JP3055532B2 - Electric rice cooker - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric rice cooker, and more particularly, to an electric rice cooker in which the user can select whether or not to keep the heat after the rice is cooked, so as to control the heat insulation according to the user's intention. It is about a vessel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an electric rice cooker, rice and water are contained in an inner pot, and the inner pot is heated by a heating means (for example, an electromagnetic induction coil or an electric heater) in accordance with predetermined rice cooking characteristics. To cook rice. Then, after the rice cooking is completed, the process automatically shifts to the heat retaining step.

[0003]

In the case of the above prior art,
When meals are made immediately after rice cooking is completed, although the transition to the warming process is not necessary, the power supply to the heating means is continued for the warming control due to the automatic transition to the warming process, which is unnecessary. The power consumption is wasted due to energization of the heating means.

[0004] In addition, if there is a long time from the end of rice cooking to the meal, the transition from the rice cooking process to the warming process will automatically increase the warming time. Then, the rice is heated for a long time, and the rice may be dried, and the power consumption is increased.

[0005] In recent years, due to increasing interest in energy saving and a demand to prevent deterioration of rice due to drying when the heat retention elapsed time has been long, some users unplug the power outlet after cooking rice. in this case,
It does not matter if you eat immediately after cooking, but if the meal times of the whole family are not the same,
There is a problem that the user needs to eat the rice having a low temperature.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and stops the heat retention after the completion of rice cooking or after a lapse of a predetermined time after the completion of rice cooking, thereby saving power consumption and responding to user requests. It is an object of the present invention to be able to perform suitable heat retention stop control.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a rice cooker body configured to accommodate an inner pot therein, and an opening of the rice cooker body are provided. An electric rice cooker comprising: a lid body for opening and closing the lid; and a heating means for heating the inner pan, wherein the electric rice cooker is configured to execute a process from rice cooking to heat keeping by controlling the power supply to the heating means. Setting means for setting whether or not to perform control; heat insulation for stopping power supply to the heating means after completion of rice cooking or after a lapse of a predetermined time after completion of rice cooking when the setting means sets that heat insulation is not performed. A power supply to the heating means is performed by the stopping means and the heat retention stopping means.
After stopping, the temperature of the inner pot is higher than the set temperature
If the condition continues for a predetermined time, the heat retention control is started.
And a heat retention start means .

[0008] With the above configuration, when it is set that the heat retention control is not performed after the completion of the rice cooking, the power supply to the heating means is stopped after the completion of the rice cooking or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the rice cooking. Becomes Therefore, depending on the setting of the user, the power supply to the heating means is stopped after the completion of the rice cooking or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the rice cooking, so that unnecessary power consumption can be eliminated and the user's request can be satisfied. Insulation stop control (for example, in accordance with the meal time of the family) can be performed. Ma
Also, keep the temperature of the inner pot at a temperature where
Then, the heat retention control is started, and the rice rots
It is possible to avoid a warm state at an easy temperature.

[0009] The invention of claim 2 solves the above problem.
As a means to determine the inner pot can be stored inside
Rice cooker body, and the opening and closing of the rice cooker body opening
A lid for freely covering, and heating means for heating the inner pot
From heating rice to keeping heat by controlling the power supply to the heating means.
Electric rice cooker configured to perform the steps
Setting means for setting whether or not to perform the heat retention control;
When it is set not to keep heat by the setting means
After the end of rice cooking or after a predetermined time has passed since the end of rice cooking
Thermal insulation stopping means for stopping the power supply to the heating means,
In the case where it is set not to keep heat by the setting unit,
Even if the room temperature is above the set temperature, stop the heat retention
Prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the means.

[0010] With the above-described configuration, cooking rice is completed.
If it is set not to perform heat retention control after
After a predetermined time has passed after cooking or after cooking rice
The power supply to the means is stopped. Therefore, the user
Depending on the setting, after rice cooking or after rice cooking
After the passage of time, the power supply to the heating means is stopped
This means that unnecessary power consumption can be eliminated.
Both respond to the user's request (for example,
In other words, it is possible to perform the heat retention stop control. Ma
Also, if the room temperature is high and the insulation is stopped, the rice will rot.
When this occurs, a thermal shutdown will not be performed.
To avoid heat retention at temperatures where rice can easily rot
Can be.

[0011] As in the invention of claim 3, claim 1
In the electric rice cooker as described above, the heat is kept by the setting means.
Even if it is set not to be performed, the room temperature is the set temperature
In the above case, prohibition of operation of the heat retention stop means is prohibited.
If the equipment is installed, the room temperature is high and
When the possibility of rice to corruption occurs, the heat insulation stop execution
It is not kept, and keeps the temperature at a temperature at which rice easily rots
State can be avoided.

As in the invention of claim 4 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, and 3
In the case where the setting by the setting means is performed at the time of menu selection at the start of rice cooking, it is possible to set whether to perform heat retention or not at the same time as menu selection,
It can respond to user requests.

[0013] As in the invention of claim 5 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, 3, and 4,
In the meantime, even when the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the heat retention stopping means, if the display by the liquid crystal display unit for performing a clock display or the like is to be continued, the liquid crystal display unit performs the operation even during the heat retention stop. Necessary items can be displayed, which is convenient.

