JP2022103417A - Heating cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heating cooker capable of acquiring more accurate calorie quantity.

SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: heating means (IH coil 211) for heating an object to be cooked; measurement means (strain gauge 223B) for measuring a weight of the object to be cooked; display means (D11) for calculating calorie quantity according to an amount of change of the weight of the object to be cooked, measured by the measurement means, and capable of displaying the calculated calorie quantity; cooking menu selection means (173A) for selecting a plurality of cooking menus for cooking the object to be cooked in different conditions; and a calorific coefficient (e) for increasing/decreasing calorie quantity of the object to be cooked in association with the plurality of cooking menus.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present embodiment relates to a cooking device.

Conventionally, a rice cooker (cooking cooker) has been proposed so that the user can know the calorie content of the consumed rice (Patent Document 1 and the like).

In the conventional technique, the total weight of rice in the inner pot is detected when the rice is cooked, the amount of change is calculated when the rice is taken from the inner pot, and the calorie of the rice is multiplied by the calorie coefficient per unit weight. Calculate the quantity. Then, by displaying the calculation result on the display unit of the rice cooker, the amount of calories ingested by the user can be known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-81641

In Patent Document 1, the weight detecting means for detecting the weight of rice includes a load cell having a built-in strain gauge, a sensor stand, and a detector.

Then, the resistance change of the strain gauge when the load cell bends due to the load is taken out as an electric signal by the bridge circuit, and the weight of the rice is detected.

By the way, it is generally known that the strain gauge is easily affected by electromagnetic noise, and the output value varies due to the electromagnetic noise.

Here, since the rice cooker is energized in the heating coil in the heat insulating state (heat insulating mode), the strain gauge built in the load cell is affected by the electromagnetic noise generated from the heating coil, and the weight of the rice is accurately measured. There was a risk that it could not be done.

Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot accurately know the calorie content of rice.

In particular, when it is desired to know the calorie intake accurately due to dietary restrictions due to illness or the like, an error in the calorie content of rice due to electromagnetic noise can also be a problem in health management.

The present embodiment provides a rice cooker capable of knowing a more accurate calorie content.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the heating means for heating the cooked food, the measuring means for measuring the weight of the cooked food, and the amount of change in the weight of the cooked food measured by the weighing means. It is provided with a display means capable of calculating the corresponding calorie amount and displaying the calculated calorie amount, and is provided with a cooking menu selection means for selecting a plurality of cooking menus for cooking the object to be cooked under different conditions. A cooking device is provided which is associated with the plurality of cooking menus and has a calorie coefficient for increasing or decreasing the calorie content of the cooked food.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a cooking device capable of knowing a more accurate calorie content.

The perspective view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rice cooker unit included in the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the rice cooker shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an IH cooker included in the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the IH cooker shown in FIG. 4 with the top plate removed. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the IH cooker shown in FIG. A perspective view of the bottom of the IH rice cooker. An enlarged view of the weight sensor portion shown in FIG. 7. The functional block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic circuit block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation part of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) rice cooker operation part, (b) measurement display part and calorie display part. The screen transition diagram of the measurement display part shown in FIG. 11B. The screen transition diagram of the calorie display part shown in FIG. 11B. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation of the weight sensor of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the weight sensor control operation of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation of the IH cooker provided in the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. A flowchart showing the operation of the calorie button operation detection process in the heat retention mode. A flowchart showing the operation of calorie calculation and display processing. The flowchart which shows the operation of the IH stop processing. The flowchart which shows the operation of the weight change amount calculation process. A chart showing the relationship between the rice cooking menu and the calorie coefficient. The side view of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The bottom view of the IH rice cooker shown in FIG. 23. The circuit block diagram of the weight sensor provided in the IH rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The circuit block diagram of the single load cell shown in FIG. The functional block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment. The schematic circuit block diagram of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation part of the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) rice cooker operation part, (b) measurement display part and calorie display part. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the water amount display processing (the 1) which is executed in the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Screen transition diagram of the weighing display. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the water amount display processing (the 2) executed by the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the estimated calorie calculation / display processing (the 1) which is executed in the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the display example of the weighing display part. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the estimated calorie calculation / display processing (the 2) executed by the IH rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the non-attached product detection process which is executed in the IH rice cooker which concerns on another embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the measurement mode automatic start processing executed in the IH rice cooker which concerns on other embodiment.

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

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

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

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

Further, the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment has an automatic weighing function and a calorie content display function. The details of the automatic weighing function and the calorie content display function will be described later.

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rice cooker unit 100 included in the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the rice cooker unit 100 includes a lid portion (outer lid) 100A, a rice cooker main body 100B, and a bottom portion 100C. A rice cooker operation unit (operation panel) 101 for operating the rice cooker unit 100 is provided on the top surface of the outer lid 100A. An operation display panel 102 for displaying the weight of rice or water and displaying the calorie content of rice is provided on the front surface of the rice cooker main body 100B. The appearance of the rice cooker unit 100 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

In order to make the operation display panel 102 easier for the user to see, it is desirable to slightly incline the front surface of the rice cooker body 100B.

Although not shown, an open / close detecting means (open / close detection sensor) SN10 for detecting the opening / closing of the outer lid 100A is provided in the vicinity of the outer lid 100A.

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

[Configuration example of inner lid, etc.]
With reference to FIG. 3, a configuration example of a double-structured lid 700 or the like that is detachably attached to the outer lid 100A will be described.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the rice cooker shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front side of the outer lid 100A rotates in the vertical direction with the lid hinge 129 provided on the rear side as a fulcrum.

A lid lock mechanism 124 is provided at a position facing the outer lid 100A on the front side and the rice cooker main body 100B.

The inner pot (rice cooker) 121 is accommodated from the upper opening of the rice cooker main body 100B.

