known means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be adopted.

The wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) 26 is one communication unit in the “second communication unit” CT2 described later. The second communication unit is a general term for the wireless communication unit 26 and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 of the first reference position determination means 33, which will be described later. That is, the second communication unit CT2 is configured by the two means of the wireless communication unit 26 and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35.

In the first embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 is provided with an infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 as the first communication unit CT1.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 27 denotes a support plate that vertically supports the second display means 11B. Reference numeral 28 denotes a window formed in the inner body portion 25 corresponding to the center of the bottom portion of the inner pot 3, and is covered with a material that transmits infrared rays. Reference numeral 29 denotes a window provided at a position corresponding to the window, which is formed on the top plate 22. This window is not a through hole. It is a passing part of infrared rays.

The top plate 22 is usually provided with a coating film or the like that blocks visible light on the back (lower) surface so that the internal structure of the induction heating cooker 10 cannot be seen through the top plate 22. Since there is no such coating film on the part, infrared rays are easily transmitted.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 30 denotes a permanent magnet installed on the rear surface of the rice cooking unit 1 so as to correspond to a reed switch 31 (see FIG. 7) which is one of the mounting detection sensors arranged inside the rear vertical portion 15. is there.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a support substrate, which supports the infrared temperature sensor 5B constituting the inner pot temperature detecting means 5, and is horizontally installed inside the induction heating cooker 10.

Reference numeral 34 denotes an infrared signal transmission / reception unit (on the side of the induction heating cooker 10) that constitutes a part of the first reference position determination means 33, which is outside the magnetic shield plate 19 and the first operation input means 20. It is located behind. Two or more infrared signal transmission / reception units 34 are installed instead of one, at least one for transmitting infrared signals and at least one for receiving infrared signals. In that case, if they are installed side by side in an approaching state, the windows 37 and 38, which will be described later, can be shared, which is structurally advantageous.

Reference numeral 35 denotes an infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit (on the rice cooking unit 1 side) that constitutes a part of the first reference position determining means 33, and is arranged on a vertical extension line of the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34. Similar to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34, two or more infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 may be installed instead of one.

36A is a first signal processing unit that decodes an infrared signal. A similar second signal processing unit 36B is also provided on the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 side. Since there is a concern that noise may be generated in wireless communication while the induction heating coil 14 is being driven, communication is performed using an infrared signal. Reference numeral 101 is a power plug, and 102 is a power cord.

In FIG. 3, 37 is a window formed on the top plate 22, and is for transmitting an infrared signal like the window 29.
Reference numeral 39 denotes a heat-resistant (thermoplastic) plastic bottom plate that constitutes the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1, and forms a window 38 for transmitting an infrared signal.
Reference numeral 40 denotes a support substrate that supports the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34. The bottom plate 39 may be integrally formed from the inner wall surface of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 to form the bottom surface of the main body 1A.

In FIG. 3, 1F is the front wall surface of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1, and 10F is the front wall surface of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10.
In FIG. 3, the range in the front-rear direction of the first input operation means 20 is as shown by the solid arrow 20W.

1H is a notch (opening), and not only the lower end of the front wall surface 1F of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1, but also the right wall surface (right side surface) 1R of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1, the left wall surface 1L, and the rear wall surface. Etc., are provided so as to be scattered all around the main body 1A. This notch is provided for the purpose of facilitating the movement of air to the outside through the gap S between the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22. Therefore, even when the rice cooking unit 1 having the inner pot 3 which becomes hot is mounted, the temperature of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, particularly the portion of the first input operating means 20 in the front portion is kept low. The effect can be expected.

In the first input operating means 20, a plurality of pressing electronic switches 41 are arranged in a horizontal row at regular intervals. When the operation unit 41A at the top of each electronic switch 41 is pressed, the internal contacts are closed and a predetermined signal can be generated. 41B is a pressing rod, which is made of plastic.

The electronic switch 41 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6, but a part of the electronic switch 41 includes an electronic switch 41W forming a part of a fourth input operating means 84 described later and an electronic switch 41C for calorie notification. Is included. In the following description, the electronic switch 41 includes an electronic switch 41W for weight measurement and an electronic switch 41C for calorie notification unless otherwise specified.

Reference numeral 42 denotes a circuit board on which each electronic switch 41 is mounted. Reference numeral 43 denotes a protective sheet (or protective plate) made of a thin and curved plastic material, which covers the operation portion 41A in a sealed state to prevent water from entering from above. When the protective sheet 43 is pressed by the user's finger, the operation unit 41A moves downward by a minute dimension and the internal contact of the electronic switch 41 is closed.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a through hole formed in the support frame 45 made of plastic, which has a diameter larger than the external dimension of the operation portion 41A so as to allow the operation portion 41A to move up and down.

The first input operation means 20 includes a display means 70D for displaying the operation input result. This display means is referred to as a "main body side display unit" in the following description. As shown in detail in FIG. 6, it is composed of a liquid crystal display screen 70D1 and a display unit 70D2 using a laser light emitting diode element (LED). The display unit 70D2 illuminates the protective sheet 43 of the first input operating means 20 with light from below to display a specific portion of the protective sheet 43 in red or yellow, and inputs the electronic switch 41 to the user. Display the result.

Further, the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 has a configuration in which an opening is provided in a part of the protective sheet 43, which is covered with a transparent sheet from above, and the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 is installed so as to face the opening.

In the first embodiment, the input function of the first input operation means 20 will be enabled / disabled. However, when the input function is disabled, the display function of the display means 70A is also disabled at the same time. The screen display is turned off. On the contrary, when the input function of the first input operation means 20 is enabled (when it is first activated or when the invalidation is canceled), it is enabled at the same time and the display operation is performed.

Even if the input function of the first input operation means 20 is disabled, the voice notification device 70V described later may be maintained so as to still function effectively. Even when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, it is convenient for the user to notify by the voice notification device 70V. The function of the fourth input operation means 84 is also disabled at the same time as the input function of the first input operation means 20 is invalidated. Alternatively, the timing of release is also the same.

In FIG. 3, S is a gap formed between the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the facing surface of the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1, and has a height of about 10 mm to 15 mm.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which rice is being cooked. Since the rice cooking unit 1 contains predetermined rice and water in the inner pot 3, the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 in an empty state in the inner pot 3 is shown. It will be heavier than. In this state, the distance G1 between the front wall surface 1F of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 and the front wall surface 10F of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is about several mm. Therefore, the gap S communicates forward with the interval G1. Not only the front wall surface 1F of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 but also the left and right wall surfaces and the lower ends of the left and right both wall surfaces of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 are aligned on the same horizontal plane. The gap S communicates with the front and both the left and right sides.

The protrusions (protrusions) narrow the distance between the bottom surface 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top surface of the first input operating means 20. In other words, since the height of the gap S is narrowed, the hot air generated at a position directly above the heating coil 14 behind the protrusion 21 gets over the protrusion 21 and the first input operating means 20 Flow to the side is suppressed. Therefore, even if the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 becomes hot due to the heating coil 14 when the rice cooking operation is performed, it is possible to prevent the portion of the first input operating means 20 from becoming overheated.

Therefore, after the rice cooking unit 1 has been used and the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the top of the induction heating cooker 10, the portion of the first input operating means 20 is hot, and the induction heating cooker 10 is used immediately. It does not lead to the situation that another cooking cannot be started.

In FIG. 3, as described above, 20W indicates the width of the first input operating means 20 in the front-rear direction, which is about 50 mm to 70 mm.

Next, FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the front portion of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10. Reference numeral 4 denotes a weight sensor fixed on the bottom wall surface 10B of the main body case 10A.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a thick strut-shaped leg portion, which supports the weight of the induction heating cooker 10. That is, the lower surface of the leg 2 faces the upper surface of furniture such as a dining table.
Although not shown in detail, a strain sensor 4S is arranged directly above the leg portion 2. The weight can be measured by the output from the strain sensor 4S according to the force of pushing the strain sensor 4S by the legs 2, that is, the total weight of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1. A weight sensor using such a strain sensor 4S has already been proposed for a long time, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a through hole formed in the bottom wall surface 10B of the main body case 10A, which has a size (caliber) that allows the leg portion 2 to move up and down. As shown in FIG. 4, the leg portion 2 projects downward with a constant length. GP1 is the protruding height. When the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, the total weight of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 is received, so that the dimension of the protruding height GP1 becomes small.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a metal support plate, and a hole 109A having a size (caliber) that allows the leg portion 2 to move up and down is formed.

Next, the second operation input means 12 and the first display screen 11A will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first half portion of the lid 1B of the electric rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. A first display screen 11A composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like is arranged substantially in the center of the left and right sides of the lid 1B.

On the first display screen 11A, the time, the rice type display unit 60, the hardness display unit 61, and the menu display unit 62 are displayed. Further, on the left side of the outside of the first display screen 11A, there are a rice type switch 63, a hardness switch 64, a menu switch 65, an off / heat retention switch 66, and a cancel switch 79 for canceling the immediately preceding input. , And on the right side outside the first display screen 11A, a rice cooking switch 67, a reservation switch 68, a time switch 69, and a calorie notification switch 49 described later are provided, respectively.

After the rice cooking operation is started, when the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed, a command signal for stopping rice cooking is issued to the control device 50. Further, after the heat retention operation is started, when the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed, a command signal for stopping the heat retention is issued. In the first embodiment, the control program is such that the heat retention process is automatically executed by the control device 50 within a certain time (for example, 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, etc.) following the unevenness process. There is.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a calorie notification switch for displaying the calorie value on the first display screen 11A. Further, the voice notification device 70V is instructed to notify the calorie value by voice. That is, 49 is a switch that commands the control device 50 to notify the calorie value. Basically, the calorie value when this switch 49 is pressed is displayed on the first display screen 11A.

After finishing the rice cooking step or the unevenness step described later, the control device 50 sets the second operation input means 12 (the voice mode switch 12V and the cancel switch 79 described later) when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed. (Excluding) Processes that do not accept the input of various switches. That is, the rice type switch 63, the hardness switch 64, the menu switch 65, the rice cooking switch 67, the reservation switch 68, and the time switch 69 are maintained in a state in which they cannot be input.

The off / heat retention switch 66 switches to the function as the cancel switch 79 from the time when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed and the mode shifts to the “calorie notification mode”. Therefore, when the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed after shifting to the "calorie notification mode", the "calorie notification mode" is canceled and the function as the cancel switch 79 is canceled.

Further, following this, when the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed again, the mode shifts to the heat retention mode. Therefore, in order to set the heat retention mode without opening the lid 1B as it is when the rice has been cooked, it is preferable to press the off / heat retention switch 66. In addition, each time these operations are performed, the voice notification means 90V of the notification means 90 guides the operation contents by voice, and the corresponding display is also performed on the first display screen 11A each time.

As is clear from the above description, when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed, the control device 50 is set to the "calorie notification mode" unless the cancel switch 79 is subsequently pressed. The control device 50 is set to a "calorie notification mode" in which the weight of rice is measured, the amount of energy is calculated, and the calorie value is notified in sequence.

If the "calorie notification mode" is erroneously set, the cancel switch 79 may be pressed, but the "calorie notification mode" can also be canceled by pressing the key 18D.

Even when the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed, the "calorie notification mode" is set. Then, in the "calorie notification mode" in this case, the control device 50 invalidates the input from the operation key 18A of the weight measurement start command and the operation key 18B of the weight display command. Therefore, even if these two keys 18A and 18B are operated, nothing is input. However, the input of the operation key (switch) 18D for canceling the weight measurement result and the calorie measurement result is maintained in the valid state.

When the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed, the calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B unless the user sets it in advance. When the user performs a predetermined operation in advance, even if only one of the calorie notification switch 49 and the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed, the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B Both display the calorie calculation result at the same time.

Regardless of which of the calorie notification switch 49 and the calorie calculation key 18C is operated, the voice notification 90V notifies the calorie value. Matters related to this calorie display are also notified in the same manner.

12V is a voice mode switch when selecting a voice input mode, and when this is pressed, the voice notification means 90V, which will be described later, gives a guidance saying "Switched to voice input mode", and after that, voice input can be performed. .. If the switch 12V is pressed again, the voice input mode is canceled. The voice notification means 90V informs that "the voice input mode has been canceled".

Reference numeral 91 denotes a wireless communication unit (input / output means) that performs short-range wireless communication (NFC), and communication can be performed by approaching or contacting an information communication processing terminal device having an NFC function. It is embedded below the case that constitutes the upper surface of the lid 1B. The short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviation: NFC).

Accumulation of calorie values calculated by the calorie calculation unit 50C during the period from the time when the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10 to the time when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 again. The amount can be read by bringing an information communication processing terminal device (not shown) close to or in contact with the wireless communication unit (input / output means) 91, and data can be transferred to the information communication processing terminal device. That is, for example, when the rice cooking unit 1 is separated, the weight of rice is measured 10 times, and the calorie value is notified 10 times, the calorie value of the 10 times can be read out in a time-series data format. In addition, the total value of 10 calories can be read out.

The rice type switch 63 is an input means for setting the type of rice to be cooked. Each time the rice type switch 63 is pressed, the display of the rice type display unit 60 is switched to "white rice", "washless rice", "brown rice", and "germinated brown rice". Information about the type of rice set by the rice type switch 63 is input to the control device 50 described later.

In FIG. 5, the rice type switch 63 is listed together with the brand. A specific brand of rice can be specified with this switch 63, but only one of two types of input functions (brand and rice type) can be selected by pressing the switch 63. A detailed description will be omitted.

The hardness switch 64 is an input means for setting the hardness of the cooked product. Each time the hardness switch 64 is pressed, the display of the hardness display unit 61 is switched between "hard" and "soft" in response to this. The information regarding the hardness of the cooked food input to the hardness switch 64 is input to the control device 50, and the control device 50 selects the hardness of the cooked food. When "hard" is set, the rice is cooked in the "hard mode" described later, and when "soft" is set, the rice is cooked in the "soft mode" described later. In the first embodiment, the hardness switch 64 and the control device 50 constitute a hardness selection means.

The electric rice cooker described in the first embodiment and the subsequent embodiments has two types of cooking, a "soft mode" and a "hard mode" in which cooked rice is cooked harder than the soft mode. It shall be possible.

The menu switch 65 is an input means for setting the rice cooking menu. Each time the menu switch 65 is pressed, the display of the menu display unit 62 is switched to "risotto", "porridge", and "cooking" in response to this. Further, the information regarding the rice cooking menu set by the menu switch 65 is input to the control device 50.

The off / heat retention switch 66 is an input means for switching the end / start of the heat retention operation. The rice cooking switch 67 is an input means for instructing the start of rice cooking. The reservation switch 68 is an input means for setting a rice cooking reservation, and the time switch 69 is an input means for setting a time such as a current time or a reservation time. The information set by the off / heat retention switch 38, the rice cooking switch 39, the reservation switch 40, and the time switch 41 is input to the control device 50.

The various switches 63 to 69, 49 constitute a pressing type input means 12P (see FIG. 8). If a touch-type switch is used instead of the pressing-type switches 63 to 69 and 49, the touch-type input means 12T is used. In FIG. 8, which will be described later, the touch-type input means 12T is also illustrated.

Next, FIG. 6 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the front portion of the induction heating cooker 10.
In the first input operation means 20, a plurality of pressing electronic switches 41 are arranged in a horizontal row at regular intervals. 70D1 is a liquid crystal display screen, and 70D2 is an LED display unit.

The 41A1 is an operation unit of the electronic switch 41M (not shown) for menu selection. By operating the operation unit 41A1, a cooking menu such as a kettle, a simmered dish, or a fried dish can be selected.

The 41A2 is an operation unit of the electronic switch 41W that commands the weight measuring means 94 to measure the weight. Since the operation unit 41A2 can be operated without the rice cooking unit 1 mounted, the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 cannot be measured. When the operation unit 41A2 is pressed, the total weight of the object to be heated (metal pot, etc.) such as cooking and boiling water performed on the top plate 22 can be measured. Therefore, the amount of water to be put in the pot can be measured from the weight.

Therefore, the user can measure the total weight of the pot or container placed on the top plate 22 by using the operation unit 41A2 that commands the weight measurement, which is convenient.

The 41A3 is an operation unit of the calorie notification switch 41C that calculates the amount of energy consumed by food based on the weight measured by the weight measuring means 94.

The electronic switch 41W for instructing the weight measurement and the calorie notification switch 41C for calculating the amount of energy consumed by the food constitute the fourth input operating means 84. In FIG. 7, since the first input operating means 20 and the fourth input operating means 84 have a portion common / shared by hardware (for example, a circuit board), they are shown in one block. There is.

41A4 and 41A5 are operation units of a thermal power setting switch (not shown) for adjusting the output power of the inverter circuit 73 with respect to the heating coil 14, the left side is the operation unit 41A4 for reducing the thermal power, and the right side is the operation unit for increasing the thermal power. The operation unit 41A5.

In the induction heating cooker 10, when the cooking menu is selected by the operation unit 41A1 of the electronic switch 41 for menu selection and the induction heating is started, the standard heating power value according to the cooking menu is determined in advance. If the operation units 41A4 and 41A5 of the thermal power setting switch (not shown) are not operated, the induction heating operation continues as it is with the standard thermal power (however, the temperature detected from the object to be heated temperature detecting means 5B). The main controller 80 automatically increases or decreases the heating power or stops heating according to the above).

41A6 is an operation unit that commands the start of induction cooking. The 41A7 cancels the input immediately before the operation units 41A1 to 41A6 of the electronic switch 41 in the first input operation means 20 and the fourth input operation means 84, or arbitrarily stops the operation during the induction cooking. It is an operation unit of a switch (not shown) for performing.

When the induction heating cooker 10 is used alone, the "calorie notification mode" of the rice cooking unit 1 cannot be set even if the operation unit 41A3 of the calorie notification switch (not shown) is pressed.

Next, the configuration of the control relationship of the induction heating cooker 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 80 denotes a main control device, which is configured with a microcomputer as a core, and is a storage means 80R such as a semiconductor storage device (flash memory, ROM, RAM), and a time measuring means (clock circuit) for calculating time. ) Built-in 80T. The computer program that controls the overall heating control operation and various control data tables are stored in the storage means 80R.

Reference numeral 71 denotes a commercial power source (for example, 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and a voltage of 100 V or 200 V). The power supply unit 72 receives the power supply of the commercial power supply via the power cord 102 and the plug 101. The power supply unit 72 has a built-in rectifier circuit and the like, and has a function of converting the electric power into a predetermined voltage.

Reference numeral 73 denotes an inverter circuit, which receives electric power from the power supply unit 72, generates high-frequency electric power, and supplies the electric power to the heating coil 14. Various electric components such as semiconductor power control elements and switching elements are mounted on the inverter circuit.
Reference numeral 20 denotes the first input operating means, which uses the plurality of pressing type electronic switches 41 as the pressing type input means.

Reference numeral 70 denotes a notification means, which includes a display unit 70D on the main body side and a voice notification means 70V such as a voice synthesizer. As described above, the main body side display unit 70D includes a liquid crystal display screen 70D1 and a display unit 70D2 using a laser light emitting diode element (LED). The state and conditions of the induction heating operation (for example, thermal power value, heating time) can be displayed by characters, numbers, figures, etc. on the main body side display unit 70D.

Although not shown, the voice notification means 70V is provided with a buzzer and a speaker that emit sound. As described above, the main body side display unit 70D is arranged at the place where the first input operation means 20 is located, and when the user operates the first input operation means 20, the confirmation of the input result is immediately performed. I am trying to do it.

Reference numeral 74 denotes a top plate temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature of the top plate 22 in contact with the top plate 22, for example, a thermistor is used. The temperature detection result data is transmitted to the main control device 80.

In FIG. 7, the object to be heated temperature detecting means 5B includes an infrared temperature sensor that receives infrared rays radiated from the outer surface of the inner pot 3 and measures the temperature when the rice cooking unit 1 is mounted. .. Since this temperature sensor can also measure the temperature of a general pot, frying pan, etc. other than the rice cooking unit 1, the temperature of the object to be heated (general metal pot, etc.) can be controlled by the main control device 80.

The 80C is a calorie calculation unit that receives data on the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 measured by the weight measuring means 94 and calculates the energy consumption corresponding to the weight of the cooked rice.
The 80D is a calorie storage unit that automatically stores the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 80C. A non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor storage element is used for this storage unit.

The induction heating cooker 10 side shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a calorie calculation unit 80C and a calorie storage unit 80D so that the induction heating cooker 10 side calculates the calorie value of the cooked rice. The two are not always necessary. As shown in FIG. 8, in the first embodiment, the calorie value is calculated on the rice cooking unit 1 side.

Next, the configuration of the control relationship of the rice cooking unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 50 denotes a control device, which is configured with a microcomputer as a core, a storage means 50R such as a semiconductor storage device (flash memory, ROM, RAM), and a time measuring means (clock circuit) for calculating time. It has a built-in 50T. A computer program for rice cooking that controls the overall rice cooking control operation including conditions such as thermal power, energization time, and target heating temperature in the water absorption process and rice cooking (boiling) process, a computer program for measuring the weight of rice, and a computer program for measuring the weight of rice. The self-inspection program, the computer program for dealing with abnormalities, and the data tables for various controls are stored in the storage means 50R.

The 50C is a calorie calculation unit that receives the weight data of the rice cooking unit 1 measured by the weight measuring means 94 and calculates the energy consumption corresponding to the weight of the cooked rice.
The 50D is a storage unit that automatically stores the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 50C.

Reference numeral 93 denotes a sensor for detecting the opening of the lid body 1B, which is installed in the vicinity of the lid body open / close button 8. When the mechanical lock of the lid body 1B is released, a lid opening signal is transmitted from this sensor to the control device 50.
The weight measuring means 94 includes the four weight sensors 4 described above, a processing circuit for calculating the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 based on the output voltages from those sensors (also referred to as a “measurement circuit”, not shown), and a processing circuit (not shown). It has.

Reference numeral 12 denotes the second input operating means, and various pressing-type switches 63 to 69 and 49 provided on the lid 1B are used as the pressing-type input means 12P.

Reference numeral 90 denotes a notification means, which includes a first display screen 11A, a second display screen 11B, and a voice notification means 90V including a voice synthesizer. Although not shown, the voice notification means 90V is provided with a buzzer and a speaker that emit sound.

Reference numeral 5A is a thermistor that contacts the inner pot 3 and measures the temperature thereof, and the data of the temperature detection result is transmitted to the control device 50 each time.

Reference numeral 95 denotes a secondary battery constituting the power feeding means 6, and is composed of, for example, a lead storage battery, a nickel hydrogen storage battery, a lithium ion storage battery, and the like. The power feeding means 6 is not limited to being composed of the secondary battery 95, and may be composed of a primary battery such as a dry battery.

The first reference position determining means 33 determines whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position of the induction heating cooker 10. The determination result of the first reference position determination means 33 is output to the control device 50. The control means 50 may have the function of the reference position determination means 33.

The first reference position determining means 33 utilizes optical means, and includes a reference position determining means 33B on the induction heating cooker 10 side and a reference position determining means 33A on the rice cooking unit 1 side.

In the first embodiment, a second reference position determining means 47 using magnetic means is also provided.
The second reference position determining means 47 includes a permanent magnet 30 installed on the rear surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and a reed switch 31 (see FIG. 3) provided on the rear vertical portion 16 (one of the mounting detection sensors). It is a combination of.

The reference position determination means 33B on the induction heating cooker 10 side may adopt, for example, a configuration for determining whether or not the resistance value when a current is passed through the heating coil 14 is equal to or greater than the reference resistance value. Specifically, for example, when the main control device 80 determines that the resistance value when a current is passed through the heating coil 14 is equal to or higher than the reference resistance value, the rice cooking unit 1 moves the top plate of the induction heating cooker 10. Determined to be in the correct position above 22. Further, when the main control device 80 determines that the resistance value when a current is passed through the heating coil 14 is less than the reference resistance value, the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the top of the induction heating cooker 10. Is determined.

The first reference position determining means 33 may employ temperature detecting means instead of optical means. For example, it may be configured to determine whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is attached to a predetermined position of the induction heating cooker 10 based on the detection temperature of the infrared temperature sensor 5B. In this case, for example, when the detection temperature of the infrared temperature sensor 5B is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the rice cooking unit 1 is likely to be attached to the induction heating cooker 10. , It is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position. If the detection temperature of the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less than the threshold temperature, it is highly likely that the rice cooking unit 1 has been removed from the induction heating cooker 10, so it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not mounted. To do.

The main control device 80 is not limited to the configuration including the storage means 80R and the timekeeping means 80T. For example, the storage means 80R and the timekeeping means 80T may be configured separately from the main control device 80, and the outputs of the storage means 80R and the timekeeping means 80T may be input to the main control device 80.

Similarly, on the rice cooking unit 1 side, the control device 50 is not limited to the configuration including the storage means 50R and the timekeeping means 50T. For example, the storage means 50R and the timekeeping means 50T may be configured separately from the control device 50, and the outputs of the storage means 50R and the timekeeping means 50T may be input to the control device 50.

Further, in the voice notification means 70V, the voice (guide voice) is output at a preset volume or a volume set by the user. In addition, those volumes can be set in multiple stages.

The control device 50 is based on, for example, the detection temperature of the thermistor 5A, which is the temperature detecting means of the inner pot 3, the threshold temperature stored in advance in the control device 50, and the detection temperature of the outside air temperature detecting means 15. Calculates the time from the initial temperature to below the threshold temperature, determines the heat retention possible time, and displays the heat retention possible time on the first display screen 11A. The higher the detection temperature of the thermistor 5A is higher than the threshold temperature, the longer it takes for the temperature of the inner pot 3 to reach the threshold temperature when the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the induction cooking cooker 10, so that the temperature is kept warm. The possible time is set long.

In this way, by displaying the heat retention possible time on the first display screen 11A, the user is urged to quickly eat the food to be cooked (rice), or the rice cooking unit 1 is induced to heat the cooker 10 It is possible to encourage people to keep the food (rice) warm by returning it to. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the temperature of the cooked rice falls below the threshold temperature stored in advance in the control device 50 and the taste of the cooked rice deteriorates.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature change with time change of the rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis in FIG. 9 indicates time, and the vertical axis in FIG. 9 indicates the temperature of the inner pot 3.

The temperature of the inner pot 3 is, for example, the detection temperature of the thermistor 5A, which is the inner pot temperature detecting means 5. As shown in FIG. 9, when the preheating process is executed, the rice cooking process is executed after the preheating process is executed, and the unevenness process is executed after the rice cooking process is executed, the temperature of the inner pot 3 in the rice cooking process is executed. There are times when changes are steep. In this time zone when the temperature change of the inner pot 3 becomes steep, the electric power supplied to the heating coil 14 becomes large.

Therefore, in the time zone when the temperature change of the inner pot 3 becomes steep, the main control device 80 sends the power transmission coil 17 to the power transmission coil 17 in order to give priority to the heating of the food to be cooked (rice and water) over the power supply of the power supply means 6. It is advisable to stop the power supply of. Specifically, for example, when the change temperature of the inner pot 3 per unit time is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the main control device 80 stops the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 and changes the inner pot 3 per unit time. When the temperature is lower than the predetermined value, the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 is continued. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hindering the temperature rise of the object to be heated in the rice cooking process. The main control device 80 is not limited to the example of determining whether or not to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 based on the temperature of the inner pot 3.

For example, it may be decided whether or not to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 depending on whether or not the rice cooking process is performed. Specifically, when the main control device 80 ends the preheating process and starts the rice cooking process, the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 is stopped, the rice cooking process is completed, and the unevenness process is started. , The power supply to the power transmission coil 17 is started.

Further, for example, it may be determined whether or not to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 depending on whether or not the current value supplied to the heating coil 14 is equal to or greater than the threshold current value. Specifically, when the current value supplied to the heating coil 14 is equal to or greater than the threshold current value, the main control device 80 stops the power supply to the transmission coil 17 and the current value supplied to the heating coil 14. Is less than the threshold current value, the power supply to the transmission coil 17 is continued.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 and the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 are located between the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35. By communication, the latest control data is always transmitted and received during the rice cooking operation (from the preheating process to the unevenness process), and the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 cooperate with each other by infrared communication. Is going.

Further, if the rice cooking unit 1 is left in the specified position of the induction heating cooker 10 even after the unevenness process is completed, the "rice cooking unit dedicated mode" is maintained as described later. Then, the latest control data is transmitted and received from each other at a certain time interval, and the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 perform an operation of coordinating with each other by infrared communication. The operation of measuring the weight of rice, notifying the result, or converting it into a calorie value to notify is a part of this cooperative operation.

Next, the operation of the electric rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a mutual operation relationship between the rice cooking unit 1 of the present invention and the induction heating cooker 10. The operation steps after connecting the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 to the commercial power supply 71 are indicated by reference numerals SP1 to SP6.

Simply connecting the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 to the commercial power supply 71 does not start the induction heating operation or the rice cooking operation (SP1).
Next, when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 (SP2), the reed switch 31 which is a mounting detection sensor is turned on (SP3) if the position is correct.
Therefore, a signal indicating the determination result of the second reference position determination means is input to the main control device 80. In other words, the signal resulting from the ON of the reed switch 31 is the signal indicating the determination result, and from this stage, the main control device 80 is in the "rice cooking unit dedicated mode". Even if the user does not give an input operation or a heating operation command, an infrared signal for determining the reference position is automatically transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side within a predetermined time to start the rice cooking unit 1.

After that, when the rice cooking operation is started (SP4) and the rice cooking operation is completed (SP5), when the rice cooking unit 1 is lowered from the top of the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit dedicated mode is automatically canceled and the induction heating is performed. The cooker 10 alone can perform induced cooking using other cooking utensils such as a pot and a frying pan.

Next, FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows the operation steps of the induction heating cooker 10. The operation steps are shown in S1 to S12.
First, when the power plug 101 is connected to the commercial power supply 71, the reed switch 31 is turned ON (closed) if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (S1).

Then, even if the user does not operate the first operation input means 20 or the second operation input means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the main control device 80 includes the infrared temperature sensor 5B and other current sensors (FIG. (Not shown) starts a self-check for any abnormality in the internal components of the induction heating cooker 10 (S2).

If there is no abnormality, the main control device 80 drives the power transmission coil 17 and starts supplying a predetermined electric power. The notification means 70 is also activated (S3). On the other hand, the cooling fan 13 is started to operate in the "weak" mode (S4). Therefore, the power transmission coil 17 is cooled by the cooling air.

At this stage, the main control device 80 is energized via the reed switch 31 because the reed switch 31 is turned on. From the signal generated by this energization, it can be seen that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position in the main control device 80. Therefore, the main control device 80 transmits an infrared signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 toward the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 (S5).

After that, since the response signal is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 side, the first reference position determination means 33 indicates that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at the correct position in response to the response signal. Final confirmation (S6). If there is no predetermined response signal instantly after the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 transmits the infrared signal to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, it means that the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed in the correct position. Alternatively, an abnormality such as a case where the cooking liquid from the previous cooking drips and sticks to the upper surface of the window 37 as dirt and interferes with infrared communication is assumed. In any of these cases, error processing is performed on the main control device 80 side.

Since operation data, temperature data, and the like are exchanged between the two infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 36 even during the rice cooking operation, the rice cooking operation is not permitted even if the window 37 is dirty. If the reference position determination result is NG in step S6, the process proceeds to the abnormality response step shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later.

In the next step S7, the main control device 80 performs a process of invalidating the generation of the input command signal from the first operation input means 20. Specifically, the signal for generating the input signal of the first operation input means 20 is blocked so that the input signal is not generated, but the disabling means is not limited to this method.

