JP2023015700A - rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a rice cooker favorably maintaining detection accuracy of a water storage amount in a water vessel.SOLUTION: A rice cooker 1 includes: a pot 2; a water vessel 300 where water is stored therein and communication ports 306, 307 making the inner part and the outer part of the water vessel 300 communicate with each other are formed; a first pipe 411 connected to the communication port 306 to communicate the inner part of the water vessel 300; a second pipe 412 connected to the communication port 307 and open toward the inner part of the pot 2 to communicate the inner part of the water vessel 300 and the inner part of the pot 2; a water feeding pump 421 fitted to the second pipe 412 to move the water in the second pipe 412; a third pipe 413 which is branched upward from the first pipe 411 and in the inside of which a sealed air pocket is formed when at least a part of the first pipe 411 is filled with water; and a pressure sensor 430 fitted to the third pipe 413 to detect pressure in the third pipe 413.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present disclosure relates to rice cookers.

As a conventional rice cooker, a fully automatic rice cooker that integrates a series of processes of storing rice, washing rice, and cooking rice is known. A conventional rice cooker includes a rice storage unit for storing rice, a rice washing space for washing the rice, and a rice cooking unit (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-220047

Since the conventional rice cooker is supplied with water from an external water source such as a water supply, it is necessary to perform construction work for water supply and drainage when installing the rice cooker, and to install the rice cooker near an external water source such as a water supply. Therefore, it is conceivable to dispose a water container for containing water in the housing of the rice cooker. In this case, there is the problem of measuring the amount of water stored in the water container.

In order to solve the above problems, it is conceivable to provide a pressure sensor in the water pipe or the water container for sending water from the water container to the rice cooking part. The pressure detected by the pressure sensor fluctuates according to the water level in the water container. Thereby, the amount of water stored in the water container can be measured.

However, when the amount of water stored in the water container is small, when the water container is attached, or when the water remaining in the water pipe is returned to the water container after water is supplied to the rice cooker, air flows through the water pipe. There is a risk. The presence of this air may adversely affect the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor. For example, when the water container is attached to the housing, water and air may coexist in the water pipe. In addition, when the water remaining in the water pipe is returned to the water container after the water is supplied to the rice cooker, air bubbles may accumulate in the opening connecting the water container and the water pipe. Since bubbles vary in shape, size, number, etc., the presence of bubbles may affect the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor. In addition, water droplets may remain on the inner surface of pipes or the like near the pressure sensor. In this case, liquid and gas are mixed inside the pipe or the like, which may affect the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems, and to provide a rice cooker capable of maintaining good detection accuracy of the amount of water stored in the water container and the amount of water supplied.

In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure is configured as follows.
A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a pot and
a water container for storing water inside, the water container having a first communication port and a second communication port for communicating the inside with the outside;
a first pipe communicating with the inside of the water container by being connected to the first communication port;
a second pipe that is connected to the second communication port and opens toward the inside of the pan to communicate the inside of the water container with the inside of the pan;
a water pump provided in the second pipe for moving water in the second pipe;
a third tube branching upward from the first tube and having a closed air reservoir formed therein when at least a portion of the first tube is filled with water;
a pressure sensor provided in the third pipe and detecting pressure in the third pipe.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain good accuracy in detecting the amount of water stored in the water container and the amount of water supplied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rice cooker with the lid body of the housing opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rice cooker with the lid of the rice container opened. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. The perspective view which shows the water container which does not contain a cover plate, and a water supply part. The top view which shows the water container which does not contain a cover plate, and a water supply part. The perspective view which shows the water container containing a cover plate, and a water supply part. The top view which shows the water container containing a cover plate, and a water supply part. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the AA section of FIG. 7; The perspective view which shows a water supply part. The schematic diagram which shows a water container, a water supply part, and a pan. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the rice cooker; The flowchart which shows an example of a rice cooking process. The flowchart which shows an example of a water supply process. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a circulation process during temperature detection; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation. The schematic diagram which shows the water container, the water supply part, and the pan in the modification of the rice cooker which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the water container, the water supply part, and the pan in the rice cooker which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the water container, the water supply part, and the pan in the rice cooker which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the water container, the water supply part, and the pan in the modification of the rice cooker which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a pot and
a water container for storing water inside, the water container having a first communication port and a second communication port for communicating the inside with the outside;
a first pipe communicating with the inside of the water container by being connected to the first communication port;
a second pipe that is connected to the second communication port and opens toward the inside of the pan to communicate the inside of the water container with the inside of the pan;
a water pump provided in the second pipe for moving water in the second pipe;
a third tube branching upward from the first tube and having a closed air reservoir formed therein when at least a portion of the first tube is filled with water;
a pressure sensor provided in the third pipe and detecting pressure in the third pipe.

According to this configuration, when the water container and the first communication port are connected, the water in the water container flows through the first pipe, and the air in the first pipe is discharged to the water container. Thereby, the air in the first pipe can be replaced with water. When at least a part of the first pipe is filled with the water that flows from the water container, the inside of the third pipe becomes a closed space filled with gas. A pressure sensor senses the pressure in the third pipe. In this case, the smaller the amount of water stored in the water container, the smaller the pressure detected. Therefore, the amount of water stored in the water container can be measured based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

According to this configuration, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the gas. That is, a gas pressure sensor can be used. Thereby, the resolution of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor can be increased. That is, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

In the second pipe, which is a water distribution channel between the water container and the pan, water moves during the process of supplying water to the pan and the process of returning the water remaining in the second pipe to the water container. At this time, air mixed with water may enter the second pipe. According to this configuration, the pressure sensor is provided on the third pipe connected to the first pipe different from the second pipe. There is no movement of water in the first tube as in the second tube. Therefore, the possibility that water and air will enter the first pipe in a mixed manner is lower than the possibility that water and air will enter in a mixed manner in the second pipe. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
The second pipe may be connected to the first pipe at a branch position between the water pump and the pot,
The first pipe and the second pipe between the branch position and the second communication port may form a circulation flow path.

According to this configuration, by driving the water pump to circulate the water in the circulation channel, the air in the circulation channel can be delivered to the water container. Thereby, the air in the circulation channel is replaced with water, and the inside of the circulation channel can be filled with water. Here, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the gas inside the third pipe communicating with the circulation channel. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

According to this configuration, part of the flow path in the second pipe constitutes the circulation flow path. Therefore, compared to the structure in which the flow path in the second pipe is a separate flow path from the circulation flow path, the space required for forming the water flow path is the same, but the water container is the first pipe and the second pipe. It is possible to reduce the influence of the increase in internal pressure that occurs when connecting to.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a circulation on-off valve provided in the first pipe for opening and closing a flow path in the first pipe;
a water supply opening/closing valve provided between the branch position and the pot in the second pipe and opening and closing a flow path in the second pipe;
A control unit that controls driving of the water pump and controls opening and closing of the water supply opening/closing valve and the circulation opening/closing valve,
The control unit
After closing the water supply opening/closing valve and opening the circulation opening/closing valve, the water supply pump is driven to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path, and then the water supply opening/closing valve is opened and the After closing the circulation on-off valve, the water pump may be driven to send the water stored in the water container to the pot.

According to this configuration, the water in the water container is circulated in the circulation channel before sending the water in the water container to the pan. As described above, by circulating water in the circulation flow path, the air in the circulation flow path is replaced with water, so that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor can be maintained well. That is, according to this configuration, the water in the water container can be sent to the pan while the pressure sensor has good detection accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the amount of water in the water container and the amount of decrease in water in the water container due to water supply to the pan.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
The circulation on-off valve may be provided between a position where the first pipe is connected to the third pipe and the branch position.

According to this configuration, the circulation on-off valve is provided between the connection position of the first pipe with the third pipe and the branch position. Therefore, by closing the circulation on-off valve, the third pipe can be disconnected from the path for sending water from the water container to the pot by the water pump. As a result, it is possible to detect the pressure sensor while operating the water pump. In other words, it is possible to linearly detect changes in the amount of water.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a fourth pipe branching from the second pipe between the water supply pump and the water supply opening/closing valve in the second pipe or between the circulation opening/closing valve and the branch position in the first pipe;
an air pump provided in the fourth pipe and driven and controlled by the control unit to send air from the outside to the first pipe and the second pipe via the fourth pipe; may be
The controller may drive the air pump to send air to the first pipe and the second pipe when the water pump is stopped.

According to this configuration, when the air pump is driven, the air sent by the air pump pushes the water in the first pipe or the water in the first and second pipes back into the water container. Thereby, when the water container is removed from the housing of the rice cooker, leakage of water from inside the first pipe and inside the second pipe can be reduced.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
The control unit may close the water supply opening/closing valve and open the circulation opening/closing valve when driving the air pump.

According to this configuration, the water supply opening/closing valve is closed when the air pump is driven. Therefore, when the air pump is driven, the water in the second pipe can be prevented from being sent to the pot by the air sent by the air pump, and the water in the second pipe can be returned to the water container. can.

According to this configuration, the circulation opening/closing valve is opened when the air pump is driven. Therefore, when the air pump is driven, the air sent by the air pump can return the water in the first pipe and the second pipe to the water container via the circulation flow path. Thereby, when the water container is removed, it is possible to reduce water falling from the first communication port and the second communication port.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A temperature detection unit that detects water temperature or air temperature and outputs temperature information to the control unit may be further provided,
When the temperature information is lower than a preset temperature, the control unit closes the water supply opening/closing valve, opens the circulation opening/closing valve, and then drives the water supply pump to cause the water contained in the water container to flow. may be circulated in the circulation channel.

If the temperature of the water in the water container is low, the water may freeze. According to this configuration, the control unit drives the water pump to circulate the water in the circulation channel when there is a risk that the water will freeze. This reduces the possibility of water freezing as described above.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
It may further include an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water contained in the water container by being controlled by the control unit,
When driving the ultraviolet irradiation unit to irradiate the ultraviolet rays, the control unit closes the water supply opening/closing valve and opens the circulation opening/closing valve, and then drives the water supply pump to dispense the water contained in the water container. You may circulate in the said circulation flow path.

By irradiating the water in the water container with the ultraviolet rays, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria in the water in the water container. Here, when the water in the water container is stationary, the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation unit hits only the surface of the water in the water container. According to this configuration, when the ultraviolet irradiation section irradiates ultraviolet rays, the control section drives the water pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path. Since this causes the water in the water container to move, the water positioned on the surface is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate a large portion of the water in the water container with the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation section. As a result, compared to a configuration in which water is not circulated, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various germs in the water in the water container.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
One end of the first tube may be connected to the first communication port,
The other end of the first tube may be closed.

According to this configuration, when the water container and the first communication port are connected, the water in the water container flows through the first pipe, and the air in the first pipe is discharged to the water container. Thereby, the air in the first pipe can be replaced with water. According to this configuration, one end of the first pipe is connected to the first communication port, and the other end of the first pipe is closed. Therefore, the flow of water in the first pipe is reduced, and the possibility that water and air will enter the first pipe in a mixed state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
One end of the first tube may be connected to the first communication port,
The other end of the first pipe may be open to the atmosphere.

According to this configuration, the inside of the first pipe can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. According to this configuration, the other end of the first pipe is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the water container and the first communication port are connected, the water in the water container easily flows through the first pipe. Therefore, the air in the first pipe is easily discharged to the water container. Thereby, the air in the first pipe can be easily replaced with water.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
An atmosphere opening/closing valve that opens and closes a flow path in the first pipe may be further provided between the other end of the first pipe and the connection position of the first pipe with the third pipe.

According to this configuration, the circulation of water in the first pipe can be reduced by closing the air on-off valve. Therefore, it is less likely that water and air will enter the first pipe in a mixed state. On the other hand, the inside of the first pipe can be maintained at the atmospheric pressure by opening the atmospheric on-off valve. Therefore, when the water container and the first communication port are connected, the water in the water container easily flows through the first pipe. Therefore, the air in the first pipe is easily discharged to the water container. Thereby, the air in the first pipe can be easily replaced with water.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
The water container may be formed with a third communication port that communicates the inside of the water container with the outside,
The first pipe may constitute a circulation channel by being connected to the first communication port and the third communication port,
A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A circulation pump that is provided in the first pipe and moves water in the circulation flow path may be further provided.