A heat insulating material and a protective frame are provided around the inner pot 121, and a thermistor (not shown) as a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature is provided at the bottom of the inner pot 121.

The steam generated in the inner pot 121 is discharged to the outside through the steam cylinder 128 provided in the double-structured lid 700.

A handle (not shown) for carrying the rice cooker 100 is rotatably provided on the side wall of the rice cooker body 100B.

A rice cooker operation board 126 that controls the rice cooker operation unit 101 is arranged in the vicinity of the rice cooker operation unit (operation panel) 101.

The double-structured lid 700 is composed of a highly thermally conductive inner lid 710 and a heat insulating lid 720 provided between the inner lid 710 and the outer lid 100A and forming a space A1 between the inner lid 710 and the inner lid 710. There is.

The inner lid 710 having high thermal conductivity is made of, for example, a plate material made of aluminum.

The inner lid 710 has a bent portion 715 on the peripheral edge thereof, and is in contact with the opening upper end surface 121a of the inner pot (rice cooker) 121 via the bent portion 715.

With such a configuration, in the heat retention mode of the IH rice cooker 1, the heat of the inner pot (rice cooker) 121 is transferred from the contact portion P1 between the bent portion 715 of the peripheral edge and the opening upper end surface 121a to the inner lid 710. .. As a result, the temperature of the inner lid 710 becomes substantially the same as that of the inner pot (rice cooker) 121 (for example, about 69 ° C.).

As a result, dew condensation is unlikely to occur on the inner lid 710, and it is possible to prevent the dew from falling into the inner pot 121 and impairing the taste of the rice.

Further, a large number of dimples 710a are formed on the inner lid 710. Therefore, even when dew is condensed on the surface of the inner lid 710, the dew is likely to diffuse to the surface by the action of the dimple 710a, and the situation where the dew falls into the inner pot 121 can be further suppressed.

Further, since the inner lid 710 has a bent portion 715 formed on the peripheral edge thereof, the strength of the inner lid 710 itself can be increased.

Further, since the bent portion 715 of the peripheral edge and the opening upper end surface 121a of the inner pot (rice cooker) 121 come into contact with each other with the outer lid 100A closed, the contact area between the inner lid 710 and the inner pot 121 is relatively small. It is possible to prevent the coating on the surface of the inner pot from being damaged by contact with the inner lid 710.

Further, since the space A1 is formed between the inner lid 710 having high thermal conductivity and the heat insulating lid 720 molded of resin, the heat insulating effect of the air in the space A1 keeps the rice in the inner pot 121 warm. Can be further improved.

Further, a rubber knob 711 is provided substantially in the center of the inner lid 710, which enhances the convenience of attachment / detachment to / from the heat insulating lid 720.

Further, the inner lid 710 is formed with an opening for exposing the pressure adjusting portion 721 provided on the heat insulating lid 720 side, and an annular packing is engaged with the inner lid 710.

The resin heat insulating lid 720 is formed with a convex pressure adjusting portion 721 containing a ball or the like for pressure adjusting.

An annular packing member 750 is fitted around the peripheral edge of the heat insulating lid 720.

The packing member 750 has a space A1 formed between the inner lid 710 and the heat insulating lid 720, and the first sealing member 752 that abuts on the opening upper end surface 121a of the inner pot 121 with the outer lid 100A closed. The second sealing member 751 to be closed is integrally molded with silicon rubber or the like.

Further, on the surface of the heat insulating lid 720, two annular ribs 725 having a predetermined height facing the outer lid 100A are concentrically formed.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the rib 725 forms a gap A2 between the upper surface of the heat insulating lid 720 and the bottom surface of the outer lid 100A. The air layer of the gap A2 can further improve the heat retention of the rice in the inner pot 121.

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

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

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

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the IH cooker 200 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the IH coil 211 is arranged in the upper part of the center of the IH cooker main body 200A. The heat generated inside the IH cooker main body 200A is exhausted to the outside by the fan 221. An IH operation board 224 for controlling the IH operation unit 201 is arranged on the front side of the upper part of the IH cooker main body 200A. A main substrate 225 for IH heating is arranged in the vicinity thereof. Four pedestal portions 223 project from the four corners of the bottom of the IH cooker main body 200A to the outer surface. The pedestal portion 223 is compatible with mold nesting and can be attached with a weight sensor.

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

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the IH rice cooker 1. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the weight sensor portion (pedestal portion 223) shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, strain gauges 223B are provided on the pedestals 223 at the four corners to measure the weight. Specifically, a strain gauge 223B, a weight sensor pedestal 223C, and a rubber foot 223D are attached to the base member 223A and fixed by the weight sensor cover 223E. When the rice cooker unit 100 is mounted on the IH cooker 200, the rubber feet 223D push up the entire weight sensor pedestal 223C and deform the strain gauge 223B. As a result, the weight sensor substrate 224a (see FIG. 10) measures the weight based on the strain of each strain gauge 223B.

Then, when only the amount of cooked rice is taken, the weight of the taken rice is measured as a difference, and the weight of the rice is multiplied by a predetermined calorie coefficient to obtain the calorie content.

The calorie coefficient is a value proportional to the size of calories, and indicates, for example, calories per 1 g of rice (kcal / g).

By displaying the calorie amount on the operation display panel 102, the user can know the calorie amount of the rice to be eaten.

[Functional configuration of rice cooker]
The configuration of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block of FIG.

The rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment includes a rice cooking means 500 capable of executing a rice cooking process, a control means 501 for controlling the rice cooking means 500, and an operation panel 101, 100V for instructing and setting the control means 501. A display including a power supply circuit 600 connected to the AC power supply 601 to supply power to each component, a weighing means (strain gauge) 223B composed of a weight sensor having the above-described configuration, and a display switching means (switch) SW1. It is composed of a unit (display means) 102 and the like.

