JP3052832B2 - Food insulation container - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heat retaining structure for a food heat retaining container such as an electric rice cooker.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in general, an electric rice cooker functions as a food insulation container that shifts from a rice heating heater to an insulation heater when the rice cooking process is completed, and that switches the rice heating heater to an insulation heater to keep the rice in the inner pot at a predetermined target temperature. It is made to let.

[0003]

However, foods such as rice kept warm as described above have a problem that spoilage occurs with the elapse of the warming time.

[0004] This decay is more likely to occur as the heat retention temperature decreases and the heat retention time increases. In addition, when the lid is opened and the rice is taken out during the heat retention, various bacteria enter at that time, and there is a problem that the decay easily proceeds. Of course, these problems are not limited to the above-described step of keeping the temperature of the electric rice cooker, but are common to all food warming containers.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above problems, and in order to achieve the object, the following effective problem solving means are provided. It is provided with.

(1) Invention of Claim 1 That is, first, the food warming container of the invention of Claim 1 of the present application is:
In a food warming container comprising an inner pan for storing food, a lid covering an opening of the inner pan, and a heat retaining means for heating and retaining the inner pan, a heat insulating space formed by the inner pan and the lid Providing sterilizing means for sterilizing the inside, providing a lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, stopping the drive of the sterilizing means when the lid is opened, and when the lid is closed. When the rice is driven, the sterilizing means appropriately sterilizes the rice in accordance with the heat retaining state of the rice (such as a change in the heat retaining temperature or an elapsed time of the heat retaining).

Therefore, in this configuration, a bactericidal action can be added together with the heating action by the radiator plate.
The bactericidal effect is improved.

Further, there is provided lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid provided with sterilizing means such as an ultraviolet lamp and an ozone generator. When the lid is opened, the drive of the sterilizing means is stopped. When the cover is driven only when the cover is closed, safety for the user when the cover is opened can be ensured, and unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

(11) Invention of Claim 2 Next, in the food insulation container of the invention of the invention, the drive output of the sterilizing means is started when the lid is closed in the configuration of the invention of the above-mentioned invention. Is characterized in that the output is set to be higher than the drive output in the steady state.

[0010] In the case of adopting the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the drive output of the sterilizing means, which is started when the lid is closed, is set to be higher than the drive output in a steady state. Further, since the germs that have invaded the food can be killed at an early stage by opening the lid, it is possible to make it harder for rot to occur.

[0011]

As a result, according to the food heat insulating container of the present invention, a high-quality food having an effective heat insulating performance without causing spoilage over a long period of time and without altering the original properties of the rice. It becomes possible to provide a food warming container.

[0012]

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of the main part of the electric rice cooker.

The electric rice cooker as the food heat insulation container of the present embodiment is formed, for example, of a heater heating type, and serves both for cooking rice and for keeping heat. And
The electric rice cooker includes a bottomed cylindrical outer case 1 configured to allow an inner pot (rice cooker) 3 to be set therein, and a lid unit 2 that covers an upper portion of the outer case 1. It has a main body.

The outer case 1 comprises a bottomed cylindrical cover member 4 made of a synthetic resin, and a synthetic resin shoulder member 5 connected to the upper end of the cover member 4. Is provided with a bottomed cylindrical inner case (protective frame) 6 for setting the inner pan 3 so as to be able to be taken out via a heat insulating material 8.

The inner case 6 is made of a bottomed cylindrical thin metal plate, and the upper end of the inner case 6 is engaged with the shoulder member 5. A heat retaining heater SH contacts the side wall 6a of the inner case 6, and a sensor 7a thereof contacts the center of the bottom wall 6b with respect to the center of the bottom of the inner pan 3 as described later. A center sensor 7 is provided.

The center sensor 7 has a thermistor Tm as a temperature detecting sensor for detecting the temperature of the inner pot 3, that is, the temperature of the rice, and an inner pot set sensor for detecting whether or not the inner pot 3 is set. A sensor unit 7a containing an inner pot detection sensor 71 and the like is provided so as to be able to move up and down.

On the upper surface side of the bottom wall 6b of the inner case,
A heater plate 9 provided with a rice cooking heater MH as a rice cooking heating means is provided so as to surround the sensor portion 7a of the center sensor 7. The heater plate 9 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the inner pot 3 set in the inner case 6 so as to heat the bottom 3a of the inner pot 3 and its outer periphery with good heat conductivity.

On the other hand, the lid unit 2 has an outer cover 10 made of a synthetic resin constituting the outer peripheral surface thereof and an inner cover made of a synthetic resin constituting a peripheral annular frame portion on the inner peripheral surface on the back side of the outer cover 10 (poly cover). 11) and a heat radiating plate 13 that removably covers a radially inner opening of the inner cover 11 through a V-shaped poly cover packing 12 to form a hollow structure without an inner cover as shown in the figure. Is formed. A germicidal lamp 21a is attached to the center of the rear side of the heat sink 13 via a heat-insulating packing 22 and a transparent seal cover 21, and a heat insulation space formed by the heat sink 13 and the inner pot 3 is provided. Sterilization of rice while keeping warm. The germicidal lamp 21a
For example, it is formed of an ultraviolet lamp that generates ultraviolet light having a wavelength of about 2600 °, and a reflection plate 23 that reflects the ultraviolet light is provided around the seal cover 21. Reference numeral 16 denotes a steam release passage, and reference numeral 20 denotes the steam release passage 16.
A vapor discharge pipe FH is a lid heater as a radiating plate heating means for flying tsuyu. The above lid heater F
H is attached to the upper surface side of the heat radiating plate 13 with good heat conductivity by being covered with a heat radiating cover and closely fixed.

The lid unit 2 thus configured is attached to the rear end side of the shoulder member 5 via a hinge mechanism 14 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and its open end (front end) side. The reed switch 1 for turning on / off the germicidal lamp provided on the shoulder member 5 on the outer case 1 side
A magnet 17 that opens and closes the cover unit 9 in response to an opening and closing operation of the lid unit 2, and a lock mechanism 1 that engages with a predetermined position of the lid unit 2 to maintain the closed state of the lid unit 2.
5 and the like are provided. The reed switch 18 and the magnet 17 form a power supply opening / closing unit of a sterilization lamp lighting circuit (FIG. 3) as a sterilization control device described later and an opening / closing detection unit of the lid unit 2.

Further, between the inner case 6 and the outer case 1 on the front side of the rice cooker main body, the amount of electricity supplied to the rice cooker MH, the lid heater FH, the heat retaining heater SH, etc.,
A control board 29 having a control unit (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer control unit) including a microcomputer for performing the lighting control of 1a is accommodated. Also,
The front side of the shoulder member 5 is provided with a wide operation panel 30 which is obliquely lowered and wide as shown in the figure. The operation panel 30 includes various switches (menu, heat retention, start, separate cooking, timer, etc.) necessary for rice cooking, a rice cooking menu selected by each of the switches, an operation state of the switch, and an operation setting of the switch. A display unit is provided for displaying a level and the like so that the user can visually recognize the level and the like (not shown).