According to this configuration, by driving the circulation pump to circulate the water in the circulation channel, the air in the circulation channel can be delivered to the water container. Thereby, the air in the circulation channel is replaced with water, and the inside of the circulation channel can be filled with water. Here, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the gas inside the third pipe communicating with the circulation channel. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor.

According to this configuration, the circulation channel is a channel different from the channel in the second pipe. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the circulation channel communicates with the channel in the second pipe, it is possible to reduce the influence of the circulation of water in the second pipe on the circulation channel.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A control unit for controlling the driving of the water pump and the circulation pump may be further provided,
The control unit drives the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path, and then drives the water supply pump to circulate the water contained in the water container to the pot. You can send

According to this configuration, the water in the water container is circulated in the circulation channel before sending the water in the water container to the pan. As described above, by circulating water in the circulation flow path, the air in the circulation flow path is replaced with water, so that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor can be maintained well. That is, according to this configuration, the water in the water container can be sent to the pan while the pressure sensor has good detection accuracy. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the amount of water in the water container and the amount of decrease in water in the water container due to water supply to the pan.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a fourth pipe branching from the first pipe;
An air pump may be provided in the fourth pipe and configured to send air from the outside to the first pipe via the fourth pipe by being driven and controlled by the control unit.

According to this configuration, when the air pump is driven, the air sent by the air pump pushes the water in the first pipe back into the water container. This can prevent water from leaking out of the first pipe when the water container is removed from the rice cooker.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A temperature detection unit that detects water temperature or air temperature and outputs temperature information to the control unit may be further provided,
The control unit may drive the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation channel when the temperature information is lower than a preset temperature.

If the temperature of the water in the water container is low, the water may freeze. According to this configuration, the control unit drives the circulation pump to circulate the water in the circulation channel when there is a risk that the water will freeze. This reduces the possibility of water freezing as described above.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
It may further include an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water contained in the water container by being controlled by the control unit,
The control unit may drive the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path when driving the ultraviolet irradiation unit to irradiate the ultraviolet rays.

By irradiating the water in the water container with the ultraviolet rays, it is possible to suppress the propagation of bacteria in the water in the water container. Here, when the water in the water container is stationary, the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation unit hits only the surface of the water in the water container. According to this configuration, when the ultraviolet irradiation section irradiates ultraviolet rays, the control section drives the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path. Since this causes the water in the water container to move, the water positioned on the surface is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate a large portion of the water in the water container with the ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation section. As a result, compared to a configuration in which water is not circulated, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various germs in the water in the water container.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A water supply opening/closing valve may be provided in the second pipe to open and close a flow path in the second pipe.

According to this configuration, by opening the water supply opening/closing valve, water can be sent from the water container to the pot via the channel in the second pipe.

According to this configuration, by closing the water supply opening/closing valve, it is possible to prevent the water in the second pipe on the pot side from the water supply opening/closing valve from flowing back to the water container. Thereby, the amount of water stored in the water container can be stabilized.

In the rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure,
The water container may have an opening that communicates the inside of the water container with the outside.

According to this configuration, the inside of the water container communicates with the outside through the opening. Therefore, regardless of the remaining amount of water in the water container, the inside of the water container can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. That is, there is little pressure fluctuation due to changes in the amount of water remaining in the water container. As a result, it is possible to maintain good pressure detection accuracy by the pressure sensor.

A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:
a storage unit storing shape information about the shape of the internal space of the water container;
It may further include a water storage amount calculation unit that calculates a water storage amount in the water container based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the shape information stored in the storage unit.

Although the water level in the water container can be detected with high accuracy only by the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, the amount of water in the water container may not be detected with high accuracy. For example, when the water container has a shape such that the cross-sectional area varies depending on the position in the height direction, detecting the amount of water in the water container is more difficult than detecting the water level in the water container. According to this configuration, by using the shape information about the shape of the internal space of the water container, the amount of water stored in the water container is calculated according to the water level in the water container, which is obtained based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. do. Thereby, the amount of water stored in the water container can be calculated with high accuracy.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment, which is one aspect of the present disclosure, will be described below. The first embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rice cooker with the lid of the housing opened.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice cooker 1 includes a pot 2, a housing 3 for housing the pot 2, an upper frame 4, a lower frame 5, and a hinge portion disposed above the housing 3. 6, a lid 7, a heating unit 8 (see FIG. 13), and a control unit 20 (see FIG. 13) that controls the operation of the entire rice cooker 1.

The pan 2 shown in FIG. 2 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The pot 2 contains rice during cooking.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the upper frame 4 constitutes the upper portion of the housing 3 . An insertion opening (not shown) into which the pot 2 is inserted is formed in the central portion of the upper frame 4 when viewed from above and below. The vertical direction is the direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the upper frame 4 and the height direction of the rice cooker 1 . Viewing the rice cooker 1 from above has the same meaning as viewing the rice cooker 1 from above. The pot 2 can be inserted into the insertion opening from above. Thereby, the pot 2 is accommodated in the housing 3 (see FIG. 2). The pot 2 housed in the housing 3 can be removed upward through the insertion port. The pan 2 is thereby removed from the housing 3 .

When the pan 2 is accommodated in the housing 3, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pan 2 and the side surface 3B of the housing 3 and the lower frame 5. - 特許庁A heating unit 8, a control unit 20 (see FIG. 13), and the like are arranged in the gap. In the first embodiment, the heating unit 8 is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the pot 2 and the side surface 3B of the housing 3 and the lower frame 5, and the control unit 20 controls the outer peripheral surface of the pot 2 and the housing 3 is arranged between the side surface 3B of the

The upper frame 4 and the lower frame 5 protrude in the width direction with respect to the portion of the housing 3 other than the upper frame 4 and the lower frame 5 . The width direction is the horizontal direction when the rice cooker 1 is viewed from the front. The overhanging portion of the upper frame 4 is formed with an opening into which a rice container 100, which will be described later, is inserted. The overhanging portion of the lower frame 5 supports the rice container 100, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the lid 7 is attached to the hinge portion 6 . The lid body 7 is rotatable around the hinge portion 6 . The lid 7 is rotatably supported by the housing 3 .

The lid 7 is rotatable between a pot open position shown in FIG. 2 and a pot closed position shown in FIG.

As the lid body 7 rotates, the rotating distal end portion 7</b>A of the lid body 7 comes into contact with and separates from the upper frame 4 of the housing 3 . That is, the lid 7 covers the opening 2A (see FIG. 2) of the pot 2 so as to be openable. The hinge part 6 is arranged at the rear part of the rice cooker 1 . Therefore, the turning tip portion 7A of the lid body 7 is positioned at the front portion of the rice cooker 1 . Thereby, the front side of the rice cooker 1 is opened by rotating the lid body 7 to the pot open position (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the user can easily access the pot 2 and wash the rice.

As shown in FIG. 2 , when the lid 7 is at the pot open position, the pivoting tip portion 7A of the lid 7 is separated from the upper frame 4 of the housing 3 . At this time, the pot 2 is exposed upward.

As shown in FIG. 1 , when the lid 7 is in the pan closing position, the pivoting tip portion 7A of the lid 7 is supported by the upper frame 4 of the housing 3 . At this time, the lid 7 covers the opening 2A (see FIG. 2) of the pot 2 from above. As shown in FIG. 2 , the lid 7 has a fitting portion 71 , and the housing 3 has a fitted portion 42 on the upper frame 4 . When the lid body 7 is in the pan closing position shown in FIG. 1, the fitting portion 71 and the fitted portion 42 are fitted to each other. This prevents the cover 7 from unintentionally separating from the upper frame 4 of the housing 3 .

The rice cooker 1 includes a heating section 8 (see FIG. 13). The heating unit 8 is, for example, an induction heating (IH) type heating device. An induction heating (IH) type heating device includes a heating coil. An induction heating (IH) type heating device generates an eddy current in a metal pan 2 by a high-frequency magnetic field generated when a high-frequency current is passed through a heating coil. Thereby, the pan 2 is heated. Although not shown, the heating unit 8 is positioned below the pot 2 inside the housing 3 . In the first embodiment, the heating unit 8 covers the lower surface of the pot 2 and the lower portion of the outer surface of the pot 2 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the rice cooker with the lid of the rice container opened. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. In the first embodiment, the rice cooker 1 is an automatic rice cooker that automatically moves rice and water to the pot 2 to cook the rice. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the rice cooker 1 is housed in a housing 3 in a rice container 100 containing rice therein, a water container 300 containing water therein, and a rice container 100. A rice feeder 200 feeding rice into the pot 2 and a water feeder 400 feeding water stored in a water container 300 into the pot 2 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rice container 100 is supported by the lower frame 5 of the housing 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the rice container 100 includes a container body 110, an outer cover 120, and a lid .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the container body 110 has a box shape with an open top. Rice is stored in the internal space 111 of the container body 110 . The container body 110 is inserted into an opening formed in the overhanging portion of the upper frame 4 . As a result, the lower portion of the container body 110 is positioned below the upper frame 4 and the upper portion of the container body 110 is positioned above the upper frame 4 .

The outer cover 120 shown in FIGS. 1-3 covers the lower front part of the container body 110 shown in FIGS. The sides of the lower portion of the container body 110 other than the front are covered with the side surfaces 3B of the housing 3 . This prevents the container body 110 from being exposed to the outside. The outer cover 120 and the side surface 3B of the housing 3 are located below the top of the container body 110 and do not cover the top of the container body 110 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, lid 130 is attached to hinge 140 . The hinge part 140 is arranged at the rear part of the rice cooker 1 . The hinge portion 140 is supported by the upper frame 4 . Lid 130 is rotatable around hinge portion 140 .

Lid 130 is rotatable between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 130 has a box shape with an open bottom. The internal space of the lid 130 is larger than the upper portion of the container body 110 and can accommodate the upper portion of the container body 110 .

As shown in FIG. 1, when the lid 130 is in the closed position, the lid 130 closes the internal space 111 of the container body 110 from above. At this time, the lower end portion 130A of the lid body 130 in the closed position is in contact with the upper surface of the upper frame 4 from above. Thereby, the lid body 130 at the closed position is supported by the upper frame 4 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the lid 130 is in the open position, the lower end 130A of the lid 130 is separated from the upper frame 4 except for the rear portion connected to the hinge portion 140 . At this time, the lid 130 exposes the inner space 111 of the container body 110 to the outside, and the rice can be stored in the inner space 111 of the container body 110 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the rice feeding section 200 includes a rice weighing section 210 and a rice feeding path 220 . The rice weighing unit 210 measures the amount of rice supplied from the rice container 100 and supplies the designated amount of rice to the rice transfer route 220 . The rice transfer route 220 is a route for transferring the rice supplied from the rice weighing section 210 to the pot 2 .

The rice weighing unit 210 includes a housing with built-in weighing blades and a motor (not shown). The inside of the housing communicates with the internal space 111 of the container body 110 of the rice container 100 . The rotation of the motor causes the metering blades to rotate. As a result, the rice inside the housing is sent to the rice feeding path 220 by the rotating measuring blades. In the first embodiment, the amount of rice sent to the rice feeding path 220 is controlled by the number of rotations of the motor.

The rice feeding path 220 is piped from below the rice weighing unit 210 to above the upper frame 4 of the housing 3 with the rear part of the rice cooker 1 directed upward, and extends above the upper frame 4 in a substantially horizontal direction. 2 is piped up. One end of the rice feeding path 220 communicates with the housing of the rice weighing section 210 . The other end of the rice feeding path 220 is positioned above the opening 2A of the pot 2, and the opening 2A opens toward the opening. The rice inside the housing of the rice weighing unit 210 is transferred to the inside of the pot 2 through the rice feeding path 220 by a pump (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the water container 300 is positioned below the housing 3 . The water container 300 is arranged side by side with the lower part of the rice container 100. - 特許庁As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the water container 300 is supported by the lower frame 5 of the housing 3. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the water container 300 is provided inside the housing 3 . As shown in FIG. 5, the water container 300 is positioned below the pan 2. As shown in FIG. The water container 300 can be attached to and removed from the housing 3 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a water container and a water supply unit without a cover plate. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the water container and the water supply unit without the cover plate. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a water container including a cover plate and a water supply unit. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a water container including a cover plate and a water supply unit.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the water container 300 includes a bottom plate 301, side plates 302, a cover plate 303, and a slide plate 304. As shown in FIGS. The side plate 302 is erected upward from the outer edge of the bottom plate 301 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water container 300 is configured in a box shape with an open top by a bottom plate 301 and side plates 302 . As shown in FIG. 8, the cover plate 303 is supported by the upper end of the side plate 302. As shown in FIG. An internal space 300A (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the water container 300 is formed by the bottom plate 301, the side plates 302, and the lid plate 303. As shown in FIG. Water is stored in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cover plate 303 is formed with a recess 303A. An opening 303B is formed in the bottom surface 303Aa of the recess 303A.