The operation panel 101 is provided with various buttons as a rice cooking menu selection means 173 for selecting "washless rice", "white rice" and the like, and selecting a brand such as "Koshihikari".

Further, the operation display panel 102 including the display means is provided with a measurement button B11 for instructing the measurement process and a calorie button B12 for instructing the calorie display.

The rice cooking menu selection means 173 has a function of selecting a plurality of rice cooking menus having different cooking conditions such as heating temperature and time, in addition to the selection of the rice brand and the like as described above.

Further, the display switching means SW1 for switching the display on the operation display panel 102 is, for example, a switch for switching between the calculated calorie display of rice and the weight display of rice, and the user may manually switch the display. The display contents may be automatically switched at a predetermined time under the control of the display control unit 161.

The rice cooking means 500 includes an inner pot (rice cooker) 121 for accommodating a food to be cooked (rice cooked) containing rice and water, an IH coil 211 as a heating means for heating the rice cooker 121, and a rice cooker 121. It is composed of a temperature sensor 131 as a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature, an outer lid 100A having the above-described configuration, an opening / closing detecting means SN10 for detecting the opening / closing of the outer lid 100A, and the like.

When the rice cooker 1 is configured as a microcomputer-type rice cooker, a heater is provided as a heating means instead of the IH coil 211.

As described above, the temperature sensor 131 is composed of, for example, a thermistor arranged on the bottom surface side of the rice cooker 121.

The control means 501 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and is applied in each process by the cooperation of hardware such as a CPU and software (program) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 131 and the instruction from the operation panel 101. It constitutes a calorific value setting unit 150 for setting a calorific value (power), a total number determination unit 151 for determining the amount of rice to be cooked, and the like.

An existing method can be applied to the total number determination method.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 includes a data storage unit 152 composed of a ROM, a flash memory, etc., stores execution programs such as rice cooking processing and calorie calculation, and stores data and the like related to each process and the like in a data table. It is stored in advance as 153.

Further, the data table 153 also stores data such as a calorie coefficient per unit weight of the rice to be cooked corresponding to each rice cooking menu.

As a result, since the calorie coefficient corresponding to the rice cooking menu is predetermined, an appropriate calorie amount can be calculated according to the set rice cooking menu, and the user can be notified of the correct calorie amount.

The control means 501 includes a timer 154 that adjusts the duration and switching timing of each process.

Further, the control means 501 includes a calculation unit 160 for calculating the calorie amount by multiplying the change amount of the weight of the rice to be cooked measured by the measuring means (strain gauge) 223B by the calorie coefficient per unit weight of the rice to be cooked. ing.

Further, it includes an energization control unit 701 that controls the energization of the heating means 211 so as to be interrupted based on a predetermined operation or the like, and a communication unit 702 that communicates with the rice cooking means 500 or the like.

Here, the microcomputer as the control means 501 controls to interrupt the energization of the IH heater 211 as the heating means when the measuring means (strain gauge) 223B measures the rice as the rice to be cooked. is doing.

As a result, when weighing rice, the electromagnetic noise generated by the IH heater 211 is eliminated, and the weighing error of the weighing means (strain gauge) 223B due to this electromagnetic noise is eliminated.

Therefore, it is possible to weigh the rice more accurately than in the past, and by extension, it is possible to calculate and display the calorie amount more accurately.

Such accurate measurement of rice and knowledge of calorie content are particularly useful when it is desired to accurately know the calorie intake due to dietary restrictions due to illness or the like.

Further, the control means 501 includes a display control unit (display control means) 161 that controls the operation of the display changeover switch SW1.

Then, the display control unit 161 can be controlled to display the amount of change in the weight of the cooked rice (gram display) instead of displaying the calorie amount on the operation display panel 102.

Further, the display control unit 161 may control the operation display panel 102 to display the amount of change in the weight of the cooked rice together with the display of the calorie amount.

Further, the user may operate the display changeover switch SW1 to switch the display contents.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 interrupts the energization of the heating means by the microcomputer according to a predetermined operation (for example, the operation of the calorie button B12), and the calculation unit 160 calculates and displays the calorie amount. It is possible to execute the calorie calculation mode for displaying the calorie amount on the operation display panel 102 by the unit 161.

Here, the microcomputer as the control means 501 is used when a predetermined operation is performed from the operation panel 101 during the weighing of the cooked food by the weighing means 223B in the calorie calculation mode, or a predetermined time from the start of the weighing (for example,). After 60 seconds or the like, it can be controlled to restart the energization of the IH heater 211 as the heating means. This makes it possible to prevent the rice in the kettle from becoming too cold.

Further, in the microcomputer as the control means 501, when the detection state of the outer lid 100A by the open / close detecting means SN10 is closed and the weighing button B11 instructing the weighing of the cooked food by the weighing means 223B is operated, the microcomputer is operated. It can be controlled not to execute the calorie calculation mode.

Further, in the microcomputer as the control means 501, when the open / closed detection means SN10 detects the open state of the outer lid 100A within the first predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) after the calorie button B12 is operated. May be controlled to execute the calorie calculation mode.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 controls to restart the energization of the IH heater 211 as the heating means 211 when the operation of canceling the calorie calculation mode is performed while the calorie calculation mode is being executed. Can be done.

Further, the control means 501 may be controlled so as to restart the energization of the IH heater 211 as the heating means 211 when a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds or the like) has elapsed from the start of the calorie calculation mode execution. good.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 executes the calorie calculation mode when a predetermined operation is performed, and the open / close detecting means SN10 has the outer lid 100A within the second predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). If the open state is not detected, the calorie calculation mode can be controlled to end.