As in the invention of claim 6 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, 3, and 4,
In the meantime, even when the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the heat retention stopping means, the display on the liquid crystal display unit is continued, and the elapsed time after the power supply to the heating means is stopped is displayed. The elapsed time of the heat retention stop can be confirmed during the heat retention stop, and a measure corresponding to the elapsed time (for example, terminating the heat retention stop or restarting the heat retention) can be performed.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the accompanying drawings, a reference example of the present invention and some preferred embodiments will be described in detail below.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 6 show an electric rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electric rice cooker has a double structure rice cooker main body 1 having a space 4 and configured to accommodate an inner pot 3 for cooking rice therein. And a lid 2 for opening and closing the upper opening of the container body 1.

The rice cooker main body 1 has a body 5 serving as an outer wall.
a and a bottom part 5b serving as a bottom wall, an outer case 5 made of an integrally molded product of synthetic resin, a protection frame 6 having a bottom and made of synthetic resin serving as an inner peripheral wall, and an upper end of the protection frame 6 A synthetic resin shoulder member 7 is connected to the upper end of the outer case 5, and the space 4 is surrounded by the outer case 5, the protective frame 6 and the shoulder member 7. In addition,
The inner pan 3 is housed in the protective frame 6 so as to be removable.

At the center of the bottom surface of the protective frame 6, a sensor hole 9 for receiving a center sensor 8 acting as a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the inner pot 3 is formed. .

An annular electromagnetic induction coil (hereinafter referred to as a rice cooking work coil) 10 surrounding the sensor hole 9 and acting as a heating means at the time of cooking rice and keeping the temperature warm.
Are provided corresponding to the bottom surface of the protective frame 6 and the curved portion from the bottom surface to the side peripheral surface. The rice cooker coil 10 generates an alternating magnetic field, generates an eddy current as an induced current in the inner pot 3 by the electromagnetic induction of the alternating magnetic field, and heats using the resistance heat of the eddy current. It is supposed to. The inner pot 3 is a work coil 1 for cooking rice.
It is made of a material (for example, a magnetic material) capable of generating an eddy current when the value is 0.

The rice cooking work coil 10 is sandwiched between a coil die 11 fixed to the bottom surface of the protection frame 6 and the bottom surface of the protection frame 6. Reference numeral 12 denotes a ferrite core, which has a function of blocking so that the magnetism of the work coil 10 for rice cooking does not affect equipment located below.

A center sensor 8 is provided in the sensor hole 9 so as to be in contact with the bottom of the inner pot 3. Further, an annular electromagnetic induction coil (hereinafter, referred to as a heat retaining work coil) 13 which acts as a heating means only at the time of heat retention is attached to a side peripheral surface of the protection frame 6.

At the bottom of the rice cooker main body 1 (ie, at the bottom 5b of the outer case 5), there are provided a power transistor and a rectifying diode bridge for controlling the energization of the rice cooking and warming work coils 10, 13. (Omitted) is provided with a cooling fan 14 for forcing the cooling air. The bottom wall of the rice cooker main body 1 (specifically, the outer case 5)
An air inlet 15 is formed at the bottom 5 b) of the airbag, facing the blower fan 14.

On the other hand, the lid 2 is composed of a synthetic resin upper plate 16 constituting the outer surface and a synthetic resin lower plate 17 constituting the inner surface.
A heat insulating material 19 is provided in a space 18 surrounded by.

The lid 2 is attached to the rice cooker main body 1 via a hinge unit 20 formed on one side of the shoulder member 7 so as to be rotatable and detachable.

At the center of the lid 2, there is formed a tubular portion 21 which is suspended from the upper plate 16. Inside the tubular portion 21, steam generated during rice cooking is discharged to the outside. Steam cap 2 having a steam discharge passage 22 for
3 is detachably attached. In the steam cap 23, a ball valve 24 acting as a pressure regulating valve is provided. At the lower end of the steam cap 23,
An inner lid 25 made of a good heat conductor (for example, aluminum alloy) for sealing the opening 3a of the inner pan 3 when the lid 2 is closed is attached. Reference numeral 26 denotes a steam inlet to the steam cap 23, 27 denotes a steam outlet from the steam cap 24, 28 denotes a steam port formed in the inner lid 25, 29
Is a seal packing for sealing between the periphery of the inner lid 25 and the opening 3a of the inner pot 3, and 30 is an inner lid 25 and a lid lower plate 17
This is a seal packing that seals between the two.

The shoulder member 7 is provided with substantially semicircular shoulder heaters 31, 31. The outer peripheral edge of the inner lid 25 is pressed against the shoulder heaters 31 and 31 when the lid 2 is closed, and the inner lid 25 is heated by the heat conduction from the shoulder heaters 31 and 31. . That is, the shoulder heater 3
Reference numerals 1 and 31 function as heating means for heating the inner lid 25. Each shoulder heater 31 includes a heater ring 32 having an inverted U-shaped cross section, and a heater ring 32.
And a heating element 33 disposed therein.

Further, the lid 2 is located inside the inner lid 25, and is located inside the opening 3 a of the inner pan 3 with a space 37 interposed between the inner lid 25 and the inner lid 25. A heat radiating plate 38 made of a good heat conductor is provided so as to face the inner side of the inner pan 3 and to support the outer periphery thereof close to the inner peripheral surface of the inner pot 3. The heat radiating plate 38 is attached to a seal packing 40 which is removably fitted to a support shaft 39 projecting downward from the center of the steam cap 23.