The slide plate 304 is arranged in the recess 303A. The slide plate 304 is supported by the cover plate 303 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction along the recess 303A. The front-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the width direction. The slide plate 304 slides between a closed position that closes the opening 303B of the cover plate 303 and an open position (see FIGS. 8 and 9) located forward of the closed position and away from the opening 303B. When the slide plate 304 is in the open position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the internal space 300A of the water container 300 is exposed to the outside through the opening 303B. When the slide plate 304 is in the closed position, the slide plate 304 is positioned directly above the opening 303B and covers the opening 303B. As a result, the internal space 300A of the water container 300 is closed by the slide plate 304 .

A gap is formed between the slide plate 304 and the cover plate 303 . A gap is formed both between the bottom surface 303Aa of the recess 303A and the slide plate 304 and between the side surface 303Ab of the recess 303A and the slide plate 304. As shown in FIG. When the slide plate 304 is in the closed position, the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the outside communicate with each other through the opening 303B and the gap. When the slide plate 304 is in the open position, the inside and outside of the water container 300 are communicated through the opening 303B. The gap and opening 303B are an example of an opening. Note that the opening is not limited to the gap and the opening 303B. For example, as an example of the opening, the cover plate 303 may be formed with a through-hole communicating between the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the outside, in addition to the opening 303B.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, a cover plate 300B is attached to the front side plate 302 of the water container 300. As shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover plate 300B constitutes a part of the housing 3 when the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3. As shown in FIG. The cover plate 300B is gripped by, for example, putting a user's finger or the like on the lower surface 300Ba (see FIGS. 2 and 8) of the cover plate 300B. The water container 300 is removed from the housing 3 by being pulled forward as it is. The slide plate 304 of the water container 300 removed from the housing 3 is slid to the open position by the user, and water is refilled into the internal space 300A of the water container 300 through the opening 303B. After that, the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 .

In the first embodiment, when the slide plate 304 of the water container 300 is in the closed position when attached to the housing 3, the slide plate 304 is pushed by the wall surface or the like provided inside the rice cooker 1. thereby sliding from the closed position to the open position. As a result, when the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3, it is possible to irradiate the internal space 300A with ultraviolet rays from the light source 320, which will be described later, through the opening 303B.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water container 300 is provided with a stepped portion 305 . The stepped portion 305 is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 301 and the front surface of the rear side plate 302 . Note that the stepped portion 305 may be integrally molded with the water container 300 .

The stepped portion 305 has a two-step staircase shape and has two upper surfaces 305A and 305B. The top surface 305A is higher than the top surface 305B. The upper surface 305A is positioned at the same height as the water surface when the water container 300 contains the amount of water set as the maximum amount of water that can be contained in the water container 300 . In the first embodiment, the top surface 305A is located slightly below the top edge of the side plate 302. As shown in FIG. The upper surface 305B is positioned at the same height as the water surface when the water container 300 contains the amount of water set as the minimum amount of water contained in the water container 300 . In the first embodiment, the upper surface 305B is positioned slightly above upper ends of communication ports 306 and 307, which will be described later. Note that the heights of the upper surfaces 305A and 305B are not limited to the heights described above. In addition, a water level line or the like may be provided on the side plate 302 as a guideline.

Two communication ports 306 and 307 are formed in the rear side plate 302 of the water container 300 . The communication ports 306 and 307 communicate between the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the outside of the water container 300 . When the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3, the communication port 306 is connected to one end portion 411A (see FIG. 11) of the first pipe 411 of the water feed section 400 described later, and the communication port 307 is connected to the water feed section 400 described later. is connected to one end portion 412A (see FIG. 11) of the second pipe 412 of . Communication port 306 is an example of a first communication port. Communication port 307 is an example of a second communication port.

Two on-off valves 308 are provided in the water container 300 . One of the two on-off valves 308 opens and closes the communication port 306 . The other of the two on-off valves 308 opens and closes the communication port 307 . Since the two on-off valves 308 have the same configuration, the configuration of the on-off valve 308 that opens and closes the communication port 306 will be described, and the configuration of the on-off valve 308 that opens and closes the communication port 307 will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the AA section of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the on-off valve 308 includes housings 308A and 308B, a ring-shaped packing 308C, a valve body 308D, and a coil spring 308E.

The housing 308A is integrally molded with the water container 300. As shown in FIG. A communication port 306 is formed in the housing 308A. The internal space of housing 308A communicates with the outside of water container 300 via communication port 306 . Housing 308B is attached to housing 308A via packing 308C. The internal space of housing 308B communicates with the internal space of housing 308A. A through hole (not shown) that opens downward is formed in the housing 308B, and the internal space of the housing 308B communicates with the internal space 300A of the water container 300 through the through hole. . That is, the internal space 300A of the water container 300 communicates with the outside of the water container 300 via the internal space of the housing 308B and the internal space of the housing 308A.

A filter 308F is arranged at the inlet portion of the internal space of the housing 308B (the portion communicating with the internal space 300A of the water container 300). Water in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 flows through the filter 308F to the internal space of the housing 308B. The filter 308F can prevent foreign substances mixed in the water in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 from entering the internal space of the housing 308B. In the first embodiment, the filter 308F has a mesh shape, but is not limited to a mesh shape, and may have any structure as long as it is capable of suppressing the above-described entry of foreign matter.

The valve body 308D is arranged from the inside of the housing 308A to the inside of the housing 308B. Coil spring 308E is disposed within housing 308A. The coil spring 308E urges the valve body 308D rearward. Thereby, when the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3, the surface 308Da of the valve body 308D contacts the surface 308Aa of the housing 308A. As a result, the communication between the inside and the outside of the water container 300 through the communication port 306 is blocked. That is, the communication port 306 is closed. On the other hand, when the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3, the valve body 308D is pushed forward by the one end portion 411A of the first pipe 411 of the water supply portion 400 against the biasing force of the coil spring 308E. Moving. As a result, the surface 308Da of the valve body 308D is separated from the surface 308Aa of the housing 308A, as shown in FIG. That is, the communication port 306 is opened.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, a concave portion 301A is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 301 of the water container 300. As shown in FIGS. The two on-off valves 308 are arranged in the recess 301A. The portion of the upper surface of the bottom plate 301 of the water container 300 other than the recess 301A may be a horizontal surface or an inclined surface inclined toward the recess 301A. Since the portion is an inclined surface, water in the portion flows along the inclined surface to the concave portion 301A.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the rice cooker 1 includes an attachment/detachment detector 310 for detecting whether or not the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 . In the first embodiment, the attachment/detachment detector 310 is arranged inside the housing 3 and includes a photointerrupter 311 and a rotating member 312 .

The photointerrupter 311 is supported by a frame (not shown) arranged inside the housing 3 . The photointerrupter 311 includes a light-emitting portion (not shown) and a light-receiving portion (not shown) facing each other. Since the configuration of the photointerrupter 311 is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

The rotating member 312 is supported by a frame (not shown) arranged inside the housing 3 so as to be rotatable around a vertically extending rotating shaft 312A. The rotating member 312 is rotatable between a shielding position and a retracted position. When the rotating member 312 is at the blocking position, a portion of the rotating member 312 is positioned between the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the photointerrupter 311 . This blocks the optical path from the light emitter to the light receiver. When the rotating member 312 is at the retracted position, the part of the rotating member 312 retracts from between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the photointerrupter 311 . This opens the optical path from the light emitting section to the light receiving section. Rotating member 312 is biased to the blocking position by a spring (not shown).

When the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3 (in other words, when the water container 300 is removed from the housing 3), the rotating member 312 is biased by the spring and is in the shielding position. At this time, the photointerrupter 311 outputs a first signal (for example, one of high level and low level signals) to the control unit 20 .

When the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 , the side plate 302 of the water container 300 pushes the rotating member 312 . As a result, the rotating member 312 rotates from the shielding position to the retracted position along the circumferential direction R indicated by the arrow in FIG. At this time, the photointerrupter 311 outputs a second signal (for example, the other signal of high level and low level) to the control unit 20 . 8 and 9 show the rotating member 312 at the retracted position.

When the water container 300 is removed from the housing 3, the rotating member 312 is biased by the spring to rotate along the circumferential direction R from the retracted position to the shielding position.

The control unit 20 detects whether the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 based on the signal from the photointerrupter.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rice cooker 1 includes a light source 320 that emits ultraviolet rays. The light source 320 is an example of an ultraviolet irradiation section. The light source 320 is supported by a frame (not shown) arranged inside the housing 3 .

Light source 320 is provided directly above opening 303B. The light irradiation opening of the light source 320 faces downward. Thereby, the light source 320 irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the internal space 300A of the water container 300 through the opening 303B. That is, the light source 320 irradiates the water contained in the water container 300 with ultraviolet rays. The light source 320 is controlled to be turned on and off by the controller 20 . In other words, the light source 320 is driven and controlled by the controller 20 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the water supply unit 400 is arranged behind the water container 300 inside the housing 3 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a water feeding section. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a water container, a water feeder, and a pot.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the water supply unit 400 includes a first pipe 411, a second pipe 412, a third pipe 413, a fourth pipe 414, a water pump 421, an air pump 422, a pressure A sensor 430 , an on-off valve 441 and an on-off valve 442 are provided.

In the first embodiment, the first tube 411, the second tube 412, and the third tube 413 are made of resin such as plastic that does not bend easily and a silicone tube, and the fourth tube 414 is made of a silicone tube. consists of In addition, a part of the first pipe 411 and the second pipe 412 (a part provided with on-off valves 441 and 442 described later and a part connecting the housing 3 to the lid 7) can be easily It is made of a material (silicon in the first embodiment) that is flexible.

Materials for the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 are not limited to those described above. For example, the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 are partially covered with a spring to prevent deformation and buckling of the silicon tube. It may be composed of materials other than resin and silicon. Also, the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 may all be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials. Also, the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 may be made of multiple types of materials. For example, in the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414, the straight portions are made of a material that does not easily bend, and the curved portions are made of a material that easily bends. may have been In this case, two straight sections are connected by a tube made of an easily flexible material. Alternatively, the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 may be made of a single material. For example, the third tube 413 may be made of only resin such as plastic that does not bend easily.

In the first embodiment, one end and the other end of each of the first tube 411, the second tube 412, the third tube 413, and the fourth tube 414 are open.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, one end 411A (see FIG. 11) of the first pipe 411 is connected to the communication port 306 of the water container 300. As shown in FIGS. Thereby, the first pipe 411 communicates with the internal space 300</b>A of the water container 300 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the other end of the first tube 411 is connected to the second tube 412 at a branch position 412C. Thereby, the first pipe 411 communicates with the second pipe 412 .

As shown in FIG. 12, one end 412A (see FIG. 11) of the second pipe 412 is connected to the communication port 307 of the water container 300. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the second pipe 412 communicates with the internal space 300A of the water container 300 . As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the other end 412B of the second pipe 412 is positioned above the opening 2A of the pot 2. As shown in FIGS. The other end 412B of the second pipe 412 opens toward the opening 2A, that is, toward the inside of the pan 2. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the second pipe 412 allows the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the inside of the pan 2 to communicate with each other. An opening is formed at a branch position 412C between the second pipe 412 and the water pump 421 and the other end 412B (pot 2). The other end of the first tube 411 is connected to this opening. Thereby, the second pipe 412 communicates with the first pipe 411 .