Further, when the open / close detecting means SN10 detects the closed state of the outer lid 100A while the calorie calculation mode is being executed, the microcomputer as the control means 501 cancels the calorie calculation mode and IH as the heating means 211. It can be controlled to restart the energization of the heater 211.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 executes the calorie calculation mode by a predetermined operation, and then weighs the cooked food by the weighing means 223B after a third predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or the like) elapses. You may control it.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 interrupts the energization of the IH heater 211 as the heating means 211 according to a predetermined operation, and then opens / close detection means within a third predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds or the like). When the SN10 detects the open state of the outer lid 100B, the difference between the measured values of the predetermined number of times from the measuring means 223B is within the predetermined value, and when it is determined that the measured values are stable, the rice cooked food is measured by the measuring means 223B. May be controlled to execute.

As a result, accurate weighing can be performed in a stable state in which the vibration caused by opening and closing the outer lid 100A is suppressed.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, an interface board 122 and a rice cooker operation board 126 connected to the interface board 122 are arranged on the rice cooker unit 100 side of the IH rice cooker 1.

The rice cooker operation board 126 is provided with a microcomputer (MCU1) that constitutes all or part of the control means 501.

The interface board 122 is provided with a microcomputer (MCU2) that constitutes all or part of the control means 501.

The interface board 122 includes a display board 123 that constitutes an operation display panel 102, a thermistor 131 that detects temperature, a communication terminal 112 that constitutes a communication means that performs wireless communication (infrared communication, etc.), and power from the IH cooker 200 side. The power receiving coil 113 to be supplied is connected.

Further, on the IH cooker 200 side, an IH operation board 224 and a main board (for IH heating) 225 connected to the IH operation board 224 are arranged.

The IH operation board 224 is provided with a microcomputer (MCU3) that constitutes all or part of the control means 501.

The main board 225 is provided with a microcomputer (MCU4) that constitutes all or part of the control means 501.

The UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) included in the rice cooker operation board 126 and the interface board 122 is a device for mutually converting the data of the serial transfer method and the data of the parallel transfer method.

The SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) included in the IH operation board 224 and the main board 225 is a kind of serial bus that connects the IH operation boards 224 and the main boards 225 to each other.

Further, a ROM storing a predetermined program is mounted on each of the boards 122, 126, 224, and 225. Then, various controls are realized by the microcomputers MCU1 to MCU4 executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM.

As shown in FIG. 10, a power cord is connected to the main board 225 of the IH cooker 200 via a magnet plug or the like. When the rice cooker unit 100 is mounted on the IH cooker 200, the detection magnet (not shown) on the rice cooker unit 100 side turns on the reed switch (not shown) on the IH cooker 200 side. There is.

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

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

Further, the calorie amount is calculated by multiplying the weight information of the rice cooker by a predetermined calorie coefficient on the interface board 122 or the like, and is displayed on the operation display panel 102 via the display board 123 on the rice cooker unit 100 side. ..

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

Further, the IH stop signal (heat adjustment signal) when the calorie button B12 is pressed is output from the interface board 122, and the rice cooking operation board 126 can determine to interrupt the energization of the IH coil 211.

Further, the calorie amount is calculated by reading the calorie coefficient associated with the rice cooking menu from the ROM of the interface board 122 and calculating it with the MCU 2 of the interface board 122 based on the information about the rice cooking menu sent from the rice cooking operation board 126 to the interface board 122. Can be done.

Further, the amount of change in the rice taken from the inner pot 121 can be calculated by the MCU 2 of the interface board 122.

[Operation panel configuration example]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel 101 included in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment.

Specifically, FIG. 11A shows a configuration example of the rice cooker operation unit (operation panel) 101 provided on the top surface of the rice cooker unit 100.

In addition to the liquid crystal display unit D1, the operation panel 101 includes various buttons such as a menu button B1, a heat retention / cancellation button B2, a rice brand button B3, and a rice cooking button B4.

The liquid crystal display unit D1 is a display device that displays the setting status of the IH rice cooker 1. The menu button B1 is a button for selecting a cooking method or the like. The heat retention / cancellation button B2 is a button for instructing heat retention and its cancellation. The rice brand button B3 is a button for selecting a rice brand. By pressing the rice brand button B3, brands such as Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, Tsuyahime, Yumepirika, Hitomebore, and Hinohikari can be selected. The rice cooking button B4 is a button for instructing rice cooking.

Further, FIG. 11B shows an operation display panel 102 provided on the front surface of the rice cooker unit 100. In addition to the liquid crystal display unit D11, the operation display panel 102 includes a weighing button B11 for executing the weighing mode described later and a calorie button B12 for executing the calorie calculation mode.

The liquid crystal display unit D11 is a display device that displays a measured value, a calorie amount, and the like.

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

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

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

First, when the user puts rice in the inner pot 121 in the weighing mode, the weight of the rice is measured.

Here, when the weight of rice is less than or equal to the specified range, as shown in FIG. 12A, the liquid crystal display unit D11 displays "Put rice and press the weighing button" or the like (weighing button B11 blinks). Before entering the weighing mode, the zero point adjustment is performed with the inner pot 121 attached to the rice cooker main body 100B. On the other hand, when the weight of rice is heavier than the allowable weight, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit D11 (weighing button B11 is turned off) as shown in FIG. 12B.

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

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

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

[Example of calorie display operation]
FIG. 13 is a screen transition diagram of the calorie display unit shown in FIG. 11 (b).

When displaying the calories, confirm that the display is from the fully lit state as shown in FIG. 13 (a) to the heat insulating display (heat insulating mode) as shown in FIG. 13 (b), and then press the calorie button B12 to 1. Press once.

As a result, the calorie display process (calorie calculation mode) is started.