Next, the overall configuration of the electric control circuit section of the electric rice cooker will be described with reference to the electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, parts corresponding to the respective parts shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, the electric power from the commercial AC power supply 29 is passed through a temperature fuse 30 which detects abnormal heating of the inner pot 3 and blows the rice cooker MH, the heat retaining heater SH and the lid heater F.
H, while being stepped down by a step-down transformer 35 and rectified by a rectifier 36 to be supplied to the microcomputer control unit 25 as power supply power. The configuration and operation of the microcomputer control unit 25 will be described later.

The rice cooking heater MH, the heat retaining heater SH and the lid heater FH are connected in parallel with each other. A normally open contact 31 of a relay 31 is connected in series with the rice cooking heater MH.
a is connected. The relay coil 3 of this relay 31
1b is a switching transistor 3 that is ON / OFF controlled by a command from the microcomputer control unit 25.
7, the excitation / demagnetization state is respectively controlled. Reference numeral 32 denotes a diode for absorbing a back electromotive force generated when the relay coil 31b is demagnetized.

Triacs 33 and 34 are respectively connected between the heat retaining heater SH and the commercial AC power supply 29 and between the lid heater FH and the commercial AC power supply 29. Gates of these triacs 33 and 34 are turned on / off by a command from the microcomputer control unit 25.
The microcomputer control unit 25, to which gate control signals from the controlled switching transistors 38 and 39 are applied, operates based on a clock signal from a reference frequency generation circuit (OSC) 40, and operates according to a predetermined program. , 38 and 39, whereby the rice cooking heater MH and the heat retaining heater SH are controlled.
In addition, power supply to the lid heater FH is controlled in accordance with predetermined rice cooking / heating characteristics. This power supply control is performed by the center sensor 7.
This is performed based on an output signal from the thermistor Tm of the sensor unit 7a provided in the sensor unit 7a. Reference numeral 71 denotes an inner pot detection sensor for detecting whether the inner pot 3 is set.

On the other hand, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retaining process is started, the heat retaining heater SH based on the predetermined heat retaining characteristics is used.
In addition to the predetermined power supply control, the temperature of the rice (inner pot temperature) at that time is used as a parameter to operate the germicidal lamp lighting circuit 61 of FIG. ON, O at output
Sterilization control by FF is performed.

Further, the microcomputer control unit 2
5, various switches 41 to 4 of the operation panel 30 are provided.
5. Liquid crystal display 53, buzzer 7 for notifying completion of rice cooking
3 are connected. The microcomputer control unit 25 constitutes an intermittent drive control unit of the sterilizing unit in the claims.

The sterilization lamp lighting circuit 61 as the sterilization control device is configured as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lighting circuit includes a power supply fuse 3 of the commercial AC power supply 29 shown in FIG.
0 through the reed switch 19 described above.
A power supply circuit is formed by connecting the step-down transformer 62 through the power supply circuit.

A diode bridge 63 and a smoothing capacitor 6 are connected to the secondary side of the step-down transformer 62 of the power supply circuit.
The oscillation circuit 65 for lighting the sterilizing lamp 21a and the booster circuit 66 are connected to the control circuit 4 via the circuit 4.

The oscillation circuit 65 includes an oscillation cycle setting means 69 controlled by the microcomputer control unit 25.
Oscillation is performed at the set cycle and its output (see Fig. 5)
Is supplied to the discharge electrode of the germicidal lamp 21a via the booster circuit 66 so as to blink the lamp 21a.

The lighting of the sterilizing lamp 21a is started when an operation control signal (H signal) is supplied from the microcomputer control unit 25 to the oscillation circuit 65. The operation control signal is output, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the rice cooking process is completed and the warming process is started, and the temperature of the inner pot 3 detected by the thermistor Tm falls below the set temperature. And thereby, the sterilization control of the rice in the warm state is executed. Needless to say, for example, a configuration is also adopted in which a heat retention process is started and lighting control is started in synchronization with lighting of the heat retention lamp.

Next, the flowchart of FIG. 4 shows the contents of the sterilization control performed by the microcomputer control unit 25 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] That is, first enters the incubating process as described above, to indicate that a heat retaining state by lighting the warmth lamp at step S _1. Next, to confirm that thermal insulation switch in step S ₂ is ON, the when OFF ends the insulation control OFF the insulation lamp.

[0035] It is determined whether the temperature of the inner pot 3 is lowered to germicidal lamp lighting control start temperature 72 ° C. The following steps S _3.

[0036] to the results pot temperature among the answer is NO is to promote the reduction of the inner pot temperature was maintained above insulation heater SH to OFF in step S ₄ when not reduced to the same temperature 72 ° C., the step S ₅ with the lid radiating plate 13 of the heater FH in the oN at a duty ratio 7/14 (7 seconds 14 seconds) with a decrease in the retained temperature the lid unit 2
The vines (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface are evaporated.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the inner pan 3 is determined to be YES and the temperature of the inner sterilization lamp lighting control start temperature has dropped to 72 ° C. or lower, as shown in FIG.
Was a TB seconds ON, the inner bowl 3 further in step S ₆
It is determined whether or not the temperature has dropped to the target heat retention temperature of 65 ° C. or lower. As a result, when the range temperature of the inner pot 3 is still 72 ° C. -66 ° C. NO, as it is OFF warmth heater at step S _7, also similar to the case lid heater of step S ₄ in step S ₈ after oN by the duty ratio of 7/14, germicidal lamp oN in step S ₁₁
The process proceeds to the elapse determination of the time setting timer TB. Then, when the result is NO, the germicidal lamp 21 in step S ₁₂
the process proceeds to step S ₁₃ after having reset the OFF time setting timer TA of a, the same germicidal lamps 21a to TB seconds ON, the process returns to step S _1. As a result, the sterilizing lamp 21a is turned on during the TB period, and the rice is sterilized and deodorized together with the heating action of the radiator plate 13.

[0038] On the other hand, when the result is YES, to OFF the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S _14. Then, further proceeds to step S _15, one determines the course of the OFF time setting timer TA of the sterilizing lamp 21a, when the NO is to maintain the OFF state and returns to step S _1, YES
When after resetting the ON time setting timer TB of the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S _16, the process returns to step S _1.

On the other hand, when the temperature of Uchinabe 3 it is determined YES in the determination in step S ₆ is lowered below the target retained temperature 65 ° C. is kept heater SH proceeds to step S ₉
The ON the heat radiation plate 13 a lid heater FH in the ON at a duty ratio of slightly higher than the 9/14 (9 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₁₀ strive to maintain the target retained temperature 65 ° C. Fly the tsuyu by heating.