As shown in FIG. 12 , part of the second pipe 412 and the first pipe 411 constitute a circulation flow path 450 . A portion of the second pipe 412 is a portion between the branch position 412C and the one end portion 412A (communication port 307) of the second pipe 412 . The water that flows through the communication port 307 of the water container 300 passes through the circulation flow path 450 and reaches the communication port 306 of the water container 300 to return to the water container 300 . In this manner, the water flow path is circulated by the circulation flow path 450 and the water container 300 .

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the third pipe 413 branches upward from the first pipe 411 . The third pipe 413 may extend directly upward from the first pipe 411 or may extend obliquely upward from the first pipe 411 . An opening is formed at a connection position 411B between one end 411A of the first pipe 411 and the branch position 412C. The lower end of the third pipe 413 is connected to this opening. Thereby, the lower end of the third pipe 413 communicates with the first pipe 411 . A pressure sensor 430 is attached to the upper end of the third pipe 413 . Thereby, the upper end of the third pipe 413 is closed. A closed air reservoir is formed in the internal space 413A of the third pipe 413 when at least a portion of the first pipe 411 is filled with water.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fourth tube 414 branches off from the second tube 412 . One end of the fourth pipe 414 communicates with the second pipe 412 . The other end of the fourth pipe 414 is open to the atmosphere. An air pump 422 is arranged in the fourth pipe 414 .

In the first embodiment, one end of the fourth pipe 414 communicates with the second pipe 412 between the branch position 412C of the second pipe 412 and the water pump 421, as shown in FIG. However, the communication position between one end of the fourth pipe 414 and the second pipe 412 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 12, one end of the fourth tube 414 may communicate with the second tube 412 at a branch position 412C. Also, for example, one end of the fourth pipe 414 may communicate with the second pipe 412 between the branch position 412C of the second pipe 412 and the on-off valve 442 . Also, for example, one end of the fourth pipe 414 may communicate with the second pipe 412 between the branch position 412C of the first pipe 411 and the on-off valve 441 .

The water pump 421 is a machine for sending water, and is, for example, a gear pump, a tubing pump, or the like that can control the direction of water supply. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the water pump 421 is provided on the second pipe 412 . In the first embodiment, the water pump 421 is provided between the one end 412A of the second pipe 412 and the branch position 412C. The position where the water pump 421 is provided is not limited to the position described above, and may be provided, for example, between the branch position 412C of the second pipe 412 and the on-off valve 442 .

By driving the water pump 421 , the water contained in the water container 300 is supplied to the inside of the pot 2 via the second pipe 412 . That is, the water pump 421 moves the water inside the second pipe 412 . When a gear pump is used as the water pump 421, in addition to supplying water from the water container 300 to the pot 2, it is possible to reverse the water remaining in the second pipe 412 and send it to the water container 300. .

The air pump 422 is a machine for sending air, such as a compressor. An air pump 422 is provided on the fourth pipe 414 . Air is taken in from the other end of the fourth pipe 414 by driving the air pump 422 . The air taken into the fourth pipe 414 is sent to the second pipe 412 via the fourth pipe 414 by the air pump 422 . The air sent to the second pipe 412 is sent to the water container 300 through the communication port 307 through the second pipe 412 . In addition, the air sent to the second pipe 412 can be sent to the first pipe 411 via the branch position 412C, and can be sent to the water container 300 from the communication port 306 through the first pipe 411 .

Note that when the fourth pipe 414 communicates with the second pipe 412 at the first pipe 411 , the air pump 422 sends the taken air through the fourth pipe 414 to the first pipe 411 . Air directed to first tube 411 may be directed to second tube 412 via branch location 412C.

As shown in FIG. 10, pressure sensor 430 includes sensor main body 430A including a substrate, packing 430B, base portion 430C having an internal space, cover 430D, and O-ring 430E. The base portion 430C is attached to the upper end portion of the third pipe 413 via an O-ring 430E. The sensor main body 430A and the packing 430B are arranged inside the base portion 430C. Packing 430B is interposed between sensor body 430A and third pipe 413 . The cover 430D covers the base portion 430C from above. The airtightness of the third pipe 413 is maintained by the packing 430B and the O-ring 430E.

The sensor main body 430A detects the pressure of air in the internal space 413A of the third pipe 413. As shown in FIG. The pressure of the air in the internal space 413A of the third pipe 413 increases or decreases according to the water level in the water container 300. For example, when the amount of water set as the maximum amount of water stored in water container 300 is stored in water container 300, in other words, the water surface in water container 300 is at the same height as upper surface 305A of stepped portion 305. At this time, the sensor main body 430A outputs to the controller 20 a voltage corresponding to the detected internal pressure of the third tube 413 (a maximum voltage of 5 V in the first embodiment). As the water surface drops, the air pressure detected by the sensor main body 430A becomes lower. At this time, the sensor main body 430A outputs a voltage lower than 5V to the control section 20. FIG. The control unit 20 detects the height of the water surface in the water container 300 according to the voltage output from the sensor main body 430A.

The pressure sensor 430 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be, for example, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radio wave sensor, or the like. Further, the control unit 20 may detect the height of the water surface in the water container 300 according to the current output from the sensor main body 430A to the control unit 20, for example, other than the voltage output from the sensor main body 430A.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the on-off valve 441 is provided between the connection position 411B of the first pipe 411 with the third pipe 413 and the branch position 412C. The on-off valve 441 is opened and closed under the control of the controller 20 . The flow path in the first pipe 411 is opened and closed by opening and closing the on-off valve 441 . Water can flow through the first pipe 411 when the on-off valve 441 is opened to open the flow path in the first pipe 411 . When the on-off valve 441 is closed to close the flow path in the first pipe 411 , the flow of water in the first pipe 411 is blocked by the on-off valve 441 . The on-off valve 441 is an example of a circulation on-off valve.

The position of the on-off valve 441 is not limited to between the connection position 411B of the first pipe 411 with the third pipe 413 and the branch position 412C, but also between the one end 411A of the first pipe 411 and the connection position 411B. good.

The on-off valve 442 is provided between the branch position 412C of the second pipe 412 and the other end 412B. The on-off valve 442 is opened and closed under the control of the controller 20 . The flow path in the second pipe 412 is opened and closed by opening and closing the on-off valve 442 . Water can flow through the second pipe 412 when the on-off valve 442 is opened to open the flow path in the second pipe 412 . When the on-off valve 442 is closed to close the flow path in the second pipe 412 , the flow of water in the second pipe 412 is blocked by the on-off valve 442 . The on-off valve 442 is an example of a water supply on-off valve.

In the first embodiment, each of the on-off valves 441 and 442 includes a stepping motor, a conversion component that converts the rotary motion of the stepping motor into a reciprocating motion by rotating, and the first pipe 411 and the second pipe 411 through the operation of the conversion component. It has a valve body that deforms a part of the silicon tube forming part of the pipe 412, and a valve seat that faces the valve body. The tips of the valve disc and the valve seat are wedge-shaped, and the movement of the conversion part causes the valve disc to move closer to the valve seat, thereby crushing the silicon tube sandwiched between the valve disc and the valve seat. As a result, the internal space of the silicon tube is closed. The configuration of the on-off valves 441 and 442 is not limited to the configuration described above, and various known configurations can be adopted.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the rice cooker. A control unit 20 shown in FIG. 13 controls the overall operation of the rice cooker 1 . Under the control of the control unit 20, processes such as a rice cooking process, which will be described later, are executed.

The storage unit 25 shown in FIG. 13 is a recording medium for recording various information including programs and data necessary for realizing the functions of the rice cooker 1 . The storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or another storage device alone or by appropriately combining them. The storage unit 25 may include a volatile memory such as SRAM or DRAM capable of high-speed operation that temporarily stores various information.

Shape information of the water container 300 is stored in the storage unit 25 . The shape information is information about the shape of the water container 300 . In the first embodiment, the shape information is a data table including each height position of the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the volume of water corresponding to each height position. The volume of water corresponding to each height position is the volume of water contained in the internal space 300A when the water surface is positioned at each height position.

In the first embodiment, a step surface 300C is formed in the front portion of the water container 300, as shown in FIG. Thus, in the internal space 300A of the water container 300, the cross-sectional area above the stepped surface 300C (cross-sectional area along the horizontal plane) is larger than the cross-sectional area below the stepped surface 300C. That is, in the first embodiment, the volume included in the shape information reflects the above-described difference in the size of the cross-sectional area. Specifically, when the height position is above the step surface 300C, the volume corresponding to the height position is the sum of the volume of the portion lower than the step surface and the volume of the portion higher than the step surface. is. On the other hand, when the height position is above the step surface 300C, the volume of water corresponding to the height position is the volume of the portion lower than the step surface.

Note that the shape information is not limited to the data table described above. For example, the shape information is a formula that can calculate the volume of the water contained in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 by substituting the water level of the water contained in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 as a variable. may be

The controller 20 shown in FIG. 13 can be implemented in various ways. For example, as the control unit 20, a processor that implements a predetermined function in cooperation with software may be used. If a processor is used as the control unit 20, the control unit 20 can execute various processes by reading programs from the storage unit 25 storing the programs and executing the programs. Since the contents of processing can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage unit 25, the degree of freedom in changing the contents of control can be increased. The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). Alternatively, a wired logic whose program cannot be rewritten may be used as the control unit 20 . Using wired logic as the control unit 20 is effective in improving the processing speed. Wired logic includes, for example, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Also, the control unit 20 may be realized by combining a processor and wired logic. If the control unit 20 is realized by combining a processor and wired logic, the processing speed can be improved while increasing the degree of freedom in software design. Also, the control unit 20 and a circuit having a function different from that of the control unit 20 may be configured by one semiconductor element. Circuits having other functions include, for example, A/D/D/A conversion circuits. Further, the control unit 20 may be composed of one semiconductor element, or may be composed of a plurality of semiconductor elements. When configured with a plurality of semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be realized by different semiconductor elements. Furthermore, the control section 20 may be configured with a configuration including a semiconductor element and a passive component such as a resistor or a capacitor.

The communication interface 28 shown in FIG. 13 may be any interface that enables communication between the rice cooker 1 and an external device. Communication interface 28 can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the communication interface 28 may be connected to the external device by wire, or may be connected to the external device by radio. The communication interface 28 that connects the device of the present disclosure and an external device by wire is effective in terms of communication security and communication stability. The wired communication interface 28 may be, for example, a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (Ethernet: registered trademark) standard, or a wired connection using an optical fiber cable. The communication interface 28 for wireless connection includes wireless connection with an external device via a base station or the like, or direct wireless connection with an external device. Examples of wireless connections with external devices via base stations include wireless LANs compatible with IEEE802.11 that wirelessly communicate with WiFi (registered trademark) routers, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), There are a 4th generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 4G), a 5th generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 5G), WiMax (registered trademark) compatible with IEEE802.16, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Using the communication interface 28 that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present disclosure and an external device is effective in improving communication security. In addition, by using the communication interface 28 that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present disclosure and an external device, the device of the present disclosure can communicate with the external device even in a place where there is no relay device such as a WiFi (Wi-Fi: registered trademark) router. . As the communication interface 28 that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present disclosure and an external device, for example, communication by Bluetooth (Bluetooth: registered trademark), communication by NFC (Near Field Communication) via a loop antenna, infrared communication, etc. There is

A signal output unit 26 shown in FIG. 13 outputs a signal to the control unit 20 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the signal output section 26 includes a pressure sensor 430 , an attachment/detachment detection section 310 , a temperature detection section 54 and a user interface (UI) 55 .

The pressure sensor 430 detects the pressure of the air in the internal space 413A of the third pipe 413 and outputs a voltage corresponding to the pressure to the controller 20, as described above.

The attachment/detachment detection unit 310 detects whether or not the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 as described above. The attachment/detachment detection unit 310 outputs a first signal to the control unit 20 when the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3 , and outputs a first signal to the control unit 20 when the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 . 2 signals are output.