That is, first, the weight of the rice taken from the inner pot 121 is weighed by the weighing means 223B based on the control of the microcomputer as the control means 501 shown in FIG. 9 and the like.

Next, the calorie coefficient (for example, associated with the rice cooking menu) stored in the data table 153 of the data data storage unit 152 is read out, and the cooked rice taken from the inner pot 121 is cooked. Performs a calculation to multiply by weight.

As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the calorie amount calculated in this way is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit D11 as, for example, "170 kcal".

When white rice is selected in the rice cooking menu and 100 g is taken from the inner pot 121, it is actually "168 kcal", but in the example shown in FIG. 13, since the display is in 5 g units, it is rounded off. Is displayed as "170 kcal".

If you want to know the calorie amount more accurately, you may display the calorie amount in more detail by setting the display to 1 g unit or the like.

Further, when it is desired to display the weight of the rice taken from the inner pot 121, the display changeover switch (display changeover means) SW1 provided at a predetermined position is operated.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 (d), for example, "100 g" is displayed under the control of the display control unit 161.

It should be noted that, under the control of the microcomputer as the control means 501, the calorie display may be automatically switched to the gram display when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds or the like) has elapsed.

[Example of weighing rice cooking operation]
14A to 14G are flowcharts showing the metering rice cooking operation of the IH rice cooker 1.

First, when the rice cooker unit 100 is not mounted on the IH cooker 200, the rice cooker operation unit 101 only displays the time, and the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 remains off (S1 → S2 → S3). → S2).

When the rice cooker unit 100 is placed on the IH cooker 200, the menu display of the rice cooker operation unit 101 is activated, but the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 remains off (S2 → S4). At this time, the previous information on the menu, brand, and hardness is maintained (S5).

Next, in step S501, the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is set.

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

Here, in step S6, if the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "No", the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is substituted, and the process proceeds to step S8.

If the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "Yes" in step S6, the process proceeds to step S208, and the rice cooking menu No. Is determined to be 1 to 12.

Then, when it is determined that M = 12, the process proceeds to step S209, M is reset to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S210.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "No" in step S208, the process proceeds to step S210, M is incremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step S7.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Weight sensor zero point adjustment operation example]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor zero point adjustment operation.

First, when the outer lid 100A is not opened, it is left as it is (S71 → S72).

On the other hand, when the outer lid 100A is open and the user presses and holds the weighing button B11, if the weight is within the pot weight reasonable range, the zero point adjustment is started and the rice weighing mode is entered ( S71 → S73 → S74 → S75 → S76). The appropriate range of the hook weight "Kama weight ± ○%" is determined based on the kettle weight.

[Weight sensor control operation example]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the weight sensor control operation.

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

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

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

Weighed weight [g] = measured value [g] -zero point weight [g]
At this time, in the rice weighing mode, the rice weight is recorded in g units (S85 → S86).

On the other hand, in the water measuring mode, the water weight is output in cc units based on the following equation (S87 → S88).

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

[Example of IH cooking operation]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the IH cooker 200.

First, when the rice cooker unit 100 is placed on the IH cooker 200, the display of the IH operation unit 201 is turned off (S91 → S92 → S93 → S92). Further, even if the rice cooker unit 100 is not placed on the IH cooker 200, the IH operation unit 201 is displayed and then used until the user presses the "heating start" or "fried food start" button 201a or 201b. When a person presses the "heating start" or "fried food start" button 201a or 201b, heating is started with the lowest heating power (S94 → S96).

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

[Calorie button detection processing in heat retention mode]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the calorie button detection process in the heat retention mode.

In step S301, it is determined whether any key (button) has been pressed, and if "No", the process is repeated, and if "Yes", the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S302, it is determined whether or not the pressed key (button) is the calorie button B12, and if “No”, the process returns to step S301.

If the determination result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S303, and the calorie calculation / display processing subroutine is executed.

[Calorie calculation / display processing]
19 is a flowchart showing the operation of calorie calculation and display processing, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of IH stop processing, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of weight change amount calculation processing, and FIG. 22 is a rice cooking menu. It is a chart which shows the relationship of the calorie coefficient.

First, when the calorie calculation and display processing is started in step S330, the IH stop processing is executed in step S331.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 (steps S1330 to S1332), the IH thermal power is set to 0 W, and then the process returns to the main process.

In the separate rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment, the MCU 2 of the interface board 122 of the rice cooker unit can issue a stop signal to the IH coil 211.

In this way, when measuring rice, by interrupting the energization of the IH coil 211 as a heating means, the electromagnetic noise generated by the IH heater 211 is eliminated, and the measuring means (strain gauge) by this electromagnetic noise is eliminated. The weighing error of 223B can be eliminated.

Therefore, it is possible to weigh the rice more accurately than in the past, and it is possible to calculate and display the calorie amount more accurately. Knowing the accurate calorie content in this way is particularly useful when it is desired to accurately know the calorie intake due to dietary restrictions due to illness or the like.

Next, in step S332, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, the initial weight is used), and the process proceeds to step S333.

In step S333, the timer 154 (see FIG. 9) is set to 60 seconds. The timer setting time is not limited to 60 seconds, but it should be noted that if the timer is set too long, the rice will cool down.

Next, in step S334, it is determined whether or not the weight of the rice in the inner pot 121 has changed. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a change in weight when the rice in the inner pot 121 is scooped with a rice scoop or the like and taken into a container.

If the determination result is "No", the process proceeds to step S338, and if the determination result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S335 to execute the subroutine of the weight change amount calculation process.

That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 (steps S1335 to S1338), the rice weight W in the current inner pot 121 is weighed, and then the amount of change ΔW from the initial weight W0 is calculated (that is, ΔW = W0−W). Is calculated), and then the process returns to the main process.