With this configuration, the heat conducted from the shoulder heater 31 and the heat radiated from the inner lid 25 during the heat retention are transferred to the air space existing in the space 37 between the inner lid 25 and the radiator plate 38. To the heat radiating plate 38 and then radiated to the surface of the rice R in the inner pot 3. Therefore,
As compared with the case where the heat is directly radiated from the inner lid 25 to the surface of the rice R, the heat radiation is softened, and the yellowing and drying of the surface of the rice R are prevented. The heat sink 38
Is prevented by a rise in temperature due to heat radiation from the inner lid 25.

The steam A generated during cooking rice is
The heat is discharged from the outer periphery of the heat radiating plate 38 to the outside through the space 37 between the heat radiating plate 38 and the inner lid 25, through the steam port 28, the steam inlet 26, the steam cap 23, and the steam outlet 27. In addition, the length of the steam discharge path can be reduced, and spills can be reduced. Further, since the heat radiating plate 38 is provided so as to face inward from the opening 3a of the inner pan 3, the air layer between the surface of the rice R and the heat radiating plate 38 in the inner pan 3 can be reduced. And the heat retaining effect is improved.

Further, since the outer peripheral edge of the heat radiating plate 38 is positioned below the shoulder heater 31, heat from the shoulder heater 31 is transmitted to the upper portion of the inner pan 3, The amount of heat radiated to the surface of the rice R in the inner pot 3 from above can be reduced by the outer peripheral edge of the heat radiating plate 38.

[0032] A side part (for example, in the rice cooker main body 1)
In the space 4 in the hinge unit 20 side), a blower fan 41 is arranged in a state where it is attached to the shoulder member 7 with screws 42. The blower fan 41 is a centrifugal fan having a scroll type fan casing 43. In this way, it is possible to effectively utilize the space 4 (particularly the space on the hinge unit 20 side where a large surplus space is available) in the rice cooker main body 1, and it is necessary to increase the vertical dimension of the rice cooker main body 1. Disappears.

The discharge port 43a of the fan casing 43
Is connected to an inlet 4 of an annular passage 45 formed in the shoulder member 7.
5a. The shoulder member 7 has a plurality of communication ports 46 that communicate the annular passage 45 with an upper portion of an annular gap C formed between the inner pan 3 and the protection frame 6. That is, the blast W from the blast fan 41 is supplied to the duct 44, the annular passage 45, and the communication port 4.
6 to be supplied to the upper part of the gap C. Reference numeral 34 denotes a room temperature sensor for detecting the room temperature Tr, 47 denotes an air intake formed in the lower part of the body 5a of the outer case 5, and 48 denotes a lock mechanism of the lid 2.

The side opposite to the hinge of the rice cooker main body 1 (that is, the side on which the lock mechanism 48 for locking the lid 2 is provided).
Is provided with a control board 49 in which a control unit for controlling the energization of the work coils 10 and 13 for rice cooking and heat retention and the shoulder heater 31 is installed. Hinge side (that is, lid 2
On the side on which the lock mechanism 48 for locking is provided, various switches (for example, a rice cooker switch, a reservation switch, a heat insulation switch, etc.) and an operation panel unit 50 having a liquid crystal display unit are provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel section 50 has a rice cooker switch 51, a reservation switch 52, and a heat retention selection switch serving as a selection means for selecting between normal heat retention and low temperature heat retention (hereinafter referred to as glossy heat retention). 53, a cancel switch 54, a heat keeping off switch 55 serving as a setting means for setting whether or not to carry out heat keeping control, a menu switch 56, a time switch 57 for time setting, a minute switch 58 for time setting, and a liquid crystal display section 59 Is provided.

Next, an electric configuration of the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment will be described based on an electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. Parts corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The electric power from the commercial AC power supply 60 passes through a temperature fuse 61 and a rectifier circuit 62 which detect and abnormally heat the inner pot 3 and blow it out, and the rice cooker and heat insulator work coil 1
0,13. Reference numeral 63 denotes a smoothing capacitor, and 64 and 65 denote resonance capacitors.

The rice cooker and heat insulating work coil 1
Microcomputer units (hereinafter, referred to as 0 and 13)
IGBT drive circuit 6 from 66)
Control signals are supplied from power transistors 69 and 70 which are ON / OFF controlled by commands passed through 7 and 68, respectively.

The microcomputer 66 controls the power transistors 69 and 70 in accordance with a predetermined program, and thereby controls the energization of the work coils 10 and 13, the shoulder heater 31, the cooling fan 14, and the blower fan 41. This energization control is performed based on output signals output from the thermistor 71 and the room temperature sensor 34 incorporated in the center sensor 8 via the temperature sensor detection circuits 72 and 73. The microcomputer 66 also controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 59.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 4, a description will be given of the heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment.

[0041] In step S ₁ is cooking step is performed, heat insulation off switch 55 is ON in step S ₂
A determination is made as to whether an operation has been performed. The heat-holding off switch 55 is turned on by the menu switch 56 at the start of rice cooking.
Is operated when the menu is selected by.

[0042] If an affirmative determination in step S _2, the process proceeds to step S _3, the flag F is set to 1,
When the insulation off switch 55 stores the fact that the ON operation to the microcomputer 66, determination is negative, step S ₄
The flag F is set to 0, and the heat retention off switch 5
The fact that No. 5 was not turned on is stored in the microcomputer 66.