Temperature detection unit 54 is arranged at an arbitrary position of rice cooker 1 . The temperature detection unit 54 detects the temperature of the rice cooker 1 and its surroundings. The temperature detection unit 54 outputs temperature information, which is information about the detected temperature, to the control unit 20 . The temperature information is not limited to the temperature of the rice cooker 1 and its surroundings. For example, the temperature detection unit 54 may be arranged inside the water container 300 to detect the temperature of the water contained in the water container 300 . In this case, the temperature information is information about the detected water temperature. That is, the temperature information is information about the detected temperature. Further, for example, the temperature detection unit 54 may be arranged at a position close to the pan 2 below the pan 2 . In this case, the temperature detection unit 54 can detect the temperature inside the pot 2 by detecting the temperature of the bottom of the pot 2 . In other words, the temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the pot 2 may be used as the temperature detection unit 54 for detecting the temperature of the rice cooker 1 and its surroundings.

The user interface 55 includes, for example, buttons for receiving input from the user, a touch panel, and the like. The user interface 55 is provided, for example, on the upper surface 7B of the lid 7 (see FIG. 1). For example, the user operates the user interface 55 to set the amount of rice to be cooked, the cooking method, the time to finish cooking, and the like.

The user interface 55 is used by the user to input information to the rice cooker 1 . Various embodiments of the user interface 55 are conceivable. For example, the user interface 55 may be composed of mechanical operating members. Further, the user interface 55 may be configured by a transparent plate-shaped operation member installed above the display. Such a transparent plate-shaped operating member can be of a contact type or a non-contact type. Alternatively, the user interface 55 may be formed by photographing a user's action using a camera and recognizing the action by the rice cooker 1 . Further, the user interface 55 may be provided by the rice cooker 1 receiving a sound emitted by the user. A smart speaker or the like corresponds to such a configuration.

Various embodiments are conceivable as to where the user interface 55 is provided. The user interface 55 may be provided in the rice cooker 1 as described above, or may be provided separately from the rice cooker 1 . When the user interface 55 is provided separately from the rice cooker 1, communication between the user interface 55 and the rice cooker 1 is enabled by wire or wireless. In this case, user interface 55 and rice cooker 1 may be directly communicable, or may be indirectly communicable via the Internet or an access point. Further, when communicating wirelessly, the communication may be performed by a mobile communication system, or may be performed in conformity with other standards. Furthermore, when communicating wirelessly, remote wireless communication may be used, or close proximity wireless communication may be used.

A signal from the control unit 20 is input to the signal input unit 27 shown in FIG. The control section 20 controls the operation of the signal input section 27 by outputting a signal to the signal input section 27 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the signal input section 27 includes the heating section 8 described above, the light source 320 , the water pump 421 , the air pump 422 , the on-off valve 441 and the on-off valve 442 . Moreover, the signal input unit 27 further includes a display unit 61 and a speaker 62 .

The display unit 61 is configured by the display of the rice cooker 1 or the like. The display unit 61 is provided, for example, on the upper surface 7B of the lid 7 (see FIG. 1). The speaker 62 outputs audio. The speaker 62 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 3, for example. For example, if the user interface 55 described above is composed of a touch panel, the display unit 61 may be a touch panel screen.

The rice cooking process of the rice cooker 1 executed under the control of the control unit 20 will be described below. The control unit 20 starts the rice cooking process when the information of the rice cooking instruction is acquired from the outside of the control unit 20 . The information of the rice cooking instruction is sent to the control unit 20 in response to the user's input of the rice cooking instruction through the user interface 55 . For example, the information of the rice cooking instruction is sent from the input unit to the control unit 20 in response to the user inputting the rice cooking instruction through the input unit such as the switch and the touch panel provided on the housing 3 and the lid 7 of the rice cooker 1. Sent. Further, for example, the rice cooking instruction information input by the user in an external device such as a smartphone or a personal computer may be sent from the external device to the control unit 20 of the rice cooker 1 . In this case, the rice cooker 1 and the external device are configured to be communicable by wire or wirelessly.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the rice cooking process. As shown in FIG. 14, the rice cooking process is started when a rice cooking instruction as described above is received (S10). The rice cooking process includes a rice feeding process S20, a water feeding process S30, a pre-cooking process S40, a temperature raising process S50, a boiling process S60, and a steaming process S70.

In the rice feeding step S20, the control unit 20 determines the amount of rice required for rice cooking according to the rice cooking instruction. The control unit 20 controls the rice feeding unit 200 to feed the determined amount of rice from the rice container 100 into the pot 2 .

In the water supply step S30, the control unit 20 determines the amount of water required for rice cooking according to the rice cooking instruction. The controller 20 controls the water feeder 400 to feed the determined amount of water from the water container 300 into the pot 2 . The water supply step S30 will be described later in detail.

The rice feeding step S20 and the water feeding step S30 may be performed in parallel. The water feeding step S30 may be performed prior to the rice feeding step S20.

In the pre-cooking step S<b>40 , the control unit 20 controls the heating unit 8 to heat the pan 2 . At this time, the controller 20 keeps the temperature in the pot 2 below the gelatinization temperature (for example, 55 degrees) to allow the rice to absorb water. The control unit 20 recognizes the temperature inside the pot 2 based on information input from a temperature sensor (not shown).

A temperature sensor is positioned below and adjacent to the pan 2 . The temperature sensor is arranged below the central portion of the pan 2 in plan view. The temperature sensor detects the temperature inside the pot 2 by detecting the temperature of the bottom of the pot 2 . A temperature sensor outputs information about the sensed temperature.

In the temperature raising step S50, the control unit 20 controls the heating unit 8 to heat the pot 2 more strongly than in the pre-cooking step S40, raise the temperature inside the pot 2, and bring the inside of the pot 2 into a boiling state. .

In the boiling step S60, the control unit 20 controls the heating unit 8 to heat the pot 2 weaker than in the temperature raising step S50. However, the heating intensity of the heating unit 8 is maintained to such an extent that the boiling of the water in the pot 2 is maintained.

As the water in the pot 2 is absorbed by the rice and boils, when the water in the pot 2 is exhausted, the temperature in the pot 2 rises above the boiling point of water (100°C) by heating. When the temperature inside the pan 2 reaches a temperature (for example, 120° C.) higher than the boiling point of water, the control unit 20 controls the heating unit 8 to stop heating the pan 2 . The period during which the heating of the pot 2 is stopped is the steaming step S70.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the water supply process. The water supply step S30 will be described below with reference to FIG. At the start of the water supply step S30, the on-off valves 441 and 442 are closed, and the water supply pump 421 and the air pump 422 are stopped.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the water supply step S30, the control unit 20 first detects whether or not the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 based on the signal acquired from the attachment/detachment detection unit 310 ( S110).

The control unit 20 determines that the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3 when the first signal is obtained from the attachment/detachment detection unit 310 (S110: NO). In this case, the control unit 20 notifies the abnormality that the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3 (S120), executes the first draining operation S270 and the second draining operation S280 to be described later, and cooks the rice. End the process. The notification is performed, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 61 controlled by the control unit 20, by outputting sound from the speaker 62 controlled by the control unit 20, or the like. The notification may be sent to external devices such as smartphones and personal computers. The first water discharge operation S270 and the second water discharge operation S280 may be performed before the abnormality notification (S120), or may be performed in parallel with the abnormality notification (S120).

On the other hand, when the control unit 20 acquires the second signal from the attachment/detachment detection unit 310, the control unit 20 determines that the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 (S110: YES). In this case, the control unit 20
A circulation operation S130 is performed.

In circulation operation S<b>130 , the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 441 . As a result, the on-off valve 441 is opened and the on-off valve 442 is closed. Next, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 . As a result, when there is water in the water container 300 , the water in the water container 300 is circulated through the circulation flow path 450 by the water pump 421 . As a result, the circulation channel 450 is filled with water. The air existing in the circulation channel 450 is pushed by the circulating water and reaches the water container 300, and flows out of the water container 300 through the gap between the slide plate 304 and the cover plate 303 and the opening 303B. do. That is, even if air remains inside the circulation flow path 450 including the inside of the first pipe 411 before the circulation operation S130, the remaining air is removed by executing the circulation operation S130. It can be discharged from the circulation channel 450 . That is, the air in circulation channel 450 is replaced with water.

At this time, the inside of the third pipe 413 is not filled with water. This is because the upper portion of the third pipe 413 is blocked by the pressure sensor 430, so there is no escape for the air present in the third pipe 413. Therefore, an air reservoir is formed inside the third pipe 413 . That is, the first pipe 411 is filled with the water that flows from the water container 300 and an air reservoir is formed inside the third pipe 413 .

After the circulation operation S130, the controller 20 stops the water pump 421, closes the on-off valve 441, and then detects the amount of water stored in the water container 300 (S140).

In step S140, the control unit 20 accommodates in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 based on the voltage output from the pressure sensor 430 to the control unit 20 and the shape information (data table) stored in the storage unit 25. Calculate the volume of water removed. First, the controller 20 obtains the water level contained in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 from the voltage value output from the pressure sensor 430 to the controller 20 . Next, the control unit 20 refers to the data table and obtains the volume of water corresponding to the obtained water level. As described above, the controller 20 calculates the amount of water stored in the water container 300 . As described above, in the first embodiment, the control unit 20 corresponds to the stored water amount calculation unit. Note that the water storage amount calculation unit may be provided separately from the control unit 20 .

Next, the controller 20 detects whether or not there is water in the water container 300 (S150).

In the first embodiment, the control unit 20 determines that there is no water in the water container 300 when the voltage output from the pressure sensor 430 to the control unit 20 corresponds to the atmospheric pressure (S150: NO). When there is no water in the water container 300, the inside of the third pipe 413 and the inside of the water container 300 are connected by air. Therefore, pressure sensor 430 detects the atmospheric pressure and outputs a voltage corresponding to the atmospheric pressure to controller 20 .

When the control unit 20 determines that there is no water in the water container 300 (S150: NO), it notifies the abnormality that the water container 300 is empty by displaying a message, outputting a voice, etc. (S120), After executing a first water discharge operation S270 and a second water discharge operation S280, which will be described later, the rice cooking process ends. Note that the control unit 20 may detect whether the amount of water in the water container 300 is less than a preset set amount of water, for example, the minimum amount of water, instead of detecting whether there is no water in the water container 300 .

When determining that there is water in the water container 300 (S150: YES), the control unit 20 determines whether or not the amount of stored water calculated in step S140 is equal to or greater than the target water supply amount (S160). The target water supply amount is the water supply amount required for rice cooking, and is set according to the amount of rice cooked or the amount of rice sent in the rice cooking process currently being performed. The amount of rice to be cooked is input by the user, for example, in the rice cooking instruction. The amount of rice to be sent is determined in the rice sending step S20.

If the amount of stored water is less than the target water supply amount (S160: NO), the control unit 20 notifies the water vessel 300 of the abnormality that the water required for rice cooking is not stored by displaying a message, outputting a voice, or the like. Then (S120), a first draining operation S270 and a second draining operation S280, which will be described later, are executed, and the rice cooking process ends.

If the stored water amount is equal to or greater than the target water supply amount (S160: YES), the control unit 20 executes the first water supply operation S170. In the first water supply operation S170, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 442. As shown in FIG. As a result, the on-off valve 441 is closed and the on-off valve 442 is opened. Next, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 . As a result, the water in the water container 300 is moved into the second pipe 412 by the water pump 421 and supplied to the pot 2 from within the second pipe 412 . In the first water supply operation S170, the control unit 20 supplies water to the pan 2 in an amount smaller than the target water supply amount, for example, 70 to 90% of the target water supply amount. The amount of water supplied is controlled by the drive time of the water pump 421, for example.

After the first water supply operation S170, the controller 20 stops the water supply pump 421, and then waits for a certain period of time (S180). During this standby, the water in the second pipe 412 moves downward due to its own weight. The certain period of time is set to a time sufficient for the movement of the water in the second pipe 412 due to its own weight to be completed and the water level in the water container 300 and the second pipe 412 to be stabilized.