By the invalidation process of the input operation unit from the first operation input means 20, for example, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is momentarily lifted and the first operation input means 20 is operated, such an operation is mainly performed. Since it is not input to the control device 80, it is not possible to stop the rice cooking immediately before and start using the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V notifies that the rice cooking operation is to be performed (S8).
In the next step S9, the rice cooking unit 1 enters a standby state in order to determine whether or not a command to start cooking rice has been issued. After placing the rice cooking unit 1, it takes time to actually start cooking rice, such as adjusting the amount of water in the inner pot 3. Therefore, the standby time is measured by the time measuring means 80T (S10).

For example, there is no command signal indicating that rice cooking has started (S11), there is no command signal for starting rice cooking via the wireless communication unit 26 (S12), and a predetermined time T1 (for example, 60 minutes) is set from the stage of step 10. When the lapse has passed (S13: see FIG. 12), the main control device 80 determines that the rice cooking is suspended for some reason.

As shown in FIG. 12, the main control device 80 issues a drive stop command for the power transmission coil 17 and stops the operation of the cooling fan 13 (S14).

Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V notifies that the rice cooking operation has been canceled (S15). When a predetermined time T2 (for example, 61 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step 10 (S16), the main control device 80 cancels the invalidation process of the input operation unit from the first operation input means 20 (S17). .. Therefore, at this stage, for example, if the rice cooking unit 1 is moved to another place, the "rice cooking unit dedicated mode" is automatically canceled, and the first operation input means 20 is operated to perform induction cooking. Another cooking can be started in the vessel 10. If the first operation input means 20 is not operated, the main control device 80 automatically shuts off the main power supply by itself, and operates in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not carelessly performed. (S18).

Next, the case where there is a command signal to start cooking rice (see S11 in FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG.
Proceeding to step S19 of starting the rice cooking process, the main control device 80 acquires information on the rice cooking conditions by communication between the rice cooking unit 1 and the infrared signal transmission / reception units 34 and 35 (S20). For example, data indicating the heating time for cooking rice, the amount of cooked rice, and the like may be acquired.

In the next step S21, the cooling fan 13 is changed to the "strong" operation mode to drive the inverter circuit 73 (S22). As a result, the inner pot of the rice cooking unit 1 is induced and heated by the heating coil 14, and the temperature rises. Therefore, the preheating step is started, and then the rice cooking step is started.

The main control device 80 starts measuring the elapsed time in order to grasp the rice cooking time (S23), and also sends information indicating the rice cooking condition to a power command device (not shown) or the like via the wireless communication unit 26. Send.
The "rice cooking condition" refers to the heating time for cooking rice, the maximum power consumption, the amount of cooked rice, and the like. Even if the elapsed time is not grasped by the main control device 80 side, information such as the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking and the remaining heating time can be obtained from the rice cooking unit 1 side between the two infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 36 at any time. Since it can be obtained by the communication of the above step S23, the step S23 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the main control device 80 subsequently determines and checks steps S26, S27, S28 and S29.
First, even during rice cooking, the reference position determining means 33 is driven again (S25), and it is checked at regular time intervals whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is mounted (S26).

Further, it is checked whether or not the top plate 22 has an abnormally high temperature and whether or not the mounting board of the inverter circuit 73 is in an overheated state (S27).

Then, a check is made to see if a command to stop rice cooking has been issued (S28), and a check is made to see if the scheduled rice cooking time has been exceeded (S29). These checks are repeated at predetermined time intervals.

Then, when a predetermined rice cooking time (for example, 3 go rice cooking amount, 40 minutes in the standard course) specified in the operation program of the control device 50 has elapsed (S29), the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 is used. Notifies that the rice cooking operation is completed (S30).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, a drive stop command for the power transmission coil 17 is issued (S31). Then, the drive of the inverter circuit 73 is stopped (S32). Further, the notification means 70 notifies that the unevenness process is started (S33).

The measurement of the elapsed time is started in order to grasp the unevenness time (S34), and when the predetermined unevenness process time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes) has elapsed (S35), the operation of the cooling fan 13 is stopped (S35). S36). As a result, the heating coil 14 is sufficiently cooled at this stage, and the temperature of the top plate 22 is 40 ° C. to 50 ° C. or lower.

Then, the main control device 80 cancels the invalidation process of the input operation unit from the first operation input means 20 (S37). Then, the main control device 80 automatically shuts off the main power supply by itself, and operates in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not carelessly performed (S38).

In the first embodiment, it has been explained that the control program is such that the heat retention process is automatically executed by the control device 50 within a certain period of time following the unevenness process. Therefore, the rice cooking unit 1 is used as it is. When left on the induction heating cooker 10, the heat retention step actually continues for, for example, one hour after the unevenness step, during which the reference position determination means 33 is driven (the step S25). (See), at regular time intervals, it is checked whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is mounted. However, in that case, since the heating coil 14 is not already driven on the induction heating cooker 10 side, only step SB11 shown in FIG. 16 is performed, and the input command operation from the first operation input means 20 is invalidated. The process (S7 in FIG. 11) is canceled.

Next, the operation of FIG. 15 will be described.
The operation shown in FIG. 15 is after a "No" determination is made in step S6 shown in FIG. That is, since the reference position determination result is NG (nonconformity), the reference position determination is performed again.

First, in step SA1, the notification means 70 further notifies that the reference position determination result is NG (nonconformity). Specifically, it suggests to the user that the rice cooking unit 1 may not be placed in the correct position or the window 37 may be dirty, and prompts the user to clean or check the window.

Then, in order to complete the subsequent correction operation and recheck operation within a certain time, the measurement of the elapsed time is started (SA2).
Next, the infrared signal is transmitted again from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 of the induction heating cooker 10 (SA3). Then, the reference position is determined based on the state of the response signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 (SA4). Here, when it is confirmed that the rice cooking unit 1 exists at the regular position by obtaining the predetermined response signal, the notification means 70 makes a voice such as "confirmed the correct set of the rice cooking unit". Is notified, and the process proceeds to step S7.

Then, if the determination of the reference position in step SA4 does not result in "Yes" within the predetermined time T4 (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes), the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 are operated as shown in step SA7. It stops, and the notification means 70 gives a voice notification such as "The operation will be stopped because the rice cooking operation cannot proceed", automatically shuts off the main power supply (SA9), and ends the series of operations. That is, if the correction cannot be made within a certain grace period (time T4), the operation is forcibly stopped before the rice cooking operation for safety reasons.

The operation step of FIG. 15 does not include the process (S7) of invalidating the input command operation from the first operation input means 20 as described with reference to FIG. This is because it is a stage (step S6) before such processing.

Next, the operation of FIG. 16 will be described.
The operation shown in FIG. 16 is after the determination of "No" is made in step S26 shown in FIG. That is, in the process after the rice cooking operation is started, the reference position determination result is NG (nonconformity), so the reference position determination is performed again.

First, in step SB1, the main control device 80 temporarily stops driving the inverter circuit 73.
Further, the notification means 70 provides voice guidance such as "The rice cooking unit 1 is not correctly mounted, so set it in the correct position" (SB2).

For example, it is determined whether or not 15 minutes have passed from the time when the inverter circuit 73 is started to be driven (SB3). For example, when only 10 minutes have passed since the induction heating was started, the state of the inner pot 3 is the preheating step, so even if the heating is stopped at this point, there is no problem if the rice is cooked again later. Therefore, if 15 minutes have not passed in SB3, the process proceeds to step SB9.

In step SB9, the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 are stopped, and the notification means 70 notifies that the rice cooking operation is stopped halfway (SB10). Then, the process of invalidating the input command operation from the first operation input means 20 (S7 in FIG. 11) is canceled (SB11).

After that, the main control device 80 shuts off the main power supply by itself (SB12), and ends all a series of operations. Since the top plate 22 may be heated to a high temperature by the heating coil 14, the timing of stopping the operation of the cooling fan 13 is delayed by a predetermined time (for example, several minutes) in the step SB9, and the induction heating cooker 10 is used. You may stop after lowering the temperature of.

In step SB3 for determining whether or not 15 minutes have passed since the start of driving the inverter circuit 73, for example, if 15 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step SB5.

In order to process whether or not to restart the driving of the inverter circuit 73 within a short time (within 1 minute), the measurement of the elapsed time T5 is started from the time of step SB4.
Then, it is checked whether or not the elapsed time T5 has elapsed (SB5), and if it has not elapsed, an infrared signal is then transmitted from the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 of the induction heating cooker 10 (SB6). ).

Then, the reference position is determined based on the state of the response signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 (SB7). Here, when it is confirmed that the rice cooking unit 1 exists at a regular position by obtaining a predetermined response signal, the inverter circuit 73 is driven again (SB8). However, if it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not in the proper position, the process proceeds to step SB9, the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 are stopped, and the notification means 70 notifies that the rice cooking operation is stopped halfway (SB10). ). Then, the process of invalidating the input command operation from the first operation input means 20 (S7 in FIG. 11) is canceled (SB11).

Next, the operation of FIG. 17 will be described.
The operation shown in FIG. 17 is after the determination of "No" is made in step S28 shown in FIG. That is, in the process after starting the rice cooking operation, it corresponds to the case where the rice cooking stop command is issued from the rice cooking unit 1 side for some reason. This is the case where the switch 66 of the second input operating means 12 shown in FIG. 5 is pressed.

First, in step SD1, the main control device 80 temporarily stops driving the inverter circuit 73.
In step SD2, the notification means 70 performs voice guidance such as, for example, "an operation to stop the rice cooking operation in the middle has been performed".

It is determined whether, for example, 15 minutes have passed since the inverter circuit 73 was started to be driven (SD3). For example, if 25 minutes have passed since the start of induction heating, the state of the inner pot 3 is already in the boiling process, so if the heating is stopped at this point, even if the rice is cooled once and then the rice is cooked again. , The original rice cooking result cannot be obtained, and there is a concern that the rice will have a poor taste.

Therefore, at this stage, if the rice cooking is started again immediately, there is no problem, and the rice cooking is urged to resume. Therefore, in SD8, voice guidance such as "Please set the rice cooking unit immediately and press the rice cooking button (rice cooking switch 67) again" is performed by the notification means 70.

When a command to cook rice is issued by pressing the rice cooking button (rice cooking switch 67) within 1 minute from the notification of SD8 (SD9), the operation of the inverter circuit 73 is restarted, and the process proceeds to step S29.

If it is within 15 minutes from the time when the inverter circuit 73 is started to be driven, the process proceeds to step SD5. The notification means 70 performs voice guidance such as "stopping the rice cooking operation in the middle" (SD5), and stops driving the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 (SD6). Then, the main power supply is automatically shut off (SD7), and a series of operations is completed.

If a "No" determination is made in step S27 shown in FIG. 13, that is, if an abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to a predetermined abnormality response step SC1. Depending on the content of the abnormality, measures such as immediately stopping the inverter circuit 73 are taken.

Next, the operation of FIG. 18 will be described.
FIG. 18 shows the operation steps on the rice cooking unit 1 side.
The operation steps of the rice cooking unit 1 are shown by SR1 to SR15.

When the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 is connected to the commercial power supply 71 and the rice cooking unit 1 is correctly set on the induction heating cooker 10 after that, the placement detection is performed if the position is correct. The reed switch 31, which is a sensor, is turned on (see SP3 in FIG. 10). Then, the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 is in the "rice cooking unit dedicated mode".

Therefore, the main control device 80 starts supplying electric power to the power transmission coil 17 of the rice cooking unit 1, and the power receiving coil 7 starts driving (SR1). If there is electric power stored in the power feeding means 6, the power transmission coil 17 may be stopped after receiving an infrared signal from the rice cooking unit 1.

Even if the user does not operate the second operation input means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the control device 50 displays the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B on the thermistor 5A or other current sensors ( (Not shown) starts a self-check to see if there is any abnormality in the internal components of the rice cooking unit 1 (SR2).

If there is no abnormality, the control device 50 knows that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position. Therefore, next, the infrared signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 of the induction heating cooker 10 is transmitted. It is received by the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and a response signal is transmitted to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 (SR3).

After that, the first display screen 11A of the lid 1B is activated, and the second display screen 11B is not activated (SR4). This is because it is not necessary to activate and display the second display screen 11B because the weight measurement stage of rice is not yet performed, and it also saves energy.

In step SR4, the notification means 90 provides, for example, a voice guide saying "I will start cooking rice."
The control device 50 reads out the latest rice cooking conditions used in the previous rice cooking from the storage means 50R. For example, read out the conditions that the amount of cooked rice is 3 go and the cooking method is "soft" with white rice (SR5). At this point, the human detection sensor 48 is activated. Therefore, when the human detection sensor 48 does not detect a person during the menu selection or input in the subsequent steps SR6 to SR8, the control device 50 determines that an error and does not accept the input.

Next, the read rice cooking conditions are displayed on the first display screen 11A. For example, to display "white rice" and change it, the switch 63 may be pressed. If you press it once, the selection frame will advance to the next candidate, such as "washless rice", if you press it twice, "germinated brown rice", and you will be patrolled to the original "white rice", so you can select the desired rice type (SR6). ).

Similarly, information on the brand of rice and the degree of cooking of rice, that is, the hardness of rice, can be sequentially read out and corrected (SR7, SR8).
At this stage, the control device 50 activates the second display screen 11B to indicate that the weight of the rice can be measured. Further, the voice notification means 90V is also used for notification (SR9).

Next, we proceed to the rice weight measurement and notification process. The method of measuring the weight of rice and the appropriateness of the amount of water to be charged into the inner pot 3 are guided by the second display screen 11B and the voice notification means 90V according to the measurement result (SR9). This step will be described in detail later.

Finally, when the amount, type, brand, amount of water, etc. of rice were adjusted, the rice cooking switch 67 was pressed, and the voice notification means 90V, for example, "The weight measurement result of rice was 300 g. Appropriate water amount determination. I've done it, so I'll start cooking rice. " Further, the second display screen 11B ends (turns off) the display operation (SR10).

Next, the final rice cooking conditions such as "How to cook with white rice ..., the estimated time to cook is 18:50" are performed by voice guide (SR11).

When about 10 seconds have passed since the rice cooking switch 67 was pressed, the control device 50 estimates that there is no cancel operation by the user, and transmits a predetermined "rice cooking command signal" to the induction heating cooker 10. The command signal in this case is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 side (SR12).

The "rice cooking command signal" here is not a control program that determines the details of the rice cooking process. If you send basic data indicating the type of rice cooking menu, the amount and type of rice, the brand, etc., rice is cooked using the computer software (rice cooking control program) stored in the storage means 80R of the main control device 80 based on the basic data. The energization control of the induction heating coil 14 for the above can be executed. However, the control program itself for determining the details may be directly transmitted for all of the series of controls from the preheating step to the rice cooking step and the unevenness step.

Next, it is determined whether or not the preheating process is completed (SR13), and if it is determined that the preheating process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step (SR14), and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 indicates that the preheating process is completed. The signal is transmitted in infrared (SR14).

Next, it is determined whether or not the rice cooking process is completed (SR15), and if it is determined that the rice cooking process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step (SR16), and the infrared signal transmitter / receiver 35 indicates that the rice cooking process is completed. The signal is transmitted in infrared (SR16).

As shown in FIG. 19, next, it is determined whether or not the unevenness process is completed (SR17), and if it is determined that the unevenness process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step (SR18), and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 A signal indicating that the unevenness process is completed is transmitted by infrared rays.

Then, the notification means 90 on the rice cooking unit 1 side displays the end of rice cooking (end of unevenness) on the first display screen, and the voice notification means 90 also announces that the rice has been cooked and the unevenness process has been completed by voice. Be notified (SR19). The above steps complete a series of rice cooking operations.

Next, the operation steps of FIG. 20 will be described.
FIG. 20 is for explaining in detail between steps SR9 to SR10 in FIG.

The step SR9 includes steps SR9A to SR9M shown in FIG.
In the first step SR9A, the voice notification means 90V notifies that the mode is automatically switched to the voice input mode. This voice guide includes an explanation that only rice is put in the inner pot 3 and that the lid 1B is left open to measure the weight. Then, it automatically switches to the voice input mode (SR9B).

Next, the notification means 90 performs a voice guide asking whether or not a mode for measuring the weight is desired (SR9C). Depending on the user who is proficient in cooking rice, the amount of water may be adjusted to an appropriate level by experience, and if you do not want to measure with the rice cooking unit 1, a predetermined word such as "do not measure" by voice. Speaking of, voice is input through a microphone provided at an appropriate place on the lid 1B, and the process proceeds to the normal step SR10 at once. At the same time, the voice input mode is automatically canceled.

In step SR9C, when the user utters that he / she desires the weight measurement mode, the control device 50 determines whether or not the lid 1B is open (SR9D). This determination is performed by the control device 50 determining the output from the lid opening sensor 93. If the lid 1B is not opened, it may be guided by voice so that it is opened by the voice notification means 90V.

In the next step SR9E, when the user utters "measurement start", the control device 50 calculates the weight of the entire rice cooking unit 1 from the measured values of the four weight sensors 4 by the weight measuring means 94 (SR9F). ).

Then, the measurement result is notified by voice (SR9G). Then, the amount of water corresponding to the weight is calculated, and the result is notified by the voice notification means 90V (SR9H). Upon hearing this notification, when the user injects water into the inner pot 3 of the rice cooking unit 1 with the lid 1B open, the weight measuring means 94 determines the proper weight and the current weight in the process of injecting water. Calculate the divergence and notify by voice (SR9K).

When the control device 50 determines that the water level has finally reached the appropriate level through the process of injecting water or taking out excess water (SR9L), a voice notification is given that the voice input mode is automatically canceled. The means 90V and the second display screen 11B are used for notification, and the process proceeds to step SR10 described above. That is, when the amount, type, brand, amount of water, etc. of rice are finally adjusted, the voice notification means 90V and the second display screen 11B notify that the appropriate amount of water has been measured (SR10).

In the next step SR11, it is recommended to press the rice cooking switch 67 by voice, and with the voice notification means 90V, for example, "rice is cooked with white rice, how to cook ..." The estimated cooking time is 18:50. Perform voice guidance such as "It's a minute" (SR11).

In the first embodiment, since the voice input mode is automatically set at the stage of weighing the rice and injecting water, the user can concentrate on the operation of pouring water, and the lid 1B can be opened and closed. Therefore, the operation of checking the first display screen 11A can be avoided, and the effect of improving the convenience of the user can be expected.

Next, the operation of the calorie display mode will be described.
The following description will be made on the assumption that the cooked rice unit 1 that has finished cooking rice is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 as it is.

As described above, when the calorie calculation key 18C is pressed, the calorie calculation unit 50C calculates the calories according to the weight of the rice and displays it on the second display screen 11B. Further, even when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed, the calorie calculation unit 50C calculates the calories according to the weight of the rice and displays it on the first display screen 11A.

When either the calorie calculation key 18C or the calorie notification switch 49 is operated, the voice notification device 70V notifies the calorie value by voice. For example, it is notified as "It is XX kcal".

Hereinafter, FIG. 21 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 21 shows a series of control operation steps for calculating and notifying a calorie value. The operation of both the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 is shown.

The control device 50 is set to the "calorie notification mode" that performs the operation shown in FIG. 21 when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed. The automatic transition to the "calorie notification mode" detects the time when the lid 1B is opened after the rice cooking process or the unevenness process, and is set to the "calorie notification mode" from that point. You may. According to this, even if the calorie notification switch 49 is not pressed, the lid 1B is automatically opened to automatically shift to the “calorie notification mode”.

In FIG. 21, the “calorie notification mode” has two cases, one is when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed and the other is when the lid 1B is opened (step SS1). It is indicated by BL2 and a solid arrow.

First, it is checked whether the lid 1B is open (SS1). If the lid 1B is not opened, the process of FIG. 21 continues until a certain time (for example, 1 hour) elapses.

Next, when the lid opening sensor 93 detects the opening of the lid 1B, the human detection sensor 48 is activated at this point (SS2). Therefore, when the human detection sensor 48 does not detect a person at the time of inputting in the subsequent step SS5, it is determined that the control device 50 has not instructed to measure the weight of the rice.

As described above, the human detection sensor 48 also serves as a "non-contact input means" for performing calorie notification, and automatically switches to the "non-contact input means" when the lid 1B is opened.

Next, when the human detection sensor 48 is activated, the control device 50 transmits a specific signal indicating the start of the calorie notification mode to the induction heating cooker 10 side. The signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and is transmitted to the main control device 80 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34.

The weight measuring means 94 provided with the weight sensor 4 measures the weight of the cooked rice in the inner pot 3 (SS3). In this case, since the user has not taken out any of the cooked rice in the inner pot 3 since the rice was cooked, this is important data that serves as a reference value for comparison with the measured values from the next time onward. Therefore, the first measured weight is stored in the temporary storage unit in the storage means 80R by the main control device 80 (SS4). The weight measured at this time is WT1. The weight WT1 also includes the weight of the rice cooking unit 1.

Next, the control device 50 determines whether or not the input has been made by the "non-contact input means" (human detection sensor 48) in order to determine whether or not the user requests the notification of calories (SS5).

When the cooked rice in the inner pot 3 is placed on a bowl or a plate with a rice scoop or the like, the rice may be taken out in one operation or the rice may be put in and taken out twice or more.
Therefore, if the weight is measured and notified at the stage of one take-out, the notification is in the middle stage, which may cause confusion for the user who hears it.
Therefore, a method is conceivable in which the user specifically indicates the intention of "weight measurement" with a push button switch or the like.

However, since one hand usually holds a rice scoop and the other hand holds a bowl or plate to serve rice, both hands are occupied. Therefore, it is not realistic to once place a bowl or rice scoop and operate the push button switch or the like for "weight measurement" as described above, and such a method impairs operability.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to easily send a weight measurement command even while holding a rice scoop with one hand and holding a bowl or a plate with the other hand to serve rice. I am trying to do it.
Specifically, the input of the human detection sensor 48 (non-contact input means) can be input by, for example, holding one hand holding the rice scoop or holding the rice scoop above the human detection sensor 48. Will be done.

When the lid 1B is opened, the human detection sensor 48 is automatically switched to the "non-contact input means", and the lid 1B is in a vertical or near vertical state. Further, it is located above the inner pot 3 and is not located in the area where rice is taken out.
Therefore, unless a person consciously reaches out, there is nothing above the non-contact input means, so that no input is performed by the non-contact input means.

As is clear from the above description, a command to the control device 50 can be given by the non-contact input means.

When a "weight measurement" command is given to the control device 50, the control device 50 transmits a specific signal commanding the "weight measurement" operation to the induction heating cooker 10 side. The signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and is transmitted to the main control device 80 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34.

In this way, when input is performed by the human detection sensor 48 (non-contact input means) on the rice cooking unit 1 side, step SS5 becomes “Yes”, and the control device 50 determines “Yes” in step SS5. In response to this, in order to issue a "weight measurement" command, a specific signal commanding the "weight measurement" operation is transmitted to the induction heating cooker 10 side again. The signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and is transmitted to the main control device 80 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34.

In the next step SS6, the weight of the rice is measured again. Let WT2 be the weight measured this second time. The second measured weight is stored in the temporary storage unit in the storage means 80R by the main control device 80. The weight WT2 also includes the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 alone.

Next, when the weight measurement result is twice within a certain time (for example, within 30 seconds), the main control device 80 calculates the weight change based on the latest weight WT2 and the weight WT1 immediately before the latest weight WT2 (for example, within 30 seconds). SS7). This calculation is performed by the weight measuring means 94 on the induction heating cooker 10 side, but it may also be performed by the control device 50. As described above, since the weights measured in the two measurements are WT1 and WT2, if WT2 is subtracted from WT1, the weight WX reduced between the two measurements is calculated.

The main control device 80 transmits the reduced weight value (weight WX) to the rice cooking unit 1 side. The transmission of the weight data is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 as a signal indicating the weight data, and is transmitted to the control device 50 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35.

On the rice cooking unit 1 side, the calorie calculation unit 50C receives the data of the weight WX and multiplies the weight WX by the converted value to calculate the calorie value (SS8). Even if the converted value of calorie calculation differs depending on the type of rice, etc., the "rice cooking condition" input by the user before the start of the rice cooking operation is determined as shown in step SR11 of FIG. Since the condition is stored in the storage device 50R, the calorie calculation unit 50C can select the converted value of the calorie calculation with reference to the rice cooking condition stored there. By the way, it is said that the calories per 100 g of white rice is 167 to 170 kcal. Since the purpose of the first embodiment is not to notify the exact calorie value, an average converted value may be used from experimental results, literature, and the like.

Next, the calculated calorie value is stored in the calorie storage unit 50D (SS9). This memory is stored in the order of calculation time.

The calculated calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B, but may also be displayed on the first display screen 11A so that it can be confirmed immediately after the lid 1B is closed. In addition, the voice notification means 90V gives a voice notification such as "The calorie of the current rice is 252 kcal" (SS10).

Since the control device 50 can detect whether the lid 1B is opened or closed by the lid opening sensor 93, the calculated calorie value is not displayed on the second display screen 11B, but is displayed in the first display. Only the display on the screen 11A and the voice notification may be performed. Furthermore, only voice notification may be performed. For these notification settings, the user operates the second input operating means 12 and the third input operating means 18 in advance, or inputs a setting signal via the short-range wireless communication unit 91 by an information communication terminal device. However, it is even better to be able to select as appropriate.

Then, it is determined in the next step SS11 whether or not the lid body 1B is opened or closed, and if it is determined that the lid body 1B is not closed, the process proceeds to the next step SS16.
In step SS16, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred, and the process returns to step SS5 again.

When the input is performed by the human detection sensor 48 (non-contact input means), the step SS5 becomes “Yes”, and in the next step SS6, the weight of the rice is measured again in the induction heating cooker 10. That is, in this case, the weight is measured for the third time, and the weight measured here is referred to as WT3. This third measured weight is stored in a temporary storage unit in the storage means 80R.

When the third weight measurement is commanded by the rice cooking unit 1, the weight measuring means 94 again measures the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10. Then, the main control device 80 transmits the reduced weight value (weight WX) to the rice cooking unit 1 side. The transmission of the weight data is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 as a signal indicating the weight data, and is transmitted to the control device 50 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35.

It is presumed that the third weight measurement is when rice is served in a bowl or plate different from the previous one. Therefore, the calorie value in this case is calculated by the calorie calculation unit 50C by subtracting WT3 from WT2. After that, it is the same as the above-mentioned steps SS9 to SS11.

When the lid 1B is closed, step SS11 becomes “Yes”, so the process proceeds to the next step SS12.
In step SS12, the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 constituting the reference position determination means 33A on the rice cooking unit 1 side outputs the calorie value stored in the calorie value storage unit 50D to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34. It is sent in bulk.

The timing at which the calorie value calculation results are collectively transmitted is during the period when the induction heating cooker 10 is placed at a predetermined position on the upper surface. That is, as described in step S6 of FIG. 11, the reference position determination result is "OK" between the reference position determination means 33A on the rice cooking unit 1 side and the reference position determination means 33B on the induction heating cooker 10 side. After becoming.

Until the rice cooking unit 1 is returned to the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, the latest calorie value is displayed on one or both of the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B, but is displayed. It may disappear after a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) from the start. In the first embodiment, the display of the calorie value is terminated at least when the rice cooking unit 1 is returned to the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 (SS13).

After the display is completed, the control device 50 automatically terminates the display operation of either the first display screen 11A or the second display screen 11B that has been activated to reduce the power consumption. You may. In that case, and when the lid 1B is opened, it is necessary to activate and prepare for the display of the calorie value.

Step SS14 is a process of canceling and notifying the calorie notification mode performed after the rice cooking unit 1 is returned to the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, but this is not essential. For example, at the stage when it is detected that the lid body 1B is closed (step SS11), the calorie notification mode may be released and notified (SS14), and the process may return to step SS1. Then, when the time is measured in step SS1 (SS15) and the lid 1B is never opened for 30 minutes, the calorie notification mode shown in FIG. 21 may be canceled.

The calorie notification mode shown in FIG. 21 is started when the "specific condition" is satisfied after the passage of steps SR18, SR17 or SR19 in the flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit shown in FIG. It has become. In other words, when the rice is completely cooked, the calorie notification mode can be started in preparation for the next meal.

As described above, the establishment of the "specific condition" refers to both the case where the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed and the case where it is detected that the lid body 1B has been opened. Any one of these two scenes shifts to the "calorie notification mode".

As shown in FIG. 21 of the first embodiment, when the rice cooking is completely finished, the calorie notification mode is started in preparation for the scene of eating rice. According to this method, the induction heating cooker 10 Even if the rice cooking unit 1 is continuously placed on the rice cooking unit 1, there is an advantage that the calorie notification mode can be started promptly.

As is clear from the above description, the first embodiment includes the following various configurations.
That is, the cooking apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 provided with a top plate 22 and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for inductively heating the inner pot 3, a first input operating means 20 for setting energization conditions for the heating coil 14, and a weight measuring means 94.
The rice cooking unit 1 measures the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 by the weight measuring means, the lid 1B that opens and closes the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to open and close, the second input operating means 12 that sets the rice cooking conditions, and the rice cooking unit 1. Calculation of converting the weight of cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value by inputting the third input operating means 18C and 49 instructing the measurement and the third input operating means 18C and 49. Receives commands from the processing means (calorie calculation unit) 50C, the notification means 90 that notifies the calculation result of the calculation processing means 50C by the calorie value, the second input operation means 12, and the third input means 18C, 49. A control device 50 for controlling the arithmetic processing means and the notification means 90, respectively.
The notification means 90 has a first display screen 11A arranged on the upper part of the lid 1B for displaying toward the upper side of the rice cooking unit 1, and a rice cooking unit for displaying toward the front of the rice cooking unit 1. It has a second display screen 11B arranged in front of 1 and has a second display screen 11B.
The third input operation means 18C and 49 are located in the vicinity of the first display screen 11A or within the range of the display screen, and in the vicinity of the second display screen 11B or within the range of the display screen. Provided in each
When the third input operating means 49 on the first display screen 11A side is operated, the control device 50 displays the calorie value on the first display screen 11A, and the second display screen 11A displays the calorie value. When the third input operation means 11C on the display screen 11B side of the above is operated, the calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B.

According to the cooking apparatus having this configuration, a switch (third input operating means) for commanding the display of the calorie value provided by the user at two places of the rice cooking unit 1 (two different surfaces, that is, the upper surface and the front surface). With 18C and 49), the amount of energy consumed by rice can be known on the display screen near the switch.

More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 having a box (square) shape in appearance is provided with first and second display screens 11A and 11B at two locations on the upper surface and the front surface. Then, when the switch (third input operation means 18C, 49) for instructing the display of the calorie value is operated, the user asks which of the first and second display screens 11A and 11B the calorie value is displayed. There is concern about getting lost.