Next, in step S336, the calorie amount E (kcal) is calculated by performing the calculation of E = e × ΔW.

However, ΔW: the amount of change in the weight of the rice in the kettle (g), and e: the amount of energy (calorie coefficient) per unit weight (100 g).

Here, the e (calorie coefficient) differs depending on the rice cooking menu, and the e (calorie coefficient) for each rice cooking menu is exemplified as shown in the chart of FIG. 22.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the menu No. The calorie coefficient of "washless rice" corresponding to 1 is a1, and the menu No. The calorie coefficient of "washless rice new rice" corresponding to 2 is a2 ....

As a result, the menu No. In the case of 1, E = a1 × ΔW, menu No. In the case of 2, E = a2 × ΔW, and the menu No. The calorie amount E (kcal) according to the above can be calculated.

Next, in step S337, the calorie amount (E value) calculated in step S336 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 of the rice cooker 1 (see, for example, FIG. 13 (c)).

Next, in step S338, it is determined whether or not the heat retention / cancel button B2 (see FIG. 11A) is pressed, and if “Yes”, the process is terminated and the heating means 211 is energized. Resume and shift to heat retention mode.

At this time, processing is performed so as to turn off the display of "number" and "kcal" on the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 of the rice cooker 1.

If the determination result is "No", the process proceeds to step S339 to determine whether or not the calorie button B12 has been pressed. If the determination result is "Yes", the process returns to step S332 and the zero point weight W0 is measured. (That is, the current weight is temporarily reset in order to calculate the calorie intake of the next person who eats rice).

If the determination result is "No", the process proceeds to step S340, the timer is counted down (-1s), and the process proceeds to step S341.

In step S341, it is determined whether or not the timer has become zero. If "No", the process returns to step S334, and if "Yes", the process is terminated and the energization of the heating means 211 is resumed. , Shift to heat retention mode.

At this time, processing is performed so as to turn off the display of "number" and "kcal" on the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 of the rice cooker 1.

(Weight measurement configuration example)
FIG. 23 is a side view of the IH rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment.

When the lock by the lid lock mechanism 124 (see FIG. 3) is released, the front side of the outer lid 100A rotates upward with the rotation shaft 129a of the lid hinge 129 as a fulcrum, and the outer lid 100A is stationary in a substantially vertical state. ..

Let G be the center of gravity of the IH rice cooker 1 with the outer lid 100A open.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the IH rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. 23.

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

As shown in FIG. 24, the two weight detection legs 223C and 223D are located at both ends on the lid hinge 129 side with respect to the center of gravity G and in the direction of the rotation axis 129a. On the other hand, the two weight detection legs 223A and 223B are located at both ends on the opposite side of the lid hinge 129 with respect to the center of gravity G and in the direction of the rotation axis 129a. Let L1 and L2 be the two virtual diagonal lines of the quadrangle formed by the weight detection legs 223A, 223B, 223C, and 223D, and let P be the intersection of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2. In this case, it is desirable that the center of gravity G is on the lid hinge 129 side from the intersection P of the two virtual diagonal lines L1 and L2.

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

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

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

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

Therefore, each component is arranged so that the center of gravity G is inside the region E3. Here, the inner pot 121, the IH coil 211, and the like, which are heavy objects, are arranged near the rear of the IH rice cooker 1. As a result, the center of gravity G of the IH rice cooker 1 with the outer lid 100A opened can be arranged in the vicinity immediately below the center O of the inner pot 121 (see FIG. 23). Here, the center O of the inner pot 121 means the volume center (space center) of the inner pot 121.

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

(Example of weight sensor circuit configuration)
Next, an example of a weight sensor circuit configuration will be described. In the above description, the weight of the food to be cooked is calculated by averaging the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners (S81 → S82 in FIG. 16), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to calculate the weight of the food to be cooked by the total of the sensor values of the weight sensors at the four corners.

FIG. 25 is a circuit configuration diagram of a weight sensor included in the IH rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a circuit configuration diagram of a single load cell shown in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 25, this weight sensor includes load cells SEL1 to SEL4, a differential amplifier circuit 11, an A / D converter (12 bit) 12, a CPU 13, and an RC smoothing circuit 14. The load cells SEL1 to SEL4 are four single load cells connected in series as shown in FIG. 26. The total minute voltage signal of four single load cells is output.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Second embodiment)
The IH rice cooker (electromagnetic rice cooker) 801 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 35.

The overall configuration of the IH rice cooker 801 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the IH rice cooker (electromagnetic rice cooker) 1 according to the first embodiment. The duplicated explanation is omitted.

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 27 and the explanatory view of the operation unit of FIG. 29 (a), the IH rice cooker 801 according to the second embodiment has the IH rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment. Instead of the rice cooker menu selection means 173, a cooking menu selection means 173A capable of selecting a cooking menu including a bread mode for making bread dough, fermenting, etc. using a powdered object such as wheat flour or rice flour is provided. ing.

Further, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 27 and the schematic circuit configuration diagram of FIG. 28, a motion sensor SN100 for detecting a human such as an operator for the IH rice cooker 801 can be provided.

[Water volume display processing (1)]
The water amount display process (No. 1) executed by the IH rice cooker 801 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 30 and the screen transition diagram of the measurement display unit shown in FIG.

In this water amount display process (No. 1), in the pan mode selection state, a powdery substance (for example, wheat flour, rice flour, etc.) as a food to be cooked is weighed by a weighing means (weight sensor) 223B, and according to the weighing result. This is a process of calculating the required amount of water and displaying the required amount of water on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 under the control of the display control unit (display control means) 161.

When this process is started, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, set as the initial weight) in step S401, and the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, flour or the like is put into the inner pot 121, and the process proceeds to step S403.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), it is possible to display "Please put flour or the like and press the weighing button" on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11.