It is conceivable to forcibly stop the above-described downward movement of water due to its own weight by closing the on-off valve 442 after the first water supply operation S170. However, in the first embodiment, since the on-off valve 442 is a motor valve provided with a stepping motor, it takes time to open and close. Therefore, the water level in the second pipe 412 is unstable because the water in the second pipe 412 moves due to its own weight during the opening and closing operation of the on-off valve 442 . Therefore, in the water supply process of the first embodiment, while the on-off valve 442 is kept open after the first water supply operation S170, the water level in the water container 300 and the second pipe 412 is stabilized for a certain period of time. A wait takes place.

After waiting for a certain period of time (S180), the controller 20 detects the amount of water stored in the water container 300 in the same manner as in step S140 (S190). The controller 20 may subtract the amount of stored water detected in step S190 from the amount of stored water detected in step S140 to calculate the actual amount of water supplied to the pan 2 in the first water supply operation S170.

Next, the control unit 20 executes the second water supply operation S200. The second water supply operation S200 is performed in substantially the same manner as the first water supply operation S170. That is, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 . In the first water supply operation 170, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 after opening the on-off valve 442, but the on-off valve 442 is already open at the start of the second water supply operation S200. In the second water supply operation S200, the controller 20 supplies the pot 2 with an amount of water smaller than the amount of water supplied in the first water supply operation S170. For example, the control unit 20 supplies water to the pot 2 such that the cumulative amount of water supplied in the first water supply operation S170 and the second water supply operation S200 is 90 to 99% of the target water supply amount.

After the second water supply operation S200, the control unit 20 stops the water supply pump 421 in the same manner as in step S180, and then waits for a certain period of time (S210).

After waiting for a certain period of time (S210), the controller 20 detects the amount of water stored in the water container 300 (S220) in the same manner as in steps S140 and S190. The controller 20 may subtract the amount of stored water detected in step S220 from the amount of stored water detected in step S190 to calculate the actual amount of water supplied to the pan 2 in the second water supply operation S200. Further, the control unit 20 subtracts the amount of stored water detected in step S220 from the amount of stored water detected in step S140 to obtain the cumulative amount of water supplied to the pan 2 in the first water supply operation S170 and the second water supply operation S200. can be calculated.

Next, the controller 20 executes a third water supply operation S230. The third water supply operation S230 is performed in the same manner as the second water supply operation S200. That is, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 . However, in the third water supply operation S230, the controller 20 supplies the pan 2 with an amount smaller than the amount of water supplied in the second water supply operation S200. For example, the controller 20 supplies 5 to 10 (g) of water to the pot 2 .

After the third water supply operation S230, the controller 20 stops the water supply pump 421 in the same manner as in steps S180 and S210, and then waits for a certain period of time (S240).

After waiting for a certain period of time (S240), the controller 20 detects the amount of water stored in the water container 300 in the same manner as in steps S140, S190, and S220 (S250).

Next, the control unit 20 subtracts the amount of stored water detected in step S250 from the amount of stored water detected in step S140, and calculates the cumulative amount of water supplied to the pan 2 from the first water supply operation S170 to the third water supply operation S230. Calculate The control unit 20 determines whether or not the calculated cumulative water supply amount is equal to or greater than the target water supply amount (S260).

When the accumulated water supply amount calculated in step S260 is less than the target water supply amount (S260: NO), the control unit 20 executes steps S230 to S250 again. On the other hand, if the cumulative water supply amount calculated in step S260 is equal to or greater than the target water supply amount (S260: YES), the control unit 20 executes a first water discharge operation S270 and a second water discharge operation S280, which will be described later. That is, the control unit 20 repeats the third water supply operation S230 of supplying a small amount of water to the pot 2 until the cumulative water supply amount reaches or exceeds the target water supply amount.

In the first water discharge operation S270, the controller 20 closes the on-off valve 441 and the on-off valve 442. FIG. After that, the controller 20 drives the air pump 422 . As a result, outside air is taken in from the other end of the fourth pipe 414 and sent to the second pipe 412 via the fourth pipe 414 . Water remaining in the second pipe 412 is drained from the communication port 307 into the water container 300 by being pushed by the air. After that, the controller 20 stops the air pump 422 . The driving time of the air pump 422 in the first draining operation S270 is set to a time sufficient for the water remaining in the second pipe 412 to be drained into the water container 300 .

In the second water discharge operation S280, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 441 and closes the on-off valve 442. After that, the controller 20 drives the air pump 422 . As a result, external air is taken in from the other end of the fourth pipe 414, the air is sent to the second pipe 412 via the fourth pipe 414, and is sent from the second pipe 412 via the branch position 412C. and sent to the first tube 411 . Water remaining in the first pipe 411 is drained from the communication port 306 into the water container 300 by being pushed by the air. After that, the controller 20 stops the air pump 422 . The driving time of the air pump 422 in the second draining operation S280 is set to a time sufficient for the water remaining in the first pipe 411 to be drained into the water container 300. FIG.

It should be noted that the water pump 421 acts as resistance to the air sent to the second pipe 412 by the air pump 422 when the second water discharge operation S280 is executed. Therefore, the air sent to the second pipe 412 by the air pump 422 flows through the first pipe 411 .

In the water supply step described above, the controller 20 supplies water to the pot 2 in an amount of 70 to 90% of the target water supply amount in the first water supply operation S170. In addition, in the second water supply operation S200, the control unit 20 supplies an amount of water such that the cumulative water supply amount in the first water supply operation S170 and the second water supply operation S200 is 90 to 99% of the target water supply amount. supply to Further, in the third water supply operation S230, the control unit 20 supplies 5 to 10 (g) of water to the pot 2. However, in each water supply process, the amount of water supplied to the pot 2 is not limited to the amount of water described above.

In the water supply process described above, the first water supply operation S170, the second water supply operation S200, and the third water supply operation S230 are performed, and the third water supply operation S230 is performed once or multiple times. That is, in the above-described water supply process, the water supply operation is performed at least three times. However, the number of times the water supply operation is performed is not limited to at least three.

For example, the second water supply operation S200 may not be performed. In this case, steps S200 to S220 are not executed, and step S230 (third water supply operation) is executed after step S190. That is, in this case, the water supply operation is performed at least twice.

Further, for example, as the water supply operation, the first water supply operation S170 may be performed only once. In this case, steps S200 to S260 are not executed, and the first water discharge operation S270 is executed after step S190. That is, in this case, one water supply operation is performed. In this case, the controller 20 supplies the target amount of water to the pot 2 in the first water supply operation S170.

In the water supply step described above, the target water supply amount is a value, and the control unit 20 continues water supply until the cumulative water supply amount reaches or exceeds the target water supply amount. However, a target water supply range may be set instead of the target water supply amount. The target water supply range is a certain range including the target water supply amount. In this case, for example, the control unit 20 continues water supply until the cumulative amount of water supply falls within the target water supply range.

In the first embodiment, the on-off valves 441 and 442 are motor valves that take time to open and close. Therefore, in the water supply process described above, the water levels in the water container 300 and the second pipe 412 are maintained while the on-off valve 442 is left open after the first water supply operation S170, the second water supply operation S200, and the third water supply operation S230. Waiting for a certain period of time is performed until is stabilized (S180, S210, S240).

However, as described above, the on-off valves 441 and 442 are not limited to motor valves, and can adopt various known configurations. For example, the on-off valves 441 and 442 or electromagnetic valves may be used. Solenoid valves open and close faster than motor valves. Therefore, when the on-off valve 442 is a solenoid valve, the controller 20 stops the water pump 421 and closes the on-off valve 442 after each of the water supply operations S170, S200, and S230 so that the inside of the water container 300 and the second The water level in tube 412 can be stabilized quickly. In this case, the control unit 20 does not perform the above-described standby (S180, S210, S240), or shortens the above-described standby time to less than a predetermined time, and performs the next process (reduces the amount of water stored in the water container 300). detection (S190, S220, S250)) may be performed. In this case, in the second water supply operation S200 and the third water supply operation S230, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 442 and then drives the water pump 421. FIG.

In the water supply process described above, the controller 20 drains the water remaining in the second pipe 412 into the water container 300 by the air taken in from the outside by the air pump 422 in the first draining operation S270. However, if the water pump 421 is a pump such as a gear pump that can control the direction of water supply, the water pump 421 is driven so as to move water toward the communication port 307 in the first water discharge operation S270. Water remaining in tube 412 can be drained into water container 300 . In this case, the controller 20 need not drive the air pump 422 in the first water discharge operation S270. Further, in this case, by opening the on-off valve 442, air can be taken in from the outside.

In the water supply process described above, the controller 20 calculates the amount of stored water at each time point and compares it with the target amount of water supply, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 20 may compare the pressure (for example, pressure change value) detected by the pressure sensor 430 with the target pressure value corresponding to the target water supply amount instead of the stored water amount.

In the rice cooker 1, under the control of the control unit 20, a circulation process during temperature detection and a circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation are executed.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the circulation process during temperature detection. The circulation process during temperature detection will be described below with reference to FIG.

The control unit 20 compares the temperature information obtained from the temperature detection unit 54 with the set temperature at regular intervals (S410). That is, in the first embodiment, the circulation process during temperature detection is performed at regular time intervals. The fixed time in the circulation process at the time of temperature detection is set to an arbitrary time. In the first embodiment, the fixed time is set to 5 seconds, for example. The constant time may be zero. In this case, the controller 20 always refers to the temperature information acquired from the temperature detector 54 . The set temperature is information set in advance and stored in the storage unit 25, and can be set to an arbitrary temperature. In the first embodiment, the set temperature is, for example, 0 degrees Celsius, at which water located inside the housing 3 of the rice cooker 1, for example, the water container 300, the first pipe 411, and the second pipe 412 may freeze. etc.

If the temperature information is higher than the set temperature (S410: NO), the circulation process at the time of temperature detection is ended without executing the circulation operation S420, which will be described later, and is started again after a certain period of time.

If the temperature information is equal to or lower than the set temperature (S410: YES), the control unit 20 executes circulation operation S420. The circulation operation S420 is the same operation as the circulation operation S130 of the water supply step S30. In the circulation operation S420, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 441 and closes the on-off valve 442, and then drives the water pump 421. FIG. As a result, the water in the water container 300 and the circulation channel 450 is circulated through the circulation channel 450 by the water pump 421 . In other words, since water moves in the water container 300 and the circulation channel 450, the possibility of freezing of the water is reduced.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation. Hereinafter, the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation will be described with reference to FIG.

The control unit 20 determines whether or not a certain period of time has passed since the ultraviolet light was emitted from the light source 320 last time (S610). That is, in the first embodiment, the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation is performed at regular time intervals. The fixed time in the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation is set to an arbitrary time. For example, the certain period of time is set to a period of time during which bacteria in the water container 300 are expected to proliferate to a certain number or more when the water in the water container 300 is left without being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

If a certain period of time has passed since the ultraviolet light was emitted from the light source 320 last time (S610: YES), the controller 20 controls the water container 300 to be attached to the housing 3 in the same manner as in step S110 of the water supply step S30. Whether or not there is water is detected (S620), and whether or not there is water in the water container 300 is detected (S630) in the same manner as in step S150 of the water supply step S30.

When the control unit 20 determines that the water container 300 is not attached to the housing 3 (S610: NO), or determines that there is no water in the water container 300 (S620: NO), the water supply step S30 is performed. Abnormality is notified (S640) in the same manner as in step S120. In this case, the circulation process at the time of ultraviolet irradiation ends without executing the ultraviolet irradiation and the circulation operation.

When the controller 20 determines that the water container 300 is attached to the housing 3 (S610: YES) and determines that there is water in the water container 300 (S620: YES), it drives the light source 320. do. As a result, ultraviolet light is emitted from the light source 320 toward the inner space 300A of the water container 300 (S650). That is, the water in the water container 300 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the light source 320 .

The control unit 20 executes the circulation operation S660 after starting to drive the light source 320 or at the same time as starting to drive the light source 320 . The circulation operation S660 is the same operation as the circulation operation S130 of the water supply step S30. In the circulation operation S660, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 441 and closes the on-off valve 442, and then drives the water pump 421. FIG. As a result, the water in the water container 300 and the circulation channel 450 is circulated through the circulation channel 450 by the water pump 421 . That is, since the water is moved and agitated in the water container 300 and the circulation channel 450, most of the water contained in the water container 300 can be exposed to the ultraviolet rays.