Also, before serving rice and confirming the calorie value by the notification of the rice cooking unit 1, the lid 1B is closed or the next person serves rice, and the calorie of the amount of rice served cannot be recognized. There is a possibility.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, even if the calorie notification mode is set and an inadvertent operation key is operated, the calorie notification is stopped in the middle, or the display disappears and another display is displayed. Invitation is prevented. In addition, calories are displayed on the display screens 11A and 11B near the operated switches (third input operation means 18C and 49), respectively.
These can be expected to improve the usability of the user.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 including a heating coil 14, a first input operating means 20 for inputting heating conditions of the heating coil 14, and a weight measuring means 94.
A rice cooking unit 1 including an inner pot 3 that houses the rice to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil 14 and a second input operating means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions is provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a first usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 can be heated by the heating coil 14 while being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and a second usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10. Can be selected,
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a lid opening sensor 93 that detects whether or not the lid 1B that closes the upper opening of the inner pot 3 is in the open state after the completion of the rice cooking process, and the lid opening. In a state where the opening of the lid is detected by the sensor 93, the human detection sensor (non-contact sensor) 48 that detects the command of the user, the lid opening sensor 93, and the detection output of the non-contact sensor are received. , A calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) that calculates the amount of energy of the cooked rice from the weight of the cooked rice taken out from the inner pot 3 measured by the control device 50 that issues the calorie notification command and the weight measuring means 94. ) 50C, and a display means 11 (first display screen 11A, second display screen 11B) for displaying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit in calories, respectively.

According to the cooking apparatus having this configuration, in the rice cooking unit, it is possible to reduce the number of situations in which the user or the like comes into contact with the rice cooking unit and notify the amount of energy consumed by the rice.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located in front of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. The means 20 and the weight measuring means 94 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions and a third input operating means (measurement instruction switch) 18C for instructing the induction heating cooker 10 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. , 49 and the human detection sensor (non-contact input means) that receives a command from the user after the weight of the cooked rice is measured by the weight measuring means 94 by the input of the third input operating means 18C, 49. 48, a calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that converts the measured weight into a calorie value in response to a command from the human detection sensor 48, and a calculation result of the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C. Each of the notification means 90 for notifying the above is provided.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, when the user instructs the rice cooking unit 1 to measure the weight, the weight measuring means 94 measures the weight of the cooked rice. There is no concern that the weight will be measured during the process and it will be confusing, and the human detection sensor (non-contact input means) 48 will give instructions to convert to the amount of energy, so in the process of serving rice cooked rice. Even when the user holds a bowl in one hand and a rice scoop in the other, it is possible to reduce the user's operation of converting the weight of the cooked rice into the amount of energy and easily know the amount of energy consumed by the rice. it can.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located in front of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. The means 20 and the weight measuring means 94 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions and a third input operating means (measurement instruction) for instructing the induction heating cooker 10 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. Switches) 18C, 49, and a calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that converts the weight of cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value by inputting the third input operating means 18C, 49. Each of the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C is provided with a notification means 90 for notifying the calculation result.
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
Windows 37 and 38 for passing an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are formed on the facing portion between the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10. ,
The induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, and then invalidates the function of the first input operating means 20. To
Further, when the induction heating cooker 10 detects that the rice cooking unit 1 has completed a predetermined rice cooking process by the infrared signal, the induction heating cooker 10 cancels the invalid state of the input operation of the first input operation means 20. It is a characteristic configuration.

According to this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, so that the weight is measured during the operation of serving the rice in the bowl. , No fear of confusion.

Further, before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by an infrared signal, and then the input function of the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is invalidated. Therefore, when the predetermined rice cooking unit 1 is used, it is possible to prevent the first input operation means 20 from inadvertently performing an input operation during the rice cooking operation. Further, when the rice cooking process is completed, the invalid state of the input function is automatically released, and there is no hindrance to the use of the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located in front of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. The means 20 and the weight measuring means 94 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions and a third input operating means (measurement) for instructing the induction heating cooker 10 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. Instructor switches) 18C, 49 and a calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that converts the weight of cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value by inputting the third input operating means 18C, 49. , And a notification means 90 that notifies the calculation result of the calculation processing means by a calorie value, respectively.
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
A gap S leading to the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit.
Information for rice cooking control is transmitted between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 to a portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 behind the gap S. The windows 37, 38 for passing the infrared signal to the rice are formed, and the windows 37 and 38 are formed.
The induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal during at least one of the rice cooking process and the reserved rice cooking period, and the rice cooking unit 1 is not present at a predetermined reference position. When it is determined (FIG. 13 step S26), a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation (FIG. 16 step SB3) is performed according to the progress of the rice cooking process, and the rice cooking operation is stopped. Is characterized in that a notification operation (steps SB2 and SB10 in FIG. 16) is performed.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured on the induction heating cooker 10 side by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, so that the cooked rice is served in a bowl. There is no concern that the weight will be measured during the operation and it will be confused.
Further, before or after starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and it is determined whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation according to the progress of the rice cooking process. When the rice cooking operation is stopped, the user is notified of the process, so that there is an advantage that misunderstandings and erroneous operations of the user can be prevented.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located in front of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. The means 20 and the weight measuring means 94 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions and a third input operating means (measurement) for instructing the induction heating cooker 10 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. The calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that converts the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight sensor 4 into a calorie value by the instruction switches) 18C and 49 and the third input operation means 18C and 49, and the calculation. Each includes a notification means 90 that notifies the calculation result of the processing means by a calorie value.
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
A gap S leading to the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1.
A window 37 for passing an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 is provided at a portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 behind the gap S. , 38
The induction heating cooker 10 monitors the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal while the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position and is executing the heat retention step, and the first input operation. Disable the input function of means 20 and
Further, when the induction heating cooker 10 cannot detect the presence of the rice cooking unit 1 at a predetermined position by the infrared signal, the heat retention process of the rice cooking unit 1 is terminated and the first input operation means 20 is invalidated. It is a configuration to release the state.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, so that the weight is measured during the operation of serving the rice in the bowl. There is no concern that the measurement will be confusing.

Further, at the stage of the heat retention process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and when it is detected that there is a problem in the placement of the rice cooking unit 1, the heat retention operation is stopped and the heat retention operation is stopped. Since the invalid state of the input operation of the first input operation means 20 can be canceled, there is an advantage that misunderstanding and erroneous operation of the user can be prevented.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the first embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 including an induction heating coil 14, a first input operating means 20 for inputting heating conditions of the heating coil 14, and a weight measuring means 94.
A rice cooking unit 1 including an inner pot 3 that houses the rice to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil 14 and a second input operating means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions is provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a first usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is heated by the induction heating coil 14 while being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and a second usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10. And can be selected,
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a control device 50, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, and a third input operating means (3) for instructing the weight measuring means 94 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. A calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) that converts the weight of cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value by inputting the measurement instruction switches) 18C and 49 and the third input operating means 18C and 49. 50C and a notification means 90 for notifying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit 50C by a calorie value are provided, respectively.
The control device 50 invalidates (does not accept) the input of the third input operating means (measurement instruction switch) 18C before the completion of the rice cooking process or the unevenness process, and automatically activates after the completion of the rice cooking process. It is a configuration characterized by being.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 and notify the calories, so that the rice bowl is being served in the middle of the operation. There is no concern that the weight will be weighed and confused.
In addition, if the weight of the rice cooking unit changes due to stirring rice or adding ingredients before the completion of the rice cooking process or the unevenness process, even if the third input operation means is mistakenly operated, the input is input. Since the operation is invalid, there is an advantage that unnecessary calorie value display and notification are not performed.

The control program of the main control device 80 or the control device 50 may be changed so that the progress of the rice cooking process is determined by taking into account not only the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking but also the temperature information of the inner pot 3. ..

Summary of Embodiment 1.
As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, the first invention has been carried out according to the following embodiments.
That is, the cooking apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is
The induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 which is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 and used and has a built-in inner pot 3 are provided.
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, a first input operating means 20 that sets energization conditions for the heating coil 14, and an infrared communication unit as a first communication unit. 34, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 notifies the rice cooking unit 1 by converting the weight of the cooked rice into a calorie value, the lid 1B for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to open and close, the second input operating means 12 for setting the rice cooking conditions, and The third input operation means 18C and 49 instructing the cooked rice, the arithmetic processing means 50C for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and the notifying means 90 for notifying the calorie value of the cooked rice. As a second communication unit, the control device 50 that receives commands from the second input operation means 12 and the third input operation means 18C and 49 and controls the arithmetic processing means 50C and the notification means 90. It is equipped with an infrared communication unit 35, respectively.
When the third input operating means 18C and 49 are operated, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit (infrared communication unit) 35, and induces heating. When the main control device 80 of the cooker 10 receives the calorie notification command in the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34, information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 measured by the weight measuring means 94. Is transmitted from the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34.
The rice cooking unit 1 calculates a calorie value by the arithmetic processing means 50C from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side, and notifies the calorie conversion result by the notification means 90. It is a configuration characterized by.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having such a configuration, when the user operates the rice cooking unit 1 side, the energy consumption of the rice on the rice cooking unit 1 side is based on the weight measurement data from the induction heating cooker 10. Can be known.

Further, in the first embodiment, the second invention is carried out according to the following embodiments.
That is, the cooking apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is
The induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 which is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 and used and has a built-in inner pot 3 are provided.
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, a first input operating means 20 that sets energization conditions for the heating coil 14, and an infrared communication unit as a first communication unit. 34, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, an arithmetic processing means 80C for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value, and a main control device 80. ,
The rice cooking unit 1 notifies the rice cooking unit 1 by converting the weight of the cooked rice into a calorie value, the lid 1B for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to be openable and closable, the second input operating means 12 for setting the rice cooking conditions. The third input operation means 18C, 49 instructing the cooked rice, the notification means 90 for notifying the calorie value of the cooked rice, the second input operation means 12, and the third input operation means 18C, 49 are instructed. A control device 50 that receives and controls the notification means 90 and an infrared communication unit 35 as a second communication unit are provided.
When the third input operating means 18C and 49 are operated, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit (infrared communication unit) 35.
The main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 is based on the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 when the calorie notification command is received by the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34. The calorie information is transmitted from the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34, and the calorie information is transmitted.
The rice cooking unit 1 is characterized in that the calorie information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side is notified by the notification means 90.

Further, in the first embodiment, the third invention is carried out according to the following embodiments.
That is, the cooking apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is
The induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 which is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 and used and has a built-in inner pot 3 are provided.
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, a first input operating means 20 that sets energization conditions for the heating coil 14, and an infrared communication unit as a first communication unit. 34, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 instructs to measure the weight of the cooked rice, the lid 1B that opens and closes the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to be openable and closable, the second input operating means 12 for setting the rice cooking conditions, and the second The input operation means 18C and 49 of 3, the arithmetic processing means 50C for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value, the notification means 90 for notifying the calorie value of the cooked rice, and the second A control device 50 that receives commands from the input operating means 12 and the third input means 18C and 49 and controls the arithmetic processing means 50C and the notification means 90, and an infrared communication unit 35 as a second communication unit. And, respectively,
When the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 receives the calorie notification command from the third input operation means 18C and 49, the control device 50 transmits the calorie notification command from the second communication unit (infrared communication unit) 35.
When the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34 receives the calorie notification command, the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 measures the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 measured by the weight measuring means 94. The information indicating the above is transmitted from the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34.
Further, when the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is instructed to measure calories by the third input means 18C, 49, the input keys 63, 64, 65, 67 in the second input means 12 , 68, 69 is not accepted, and the calorie value is displayed on the display screens 11A and 11B included in the notification means 90.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having such a configuration, when the user operates the rice cooking unit 1 side, the energy consumption of the rice on the rice cooking unit 1 side is based on the weight measurement data from the induction heating cooker 10. Can be known. Further, when the user performs an operation of commanding the calorie display, the input of the input key unrelated to the calorie notification is prohibited, and the user can prevent unintentional display and driving.

Embodiment 2.
22 to 24 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a vertical sectional view showing the entire cooking apparatus, and FIG. 23 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the front of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 22; FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 22. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted.

The cooking apparatus 100 in the second embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 including a heating coil 14 and a first input operating means 20 for inputting heating conditions of the heating coil 14.
A rice cooking unit 1 including an inner pot 3 that houses the rice to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil 14 and a second input operating means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions is provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a first usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 can be heated by the induction heating coil 14 while being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and a second usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10. And, can be selected alternately,
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a control device 50, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, and a third input operating means (measurement instruction switch) 18C for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. , 49, respectively,
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a main control device 80 that controls the heating process of the inner pot 3 and a reference position determining means for determining whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in a reference position. Only when the rice cooking unit is located at the reference position by the reference position determining means and the calorie notification command from the third input operation means is received, the induction heating cooker 10 including the weight of the rice cooking unit 10 A weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of rice and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 receives the weight data of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 194 and converts the weight into a calorie value by the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C and the calorie calculation unit 50C. A notification means 90 for notifying the result by a calorie value is provided.
The main control device 80 does not receive commands from the third input operation means (measurement instruction switch) 18C and 49 before the completion of the rice cooking step or the unevenness step, and the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C. The configuration is characterized in that the calorie calculation is not performed.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, when the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are in the correct positional relationship, the induction heating is performed by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. Since the weight of the cooked rice is measured on the cooker 10 side, there is no concern that the weight will be measured during the operation of serving the rice in the bowl and the rice will be confused.
In addition, if the weight of the rice cooking unit changes due to stirring rice or adding ingredients before the completion of the rice cooking process or the unevenness process, even if the third input operation means is mistakenly operated, it will be caused by it. Since the calorie calculation is not performed, there is an advantage that unnecessary calorie value display and notification are not performed.

Further, the cooking apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 including a heating coil 14 and a first input operating means 20 for inputting heating conditions of the heating coil 14.
A rice cooking unit 1 including an inner pot 3 that houses the rice to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil 14 and a second input operating means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions is provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a first usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 can be heated by the induction heating coil 14 while being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and a second usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10. And can be selected,
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a control device 50, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, and a third input operating means (measurement instruction switch) 18C for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. , 49, respectively,
The induction heating cooker 10 has an operation program for controlling the heating process of the inner pot 3, and the main control device 80 for determining the transition to the calorie notification mode and the rice cooking unit 1 are placed at reference positions. A reference position determining means for determining whether or not the cooked rice is placed, and a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the induction heating cooker 10 only when the rice cooking unit is located at the reference position by the reference position determining means. When the main control device 80 receives a command from the third input operating means 18C and 49, the weight measuring means 194 measures the weight of the rice cooking unit including the cooked rice and the induction heating cooker. ,
After shifting to the calorie notification mode, the rice cooking unit 1 receives the weight data of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 and converts it into a calorie value, and a calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C. A notification means 90 that notifies the result of the calorie calculation by a calorie value is provided.
When the main control device 80 does not satisfy the specific condition for shifting to the calorie notification mode, the main control device 80 does not perform the calorie notification operation in response to the command by the third input operation means (measurement instruction switch) 18C, 49. It is a configuration characterized by.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.
In FIG. 22, reference numeral 103 denotes an IC tag installed in place of the permanent magnet 30 of the first embodiment. The reader (IC tag information reading unit) 104 (not shown) that reads the information of this tag corresponds to the mounting detection sensor (reed switch) 31 of the first embodiment.
The reader 104 is installed on the front side of the rear vertical portion 16 so as to be closest to the IC tag 103 when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position.

In FIG. 22, reference numeral 105 denotes support legs attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the induction heating cooker 10, and inside the support legs, a weight sensor 4 corresponding to the weight sensor 4 of the first embodiment (not shown). ) Is placed. The rice cooking unit 1 is not provided with a weight sensor corresponding to the weight sensor 4 or a weight measuring means 94.

In FIG. 23, 22A is an inclined portion formed around (front-back, left-right) the top plate 22 constituting the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10. That is, the inside of the inclined portion is about 10 mm higher than the upper surface of the outermost peripheral edge portion.

In FIG. 23, 106 is a protrusion integrally formed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1. As is clear from FIG. 23, the protrusion is formed in a square or rectangular shape on the lower surface of the bottom plate 39 in a plan view so as to surround the inclined portion 22A.

As shown in FIG. 23, the protrusion 106 is fitted to the outside of the inclined portion 22A. The inclined portion 22A and the protruding portion 106 do not have to be in close contact with each other, and a gap of about several mm may be maintained. By fitting the inclined portion 22A and the protruding portion 106, a stopper function is exhibited so that the rice cooking unit 1 does not carelessly move back and forth and left and right on the induction heating cooker 10.

The protruding height of the protruding portion 106 may be flush with the lower end surface of the peripheral edge portion, and it is not necessary to project the protruding portion 106 significantly downward. If it is greatly projected, the stability of the rice cooking unit 1 will deteriorate when it is placed on a table or the like.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a cooling fan, which is installed inside the rice cooking unit 1 in order to prevent hot air from staying in the bottom of the inner pot 3 and its surroundings. Reference numeral 107 denotes a ventilation hole constituting the intake air passage of the cooling fan 130, which is a circular hole having a diameter of about several mm or a thin slit shape so that a finger cannot be inserted. The thick arrow indicates the flow of cooling air sucked into the cooling fan 130.

In FIG. 23, 94 is a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of rice, and includes the weight sensor 4 (not shown). Note that this weight measuring means does not measure only the rice cooking unit 1 as in the first embodiment, but measures the weight of the induction heating cooker 10 in the state where the rice cooking unit 1 is placed. ..

In FIG. 24, 80C is a calorie calculation unit that receives the weight data of the rice cooking unit 1 measured by the weight measuring means 94 and calculates the energy consumption corresponding to the weight of the cooked rice. This calorie calculation unit has a configuration corresponding to the calorie calculation unit 50C of the first embodiment.

The 80D is a storage unit that automatically stores the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 80C. The calorie storage unit 80D has a configuration corresponding to the calorie storage unit 50D of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the induction heating cooker 10 side is provided with functions corresponding to the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C and the calorie storage unit 50D described in the first embodiment, respectively.
Therefore, when the calorie notification command is transmitted to the main control device 80 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 34 by the measurement instruction switch 18C and the calorie notification switch 49 on the rice cooking unit 1 side, the rice after cooking is cooked. Weighs and notifies calorie values.
That is, the calorie value can be displayed by the display means 11 of the rice cooking unit 1, and the calorie value can be notified by the voice notification means 70V.

Further, in the second embodiment, the first input operating means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is not provided with a switch (not shown) corresponding to the measurement instruction switch 18C or the calorie notification switch 49. When the measurement instruction switch 18C or the calorie notification switch 49 on the rice cooking unit 1 side is pressed, or when the rice cooking process or the unevenness process is completed, the control device 50 transmits the infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 34. Then, it is transmitted to the main control device 80 side that there is a command signal for the weight measurement instruction.

That is, when the rice cooking unit 1 remains mounted on the induction heating cooker 10 even after the rice cooking operation is completed, and when the measurement instruction switch 18C or the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed, the first embodiment 1 Similarly, the result of calorie calculation is displayed on both or at least one of the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B of the rice cooking unit 1, and is also notified by the voice notification means 90V.

In the second embodiment, when the rice cooking step or the unevenness step is completed and the "specific conditions" are satisfied, the control of the calorie notification mode is automatically started in the induction heating cooker 10.

In the second embodiment, the "specific condition" is a state in which the rice cooking step or the unevenness step is completed and the lid 1B is closed (naturally, immediately after the unevenness step is completed, this is the same. This is the case when the lid 1B is opened after that.

From the time when the "specific condition" is satisfied, the control of the calorie notification mode as shown in FIG. 21 of the first embodiment is automatically started. Therefore, on the induction heating cooker 10 side, even if at least one of the measurement instruction switch 18C and the calorie notification switch 49 on the rice cooking unit 1 side is not pressed following the opening of the lid 1B, the weight of the rice It is possible to perform a series of operations such as measurement and calculation of calorie value.

Also in the second embodiment, the calorie value can be known each time in the rice cooking unit 1.

Further, in the second embodiment, between the first input operating means 20 and the heating coil 14, the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1 communicate with the outside. A gap SS is formed, and a vent hole 107 for flowing the cooling air of the cooling fan 130 built in the rice cooking unit 1 is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 corresponding to the gap SS. With this configuration, the temperature of the portion of the first input operating means 20 can be kept low, deterioration and failure due to a temperature rise of the electronic components constituting the first input operating means 20 can be prevented, and the first There is an advantage that the user who operates the input operation means 20 does not feel unnecessary anxiety.

Embodiment 3.
25 to 28 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the calorie notification mode in the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus. FIG. 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower front part of the cooking apparatus. FIG. 27 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation input unit located in the front portion of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower left side surface of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 26. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment particularly suppresses the temperature rise of the first operation input unit 20 located in the front portion of the induction heating cooker 10, and also suppresses the temperature rise of the left and right side surface portions of the rice cooking unit 1. It is suppressed to further enhance safety.

First, FIG. 25 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 25 shows a series of control operation steps for calculating and notifying a calorie value. Since most of the flowcharts described with reference to FIG. 21 of the first embodiment are the same, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

In the flowchart of FIG. 25, step SS1 is the start time of the “calorie notification mode”, and Tep SS14 is the end time of the “calorie notification mode”. In other words, steps SS1 to step SS14 are operations in the calorie notification mode.

According to the flowchart of FIG. 25, the calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B and the first display screen 11A, and the voice notification means 90V makes it possible to say, "The calorie of the current rice is 252 kcal." A voice notification (SS10) is performed, and then it is determined in step SS11 whether the lid 1B is opened or closed.

In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the lid 1B is closed, the latest calorie value is continuously displayed on one or both of the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B, or It was designed to disappear after a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) from the start of the display.

On the other hand, in the third embodiment, step SS11A for determining whether or not the "meal time" has passed is provided. This "meal time" can be selected in advance by the user, for example, 10 seconds or 30 minutes.
For example, if the user (resident) usually eats rice alone, 10 seconds may be sufficient.

However, in a large number of households, rice may be served continuously at breakfast, etc. In such cases, the next rice serving, its weight measurement, calorie value display, etc. may be intermittently arranged. It can be done many times. Therefore, when the calorie notification mode is released in a short time (step SS14), and then the lid 1B is opened again and rice is served, the control device 50 needs to start the operation from step SS1.

On the other hand, in the third embodiment, since the user can set the time of step SS11A in advance and further change it, the duration of the calorie notification mode can be set according to the actual situation of each household. You can choose. Further, if this "meal time" is shortened, the display time of the first display screen 11A or the second display screen 11B can be shortened, and it can be expected that the power consumption is reduced.

Next, FIG. 26 will be described. As shown in the figure, the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 has a shape close to a rectangle or a square in a plan view, and plastic or rubber support legs 92 are fixed to the lower surfaces of the four peripheral corners thereof. ing. Since the support leg 92 has a shape in which the upper portion is thick and the support leg 92 becomes thinner toward the lower portion, the periphery thereof is an inclined surface 92S. The support legs 92 support the rice cooking unit 1.

CL is a center line extending in the vertical direction and indicates the center of the support leg 92. As can be seen from FIG. 25, the positions of the front surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the front surface 10F of the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 are almost flush with each other. The support legs 92 are arranged at a predetermined distance from the front surfaces 1F and 10F.

The inclined surface 92S of the support leg 92 hits the inclined surface 22A where the top plate 22 rises upward from the middle, and the support leg 2 has a structure that is difficult to move behind this. That is, the support legs 92 and the inclined surface 22A serve as stoppers so that the rice cooking unit 1 does not easily move backward.
Because of this structure, in order to bring the rice cooking unit 1 closest to the rear vertical portion 16 (reference position), the support legs 92 are rearward until they hit the inclined surface 22A as shown in FIG. Just move it.

Since the position of the support legs 92 is within the width of 20 W in the front-rear direction of the first input operating means 20 as shown in FIG. 26, the two support legs 92 on the front side of the rice cooking unit 1 are the second. It is provided apart in the left-right direction so as to avoid the position of the input operation means 20 of 1. As a result, the situation in which the support leg 92 pushes the first input operating means 20 from above does not occur. This is also clear from FIG. 27 below.

FIG. 27 will be described.
The window 37 that transmits an infrared signal is covered with a glass plate or the like that transmits an infrared signal in a hermetically sealed state. One of the features of the third embodiment is that the window 37 is formed on the inclined surface 22A of the top plate 22.

The infrared signal is not vertical as shown by the dashed arrow IR in FIG. 27, but is inclined forward. Further, HZ indicates the maximum outer peripheral range in which the rice cooking unit 1 and other metal pots and the like are placed and induced to be heated. This range is determined by the maximum outer diameter dimension of the heating coil 14.
When cooking on a top plate 22 with cooking utensils such as a general pot or frying pan, the window 37 may be covered with overflowing cooking liquid, cooking ingredients, etc., and if left untreated, it will solidify and become dirty. There is a concern that it will stick.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the important window 37 is arranged on the inclined surface 22A of the top plate 22 so as not to be easily soiled. Further, when the first input operating means 20 is operated from the front, the window 37 is easily visible from the front side, so that there is an advantage that the user can easily notice the dirt even if it is dirty.

Next, FIG. 28 will be described.
FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower left side surface of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 26. Although not shown, the shape of the lower part of the right side surface is symmetrical with that of FIG. 28.
As can be seen from FIG. 28, the top plate 22 is raised further except for a part of the left and right ends (width WL) so that induction heating can be performed as close as possible to the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1. .. In other words, stepped portions 22L and 22R (not shown) that rise substantially vertically are integrally formed at the left and right end portions.

In FIG. 28, 1P is a protrusion (also referred to as “rib”) integrally molded inside the lower part of the thermoplastic case constituting the outer shell of the rice cooking unit 1. The protrusions 1P are formed at regular intervals (for example, 30 to 50 mm) inside the lower part of the case of the rice cooking unit 1. The tip of the protrusion 1P is in contact with or close to the step 22L as shown in FIG. 28. Therefore, since the rice cooking unit 1 correctly placed on the induction heating cooker 10 has the protrusion 1P, careless movement in the left-right direction is prevented.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 28, a gap S having a predetermined width dimension WL is formed at least in the lower left and right sides of the case of the rice cooking unit 1. Moreover, since the gap communicates with the outside through the gap of the facing interval G1, hot air is prevented from being trapped in the gap S, and the temperature rise of the case of the rice cooking unit 1 can be suppressed. Even if the user touches the lower part of the left side surface of the rice cooking unit 1 during the rice cooking operation, the user does not touch the step portion 22L of the top plate 22.

As shown in FIG. 28, in the third embodiment, the top plate 22 is formed of a portion that approaches or contacts the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 and the left and right peripheral portions that are formed of separate members. The 22T is made of a plastic material having low thermal conductivity, so that the temperature rise of the peripheral portion 22T (on the left side and the right side) can be particularly suppressed. The front and rear peripheral portions may also be formed of different members in the same manner.

In the top plate 22, it is necessary to select a material having high heat resistance and easily transmitting magnetic force lines from the heating coil 14 at a portion of the top plate 22 that approaches or contacts the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1. On the other hand, if the left and right peripheral portions are formed of separate members, it is not necessary to use such a highly heat-resistant material, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

Since the basic operation of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be expected.
Further, in the third embodiment, the temperature rise of the outer case of the rice cooking unit 1 can be suppressed, and the effect of improving the installation stability of the rice cooking unit 1 can be expected.

Embodiment 4.
29 to 34 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall picture of one house (home). FIG. 30 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a plan view of the lid of the rice cooking unit in the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 32 is a control block diagram showing a configuration of a rice cooking unit in the heat cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperative relationship between the cooking device and the electric power command device in the home shown in FIG. 29 in chronological order. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the steps of the reserved rice cooking operation of the rice cooking unit. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the monitoring and notification operation of the cooking apparatus. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment can further improve the convenience of the user by the communication function provided in the induction heating cooker 10.

Further, the internal structure of the induction heating cooker 10 is improved to improve the cooling efficiency of the heating coil.
Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 34.

In the fourth embodiment, the "home appliance" EE means an electric device designed mainly for home use, and is an image of a home appliance in a kitchen such as a cooking device 100 and a television. It includes, but is not limited to, video equipment such as machines, air conditioners, electric vacuum machines, electric washing machines (including those with a drying function), and hot water supply equipment used for baths. In the following description, the home appliance EE includes the cooking apparatus 100 unless otherwise specified.

In the fourth embodiment, the "identification information" of the home electric appliance EE is information for identifying the home electric appliance EE, which is unique to the home electric appliance EE, and is necessary for accurate repair and inspection. This is important information. For example, specifically, the following items are included in the identification information, but the identification information is not limited to the following items. The home appliance EE will be described in detail later.
(1) Manufacturer name of home appliances (2) Model name (3) Model number (4) Rated power consumption (5) Date of purchase (In many cases, it is the starting date of the quality assurance period of the manufacturer or distributor. )
(6) Date of start of use (For dishwashers, it is the starting date of the legal inspection period)
(7) Quality guarantee number

The "integrated management device" 200 referred to in the fourth embodiment means a device for operating two or more home electric appliances EE in cooperation with each other. For example, it refers to a device for linking a cooking device 100, which is the subject of the present invention, with another home appliance EE, for example, an air conditioner or a ventilation device. It also includes a rice cooking unit 1 and an induction heating cooker 10 that operate in cooperation with each other.

"Cooperation" means that the information indicating the operating state of one side and the acquired data are used by the other home electric appliance for driving, display, and the like. Therefore, the integrated management device 200 has a function of acquiring information on the current or past conditions such as the operation and stop of the home electric appliance EE, the standby state, and the measurement result from the home electric appliance EE by a wired or wireless signal.

The "power command device" referred to in the fourth embodiment is one of the "integrated management devices" 200 having a power consumption limiting function and a function of regulating the upper limit of the total power consumption in one household. To say. In one home electric appliance, the "integrated management device" may also serve as the "power command device". Further, the "electric power command device" of one home electric appliance is not necessarily the electric power command device of other home electric appliances. In the following description, the reference code 200 is used for both the power command device and the integrated management device.

The “resident” referred to in the fourth embodiment means a person who lives in one house described later, and includes parents and children, siblings, sisters, etc. who are related to each other, but is temporarily in the living space HA described later for a predetermined period of time. Includes visitors who stay in the area and others who live with them. It also includes those who rent one or more living spaces by one or several people. When the cooking device 100 or other home electric appliance EE is used, the resident is referred to as a "user".

In the fourth embodiment, the "home" means one house managed by a specific manager, and includes a housing complex having a plurality of rooms and a plurality of families. There is. That is, even in such an apartment house, when the upper limit of commercial power is centrally managed by one power cutoff device (one breaker BK, a plurality of power breakers, etc.) as in the case of one house. , Considered as a home here.

In the fourth embodiment, the "operation information" of the integrated management device (also referred to as "power command device") 200 described later is information indicating the upper limit total electric energy set in one household, and is currently used. Information indicating the amount of electric energy used, information indicating the difference between the total amount of electric energy and the amount of electric energy used, information such as a name that specifically specifies the home electric appliance EE controlled by the power command device 200, the home electric appliance. Information indicating the usage status of the device EE, information on the amount of electric energy used in each home electric appliance EE (for example, the average amount of electric energy per minute), and the like are not limited thereto.

In the fourth embodiment, the "power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information on some signal related to the power consumption received by the home appliance from the power command device 200, and is described later in the power reduction request signal AS1 and power reduction. Command signal A signal that includes information related to a command such as AS2. The information includes information indicating the reception time (year / month and time in seconds) of the signal and the meaning of the signal. For example, the power reduction command signal AS2 at a certain point in time for the cooking apparatus 100, which will be described later, is information such as "Reception time: 17:00 on November 1, 2017, the instantaneous maximum power consumption is reduced by 2%". The power limit information on the home appliance side is stored in time series in the storage means 80R of the main control device 80 that controls the whole of the home appliance, for example, the cooking device 100, and the main power supply is cut off. Even if it doesn't disappear. The main power is turned on and off as one cooking, and at least 10 times are stored in memory. The excess is automatically deleted in sequence.

In the fourth embodiment, the "position information on the home appliance side" is information (code) indicating in which room in the living space HA the home appliance exists, for example, the living room is code 001. , The kitchen is coded 002, the living room is 003, and so on. The location information is registered in the power command device 200 together with the identification information of the home electric appliance. Even if the home appliance EE is not the target of (electric power) control of the power command device 200, the latest position information indicating the installation position and the place of use may be transmitted.