[0043] When the cooking process is determined to have ended in step S _5, the process proceeds to step S _6, whether whether a the flag F = 1 (i.e., kept off switch 55 is turned ON Is determined.
Here, when a negative determination (i.e., if kept off switch 55 is determined to have not been turned ON), the process proceeds to step S _14, will be automatically migrated to incubating process, determination is Yes Case (that is, the heat retention off switch 55
The but if it is determined to have been turned ON), the heating means for the heat keeping control at step S ₇ (e.g., rice for work coil 10 and the temperature-maintaining work coil 13)
The power supply to is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, the transition to the heat retention step after the completion of rice cooking is prohibited by the ON operation of the heat retention off switch 55.

[0044] Then, (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₈ counting of is performed (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₉ is the liquid crystal display unit 59 Will be displayed.
In other words, the transition to the warming step is prohibited, but various displays on the liquid crystal display unit 59 are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

Although the temperature of the rice (in other words, the temperature of the inner pot) T is lowered by the above-mentioned heat retention stop, the temperature of the inner pot may be maintained at a temperature at which the rice is easily spoiled under some conditions (for example, FIG. 5 shows a dashed line). Therefore, step S ₁₀
At the inner pot temperature T detected by the center sensor 8
There is inputted to the microcomputer 66, t ₁ in step S ₁₁
A timer (eg, a 6 hour timer) is started.

[0046] Then, even if it is determined that the time t ₁ at step S ₁₂ has elapsed, the set temperature of the inner pot temperature T is set in advance in step S ₁₃ (i.e., the lower limit of the likely temperature rice rot) Ts ₀ (e.g., 35 ° C.) when it is determined to be higher than, the process proceeds to step S _14, stops the thermal insulation stop control, shifts the incubating process.

The temporal change of the inner pot temperature T in the above control is as shown in the time chart of FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ON operation of the heat retention off switch 55 inhibits the transition to the heat retention step after the completion of rice cooking (that is, the power supply to the heating means is stopped). As a result, wasteful power consumption can be eliminated, and at the request of the user (for example, according to the meal time of the family).
Insulation stop control can be performed.

When the temperature of the inner pot T is equal to or higher than the set temperature Ts ₀ (that is, the lower limit of the temperature at which rice is easily spoiled) for a predetermined period of time (for example, 6 hours) due to the stop of the heat insulation, the heat insulation control is started. This prevents the rice from being left at a temperature at which the rice easily rots.

By the way, in the heat retaining process, the rice in the inner pot 3 decreases every time the food is eaten.
When turning on / off the work coil 13 for keeping heat, if the amount of rice is reduced, an overshoot occurs and a loss occurs in the amount of heat keeping power. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the amount of rice is determined during the heat retention control, and the number of W applied to the work coil 13 for heat retention is determined based on the determination, as shown in FIG.
Is controlled as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

That is, when the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 3 is input in step S ₁ , the basic W number set according to the room temperature Tr is applied to the work coil 13 for keeping heat in step S ₂ . Then, a predetermined time in step S ₃ (e.g., 10 minutes) to measure the ON / OFF times of the thermal insulation for the work coil 13 in.
The ON / OFF count is from where corresponds to the amount of rice of the inner pot 3, since allows the remaining amount determination rice by measurement of ON / OFF times, ON at Step S ₄ /
The applied W number is changed based on the number of OFF times. For example,
If the number of times of ON / OFF increases, the amount of rice is reduced, and thus the number of applied W is changed to be small. The above control is performed while it is judged heat keeping control continues in step S _5. In this way, it is possible to perform heat retention control at the applied W number (that is, electric power) corresponding to the remaining amount of rice in the inner pot 3, and the heat retention control using the optimal average heat retention power without wasting the heat retention power amount. I can do it.

Second Embodiment FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a heat retention stop control in an electric rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the mechanical structure and the electric structure of the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this case, when the room temperature Tr is high, the stop of the heat retention is prohibited to prevent the putrefaction of the rice.
Hereinafter, the contents of the control will be described.

In step S ₁ , a rice cooking process is performed, and in step S ₂ , the heat retention off switch 55 is turned on.
A determination is made as to whether an operation has been performed. The heat-holding off switch 55 is turned on by the menu switch 56 at the start of rice cooking.
Is operated when the menu is selected by.

[0055] If an affirmative determination in step S _2, the process proceeds to step S _3, the flag F is set to 1,
When the insulation off switch 55 stores the fact that the ON operation to the microcomputer 66, determination is negative, step S ₄
The flag F is set to 0, and the heat retention off switch 5
The fact that No. 5 was not turned on is stored in the microcomputer 66.

[0056] When the cooking process is determined to have ended in step S _5, the process proceeds to step S _6, whether whether a the flag F = 1 (i.e., kept off switch 55 is turned ON Is determined.
Here, when a negative determination (i.e., if kept off switch 55 is determined to have not been turned ON), the process proceeds to step S _15, will be automatically migrated to incubating process, determination is Yes Case (that is, the heat retention off switch 55
The but if it is determined to have been turned ON), the center sensor 8 and room temperature sensor 3 in step S ₇
Pot temperature T and temperature Tr among detected by 4 is input to the microcomputer 66, comparison between the set room temperature Trs set in advance and room temperature Tr is made in step S _8. The set room temperature Trs is a room temperature (eg, 35
° C).