The time during which ultraviolet light is emitted from the light source 320 in step S650 is, for example, a preset set time. The set time is set, for example, to a time sufficient to kill bacteria in the water container 300 .

The set time does not have to be a fixed value and may vary.

For example, the lower the water level in the water container 300, the longer the set time. As the water level in the water container 300 decreases, the distance from the light source 320 to the water in the water container 300 increases. In such a case, the UV irradiation time is lengthened. Thereby, even when the distance from the light source 320 to the water in the water container 300 is long, a sufficient amount of ultraviolet rays can be applied to the water in the water container 300 .

Further, for example, the control unit 20 may count the cumulative irradiation time of the ultraviolet light from the light source 320, and the set time may be lengthened when the cumulative irradiation time exceeds a certain time. A certain amount of time is set, such as 1000 hours, based on the lifetime of the light source 320, for example. As the life of the light source 320 approaches, the amount of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source 320 decreases. In such a case, the UV irradiation time is lengthened. As a result, even when the light source 320 that irradiates a small amount of ultraviolet light is used, a sufficient amount of ultraviolet light can be applied to the water in the water container 300 .

In the first embodiment, the light source 320 is provided above the water container 300 . As a result, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source 320 can irradiate the inner space 300A of the water container 300 through the opening 303B. However, the light source 320 may be provided other than above the water container 300 . For example, when the water container 300 is made of a material having high transmittance in the ultraviolet region, such as acrylic or glass, even if the light source 320 is provided on the side or below the water container 300, the light emitted from the light source 320 Ultraviolet light can be applied to the water in the water container 300 .

According to the first embodiment, when the water container 300 and the communication port 306 are connected, the water in the water container 300 flows through the first pipe 411, and the air in the first pipe 411 flows into the water container 300. Ejected. Thereby, the air in the first pipe can be replaced with water. When at least part of the first pipe 411 is filled with the water that flows from the water container 300, the inside of the third pipe 413 becomes a closed space filled with gas. A pressure sensor 430 detects the pressure inside the third tube 413 . In this case, the smaller the amount of water stored in the water container 300, the smaller the detected pressure. Therefore, based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 430, the amount of water stored in the water container 300 can be measured.

According to the first embodiment, the pressure sensor 430 senses gas pressure. That is, a gas pressure sensor can be used. Thereby, the resolution of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 430 can be increased. That is, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 .

In the second pipe 412, which is a water distribution channel between the water container 300 and the pot 2, water moves during the process of supplying water to the pot 2 and the process of returning the water remaining in the second pipe 412 to the water container 300. . At this time, air mixed with water may enter the second pipe 412 . According to the first embodiment, a pressure sensor 430 is provided in a third tube 413 connected to a first tube 411 different from the second tube 412 . There is no movement of water in the first tube 411 as in the second tube 412 . Therefore, the possibility that water and air will enter the first pipe 411 in a mixed manner is lower than the possibility that water and air will enter in the second pipe 412 in a mixed manner. This can reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 .

According to the first embodiment, by driving the water pump 421 to circulate the water in the circulation channel 450 , the air in the circulation channel 450 can be delivered to the water container 300 . As a result, the air in the circulation flow path 450 is replaced with water, and the inside of the circulation flow path 450 can be filled with water. Here, the pressure sensor 430 detects the pressure of the gas inside the third pipe 413 communicating with the circulation channel 450 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 .

According to this configuration, a part of the flow path inside the second pipe 412 constitutes the circulation flow path 450 . Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the flow path in the second pipe 412 is separate from the circulation flow path 450, the space required for forming the water flow path is the same, but the water container 300 is replaced by the first pipe. 411 and the second tube 412 can reduce the effect of the increase in internal pressure.

According to the first embodiment, the water in the water container 300 is circulated in the circulation channel 450 before sending the water in the water container 300 to the pot 2 . As described above, by circulating water in the circulation flow path 450, the air in the circulation flow path 450 is replaced with water, so the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 can be maintained well. That is, according to the first embodiment, the water in the water container 300 can be sent to the pan 2 while the pressure sensor 430 has good detection accuracy. Therefore, the amount of water in the water container 300 and the amount of decrease in water in the water container 300 due to water supply to the pot 2 can be detected with high accuracy.

According to the first embodiment, the on-off valve 441 is provided between the connection position 411B of the first pipe 411 with the third pipe 413 and the branch position 412C. Therefore, by closing the on-off valve 441 , the third pipe 413 can be disconnected from the path for sending water from the water container 300 to the pot 2 by the water pump 421 . As a result, it is possible to detect the pressure sensor 430 while operating the water pump 421 . In other words, it is possible to linearly detect changes in the amount of water.

According to the first embodiment, when the air pump 422 is driven, the air sent by the air pump 422 pushes the water in the first pipe 411 or the water in the first pipe 411 and the second pipe 412 . back into container 300; Thereby, when the water container 300 is removed from the rice cooker 1, leakage of water from inside the first pipe 411 and the inside of the second pipe 412 can be reduced.

According to the first embodiment, the on-off valve 442 is closed when the air pump 422 is driven. Therefore, when the air pump 422 is driven, it is possible to prevent the water in the second pipe 412 from being sent to the pot 2 by the air sent by the air pump 422, and the water in the second pipe 412 can be prevented from being sent. can be returned to the water container 300 .

According to the first embodiment, the on-off valve 441 is opened when the air pump 422 is driven. Therefore, when the air pump 422 is driven, the water in the first pipe 411 and the second pipe 412 can be returned to the water container 300 via the circulation flow path 450 by the air sent by the air pump 422. . As a result, when the water container 300 is removed, it is possible to reduce water falling from the communication openings 306 and 307 .

If the temperature of the water in the water container 300 is low, the water may freeze. According to the first embodiment, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 to circulate the water in the circulation flow path 450 when there is a risk of water freezing. This reduces the possibility of water freezing as described above.

By irradiating the water in the water container 300 with ultraviolet rays, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various bacteria in the water in the water container 300 . Here, when the water in the water container 300 is stationary, the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source 320 hits only the surface of the water in the water container 300 . According to the first embodiment, when the light source 320 emits ultraviolet light, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 to circulate the water contained in the water container 300 in the circulation channel 450 . As a result, the water in the water container 300 moves, and the water positioned on the surface is replaced. Therefore, most of the water in the water container 300 can be exposed to the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source 320 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various germs in the water in the water container 300 compared to a configuration in which water is not circulated.

According to the first embodiment, the inside of the water container 300 communicates with the outside through the opening 303B. Therefore, regardless of the remaining amount of water in the water container 300, the inside of the water container 300 can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. That is, there is little pressure fluctuation due to changes in the amount of water remaining in the water container 300 . As a result, the pressure detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 can be maintained satisfactorily.

Although the water level in the water container 300 can be detected with high accuracy only by the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 430, the amount of water in the water container 300 may not be detected with high accuracy. For example, when the water container 300 has a shape such that the cross-sectional area varies depending on the position in the height direction, detecting the amount of water in the water container 300 is more difficult than detecting the water level in the water container 300 . According to the first embodiment, by using the shape information about the shape of the internal space of the water container 300, the water level in the water container 300 can be determined based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 430. Calculate the amount of water stored inside. As a result, the amount of water stored in the water container 300 can be calculated with high accuracy.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a water container, a water feed section, and a pot in a modification of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment. The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment may include a three-way valve 443 instead of the on-off valves 441 and 442, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the number of valves included in the water supply unit 400 can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the water contained in the internal space 300A of the water container 300 based on the water level in the water container 300 and the shape information (data table) stored in the storage unit 25. Calculate the volume. Such water volume calculation is applicable not only to the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment, but also to any rice cooker that includes the water container 300 and can supply the water in the water container 300 to the pot 2. be.

That is, the rice cooker to which the above application is applied includes a pot, a water container that contains water therein and has a communication port that communicates the interior with the outside, and a water container that is connected to the communication port and the a communicating pipe that opens toward the inside of the pot to communicate between the inside of the water container and the inside of the pot; a water pump that is provided in the communicating pipe and moves water in the communicating pipe; a sensor for detecting a water level in a container; a storage unit storing shape information relating to the shape of the internal space of the water container; a water level detected by the sensor; and shape information stored in the storage unit and a stored water amount calculation unit that calculates the amount of water stored in the water container based on. In this case, the second pipe 412 is an example of the communication pipe, and the pressure sensor 430 is an example of the sensor.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a water container, a water feed section, and a pot in a rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; The rice cooker according to the second embodiment differs from the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment in that the first pipe 411 and the second pipe 412 are not connected. Differences from the rice cooker according to the first embodiment will be described below. Points in common with the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted in principle, and will be described as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 19, a communication port 309 is formed in addition to the communication ports 306 and 307 in the water container 300 of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment. Like the communication ports 306 and 307, the communication port 309 communicates the internal space 300A of the water container 300 and the outside of the water container 300 with each other. Communication port 309 is an example of a third communication port.

In FIG. 19, communication ports 306 and 309 are provided on a different surface from communication port 307, but communication ports 306, 307 and 309 may be provided on the same surface. In addition to the two on-off valves 308 corresponding to the communication ports 306 and 307, an on-off valve 308 corresponding to the communication port 309 may be provided.

One end 411A of the first pipe 411 is connected to the communication port 306 of the water container 300 . The other end 411</b>C of the first pipe 411 is connected to the communication port 309 of the water container 300 . Thereby, the first pipe 411 constitutes a circulation flow path 450 . The water that has flowed through the communication port 309 of the water container 300 passes through the circulation flow path 450 and reaches the communication port 306 of the water container 300 to return to the water container 300 . Thus, the water flow path is circulated by the circulation flow path 450 and the water container 300 .

The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment includes a circulation pump 423 . The circulation pump 423, like the water pump 421, is a machine for sending water, and is a pump such as a gear pump or a tubing pump that can control the direction of water supply. A circulation pump 423 is provided in the first pipe 411 . The circulation pump 423 is driven and controlled by the controller 20 . The water in the water container 300 circulates through the circulation flow path 450 by driving the circulation pump 423 .

The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment does not include the opening/closing valve 441 , but may include the opening/closing valve 441 . The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment includes an on-off valve 442 . The on-off valve 442 is provided in the second pipe 412 between the water pump 421 and the other end 412B.

A fourth pipe 414 branches off from the first pipe 411 . One end of the fourth pipe 414 communicates with the first pipe 411 . The other end of the fourth pipe 414 is open to the atmosphere. An air pump 422 is arranged in the fourth pipe 414 .

19, the connection position 411B between the first pipe 411 and the third pipe 413 is positioned between the connection position 411D between the first pipe 411 and the fourth pipe 414 and the communication port 306. In FIG. Circulation pump 423 is located between connection position 411D and communication port 309 . However, the positional relationship between the connection position 411B, the connection position 411D, and the circulation pump 423 is not limited to the positional relationship described above.

The rice cooking process of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the rice cooking process of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment. Also, the water supply process of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the water supply process of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment.

However, since the rice cooker according to the second embodiment does not include the opening/closing valve 441, the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing valve 441 does not occur. Moreover, the rice cooker according to the second embodiment includes a circulation pump 423 for circulating water. Therefore, in the circulation operation S130 of the water supply step S30, the controller 20 does not drive the water supply pump 421, but drives the circulation pump 423.

In the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, the water pump 421 is a pump such as a gear pump that can control the direction of water supply. In the first water discharge operation S270, the controller 20 opens the on-off valve 442. As shown in FIG. After that, the controller 20 drives the water pump 421 . As a result, water remaining in the second pipe 412 is drained into the water container 300 . Of course, similarly to the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment, the rice cooker according to the second embodiment may include a pipe branched from the second pipe 412 and an air pump provided in the pipe. . In this case, the air pump may be driven in the first water discharge operation S270, as in the first embodiment.

In the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, the controller 20 drives the air pump 422 in the second draining operation S280. As a result, outside air is taken in from the other end of the fourth pipe 414 and sent to the first pipe 411 via the fourth pipe 414 . Water remaining in the first pipe 411 is drained into the water container 300 by being pushed by the air. After that, the controller 20 stops the air pump 422 .