Home appliances that do not change their initial installation position (non-portable), such as built-in induction heaters that are installed in kitchen furniture in kitchens and air conditioners that are fixed to walls. In the case of the device EE, the location information can be used permanently as it is.

In the description of the fourth embodiment, the cooking device 100 is a portable device, but a detailed description of the means for grasping the latest position of the cooking device 100 and other portable home appliances. Is omitted.

(overall structure)
FIG. 29 shows an example of one house using the cooking apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 29, HA1 shows a living space (kitchen) of one house. Although other living spaces are not shown in FIG. 29, there may be other rooms such as a "living room" and a "bathroom".

All living space HAs are supplied with electric power having a voltage of, for example, 200 V from a commercial power source 71 of an electric power company outside the house. The electric power is drawn into the house through the watt hour meter 110. Reference numeral 111 denotes a power supply line (main trunk line) connected to the commercial power supply 71 having a voltage of 200 V via a breaker BK. Various home appliances EE are connected to the power supply line 111. Home appliances other than the cooking apparatus 100 are not shown.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a power command device (also serving as an integrated management device) to which power is supplied via a breaker BK, and is hung on a wall in a place easily accessible by a family, such as a wall surface of a living space HA (kitchen). It is installed in a state or placed on the floor.

In FIG. 29, the AD is a power strip. In the fourth embodiment, each home appliance EE of the living space HA transmits an identification code such as position information and room information indicating the installed living space HA to the power command device 200. This power strip may be omitted.

In FIG. 29, 112 is a router connected to the power command device 200, and this router is an external organization such as a local power company, a public organization, or an information providing organization that transmits a power reduction command signal, power tightness information, or the like. It is connected to 113 via a wide area communication network (also referred to as "communication network" or "Internet") 114 such as the Internet.

Reference numeral 115 denotes an information communication terminal device. The "information and communication terminal device" 115 referred to in the fourth embodiment is a terminal device that a user can easily carry around to make a call or communicate data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or on the go. Is. Devices that cannot make phone calls but can download information, send e-mails, and send remote control signals over the Internet are called "portable communication devices." A small, portable personal computer is also a type of information and communication terminal device.

The information communication terminal device 115 according to the fourth embodiment has a function of bringing the input / output unit of each home electric appliance EE close to (or may come into contact with) several centimeters and transmitting / receiving signals by short-range (NFC) communication. It has.

In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the home appliance EE side. The NFC tag is connected to a communication control IC for NFC (hereinafter referred to as "NFC control circuit") and this control circuit, and when a radio wave of a predetermined frequency is received from the outside, the power for the control circuit is generated. It is composed of an antenna to be generated and a microchip memory (hereinafter, referred to as “NFC storage unit”) connected to the NFC control circuit.

On the other hand, on the information and communication terminal device 115 side, data is read from the NFC storage unit (not shown) of the heating cooking device 100 (not shown), which is one of the home appliance devices EE, via the NFC tag (status). Information is acquired), and conversely, control data (control command) is sent from the information communication terminal device 115 side to the NFC storage unit (not shown) of the rice cooking unit 50, and the control device 50 sends the control device 50 to the NFC storage unit. The control operation can be performed according to the control command stored in. An NFC tag of this type may be referred to as an "active tag".

Home appliances EE other than the cooking apparatus 100 have the same configuration. That is, the NFC of the fourth embodiment has a function of reading information in the internal storage device of the home electric appliance EE on the information communication terminal device 115 side (the NFC tag having such a function may be called a "simple tag". Not only (there is), but also the operation on the home appliance EE side has a function that can be activated by a control command from the information communication terminal device 115. In other words, the information / communication terminal device 115 has not only a function of reading various information from the home electric appliance EE but also a function of writing to the NFC storage unit, and has two functions of a reader and a writer.
It is said that the advantage of NFC is that the format of data that can be exchanged by communication is not generally limited, and that not only text data but also moving images and XML data can be exchanged.

Although not shown, the base station of the information communication terminal device 115 is connected to the communication network 114 via a relay server, and the information communication terminal device 115 accesses the router 112 via the base station. Can be done. That is, if the information communication terminal device 115 owned by the resident of this household is connected to the communication network 114 from a remote location, it can be connected to the power command device 200.

Further, it can be connected to the wireless communication unit 26 (see FIG. 2) of the cooking device 100 via the power command device 200, and can be remotely controlled from a place away from the living space HA. However, in the fourth embodiment, the information and communication terminal device 115 cannot directly control the cooking device 100 and other electric devices EE. This is because some home appliances EE, such as the cooking device 100, radiate heat directly into the room, so it is not possible to remotely control it from outside the house via a communication circuit used by many people. In consideration of safety, it is not adopted, but instead, all operations are performed via the power command device 200.

Inside the house, it may be possible to connect to the cooking apparatus 100 via a router 112, a home server (not shown), or a local network facility (not shown).

Next, FIG. 30 will be described. FIG. 30 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the entire cooking apparatus 100 as viewed from the side as in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. Cross-section display (hatching) is omitted for some configurations.

The induction heating cooker 10 has a cooling fan 13, a heating coil 14 wound in a thin disk shape (doughnut shape), a power transmission coil 17, a magnetic shield plate 19 circular in a plan view, and a control means 50 in the internal space thereof. And an outside air temperature detecting means 15 for detecting the temperature of indoor air such as a kitchen. The shape of the magnetic shield plate 19 is cylindrical so as to surround the entire circumference of the heating coil 14.

The magnetic shield plate 19 has a height that horizontally partitions the internal space of the induction heating cooker 10, and is formed by the magnetic shield plate 19 and a large flat area plastic partition plate 96 installed horizontally. A circular room 97 in a plan view is partitioned inside.

The room 97 houses the heating coil 14. The cooling fan 13 is located behind the room 97, and is installed vertically so that the air outlet is in the front and the intake port is in the rear.

Reference numeral 98 denotes a vent, which is formed at the rear portion of the magnetic shield plate 19 constituting the room 97. The cooling air blown from the cooling fan 13 proceeds from the ventilation port 98 through the room 97, and passes through an exhaust port (not shown) provided on the left side of the induction heating cooker 10. It is released to the outside.
The cooling fan 13 may be further arranged on the right side in FIG. 30, and the power transmission coil 17 may be cooled first by the cooling air of the cooling fan 13 and then the inside of the room 97 may be cooled. Alternatively, the air passage may be branched into two in front of the room 97, one may be blown to the power transmission coil 17 side, and the other one may be blown to the room 97.

Reference numeral 99 denotes a wind direction plate arranged on the upstream side of the cooling air flow when viewed from the cooling fan 13.
What is indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 30 is the flow of cooling air generated in the internal space of the induction heating cooker 10 by the cooling fan 13.

As is clear from FIG. 30, in the fourth embodiment, fresh air is sucked into the living space HA from the intake hole on the back side of the main control device 80, and the cooling air flows around the main control device 80. It is cooled and then pumped into the room 97. Therefore, the heating coil 14 is effectively cooled, and the top plate 22 existing directly above the heating coil 14 is also cooled.

Reference numeral 96A is a through hole formed in the central portion of the partition plate 96. This through hole is formed directly above the infrared temperature sensor 5B that senses infrared rays radiated from the inner pot 3 and senses the temperature in a non-contact manner, and is open so as to allow infrared rays to pass through.

A lower space 108 surrounded by a magnetic shield plate 19 is partitioned below the partition plate 96, and an infrared temperature sensor 5B fixed by a support substrate 32 is arranged in this space. Since this structure is used, the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less likely to receive high heat from the heating coil 14, so that more accurate temperature detection can be performed.

Further, the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34, which is a means for transmitting important control information to / from the rice cooking unit 1, is located on the front side of the room 97 and on the opposite side of the heating coil 14 with the magnetic shield plate 19 interposed therebetween. .. Therefore, the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 is also less susceptible to thermal influence from the heating coil 14. Similarly, the first input operating means 20 has a configuration in which a temperature rise can be avoided.

Although the room 97 is partitioned by the magnetic shield plate 19, for example, a plastic plate or the like may be arranged along the magnetic shield plate. That is, it is not necessary to configure the entire room 97 with the magnetic shield plate 19.

Next, FIG. 31 will be described. FIG. 31 is a plan view of the lid 11B of the electric rice cooking unit 1 shown in FIG. 29.
In FIG. 31, reference numeral 12 denotes a second input operation means (input operation unit) of the rice cooking unit 1 of the cooking device 100, which is a “rice cooking start switch” 67 for starting the rice cooking operation or confirming the reservation, and cooking. It is equipped with a "heat retention switch" 75 that commands a mode to keep the raised rice at a certain predetermined temperature, and a "menu switch" 65 that selects various rice cooking menus such as normal rice cooking, rice porridge, and cooked rice. ..

In addition, the "rice type switch" 63 for selecting and inputting the type of rice to be cooked, such as white rice or brown rice, and the state of the rice cooking unit 1 and the volume for notifying or notifying the next necessary operation by voice are adjusted. "Voice navigation switch" 76 for turning on and off the voice mode, "Reservation switch" 68 for setting the reserved rice cooking function, "Off / cancel switch" 66 for canceling or turning off various input operations and modes, how to cook It is equipped with 64 "cooking method switches (hardness switches)" that allow you to select "normal", "hard", and "porridge" that is different from normal rice cooking.

Each of these switches may be either a mechanical switch or a capacitive touch switch that closes the built-in electrical contacts when pressed by the user and generates an input signal, or can be used in combination. Is also good. When the heat retention switch 75 is operated after the unevenness step is completed, the heat retention mode is started.

Reference numeral 77 denotes a power saving switch that can reduce power consumption by a predetermined amount by pressing once. For example, if this power saving switch is pressed in the preheating process, the power consumption can be reduced only for the first few minutes, but the time required for the preheating process becomes longer by that amount, so that the first display screen 11A composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like is used. A note to that effect is displayed, and even if the voice guide (navigation) switch 76 is not pressed each time, "Power saving mode has been selected. The preheating process time will be extended by several minutes." Guidance will be provided.

Reference numeral 78 denotes a health information display switch that displays information on healthy rice cooking on the first display screen 11A by pressing it once. When this key is pressed, information such as rice and rice cooking method can be obtained from the information server of the external organization 113 via the wireless communication unit 26 of the induction heating cooker 10 and the power command device 200.

Reference numeral 91 denotes an NFC input / output unit (short-range wireless communication unit) for bringing the information communication terminal device 115 having the NFC input / output unit close to the device to enable short-range wireless communication, and is provided on the upper surface of the lid 1B. It is close and embedded inside it. Further, on the upper surface of the lid 1B, the target position for approaching or contacting the information communication terminal device 115 is referred to as "TOUCH" so that the position of the wireless tag (NFC tag) 91T of the NFC input / output unit 91 can be easily visually recognized by the user. It is displayed in characters.

In FIG. 31, 81 is the power priority information displayed on the first display screen 11A, and the wireless communication unit 26 receives information related to commands such as the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2. In this case, the main control device 80 of the cooking device 100 transfers information to the rice cooking unit 1 via an infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 by an infrared signal, and the control device 50 receives the information on the first display screen 11A. The drive circuit (not shown) is instructed to display. However, it is displayed only during the period when the rice cooking unit 1 is executing the preheating process and the rice cooking process.

Reference numeral 82 is boiling process display information also displayed on the first display screen 11A. In the state shown in FIG. 31, the rice cooking process is currently being executed, and the inside of the inner pot 3 is in a boiling state, but even if the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2 are received from the power command device 200. It is easy for the user to understand that it is a home appliance (electric rice cooker) that does not take measures to reduce electric power.

In FIG. 31, 49 is a calorie notification switch for displaying a calorie value on the first display screen 11B. Further, the voice notification device 70V is instructed to notify the calorie value by voice. That is, 49 is a switch that commands the control device 50 to notify the calorie value. Upon receiving the calorie notification command, the control device 50 transmits the calorie notification command to the induction heating cooker 10.

In FIG. 31, 48 is a human detection sensor that detects the presence of a person, and is a kind of non-contact input means. This human detection sensor detects the presence of a person by irradiating an infrared ray from the front surface of the lid 1B to a certain irradiation range in front of the lid body 1B. Further, the human detection sensor 48 also serves as a "non-contact input means" for calculating and notifying calories, and automatically switches to the "non-contact input means" when the lid 1B is opened. .. This is done by the lid opening sensor 93 and the control device 50 as described in the first embodiment.

Next, FIG. 32 will be described. FIG. 32 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 of the first embodiment, and is a control block diagram showing an internal configuration of the rice cooking unit 1.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a wireless communication unit similar to the wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) 26 in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the wireless communication unit enables wireless communication with the power command device (integrated management device) 200, which is one of the local network equipment installed in the home. However, information cannot be exchanged with remote mobile information terminals, communication devices, etc. directly through the Internet line.

In the fourth embodiment, the induction heating cooker 10 includes the wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) 26 as the second communication unit CT2, and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 of the first reference position determination means 33. It has. On the other hand, the rice cooking unit 1 side is provided with an infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 and a wireless communication unit 56 as the first communication unit CT1.

Next, FIG. 33 will be described. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the cooperative relationship between the cooking device 100 and the electric power command device 200 in the living space shown in FIG. 29 in chronological order.
In FIG. 33, L1 to L10 are operation information signals transmitted from the cooking device 100 to the power command device 200.

In FIG. 33, the square frame shown by the broken line indicates the range in which the induction heating cooker 10 cooperates for the rice cooking unit 1.
L1 is a signal indicating that the main power is turned on (ON) when the commercial power supply 71 is connected to the induction heating cooker 10. If the induction heating cooker 10 has a power switch for turning on the main power, the power is transmitted when the switch is pressed and turned on.

L2 is the information that the reserved rice cooking mode is selected. L3 is advance notice information (also referred to as “start request signal”) to be transmitted when the reserved time for starting rice cooking approaches (for example, 5 minutes before the set time for reserved rice cooking).

In FIG. 33, the KS is a “rice cooking start permission signal” transmitted from the power command device 200 within a short time (usually within a few seconds) from the start notice information (also referred to as “start request signal”) L3. .. Unless this signal reaches the cooking device 100, the main control device 80 of the cooking device 100 does not transmit the actual heating start command signal to the inverter circuit 73.

L4 is one of the operation information signals, and indicates that the inverter circuit 73 is actually driven, the induction heating operation is started, and the preheating step is started.

L5 is an operation information signal indicating that the rice cooking process has been started. L6 is an operation information signal indicating that the rice cooking process has been completed. During the execution time of this rice cooking process, power is not reduced by external operations or commands. That is, even if the cooking apparatus 100 actually receives the power reduction command signal AS2, the power is reduced after the next operation information signal L6. In the power command device 200, even if the heating / cooking device 100 is registered in the electric power reduction target electric device, the power command device 200 receives the operation information signal L5 indicating that the rice cooking process is performed, and receives a power reduction command. Even if the signal AS2 is received, the power reduction command signal is not transmitted to the cooking apparatus 100 accordingly.

L6 indicates an operation information signal at which the rice cooking process is completed. L7 indicates that the unevenness process has been completed. L8 is an operation information signal indicating the start of the heat retention process. L9 is an operation information signal indicating the end of the heat retention process. The heat retention step is performed by energizing only two of the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B.

L10 is a signal indicating a main power supply cutoff (OFF) in which the connection between the commercial power supply 71 and the induction heating cooker 10 is cut off. Each of these information L1 to L10 includes the current time in seconds. There is also a response signal from the power command device 200 side to each operation information signal, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The electric power command device 200 has the highest priority (compared to other home electric appliances EE) with respect to the required electric power of the cooking apparatus 100, and secures the required electric power of the heating cooking apparatus 100 with the highest priority. Therefore, even if the rated capacity of the breaker BK is about to be exceeded, or even if the upper limit power capacity specified by the user is about to be exceeded, the power is not reduced in the boiling process, and delicious rice is cooked. Can be done.

(Reserved rice cooking operation of electric rice cooker)
Next, the reserved rice cooking operation of the rice cooking unit 1, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG. 34.
Steps SE1 to SE8 show the operation up to the setting of reserved rice cooking, which is the operation of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1.

When the user presses the reservation switch 68 of the second operation input means 20 to set the rice cooking time, and finally presses the rice cooking start switch 67, a reservation rice cooking setting confirmation signal is generated and the reservation rice cooking setting is set. Confirm (SE1).

In response to this confirmation signal, the wireless communication unit 26 transmits an operation information signal L2 indicating the setting of the reserved rice cooking mode to the power command device 200 (SE2). At that time, the rice cooking operation start time information is also transmitted in a 24-hour display such as "20:00". Further, it is preferable to include the information of the reservation setter (presumed to be the user) in the data with a code number indicating "resident B" or the like and transmit it.

Next, the time interval between the rice cooking start time set by the user and the current time is calculated. When the user sets the desired rice cooking time, the "rice cooking completion time" is set. That is, in order to complete the rice cooking when returning home, the set time is set to "20:00", but the control device 50 receives this input and receives the rice cooking process (in this case, the preheating process, the rice cooking process, The time required for the murashi step (including the three steps) is calculated, and the start time of the preheating step is calculated (SE3).

If there is a time of 60 minutes or more from the calculation result of step SE3, the result is "Yes" in the next step SE4, and the process proceeds to the next step SE5. The "standby process" in step SE5 means that when the standby determination unit built in the control device 50 receives information on the rice cooking start time, it is from the current time to a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes before) of the designated time. During that time, the power supply to the control device 50 is cut off in order to put it in the standby state, and the first display screen 11A and the operation are also stopped. This eliminates the power consumption on the rice cooking unit 1 side. The standby determination unit uses the time information from the time measuring means 50T to determine whether or not the rice cooking (start) is set to a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) before the current time for a certain period of time (for example, 1 minute). ) Checking at intervals. The description of the subsequent operations will be omitted.

On the other hand, if there is no time of 60 minutes or more from the calculation result of step SE3, the process proceeds to step SE6. In step SE6, it is checked at regular time intervals whether or not it is before a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) of the designated time, and if "Yes" is obtained in this step, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

In step SE7, the wireless communication unit 26 transmits the operation information signal (notice signal) L3 indicating the start of rice cooking in the reserved rice cooking mode to the power command device 200. At that time, the rice cooking operation start time information is also transmitted in a 24-hour display such as "20:00".

In the next step SE8, the voice notification means 90V and the first display screen 11A notify the start of the rice cooking operation by voice or characters. The description of the subsequent operations will be omitted.

(Monitoring operation during reserved rice cooking)
Next, FIG. 35 will be described.
Explaining the monitoring operation during reserved rice cooking of the rice cooking unit 1, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, steps SU1 to SU8 indicate the steps of the monitoring operation, and the main control device of the cooking device 100 It is the operation of 80. As described above, the rice cooking unit 1 may not be supplied with electric power to the control device 50 during the reserved rice cooking, so that the main control device 80 on the induction heating cooker 10 side executes the monitoring operation.

The monitoring operation of the rice cooking unit 1, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, is performed not only during the reserved rice cooking but also during the rice cooking.

First, the monitoring operation starts from the stage where the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking process is started as shown in step SU1.
When the information communication terminal device 115 is brought close to the short-range wireless communication unit 91 in advance and the information communication terminal device 115 is registered in the rice cooking unit 1, the main control is performed when the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking process is started. The device 80 collates with the registered data (stored in the storage means 80R) transmitted in advance from the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 (SU2), and if there is a registered information communication terminal device 115, , The information communication terminal device 115 is designated, and the wireless communication unit 26 notifies that rice cooking has started or reserved rice cooking has been set (SU3).

The information communication terminal device 115 may be registered on the induction heating cooker 10 side. Further, various methods such as MAC address transmission and the like are known as methods for registering the identification information, the address, etc. of the information communication terminal device 115 in advance with respect to the cooking apparatus 100 (including the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1). Therefore, the description of these will be omitted.

After that, a case where the rice cooking unit 1 is moved from a predetermined position (reference position) on the upper surface of the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 for some reason will be described. For example, a case where the resident A sets the reserved rice cooking for the rice cooking unit 1 but another resident B carelessly moves the rice cooking unit 1 without knowing the circumstances is applicable.

In the induction heating cooker 10, during the reserved rice cooking period (from the setting of the reserved rice cooking to the completion of the actual rice cooking process, the unevenness process, and the heat retention process), the figure shows the figure at a fixed time or a predetermined timing. The reference position determination operation is performed as in step S6 of 11.

Therefore, if the rice cooking unit 1 moves from the reference position of the induction heating cooker 10 for some reason, step SU4 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SU6. Therefore, even if the information / communication terminal device 115 registered in advance is located in a remote place outside the living space HA, the wireless communication unit 26 notifies the information / communication terminal device 115 via the power command device 200. Will be done. If there is any reply from the information and communication terminal device 115 (SU7), the process proceeds to step SU8, and the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies by characters, voice, or the like. Further, the reply information is also transmitted to the rice cooking unit 1 from the wireless communication unit 26 of the induction heating cooker 10 via the external power command device 200. The content of the reply information is transmitted by the electric power command device 200 to the rice cooking unit 1 by wireless communication, and the rice cooking unit 1 receives it by the wireless communication unit 56.

The "reply" referred to here is one that is selected and registered in advance from a plurality of types of standard messages and alarms on the information communication terminal device 115 side. For example, when a reply designation of "alarm" is specified, the reply is specified. Since the rice cooking unit is in use in the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1, the content is such that the resident at home is requested to confirm immediately. This reply may be set to be automatically transmitted promptly (for example, within 10 seconds) by the information communication terminal device 115 unless the user operates it. Further, when the power command device 200 also receives a "reply" from the wireless communication unit 26, it may be set to immediately transfer the "reply" to the rice cooking unit 1.

If the rice cooking unit 1 does not move from the reference position of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking step, the unevenness step, and the heat retention step are all completed (SU5), the series of monitoring operations is completed. It should be noted that all of this monitoring operation is not executed only by the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10, and a part of the operation may be assigned to the rice cooking unit 1. As described in the first embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 is provided with a power supply unit 95 such as a secondary battery, and can execute information processing for monitoring.

In the fourth embodiment, the induction heating cooker 10 is used during the reserved rice cooking period (from the setting of the reserved rice cooking to the completion of the actual rice cooking process, the unevenness process, and the heat retention process). Although the reference position determination operation was performed as shown in step S6, the heat retention step may not be the target. That is, it means that the cooperation between the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 is not maintained at the stage where the unevenness process is completed, and the rice cooking unit 1 is positioned at the stage where the unevenness process is completed. Is not affected by the operation of the induction heating cooker 10 even if it is removed from the top of the induction heating cooker 10 and changed to another place such as a table. In this way, when the unevenness step is completed, the input operation function is not restricted to the first input operation means 20, so that the induction heating cooker 10 can be used immediately for another cooking.

Summary of Embodiment 4.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment is
It is provided with an induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22.
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located on the front side of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. A means 20, an infrared communication unit 34 as a first communication unit, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, measurement instruction switches (third input operating means) 18C and 49 for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and the above. The calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that calculates the amount of energy consumed from the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measurement means 94 by the input of the measurement instruction switches (third input operation means) 18C and 49, and the above. Each of the notification means 90 that notifies the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit 50C by the calorie value is provided.
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
An infrared signal for transmitting information for rice cooking control between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 is passed through the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker 10. Form windows 37, 38,
When the rice cooking unit 1 is in the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by an infrared signal transmitted or received by the first communication unit (infrared communication unit) 34. When it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not present at a predetermined reference position, the second communication unit CT2 (wireless communication unit 26) that wirelessly notifies the outside is provided.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the user is instructed to shift to the calorie notification mode and measure the weight of the cooked rice with the lid 1B of the cooked rice unit 1 open. There is no concern that the weight will be measured unintentionally by the user during the operation of serving the rice in the bowl, causing confusion.
In addition, if it is detected that the rice cooking unit deviates from the reference position during rice cooking or reserved rice cooking period, it is notified to the outside, so that it can be monitored to ensure that rice is cooked, which is convenient for the user. It is possible to increase sexuality and sense of security.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a gap S leading to the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1. The void S can prevent overheating of the first input operating means 20 arranged in the front portion of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10.

In the fourth embodiment, the partition plate 96 partitions the lower space 108 surrounded by the magnetic shield plate 19 below the partition plate 96, and the infrared temperature sensor 5B fixed by the support substrate 32 is arranged in this space. Therefore, the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less likely to receive high heat from the heating coil 14, so that more accurate temperature detection can be performed.

Further, since the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 is located on the front side of the room 97 and on the opposite side of the heating coil 14 with the magnetic shield plate 19 interposed therebetween, the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 is also thermally generated from the heating coil 14. Since it is not easily affected, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of failures and abnormalities due to heat. Similarly, the first input operating means 20 has a configuration in which a temperature rise can be avoided, so that it is possible to suppress a failure or shortening of the life of the electronic components arranged therein.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 30, a room 97 is formed below the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10, a heating coil 17 is arranged inside the room 97, and the room is cooled by a cooling fan. Since the cooling is performed by the cooling air supplied from 13, the heating coil 14 is prevented from overheating, which contributes to the prevention of overheating of the top plate 22.

Further, since the cooling fan 13 also cools the power transmission coil 17, overheating of the power transmission coil 17 can be prevented.

Embodiment 5.
36 to 39 relate to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 36 is a flowchart 1 showing a control operation of an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit. FIG. 37 is a flowchart 2 showing a control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a flowchart 3 showing a control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 36. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 36. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The cooking apparatus 100 in the fifth embodiment changes the operation program at the time of starting the induction heating cooker 10. Further, the operation program of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is changed to improve the operability when the user measures the weight of rice.

Hereinafter, the control operation step shown in FIG. 36 is an improvement of steps S1 to S12 in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment.
The same or the same steps as in FIG. 11 will be described with the same reference numerals.

First, when the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 is connected to the commercial power supply 71, the reed switch 31 is turned ON (closed) if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (SM1).

Then, even if the user does not operate the first operation input means 20 or the second operation input means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the main control device 80 includes the infrared temperature sensor 5B and other current sensors (FIG. (Not shown) starts a self-check for any abnormality in the internal components of the induction heating cooker 10 (SM2).

If there is no abnormality, the main control device 80 drives the power transmission coil 17 and starts supplying a predetermined electric power. The notification means 70 is also activated (SM3). Meanwhile, the cooling fan 13 is started in "weak" mode (SM4). Therefore, the power transmission coil 17 is cooled by the cooling air.

At this stage, the main control device 80 knows that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position because the reed switch 31 is turned on. Next, the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the reference position. The determination means 33A is activated. In the first embodiment, the main control device 80 drives the reference position determination means (B) 33, but in the fifth embodiment, the control device 50 is controlled when power is supplied from the power supply means 6. The operation program of the device 50 is started, and the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 transmits an infrared signal to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 (SM5).

Then, the infrared signal received by the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 is decoded by the reference position determination means 33B, and the result is input to the main control device 80. The main control device 80 finally confirms that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (SM6).

If, after the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 transmits a predetermined regular infrared signal to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34, the reference position determination means 33B cannot receive such a regular infrared signal. In that case, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position, the cooking liquid from the previous cooking drips and becomes dirty and sticks to the upper surface of the window 37, which hinders infrared communication. It is assumed that this is the case. In this case, the main controller 80 side makes an error determination. The operation after the error determination (SM6) is shown in FIG. 38 and will be described later.

Since operation data, temperature data, and the like are exchanged between the two infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 36 even during the rice cooking operation, the rice cooking operation is not permitted even if the window 37 is dirty.

In the next step SM7, the main control device 80 performs a process of invalidating the generation of the input command signal from the first operation input means 20. Specifically, the signal for generating the input signal of the first operation input means 20 is blocked so that the input signal is not generated, but the disabling means is not limited to this method.

By the invalidation process of the input operation unit from the first operation input means 20, for example, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is momentarily lifted and the first operation input means 20 is operated, such an operation is mainly performed. Since it is not input to the control device 80, it is not possible to stop the rice cooking immediately before and start using the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

Next, in the rice cooking unit 1, the notification means 90 such as the voice notification means 90V notifies that the rice cooking operation is to be performed (SM8).
In addition, in the first embodiment, since the induction heating cooker 10 is set to notify by the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V, this part is also different from the first embodiment.

In the next step SM9, the rice cooking unit 1 enters a standby state in order to determine whether or not a command to start cooking rice has been issued. After placing the rice cooking unit 1, it takes time to actually start cooking rice, such as adjusting the amount of water in the inner pot 3. Therefore, the standby time is measured by the time measuring means 80T (SM10).

For example, there is no command signal indicating that rice cooking has started (SM11), there is no command signal for starting rice cooking via the wireless communication unit 26 (SM12), and a predetermined time T60 (for example, 60 minutes) is set from the stage of step 10. When the lapse has passed (SM13: see FIG. 37), the main control device 80 determines that the rice cooking is suspended for some reason.

Next, FIG. 37 will be described.
The control operation step shown in FIG. 37 is an improvement of steps S13 to S18 in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. That is, it shows the operation when the time has passed without the essential rice cooking command while the rice cooking operation is being prepared for the start.

When a predetermined time T60 (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step SM10 (SM13), the rice cooking unit 1 notifies that the rice cooking operation has been canceled by the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V (SM14). .. It is different from FIG. 12 of the embodiment that the rice cooking unit 1 notifies in this step.
Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the control device 50 stops the power supply to the rice cooking unit 1 (SM15). Specifically, a command is issued to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13.

When a predetermined time T61 (for example, 61 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step SM10 (SM16), the main control device 80 cancels the invalidation process of the input operation unit from the first operation input means 20 (SM17). .. Therefore, at this stage, for example, if the rice cooking unit 1 is moved to another place, the first operation input means 20 can be operated to start another cooking with the induction heating cooker 10. If the first operation input means 20 is not operated, the main control device 80 automatically shuts off the main power supply by itself, and operates in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not carelessly performed. (SM18).

Next, FIG. 38 will be described.
The steps of the control operation shown in FIG. 38 are the same as the steps SA1 to SA9 in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. When the determination of "No" is made in step SM6 of FIG. 36, the process of FIG. 38 is executed by the main control device 80. That is, FIG. 38 shows an operation when the main control device 80 detects a situation in which the rice cooking unit 1 does not exist at the reference position before the start of the rice cooking operation, and steps SA1 to SA9 shown in FIG. 38 are shown in FIG. Since it is the same as steps SA1 to SA9 shown, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, FIG. 39 will be described. The control operation step shown in FIG. 39 is an improvement of step SR9 and subsequent steps in FIG. 20 of the first embodiment.

As described with reference to FIG. 20 of the first embodiment, when the user finishes inputting the hardness of the rice when cooking the rice (SR8), the control device 50 then activates the second display screen 11B of the rice. Display that the weight can be measured. Further, the voice notification means 90V is also used for notification (SR9).

In the fifth embodiment, when the lid 1B is opened, if the lid 1B is closed and the rice cooking switch 67 is pressed, the rice can be cooked immediately without going through the step of measuring the weight of rice. Therefore, there is an advantage that the user who is proficient in adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice can quickly proceed with the steps up to the start of cooking rice.

In FIG. 39, when the second display screen 11B is activated (SR9) and the measurement of the predetermined time T30 is started (ST1), there is a step of determining whether or not the lid body 1B is open.
As described in the first embodiment, the lid opening / closing button 8 for opening the lid body 1B and the mechanism interlocking with the opening / closing operation are provided with a micro switch, a reed switch, or the like as the lid opening sensor 93, and the lid body is provided. The control device 50 may detect the opening of 1B.