[0057] If it is determined that Tr> Trs in step S ₈ The (i.e., if it is determined that becomes easy temperature corrupt room temperature), incubated stop is prohibited, the process proceeds to step S _15, The process automatically shifts to the heat retention process.
If it is determined that ≦ Trs (that is, if it is determined that the room temperature is at a temperature that is unlikely to rot), step S
Proceeding to ₉ , the energization of the heating means (for example, the work coil 10 for cooking rice and the work coil 13 for keeping heat) for keeping heat is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment,
Even in the case where the heat retention stop mode is set by the ON operation of the heat retention off switch 55, the transition to the heat retention step is prohibited only when the room temperature Tr is lower than the set room temperature Trs after the rice cooking.

[0058] Then, (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₁₀ counting of is performed (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₁₁ is the liquid crystal display unit 59 Will be displayed.
In other words, the transition to the warming step is prohibited, but various displays on the liquid crystal display unit 59 are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

Although the temperature of the rice (in other words, the temperature of the inner pot T) drops due to the stoppage of the heat retention, the temperature of the inner pot T may be maintained at a temperature at which the rice is easily spoiled depending on conditions (FIG. 5). Chain line). So, t in step S _12
One timer (eg, a six hour timer) is started.

[0060] Then, even if it is determined that the time t ₁ at step S ₁₃ has elapsed, the set temperature of the inner pot temperature T is set in advance in step S ₁₄ (i.e., the lower limit of the likely temperature rice rot) Ts ₀ (e.g., 35 ° C.) when it is determined to be higher than, the process proceeds to step S _15, stops the thermal insulation stop control, shifts the incubating process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the heat retention stop mode is set by turning on the heat retention off switch 55, the room temperature Tr is set to the set room temperature Trs (for example, 35) after rice cooking is completed. C)), the transition to the heat retention step is prohibited (that is, the power supply to the heating means is stopped), but when the room temperature Tr is higher than the set room temperature Trs (that is, there is a possibility that the rice will rot). In some cases), the suspension of the heat retention is prohibited, so that the rice is not left at a temperature at which the rice tends to rot. Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Reference Example FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the heat retention stop control in an electric rice cooker according to a reference example of the present invention. In addition,
The mechanical structure and the electric structure of this electric rice cooker are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In this case, the rice is forcibly cooled by blowing air from the blower fan 41 after the heat insulation is stopped, and the contents of the control will be described below.

In step S ₁ , a rice cooking process is performed, and in step S ₂ , the heat retention off switch 55 is turned on.
A determination is made as to whether an operation has been performed. The heat-holding off switch 55 is turned on by the menu switch 56 at the start of rice cooking.
Is operated when the menu is selected by.

[0065] If an affirmative determination in step S _2, the process proceeds to step S _3, the flag F is set to 1,
When the insulation off switch 55 stores the fact that the ON operation to the microcomputer 66, determination is negative, step S ₄
The flag F is set to 0, and the heat retention off switch 5
The fact that No. 5 was not turned on is stored in the microcomputer 66.

[0066] When the cooking process is determined to have ended in step S _5, the process proceeds to step S _6, whether whether a the flag F = 1 (i.e., kept off switch 55 is turned ON Is determined.
Here, when a negative determination (i.e., if kept off switch 55 is determined to have not been turned ON), the process proceeds to step S _14, will be automatically migrated to incubating process, determination is Yes Case (that is, the heat retention off switch 55
The but if it is determined to have been turned ON), the heating means for the heat keeping control at step S ₇ (e.g., rice for work coil 10 and the temperature-maintaining work coil 13)
The power supply to is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, the transition to the heat retention step after the completion of rice cooking is prohibited by the ON operation of the heat retention off switch 55.

[0067] At the same time, pot temperature T and room temperature Tr inside detected by the center sensor 8 and room temperature sensor 34 in step S ₈ is inputted to the microcomputer 66, the operation of the blower fan 41 is started in step S _9. Then, the blowing from the blowing fan 41 is performed by the inner pan 3 and the protection frame 6.
To cool the inner pan 3 directly. Therefore, the rice in the inner pot 3 is forcibly cooled.

The operation of the blower fan 41 is performed in step S
Continued at ₁₀ until it is determined that T <Tr, if it is determined that T ≧ Tr in step S _10, step S ₁₁
In, the operation of the blower fan 41 is stopped.

Next, in step S ₁₂ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured, and in step S ₁₃ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured. Will be displayed.
In other words, the transition to the warming step is prohibited, but various displays on the liquid crystal display unit 59 are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

As described above, in this reference example,
When the shift to the heat retaining step after the completion of the rice cooking is prohibited by the ON operation of the heat retaining off switch 55 (that is, the power supply to the heating means is stopped), the rice is forcibly blown to the room temperature Tr by the blowing from the blowing fan 41. Will be cooled,
Deterioration of rice can be prevented. Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Third Embodiment FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the heat retention stop control in an electric rice cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the mechanical structure and the electric structure of the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this case, the heat insulation off switch 55 is turned off.
Even during operation, the cooked rice amount W is equal to the set amount Ws (for example, 3
When the number is less than the above, the operation is automatically shifted to the heat retention stop, and the contents of the control will be described below.

In step S ₁ , a rice cooking process is performed, and in step S ₂ , the heat retention off switch 55 is turned on.
A determination is made as to whether an operation has been performed. The heat-holding off switch 55 is turned on by the menu switch 56 at the start of rice cooking.
Is operated when the menu is selected by.