In the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, similarly to the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment, the circulation process during temperature detection and the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation are executed under the control of the control unit 20 .

However, in both the circulation process during temperature detection and the circulation process during ultraviolet irradiation, the control unit 20 does not drive the water pump 421 but drives the circulation pump 423 during the circulation operation. In addition, since the first pipe 411 forming the circulation flow path 450 is not provided with an on-off valve, the controller 20 does not need to open and close the on-off valve during the circulation operation.

According to the second embodiment, by driving the circulation pump 423 to circulate the water in the circulation channel 450 , the air in the circulation channel 450 can be delivered to the water container 300 . As a result, the air in the circulation flow path 450 is replaced with water, and the inside of the circulation flow path 450 can be filled with water. Here, the pressure sensor 430 detects the pressure of the gas inside the third pipe 413 communicating with the circulation channel 450 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 is affected by the mixture of water and air. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 .

According to the second embodiment, the circulation channel 450 is a separate channel from the channel within the second tube 412 . Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the circulation flow path 450 communicates with the flow path in the second pipe 412, it is possible to reduce the influence of the circulation of water in the second pipe 412 on the circulation flow path 450. .

According to the second embodiment, the water in the water container 300 is circulated in the circulation channel 450 before sending the water in the water container 300 to the pot. As described above, by circulating water in the circulation flow path 450, the air in the circulation flow path 450 is replaced with water, so the detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 can be maintained well. That is, according to the second embodiment, the water in the water container 300 can be sent to the pan 2 while the pressure sensor 430 has good detection accuracy. Therefore, the amount of water in the water container 300 and the amount of decrease in water in the water container 300 due to water supply to the pot 2 can be detected with high accuracy.

According to the second embodiment, when the air pump 422 is driven, the air sent by the air pump 422 pushes the water in the first pipe 411 back into the water container 300 . Thereby, when the water container 300 is removed from the rice cooker 1, water can be prevented from leaking out of the first pipe 411. FIG.

If the temperature of the water in the water container 300 is low, the water may freeze. According to the second embodiment, the control unit 20 drives the circulation pump 423 to circulate the water in the circulation channel 450 when there is a risk of water freezing. This reduces the possibility of water freezing as described above.

By irradiating the water in the water container 300 with ultraviolet rays, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various bacteria in the water in the water container 300 . Here, when the water in the water container 300 is stationary, the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source 320 hits only the surface of the water in the water container 300 . According to the second embodiment, when the light source 320 emits ultraviolet light, the controller 20 drives the circulation pump 423 to circulate the water contained in the water container 300 in the circulation channel 450 . As a result, the water in the water container 300 moves, and the water positioned on the surface is replaced. Therefore, most of the water in the water container 300 can be exposed to the ultraviolet rays emitted by the light source 320 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various germs in the water in the water container 300 compared to a configuration in which water is not circulated.

According to the second embodiment, by opening the on-off valve 442 , water can be sent from the water container 300 to the pot 2 via the channel in the second pipe 412 .

According to the second embodiment, by closing the on-off valve 442 , it is possible to prevent the water in the second pipe 412 on the pot 2 side from flowing back into the water container 300 with respect to the on-off valve 442 . Thereby, the amount of water stored in the water container 300 can be stabilized.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a water container, a water feed section, and a pot in the rice cooker according to the third embodiment. The difference between the rice cooker according to the third embodiment and the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment is that the circulation flow path 450 is not provided. Differences from the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Points in common with the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted in principle, and will be described as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 20 , one end 411A of first pipe 411 is connected to communication port 306 of water container 300 . The other end 411E of the first tube 411 is closed. Note that the connection position 411B of the first pipe 411 with the third pipe 413 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. For example, the other end 411E of the first tube 411 may be the connection position 411B. That is, the first tube 411 and the third tube 413 may be connected at the other end 411E.

The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment includes an on-off valve 442 . The on-off valve 442 is provided in the second pipe 412 between the water pump 421 and the other end 412B.

The water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment does not include the fourth pipe 414 and the air pump 422 , but may include the fourth pipe 414 and the air pump 422 . In this case, the fourth pipe 414 may branch from either the first pipe 411 or the second pipe 412 . Further, the water supply unit 400 of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment includes two fourth pipes 414 and two air pumps 422, one of the two fourth pipes 414 branches from the first pipe 411, and two The other of the fourth pipes 414 may branch off from the second pipe 412 .

The rice cooking process of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the rice cooking process of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment. Also, the water supply process of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the water supply process of the rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment.

However, since the rice cooker according to the third embodiment does not include the opening/closing valve 441, the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing valve 441 does not occur. Moreover, since the rice cooker according to the third embodiment does not include the circulation flow path 450, the circulation operation is not performed.

In the rice cooker according to the third embodiment, the first draining operation S270 is performed in the same manner as in the rice cooker according to the second embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, when the water container 300 and the communication port 306 are connected, the water in the water container 300 flows through the first pipe 411, and the air in the first pipe 411 flows into the water container 300. Ejected. Thereby, the air in the first pipe 411 can be replaced with water. According to the third embodiment, one end 411A of the first pipe 411 is connected to the communication port 306, and the other end 411E of the first pipe 411 is closed. Therefore, the flow of water in the first pipe 411 is reduced, and the possibility of entering the first pipe 411 with water and air in a mixed state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to maintain good detection accuracy of the pressure sensor 430 .

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a water container, a water feed section, and a pot in a modified example of the rice cooker according to the third embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the other end 411E of the first tube 411 is closed. However, as shown in FIG. 21, the other end 411E of the first tube 411 may be open to the atmosphere. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, an on-off valve 444 may be provided between the other end 411E of the first pipe 411 and the connection position 411B. Note that the on-off valve 444 may not be provided. The on-off valve 444 is an example of an air release valve.

In the rice cooker having the configuration shown in FIG. For example, when the pressure inside the first pipe 411 and the inside of the third pipe 413 is negative, the internal pressure inside the first pipe 411 and inside the third pipe 413 can be returned to the atmospheric pressure by opening the on-off valve 444 . can.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 21 in which the on-off valve 444 is not provided, the inside of the first pipe 411 can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. According to the configuration in which the on-off valve 444 is not provided, the other end of the first pipe 411 is open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the water container 300 and the communication port 306 are connected, the water in the water container 300 easily flows through the first pipe 411 . Therefore, the air inside the first pipe 411 is easily discharged to the water container 300 . Thereby, the air in the first pipe 411 can be easily replaced with water.

According to the configuration in which the on-off valve 444 is provided in the configuration shown in FIG. Therefore, it is less likely that water and air will enter the first pipe 411 in a mixed state. On the other hand, by opening the on-off valve 444, the inside of the first pipe 411 can be maintained at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the water container 300 and the communication port 306 are connected, the water in the water container 300 easily flows through the first pipe 411 . Therefore, the air inside the first pipe 411 is easily discharged to the water container 300 . Thereby, the air in the first pipe 411 can be easily replaced with water.

By appropriately combining any of the various embodiments described above, the respective effects can be obtained.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments and with appropriate reference to the drawings, various variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications are to be included therein insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1 rice cooker 2 pot 20 control unit 25 storage unit 54 temperature detection unit 300 water container 303B opening 306 communication port (first communication port)
307 communication port (second communication port)
309 communication port (third communication port)
320 light source (ultraviolet irradiation part)
411 First pipe 411A One end 411E Other end 412 Second pipe 412C Branch position 413 Third pipe 414 Fourth pipe 421 Water pump 422 Air pump 423 Circulation pump 430 Pressure sensor 441 On-off valve (circulation on-off valve)
442 on-off valve (water supply on-off valve)
444 on-off valve (atmosphere on-off valve)
450 circulation channel

Claims (19)

a pot and
a water container for storing water inside, the water container having a first communication port and a second communication port for communicating the inside with the outside;
a first pipe communicating with the inside of the water container by being connected to the first communication port;
a second pipe that is connected to the second communication port and opens toward the inside of the pan to communicate the inside of the water container with the inside of the pan;
a water pump provided in the second pipe for moving water in the second pipe;
a third tube branching upward from the first tube and having a closed air reservoir formed therein when at least a portion of the first tube is filled with water;
and a pressure sensor provided in the third pipe to detect pressure in the third pipe. The second pipe is connected to the first pipe at a branch position between the water pump and the pot,
The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe and the second pipe between the branch position and the second communication port form a circulation flow path. a circulation on-off valve provided in the first pipe for opening and closing a flow path in the first pipe;
a water supply opening/closing valve provided between the branch position and the pot in the second pipe and opening and closing a flow path in the second pipe;
a control unit that controls driving of the water pump and controls opening and closing of the water supply opening/closing valve and the circulation opening/closing valve;
The control unit
After closing the water supply opening/closing valve and opening the circulation opening/closing valve, the water supply pump is driven to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path, and then the water supply opening/closing valve is opened and the 3. The rice cooker according to claim 2, wherein the water contained in the water container is sent to the pot by driving the water pump after closing the circulation on-off valve. 4. The rice cooker according to claim 3, wherein said circulation opening/closing valve is provided between a connection position of said first pipe with said third pipe and said branch position. a fourth pipe branching from the second pipe between the water supply pump and the water supply opening/closing valve in the second pipe or between the circulation opening/closing valve and the branch position in the first pipe;
an air pump that is provided in the fourth pipe and sends air from the outside to the first pipe and the second pipe via the fourth pipe by being controlled by the control unit;
5. The rice cooker according to claim 3, wherein the controller drives the air pump to send air to the first pipe and the second pipe when the water pump is stopped. 6. The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the controller closes the water supply opening/closing valve and opens the circulation opening/closing valve when driving the air pump. Further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects water temperature or air temperature and outputs temperature information to the control unit,
When the temperature information is lower than a preset temperature, the control unit closes the water supply opening/closing valve, opens the circulation opening/closing valve, and then drives the water supply pump to cause the water contained in the water container to flow. is circulated in the circulation flow path, the rice cooker according to any one of claims 3 to 6. further comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water contained in the water container by being controlled by the control unit;
When driving the ultraviolet irradiation unit to irradiate the ultraviolet rays, the control unit closes the water supply opening/closing valve and opens the circulation opening/closing valve, and then drives the water supply pump to dispense the water contained in the water container. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the circulation is performed in the circulation channel. one end of the first tube is connected to the first communication port,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the other end of said first pipe is closed. one end of the first tube is connected to the first communication port,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the other end of said first pipe is open to the atmosphere. 11. The rice cooker according to claim 10, further comprising an atmosphere opening/closing valve that opens and closes a flow path in the first pipe between the other end of the first pipe and the connection position of the first pipe with the third pipe. vessel. The water container is formed with a third communication port that communicates the inside of the water container with the outside,
The first pipe constitutes a circulation flow path by being connected to the first communication port and the third communication port,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation pump provided in said first pipe for moving water in said circulation passage. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the driving of the water pump and the circulation pump,
The control unit drives the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path, and then drives the water supply pump to circulate the water contained in the water container to the pot. 13. The rice cooker according to claim 12. a fourth pipe branching from the first pipe;
14. The air pump according to claim 13, further comprising an air pump provided in the fourth pipe and driven by the control unit to send air from the outside to the first pipe via the fourth pipe. rice cooker. Further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects water temperature or air temperature and outputs temperature information to the control unit,
15. The control unit according to claim 13, wherein, when the temperature information is lower than a preset set temperature, the control unit drives the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water vessel in the circulation flow path. rice cooker. further comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays toward the water contained in the water container by being controlled by the control unit;
16. The control unit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein when driving the ultraviolet irradiation unit to irradiate the ultraviolet rays, the control unit drives the circulation pump to circulate the water contained in the water container in the circulation flow path. 1. The rice cooker according to item 1. 17. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 9 to 16, further comprising a water supply opening/closing valve provided in said second pipe for opening and closing a flow path in said second pipe. 18. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the water container has an opening that communicates the inside of the water container with the outside. a storage unit storing shape information about the shape of the internal space of the water container;
19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a water storage volume calculation unit that calculates the water storage volume in the water container based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the shape information stored in the storage unit. or the rice cooker according to item 1.

Images