Alternatively, the control device 50 may monitor the movement of the lid 1B and detect the opening of the lid 1B even before the second display screen 11B is activated.
For example, as described in the first embodiment, two weight sensors are provided in the front-rear direction of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10, and the weights of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are attached to the weight sensors. When the lid 1B is opened, the lid 1B is supported by the rice cooking unit 1 in a state of being vertically or more stable and tilted backward via a hinge portion (not shown) at the rear. To.

Therefore, when the lid 1B is opened, the measured value of the weight sensor 4 on the front side decreases before and after the opening of the lid 1B, and the weight of the lid 1B on the rear hinge portion (not shown) side. Therefore, the measured value of the weight sensor 4 on the rear side increases.

In particular, before the second display screen 11B is activated, there is a step (SR7, SR8) in which the rice brand and the degree of cooking of the rice, that is, the information on the hardness of the rice can be sequentially read out and corrected. Therefore, in the scene of operating the second input operating means 12, the user usually needs to close the lid 1B, and the measured value of the weight sensor 4 on the front side at this time and the rear side The balance of the measured values of the weight sensor 4 of the above changes with the subsequent opening of the lid 1B.

Therefore, the control device 50 is covered with software that analyzes the measured value data of the plurality of weight sensors 4 as described above without providing hardware such as a micro switch or a reed switch as the lid opening sensor 93. The opening of body 1B can be detected.

In FIG. 39, when the closure of the lid body 1B is detected, the control device 50 proceeds to the next operation step ST12. Then, just in case, the lid 1B is checked again to see if it is open, and when it is detected that the rice cooking switch 67 is pressed (ST13), the first display screen 11A and the voice notification means 90V are detected. Then, the lid 1B is kept closed as it is, a warning is given to prevent it from being opened (ST15), and it is detected that the lid 1B is closed (ST16). Proceed to SR10.

Therefore, in step SR10, voice guidance such as "The weight measurement result of rice was 500 g. Since the appropriate amount of water has been determined, the white rice is started to be cooked in the soft mode" is performed by the voice notification means 90V.
Further, the second display screen 11B ends (turns off) the display operation.
In this way, it is possible to immediately shift to rice cooking without going through the steps of measuring the weight of rice.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST2 that the lid 1B is open, the process proceeds to the next step ST3.
In this step ST3, the operation key 18A arranged on the rice weight measurement operation unit 18 is operated to determine whether or not there is a rice weighing command. When the predetermined operation key 18A is pressed, the weight of the rice is measured with the lid 1B open (ST4).

The weight measuring means 94 measures the rice in a state of being put in the inner pot 3, the weight is notified by the voice notification means 90V, and the weight is also displayed numerically on the second display screen 11B (ST5).

After that, the amount of water corresponding to the weight of the rice is notified by voice notification means 90V by voice, for example, "500 milliliters", and is also displayed numerically on the second display screen 11B (ST6).

Therefore, with the lid 1B open, the notified amount of water was injected, and when the predetermined operation key 18A was pressed, rice and water were put into the inner pot 3 by the weight measuring means 94. It is weighed again in the state, and the determination result is notified by the voice notification means 90V, and is also displayed on the second display screen 11B (ST6).

After that, when it is detected that the rice cooking switch 67 is pressed (ST13), the first display screen 11A and the voice notification means 90V keep the lid 1B closed and do not open it. (ST15), and when it is detected that the lid 1B is closed (ST16), the process proceeds to step SR10 described above.

In step ST3, if the operation key 18A arranged in the rice weight measurement operation unit 18 is not operated and time elapses, the elapsed time (T30) is checked in step ST8 during that time, and the second display screen. If 30 minutes have not passed since 11B was started, the voice notification means 90V notifies that the weight measurement command is waiting, and the second display screen 11B displays (ST11).

Such a reminder may be given every few minutes. If it is determined that 30 minutes have passed in step ST8, the user is taking some time to do some work with the lid 1B open, or is preparing for another cooking, and the rice cooking set is postponed. Since there is a possibility that it has been set to, an error notification is performed to call the user's attention (ST9). This error notification may be performed by the voice notification means 90 and the second display screen 11B. Then, the control device 50 cancels a series of rice cooking condition setting work, ends the operations of the second display screen 11B and the first display screen 11A, and turns off those screen displays (ST10).

If the rice cooking switch 67 is not pressed in step ST13 and the time elapses as it is, the elapsed time (T30) is checked in step ST14, and 30 minutes have not passed since the second display screen 11B was activated. In that case, the process returns to step ST2, and the check whether the lid body 1B is open is performed again. However, if 30 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step ST9 to notify the error. This error notification may be performed by the voice notification means 90 and the first display screen 11A. Then, the control device 50 cancels a series of rice cooking condition setting operations, ends the operations of the second display screen 11B and the first display screen 11A, and turns off the screen displays (ST10).

Summary of Embodiment 5.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking apparatus 100 of the fifth embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10. With
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located on the front side of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. A means 20, an infrared communication unit 34 as a first communication unit, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, measurement instruction switches (third input operating means) 18C and 49 for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and the above. The calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that converts the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measurement means 94 into a calorie value by inputting the third input operation means 18C and 49, and the calculation result of the calculation processing means. Each of the notification means 90 that notifies by the calorie value is provided.
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
A gap S leading to the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1.
Rice cooking is controlled between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 at a portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 behind the gap S. A window 37 for passing an infrared signal for transmitting information is formed.
The induction heating cooker 10 or the rice cooking unit 1 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal before the start of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, and the rice cooking unit 1 is not present at a predetermined reference position. When the determination is made (step SM6 in FIG. 36), the rice cooking operation is stopped (step SA8 in FIG. 38) without starting the energization of the heating coil 14, and there is a problem in mounting the rice cooking unit 1. The configuration is characterized in that notification (steps SA1 and SA8 in FIG. 38) is performed at a stage after detecting the presence.

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, so that the weight is measured during the operation of serving the rice in the bowl. There is no concern that the measurement will be confusing.
Further, in the stage before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and after detecting that there is a problem in the placement of the rice cooking unit 1, the stage is after. Since the user is notified of a problem such as stopping the rice cooking operation, there is an advantage that the user can prevent misunderstandings and erroneous operations.

Embodiment 6.
FIG. 40 relates to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing a control operation of the induction heating cooker. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. Further, the configuration of the second operation input means 12 of the lid body 1B will be described below on the premise that the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 32 (Embodiment 4).

The electric rice cooker 100 in the sixth embodiment modifies the operation program of the induction heating cooker 10. Further, in particular, the operation program of the control device 50 after the rice cooking process is completed in the rice cooking unit 1 is changed.

The induction heating cooker 10 of the electric rice cooker 100 performs the same operation as the operation steps S1 to S30 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 of the first embodiment.
Then, steps S30 and subsequent steps are improved as shown in FIG. 40.

First, when the rice cooking process is completed (S30, see FIG. 13), the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the rice cooking process is to be started (SU1).
On the other hand, even in the rice cooking unit 1, in synchronization with this, the notification means 90 notifies by voice that the rice cooking process is to be started.

The measurement of the elapsed time (T70) is started at the time of step SU1 in order to grasp the unevenness time. Then, it is determined whether or not the time of the predetermined unevenness step (T70, for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed (SU2).

If it is determined in step SU2 that the time T70 of the predetermined unevenness process has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step SU3, and the notification means 70, for example, "Since the unevenness process is completed, you can eat immediately." Such guidance is notified by voice.

At a time after step SU3, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 automatically shifts to the “calorie notification mode”. Specifically, when the user opens the lid 1B after the end of the unevenness step, the mode automatically shifts to the "calorie notification mode" at that time.

When the mode shifts to the "calorie notification mode", the "off / heat retention switch" 66 (see FIG. 5) arranged in the second operation input unit 12 can still input. That is, the rice cooking switch 67, the reservation switch 68, the time switch 69, etc. cannot be input, but the cancel switch 79 for canceling the immediately preceding input, the calorie notification switch 49, and the off / heat retention switch 66 are input respectively. Function remains valid. Such control is performed by the control device 50.

When the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed, the heat retention is started, but even after the heat retention operation is started, when the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed, a command signal for stopping the heat retention is issued and the heat retention is stopped. In this way, even if the mode shifts to the "calorie notification mode" at the stage where the cooked rice can be eaten, in the sixth embodiment, the shaving step is followed by the specified limit (for example, shaving). During the period of 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, etc. from the completion of the process), the control device 50 has a control program capable of performing the heat retention process.

Since the heat retention switch 75 commands the start of the heat retention mode when operated after the unevenness process is completed, in the next step SU4, whether or not the heat retention switch 75 is pressed by the user is determined. Make a decision.

When the heat retention switch 75 is pressed, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 requests the main control device 80 to provide data of the temperature measurement result from the outside air temperature detecting means 15, and heat retention is based on the provided data. Calculate the possible time TX (SU5). It should be noted that the control device 50 may not request data provision, the main control device 80 itself may calculate the heat retention possible time, and the control device 50 may acquire the result. In the latter case, the control device 50 transmits a specific identification code or data indicating that the heat retention switch 75 has been pressed from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and the main control device 80 receives the data or the like and receives the data or the like. The calculation operation of the heat retention possible time is started.

If the heat retention switch 75 is not pressed within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step SU14. For example, even if the user is clearly aware of cooking rice at the beginning of cooking rice, he / she may forget about cooking rice after that. If you forget to cook rice in this way, you may not be in the vicinity of the electric rice cooker 100, and you may be left as it is without noticing the end of the unevenness process.

In step SU14, the grace time (for example, 15 minutes) checks whether the heat retention switch 75 is pressed as it is, for example, every minute, but when this grace time is exceeded, the process proceeds to step SU9.

In step SU9, the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the heat retention process has been completed.
Between steps SU4 and SU9, the lid body heating means 9A, the inner pot side heating means 9B, and the heating coil 14 may be heated with the minimum heating amount (heat power) or may not be energized at all. In winter, when the temperature of the living space is low, the outside air temperature detecting means 15 inputs the room temperature data of the low temperature to the main control device 80, so that the rice cooking unit 1 cools down during the above grace time (for example, 15 minutes). There is a possibility that it will end up.

Therefore, assuming such a situation, the main control device 80 drives all or a part of the lid heating means 9A, the inner pot side heating means 9B, and the induction heating coil 14, for example, about 30 W to 100 W in total. It is also programmed to temporarily perform the heat retention operation with the power consumption of.

In the next step SU6, the notification means 70 notifies that the heat retaining step is to be started. Next, in step SU7, the heat retention operation for the calculated heat retention possible time TX (for example, 3 hours) is started.

The heat retention step of the sixth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, and is performed by driving the induction heating coil 14. Therefore, a predetermined heat retention temperature (for example, around 70 ° C.) can be maintained even at the bottom of the inner pot 3 where it is difficult to raise the temperature only by the lid body heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B.

Then, the check (SU7) for checking whether the heat retention possible time TX (for example, 3 hours) has elapsed and the check (SU8) for checking whether the rice cooking unit 1 exists at the reference position are repeatedly performed (for example, a time within several seconds). Do it at intervals).

Therefore, a user different from the user who instructed the rice cooking operation does not notice that the rice cooking unit 1 is in the heat retaining operation, and the induction heating cooker 10 is used for another cooking, so that the rice cooking unit 1 is used. If the rice is moved to another place (from the top of the induction heating cooker 10), the step SU8 is determined as "Yes". Then, the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the heat retention process has been completed. At about the same time, the notification means 90 on the rice cooking unit 1 side also notifies that the heat retention process has been completed (SU9).

If the step SU8 is "No", the "calorie notification mode" is automatically canceled. Then, for example, when the rice is separated from the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 is continuously supplied with electric power for a time determined by the power supply capacity of the power supply means 6, and the control device 50 continues to operate.

In such a state, when the measurement instruction switches (third input operation means) 18C and 49 instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 are pressed, the calorie notification mode is restarted from this point. However, if the rice cooking unit 1 does not have a configuration corresponding to the weight measuring means 94, the rice cannot be weighed or the calorie value cannot be calculated. Therefore, in order to be able to measure the weight of rice and calculate the calorie value even when the usage pattern is changed to such a usage pattern (second usage pattern) apart from the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 If a means corresponding to the weight measuring means 94 is provided on the side, the convenience is further improved.

Further, the input function of the first operation input means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is restored. That is, the input prohibition measure to the main control device 80 is released (SU10).
Therefore, the first operation input means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 can be immediately operated to start the desired cooking by the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

When the induction heating coil 14 is driven in the heat retention step, the drive of the inverter circuit 73 is stopped (SU11). Further, even on the rice cooking unit 1 side, when the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are heated by the electric power from the power feeding means 6, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 immediately heats them. Stop.

Further, when the induction heating coil 14 is driven and power is supplied from the power transmission coil 17, the operation of the cooling fan 13 that has cooled them is also stopped (SU13).

Then, the main control device 80 shuts off the main power supply circuit by itself. On the other hand, even on the control device 50 side of the moved rice cooking unit 9A, it is known by the reference position determination means 33 that the rice cooking unit 9A is not at the reference position. The function of the input operation means 12 is stopped.

Summary of Embodiment 6.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking apparatus 100 of the sixth embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10. With
The induction heating cooker 10 has a heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, and a first input operation that is located on the front side of the heating coil 14 in order to set energization conditions for the heating coil 14. A means 20, an infrared communication unit 34 as a first communication unit, a weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and a main control device 80 are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, measurement instruction switches (third input operating means) 18C and 49 for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and the above. By inputting the measurement instruction switch 18C, the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means) 50C that calculates the amount of energy from the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measurement means 94 and the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit 50C are calorie values. Each of the notification means 70 for notifying with
With the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20.
A gap S leading to the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1.
An infrared signal is transmitted between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 at a portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 behind the gap S. A window 37 for passage is formed and
The induction heating cooker 10 monitors the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal while the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position and is executing the heat retention step, and the first input operation. Disable the input operation of means 20 and
Further, when the induction heating cooker 10 cannot detect the presence of the rice cooking unit 1 at a predetermined position by the infrared signal, the heat retention process of the rice cooking unit 1 is terminated and the input of the first input operating means 20 is performed. It is a configuration that cancels the invalidation of the operation.

Further, when the lid IB of the rice cooking unit 1 is opened after the unevenness step is completed, the mode shifts to the "calorie notification mode".

According to the cooking apparatus 100 having this configuration, the weight of the cooked rice is measured by instructing the user to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit. There is no concern that it will be measured and confused.
Further, at the stage of the heat retention process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and when it is detected that there is a problem in the placement of the rice cooking unit 1, the heat retention operation is stopped and Since the invalidation of the input operation of the first input operation means 20 can be canceled, there is an advantage that misunderstandings and erroneous operations in use by the user can be prevented.

Further, when the user operates the rice cooking unit 1 side, the energy consumption amount of the rice can be known on the rice cooking unit 1 side based on the weight measurement data from the induction heating cooker 10, which is highly convenient.

Embodiment 7.
41 to 46 are related to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42 is a plan view 1 of the lid of the rice cooking unit. FIG. 43 is a plan view 2 of the lid of the rice cooking unit. FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control means for the rice cooking unit shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a control operation when the rice cooking unit of FIG. 41 is stewed and cooked. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of a control pattern in the stew cooking of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 41. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first to sixth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

In the cooking apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the cooking menu of the rice cooking unit 1 is particularly enhanced. That is, the rice cooking unit 1 enables "simmered" cooking, "porridge", and "steamed" cooking. In order to realize this, the operation program of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is changed.
In addition, the operation program of the main control device 80 has also been partially changed.

Furthermore, a steam discharger (sometimes called a one-sided recovery device) for releasing steam generated during the rice cooking process inside the inner pot 3 is used to allow water to be injected into the inner pot 3 so that the user can inject water. It improves the convenience of adjusting the amount of water before the start of rice cooking.

Further, the second input operation means 12 has been improved so that the visibility of the first display screen 11A arranged there, the measurement instruction of the weight of rice, and the confirmation of the result can be easily performed.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the cooking apparatus 100 is composed of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1.

Before going into the specific description of the seventh embodiment, the outline of "simmered" cooking, "porridge", and "steamed cooking" will be described.
(1) "Simmered" cooking: An electric rice cooker capable of cooking simmered food by putting ingredients such as vegetables and meat in soup or the like to which water or seasonings are added is described in, for example, JP-A-2005-296366. It is proposed by JP-A-2007-181521 and JP-A-2004-329488. Further, it is also proposed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-329488 that a dedicated inner pot is prepared for rice cooking and simmered food, and the inner pot is replaced and used according to the rice cooking and simmered food.

(2) "Porridge": A configuration in which an "porridge" menu is prepared in an electric rice cooker and porridge can be made is proposed by, for example, JP-A-2007-135884 and JP-A-8-164065. As shown in JP-A-2007-135884, there are thick porridge made with a relatively long heating time and thin porridge made with a relatively short time. When making porridge, it is necessary to use a heating pattern and heating power that are different from those for cooking rice.

"Steaming" cooking: Put a steaming table or net with many ventilation holes in the inner pot 3, put vegetables etc. on it, boil the water put in the bottom of the inner pot, and use the generated steam It heats vegetables and the like. Therefore, unlike when cooking rice, it is not necessary to close the lid 1B for cooking, but rather it is better to keep the lid 1B open.

The rice cooking unit 1 of the seventh embodiment has the following configuration based on the above-mentioned characteristics of each cooking.
In FIG. 41, reference numeral 12 denotes a second input operation means provided on the lid 1B, which includes a first display screen 11A composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like.
Reference numeral 122 denotes a steam discharger having a circular planar shape. In this steam discharger, a first passage (not shown) for discharging steam generated inside the inner pot 3 during rice cooking is formed inside. That is, the internal space of the inner pot 3 and the external space of the rice cooking unit 1 are communicated with each other.

The steam discharger 122 is proposed, for example, by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-187371 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-83203.
Next, FIG. 42 will be described.
The steam discharger 122 is located behind the first display screen 11B, and is detachably mounted in a circular recess 123 recessed in a mortar shape.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a circular lid, which is made of a plastic material and is formed in a disk shape. The lid 124 closes the upper surface opening of the steam discharger 122. The lid 124 can be easily opened by the user during cleaning or water injection described later. Reference numeral 125 denotes a hinge shaft that rotatably supports the rear portion of the lid 124. The hinge shaft 125 is a member that connects the lid body 1B and the lid 124. With this configuration, the lid 124 is in a substantially vertical state with the hinge shaft 125 as a fulcrum in the most open state.

Reference numeral 126 denotes a plurality of steam discharge holes formed in the lid 124 so as to penetrate vertically, and in the seventh embodiment, a total of five are provided.
Reference numeral 127 denotes a water injection port exposed when the lid 124 is opened, and the water injection port penetrates the inside of the steam discharger 122 up and down. In other words, this steam discharger forms a second passage (not shown) inside which discharges steam generated inside the inner pot 3 when cooking rice. The first passage and the second passage may be used in combination, but normally, in the first passage, the amount of steam generated during rice cooking inside the inner pot 3 is suppressed, and the inner pot is used. In some cases, a throttle part or control valve mechanism that keeps the air pressure at the time of boiling in 3 is provided, and in some cases, a check valve that prevents the intrusion of cold air from the outside is provided when rice cooking is completed, so it is suitable for these objective functions. It may be formed separately as such.

In FIG. 42, the surface (upper surface) of the first display screen 11B also serves as a touch-type input screen that can capture and input a change in capacitance when the user touches a finger or the like.
In FIG. 42, 120 is a touch-type key and may also be referred to as an icon. The touch-type key is made to appear in correspondence with the display on the display screen 11B so that the control device 50 can visually recognize it each time it is needed. Since such touch-type input keys are well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

120A is a "rice cooking key" that commands the control device 50 to cook rice, 120B is a "rice cooking key" that commands the control device 50 to cook rice, 120C is a "steaming key" that commands the control device 50 to cook rice, and 120C is a "steaming key" that commands the control device 50 to cook. , 120D is a "steaming cooking key" that commands steaming cooking. Reference numeral 121 denotes an operation start switch, which is composed of touch-type keys. The operation start switch 121 disappears from the surface of the first display screen 11A after the operation such as rice cooking is started.

These keys 120A to 120D appear in a list state on the first display screen 11A as shown in FIG. 42 when the menu switch 65 is pressed when the rice cooking unit 1 is activated by the induction heating cooker 10. To do. Further, after touching any one of these keys 120A to 120D, the operation start switch 121 appears on the first display screen 11A (see FIG. 43).

FIG. 43 is a plan view of the lid 1B of the rice cooking unit 1 as in FIG. 42. In FIG. 43, 120R is a touch-type key for returning to the previous screen, and when it is touched, it returns to the state of the display screen shown in FIG. 42.

Reference numeral 128 denotes a touch-type key for instructing the control device 50 to measure the weight of rice.
Once the key 121 for starting heating is pressed, the key 120R disappears immediately and the weight measurement instruction cannot be given.

Reference numeral 129 is a water amount display unit, which displays an image of the amount of water that is insufficient for the optimum amount of water based on the weight calculated by the weight measuring means 94. Therefore, the triangular figure (indicator) 129A is displayed in a vertical row, but when water is put into the inner pot 3 and the weight increases, the figure 129A that glows blue increases. The appropriate amount of water is a state in which all five figures 129A glow blue. If excessive water is added, the figure changes to a red figure 129A instead of the blue glowing figure 129A, and all of them blink at the same time to warn the user that the amount of water is excessive.

In FIGS. 42 and 43, 49 is a calorie notification switch for displaying a calorie value on the first display screen 11B. Further, the voice notification device 70V is instructed to notify the calorie value by voice. The switch 49 is also a part of the touch-type input operating means constituting the second input operating means 12.

Next, FIG. 44 will be described. The 12T is a touch-type input means constituting the second input operation means 12, and includes the touch-type input keys 120A to 120D, 120R, and 49 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.

The microcomputer (not shown) constituting the control device 50 is operated by a control program for cooking rice and a control program for performing stew cooking, porridge, and steam cooking. These control programs are stored in the storage means (ROM) and the storage means 50R of the microcomputer. 50C is a calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means), and 50D is a calorie storage unit that stores data of calorie calculation results.

Next, the case where the second input operation means 12 receives a command signal for starting stew cooking will be described with reference to FIG. 45.
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a control operation when the rice cooking unit 1 is stewed and cooked.

Step SW1 is a case where the stew key 120C is pressed and then the operation start switch 121 is pressed.
The control device 50 notifies that the stew cooking is started by the voice notification means 90V (SW2).

The control device 50 confirms that the lid 1B is closed by the lid opening sensor 93, and if it is closed, issues a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94, and cooks rice at the stage immediately before the start of the stew process. The weight of the unit 1 is measured (SW3).

The control device 50 receives the measurement result signal from the weight measuring means 94, and stores the weight value indicated by the measurement result signal in the storage means 50R.
Further, the measurement result is notified by the notification means 90. Specifically, the voice notification means, for example, notifies that "the current weight is 1500 g", and also displays "measurement result: 1500 g" on the first display screen 11A (SW4).

Next, the control device 50 transmits the basic information necessary for executing the stew cooking to the induction heating cooker 10 by the infrared signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35. For example, in order to perform the operation pattern as shown in FIG. 46, the execution programs in the sections A to X are transmitted so that the stew step and the low temperature heating step can be sequentially executed.

It should be noted that the control programs for various cooking such as stew cooking and rice cooking are not transmitted from the rice cooking unit 1 to the induction heating cooker 10 each time, but are prepared in advance by the induction heating cooker 10 (stored in the storage means 80R). ) Then, the rice cooking unit 1 may transmit the progress of each process, the temperature data of the inner pot 3, and the like.

In the induction heating cooker 10, the heating coil 14 is driven by the inverter circuit 73 in response to the command signal from the rice cooking unit 1 to start cooking, and the operation of the cooling fan 13 is also started.

In the next step SW5, the inner pot of the rice cooking unit 1 is induced and heated by the heating coil 14, and the temperature rises. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the boiling temperature has been reached.
As shown in FIG. 46, it is necessary to maintain the boiling temperature level for a certain period of time. The length of this time varies depending on the ingredients to be cooked, but is, for example, 30 minutes or more.
This time TY can be specified in the second input operation means 12 before the start of the stew cooking. Alternatively, when the material to be stewed is selected, the time TY is automatically set by the control device 50.

The timing for issuing a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94 and measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 (hereinafter, referred to as “measurement time”) is determined in advance by the control device 50. Further, the measurement command can be issued each time the key 128 is pressed.
As described above, the stage P1 in which the operation start switch 121 is pressed is one (first) of the measurement periods.
Further, the stage where the key 128 is arbitrarily pressed is also one of the measurement periods.

In the following description, a scene in which the weight is automatically measured by the control device 50 even if the key 128 is not pressed arbitrarily will be described.
As shown by reference numerals P1 to P4 in FIG. 46, there are a total of four automatic “measurement timings”.
In step SW6, the measurement of the elapsed time from the time when the state of reaching the boiling temperature level is confirmed is started. This time is necessary when determining whether or not the "predetermined time TY" described later is maintained. The length of this time varies depending on the ingredients to be cooked, but is, for example, 30 minutes or more.

When it is determined in step SW7 that it is time to measure, the process proceeds to step SW8, and the control device 50 commands the weight measuring means 94 to perform the measurement operation. Then, it receives the measurement result signal from the weight measuring means 94, compares the weight value shown in the measurement result signal with the previous weight value stored in the storage means 50R, and determines whether or not the weight is reduced (SW9). ..

The "weight reduction" referred to here is based on a predetermined weight value (for example, 100 g), and if the weight is not reduced to this extent, step SW9 becomes "No" and boiling is performed in the next step SW14. It is determined whether or not the step (section B in FIG. 46) has been completed.

When it is determined that the step weight is reduced (SW9), the weight reduction rate is then calculated (SW10).
For the initial weight (eg 1500 g as described above), the rate (%) is calculated to see the effect of the decrease. For example, if the weight is reduced by 100 g, it is equivalent to 6.6% of 1500 g, so it is rounded up to "7%".

If the determination is "No" in this step SW10, the process proceeds to the step SW14. When the determination is "Yes", the weight value and the rate of change (decrease rate) at that time are stored and stored in the storage means 50R (SW12).

In the next step SW13, the second display screen 11B displays "Measurement result: 1300 g. Weight is reduced by 200 g". Further, the same information is also transmitted by voice using the voice notification means 90V.

Next, the control device 50 transmits a command signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 to the induction heating cooker 10 by an infrared signal requesting that the stew cooking be stopped urgently (SW13). As a result, the stewed cooking by the rice cooking unit 1 is stopped.

In step SW14, it is determined whether or not the boiling step (section B in FIG. 46) has been completed, and if so, the process proceeds to the next low-temperature heating step.

Next, FIG. 46 will be described. FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram of a control pattern in stew cooking of the rice cooking unit 1. The vertical axis shows the temperature of the inner pot 3, and the horizontal axis shows the elapsed time from the start of stew cooking. The temperature of the inner pot 3 is measured by the inner pot temperature detecting means 5.

As can be seen from FIG. 46, in the section A, the heating coil 14 is heated with the maximum thermal power, and the temperature of the inner pot 3 rises to 100 ° C. at once.
When the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 detects that the temperature of the inner pot 3 has reached 100 ° C., this temperature data is transmitted as an infrared signal from the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 35 to the induction heating cooker 10.

The induction heating cooker 10 reduces the heating power of the inverter circuit 73 and controls the inverter circuit 73 to maintain the state for a certain period of time (TY). Actually, it is not always necessary to keep the temperature at 100 ° C., and it is sufficient that the temperature is maintained at 98 ° C. or higher.

When it is determined in step SW14 of FIG. 45 that the boiling step (section B in FIG. 45) has been completed, the process proceeds to step SW15 of the low temperature heating step of FIG.
In section C, in the induction heating cooker 10, the inverter circuit 73 is stopped and induction heating is not performed at all. Then, it waits until the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 of the rice cooking unit 1 detects that the inner pot 3 naturally cools to 85 ° C.

When the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 detects that the inner pot 3 has naturally cooled to 85 ° C., the induction heating cooker 10 receives an infrared signal indicating the temperature detection data, and the inverter circuit 73 is used in the induction heating cooker 10. Drive to heat the inner pot 3. Then, it is maintained at around 80 ° C. to 85 ° C.

As shown in FIG. 46, section D is induced to heat, section E is naturally radiated, and then section N is induced to be heated again, and so on, and intermittent heating is repeated several times or more to add broth and seasonings to the ingredients of the simmered dish. The liquid etc. permeates and makes it delicious. In addition, instead of the method of repeating energization and de-energization as in the sections D and E, there is also a method of lowering the energization rate to reduce the amount of heating per unit time, but in the seventh embodiment, heating is performed. It is expected that convection will be generated in the cooking liquid inside the inner pot 3 by performing it intermittently (intermittently).

The length of the low temperature heating process is not constant and varies depending on the type and amount of simmered food. It may take several hours or more because the meat and vegetables are slowly boiled and the broth etc. penetrates inside.
Finally, the induction heating by the heating coil 14 is stopped and waits until it cools naturally.
In FIG. 46, when the temperature finally drops to about 70 ° C., the cooking of the simmered food is completed. At this point, the rice cooking unit 1's notification means 90 and the induction heating cooker 10's notification means 90 respectively cook. Notification of the end is given.

P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 46 are timings (measurement timings) in which the rice cooking unit 1 issues a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94 and measures the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 as described above. Each of the section B, the section E in which the heating by the heating coil 14 is temporarily stopped (paused), and the section X of the natural heat dissipation are set once.

Of these, if it is detected in the section B of the boiling process that the weight is significantly reduced as in step SW11 at the measurement time P2, the probable cause is that the boiling is intense and the water is excessively evaporated. It is assumed that the cooking liquid has overflowed from the inner pot 3 due to the violent boiling.

In this stewed cooking, when entering the section C, for example, at the stage of step SW14 in FIG. 45, it is possible to make a voice notification that the lid 1B may be opened, and the lid opening sensor 93 can be used for the lid 1B. Even if the opening of the inner pot 3 is detected, it is not treated as an error in the sections C to X, so it is expected that the amount of water evaporated from the inner pot 3 will increase.

In such stew cooking, in the seventh embodiment, the weight measuring means 94 grasps that the broth and the seasoning liquid have decreased at a predetermined measurement time, and if the amount is excessively decreased, the heating operation is performed in the middle. It can be stopped automatically. For this reason, it is possible to cook with confidence even if the user does not always watch over the stewed cooking that requires a relatively long time.

Further, in the seventh embodiment, as the timing (measurement timing) for the weight measuring means 94 to automatically measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, the heating stopped (paused) by the heating coil 14 is selected. Therefore, while the heating is stopped in this way, the measurement can be performed in a quiet state without being affected by convection of the object to be cooked inside the inner pot 3 or slight vibration due to boiling, and accurate weight measurement can be expected.

Further, in the seventh embodiment, water can be injected into the inner pot 3 by using a steam discharger. Therefore, for example, after putting water into the inner pot 3 as a rough guide, the lid 1B is closed. In that state, the lid 124 can be opened, and water can be replenished from above the water injection port 129 with a cup or the like. Moreover, if the user presses the weighing instruction key 128 in that state (the lid 1B is not opened or closed), the weight measuring means 94 measures the weight at that time. Therefore, if the amount of rice is predominantly used in the second operation input means 12 before this, the total weight including the amount of water corresponding to the amount of rice and the total weight of the inner pot 3 as a result of water injection will be obtained. The difference can be recognized by the figure 129A displayed on the water amount display unit 129.
In addition to or instead of the figure 129A, for example, a numerical value indicating the amount of insufficient water may be displayed.