[0040] Then, further proceeds to step S ₁₁ described above, to determine the course of the sterilizing lamp ON time setting timer TB of the sterilizing lamp 21a, it becomes to NO, the step S
After resetting the sterilizing lamp OFF time setting timer TA at _12, after lighting the sterilizing lamp 21a in step S ₁₃ starts the operation of the sterilizing lamp ON time setting timer TB to the new, the process returns to step S _1.

[0041] On the other hand, in the determination in step S _11, when the ON period TB of the sterilizing lamp 21a is determined YES elapsed, the process proceeds to step S ₁₅ in the OFF sterilizing lamp 21a at step S _14.

[0042] In the step S _15, the germicidal lamp 21a
Maintained but determines OFF elapse of setting OFF time TA of time setting timer TA after being OFF, when the NO to the time TA has not elapsed, then returns to Step S ₁ to the OFF state of the sterilizing lamp 21a to one, if YES, the routine returns to step S ₁ resets the oN time setting timer TB of sterilizing lamp 21a.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the germicidal lamp 21a at regular time intervals TA as shown in FIG. 5, provided that the heating of the germicidal lamp 21a is started and the transition to the germicidal lamp lighting control start temperature (72 ° C.)
(Blinking control), that is, intermittent drive control is performed, and the rice is sterilized and deodorized by ultraviolet rays together with the heating action of the heat radiation plate 13.

Therefore, in this configuration, for example, 70 ° C.
Even if the rice is kept at a low temperature of about 65 ° C. for a long time, the rice hardly rots, and it is possible to provide high quality rice for a long time.

In addition, in this configuration, a bactericidal effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the germicidal effect is further improved.

(Embodiment 2) Next, FIGS. 6 to 8 show the structure and operation of a sterilization control device for keeping an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to a second embodiment of the present invention warm. .

In this apparatus, the constitution of the sterilization control unit of the first embodiment is such that the sterilization lamp 21a is always turned on at a constant lighting cycle T during the warming time. As shown in the chart, after the shift to the heat retention step, the rice temperature is lowered (85 ° C. to 76 ° C., 75 ° C.
71 ℃, 70 ℃ ~66 ℃, short lighting period of the sterilizing lamp 21a according to 65 ° C. or _{less) (T 1 ~T 2 ~T 3} ~
As T ₄₎ to, is characterized in that so as to increase the sterilizing lamp 21a bactericidal function according to the progress level of corruption in rice due to a decrease in temperature.

For this purpose, the germicidal lamp 2 of the present embodiment is used.
In the lighting control circuit 1a, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, an oscillating circuit 65 for driving the germicidal lamp 21a is connected to a control signal output terminal of the microcomputer control unit 25 via an oscillation cycle varying means 70. All other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 3 described above.

FIG. 7 and FIG.
5 shows the contents of the heat retention and sterilization control in the sterilization control device according to the second embodiment.

[0050] That is, upon entering the incubating process cooking process is completed as shown in FIG. 8, and displays the first it is kept state by lighting the warmth lamp in step S ₁ in FIG.

Then, in the following step S ₂ , it is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pan 3 has become equal to or lower than the first set reference temperature of 85 ° C. If NO, the heat retaining heater is turned off in step S _3.
To also reduce the internal temperature of the pot 3 in the ON at a duty ratio of 2/14 lid heater at Step S _4. Then, when the temperature becomes equal to or lower than the first set reference temperature 85 ° C. of YES, the germicidal lamp 21 in the longest first lighting cycle T ₁ is used.
Start the lighting control of a, then it is further determined whether the decrease in the step S ₅ to a second set reference temperature 75 ° C. below the temperature of the inner pot 3 of the lighting period varying.

[0052] As a result, the thermal insulation heater in step S ₆ when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is determined as NO is within the range of reduced though not 85 ° C. to 76 ° C. to a second set reference temperature 75 ° C. or less while in the SH to OFF to promote the reduction of the inner pot temperature, in the oN the lid heater FH at a duty ratio 5/14 (5 seconds 14 seconds) heating the heat radiating plate 13 in step S _7, The second set reference temperature of 75 ° C
The vine (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiating plate 13 of the lid unit 2 with the lowering of the lid evaporates to prevent the rice from being blurred. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S _8, the longest first lighting period T ₁ seconds of said sterilizing lamp 21a (see FIG. 8)
Determines the passage of, when YES is the sterilizing lamp 21a for t ₁ seconds ON in step S _9. Then, step S ₂₄
In as long as the OFF warmth switch is not determined to continue the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a and returns to the step S ₅ again. On the other hand, when NO, the germicidal lamp 2
Without to ON 1a, the process returns to step S _5.

[0053] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 drops below the second set reference temperature 75 ° C. (YE in Step S ₅
S), further in step S ₁₀ for the temperature of the inner pot 3 is one rank shorter lighting period third preset reference temperature 70
It is determined whether or not the temperature has dropped below ℃. As a result, after the small degree of decrease of the rice temperature to ON the insulation heater SH small output duty ratio 2/14 (2 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₁₁ that follows when NO, the step S ₁₂
Then, the lid heater FH is turned ON at a duty ratio of 6/14 (6 seconds / 14 seconds) to heat the radiator plate 13, thereby causing the tsuyu to fly. Thereafter, the second long second lighting cycle T ₂ seconds of the sterilizing lamp 21a may turn in step S ₁₃ (FIG. 8
Determining the course of the reference), to t ₁ seconds ON the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₁₄ when the YES. Thereafter, the insulation switch proceeds to the same step S ₂₄ OF
Performs F determination, when NO is one which returns to Step S ₅ to S ₁₀ to perform the intermittent lighting control in the second lighting period T _2, when the YES finishes the warmth and sterilization control .

[0054] On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S _10, YES
(At 70 ° C. or lower), it is determined in step S ₁₅
Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pan 3 is the target heat retaining temperature and has dropped to a fourth set reference temperature of 65 ° C. or less for shortening the lighting cycle by three ranks.

[0055] As a result, the duty ratio of the above heat retaining heater SH in step S ₁₆ when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is judged NO reduction to non 70 ° C. -66 ° C. until the fourth set reference temperature 65 ° C. or less It is turned on with a small output of 3/14 (3 seconds for 14 seconds) to accelerate the drop to the fourth set reference temperature of 65 ° C., while at step S _{17 the} lid heater FH
Is turned on at a duty ratio of 7/14 (7 seconds / 14 seconds) to heat the radiator plate 13 and to set the fourth reference temperature 6
The tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiating plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature drops to 5 ° C. is evaporated to prevent the rice from being blurred. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S _18, to determine the course of the long third of the sterilizing lamp 21a third lighting cycle T ₃ seconds (see FIG. 8), the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₁₉ when the YES t Turn ON for ₁ second. As long as OFF warmth switch is not determined in step S _24,
Third and returns to the step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S ₁₅ again
To continue the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a in lighting cycle T _3. On the other hand, when NO, the sterilizing lamp 21a is turned on.
Without the N, the process returns to step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S _15.