[0074] If an affirmative determination in step S _2, the process proceeds to step S _3, the flag F is set to 1,
When the insulation off switch 55 stores the fact that the ON operation to the microcomputer 66, determination is negative, step S ₄
The flag F is set to 0, and the heat retention off switch 5
The fact that No. 5 was not turned on is stored in the microcomputer 66.

[0075] When the cooking process is determined to have ended in step S _5, the process proceeds to step S _6, whether whether a the flag F = 1 (i.e., kept off switch 55 is turned ON Is determined.
Here, when a negative determination (i.e., if kept off switch 55 is determined to have not been turned ON), the process proceeds to step S _15, rice amount W is read out, rice amount in step S ₁₆ W is compared with the set cooked rice amount Ws. Here, when it is determined that W ≧ Ws (that is,
In the case where cooking amount is determined not minor), the process proceeds to automatically incubating process proceeds to step S _14.

[0076] On the other hand, if the determination is positive at step S ₆ (i.e., if kept off switch 55 is determined to have been turned ON) and W in Step S ₁₆
<When it is determined that Ws (i.e., if the cooking amount is determined to a small amount), the process proceeds to step S _7, the heating means for the heat keeping control (e.g., rice for work coil 10 and the temperature-maintaining work coil 13 ) Is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, when the cooked rice amount W is smaller than the set amount Ws, the operation automatically shifts to the stop of heat retention.

Next, in step S ₈ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured, and in step S ₉ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured. Will be displayed.
In other words, the transition to the warming step is prohibited, but various displays on the liquid crystal display unit 59 are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

Although the temperature of the rice (in other words, the temperature of the inner pot T) drops due to the stop of the heat retention, the inner pot temperature T may be maintained at a temperature at which the rice is easily spoiled depending on conditions (FIG. 5). Chain line). Therefore, the pot temperature T among detected by the center sensor 8 in step S ₁₀ is input to the microcomputer 66, t ₁ timer in step S ₁₁ (e.g., 6 hours timer) is started.

[0079] Then, even if it is determined that the time t ₁ at step S ₁₂ has elapsed, the set temperature of the inner pot temperature T is set in advance in step S ₁₃ (i.e., the lower limit of the likely temperature rice rot) Ts ₀ (e.g., 35 ° C.) when it is determined to be higher than, the process proceeds to step S _14, stops the thermal insulation stop control, shifts the incubating process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the heat retention off switch 55 is not turned on, if the amount of cooked rice is small, the operation automatically shifts to the heat retention stop. ing. Other effects are first
The description is omitted because it is the same as in the embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment FIGS. 10 and 11 show an operation panel and an electric structure of an electric rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, as the setting means, a heat retention off timer switch 74 is employed in place of the heat retention off switch 55 in the first embodiment. That is, according to the number of ON operations of the heat-retention off timer switch 74, the operation is shifted to the heat retention stop after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 1 to 3 hours) from the end of rice cooking. Other mechanical and electrical structures are the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 12, a description will be given of the heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment.

[0084] kept off timer switch 74 in step S ₁ is is determined whether the ON operation once, when a negative determination is made here, it is determined that setting by insulation off timer switch 74 is not performed, step cooking process is performed proceeds to S _5. On the other hand, step S ₁
If a positive determination is made in the setting by insulation off timer 74 is made in step S _2. The setting is performed by adding one hour for each ON operation of the heat retention off timer switch 74. The heat retention off timer switch 74 is operated at the time of menu selection by the menu switch 56 at the time of starting rice cooking.

Next, in step S ₄ , the display of the heat retention off timer time is displayed on the liquid crystal display 59, the rice cooking process is executed in step S ₅ , and the above control is continued until it is determined in step S ₆ that the rice cooking has been completed. Repeated.

[0086] If in step S ₆ is cooking is determined to have ended, the process proceeds to step S _7, migrated to automatically incubating process, subtracts the insulation off timer is performed in step S _8, kept in step S ₉ Off timer →
0 when the it is determined, the heating means for the heat keeping control at Step S ₁₀ (e.g., rice for work coil 1
0 and the energization to the warming work coil 13) are stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, after the rice cooking has been completed, the process temporarily shifts to the heat retention step, and then the heat retention off timer switch 74.
After the time set by (1) has elapsed, the operation shifts to the heat retention stop.

Next, in step S ₁₁ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured. In step S ₁₂ , the elapsed time of the heat retention stop (in other words, the heat retention OFF time) is measured. Will be displayed.
In other words, the liquid crystal display 59
Are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

Although the temperature of the rice (in other words, the temperature of the inner pot T) drops due to the stoppage of the heat retention, the inner pot temperature T may maintain a temperature at which the rice is easily spoiled depending on conditions (FIG. 5). Chain line). Therefore, the pot temperature T among detected by the center sensor 8 in step S ₁₃ is input to the microcomputer 66, t ₁ timer in step S ₁₄ (e.g., 6 hours timer) is started.

[0089] Then, even if it is determined that the time t ₁ has elapsed in step S _15, the set temperature of the inner pot temperature T is set in advance in step S ₁₆ (i.e., the lower limit of the likely temperature rice rot) Ts ₀ (e.g., 35 ° C.) when it is determined to be higher than, the process proceeds to step S _17, stops the thermal insulation stop control, shifts the incubating process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the rice cooker once shifts to the warming step, the warming is stopped after the time set by the warming-off timer switch 74 has elapsed (ie, the heating means is stopped). Is turned off), so that even if the meal time of the family varies, it is possible to eat warm rice while the timer is running. Further, after the elapse of the set time, the process shifts to the heat retention stop, so that unnecessary power consumption can be eliminated. Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a heat retention stop control in an electric rice cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the mechanical structure and the electric structure of the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the first and fourth embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this case, when the room temperature Tr is high, the stop of the heat retention is prohibited to prevent the putrefaction of the rice,
Hereinafter, the contents of the control will be described.