In the seventh embodiment, when the lid 1B is opened after the section C (see FIG. 46) is completed in the stew cooking, or the measurement instruction switch (third input operation means) 18C, 49 is set. When pressed, the mode shifts to the calorie notification mode. Since it is different from rice, the calorie value is different even if the weight is the same, but at the start of cooking, the second input operation means 12 allows a specific cooking name to be selected, so that the control device 50 can be used. , The calorie value can be calculated according to the cooked food.

When the lid 1B is opened or the measurement instruction switches (third input operation means) 18C and 49 are pressed after the section X (see FIG. 46) is completed in the stew cooking. It may be changed to shift to the calorie notification mode. Further, depending on the cooking menu, the mode may be shifted to the calorie notification mode starting from an appropriate time point in the section C to the section X.

As described above, the seventh embodiment has a configuration that improves the convenience of adjusting the amount of water before the start of rice cooking.

Further, although the effect of detecting the weight change by the rice cooking unit 1 was explained only in the case of the boiling process, "Okayu" which requires a process of heating for a relatively long time with the lid 1B open, and similarly in the inner pot 3 The same effect can be expected even if it is applied to "steaming" cooking that requires continuous steam generation by heating the water.

Embodiment 8.
47 to 49 relate to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 47 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the calorie notification mode of the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus. FIG. 48 is a flowchart 2 of the calorie notification mode showing the continuation of the operation shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 49 is a time chart showing the mutual operating relationship between the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit. The same or corresponding parts as those in the first to seventh embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description is omitted.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment further improves the operation of the calorie notification mode.

The induction heating cooker 100 shown in FIG. 47 is composed of a rice cooking unit 1 provided with an induction heating coil 14 and an induction heating cooker 10, and the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10. The first usage mode in which the cooking cooker is heated by the induction heating coil 14 and the second usage mode separated from the induction heating cooker can be selected, and this point is the same as that in the first embodiment. ..

The rice cooking unit 1 includes a control device 50, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, third input operating means 18C and 49 for instructing to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, and the above. A weight measurement command is given to the induction cooking cooker 10 side by the input of the third input operation means, and the weight data of the cooked rice measured by the weight measurement means 94 on the induction heating cooker 10 side is input to the induction cooking cooker 10. Each includes a calculation processing means 50C that receives from the side and converts the calculation result into a calorie value according to the weight data, and a notification means 90 that notifies the calculation result of the calculation processing means 50C by the calorie value.

The control device 50 invalidates the input of the third input operating means before the completion of the unevenness step, and automatically enables it after the completion of the unevenness step.
In addition, "invalid input" here means a case where the control device 50 refuses or prohibits the reception of a signal indicating the input, and a case where the signal is received but is final for display, notification means, or the like. The output refers to both when the control device 50 does not output.

The control device 50 has a control program for performing step SL1 and subsequent steps in FIG. 47 after the unevenness step is completed.

First, in step SL1, it is determined whether or not the unevenness step has been completed. Since the time of the unevenness process is about several minutes, it may be determined that the rice cooking process is completed instead of the unevenness process.

At the stage of step SL1, the rice cooking unit 1 is operated by the electric power of the power feeding device 6. Infrared signals are communicated between the reference position determination means 33A on the rice cooking unit 1 side and the reference position determination means 33B on the induction heating cooker 10 side at regular time intervals, but the user of the rice cooking unit 1 uses the rice cooking unit 1. When the rice is not lifted and moved to another place, the infrared signal can be received on the rice cooking unit 1 side, so that the control device 50 determines that it is in the first usage mode described above (step SL2).

In addition, the reference position determination means 47 using the magnetic means described in the first embodiment may be further provided. That is, in the first embodiment, a reed switch is provided on the induction heating cooker 10 side and a permanent magnet is installed on the rice cooking unit side, but on the contrary, a reed switch is provided on the rice cooking unit side and the reed switch is used. If the control device 50 can detect ON / OFF, it can be immediately detected that the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10.

At the stage of this step SL2, in the eighth embodiment, the control device 50 automatically shifts to the “calorie notification mode”. That is, the user does not need to operate the input key or the like to shift to the "calorie notification mode".

First, the control device 50 notifies by voice that the calorie notification mode has been entered by the notification means 90 (in addition, the control device 50 displays characters, figures, etc. on the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B. May be) (step SL3). The broken line BL3 indicates the start time of the calorie notification mode.

At this point, the human detection sensor 48 is activated (SL4). Next, the weight measuring means 94 provided with the weight sensor 4 measures the weight of the "cooked rice" in the inner pot 3 (SL5). In this case, it is still before opening the lid 1B, and since the user has not taken out any rice in the inner pot 3 since the rice was cooked, it is important to be a reference value to be compared with the measured values from the next time onward. Data.

This first measured weight is stored in a temporary storage unit in the storage means 50R (SL6). The weight measured at this time is WT1.

Next, the control device 50 checks whether the lid 1B is open (SL7). If the lid 1B is not opened, the processes of steps SL13 and SL14 of FIG. 47 are sequentially repeated until a certain time (for example, 60 minutes of step SE3 described later) elapses.

In the next step SL8, in order to determine whether or not the user is requesting the notification of calories, it is determined whether or not the input has been made by the "non-contact input means" (human detection sensor 48). At the time of step SL8, the calorie calculation key 18C, which is one of the third input operation means, or the calorie notification switch 49 may be pressed again. At the moment of pressing, the weight measuring means 94 measures the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 (SL9).

When the cooked rice in the inner pot 3 is placed on a bowl or a plate with a rice scoop or the like, the rice may be taken out in one operation or the rice may be put in and taken out twice or more.
Normally, one hand holds a rice scoop and the other hand holds a bowl or plate to serve rice, so both hands are occupied. Therefore, it is not realistic to once place a bowl or rice scoop and operate the push button switch or the like for "weight measurement" as described above, and such a method impairs operability.

Therefore, as described in the first embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, even during the operation of holding the rice scoop with one hand and holding the bowl or plate with the other hand, the rice is served. We have devised a way to easily send weight measurement commands.

Specifically, the input of the human detection sensor 48 (non-contact input means) can be input by, for example, holding one hand holding the rice scoop or holding the rice scoop above the human detection sensor 48. Will be done.

That is, at the time of step SL8, it is not necessary to press the calorie calculation key 18C or the calorie notification switch 49 again.

As is clear from the above description, when the input is performed by the human detection sensor 48 which is the non-contact input means, the step SL8 becomes “Yes”, and the weight of the rice is measured again in the next step SL9. That is, at this point, the control device 50 transmits the weight measurement command signal and the calorie notification command signal to the induction heating cooker 10 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35.

Let WT2 be the weight measured a second time by the weight measuring means 94. Since the second measured weight is transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34, the control device 50 stores it in the temporary storage unit in the storage means 50R.

Next, the difference between the results of the two most recent weight measurements is calculated (SL10). This calculation is not performed by the weight measuring means 94, but by the control device 50. As described above, since the weights measured in the two measurements are WT1 and WT2, if WT2 is subtracted from WT1, the weight WX reduced between the two measurements is calculated.

The calorie calculation unit 50C receives the data of the weight WX and multiplies the weight WX by the converted value to calculate the calorie value (SL10).
The calculated calorie value is stored in the calorie storage unit 50D (SL11). This memory is sequentially accumulated in the order of calculation time, and the calorie value data is continuously stored.

The calculated calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B, but may also be displayed on the first display screen 11A so that it can be confirmed immediately after the lid 1B is closed. In addition, the voice notification means 90V gives a voice notification such as "The calorie of the current rice is 252 kcal" (SL12). Since the control device 50 can detect whether the lid 1B is opened or closed by the lid opening sensor 93, the calculated calorie value is not displayed on the second display screen 11B, but the first one. The display on the display screen 11A of the above and only the voice notification may be performed. Furthermore, only voice notification may be performed.

Next, the process proceeds to step SL13. In this step, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the time when the control device 50 determines that the "second usage pattern" has been reached (step SL2) has reached the "first meal time". .. This "first meal time" is, for example, 59 minutes. It should be noted that the elapsed time from the time when the lid 1B is first opened may be used instead of the elapsed time from the time of step SL2.

If this step SL13 is "No", the process proceeds to step SL13. In the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to step SF1. Step SF1 will be described with reference to FIG. 48 below.

Step SL14 estimates the temperature of the rice inside the inner pot 3 from the temperature of the inner pot 3 detected by the inner pot temperature detecting means 5. The temperature of the inner pot 3 slightly exceeds 100 ° C. immediately after the end of the unevenness process, but the temperature gradually decreases due to natural heat dissipation with the passage of time.

If the user has set to automatically shift to the heat retention process after the end of the unevenness process, or if the off / heat retention switch 66 is pressed before step SL13, step SL14 disappears. Therefore, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 46, the process returns to step SL7.

It is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pot 3 detected by the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 is the "first rice temperature". The "first rice temperature" referred to here is, for example, 71 ° C., but the present invention is not limited to this temperature.

If the step SL14 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SF2. Step SF2 will be described in the following description of FIG. 48.

If the step SL14 is "No", the process returns to step SL7 and it is checked whether the lid 1B is open.

If the lid body 1B is not opened, steps SL13 and SL14 in FIG. 47 are repeated in sequence.

When it is determined in step SL13 that the elapsed time from the time when the control device 50 determines that the "second usage pattern" has been reached (step SL2) has reached the "first meal time", step SL13 is performed. Proceed to SF1.

Next, FIG. 48 will be described.
In FIG. 48, in step SF1, the notification means 90 gives a notice that the calorie notification mode will be terminated soon. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SF3.

In step SF3, it is determined that the elapsed time from the time when the control device 50 determines that it is the "first usage mode" (step SL2) has reached the "second meal time". In the eighth embodiment, the "second meal time" is, for example, 60 minutes. The present invention is not limited to this time, and may be changed as appropriate. The user may also be able to set this time from the beginning.

If the step SF3 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SF4. In step SF4, the calorie notification mode is terminated by the control device 50. Then, the process proceeds to step SF5. The control device 50 stops the power supply from the power supply means 6 to the display means 11.

If it is determined that step SL14 has reached the “first rice temperature”, the process proceeds to step SF2. In step SF2, the notification means 90 gives a notice that the calorie notification mode will be terminated soon. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SF6.

In step SF6, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature of the inner pot 3 has reached the “second rice temperature”. In the eighth embodiment, the "second rice temperature" is, for example, 70 ° C. The present invention is not limited to this temperature alone. In addition, since the temperature of rice is also affected by the temperature of the room in which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, the above-mentioned "first rice temperature" and "second rice temperature" are corrected by reflecting the seasonal and temperature information. You may do so.

When the control device 50 determines that the "second rice temperature" has been reached (step SF6), the process proceeds to step SF7.
In step SF7, the notification means 90 notifies that the calorie notification mode is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to step SF8, and the control device 50 stops the power supply from the power supply means 6 to the display means 11.

In FIG. 48, the CB is a processing step that serves as a regulating means for the calorie notification mode that limits the operation period of the calorie notification mode. That is, the two steps SF3 and SF6 in the frame shown by the broken line are the processing steps that serve as the regulation means of the calorie notification mode.

Next, FIG. 49 will be described.
FIG. 49 is a time chart showing the mutual operating relationship between the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit.
With the rice cooking unit 1 mounted on the induction heating cooker 10, the main power of the induction heating cooker 10 is turned on, and the rice cooking unit 1 is subjected to the rice cooking process by the heating coil 14 of the induction heating cooker 10. It shows how the heat retention process was executed. The preheating step shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment is omitted.

As is clear from FIG. 49, in the state where the rice cooking unit 1 is mounted (first usage mode), the first input operating means 20 is mainly controlled by the input invalidation process so that it cannot be used. Is done by.

Then, from the time when the rice cooking unit 1 cancels the mounted state and shifts to the second usage mode, the first input operating means 20 is subjected to the input invalidation canceling process by the main control device 80 so that it can be used. It is said.

In FIG. 49, in the first usage mode, the rice cooking unit 1 performs a rice weight measurement and a calorie notification operation. This is because the weight measuring means 94 is not on the rice cooking unit 1 side, so that the rice cannot be weighed by the rice cooking unit 1 alone.

In the rice cooking unit 1, electric power is supplied from the feeding coil 6 to the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B during the period of the first usage mode to heat the heat retaining step. Electric power is supplied to the power feeding coil 6 by non-contact power feeding from the power transmission coil 17 on the induction heating cooker 10 side.

As shown in FIG. 49, the calorie notification mode is limited to the period of the first usage pattern and only after the unevenness step.

In FIG. 49, after the change to the second usage mode, it is shown as "power supply means self-power", but this is after the non-contact power supply from the power transmission coil 17 on the induction heating cooker 10 side is stopped. , The power feeding means 6 means to start the supply of the electric power stored in itself to the control device 50 or the like.

Further, even after the change to the second usage mode, in order to measure the weight of the rice by the rice cooking unit 1 alone and notify the calories, the weight measurement corresponding to the weight measuring means 94 is performed on the rice cooking unit 1 side. Means may be provided. Then, when the first usage mode is changed to the second usage mode, the weight measuring means on the rice cooking unit 1 side may be configured to be directly controlled by the control device 50.

As described with reference to FIG. 47, in the eighth embodiment, the time point at which the control device 50 automatically shifts to the “calorie notification mode” is the time point of step SL2 immediately after the end of the unevenness step. Therefore, immediately after the end of the murashi process, the mode automatically shifts to the "calorie notification mode". However, instead of the step SL2, a certain time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed from the completion of the rice cooking process. During that 10 minutes, the unevenness process is completed.

During the period of the second usage mode, power is not supplied from the power feeding coil 6 to the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B. This is because the power supply capacity of the power supply coil 6 is limited, and when the heating power for heat retention is supplied, the power supply time of the power supply coil 6 is shortened.

When returning to the first usage mode, the power feeding coil 6 can continuously receive electric power by the power receiving coil 7 that receives the non-contact power feeding from the power transmitting coil 17 of the induction heating cooker 10, and thus keeps the heat warm. Maximum power can be input.

The cooking apparatus 100 of the eighth embodiment does not necessarily require that the rice cooking unit 1 be returned to the first usage mode to keep warm.

In the cooking device 100 of the eighth embodiment, it is determined that the control device 50 has become the above-mentioned "second usage mode" in order to limit the continuous operation of the rice cooking unit 1 in the calorie notification mode to a certain range ( It is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the time of step SL2) has reached the "first meal time", the end of the calorie notification mode is notified, and then the calorie notification mode is automatically terminated. ..

Therefore, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is still placed on the induction heating cooker 10 (first usage mode), the lid 1B can be opened for a long time and the inside of the inner pot 3 can be opened. It is possible to alert users and residents not to lower the temperature of the rice.

As is clear from the above description, the cooking apparatus 100 disclosed in the eighth embodiment has the following configuration.
That is,
The heating coil 14, the first input operating means 20 for inputting the heating conditions of the heating coil 14, the infrared communication unit 34 as the first communication unit, and the weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. And an induction heating cooker 10 equipped with a main control device 80,
It is provided with an inner pot 3 that houses the rice to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil 14, and a rice cooking unit 1 that includes a second input operating means for inputting rice cooking conditions.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a first usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is heated by the heating coil 14 while being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and a second usage mode in which the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10. Can be selected,
In the rice cooking unit 1, the calorie calculation unit 50C calculates the calories corresponding to the weight of the rice from the change in the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 that changes by taking out the cooked food from the inner pot 3 after the completion of the rice cooking process. And a display means (corresponding to the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B) for displaying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit in calories.
The rice cooking unit 1 is provided with a "calorie notification mode regulating means" that limits the operation period in the calorie notification mode when the rice cooking process or the unevenness process is switched to the "calorie notification mode". It is a cooking device characterized by this.

With this configuration, in the eighth embodiment, excessive use can be suppressed in the calorie notification mode, and it is possible to prevent the cooked rice from being excessively cooled in temperature or losing appropriate water content.

Further, when the calorie notification mode is terminated, if advance notification is performed as in steps SF1 and SF2 shown in FIG. 48, the user is alerted.

Further, the rice cooking unit 1 has a calorie calculation key 18C and a calorie notification switch 49 as a third input operation means for instructing to measure the weight of cooked rice. The input operation means of is invalidated before the completion of the unevenness process and automatically enabled after the completion of the unevenness process.

Because of this configuration, in the eighth embodiment, the calories are calories even when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 or separated from the induction heating cooker 10. There is no situation where notification or calorie calculation is executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary operations such as calorie calculation and voice notification, and it does not cause confusion for the user.

In the eighth embodiment, as a method of switching to the "calorie notification mode", when the rice cooking unit 1 changes from the first usage mode to the second usage mode after the completion of the rice cooking step or the unevenness step. (Step SL2) is detected by the control device 50, and from this point in time, the operation flowchart of the "calorie notification mode regulating means" that restricts the operation in the calorie notification mode only during a certain period is started, so that the user By performing the operation of moving the rice cooking unit 1 to a desired place without any special input key operation, the mode can be automatically shifted to the "calorie notification mode", reducing the user's operation.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is configured to instruct the user to operate the input key prepared in the second operation input unit 12 or to shift to the calorie notification mode by voice input. You may.

In the ninth embodiment, the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B are provided as display means for displaying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit in calories, but it is not always necessary to provide these two. Absent.

In addition, the calorie notification mode regulation means that limits the operation period of the calorie notification mode focuses on the elapsed time condition from the time when it is determined that the "second usage mode" has been reached, and the temperature of the rice decreases with the passage of time. Then, the temperature was set based on the two criteria of the temperature condition for the purpose of preventing the temperature of the rice from dropping too much, but it may be carried out by only one of these two criteria.

Further, in the eighth embodiment, when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 and is induced to be heated, the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 via the power transmission coil 17 of the induction heating cooker 10 (in a non-contact power supply system). ) It has a power supply means 6 for storing the supplied electric power, and the operation of the rice cooking unit 1 is maintained by the electric power of the power supply means 6, but it is not necessary to be limited to this configuration, and an original storage battery or the like is used. May be provided.

Embodiment 9.
The cooking apparatus of the ninth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 50 to 53.
FIG. 50 is a plan view of the induction cooking apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper surface side. FIG. 51 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. 50. FIG. 52 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line Y1-Y1 of FIG. 50. FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the rice cooking unit of the cooking apparatus shown in FIG. 50. The description may be omitted for items that overlap with the first to eighth embodiments, and the same parts or the corresponding parts as those of the first to eighth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals.

Since the induction heating cooker 10 according to the ninth embodiment has a power cord 102 having a power plug 101 at one end that can be connected to a household power source, the induction heating cooker 10 can be used alone. On the other hand, the rice cooking unit 1 operates by activating the induction heating cooker 10 and receiving electric power from the heating coil 14 built in the induction heating cooking unit 10 by a non-contact power feeding method. Therefore, the power feeding means 6 for receiving electric power by the non-contact power feeding method is provided. The configuration up to this point is the same as that of the first embodiment, but one of the ninth embodiments is that the power supply can be directly supplied to the power supply unit from the outside instead of the power supply from the power supply coil 6. It is a feature. Details will be described later.

The cooking apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment is devised so that the rice cooking unit 1 can be stably placed by enhancing the mechanical strength of the induction heating cooker 10 on which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed.

As shown in FIG. 50, a heating coil 14 having a circular planar shape is arranged on the left and right center lines of the induction heating cooker 10 so that the center portion is located.

The cooling fan 13 is located slightly to the right toward the front when viewed from the center point of the induction heating cooker 10. The cooling fan 13 has an intake port 131 (see FIG. 51) arranged at a position directly below, sucks cold air from the intake port, and supplies it as cooling air to the inside of the first air passage SH1. The intake port 131 is configured by arranging elongated slit-shaped holes or arranging a large number of small-diameter holes.

The main body case 132 that constitutes the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is entirely made of thermoplastic.
The main body case 132 is formed by stacking two parts, an upper lid 132A and a flat container-shaped lower case 132B having an open upper surface, on top of each other and connecting them with screws or the like. Plastic parts such as the body case 132 are generally manufactured using an injection molding machine. If injection molding is performed by reducing the amount of granular plastic material called pellets as much as possible, the weight of the completed upper lid 132A and lower case 132B can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. However, if the amount of material is reduced, the thickness becomes thinner and the strength becomes weaker.

Therefore, in the ninth embodiment, the columns 133 that are integrally formed from the lower case 132B and project upward are arranged in a total of four locations. A reinforcing effect can be expected by forming the support columns 133 in the vertical direction in which the load is received.

133R1 and 133L1 are front columns located close to the first input operating means 20. The 133R2 and 133L2 are rear columns installed on the right side and the left side of the heating coil 14 at a distance of about 5 to 10 cm from the heating coil 14.

The front columns 133R1 and 133L1 have a perfect circular cross-sectional shape, while the rear columns 133R2 and 133L2 are long in the front-rear direction and have a smooth surface as shown by a broken line in FIG. It has a circular shape. Such a shape is to prevent the flow of the cooling air from the cooling fan 13 from being obstructed as much as possible.

In the first input operation means 20, the front columns 133R1 and 133L1 frequently perform an operation of pushing down a surface plate (not shown) covering the surface of the upper lid 132A with a finger from above when the user makes a touch input. Therefore, it is arranged so that the force at that time is distributed and received. That is, in the portion of the first input operating means 20, reinforcing columns 133R1 and 133L1 are arranged in consideration of receiving a load from above.

The two columns 133R2 and 133L2 formed on the right and left sides of the heating coil 14 have an inner pot 3 containing rice and water, and a pot or the like containing water and ingredients, which are large in the center of the upper lid 132A. Since it is placed directly above the formed opening 132H, it is installed so as to distribute and receive the load.

In the ninth embodiment, the inner pot 3 and the like of the rice cooking unit 1 are placed at a position directly above the heating coil 14. Therefore, when the top plate 22 located directly above the heating coil 14 receives a load, a force is applied to push down the rim portion of the opening 132H of the upper lid 132A directly below the top plate 22.

Therefore, in this embodiment, since the columns 133R2 and 133L2 are arranged on the right side and the left side of the position of the heating coil 14, the rim portion of the opening 132H of the upper lid 132A is supported by the columns 133R2 and 133L2 from below. , The bending of the upper lid 132B can be prevented.

Reference numeral 134 is a partition wall formed integrally with the bottom surface of the lower case 132B. The partition wall 134 includes a front arc portion 134C which is on the front side and crosses the front side of the cooling fan 13, and a right side portion 134R which is continuous with the rear end surface of the front arc portion 134C and extends linearly rearward. Similarly, it is composed of a left side portion 134L that is continuous with the rear end surface of the front arc portion 134C and extends linearly rearward.

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, in the ninth embodiment, the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 includes two infrared signal transmitting units 34S and infrared signal receiving units 34R. The signals of both the infrared signal transmitting unit 34S and the infrared signal receiving unit 34R are analyzed and processed by one communication control unit 34C, and the transmission / reception data analysis result is output to the main control device 80.

The infrared signal transmitting unit (infrared light emitting element) 34S and the infrared signal receiving unit (infrared receiving element) 34R are mounted on one support substrate 135. The communication control unit 34C is also installed on the support substrate 135.
As shown in FIG. 51, the support substrate 135 is horizontally fixed to the uppermost surface of the partition wall 134.

In FIGS. 50 and 51, FIG. 17 is a power transmission coil having an annular outer shape.
As is clear from FIG. 50, in the first air passage SH1, the position closest to the cooling fan 13 is the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 (34R, 34S).

The power transmission coil 17 is located upstream of the heating coil 14 in the flow of the cooling air in the first air passage SH1 and is separated from the heating coil 14 by about 10 cm in a straight line distance.
Due to this positional relationship, the power transmission coil 17 does not come into contact with the warm air after cooling the heating coil 14, and is not induced and heated by the strong alternating magnetic field generated by the heating coil 14.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a reed switch (magnetic proximity switch) that receives a magnetic force and closes an electrical contact. A typical configuration of this type of reed switch is one in which a part of two nickel alloy (magnetic material) leads are overlapped and sealed in a glass tube, and the overlapped part is treated with contacts of gold, silver, etc. Is given. In addition, an inert gas is sealed in the glass tube to prevent activation of the contacts. A permanent magnet 136 (see FIG. 52) that generates a magnetic force so as to close the reed switch is installed at the bottom of the rice cooking unit 1.

Further, FIGS. 50 and 51 will be described.
The induction heating cooker 10 is a partition that forms a cooling fan 13, a disk-shaped heating coil 14, a power transmission coil 17, and a first air passage SH1 and a second air passage SH2 in the internal space thereof. It includes a wall 134, a control device 80, a first input operating means 20, and an infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34.

The heating coil 14 is installed on a support frame 136 called a coil base made of heat-resistant plastic or the like. The support frame 136 is formed with a large number of through holes 136A having a large opening area in order to increase air permeability.

The main body case 132 that constitutes the outer shell of the induction heating cooking unit 10 is composed of a bottomed box-shaped lower case 132B and an upper lid 132A that covers the entire upper surface of the lower case.

The lower case 132B and the upper lid 132A are formed by integral molding (injection molding method) of plastic. Therefore, the material is a thermoplastic. The lower case 132B and the upper lid 132A are shaped so as to completely overlap each other when viewed in a plan view. In other words, the projected area when projected vertically is the same. Further, since the upper lid 132A is used in a higher temperature environment than the lower case 132B, a material having higher heat resistance than the lower case 132B is selected.

The upper lid 132A is securely fixed to the lower case 132B by a fixing means such as a screw (not shown).
Reference numeral 22 denotes a top plate that covers the large circular hole 132H formed in the central portion of the upper lid 132A, and is made of highly heat-resistant crystallized glass or a plastic material such as PET or PPS. The bottom of the inner pot 3 is arranged so as to come into contact with or approach the top plate 22 directly above the top plate 22.

The top plate 22 has a diameter larger than the maximum outer diameter dimension of the heating coil 14.

The horizontal line PL1 shown in FIG. 51 indicates that the boundary between the upper lid 132A and the lower case 132B can be recognized on the appearance of the induction heating cooker 10. This is a horizontal position where the lower case 132B and the upper lid 132A are overlapped when the main body case 132, which is the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10, is manufactured. Hereinafter, PL1 is referred to as "separation line 1".

Reference numeral 137 is a convex portion integrally formed at two positions on the lower surface of the upper lid 132A, and is located directly above the two columns 133R1 and 133L1.
When the lower case 132B and the upper lid 132A are overlapped when manufacturing the main body case 132 of the induction heating cooker 10, the two columns 133R1, 133L1 and the convex portion 73 face each other with a contact or a minute gap. become. Therefore, the load applied to the upper surface of the upper lid 132A can be expected to be supported by the columns 133R1 and 133L1.

In addition to the direct contact between the columns 133R1 and 133L1 and the convex portion 137 as shown in FIG. 51, inclusions such as a cushioning material (not limited to solid, for example, a silicone rubber sealing material) are formed between the columns 133R1 and 133L1. Indirect contact may be made by sandwiching a soft material such as a half liquid). For example, if the cushion material or the like is a material having high heat insulating properties, heat conduction from the convex portion 137 side of the upper lid 132A to the support columns 133R1 and 133L1 side is also reduced, and the temperature of the lower case 132B can be expected to be kept low.

The partition wall 134 divides the space surrounded by the lower case 132B and the upper lid 132A into two front and rear spaces as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. In other words, the internal space of the main body case 132 of the induction heating cooker 10 is divided into two spaces. The term "partitioning" here does not mean a highly airtight state in which the movement of air is completely blocked, but a void or a gap that positively leaks the flow of cooling air from the cooling fan 13. A state in which no opening is provided.

The cooling fan 13 for cooling the inside of the induction heating cooker 10 is arranged close to directly above the circular intake port 131 formed on the front bottom wall surface of the lower case 132B. As the cooling fan 13, for example, an axial flow type blower fan is used.

Reference numeral 13M is a fan motor installed directly above the intake port 131, whereby the cooling fan 13 is rotationally driven. The fan motor 13M is fixed to the upper surface of a circular fan case 13C having support legs having an inverted U-shaped vertical cross section, which is integrally molded in the lower case 132B so as to straddle the upper part of the intake port 131. ing. There are one or two support legs, and a large space is secured around them so as not to obstruct the air permeability.

Reference numeral 138 denotes a heating circuit board on which an inverter circuit 73 that supplies high-frequency power to the heating coil 14 is mounted, and various electric components such as a semiconductor power control element and a switching element are mounted. Among these various electric components, semiconductor power control elements such as IGBTs are mounted on aluminum heat radiating fins (or "heat sinks") 139 in order to dissipate heat generated during the control operation. Reference numeral 140 denotes a support convex portion for supporting the heating circuit board 139, which is installed on the bottom surface of the lower case 132B by integral molding.

Reference numeral 141 denotes an electrically insulating sheet or a thin plate horizontally installed directly above the heat radiating fins 139, and is installed for the purpose of enhancing the insulating property between the heating coil 14 and the heating circuit board 138. ing. The electrically insulating sheet or plate is made of a plastic material such as PP or PET. The reason why it is installed horizontally as shown in FIG. 51 is to prevent the flow CF of the cooling air supplied from the cooling fan 13 (see FIG. 51) from being obstructed.

In FIG. 51, the thick solid arrow indicates the flow of the cooling air supplied from the cooling fan 13. The thick dashed arrow indicates the intake air flow introduced into the cooling fan 13 (from the outside of the main body case 132).

Reference numeral 142 denotes an exhaust port formed on the rear back wall of the lower case 132B. A plurality of them are formed side by side in order to discharge the cooling air from the cooling fan 13.

Reference numeral 5C is a temperature sensor of the top plate 22, and a thermistor type temperature detection element is used as a contact type temperature sensor that contacts the back surface (lower surface) of the upper lid 132A and measures the temperature thereof.

The temperature measurement data of the temperature sensor 5C is transmitted to the temperature detection circuit 143 by a signal line, and the temperature information grasped by the temperature detection circuit 143 is transmitted to the control device 80. As shown in FIG. 51, the thermistor (temperature sensor) 5C is installed so as to penetrate the central portion (hollow portion) of the heating coil 14 having a hollow annular planar shape. CL1 indicates the vertical center line of the heating coil 14, and also coincides with the vertical center line of the temperature sensor 5C.

The temperature sensor 5C is used for the same purpose as the infrared temperature sensor 5B described in the first embodiment. The infrared temperature sensor 5B detects the temperature of the inner pot 3 of the rice cooking unit 1 with infrared rays and is used for grasping the rice cooking process and monitoring the presence or absence of abnormal heating. Similarly, the temperature of the top plate 22 whose temperature rises under the influence of the temperature of the inner pot 3 of the rice cooking unit 1 is detected and used for grasping the rice cooking process and monitoring the presence or absence of abnormal heating.

Reference numeral 143 is a temperature detection circuit into which the temperature data measured by the temperature sensor is input, and the temperature detection circuit 143 and the temperature sensor 5C are connected by a signal line 144.

The control device 80 and the temperature detection circuit 143 are mounted on the control circuit board 145. Reference numeral 146 denotes a support convex portion that supports the control circuit board 145, and a plurality of 146s are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the lower case 132B.

In the space on the front side of the partition wall 134, electrical components such as a detection unit 20S for detecting a touch operation of the first input operation means 20 serving as a touch-type input unit are housed. Reference numeral 20P is a surface protection plate constituting the surface of the touch type input unit.