In step S403, wheat flour and the like are weighed by the weighing means (weight sensor) 223B, and the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S404, the required amount of water corresponding to the weight of the flour or the like weighed in step S403 is calculated. The required amount of water corresponding to the weight of wheat flour or the like may be calculated in advance and stored as a data table in the data storage unit 152, and the required amount of water may be acquired from the table.

In step S405, the required amount of water is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 (for example, as shown in FIGS. 31 (b) and 31 (c), a display state such as "Please add 150 cc of water" from the non-display state. To end) and end the process.

As a result, the user can easily know the required amount of water corresponding to the weight of the flour or the like when making the bread dough or the like.

When actually making bread dough or the like in the bread mode, yeast or the like is added to the powder at a predetermined timing, and a kneading step, a fermentation step, or the like is performed.

[Water volume display processing (2)]
The water amount display process (No. 2) executed by the IH rice cooker 801 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32 and the screen transition diagram of the measurement display unit shown in FIG.

In this water amount display process (No. 2), the water charged into the rice cooker 121 is measured by the measuring means (weight sensor) 223B in the pan mode selection state, and the required water amount and the charged water amount are determined by the calculation unit 160. This is a process of calculating the difference and displaying the difference in the amount of water on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 under the control of the display control unit 161 (display control means).

When this process is started, in step S411, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, set as the initial weight) and the process proceeds to step S412.

In step S412, flour or the like is put into the inner pot 121, and the process proceeds to step S413.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), it is possible to display "Please put flour or the like and press the weighing button" on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11.

In step S413, wheat flour and the like are weighed by the weighing means (weight sensor) 223B, and the process proceeds to step S414.

In step S414, the required amount of water corresponding to the weight of the flour or the like weighed in step S403 is calculated. The required amount of water corresponding to the weight of wheat flour or the like may be calculated in advance and stored as a data table in the data storage unit 152, and the required amount of water may be acquired from the table.

In step S415, water is put into the inner pot 121. At this time, the required amount of water is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 (for example, as shown in FIGS. 31 (b) and 31 (c), "Please add 150 cc of water" from the non-display state. It may be changed to the display state).

In step S416, the difference between the required amount of water and the amount of charged water is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S417.

In step S417, the difference is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 (for example, as shown in FIG. 31D, "Please add 10 cc of water" or the like is displayed), and the process proceeds to step S418.

In step S418, it is determined whether or not the difference between the required water amount and the charged water amount becomes 0. If "No", the process returns to step S415, and if "Yes", the process proceeds to step S419. ..

In step S419, for example, as shown in FIG. 31 (e), "OK" or the like is displayed, and a notification sound such as "pee" is sounded to end the process.

As a result, the user can add an optimum amount of water to the amount of flour or the like, and can prepare a bread dough in an optimum state.

When actually making bread dough, yeast and the like are added to the powder at a predetermined timing, and a kneading step, a fermentation step and the like are performed.

[Expected calorie calculation / display processing (1)]
The expected calorie calculation / display process (No. 1) executed by the IH rice cooker 801 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 33 and the display example of the display unit shown in FIG. 34.

In this expected calorie calculation / display process (No. 1), wheat flour or the like as a food to be cooked is weighed by a weighing means (weight sensor) 223B in the pan mode selection state, and the weight (W1) is adjusted according to the wheat flour or the like. It is a process of calculating the estimated calorie amount (E1) by multiplying the calorie coefficient (e) and displaying the estimated calorie amount on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 under the control of the display control unit 161 (display control means). ..

Here, the "estimated calorie amount" means the calorie amount of the cooked food when the cooking (heating, etc.) of the cooked food is completed.

When this process is started, in step S420, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, set as the initial weight) and the process proceeds to step S421.

In step S421, flour or the like is put into the inner pot 121, and the process proceeds to step S422.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), it is possible to display "Please put flour or the like and press the weighing button" on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11.

In step S422, wheat flour and the like are weighed by the weighing means (weight sensor) 223B, and the process proceeds to step S423.

In step S423, the weight (W1) of the wheat flour or the like is multiplied by the calorie coefficient (e) corresponding to the wheat flour or the like to calculate the estimated calorie amount (E1), and the process proceeds to step S424.

In step S424, for example, as shown in FIG. 34, the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11 displays "170 kcal" or the like as the estimated calorie amount, and the process ends.

As a result, the user can easily know the amount of calories expected when the bread is baked with the amount of flour or the like put into the inner pot 121.

[Expected calorie calculation / display processing (2)]
The expected calorie calculation / display process (No. 2) executed by the IH rice cooker 801 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 35.

In this expected calorie calculation / display process (No. 2), the weight of the object to be cooked in the rice cooker 121 is weighed in the selected state of the cooking mode having at least one of the steaming mode, the boiling mode and the fermentation mode, and the calculation unit. The estimated calorie amount is calculated by multiplying the weight of the food to be cooked measured by the measuring means (weight sensor) 223B by the calorie coefficient corresponding to the food to be cooked, and is controlled by the display control unit 161 (display control means). This is a process of displaying the estimated calorie amount on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11.

When this process is started, in step S450, any one of a cooking mode having at least one of a steaming mode, a boiling mode and a fermentation mode is selected, and the process proceeds to step S451.

In step S451, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, the initial weight is used), and the process proceeds to step S452.

In step S452, the desired food to be cooked is charged into the inner pot 121. That is, for example, chicken or the like is added when the steaming mode is selected, curry or the like is added when the boiling mode is selected, and bread dough or the like is added when the fermentation mode is selected.

In step S453, the food to be cooked is weighed by the weighing means (weight sensor) 223B, and the process proceeds to step S454.