[0056] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is lowered below the fourth preset reference temperature 65 ° C. (YE in Step S ₁₅
S), a lid heater FH in step S ₂₁ with the insulation heater SH to ON at the output of the duty ratio 7/14 (7 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₂₀ aim to maintain to 65 ° C. for rice temperature Turn on at a duty ratio of 14/14 (14 seconds for 14 seconds) and heat the radiator plate 13 sufficiently to fly the tsuyu. Thereafter, most short lighting cycle T ₄ seconds of the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₂₂ (see FIG. 8)
Determines the passage of, when YES is the sterilizing lamp 21a for t ₁ seconds ON in step S _23. Thereafter, the same process proceeds to step S ₂₆ performs OFF determination warmth switch, intermittent lighting of the fourth lighting cycle T ₄ and returns to step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S ₁₅ when the NO On the other hand, if YES, the heat retention and sterilization control is terminated.

As a result, thereafter, the target set temperature of 65 ° C.
The fourth lighting cycle T ₄ under the heat retention state centered on
, The intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a is performed, and appropriate sterilizing and deodorizing control of the rice is continued, so that the effective heating of the rice is performed.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the first set reference temperature of 85 ° C.
As shown in FIG. 8, intermittent lighting control of the germicidal lamp 21 a is first started in the first lighting cycle T ₁ , and thereafter, the second, third, and fourth set reference temperatures 75 are set.
The lighting cycle is shortened to T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ as the temperature decreases to 70 ° C. or lower, 70 ° C. or lower, and 65 ° C. or lower. Rice is sterilized and deodorized.

Therefore, in this configuration, the final 65 ° C.
Even if the temperature is kept at a low level, the sterilization and deodorizing functions are improved as the temperature is lowered, so that the rice is hardly putrefied and high-quality rice can be provided for a long time.

In addition, in this configuration, a bactericidal effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the germicidal effect is further improved.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Figs. 9 to 11 show the structure and operation of a sterilization control device for keeping an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to a third embodiment of the present invention warm. .

In this apparatus, the constitution of the sterilization control unit of the second embodiment is, for example, as shown in the time chart of FIG.
76 ° C., 75 ° C. to 71 ° C., 70 ° C. to 66 ° C., 65 ° C. or less), the lighting cycle of the germicidal lamp 21a is shortened (T _{1 to} T _{2 to} T _{3 to} T ₄ ) so that the temperature Sterilization lamp 21a according to the progress level of rice decay due to the drop
While it was intended to increase the sterilization function,
As shown in the time chart of FIG. 11, the same operation is obtained by increasing the luminous output (wattage) of the germicidal lamp 21a itself corresponding to the similar rice temperature drop stage. Things.

For this purpose, the germicidal lamp 2 of this embodiment is used.
In the lighting control circuit 1a, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the oscillation circuit 65 for driving the sterilizing lamp 21a is connected to the control signal output terminal of the microcomputer control unit 25 via the oscillation output variable means 72. All other configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 3 and 6 described above.

The flowchart of FIG. 10 and the time chart of FIG. 11 show the contents of the heat retention and sterilization control in the sterilization control device according to the third embodiment.

That is, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 11, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retaining process is started, first, as shown in FIG.
0 is lit incubated lamp in step S ₁ in the flowchart of displaying that the insulation state.

[0066] Then, the following step S temperature of the inner pot 3 in ₂ determines whether decreased to the first predetermined reference temperature 85 ° C. or less, the thermal insulation heater at Step S ₃ when the NO OF
In F, also reducing the inner temperature of the pot 3 while evaporating droplets ON the lid heater at a duty ratio of 2/14 at Step S _4. Then, when the temperature of the inner pan 3 becomes equal to or lower than the first set reference temperature of 85 ° C., which is the lighting control start temperature, the germicidal lamp 21a with the lowest first lighting output W _1.
Starts lighting control of. After that, step S ₅
Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pan 3 has dropped to a second set reference temperature of 75 ° C. or lower for the variable output.

[0067] As a result, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is judged NO is 85 ° C. to 76 ° C. which is not reduced to a second set reference temperature 75 ° C. below to OFF the insulation heater SH in step S ₆ while promoting a reduction in the inner pot temperature Te, the heat radiating plate 1 in the oN the lid heater FH at a duty ratio 5/14 (5 seconds 14 seconds) at step S ₇
3 is heated to evaporate tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiating plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature drops to the second set reference temperature of 75 ° C., thereby preventing white bokeh of rice. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S _8, the sterilizing lamp 21a determines the course of the lighting period T s (see constant ... 11) of the first lowest sterilization lamp 21a at step S ₉ when the YES to t ₁ seconds oN at the lighting output (wattage) w _1. As long as it is not determined OFF thermal insulation switch in step S _24, to continue the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a and returns to the step S ₅ again. On the other hand, when the NO without turning ON the sterilizing lamp 21a, the process returns to step S _5.

[0068] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 drops below the second set reference temperature 75 ° C. (YE in Step S ₅
S), the inner pot 3 for temperature 2 ranked up the lighting output of 3 in further step S ₁₀ of setting the reference temperature 70
It is determined whether or not the temperature has dropped below ℃. As a result, reduce the degree of reduction in rice temperature when 75 ° C. -71 ° C. for NO is in the ON the insulation heater SH small output duty ratio 2/14 (2 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₁₁ that follows after the duty ratio lid heater FH in step S ₁₂ 6 /
At 14 (6 seconds for 14 seconds), the heat radiation plate 13 is turned on to blow off the tsuyu. Then, this time to determine the elapse of the lighting period T s of the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₁₃ (see FIG. 11), the second lighting output W is the second lowest sterilization lamp 21a at step S ₁₄ when YES Turn on for _{1 second} at ₂ Then, thereafter, step S _{24 is performed} as described above.
Willing performs OFF determination of thermal insulation switch, one case of NO, which then returns to step S ₅ to continue the intermittent lighting control in the second lighting output W _2, when YES is the warmth and sterilization End control.

[0069] On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S _10, YES
(At 70 ° C. or lower), it is determined in step S ₁₅
Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pan 3 is the target heat retaining temperature and has dropped to a fourth set reference temperature of 65 ° C. or lower for raising the lighting output by three ranks.

[0070] Duty results, the thermal insulation heater SH in step S ₁₆ when the NO and the determined reduced to not 70 ° C. -66 ° C. temperature of the inner pot 3 is at least to a fourth preset reference temperature 65 ° C. or less while promoting the reduction to the fourth setting the reference temperature 65 ° C. in the oN small output ratio 3/14 (3 seconds 14 seconds), the duty ratio of the above lid heater FH in step S ₁₇ 7/14 (7 for 14 seconds
Second) to turn on the heat radiation plate 13 to evaporate the tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature drops to the fourth set reference temperature 65 ° C.
Prevent white bokeh of rice. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S _18, the lighting period T s of the sterilizing lamp 21a (see FIG. 8)
Determining the course of one rank higher third than lighting output W ₂ sterilization lamp 21a of the second in step S ₁₉ when the YES
To t ₁ sec ON at the lighting output W ₃ of. As long as OFF warmth switch is not determined in step S _24, the third and returns to the step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S ₁₅ again
To continue the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a at the lighting output W _3. On the other hand, when NO, the sterilizing lamp 21a is turned on.
Without the N, the process returns to step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S _15.