The dedicated window for transmitting the infrared signal from the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 is not provided in the ninth embodiment. The infrared signal is configured to pass through a large square opening 132H formed in the center of the upper lid 132A.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a weight sensor of the weight measuring means 94 fixed to the lower surface of the main body case 132. In the first embodiment, the weight sensor 4 is fixed on the bottom wall surface 10B of the main body case 10A, but in the ninth embodiment, the weight sensor 4 is fixed on the lower surface of the lower case 132B of the main body case 132. doing. However, a strain sensor (not shown) is arranged directly above the thick strut-shaped leg portion 2, and the strain sensor (not shown) is distorted according to the force pushing the strain sensor by the leg portion 2, that is, the weight of the induction heating cooker 10. The principle that the weight can be measured by the output from the sensor is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, the rice cooking unit 1 will be described.
Also in the rice cooking unit 1, the infrared signal transmitting unit (infrared emitting element) 35S and the infrared signal receiving unit (infrared receiving element) 35R are located directly above the infrared signal receiving unit 34R and the infrared signal transmitting unit 34S, respectively. is set up.

Reference numeral 147 is a through-hole-shaped window formed in the bottom frame 149 forming a substantial bottom wall surface of the rice cooking unit 1. This window corresponds to the position directly below the infrared signal transmitting unit 35S and the infrared signal receiving unit 35R. The window is covered with a plastic or glass material that allows infrared radiation to pass through.

The box-shaped main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper case 148 integrally formed of the plastic material constituting the outer shell into a tubular shape, and the upper case 148 so as to cover the entire opening on the bottom surface of the upper case. It is provided with an annular bottom frame 149 made of a heat-resistant material provided below.

As shown in FIG. 51, a bottom wall 149P protruding from the bottom toward the induction heating cooker 10 is provided at the lower end of the bottom frame 149 along the outer edge of the bottom. The bottom wall 149P is formed with a wall surface opening 149H that communicates the internal space surrounded by the bottom wall 149P with the external space. The wall opening 149 is a notch.

The bottom frame 149 is connected to the upper case 148 with screws (not shown) so as to cover the bottom surface of the upper case 148, and the lower portion thereof protrudes toward the induction heating cooker 10. It becomes 149P.

The material of the bottom frame 149 is, for example, PET or PA. The material of the upper case 148 is PP, ABS, or the like. "PET" refers to polyethylene terephthalate. Further, "PA" means polyamide and "PP" means polypropylene.

A large circular through hole 150 is formed in the central portion of the bottom frame 149. Reference numeral 153 is a bottom plate made of a heat-resistant plastic material, which fits tightly into the through hole 150 in a close state, and seals the through hole 150. The material of the bottom plate is, for example, PET or PA.

As is clear from FIG. 51, the dimensions of the bottom frame 149 and the upper case 148 in the front-rear direction are substantially the same. Moreover, the left-right direction is also substantially the same. That is, the plane dimensions of the upper case 148 and the main body case 132 that determines the outer shell dimension on the induction heating cooker 10 side are also the same. Therefore, when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the entire upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 including the portion of the first input operating means 20 is covered by the rice cooking unit 1 from above. Will be. This is a major difference from the first embodiment in which the portion of the first input operating means 20 is covered and the rear vertical portion 16 is not covered.

The weight measurement signal indicating the measurement result of the weight sensor 4 is input to the main control device 80, and is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34.

The weight data indicating the weight measurement result received by the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 is input to the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 and used to determine the heating program (heat power, energization time, etc.). The heating program for cooking rice is transmitted from the control device 50 to the induction heating cooker 10 via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and the main control device 80 follows the heating program of the heating coil 14 and the power transmission coil 17. Control energization.

The weight sensor 4 can also measure the weight of rice taken out from the inner pot 3 in a state where the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10. In other words, when rice is served on tableware at the time of meal, or when rice is taken out in a bowl or the like with a rice scoop, the weight of the taken out rice can be measured.

Therefore, the weight measurement signal of the rice taken out from the rice cooking unit 1 is transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 to the rice cooking unit 1 via the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, and the calorie calculation unit of the rice cooking unit 1 is based on the transmission data. The calorie value of rice can be calculated by 50C. The calorie calculation may be performed by the control device 50.

When the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the display unit 70D on the main body side of the induction heating cooker 10, the upper part is covered by the display unit 70D and cannot be seen by the user. Therefore, the calorie calculation result is the induction heating cooker. At 10, neither display nor notification is performed. However, even when the rice cooking unit 1 is mounted, in order to be able to display the calorie calculation result on the induction heating cooker 10 side, for example, the position of the display screen of the induction heating cooker 10 is changed. Even when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, a display screen may be provided at a position exposed to the outside, for example, on the front surface or the side surface of the induction heating cooker 10.

The control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is operated by the electric power obtained by the power receiving coil 17, and the first display screen 11A is also displayed by the power feeding means 6 to which the electric power obtained by the power receiving coil 17 is supplied. Do the action. This is the same configuration as described in the first embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the second display screen 11B is not provided. Therefore, the various operation keys 18A to 18D of the third input means 18 are not provided.

Electric power is supplied to the power feeding means 6 from the power receiving coil 17, but this supply is only during the period when the power transmission coil 17 of the induction heating cooking unit 10 receives a power transmission command by the control device 50. If the power of the power feeding means 6 is insufficient, as described above, there is a general-purpose connection terminal 151 provided so that power can be supplied from the outside, so that the power may be supplied to this connection terminal from the outside. .. However, since the rice cooking unit 1 is exceptionally used with such an external power source, the power supply through the connection terminal 151 by the control device 50 is continuously performed within 30 minutes or the like. There are restrictions.

Since the power feeding means 6 is provided in this way, the calorie display of the rice taken out from the rice cooking unit 1 can be displayed even when the rice cooking unit 1 is separated from the induction heating cooker 10.

When the second usage pattern is changed, the calorie data calculated before the movement of the rice cooking unit 1 is transmitted from the induction heating cooking unit 10 to the wireless communication unit of the rice cooking unit 1 via the wireless communication unit 26. It will be sent immediately to 56. Therefore, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is separated, the result measured before that can be notified. The calorie calculation result is stored in time series by a storage means such as a semiconductor storage element attached to the control device 50, and after the rice cooking unit 1 is returned to the induction heating cooker 10, the calorie conversion data is induced heating. It can be transferred to the cooker 10.

In the ninth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, a bottom wall 149P protruding from the bottom frame 149 toward the induction heating cooker 10 is provided along the entire outer edge portion of the bottom frame 149. The bottom wall 149P is formed with a wall surface opening 149H that communicates with the external space.

The wall surface opening 149H is a notch such as a trapezoid or a triangle. A plurality (for example, 12) of wall surface openings 149H are formed at intervals along the entire circumference of the bottom frame 149. This wall surface opening 149H externally transfers the heat of the bottom surface of the heated rice cooking unit 1 when the rice cooking unit 1 separated from the induction heating cooker 10 is carried to a table as a so-called bowl and placed on a table or the like. It is formed for the purpose of letting it escape to. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the upper surface of a table or the like on which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed is excessively heated.

Since the wall surface opening 149H forms convection of air, it is desirable to form the wall surface opening 149H so as to face each other in the front, rear, left and right sides of the bottom frame 149.

Next, FIG. 52 will be described.
FIG. 52 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main part of the left side portion in a state where the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are overlapped with each other.
In FIG. 52, reference numeral 31 denotes a reed switch, which is fixed on a dedicated mounting plate 155. The mounting plate 155 is fixed to the upper surface of the partition wall 134 (curved portion 134C). The reed switch 31 is arranged at the uppermost part inside the upper lid 132A.

A gap G2 having a width W2 of about several mm to 20 mm is secured between the left side surface of the partition wall 134 and the lower case 132B.

Further, since the reed switch 31 is installed in the upper part of the space on the right side of the partition wall 134 through which the cooling air CF from the cooling fan 13 (see FIG. 51) passes, the cooling air CF is also provided around the reed switch 31. Flows, and the temperature of the atmosphere of the reed switch 31 is also kept low.

Further, since the permanent magnets 30 are also arranged at positions where the inner pot 3 is less likely to receive high heat, it is possible to ensure that the reed switch 31 senses the approach of the permanent magnets 30. The permanent magnet 30 turns on the reed switch 31 only when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed directly above the induction heating cooker 10.

Under such conditions, when the reed switch 31 is closed (when it is turned on), the main control device 80 senses it. Then, the main control device 80 determines that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the normal position, and permits the input of the rice cooking operation in the rice cooking unit 1. That is, unless the reed switch 31 is turned on, the input of the second input operating means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1 is invalidated, and the rice cooking operation of the control device 50 cannot be started.

Reference numeral 156 is a fixing plate for fixing the permanent magnet 30 to the upper surface of the bottom frame 149, and is made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than iron or aluminum, for example, heat-resistant rubber.

The permanent magnet 30 is installed around the bottomed cylindrical inner pot 3 at a predetermined distance W1 from the heat-shielding shielding plate 157 that surrounds the inner pot 3 at intervals. This prevents the permanent magnet 30 from being repeatedly heated and deteriorated after long-term use.

The shielding plate 157 is the same as the one in which the bottom surface of the inner body portion 25 shown in the first embodiment is removed. In other words, the shielding plate 157 is the same in the role of making it difficult to transfer the heat of the inner pot 3 to the permanent magnet 30, and the inner body portion 25 may be provided instead of the shielding plate 157.

Next, FIG. 53 will be described.
Also in the ninth embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 and heated by the induction heating coil 14, and the induction heating cooker 10 It is possible to select the separated second usage pattern.

Reference numeral 151 denotes a general-purpose connection terminal provided so that power can be supplied from the outside when the rice cooking unit 1 is used in the second usage mode. Reference numeral 152 denotes a switching circuit for switching the connection when receiving power supply from the outside.

When power is supplied from the secondary battery stored in advance in the power supply means 6 and the control device 50 is functioning, when a specific input key of the second operation input means 12 is pressed, the control device 50 is switched. The process of switching the circuit 152 is performed. When a power of a predetermined voltage is connected to the connection terminal 151 from the outside with a connection cord or the like, the control device 50 may detect this and automatically switch the switching circuit 152.

With the above configuration, when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed and the rice cooking operation is started, the outside air is sucked from the intake port 131 from the intake port 131 as shown by the thick broken line arrow in FIG. 51 by the operation of the cooling fan 13. To.

Most of the intake air flow introduced into the induction heating cooker 10 is supplied to the induction heating coil 14 side.
As shown by the thick solid line arrow in FIG. 51, a part of the cooling air passes under the heating coil 14, and a part of the cooling air passes between the heat radiating fins 139 of the heating circuit board 138. A part of the cooling air that has passed and further branched in the middle passes through the gap directly below the heating circuit board 138. Then, these cooling airs are discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 142 provided at the rear of the lower case 132B.

As is clear from the above description, the cooking apparatus 100 of the ninth embodiment shown in FIGS. 50 to 53 has the following configuration. That is,
A box-shaped induction heating cooker 10 including a top plate 22, a heating coil 14 arranged below the top plate 22, and a first input operating means 20 for inputting heating conditions of the heating coil 14. When,
A rice cooking unit 1 including an inner pot 3 heated by the heating coil 14 and a first input operating means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions is provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 is heated by driving the heating coil 14 in a state of being placed on the top plate 20.
Inside the induction heating cooker 10, a cooling fan 13 that supplies cooling air for cooling the heating coil 14 and between the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 are used for cooking rice. An infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 for transmitting an infrared signal including control information is provided.
In the induction heating cooker 10, an outer shell is formed by vertically stacking a plastic upper lid 132A and a plastic lower case 132B having a size overlapping the upper lid 132A.
The top plate 22 is superposed and fixed on the upper lid 132A.
A partition wall 134 is integrally formed on the upper surface of the bottom of the lower case 132C, and the air passage of the cooling fan 13 is partitioned inside the induction heating cooker 10 by the partition wall 134.
The infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 is supported by the partition wall 134, and is supported by the partition wall 134.
Further, the structure is characterized in that the columns 133R1 and 133L1 that receive the load on the upper lid 132A side are vertically provided integrally with the lower case 132B.

With this configuration, in the rice cooker shown in the ninth embodiment, the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 is supported by the partition wall 134, so that the infrared signal transmitting / receiving unit 34 can be installed without increasing the number of mounting parts.

Further, since the columns 133R1 and 133L1 that receive the load on the upper lid 132A side are provided integrally with the lower case 132B, the mechanical strength of the main body case 132 that is the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is improved, and the rice cooking unit 1 can be used. It can be stably supported for a long period of time and can be expected to improve durability.

Further, since the reed switch 31 is installed in the upper part of the inner space of the partition wall 134 through which the cooling air CF (see FIG. 51) from the cooling fan 13 passes, the temperature of the atmosphere around the reed switch 31 is also low. Be kept. The partition wall 134 does not necessarily require both the right side portion 134R and the left side portion 134L extending linearly rearward. For example, the right side portion 134R may not be provided and the right side wall of the main body case 132 may be substituted.

Further, since the permanent magnets 30 are also arranged at positions where the inner pot 3 is less likely to receive high heat, it is possible to reliably perform an operation in which the reed switch 31 senses the approach of the permanent magnets. Since the permanent magnet 30 turns on the reed switch 31 only when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed directly above the induction heating cooker 10, the main control device 80 senses the ON operation of the reed switch 31. , Detects the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 in the normal position, and permits the input of the rice cooking operation in the rice cooking unit 1. That is, unless the reed switch 31 is turned on, the input of the second input operating means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1 is invalidated, and the rice cooking operation in the improperly placed state by the rice cooking unit 1 cannot be started.

Embodiment 10.
The cooking apparatus of the tenth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 54 to 58.
FIG. 54 is a front plan view of the induction cooking device of the cooking device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 55 is a control block diagram showing an internal configuration of the induction cooking device of FIG. 54. FIG. 56 is a step explanatory diagram showing the operation of weight measurement and calorie notification in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 54. FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the main control device in the induction heating cooker of the cooking device of FIG. 54. FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 54 in the calorie notification mode of the rice cooking unit 1. The description may be omitted for the parts that overlap with the first to ninth embodiments, and the same parts or the corresponding parts as those of the first to ninth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the cooking apparatus 100 according to the tenth embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 is provided with display means (such as a liquid crystal display screen and a numerical display unit using a light emitting diode) at two places, and the lid is opened and closed by the user. One of the features of each of these is that the calorie value display is devised so that it is easy to see.

Another feature is that the induction heating cooker 10 side stores weight data, calorie data, etc. calculated in the past by measurement or calculation, and can read them as appropriate.

FIG. 54 is a plan view of the front portion of the induction heating cooker 10 as in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.
In the first input operation means 20, a plurality of pressing electronic switches 41 are arranged in a horizontal row at regular intervals. As described in the first embodiment, the electronic switches 41W and 41C in the electronic switch 41 are a part of the fourth input operating means 84.

As a display means (main body side display unit) 70D, a liquid crystal display screen 70D1 and an LED display unit 70D2 are provided.
The 170U and 170D are icons that appear on the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 while the first input operation means 20 is activated. Reference numeral 171 is a display unit for an object to be cooked which constitutes a part of the liquid crystal display screen 70D1, and as shown in FIG. 54, rice and other specific names of the object to be cooked are displayed.

When the icon 171D is touched, the display unit 171 can move the specific name of the object to be cooked downward to display the name of the next item to be cooked one after another.

When the icon 171U is touched, the display unit 171 can move the specific name of the object to be cooked upward and display the name of the next object to be cooked one after another. That is, each time the two icons 170U and 170D are touched, a candidate for the name of the object to be cooked that can be selected by the user can be displayed on the display unit 171.

The 41A3 is an operation unit of the calorie notification switch 41C that calculates the amount of energy consumed by food based on the weight measured by the weight measuring means 94.
Other switch operation units 41A1, 41A2, 41A4 to 41A7 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.

The 41A8 is an operation unit of the history confirmation switch 41C, and is arranged in the first input operation means 20.
The history confirmation switch 41C calls the weight measurement data and calorie value calculation result of the following scenes in chronological order, and displays the weight measurement data and calorie value on the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 in a list format or the like. It commands the main control device 80 to do this.

FIG. 55 is a control block diagram showing an internal configuration of the induction cooking device of FIG. 54. As is clear from FIG. 55, it has a weight measuring means 94 and a main control device 80. The main control device 80 includes a calorie calculation unit 50C and a calorie storage unit 80D.

Next, FIG. 56 will be described.
FIG. 56 shows the basic steps of weight measurement and calorie notification operation of the induction heating cooker 10. In the figure, the step shown by the broken line shows the operation of the user, and the step shown by the solid line frame shows the operation of the main control device 80.

First, when the user connects the power plug 101 to the commercial power supply 71 (step SG1), power is supplied to the power supply unit 1. Since the rice cooking unit 1 is not mounted on the reed switch 31 described in the first embodiment, it remains OFF (closed).

The user may place a magnetic metal pot as an object to be heated or a plastic container that cannot be induced heated on the top plate 22, but the case where induction heating is not performed will be described below. Assuming that, for example, a plastic container containing curry is placed as one of the cooked dishes, the following description will be continued (SG2).

When power is applied to the power supply unit 72, the main power supply device 80 is activated, and the display means 70D is activated. Therefore, the liquid crystal display screen 70D1, the display unit 70D1, and the display unit 171 are activated (SG3), respectively.

Since the reed switch 31 does not turn on, the main power supply device 80 determines that it is the second usage mode, and waits for receiving the inputs of the first operation input means 20 and the fourth input operation means 84. .. The main control device 80 does not transmit the infrared signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 toward the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35.

After that, the icons 170D and 170U are touched (SG4) to display a specific name of the object to be cooked, for example, "curry" on the display unit 171 (SG5).

In this state, the main control device 80 side recognizes that the object to be cooked is curry. When the operation unit 41A3 for instructing the calorie notification is pressed (SG6), the total weight including the curry and the plastic container is measured. Then, the measured weight data is temporarily stored in the storage means 80R (SG7).

Here, when the user takes out a part of the curry from the plastic container to a plate or the like, the total weight including the plastic container is reduced by that amount. Here, if the operation unit 41A3 instructing the calorie conversion is pressed again (SG8), the total weight including the curry and the plastic container is measured by the weight measuring means 94 (second measurement). Then, the measurement result is temporarily stored in the storage means 80R (SG9).

The main control device 80 compares the weight measurement value at the step SG7 with the weight measurement value at the step SG9 with respect to the calorie calculation unit 80C, and sets the difference as the “net weight”. Instruct and instruct to perform calorie conversion processing corresponding to the net weight. Then, the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 80C is notified by the notification means 70, and the calorie value is stored in the calorie storage unit (SG10).

The calorie value calculated in step SG10 is specifically displayed as a number or the like on the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 of the display means 70D.

Further, when the operation unit 41A2 of the electronic switch 41W for instructing the weight measurement means 94 to measure the weight is operated in the step SG6, only the weight measurement result is displayed in the step SG10 and the calorie value is displayed. Absent.

As is clear from the above description, also in the tenth embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 can be heated by the heating coil 14 in a state of being placed on the induction heating cooker 10, and the first usage mode described above. The induction heating cooker 10 and the separated second usage pattern can be selected.

When the weight is measured only by the induction heating cooker 10 without using the rice cooking unit 1 and the calorie conversion value is notified, the calorie notification switch 41C is the weight measuring means 94 and the calorie calculation unit (calculation processing means). ) Corresponds to the fourth input operation means 84 that gives a command of the calorie conversion operation to 80C.

The "calorie notification mode" of the rice cooking unit 1 in the first embodiment was configured not to be started unless the rice cooking step and the unevenness step were completed, but in the tenth embodiment, the "calorie notification mode" of the induction heating cooker 10 was set. The "calorie notification mode" is started immediately by operating the operation unit 41A3 of the calorie notification switch 41C.

Therefore, before the induction heating by the heating coil 14, the measured object (foodstuff before cooking, the object to be cooked during cooking, etc.) placed on the top plate 22 is placed, and the calorie notification switch 41C is turned on. By operating, the weight of the object to be measured can be known.

Further, if the calorie notification switch 41C is operated again after the weight measurement, the calorie conversion value can be immediately displayed on the display unit 171.

Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, the range of usage can be expanded, such as cooking with only the induction heating cooker 10 or only measuring the weight without cooking.
It is also possible to use it only for weight measurement without cooking. For example, by pressing the operation unit 41A1 of the electronic switch 41M (first input operation means) (not shown) for menu selection, a menu called "scale" can be selected. If this is selected, for example, sugar in a container or bag can be placed on the top plate 22 and its weight can be measured. Therefore, it is convenient because the weight of ingredients such as meat, water, seasonings, etc. can be measured and prepared in advance.

The main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 divides the rice cooking unit 1 into a period in which the rice cooking unit 1 is in the "first usage mode" and a period in which the rice cooking unit 1 is in the "second usage mode", and divides the rice cooking unit 1 into a first. In response to the command from the input operation means 18C and 49 of No. 3, the data obtained by measuring the weight of rice before cooking rice and the data of the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 80C form a part of the main control device 80. The operation of storing in the storage means 80R is performed.

Therefore, the data obtained by measuring the weight of rice and the data of the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 80C are changed between the period in the "first usage pattern" and the "second usage pattern". It is stored in two sections, the period until the time when the "first usage pattern" is restored again.

In addition, the data of measuring the weight of rice and the data of the calorie value calculated by the calorie calculation unit 50C are in several units such as 24 hours (1 day) unit, 1 week (7 days) unit, 30 day unit, etc. The totaled result is specified in the control operation program of the main control device 80 so that it is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 70D1 and also notified by the voice notification means 70V.

When the user presses the operation key 41C once, it is used in units of one day, when it is pressed twice in a short time for one week, when it is pressed for several seconds (long press), it is used in units of 30 days, and so on. According to the wishes of the person, the total weight of the cooked rice and the total calorie value are notified. When the main control device 80 receives a command to confirm the result in units of one week or 30 days, the average value data per day may be notified.

The operation of such a main control device 80 will be described next with reference to FIG. 57.
Step SQ1 corresponds to step S6 of FIG. 11 of the first embodiment. In this step SQ1, an infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 of the induction heating cooker 10, the presence / absence of a response signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 of the rice cooking unit 1 is detected, and the rice cooking unit 1 is placed. The position is determined. Also, the counting of the elapsed time TR is started.

As shown in the first and second embodiments, the rice cooking unit 1 is installed by means of combining a reed switch 31 and a permanent magnet 30 installed at predetermined positions, an IC tag 103 and a reader (IC tag information reading unit) 104. It may be a step of confirming the position and checking the relative position between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10.

When the determination of "No" is made in step SQ1, the rice cooking unit 1 changes from the "first usage mode" placed on the induction heating cooker 10 to the "second usage mode". What has been done can be detected by the main control device 80.

Next step In step SQ2, the operation of the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 is stopped.
In the next step SQ3, the weight measurement result of the rice before cooking the rice performed by the rice cooking unit 1 during the period in the "first usage pattern" and the result calculated by the calorie calculation unit 50C are stored in the storage means 80R. Move from the primary storage area to the long-term storage area and store it. At this time, the weight data and the calorie value data from the measured date and time are arranged in chronological order and stored separately.

In the next step SQ4, since the "first usage mode" has changed to the "second usage mode", a process of invalidating the input command operation from the first operation input means 20 (in the first embodiment). (See S7 in FIG. 11) is released. This makes it possible to control the induction heating cooker 10 from the first operation input means 20.

In the next step SQ5, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the step SQ1 exceeds the TR for a certain period of time. This time TR is, for example, about 3 minutes to 10 minutes. This is the grace period until the user uses the induction heating cooker 10. If the user does not operate the first operation input means 20 at all during this time TR, the determination result in step SQ7 becomes "No", and the process proceeds from step SQ5 to step SQ6. Then, the main power supply is automatically shut off to end the series of operations. That is, since there is a possibility that the user has forgotten to use it during TR for a certain period of time, the operation is forcibly stopped for safety.

On the other hand, if the user operates even one of the operation keys 41A1 to 41A8 in the first operation input means 20 during the time TR, the determination result in step SQ7 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SQ8. After that, the operation of the induction heating cooker 10 can be continued.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device of the rice cooking unit of the cooking device of FIG. 54. Hereinafter, FIG. 58 will be described in detail.

FIG. 58 shows a part of the control operation of the control device 50 in the calorie notification mode of the rice cooking unit 1. The control device 50 has a control program that performs steps SN1 to SN9.

First, in step SN1, when a calorie conversion value based on the weight of rice is received from the calorie calculation unit 50C, counting of the elapsed time from that time is started.

Next, it is determined whether or not the lid opening sensor 93 has detected the opening of the lid 1B (step SN2). When the user arranges the rice inside the inner pot 3 on his tableware or the like, the lid 1B is normally closed after that, but there are individual differences in the closing timing, and the lid may not be closed immediately.

If the lid opening sensor 93 detects that the lid 1B is still open, in that case, the process proceeds to step SN3, and the second display screen arranged on the front side of the rice cooking unit 1 The calorie value is displayed on 11B.

Since the second display screen 11B is provided for displaying toward the front of the rice cooking unit 1, the user can use the second display screen 11B for calories even if the lid 1B is open. You can check the value.

After that, the process proceeds to the next step SN4, and the calorie conversion result is notified by voice by the voice notification means 90V.

When the lid 1B is open, the lid 1B is normally in a vertical state so that the second input operating means 12 side is behind the lid 1B when viewed from the user. Therefore, it is difficult to operate the second input operation means 12 in this state. However, since the calorie calculation key 18C, which is the third input operation means, is on the front side of the rice cooking unit 1, it is easy for the user to operate it again.

In this way, when the calorie calculation key 18C is operated again, the step SN5 is determined to be "Yes", and the calorie value is displayed on all the display screens (first and second display screens 11A and 11B). Erase (step SN6). Then, the process proceeds to the calorie calculation processing step.

On the other hand, if the determination result is that the lid opening sensor 93 has not detected the opening of the lid 1B in step SN2, the process proceeds to step SN7. If the user arranges the rice inside the inner pot 3 on his / her tableware and closes the lid 1B immediately after that, the lid 1B may be closed before the calorie calculation result is obtained.

If the lid opening sensor 93 detects that the lid 1B is in the closed state, step SN2 is determined to be "No". In that case, the process proceeds to step SN7 and the upper surface of the rice cooking unit 1 is set. The calorie value is displayed on the first display screen 11A arranged on the side.

When the lid 1B is closed, the lid 1B has returned to the horizontal state, so if there is a user near the rice cooking unit 1, it is not possible to check the calorie value on the first display screen 11A. It's easy. Then, the process proceeds to step SN4, and the calorie conversion result is announced by voice by the voice notification means 90V.

In the tenth embodiment, the control device 50 has a configuration that limits the time for displaying the calorie value by the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B.
Specifically, with the lid 1B still open, there is a high possibility that the calorie calculation key 18C will be operated again. Further, when the lid 1B is closed, there is a high possibility that the calorie notification switch 49 will be operated again.

However, if neither the calorie calculation key 18C nor the calorie notification switch 49 continues to be operated, the process proceeds from step SN5 to step SN8, and if the elapsed time from step SN1 does not exceed the "time limit", step SN2 is performed again. The operation is to return to. In step SN4, the voice notification is not performed twice within the time limit, so that the cycle returns to step SN5 again without voice notification.

The "time limit" is set to, for example, 30 seconds at the maximum. This time may be sufficient for the user to confirm the calorie notification result, and is actually about 10 seconds.

If it is determined in step SN8 that the "time limit" has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SN9, and the calorie values on all the display screens (first and second display screens 11A and 11B) are the same as in step SN6. Turn off the display of.

Although not shown in FIG. 54, the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B are programs that display calorie values exclusively to each other.
That is, when the control device 50 displays the calorie value on the first display screen 11A, if the calorie value is displayed on the second display screen 11B at that time, the display is turned off. I do.

Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, in the control device 50, the display position that is considered to be easily visible to the user is selectively switched in the open / closed state of the lid 1B. Therefore, the unnecessary display is stopped and the necessary display is performed, which improves the convenience of the user. When the display of the calorie value is stopped, it can be expected that the power of the display screen itself is cut off to contribute to power saving.

As is clear from the above description, in the tenth embodiment, the fourth invention is carried out with the following configuration. That is,
Induction heating cooker 10 with top plate 22 and
A rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 is provided.
In the induction heating cooker 10, the heating coil 14 that induces and heats the inner pot 3, the first input operating means 20 that sets the energization conditions of the heating coil 14, and the rice cooking unit 1 are placed at reference positions. A weight measuring means 94 for measuring the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 and an arithmetic processing means 80C for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value are provided.
The rice cooking unit 1 has a lid 1B that opens and closes the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to be openable and closable, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, and the weight measuring means for measuring the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1. The third input operation means 18C and 49 instructing the measurement in 94, the notification means 90 for notifying the calculation result of the calculation processing means 50C by the calorie value, and the lid 1B after the completion of the rice cooking process. Upon receiving a command from the lid opening sensor 93 that detects whether or not it is in the open state, the second input operating means 12, and the third input operating means 20, the arithmetic processing means 50C and the notification means 90 are subjected to commands. A control device 50 that controls and controls the rice cooking process is provided.
The notification means 90 has a first display screen 11A arranged on the upper part of the lid for displaying toward the upper side of the rice cooking unit 1, and the rice cooking unit for displaying toward the front of the rice cooking unit 1. It has a second display screen 11B arranged in front of 1 and has a second display screen 11B.
When the third input operating means 18C and 49 are operated, the control device 50 displays the second display screen 11B in a state where the lid opening sensor 93 detects the opening of the lid 1B. The calorie value is displayed, and when the closure of the lid 1B is detected by the lid opening sensor 93, the calorie value is displayed on the first display screen 11A.

Further, the control device 50 displays the calorie value on the second display screen 11B in a state where the opening of the lid 1B is detected by the lid opening sensor 93, and then the lid opening sensor 93. When the lid body 1B is changed to the state in which the closure is detected, the display of the calorie value on the second display screen 11B is stopped, and the calorie value is displayed on the first display screen 11A.

Further, the control device 50 has a configuration that limits the time for displaying the calorie value by the first display screen and the second display screen.

Further, in the tenth embodiment, the fifth invention is carried out with the following configuration.
That is,
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on the top and
A rice cooking unit 1 having an inner pot 3 built in and used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 is provided.
In the induction heating cooker 10, the heating coil 14 for inductively heating the inner pot 3, the first input operating means 20 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14, and the rice cooking unit 1 are placed at reference positions. In this case, the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 is measured, and when the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed, the weight measuring means 94 for measuring the weight of the object to be heated placed on the top plate 22 and the weight measuring means 94. An arithmetic processing means 80C that converts the weight of cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means 94 into a calorie value, a fourth input operating means 84 that gives an operation command to the weight measuring means 94 and the arithmetic processing means 80C, and a main body. With a side display,
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a lid 1B whose rear portion is rotatably supported by a hinge portion to open and close the upper surface opening of the inner pot 3 so as to be openable and closable, a second input operating means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions, and the rice cooking unit 1. The arithmetic processing means 80C calculated by the inputs of the third input operating means 18C and 49 and the third input operating means 18C and 49 instructing the weight measuring means 94 to measure the weight of the unit 3. A notification means 90 for notifying the calorie value, and a control device 50 for receiving commands from the second input operation means 12 and the third input operation means 18C and 49 and controlling the rice cooking process, respectively, are provided.
The notification means 90 has a display screen 11A.
When the third input operating means 18C and 49 are operated, the control device 50 displays the calorie value on the display screen 11A.
In the induction heating cooker 10, when the fourth input operating means 84 is operated in a state where the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed, the weight of the object to be heated measured by the weight measuring means or the weight thereof. At least one of the calorie values corresponding to the above is displayed on the main body side display unit 70D.

Therefore, according to this configuration, the induction heating cooker 10 side can notify the weight of the object to be cooked or the calorie value according to the weight independently of the rice cooking unit 1, which is convenient.

Embodiment 11.
The cooking apparatus of the eleventh embodiment is shown in FIGS. 59 to 60.
FIG. 59 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part on the left side of the induction heating cooker of the cooking apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 60 is a step explanatory view showing a basic operation in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 59. The description may be omitted for the parts that overlap with the first to tenth embodiments, and the same parts or the corresponding parts as those of the first to tenth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 59, reference numeral 31 denotes a reed switch, which is fixed on a dedicated mounting plate 155. The mounting plate 155 is fixed to the upper surface of the partition wall 134 (curved portion 134C). The reed switch 31 is arranged at the uppermost part inside the upper lid 132A.

A gap G2 having a width W2 of about several mm to 20 mm is secured between the left side surface of the partition wall 134 and the lower case 132B.

Further, a reed switch 31 is installed in the upper part of the space on the left side of the partition wall 134 through which the cooling air CF from the cooling fan 13 passes. The reed switch 31 has an elongated tubular external shape, but is installed so that the longitudinal direction thereof is the front-rear direction.

The cooling air CF does not directly flow around the reed switch 31 as in the ninth embodiment. However, it was isolated from the lower surface of the heat-resistant prestic bottom frame 149 by the wall 172H integrally formed in a wall shape along the directly above the partition plate 134 with the first air passage SH1 of the blower 13. A reed switch 31 is arranged in the space. Therefore, the temperature of the atmosphere of the reed switch 31 is also kept low.

Further, since the permanent magnets 30 are also arranged at positions where the inner pot 3 is less likely to receive high heat, it is possible to ensure that the reed switch 31 senses the approach of the permanent magnets 30. The permanent magnet 30 turns on the reed switch 31 only when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed directly above the induction heating cooker 10.

Since there is a gap S communicating with the outside by the wall surface opening 149H right next to the reed switch 31 installed, the temperature rise in the upper space of the reed switch 31 is also suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent functional deterioration and failure of the permanent magnet 136 and the reed switch 31.

Reference numeral 156 is a fixing plate for fixing the permanent magnet 30 to the upper surface of the bottom frame 149, and is made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than iron or aluminum, for example, heat-resistant rubber.

Further, since the mounting plate 155 is sandwiched between the wall 172 and the partition wall 134 and the mounting plate 155 is installed, the number of fixing parts of the mounting plate 155 can be omitted or reduced, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost.

Next, FIG. 60 will be described. What is shown in FIG. 60 shows a part of the operation steps of the induction heating cooker 10. Since it corresponds to the operation step of FIG. 11 of the first embodiment, the same parts as those of FIG. 11 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The operation steps are shown by S1 to S8 and S9A to S12A.
First, when the power plug 101 is connected to the commercial power supply 71, power is supplied to the power supply unit 73 (S1).

Then, even if the user does not operate the first operation input means 20 or the second operation input means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the main control device 80 has the rice cooking unit 1 placed in the correct position. For example, since the reed switch 31 is turned on (closed), it is checked whether or not the reed switch 31 is turned on (S1A).

When the reed switch 31 is ON, a current of a predetermined voltage is supplied to the main control device 80. Therefore, when the current signal is received, the main control device 80 determines "Yes" in step S1A.

Then, the infrared temperature sensor 5B and other current sensors (not shown) start self-checking whether or not there is any abnormality in the internal components of the induction heating cooker 10 (S3).

If there is no abnormality, the main controller 80 starts the operation of the cooling fan 13 in the "weak" mode (S3). After that, the power transmission coil 17 is further driven to start supplying a predetermined electric power. The notification means 70 is also activated (S4).

At this stage, the main control device 80 is energized via the reed switch 31 because the reed switch 31 is turned on. From the signal generated by this energization, it can be seen that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position in the main control device 80. Therefore, the main control device 80 transmits an infrared signal from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 toward the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 (S5).

After that, since the response signal is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 side, the first reference position determination means 33 indicates that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at the correct position in response to the response signal. Final confirmation (S6). If there is no predetermined response signal instantly after the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 34 transmits the infrared signal to the infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35, it means that the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed in the correct position. Alternatively, an abnormality such as a case where the cooking liquid from the previous cooking drips and sticks to the upper surface of the window 37 as dirt and interferes with infrared communication is assumed. In any of these cases, error processing is performed on the main control device 80 side.

Since operation data, temperature data, and the like are exchanged between the two infrared signal transmission / reception units 35 and 36 even during the rice cooking operation, the rice cooking operation is not permitted even if the window 37 is dirty. If the reference position determination result is NG in step S6, the process proceeds to the abnormality handling step as described in FIG. 16 of the first embodiment.

In the next step S7, the main control device 80 performs a process of invalidating the generation of the input command signal from the first operation input means 20.

If it cannot be detected in step S1A that the reed switch 31 is ON, the main control device 80 determines that the rice cooking unit 1 is not mounted, and proceeds to step S8. Then, the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V notifies that the induction cooking can be performed from now on.

In the next step S9A, the measurement of the elapsed time is started. Then, when either the first input operation means 20 or the fourth input operation means 84 is operated, it is determined that there is an operation signal, and the process proceeds to the next step S11A.

In step S11A, high-frequency power is supplied from the inverter circuit 73 to the heating coil 14. Further, the cooling fan 13 is also changed to the operation of the "strong" mode, and thereafter, the process proceeds to the process of induction heating.

On the other hand, in step S10A, when 3 minutes have passed without any operation of any of the first input operating means 20 and the fourth input operating means 84, the power supply unit 73 is automatically shut off for safety. If there is no operation signal, the cycle of proceeding from step S10A to S13A and returning to step S10A is repeated, but in step S13A in the middle of the cycle, the elapsed time during which the measurement was started from the time of step S8 is repeated. When it reaches 3 minutes, the power supply unit 73 is shut off.

As described above, in the eleventh embodiment, when the induction heating cooker 10 is started to be used, the first operation input means 20 and the second operation input means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1 do not need to be operated. The main control device 80 detects ON (closed) or OFF of the reed switch 31, immediately determines the state in which the rice cooking unit 1 is not mounted, and proceeds to the process of induction cooking.

Other embodiments and modifications.
In the first and second embodiments, the reference position determination means 33 is an infrared signal transmission 34 on the induction heating cooker 10 side and an infrared signal transmission / reception unit 35 on the rice cooking unit 1 side. Then, the infrared signal is first transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side, the response of the infrared signal from the rice cooking unit 1 side is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the placement position of the rice cooking unit 1 is in the reference position. Although it was a method, it is not necessary to adopt a form in which information is transmitted by infrared signals separately from both directions in this way. For example, an infrared signal may be first transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side, and the state of the reflected light may be determined on the induction heating cooker 10 side.

In the first to eleventh embodiments, a basic rice cooking control operation program (computer software) capable of executing the rice cooking operation is stored in the storage means 50R of the control device 50 on the rice cooking unit 1 side, and the operation program (computer software) for executing the rice cooking operation is used. Although the rice was cooked, it is not always necessary to prepare an operation program that can autonomously execute the rice cooking operation on the rice cooking unit side. In that case, a rice cooking control operation program (computer software) is stored in the main control device 80 on the induction heating cooker 10 side, and the induction heating coil 14 is controlled by using this operation program to cook rice (preheat). , Rice cooking, unevenness) In order to execute the operation and judge the progress of the rice cooking process, control data such as the temperature of the inner pot 3 may be acquired from the rice cooking unit 1 side at any time by an infrared signal.

Although the first communication unit CT1 and the second communication unit CT2 have been described as separate hardware in each embodiment, they may be configured by a common one. For example, the infrared signal receiving unit 34R and the infrared signal transmitting unit 34S may be configured by the same hardware.

The calorie notification switch 49 and the calorie calculation key 18C were push-button switches in the first embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a touch-type switch such as an "icon" whose operation surface is displayed in the first display screen 11A and the second display screen 11B may be used. Further, touch-type switches arranged at positions in the vicinity of the first and second display screens 11A and 11B, such as the portion directly beside the screens, may be used.

Further, it was explained that the third input operation means is to instruct to convert the weight of the cooked rice (cooked rice) into a calorie value and notify the notification. In the description of each embodiment, when the operation key 18C issues a command, the total weight of the rice cooking unit 1 is measured in order to measure the weight of the rice, and the energy consumption amount is based on the subsequently measured weight of the rice. Will command a series of operations to convert.

Further, when the calorie notification switch 49 is pressed, the control device 50 is set to the "calorie notification mode" thereafter. The control device 50 is set to a "calorie notification mode" in which the weight of rice is measured, the amount of energy is calculated, and the calorie value is notified in sequence.

In this way, no matter which of the one operation key 18C and the calorie notification switch 49 is operated, two operations of weight measurement and calorie conversion are instructed, but the operation of measuring the weight of rice after the completion of rice cooking is performed. The key and the operation key for instructing calorie conversion and notification may be separate. Alternatively, by pressing the same operation key twice, weight measurement and calorie notification may be individually (stepwise) instructed.

Further, as shown in the first and second embodiments, the rice cooking unit is a combination of a reed switch 31 and a permanent magnet 30 installed at a predetermined position, an IC tag 103 and a reader (IC tag information reading unit) 104. Even if the installation position of 1 is confirmed and only the information transmission of "weight measurement data and calorie value conversion data" between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 is performed by the infrared signal transmission / reception units 34 and 35. good. Since the induction heating cooker 10 uses high-frequency power to generate an alternating magnetic field, there is a concern that it may affect wireless communication as electrical noise, and in this respect as well, communication using infrared signals is advantageous.

Further, in the first to eleventh embodiments, the window 37 is formed in the portion where the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 overlap, and in the portion closest to each other, and the infrared signal is transmitted. It is expected that communication can be realized in close contact or in a close environment without being affected by ambient light such as visible light or sunlight, and signal transmission can be ensured.
The first input operating means 20 may be provided with an infrared transmission hole, and the infrared signal may be transmitted to the rice cooking unit 1 through the transmission hole. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the transparent holes while avoiding the button (key) portion or the touch switch portion that the user presses.

Further, the rice cooking unit 1 may also be provided with a wireless communication module similar to the wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) 26 described in the first embodiment, as adopted in the fourth embodiment.

Then, in the second usage mode, the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 may be wirelessly communicated with each other. With this configuration, if the rice cooking unit 1 side and the induction heating cooker 10 are configured, the induction heating cooker 10 can generate data on the calorie content of rice according to the weight measured by the weight measuring means 94. It can be obtained from the calorie calculation unit 50C of 1 each time and stored in the internal storage medium, and the calorie intake of rice on a daily or weekly basis can be grasped on the induction cooking cooker 10 side.

Further, in the first to eighth embodiments, tenth and eleventh embodiments, the induction heating cooker 10 has the rear vertical portion 16, so that when the cooking utensils such as various ordinary pots and frying pans are induced to be heated, the rear vertical portion is provided. 16 guards the back side, and has a configuration capable of preventing those cooking utensils from falling backward. However, in carrying out the present invention, the rear vertical portion 16 is not essential. That is, the induction heating cooker 10 may have an outer shape in which the entire upper surface is flat. Specifically, the ninth embodiment is one example.

That is, in the first to eighth embodiments, the rice cooking unit 1 covers the upper part of the first input operating means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10. ..

However, in the ninth embodiment, the rice cooking unit 1 covers not only the upper surface of the first input operating means 20 but also the entire upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10.

As described above, when the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 are formed so as to have the same or similar planar external dimensions, the occupied area on the kitchen furniture or the dining table can be minimized. Further, when the rear vertical portion 16 as shown in the first embodiment is deleted, the induction heating cooker 10 may have a planar shape of, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a square shape, or a rectangular shape. If the flat outer shape / outer diameter of the induction heating cooker 10 and the outer shape / outer shape of the rice cooking unit 1 are the same or similar, the first usage mode (induction heating cooker 10). In (the rice cooking unit is placed on the top), the entire upper surface of the induction heating cooker including the first input operating means 20 can be easily covered by the rice cooking unit 1.

The cooking apparatus according to the present invention can be widely used not only in the kitchen of a general house but also in a kitchen such as a public facility or a store.

1 Rice cooking unit, 1A body, 1B lid, 1H notch (opening), 1P protrusion, 2 legs, 3 inner pot, 4 weight sensor, 4S distortion sensor, 5 inner pot temperature detection means, 5A thermistor, 5B Infrared temperature sensor, 5C temperature sensor, 6 power supply means, 7 power receiving coil, 8 lid open / close button, 9A lid heating means, 9B inner pot side heating means, 10 induction heating cooker, 10A main body case, 11 display means, 11A 1st display screen, 11B 2nd display screen, 12 2nd input operation means, 13 cooling fan, 13M fan motor, 13C fan case, 14 inductive heating coil, 15 outside air temperature detection means, 16 rear vertical part, 17 Transmission coil, 18 operation unit (third input operation means), 18A operation key, 19 magnetic shield plate, 20 first input operation means, 20S detection unit, 21 protrusion (convex), 22 top plate, 22A inclined part , 22L step part, 22T peripheral part, 23 inner lid, 24 sealing packing, 25 inner body, 26 wireless communication module (wireless communication part), 27 support plate, 28 windows, 29 windows, 30 permanent magnets, 31 mounting Detection sensor (reed switch), 32 support board, 33 first reference position determination means, 34 infrared signal transmitter / receiver, 34C communication control unit, 34R infrared signal receiver, 34S infrared signal transmitter, 35 infrared signal transmitter / receiver, 36A 1st signal processing unit, 36B 2nd signal processing unit, 37, 38 windows, 39 bottom plate, 40 support board, 41 electronic switch, 41C electronic switch for calorie notification (fourth input operating means), 41W weight measurement Electronic switch (fourth input operation means), 42 circuit board, 43 protective sheet, 44 through hole, 45 support frame, 46 through hole, 47 second reference position determination means, 48 person detection sensor, 49 calorie notification Switch, 50 controller, 50C calorie calculation unit, 50D calorie storage unit, 50R storage means, 50T timing means, 51 hinge shaft, 56 wireless communication module (wireless communication unit), 60 rice type display unit, 61 hardness display unit, 62 Menu display, 63 Rice type switch, 64 Hardness switch, 65 Menu switch, 66 OFF / heat retention Switch, 67 Rice cooking switch, 68 Reservation switch, 69 Time switch, 70 Notification means, 70D display means (main unit side display), 70V voice notification means, 71 Commercial power supply, 72 Power supply unit, 73 Inverter circuit, 74 Top plate temperature detection Means, 75 heat retention switch, 76 voice navigation switch, 77 power saving switch, 78 health information display switch, 79 input cancel switch, 80 main controller, 80R storage means, 80T timing means, 81 power priority information, 82 boiling process display Information, 84 4th input operation means, 90V voice notification means, 91 short-range wireless communication unit, 92 support legs, 92S inclined surface, 93 lid open sensor, 94 weight measurement means, 95 power supply unit (secondary battery), 96 Partition plate, 96A through hole, 97 room, 98 vent, 99 wind direction plate, 100 cooking device, 101 power plug, 102 power cord, 103 IC tag, 104 reader (IC tag information reader), 105 support leg , 106 protrusion (fitting part), 107 vent, 108 lower space, 109 support plate, 109A hole, 110 power meter, 111 power line, 112 router, 113 external engine, 114 communication network, 115 information communication terminal Equipment, 120 touch keys, 121 operation start switch, 122 steam discharger, 123 recess, 124 lid, 125 hinge shaft, 126 steam discharge hole, 127 water inlet, 128 measurement indicator key, 129 water volume display, 129A indicator (figure) , 130 Cooling fan, 131 intake port, 132 main body case, 132A upper lid, 132B lower case, 132H opening, 133 columns, 134 partition wall, 135 support board, 136 support frame, 137 convex part, 138 heating circuit board, 139 heat dissipation fins (Inverter), 140 support convex part, 141 sheet (plate), 142 exhaust port, 143 temperature detection circuit, 144 signal line, 145 control circuit board, 146 support convex part, 148 upper case, 148H wall opening, 149 bottom frame , 150 through hole, 151 connection terminal, 152 switching circuit, 155 mounting plate, 156 fixing plate, 157 shielding plate, 170D icon, 170U Icon, 171 food display, 172 wall, 194 weight measuring means, 200 integrated management device (power command device), 201 separation sensor, AD power strip, BK breaker, CT1 first communication unit, CT2 second Communication unit, HA living space, HZ maximum outer peripheral range, S gap, SH1 first air passage, SS gap, G1 facing distance.

Claims (44)

It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing that the rice is converted into a calorie value and notified, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and the calorie value of the cooked rice being notified. A second communication unit and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner are provided.
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker obtains information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means in the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
The rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value by the calculation processing means from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side, and notifies the calculation result by the notification means.
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. .. It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. Is converted into a calorie value and notified, a third input operation means, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and power is received from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner. Equipped with a power receiving coil, respectively
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker generates calorie conversion information based on the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means. Outgoing from the first communication unit
The rice cooking unit notifies the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side by the notification means.
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. .. It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing the measurement of rice, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner, respectively. Prepare,
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the first communication unit receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit, the induction heating cooker provides information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means to the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
Further, when the calorie notification command is issued by the third input operation means, the rice cooking unit does not accept the input from the specific input key in the second input operation means, and is included in the notification means. The calorie value is displayed on the display screen
The rice cooking unit further includes a control device that receives a command from the second input operating means, receives a calorie notification command from the third input operating means, and controls the notification means.
The induction heating cooker further includes a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil in response to a command from the first input operating means.
The control device and the main control device transmit control information between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.
The lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker. .. The rice cooking unit is further provided with an inner pot side heating means for heating the inner pot.
The claim is characterized in that, in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the inner pot side heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil. The cooking apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3. The rice cooking unit is further provided with a power supply means having a function of storing electric power.
When the rice cooking unit is separated from the top of the induction heating cooker, at least one of the lid heating means and the inner pot side heating means is supplied with electric power from the power feeding means. The cooking apparatus according to claim 4. The notification means of the rice cooking unit includes a first display screen and a second display screen.
The first display screen is installed on the lid so as to face upward of the rice cooking unit, and the second display screen is installed on the front surface of the rice cooking unit so as to face forward. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The notification means of the rice cooking unit includes the first display screen arranged on the upper part of the lid for displaying toward the upper side of the rice cooking unit, and the rice cooking for displaying toward the front of the rice cooking unit. It has the second display screen arranged at the front of the unit, and has.
The third input operation means is located in the vicinity of the first display screen or within the range of the first display screen, and in the vicinity of the second display screen or within the range of the second display screen. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cooking apparatus is provided at each location. The notification means of the rice cooking unit includes the first display screen arranged on the upper part of the lid for displaying toward the upper side of the rice cooking unit, and the rice cooking for displaying toward the front of the rice cooking unit. It has the second display screen arranged at the front of the unit, and has.
The third input operation means is located in the vicinity of the first display screen or within the range of the first display screen, and in the vicinity of the second display screen or within the range of the second display screen. It is provided in each place,
When the third input operating means on the first display screen side is operated, the control device of the rice cooking unit displays the calorie value on the first display screen, and the second display screen. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the third input operating means on the display screen side of the above is operated, the calorie value is displayed on the second display screen. It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing that the rice is converted into a calorie value and notified, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and the calorie value of the cooked rice being notified. A second communication unit and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner are provided.
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker obtains information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means in the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
The rice cooking unit calculates a calorie value by the calculation processing means from the weight measurement data of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side, and notifies the calculation result by the notification means.
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. , A heating cooking apparatus characterized in that a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed. It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. Is converted into a calorie value and notified, a third input operation means, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and power is received from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner. Equipped with a power receiving coil, respectively
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the induction heating cooker receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit in the first communication unit, the induction heating cooker generates calorie conversion information based on the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means. Outgoing from the first communication unit
The rice cooking unit notifies the calorie conversion information of the cooked rice transmitted from the induction heating cooker side by the notification means.
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. , A heating cooking apparatus characterized in that a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed. It is equipped with an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit that is placed on the induction heating cooker and has a built-in inner pot.
The induction heating cooker measures the weights of the heating coil that induces and heats the inner pot, the first input operating means for setting the energization condition of the heating coil, the first communication unit, and the rice cooking unit. It is provided with a weight measuring means, an arithmetic processing means for converting the weight of the cooked rice measured by the weight measuring means into a calorie value, and a feeding coil for supplying power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit includes a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot, a lid heating means for heating the lid, a second input operating means for setting rice cooking conditions, and a weight of cooked rice. A third input operation means for instructing the measurement of rice, a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a second communication unit, and a power receiving coil that receives power from the power feeding coil in a non-contact manner, respectively. Prepare,
When the third input operating means is operated, the rice cooking unit transmits a calorie notification command from the second communication unit.
When the first communication unit receives the calorie notification command of the second communication unit, the induction heating cooker provides information indicating the weight of the rice cooking unit measured by the weight measuring means to the first communication unit. Call from the communication department
Further, when the calorie notification command is issued by the third input operation means, the rice cooking unit does not accept the input from the specific input key in the second input operation means, and is included in the notification means. The calorie value is displayed on the display screen
A window for passing infrared signals for the first communication unit and the second communication unit is formed on the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the opposite portion of the induction heating cooker.
In a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the lid heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil.
During the rice cooking process, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and when it is determined that the rice cooking unit is not at a predetermined reference position, it depends on the progress of the rice cooking process. , A heating cooking apparatus characterized in that a process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed. The rice cooking unit is further provided with an inner pot side heating means for heating the inner pot.
The claim is characterized in that, in a state where the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker, the inner pot side heating means is driven by the electric power received from the power feeding coil by the power receiving coil. The cooking apparatus according to any one of 9 to 11. The rice cooking unit is further provided with a power supply means having a function of storing electric power.
When the rice cooking unit is separated from the top of the induction heating cooker, at least one of the lid heating means and the inner pot side heating means is supplied with electric power from the power feeding means. The cooking apparatus according to claim 12. When the rice cooking unit is changed from the state where it is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker to the state where it is not placed, the lid body heating means and the inner pot side heating means only the electric power of the power feeding means. The cooking apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the cooked rice is supplied. The notification means has a display screen.
The cooking according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the display screen displays the time during which the rice cooking unit can be kept warm when the rice cooking unit is removed from the top of the induction heating cooker. apparatus. The notification means has a display screen.
The cooking apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the display screen displays a storage state of the power feeding means or a time required for charging to be completed. It includes an induction heating cooker provided with a first input operating means, and a rice cooking unit provided with a second input operating means for inputting rice cooking conditions, which is detachably placed on the induction heating cooker. ,
In the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit, the weight of the inner pot heated by the heating coil of the induction heating cooker is measured in a state where the rice cooking unit is placed on the induction heating cooker. Equipped with a weight measuring means,
The induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit are provided with an infrared communication unit and an infrared communication unit for transmitting control information between the two.
The rice cooking unit is in an open state with a notification means for notifying the calorie value of the cooked rice and a lid for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the inner pot heated by the heating coil after the completion of the rice cooking process. It is further equipped with a lid opening sensor that detects the presence or absence and a human detection sensor that detects the presence of the user.
The rice cooking unit has a control program of "rice cooking mode" and "calorie notification mode".
In the "calorie notification mode", the input operation by the user is effective when the rice cooking unit is correctly placed on the induction heating cooker and when the human detection sensor detects a person. A cooking device characterized by that. 17. The induction heating cooker is further provided with a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting the data of the weight measurement result measured by the weight measurement means in the "calorie notification mode" to the outside. The cooking apparatus described in. The cooking apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the "calorie notification mode" is a calorie calculation according to the type of rice input by the user by the second input operation means. The induction heating cooker further includes a power supply coil for supplying electric power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit is further provided with a lid heating means for heating the lid and a power receiving coil that receives electric power from the feeding coil in a non-contact manner, according to any one of claims 17 to 19. The cooking apparatus described in. The rice cooking unit is further provided with a control device for controlling the notification means.
The cooking apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the notification means and the control device are operated by electric power obtained by the power receiving coil. It is provided with an induction heating cooker having a top plate on the upper surface and a rice cooking unit having a built-in inner pot used by being placed close to or in contact with the top plate.
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for inductively heating the inner pot and a first input operating means for setting energization conditions for the heating coil.
The rice cooking unit includes a notification means for notifying the calorie value of cooked rice, a control device for determining rice cooking conditions by receiving input from a second input operation means, an infrared communication unit, and an opening on the upper surface of the inner pot. It is equipped with a lid opening sensor that detects whether the lid that can be opened and closed is open.
The rice cooking unit has a control program of "rice cooking mode" and "calorie notification mode".
The induction heating cooker is provided with a cooling fan that supplies cooling air to the heating coil and an infrared communication unit for exchanging necessary information with an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit.
The induction heating cooker has a main control device that controls energization of the heating coil.
At least one of the main control device and the control device
(1) Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal of the infrared communication unit.
(2) After the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed, the input operation function of the second input operation means is enabled.
(3) When the lid opening sensor detects the opening of the lid, the control of the "calorie notification mode" is enabled and the control is enabled.
(4) In the "calorie notification mode", the weight measuring step is executed by the weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the inner pot.
A cooking device characterized by that. The rice cooking unit is further equipped with a human detection sensor that detects the presence of the user.
The cooking apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the "calorie notification mode" is characterized in that an input operation by the second input operation means becomes effective when the person detection sensor detects a person. In the "calorie notification mode", when the calorie notification switch provided in the rice cooking unit is pressed or when the person detection sensor detects a person, the input operation by the second input operation means becomes effective. 23. The cooking apparatus according to claim 23. The induction heating cooker further includes a wireless communication unit capable of transmitting operation information signals L1 to L10 to the outside.
The cooking apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the data acquired by the induction heating cooker in the "calorie notification mode" can be transmitted from the wireless communication unit. The end of the "calorie notification mode" is when the lid opening sensor detects the closure of the lid after the notification means notifies the calorie value calculated based on the weight acquired in the weight measurement step. The heating cooking apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the cooking apparatus is automatically performed when a predetermined time has elapsed. The cooking apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the predetermined time can be set in advance by the user. The induction heating cooker further includes a power supply coil for supplying electric power to the rice cooking unit.
The rice cooking unit further includes a lid that opens and closes the upper surface opening of the inner pot so as to open and close, a lid heating means that heats the lid, and a power receiving coil that receives power from the feeding coil in a non-contact manner. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 27. The rice cooking unit is further provided with a control device for controlling the notification means.
The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the notification means and the control device are operated by electric power obtained by a power receiving coil. The induction cooker has a stew menu that controls the energization of the heating coil for stew cooking.
In the stew cooking menu, the operation 1 of measuring the change in the weight of the rice cooking unit by the weight measuring means, the operation 2 of determining the change of the weight value measured by the operation 1, and the operation 2 during the stew cooking. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein when the weight of the rice cooking unit is reduced by a reference amount or more, the operation 3 for notifying the fact is sequentially executed. In the device that receives control data by infrared communication between the control device of the rice cooking unit and the main control device of the induction heating cooker and executes the rice cooking process.
An infrared communication unit A for processing an infrared signal and an infrared communication unit B are respectively arranged in the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit.
The control program of the main control device includes
(1) Before the rice cooking process, a measurement step 1 in which the weight of rice put in an inner pot containing an object to be cooked is measured by a weight measuring means, and a notification step of notifying the amount of water suitable for cooking rice by the measurement step 1. And have
(2) "Calorie notification mode" that is started in response to a specific input after the rice cooking process is completed, or is automatically started in response to the opening of the lid that closes the upper opening of the inner pot. Have,
The "calorie notification mode" includes a measurement step 2 in which the weight reduction of the inner pot is measured by the weight measuring means when the food to be cooked is taken out from the inner pot, and a conversion step of acquiring a calorie value. Have and
The main control device is a cooking device characterized in that at least one of the operation information signals L1 to L10 and the rice weight data acquired in the measurement step 1 is transmitted from the wireless communication unit to the outside. The heating cooking apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the control program measures an elapsed time in order to grasp the rice cooking time in the rice cooking process. The cooking apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the control program automatically transmits information indicating rice cooking conditions to the outside via the wireless communication unit. The induction heating cooker is provided with a calorie calculation unit and a calorie storage unit, respectively.
The rice cooking unit is equipped with a calorie notification switch.
The cooking according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein when the calorie notification switch is operated, the calorie notification command is transmitted to the main control device side via the infrared communication unit. apparatus. The rice cooking unit is characterized in that it is provided with a regulating means for limiting the operation period in the calorie notification mode when the rice cooking unit or the unevenness process is switched to the "calorie notification mode". The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 34. The induction heating cooker has a stew cooking menu that controls energization of a heating coil for stew cooking.
The stew cooking menu has a stew step and a low temperature heating step.
A measurement step 3 in which the change in the weight of the rice cooking unit is measured by the weight measuring means in the stewing step, and a measuring step 4 in which the change in the weight of the rice cooking unit is measured by the weight measuring means in the low temperature heating step.
In the determination step for determining the change in the weight value measured by the measurement step 3 and the measurement step 4, and the determination step, when the weight of the rice cooking unit is reduced by more than the reference value, the fact is notified. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the change notification step is sequentially executed. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the induction heating cooker can transmit the operation information signals L1 to L10 from the wireless communication unit at any time. The end of the "calorie notification mode" is automatically performed when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the lid is closed after the calorie value calculated in the conversion step is notified by the notification means. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 35. The cooking apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the predetermined time can be set in advance by the user. Equipped with a rice cooking unit and an induction heating cooker,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil, an infrared communication unit A, and a main control device.
The rice cooking unit includes an inner pot heated by the heating coil and an infrared communication unit B that processes an infrared signal in correspondence with the infrared communication unit A.
The rice cooking unit can be selected from a first usage mode placed on the induction heating cooker and a second usage mode separated from the induction heating cooker.
The rice cooking unit or the induction heating cooker is provided with a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit.
Further, in the rice cooking unit or the induction heating cooker, after the completion of the rice cooking process, the calorie corresponding to the weight of the rice is calculated from the weight change of the rice cooking unit that changes by taking out the cooked food from the inner pot. A calorie calculation unit and a notification means for notifying the calculation result of the calorie calculation unit are provided.
The rice cooking unit is characterized in that it is provided with a regulating means for limiting the operation period in the calorie notification mode when the rice cooking process or the unevenness process is switched to the "calorie notification mode". Cooking device. The cooking apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the rice cooking unit automatically shifts to the "calorie notification mode" when the first usage pattern continues after the end of the unevenness step. .. 40 or 41, wherein the regulating means regulates from the elapsed time from the start of the "calorie notification mode" or the temperature detected by the inner pot temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature of the inner pot. The cooking apparatus described in. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein when the "calorie notification mode" is automatically canceled by the regulation means, the notification is performed. The induction cooker has a stew menu that controls the energization of the heating coil for stew cooking.
In the stew cooking menu, the operation 1 of measuring the change in the weight of the rice cooking unit by the weight measuring means, the operation 2 of determining the change of the weight value measured by the operation 1, and the operation 2 during the stew cooking. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein when the weight of the rice cooking unit is reduced by a reference amount or more, the operation 3 for notifying the fact is sequentially executed.

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