In step S454, the expected calorie amount (E2) is calculated by multiplying the weight (W2) of the food to be cooked by the calorie coefficient (e) corresponding to the food to be cooked, and the process proceeds to step S455.

In step S455, the estimated calorie amount is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11, and the process ends.

As a result, the user can easily know the estimated calorie amount of the food to be cooked put into the inner pot 121.

(Other embodiments)
With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 36 and 37, a processing procedure of a non-mounted item detection process and a weighing mode automatic start process executed by the IH rice cooker according to another embodiment will be described.

First, the unmounted item detection process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When this non-mounted item detection process is started, the zero point weight W0 is weighed (that is, set as the initial weight) in step S460, and the process proceeds to step S461.

In step S461, the difference between the total weight (W10) of the rice cooker 801 with the parts (for example, the inner lid or the like) completely attached and the weight (W20) of the current rice cooker 801 is calculated and the step S462 is performed. Transition.

In step S462, it is determined whether or not there is a part having the same weight as the differential weight (W30).

By storing the weight data of each part such as the inner lid in the data table 153, the above determination can be easily performed.

Then, when the determination in step S462 is "No", the process is terminated, and in the case of "Yes", the process proceeds to step S463, and the corresponding component name is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit (display means) D11. And end the process.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to attach the component.

Next, the measurement mode automatic start processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 37.

When this measurement mode automatic start process is started, it is determined in step S470 whether or not the inner hook 121 is mounted. The presence or absence of the inner hook 121 may be detected by a limit switch or the like for detecting the inner hook, or may be detected by the above-mentioned non-mounted product detection process.

Then, when the determination in step S470 is "No", the process waits, and when the determination in step S470 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S471.

In step S471, it is determined whether or not the motion sensor SN100 is turned on, and if "No", the process proceeds to step S472, and if "Yes", the process proceeds to step S472.

In step S472, the rice cooker 801 is shifted to the weighing mode, and the mode is shifted to step S473.

In step S473, it is determined whether or not a weight increase (for example, a weight increase due to the addition of rice, water, etc.) is detected within a predetermined time, and if "Yes", the standby is performed, and if "No", the weight increase is detected. The weighing mode is terminated in step S474, and the process is terminated.

As a result, the user automatically shifts to the weighing mode only by approaching the rice cooker 801, which can improve convenience.

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

As described above, the present embodiment includes various embodiments not described here.

For example, the case where the weight sensor is provided on the IH cooker 200 side is illustrated, but the weight sensor can also be provided on the rice cooker unit 100 side.

In addition to the strain gauge, a pressure sensor or another type of load cell can also be used as the weight sensor.

The heating cooker of the present embodiment can be applied to a vertically separated IH rice cooker, an integrated microcomputer type rice cooker, and the like.

1 ... IH rice cooker (heating cooker)
100 ... Rice cooker part 100A ... Outer lid (cover part)
101, 101A ... Rice cooker operation unit (operation panel)
102 ... Operation display panel 112 ... Communication terminal 113 ... Power receiving coil 121 ... Inner pot (rice cooker)
122 ... Interface board 123 ... Display board 124 ... Cover lock mechanism 126 ... Rice cooker operation board 128 ... Steam cylinder 129 ... Closure hinge 131 ... Thermistor (temperature sensor)
200 ... IH cooker (induction cooker)
201 ... IH operation unit (induction cooker operation unit)
211 ... IH coil (heating means)
212 ... Power supply coil 213 ... Communication terminal 221 ... Fan 223 ... Pedestal (weight detection leg)
224 ... IH operation board 224a ... Weight sensor board 223A ... Base member 223B ... Strain gauge 223C ... Weight sensor pedestal 223D ... Rubber feet 223E ... Weight sensor cover 225 ... Main board 226 ... Magnet plug 500 ... Rice cooking means 501, MCU1-MCU4 ... Microcomputer (control means)
700 ... Double structure lid 710 ... Inner lid 710a ... Dimple 711 ... Knob 715 ... Bending part 720 ... Insulation lid 725 ... Rib 750 ... Packing member 751 ... First sealing member 752 ... Second sealing member A1 ... Space A2 ... Gap B1 ... Menu button B2 ... Heat retention / cancellation button B3 ... Rice brand button B4 ... Rice cooking button B11 ... Weighing button B12 ... Calorie button D1, D11 ... LCD display SN10 ... Open / close detection means SN100 ... Human sensor

Claims (5)

A heating means for heating the food to be cooked,
A weighing means for measuring the weight of the food to be cooked, and
A display means capable of calculating a calorie amount according to a change in the weight of the food to be cooked measured by the measuring means and displaying the calculated calorie amount.
Equipped with
A cooking menu selection means for selecting a plurality of cooking menus for cooking the object to be cooked under different conditions is provided.
A cooking device associated with a plurality of the cooking menus and having a calorie coefficient for increasing or decreasing the calorie content of the object to be cooked. It has a display switching means for switching the display contents in the display means.
The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the display means can display the amount of change in the weight of the object to be cooked instead of displaying the calorie amount. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the display means is configured to display the amount of change in the weight of the object to be cooked together with the display of the calorie amount. The cooking menu selection means has a pan mode.
A request for calculating the estimated calorie amount by multiplying the weight of the powdered material as the food to be cooked measured by the measuring means by a calorie coefficient corresponding to the powdered material, and displaying the estimated calorie amount on the display means. The cooking device according to any one of items 1 to 3. The cooking menu selection means has at least one of a steaming mode, a boiling mode and a fermentation mode.
Claim 1 to claim 1 to calculate the estimated calorie amount by multiplying the weight of the cooked object weighed by the measuring means by the calorie coefficient corresponding to the cooked object, and displaying the estimated calorie amount on the display means. The cooking device according to any one of 3.

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