[0093] kept off timer switch 74 in step S ₁ is is determined whether the ON operation once, when a negative determination is made here, it is determined that setting by insulation off timer switch 74 is not performed, step cooking process is performed proceeds to S _5. On the other hand, step S ₁
If a positive determination is made in the setting by insulation off timer 74 is made in step S _2. The setting is performed by adding one hour for each ON operation of the heat retention off timer switch 74. The heat retention off timer switch 74 is operated at the time of menu selection by the menu switch 56 at the time of starting rice cooking.

[0094] Then the display of the insulation off timer time in step S ₄ is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 59, cooking process is performed in step S _5, in step S ₆ until the cooking is determined to have ended, the control Repeated.

[0095] If in step S ₆ is cooking is determined to have ended, the process proceeds to step S _7, migrated to automatically incubating process, subtracts the insulation off timer is performed in step S _8, kept in step S ₉ Off timer →
0 when the it is determined, pan temperature T and room temperature Tr inside detected by the center sensor 8 and room temperature sensor 34 is inputted to the microcomputer 66 in step S _10,
Comparison with setting room temperature Trs set in advance and room temperature Tr is made in step S _11. The set room temperature Trs is set to a room temperature (for example, 35 ° C.) at which rice is easily spoiled.

[0096] If it is determined that Tr> Trs in step S ₁₁ (that is, when it is determined that becomes easy temperature corrupt room temperature), incubated stop is prohibited, the process proceeds to step S _18, The process automatically shifts to the heat retention process.
If it is determined that ≦ Trs (that is, if it is determined that the room temperature is at a temperature that is unlikely to rot), step S
Proceeding to ₁₂ , the energization to the heating means (for example, the rice cooking work coil 10 and the heat keeping work coil 13) for the heat keeping control is stopped. That is, in the present embodiment,
Even after the time set by the heat retention off timer switch 74 has elapsed after the completion of rice cooking, the transition to the heat retention step is prohibited only when the room temperature Tr is lower than the set room temperature Trs.

[0097] Then, (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₁₃ counting of is performed (in other words, kept OFF time) kept stopped elapsed time in step S ₁₄ is the liquid crystal display unit 59 Will be displayed.
In other words, the transition to the warming step is prohibited, but various displays on the liquid crystal display unit 59 are continued, and the function as a rice cooker is maintained.

Although the temperature of the rice (in other words, the temperature of the inner pot T) drops due to the stop of the heat retention, the inner pot temperature T may be maintained at a temperature at which the rice is easily spoiled depending on conditions (FIG. 5). Chain line). So, t in step S _15
One timer (eg, a six hour timer) is started.

[0099] Then, even if it is determined that the time t ₁ at step S ₁₆ has elapsed, the step inner bowl temperature T in S ₁₇ is a preset temperature (i.e., the lower limit of the likely temperature rice rot) Ts ₀ (e.g., 35 ° C.) when it is determined to be higher than, the process proceeds to step S _18, stops the thermal insulation stop control, shifts the incubating process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after completion of rice cooking, the heat retention off timer switch 74
Even after the time set by the above has elapsed, the room temperature T
Only when r is lower than the set room temperature Trs, the shift to the warming step is prohibited (that is, power supply to the heating means is stopped), but when the room temperature Tr is higher than the set room temperature Trs (that is, when the rice If there is a risk that the heat retention will be stopped, the rice can be prevented from being putrefactive. Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description is omitted.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, after the time set by the heat retention off timer switch 74 has elapsed after the completion of the rice cooking, the operation is shifted to the stop of the heat retention. Alternatively, the control may be shifted to the low-temperature heat retention control, and the control may be shifted to the heat retention stop control after the low-temperature heat retention control has continued for a predetermined time. In this case, the setting means is the heat retention selection switch 53.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the work coil for cooking rice and the work coil for keeping heat are used as the heating means, but a hot plate type electric heater may be used.

[0103]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a rice cooker main body configured to accommodate an inner pot therein, a lid body for opening and closing an opening of the rice cooker main body, A heating means for heating the pan, an electric rice cooker configured to perform a process from rice cooking to heat retention by controlling the power supply to the heating means, and setting means for setting whether or not to perform the heat retention control. In the case where it is set not to keep the temperature by the setting means, after the completion of the rice cooking or after a lapse of a predetermined time after the completion of the rice cooking , the heat retaining means for stopping the power supply to the heating means, and the heat retaining means to the heating means. Through
After the power is turned off, the temperature of the
If the above conditions continue for a predetermined time, start the heat retention control
A heat retention start means for causing the heating means to be turned off after the completion of the rice cooking or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the rice cooking according to the setting of the user, so that unnecessary power consumption is eliminated. In addition to this, there is an effect that the heat retention stop control can be performed according to the user's request (for example, in accordance with the meal time of the family). Ma
Also, keep the temperature of the inner pot at a temperature where
Then , the heat retention control is started, and the rice rots
The effect of being able to avoid heat retention at easy temperatures
There is fruit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention , the internal
A rice cooker body configured to accommodate a pan, and the rice cooker
A lid for opening and closing the opening of the container body, and the inner pot;
Heating means for heating, for controlling the energization of the heating means.
It is configured to perform the process from rice cooking to heat retention.
Set whether or not to perform thermal insulation control on an electric rice cooker
Setting means, and setting not to keep heat by the setting means
After cooking rice or after cooking rice
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply to the heating means is stopped.
Heat insulation stop means and the setting means do not perform heat insulation
Even if the room temperature is higher than the set temperature.
Prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the heat retaining means.
At the end of cooking or after cooking, depending on user settings
After a predetermined time has passed since the end of the rice,
Since the power supply is stopped, wasteful power consumption is reduced.
To meet the needs of the user
Insulation stop control (for example, according to family meal time)
There is an effect that can be done. Also, because the room temperature is high,
If there is a risk that the rice will rot if stopped, keep it warm
Stopping is not performed, and the temperature at which rice is likely to rot
Also has the effect of avoiding the heat retention
You.