[0071] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is lowered below the fourth preset reference temperature 65 ° C. (YE in Step S ₁₅
S), a lid heater FH in step S ₂₁ with the insulation heater SH to ON at the output of the duty ratio 7/14 (7 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₂₀ aim to maintain to 65 ° C. for rice temperature Turn on at a duty ratio of 14/14 (14 seconds for 14 seconds) and heat the radiator plate 13 sufficiently to fly the tsuyu. Thereafter, t ₁ at step S determines the course of the lighting period T s of the sterilizing lamp 21a (see FIG. 11) at _22, the highest fourth lighting output W ₄ of the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₂₃ when the YES Turn ON for seconds. Thereafter, performs OFF determination warmth switch proceeds to the same step S _24, step S ₅ to S when the NO
And returns to ₁₀ to S ₁₅ while continuing the intermittent lighting control in the lighting output W ₄ of the fourth, when the YES finishes the warmth and sterilization control.

As a result, thereafter, the target set temperature of 65 ° C.
In the low temperature insulation state under around the heat retention of the highest fourth sterilization and deodorization control at the lighting output W ₄ of which is continued by valid rice is performed.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the first set reference temperature of 85 ° C.
As shown in FIG. 11, the intermittent lighting control of the germicidal lamp 21a at the _first lighting output W1 is _first started, and thereafter, the second, third, and fourth set reference temperatures are set. The lighting output is gradually increased to W ₁ , W ₂ , W ₃ , and W ₄ as the temperature decreases to 75 ° C. or less, 70 ° C. or less, and 65 ° C. or less. The rice is sterilized and deodorized by ultraviolet rays together with the heating action.

Therefore, in this configuration, finally, at 65 ° C.
Even if the temperature is kept at a low temperature, the sterilization / deodorizing function is improved as the temperature is lowered, so that the rice is hardly putrefied and a high quality rice can be provided for a long time.

Further, in this configuration, a sterilizing effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the sterilizing effect is further improved.

(Embodiment 4) Next, FIGS. 12 and 13 show the structure and operation of a sterilization control device for keeping an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention warm. .

In this apparatus, similarly to the configuration of the sterilization control device of the third embodiment, for example, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 13, after the shift to the heat retention step, the rice temperature is lowered (from 85 ° C. to 76 ° C.). 75 ° C to 71 ° C, 70 ° C to 66 ° C,
(65 ° C. or less), the lighting output of the germicidal lamp 21a is sequentially increased, so that the germicidal function of the germicidal lamp 21a is enhanced in accordance with the progress level of the putrefaction of the rice due to the temperature decrease. The lighting output is increased not by changing the wattage itself as in the third embodiment but by changing the duty ratio (energization time) of the oscillation output.

For this purpose, the germicidal lamp 2 of the present embodiment is used.
In the lighting control circuit 1a, for example, the oscillation output variable means 72 of FIG. 9 is configured as a variable duty ratio, and the oscillation circuit 65 for driving the germicidal lamp 21a is controlled by the microcomputer via the oscillation output variable means of the configuration. Unit 2
5 is connected to the control signal output terminal. All other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 9 described above.

The flowchart of FIG. 12 and the time chart of FIG. 13 show the contents of the heat retention and sterilization control in the sterilization control device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0080] That is, upon entering the incubating process by cooking step is ended as shown in FIG. 13, and displays the first it is kept state by lighting the warmth lamp in step S ₁ in the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0081] Then, the following step S temperature of the inner pot 3 in ₂ determines whether decreased to the first predetermined reference temperature 85 ° C. or less, the thermal insulation heater at Step S ₃ when the NO OF
In F, also reducing the inner temperature of the pot 3 while evaporating droplets ON the lid heater at a duty ratio of 2/14 at Step S _4. The first setting reference lit when the temperature 85 ° C. was below period T, intermittent lighting control to the start of the first lighting output duty ratio t ₁ / T in sterilizing lamp 21a, the step of subsequently followed the YES temperature of the inner pot 3 in S ₅ determines whether decreased to the first predetermined reference temperature 75 ° C. or less for the lighting output one level of the sterilizing lamp 21a.

[0082] As a result, in step S ₆ when the rice temperature at which the temperature of the inner pot 3 is judged NO is not reduced to the same second preset reference temperature 75 ° C. or less in the range of 85 ° C. to 76 ° C. While the heat keeping heater SH is turned off to promote the lowering of the inner pot temperature to the target keeping temperature, step S
_{At 7} , the lid heater FH is set to a duty ratio of 5/14 (14
The heat radiating plate 13 is heated by turning ON for 5 seconds (seconds), and the tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiating plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature decreases to the second set reference temperature of 75 ° C. To prevent white bokeh of rice. Then, step S
Proceed to _8, the sterilizing lamp 21a determines the course of the lighting period T s (see constant ... 13) of the step S ₉ in sterilizing lamp 21a to the first lighting output duty ratio t If YES Turn ON for ₁ / T second. As long as it is not determined OFF thermal insulation switch in step S _24, the lighting period T to return to the step S ₅ again, intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a of the first lighting output duty ratio t ₁ / T To continue. On the other hand, when the NO without turning ON the sterilizing lamp 21a, the process returns to step S _5.

[0083] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 drops below the second set reference temperature 75 ° C. (YE in Step S ₅
S), further step S ₁₀ in the third order temperature 2 Rankuatsupu lighting output of the sterilizing lamp 21a of the inner pot 3
It is determined whether the set reference temperature has dropped to 70 ° C. or less. O In a result, rice temperature of the NO small output of 75 ° C. -71 followed when in the range of ° C. Step S ₁₁ the duty ratio of the above heat retaining heater SH in 2/14 (2 seconds 14 seconds)
After reducing the degree of decrease of the rice temperature to N, the duty ratio 6/14 lid heater FH in step S ₁₂ (14
The heat sink 13 is heated by turning on the heat radiation plate 13 for six seconds per second, thereby skipping the tree. Then, this time to determine the elapse of the lighting period T s of the sterilizing lamp 21a (see FIG. 13) in step S _13, sterilization If YES in step S ₁₄ the lamp 21
a a is turned ON by one rank higher set second lighting output duty ratio t ₂ / T s than the first lighting output duty ratio t ₁ / T. Thereafter, performs OFF determination warmth switch proceeds to the same step S _24, when NO, returns to step S ₅ to S _10, the lighting period T, the second lighting output duty ratio t ₂ / T While the intermittent lighting control of the germicidal lamp 21a is continued.
At the time of ES, the heat retention and sterilization control are finished.

[0084] On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S _10, YES
(At 70 ° C. or lower), it is determined in step S ₁₅
Then, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the inner pan 3 is the target heat retaining temperature and has dropped to a fourth set reference temperature of 65 ° C. or less for increasing the lighting cycle by three ranks.

[0085] As a result, the in step S ₁₆ when the rice temperature at which the temperature of the inner pot 3 is judged NO has not decreased to a fourth preset reference temperature 65 ° C. or less in the range of 70 ° C. -66 ° C. Heat insulation heater SH is set to duty ratio 3/14
(3 seconds for 14 seconds) to turn on with a small output to promote the decrease to the fourth set reference temperature of 65 ° C.
_{At 17} , the lid heater FH is set to a duty ratio of 7/14 (14
(7 seconds per second) to turn on the heat radiation plate 13 to heat the heat radiation plate 13, and to generate tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature drops to the fourth set reference temperature 65 ° C. To prevent white bokeh of rice. Then, step S
Proceed to _18, to determine the course of the lighting period of the sterilizing lamp 21a T seconds (see FIG. 13), step S ₁₆ when the YES
To set the germicidal lamp 21a to the third output duty ratio t ₃ /
Turn on in T seconds. As long as OFF warmth switches at step S ₂₄ is not determined, the step S ₅ again
To S ₁₀ and returns to the to S ₁₅ are lit period T, to continue the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a at the third output duty ratio t ₃ / T. On the other hand, when NO, the sterilizing lamp 21 is used.
Without to ON a, returns to step S ₅ ~S ₁₀ ~S _15.

[0086] On the other hand, when the temperature of the inner pot 3 is lowered below the fourth preset reference temperature 65 ° C. (YE in Step S ₁₅
S), a lid heater FH in step S ₂₁ with the insulation heater SH to ON at the output of the duty ratio 7/14 (7 seconds 14 seconds) in step S ₂₀ aim to maintain to 65 ° C. for rice temperature Turn on at a duty ratio of 14/14 (14 seconds for 14 seconds) and heat the radiator plate 13 sufficiently to fly the tsuyu. Then, to determine the course of the lighting cycle T s of the sterilizing lamp 21a (see FIG. 13) in step S _22, when the result is YES the sterilizing lamp 21a at step S ₂₃ in the fourth output duty ratio t ₄ / T sec Turn ON. Thereafter, performs OFF determination warmth switch proceeds to the same step S _24, when the NO Step S ₅ ~
S ₁₀ to S ₁₅ and returns to be lit period T, while continuing the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a at the fourth output duty ratio t ₄ / T, If YES finishes the warmth and sterilization control .

As a result, thereafter, the target set temperature of 65 ° C.
In the heat retention state centered on the above, sterilization / deodorization control at the lighting cycle T and the fourth lighting output duty ratio t ₄ / T is continued, and effective rice heat retention is performed.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the first set reference temperature of 85 ° C.
13, the intermittent lighting control of the germicidal lamp 21a is first started at the first lighting output duty ratio t ₁ / T as shown in FIG. Third and fourth reference temperature 75 ° C., 70
As the temperature decreases to 65 ° C. and 65 ° C., the lighting output of the germicidal lamp 21 a is controlled by increasing the duty ratios t ₂ / T, t ₃ / T, and t ₄ / T by one rank. The rice is sterilized and deodorized by ultraviolet rays together with the heating action.

Therefore, in this configuration, finally, at 65 ° C.
Even if the temperature is kept at a low level, the sterilization and deodorizing functions are improved as the temperature is lowered, so that the rice is hardly putrefied and high-quality rice can be provided for a long time.

Further, in this configuration, a sterilizing effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the sterilizing effect is further improved.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 14 and 15 show the control contents and operation of a sterilization control device for an electric rice cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the same oscillation cycle variable means as that of the above-described second embodiment is employed, and as the elapsed time from the point of shifting to the heat retaining step becomes longer and the rice becomes more likely to rot, By shortening the lighting cycle of the germicidal lamp 21a, the germicidal function by the ultraviolet rays is enhanced.

The flowchart of FIG. 14 and the time chart of FIG. 15 show the contents of the sterilization control performed by the microcomputer control unit 25 similar to that of FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 15, when the rice cooking process is completed and the rice cooking heater is turned off to start the warming process,
First is lit incubated lamp in step S ₁ indicates that a thermal insulation state. And at the same time step S
_In step ₂ , a timer ta for counting the elapse of time after the transition to the warming step is started.

[0095] Next, it is determined whether or not reduced to the set retained temperature 70 ° C. below the inner pot temperature is the target in step S _3.

[0096] As a result, the thermal insulation heater at Step S ₄ when as higher than when or once reduced but the same temperature 70 ° C. Again pot temperature among the answer is NO has not decreased to the same temperature 70 ° C. while promoting a reduction in the retained temperature of the inner pot temperature of SH to OFF control, the lid heater FH duty ratio 7/14 (14 seconds 7 at step S ₅
The heat radiation plate 13 is heated by turning on in (seconds), and the tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature decreases to the heat retaining temperature is evaporated.

On the other hand, when the inner pot temperature is equal to the set warming temperature 7
0 ℃ When drops below, step S ₆ in the insulation heater SH and in the ON rice temperature duty of the lid heater FH at step S ₇ strive to maintain the set retained temperature 70 ° C. by increasing the ratio 9/14 (9 seconds for 14 seconds) to turn on and heat the heat radiating plate 13, thereby skipping the ridges formed on the back surface of the heat radiating plate 13.

Then, the process further proceeds to steps S ₈ , S ₉ , and S ₁₀ , and the elapsed time t from the point when the process shifts to the heat retaining step.
From the count value of the timer ta for counting a, the elapsed time ta = less than 6 hours, 6 hours to less than 12 hours, 1
From 2 hours to less than 18 hours, 18 hours or more are sequentially determined. Then, Step _{S 11, S 12, S 13} , the lighting period of the sterilizing lamp 21a which are set to be write sequentially short in S ₁₄ T ₁ in accordance with an increase of the elapsed time, respectively,
The elapse of T ₂ , T ₃ , and T ₄ is determined, and if YES, respectively, first, the lighting cycle setting timers T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₃ set in steps S ₁₅ , S ₁₈ , S ₂₁ , and S ₂₄ , respectively. ₄ after resetting the step to the new _{S 16, S 19, S 22} , S 25 again step by starting the timer operation _{S 17, S 20, S 23} , S
_{At 26} , an ON signal of the sterilizing lamp 21a of wattage W (constant) is output, and each elapsed time ta = less than 6 hours, 6 hours to
Less than 12 hours, 12 hours less than 18 hours, the sterilizing lamp 21a the respective period T _1, T ₂ in accordance with the above 18 hours,
At T ₃ and T ₄ , the light is turned on for t ₁ time (constant).

On the other hand, the above steps S ₁₁ , S ₁₂ , S ₁₃ ,
The germicidal lamp lighting period is determined in _{S 14 T 1, T 2,} T 3,
When T ₄ is determined to be unexpired respectively, the process proceeds to step S ₂₇ without having to turn ON the sterilizing lamp 21a.

[0100] In step S _27, the germicidal lamp 21a
Insulation switch is OFF regardless of ON or OFF
After determining whether or not the F operation has been performed, the heat retention switch is set to O
When the FF that are not NO, the execution of the sterilization of the rice due to ultraviolet further continued intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a in lighting cycle according to the elapsed time or by returns to step S ₂ following operations And prevent corruption.

On the other hand, when the heat keeping switch of YES is turned off, the above heat keeping and sterilization control are all ended.

As a result, after the maximum elapsed time of 18 hours has passed, the intermittent operation at the shortest fourth lighting cycle T ₄ is thereafter performed under the heat retention state centering on the target set heat retention temperature of 70 ° C. Sterilization control is continued to keep the rice warm effectively.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the germicidal lamp 21a at the _first lighting cycle T1 as shown in FIG. Elapsed time ta after the lighting control is started, and thereafter, the above-mentioned heat retention process is started.
= Less than 6 hours, 6 hours to less than 12 hours, 12 hours to 18
Lighting cycle T ₁ , T ₂ , T according to less than 18 hours
_By intermittently controlling the lighting by gradually shortening the lighting cycle to ₃ and T ₄ , the heating action of the heat radiating plate 13 and the sterilization and deodorization of the rice by ultraviolet rays and ozone generated by the ultraviolet rays are performed.

Therefore, in this configuration, even if the temperature is kept at a low temperature of, for example, about 70 ° C. or less, the longer the heat retention time, the better the sterilization function. Can serve rice.

Further, in this configuration, a sterilizing effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the sterilizing effect is further improved.

(Embodiment 6) FIGS. 16 and 17 show the control contents and operation of a sterilization control device for an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, the same oscillation output variable means as in the third embodiment is employed, and as the elapsed time from the point of shifting to the heat retaining step becomes longer and the rice becomes more likely to rot, the above-mentioned sterilization method is used. By increasing the lighting output (wattage) of the lamp 21a, the sterilizing function by the ultraviolet rays is enhanced.

The flowchart of FIG. 16 and the time chart of FIG. 17 show the contents of the sterilization control performed by the microcomputer control unit 25 similar to that of FIG.

That is, as shown in FIG. 16, when the rice-cooking step is completed and the rice-cooking heater is turned off to start the warming step,
First is lit incubated lamp in step S ₁ indicates that a thermal insulation state. And at the same time step S
_In step ₂ , a timer ta for counting the elapse of time after the transition to the warming step is started.

[0110] Next, it is determined whether or not reduced to the set retained temperature 70 ° C. below the inner pot temperature is the target in step S _3.

[0111] As a result, the thermal insulation heater at Step S ₄ when as higher than when or once reduced but the same temperature 70 ° C. Again pot temperature among the answer is NO has not decreased to the same temperature 70 ° C. while promoting a reduction in the retained temperature of the inner pot temperature of SH to OFF control, the lid heater FH duty ratio 7/14 (14 seconds 7 at step S ₅
The heat radiation plate 13 is heated by turning on in (seconds), and the tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature decreases to the heat retaining temperature is evaporated.

On the other hand, when the inner pot temperature is equal to the set warming temperature 7
0 ℃ When drops below, step S ₆ in the insulation heater SH duty said lid heater FH at step S ₇ with the ON promote maintenance settings retained temperature by raising the rice temperature ratio 9/14 (14 9 of a second
The heat radiation plate 13 is heated by turning on the heat radiation plate 13 in a second), thereby skipping the ridges formed on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13.

Then, the process further proceeds to steps S ₈ , S ₉ , and S ₁₀ , and the elapsed time t from the point in time when the above-mentioned heat retention process is started.
From the count value of the timer ta for counting a, the elapsed time ta = less than 6 hours, 6 hours to less than 12 hours, 1
From 2 hours to less than 18 hours, 18 hours or more are sequentially determined. Then, step S is performed in accordance with the elapsed time.
_11, S _12, to determine the course of the S _13, the lighting period of the sterilizing lamp 21a at S ₁₄ T (T = constant), the respectively to YES, first turned on in step _{S 15, S 18, S 21} , S 24 After resetting the cycle setting timer T, a new step S
_16, S _19, S _22, step S _17, again to start the timer operation at S ₂₅ S _20, S _23, wattage W ₁ comprising sequentially increased according to an increase of the elapsed time S _26, W _2, W _3, W ₄ sterilizing lamp 21a outputs the oN signal of said sterilizing lamp 21a the respective output W ₁ in accordance with the respective elapsed time,
The lights are turned on for W ₂ , W ₃ , and W ₄ , respectively, for a fixed time t ₁ .

On the other hand, the above steps S ₁₁ , S ₁₂ , S ₁₃ ,
When the sterilizing lamp lighting cycle T in each determination in S ₁₄ is judged to be not elapsed respectively, the process proceeds to step S ₂₇ without having to turn ON the sterilizing lamp 21a.

[0115] In the step S _27, the germicidal lamp 21a
Insulation switch is OFF regardless of ON or OFF
After determining whether or not the F operation has been performed, the heat retention switch is set to O
In the case of NO where the FF is not performed, the intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a with the lighting output according to the elapsed time is continued to execute the sterilization of the rice by the ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing rot.

On the other hand, when the heat retention switch is turned off and YE
When S is reached, all of the above-mentioned heat retention and sterilization control is terminated.

As a result, the heat retention time is equal to the maximum elapsed time 1
When more than 8 hours, thereafter under insulation state around the ℃ target setting retained temperature 70 valid is continued intermittent sterilization control in the fourth lighting output W ₄ of the most lighting output value is large The rice is kept warm.

As described above, in the heat retention control of the present embodiment, when the rice cooking process is completed and the heat retention process is started, the heat radiation plate 13
Of the germicidal lamp 21a at the _first lighting output W1 as shown in FIG. 17 on condition that the temperature is maintained at 70 ° C. Elapsed time ta after the lighting control is started, and thereafter, the above-mentioned heat retention process is started.
= Less than 6 hours, 6 hours to less than 12 hours, 12 hours to 18
By increasing the lighting output sequentially in less than 18 hours and controlling the lighting in accordance with 18 hours or more, the sterilization and deodorization of rice according to the degree of decay by ultraviolet rays and ozone generated by the ultraviolet rays together with the heating action of the radiator plate 13. Is made.

Therefore, in this configuration, even if the temperature is kept at a low temperature of, for example, about 70 ° C. or lower, the longer the heat retention time, the better the sterilization function. We can provide high quality rice.

[0120] Further, in this configuration, a sterilizing effect can be added together with the heating effect of the heat radiating plate 13, so that the sterilizing effect is further improved.

(Embodiment 7) Next, Figs. 18 and 19 show the configuration and operation of a sterilization control device for keeping an electric rice cooker as a food warming container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention warm. .

For example, in the configuration of the sterilization control device according to the first embodiment, even if the lid unit 2 is once opened and the rice is cut off during the heat insulation, the sterilization lamp 21a is kept in the heat insulation time regardless of the fact. The lighting is always performed at a constant lighting cycle T. However, in practice, once the lid unit 2 is opened and rice is simmered, germs easily enter, and rot is more likely to occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, on the other hand, as shown in the time chart of FIG. 19, for example, after the shift to the warming step, the sterilizing lamp 21a is operated in accordance with the decrease of the rice temperature to the set warming temperature. Form 1
While the lighting control is intermittently performed at the same constant lighting cycle as in the above case, once the lid unit 2 is opened and then closed again, it is detected, the output is increased, and the output is reliably sterilized. It is characterized in that the rice is prevented from spoiling due to invasion of various bacteria.

[0123] That is, upon entering the incubating process cooking process is completed as shown in FIG. 19, and displays the first it is kept state by lighting the warmth lamp in step S ₁ in the flowchart of FIG. 18.

[0124] It is determined whether the temperature of the inner pot 3 is lowered to set retained temperature 70 ° C. or less to perform intermittent lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a in step S _2.

As a result, when the temperature of the inner pan 3 determined to be NO has not decreased to the set temperature of 70 ° C. or lower, or once decreased but becomes higher than the same temperature 70 ° C. again, step S ₃ Turn off the heater SH
To promote the lowering of the inner pan temperature,
_{In step 4} , the lid heater FH is set to a duty ratio of 7/14 (14
(7 seconds per second) to turn on the heat radiation plate 13 to heat the heat radiation plate 13 and evaporate the tsuyu (condensed droplets) generated on the back surface of the heat radiation plate 13 of the lid unit 2 as the temperature drops to 70 ° C. To prevent white blurring.

[0126] Then, the lid unit 2 in step S ₇ that follows
Unless it is determined that the open, fixed period TA in the case similar to the first embodiment described above proceeds to step S ₁₁
The lighting control of the sterilizing lamp 21a is executed. On the other hand, is the first OFF sterilizing lamp 21a when the lid unit 2 is detected to have been opened by the OFF of the above-mentioned reed switch 18, then the lid unit 2 again at step S ₉
It is determined whether or not is closed.

As a result, if YES, the following step S ₁₀
To set the lighting output duty ratio of the germicidal lamp 21a to 2
The sterilization lamp 21a is turned on by setting the value to about twice the value Wwax, and sufficient sterilization is performed. Then, continuing the intermittent sterilizing lamp lighting control in the lighting period and normal lighting output duty ratio of the step S ₁₁ thereon.

As a result, in the configuration of the apparatus, even if the lid unit 2 is opened during the heat insulation and the rice is cut off, the rot caused by the rice is minimized.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 20 shows a power supply opening / closing means and a lid unit of a sterilizing lamp lighting circuit in an electric rice cooker as a food heat insulation container of the first embodiment formed by a reed switch 18 and a magnet 17. The configuration of the electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention in which the detection means is formed by, for example, a limit switch 29 is shown.

The limit switch 29 is installed on the upper surface side of the shoulder member 5 of the outer case 1 and has an O
A push rod 29a for N, OFF operation is provided to be able to move up and down. The push rod 29a is constantly urged upward by, for example, a coil spring so as to turn off the on-off contact.

On the other hand, on the outer peripheral portion of the front end side of the inner cover 11 of the lid unit 2, the push rod 29a is turned on when the lid unit 2 is closed as shown in the figure corresponding to the push rod 29a of the limit switch 29. An operating piece 11a that presses to the state is integrally formed.

Therefore, the limit switch 29
Is turned on when the lid unit 2 is closed, and turned off when the lid unit 2 is opened upward. Therefore, the open / close contact portion is inserted instead of the reed switch 15 in FIG. If it is placed, the power circuit of the germicidal lamp lighting circuit can be opened and closed according to the opening and closing of the lid unit 2 in the same manner as the reed switch 15 described above, and the open / closed state of the lid unit 2 can be detected from the ON / OFF state. .

(Embodiment 9) FIG. 21 shows a configuration of an electric rice cooker as a food heat insulating container according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

The electric rice cooker is provided with an ozone generator as sterilizing means instead of the sterilizing lamp 21a.

This ozone generator is constituted by providing a pair of discharge electrodes 51 and 52 at the tip of a housing 50 having a built-in discharge circuit. In the case of the above-described first embodiment via a flange-shaped packing 53. Similarly to the above, it is attached to the center of the heat sink 13 on the back side of the lid unit 2.

[0136] Ozone (O ₃ ) has a high bactericidal power higher than the above-mentioned ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the discharge electrodes 51, 5
When the discharge for generating an appropriate amount of ozone is performed in 2, the sterilization function exactly the same as that of the sterilization lamp 21a can be exhibited. In particular, in the case of the germicidal lamp 21a, when the amount of rice is large, there is a problem that the ultraviolet ray does not reach the bottom, but in the case of ozone, the permeability is high. Can be.

The discharge cycle and discharge level can be controlled by using the same control sequence as in each of the first to seventh embodiments.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electric rice cooker main body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall system circuit diagram of the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 3 is a control circuit diagram of a sterilization control device of the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of the sterilization control device for the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 5 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a control circuit diagram of a sterilization control device of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of the sterilization control device for the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 8 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a control circuit diagram of a sterilization control device of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of the sterilization control device for the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 11 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of an electric rice cooker sterilization control device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of an electric rice cooker sterilization control device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of the electric rice cooker sterilization control device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing sterilization control contents of an electric rice cooker sterilization control device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a time chart corresponding to the sterilization control of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of an electric rice cooker main body according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an electric rice cooker main body according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

17 is a magnet, 18 is a reed switch, 21a is a germicidal lamp, 25 is a microcomputer control unit, 61 is a germicidal lamp lighting circuit, 65 is an oscillation circuit, 69 is an oscillation cycle setting means, 70 is an oscillation cycle variable means, and 72 is an oscillation output. It is a variable means.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A47J 27/00-27/13 A47J 39/00-39/02 A23L 3/00-3/3598

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A food insulation container comprising: an inner pot for storing food; a lid covering an opening of the inner pot; and a heat retaining means for heating and retaining the inner pot. Providing sterilization means for sterilizing the formed heat retaining space, providing a lid opening / closing detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, stopping the drive of the sterilization means when the lid is opened, and closing the lid. A food warming container characterized in that it is driven when it is closed. 2. The food insulation container according to claim 1, wherein the drive output of the sterilizing means, which is started when the lid is closed, is set to be higher than the drive output in a normal state.