As in the invention of claim 3, claim 1
In the electric rice cooker as described above, the heat is kept by the setting means.
Even if it is set not to be performed, the room temperature is the set temperature
In the above case, prohibition of operation of the heat retention stop means is prohibited.
If the equipment is installed, the room temperature is high and
Insulation is stopped when there is a risk that the rice will rot
It is not kept, and keeps the temperature at a temperature at which rice easily rots
State can be avoided.

As in the invention of claim 4 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, and 3
In the case where the setting by the setting means is performed at the time of menu selection at the start of rice cooking, it is possible to set whether to perform heat retention or not at the same time as menu selection,
It can respond to user requests.

As in the invention of claim 5 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, 3, and 4,
In the meantime, even when the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the heat retention stopping means, if the display by the liquid crystal display unit for performing a clock display or the like is to be continued, the liquid crystal display unit performs the operation even during the heat retention stop. Necessary items can be displayed, which is convenient.

As in the invention of claim 6 , the claim
The electric rice cooker according to any one of 1, 2, 3, and 4,
In the meantime, even when the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the heat retention stopping means, the display on the liquid crystal display unit is continued, and the elapsed time after the power supply to the heating means is stopped is displayed. The elapsed time of the heat retention stop can be confirmed during the heat retention stop, and a measure corresponding to the elapsed time (for example, terminating the heat retention stop or restarting the heat retention) can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of an operation panel of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a connection diagram showing an electric structure of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the content of heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a temporal change of an inner pot temperature in the heat stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of heat retention control in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the content of the heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the content of a heat retention stop control in an electric rice cooker according to a reference example of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the content of the heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of an operation panel in an electric rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a connection diagram showing an electric structure of an electric rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the content of heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the content of heat retention stop control in the electric rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a rice cooker main body, 2 is a lid, 3 is an inner pot, 8 is a temperature detecting means (center sensor), 10 is a heating means (working coil for cooking rice), 13 is a heating means (work coil for keeping heat), 3
4 is a room temperature sensor, 41 is a blower fan, 50 is an operation panel, 53 is a heat insulation selection switch, 55 is a setting means (heat insulation off switch), 59 is a liquid crystal display, 66 is a microcomputer unit, and 74 is a setting means (heat insulation off). Timer switch).

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A rice cooker main body configured to receive an inner pot therein, a lid body for opening and closing the opening of the rice cooker main body, and heating means for heating the inner pot. An electric rice cooker configured to execute a process from rice cooking to heat keeping by controlling the power supply to the heating means, wherein setting means for setting whether or not to perform heat keeping control; and heat keeping by the setting means. In a case where the setting is not performed, after the completion of the rice cooking or after a lapse of a predetermined time after the completion of the rice cooking, a heat retaining stop means for stopping power supply to the heating means, and a heat retaining stop means.
After the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the step
The state where the temperature of the inner pan is equal to or higher than the set temperature is continued for a predetermined time.
An electric rice cooker, further comprising: a heat retention start means for starting the heat retention control when continued . 2. An inner pot is configured to be housed therein.
Rice cooker body, and lid for opening and closing the opening of the rice cooker body
And a heating means for heating the inner pot,
The process from rice cooking to heat retention by controlling the power supply to the heating means
An electric rice cooker configured to run, wherein
Setting means for setting whether or not to perform control, and
After cooking rice when it is set not to keep warm
Alternatively, after a predetermined time has passed since the end of rice cooking, the heating
Means for stopping power supply to the means, and the setting means
Even if it is set not to keep warm by the step,
When the room temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature, the operation of the thermal insulation stopping means is activated.
Electrical cooker you characterized in that it is attached and a prohibiting means for prohibiting. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setting means does not perform heat insulation.
Even when the room temperature is higher than the set temperature.
Has a prohibition means for prohibiting the operation of the heat insulation stop means.
Electric rice cooker claim 1 Symbol mounting, characterized in that the. 4. The setting by the setting means is performed when rice cooking is started.
Claim 1, 2 and electric cooker according to any one claim of 3, wherein Rukoto made during menu selection in. 5. Even when the power supply to the heating means is stopped by the heat retention stopping means , a clock display or the like is displayed.
Claim 1, the electric cooker according to any one claim of 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that <br/> being decided to continue the display by the liquid crystal display unit that performs. 6. The heating means by means of the heat retaining means
Even when the power supply to the
Time after the power supply to the heating means is stopped.
Claim 1, wherein the displaying the 2,3 Oyo
An electric rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .