JP3376988B2 - 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 capable of selectively displaying a plurality of types of display patterns for displaying a rice cooking menu and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally known electric rice cookers include, for example, rice cooking, heat retention, reservation, cancellation, menu, hour, minute, etc. operation keys, clock display, heat retention state, menu display (white rice, fast cook, cook, The multi-function type was mainly provided with an operation panel provided with a display section (for example, a liquid crystal display section) for performing porridge and the like.

[0003]

However, in the case of the multi-function type electric rice cooker as described above, the key operation is complicated and the menu selection is complicated, so that it is convenient for the unfamiliar person and the elderly. Has become a bad thing.

Therefore, for example, a single-function type having an operation panel provided with operation keys only for cooking rice and keeping warm and a display section for only displaying a clock has been developed. There was a problem that two units, a multi-function type and a single-function type, would be required if it were to be able to cope.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to enable one electric rice cooker to be switched and used as a multi-function type or a single-function type.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in an electric rice cooker provided with various operation keys and an operation panel provided with a display unit, the display unit has Displayed when multi-function mode is selected
Displayed when multi-function display pattern and single-function mode are selected
A single-function display pattern is provided, and switching means for switching between these display patterns to be selectively displayed is also provided.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the display pattern is changed to the multi-function display pattern and the single-function table by the switching means.
The display pattern can be selectively switched and displayed on the display unit. Therefore, many electric rice cookers
It can be used as having two functions, a function and a single function .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in an electric rice cooker provided with an operation panel provided with various operation keys, the operation panel has multiple devices.
Multi-function display pattern and single unit displayed when Noh mode is selected
In addition to providing a touch panel that switches and displays the single function display pattern displayed when the Noh mode is selected ,
A switching means is provided to switch between these display patterns so that they can be selectively displayed .

With the above-mentioned configuration, the display pattern is changed to the multi-function display pattern and the single-function table by the switching means.
The display pattern can be selectively switched and displayed on the touch panel. Therefore, one electric rice cooker can be used as one having two functions, a multi-function and a single function .

As in the invention of claim 3 , claim 1
In the electric rice cooker according to any one of 1 and 2 , a single-function mode such as a menu key is added to the single-function display pattern.
When an unnecessary operation key is operated when selecting the mode, it is displayed that the key operation is invalid.
When the single function display pattern is selected, the menu key
Even when an unnecessary operation key is mistakenly operated when the single function mode such as is selected , the user can know that the key operation is invalid.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as means for solving the above-mentioned problems, an electric rice cooker equipped with an operation panel provided with operation keys necessary for selecting the multi-function mode and a multi-function display pattern is displayed . In single-function mode
Shows the operation keys and single function display pattern required for selection.
Prepare a preliminary operation panel with the display section shown ,
The preliminary operation panel is selectively mounted on the operation panel.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the multifunction
Operation keys and multi-function display pattern required for mode selection
Function on the operation panel with a display for displaying
Operation keys required for mode selection and single function display pattern
The operation keys and display patterns are made multi-functional by installing a preliminary operation panel that has a display section that displays
It can be switched to single function . Therefore, one electric rice cooker can be used as one having two functions, a multi-function and a single function .

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 4 show an electric rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this electric rice cooker is made of a synthetic resin which constitutes an outer case 4 forming an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface and is capable of accommodating a rice cooker 5 made of a magnetic material. Rice cooker main body 1 constituted by a protective frame 6 made of rice, a lid 2 of the rice cooker main body 1, and a heating means located on the outer peripheral side of the protective frame 6 to heat the rice cooker 5. The electromagnetic induction coil 3 is provided.

The outer case 4 has a body portion 4a serving as a side peripheral surface of the rice cooker body 1 and a shoulder portion 4b serving as a connecting portion with an upper edge of the protective frame 6, and a bottom portion of the rice cooker body 1. In the present embodiment, the body portion 4a and the shoulder portion 4b are integrally formed by synthetic resin, and the bottom portion 4c is a separate structure. In some cases, the body portion 4a and the bottom portion 4c may be integrally formed of synthetic resin, and the shoulder portion 4b may be separately formed.

An operation panel 7, which will be described later, is provided on the upper portion of the outer case 4 on the front side of the body portion 4a.

Annular electromagnetic induction coils 3 and 3 are provided on the bottom surface and the back surface of the curved surface of the protective frame 6, respectively. The electromagnetic induction coils 3 and 3 have the protective frame 6
Is positioned in a state of being sandwiched between the coil die 8 and the protective frame 6 which are coupled to each other on the lower surface of the central portion of the bottom surface and extend radially along the protective frame 6. That is, the electromagnetic induction coils 3 and 3 have a shape that follows the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the protective frame 6. Reference numeral 9 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the rice cooker 5 and acts as boiling detection means and boiling maintenance detection means.

A shoulder ring 11 made of synthetic resin is attached to the inner peripheral edge of the shoulder portion 4b of the outer case 4 (in other words, the rim of the rice cooker body 1) by force fitting.
A metal heater ring 13 having a shoulder heater 12 is attached to the upper surface of the shoulder ring 11. As will be described later, the outer peripheral portion of the vacuum double structure 21 in the lid body 2 is pressed against the upper surface of the heater ring 13 when the lid body 2 is closed (in other words, contact is made so that heat conduction is possible). Has become.

A fan 15 for cooling a rice cooker is arranged in the center of a rear space portion 14 formed between the rear side of the outer case 4 and the rear side of the protective frame 6. The cooling air from the cooling fan 15 is supplied to the air passage 17 formed between the shoulder portion 4b and the upper end of the protective frame 6 through the duct 16, and the ventilator 18 and the rice cooker 5 and the protective frame are provided. 6 is supplied to a gap S formed between the rice cooker 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the rice cooker 5 to be cooled. The cooling of the rice cooker 5 is performed, for example, from the completion of cooking to the transition to the target heat retention temperature or at a predetermined time determined to be necessary during the heat retention step.

On the other hand, the lid body 2 is pivotally supported by a rear portion of the outer case shoulder portion 4b (that is, the opposite side of the operation panel portion 7) via a hinge unit 19 so as to be openable, closable and detachable. It is composed of a synthetic resin cover plate 20 forming an upper surface and a vacuum double structure 21 forming a lower surface.

An opening 22 into which a pressure adjusting cap 30 to be described later is detachably inserted is formed in a substantially central portion of the lid plate 20, and an outer screw is provided on the outer periphery at the rim of the opening 22. The screw cylinder 23 is integrally attached by high frequency welding.

The vacuum double structure 21 is constructed by forming a vacuum space 26 between two upper and lower donut-shaped metal plates 24 and 25 whose inner and outer peripheral portions are joined to each other. Inner peripheral side joint portion 21a of the vacuum double structure 21
Is covered with a seal member 27 and is fitted and inserted into the outer periphery of the screw cylinder 23. A vertical wall portion 25a, which secures strength and serves as a mounting portion for a seal packing 36 to be described later, is formed at a position outside the outer periphery of the lower metal plate 25 that constitutes the vacuum double structure 21.

In the vacuum double structure 21, the screw ring 23 having an internal screw is screwed onto the screw cylinder 23 in a state where the screw cylinder 23 is fitted and inserted in the inner peripheral joint portion 21a. It is installed by. That is, the vacuum double structure 21 can be attached to and detached from the upper plate 20 by screwing the screw ring 28.

In the screw cylinder 23, a pressure adjusting cylinder 29 is provided.
Is detachably attached, and the upper side of the pressure regulating cylinder 29 is covered with a pressure regulating cap 30 which is removably fitted in the opening 22. Reference numeral 31 is a steam inlet to the pressure adjusting cylinder 29, 32 is a steam outlet from the pressure adjusting cylinder 29, 33 is a steam outlet in the pressure adjusting cap 30, 34 is a ball valve,
Reference numeral 35 is a seal packing attached to the outer periphery of the pressure adjusting cylinder 29.

By the way, in the present embodiment, the vacuum double structure 21 has an upper metal plate 24 made of a material having poor heat conduction (for example, stainless steel, titanium, etc.) and a material having good heat conduction (for example, And a lower metal plate 25 made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like). Therefore, as a joining means for joining the upper and lower metal plates 24, 25, a brazing type capable of joining dissimilar metals is adopted.

The outer peripheral portion of the lower metal plate 25 has a rim (that is, a rim) of the rice cooker body 1 when the lid 2 is closed.
The shoulder heater 12 (specifically, the heater ring 13) provided on the outer case shoulder portion 4a) is brought into contact with the shoulder heater 12 in a heat conductive manner.

Then, the vertical wall portion 25 of the lower metal plate 25.
A seal packing 36 for sealing the opening of the rice cooker 5 when the lid 2 is closed is attached to a by a packing ring 37.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 38 denotes a carrying handle, 39 denotes a lock mechanism for holding the lid 2 in a closed state, 4
0 is a heat insulating material.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation panel 7 has a rice cooking key 41, a heat retention key 42, and a reservation key 4.
3, a cancel key 44, a menu key 45, an hour key 46, a minute key 47, and a liquid crystal display unit 48 serving as a display unit are provided.

The liquid crystal display section 48 is a double liquid crystal and has a multi-function display pattern A shown in FIG. 2 and a single-function display pattern B shown in FIG.

The multi-function display pattern A is composed of a rice cooking menu display a (for example, white rice, quick cook, cooked rice, brown rice and porridge), a heat retention state display b (for example, gloss and heat insulation) and a clock display c (Fig. 2). On the other hand, the single function display pattern B includes the rice cooking key 41 and the reservation key 4
3, a navigation display d and a clock display c for instructing the operating procedure for the hour key 46 and the minute key 47. That is, in the multi-function display pattern A, all the functions normally held by the electric rice cooker are displayed, while in the single-function display pattern B, even elderly people or children who are unfamiliar with the electric rice cooker can use it. , Rice cooking key 4
1 rice cooking execution, reservation key 43 reservation execution,
Only time adjustment can be done.

Further, below the operation panel 7 on the front surface of the rice cooker body 1, there is provided a changeover switch 49 which functions as a changeover means for changing over the display patterns A and B. The changeover switch 49 is to be horizontally moved, and the multifunctional display pattern A is selected by the rightward movement operation (see FIG. 2), and the single function display pattern B is selected by the leftward movement operation. (See FIG. 3).

The electric elements in the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment are connected as shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the electrical elements that have already been described, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 50 is a commercial AC power supply,
51 is a rectifier circuit, 52 is a smoothing capacitor, 53 is a resonant capacitor, 54 is a power transistor, and 55 is an IGBT.
A drive circuit, 56 is a microcomputer unit (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer), 57 and 58 are heater drive circuits, 59 is a temperature sensor detection circuit, 60 is a rice cooker detection circuit, 61 is a rice cooker detection switch, and 62 is a temperature fuse. Is.

The microcomputer 56 performs various arithmetic processes based on information from the temperature sensor 9, various operation keys 41 to 47, and the rice cooker detection switch 61, and the result is used as a control signal for the work coil 3, the warming heater 10, and the heater 10. The function of outputting electricity to the shoulder heater 12 to control energization, the function of switching the display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 to the multi-function display pattern A or the single-function display pattern B based on the switching operation of the changeover switch 49, and the multi-purpose rice cooking program It has a function or a function to switch to a single function.

Next, an example of a multi-function / single-function switching display and an example of a rice cooking execution procedure in the electric rice cooker according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.

(I) Multi-Function / Single-Function Setting (Refer to Flowchart of FIG. 5) In step S1, it is determined whether or not the multi-function setting is selected by the changeover switch 49, and if a positive determination is made here (in other words, For example, when the multi-function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), the multi-function display pattern A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in step S2.
In step S3, the flow shifts to execution of a multi-function dedicated flow described in detail later. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S1 (in other words, when the single function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), the single function display pattern B is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in step S4, and the step S5 is performed. The execution of a single function dedicated flow, which will be described later in detail, is executed.

(II) Multi-functional Dedicated Flow (Refer to Flowchart of FIG. 6) In step S1, it is determined whether or not white rice cooking is selected by the menu key 45. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S2. Then, the “white rice” display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Then step S3
In step S4, it is determined whether or not the menu key 45 has been operated. If a negative determination is made (that is, it is determined that the menu has not been changed), it is determined whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been operated in step S4. A determination is made, and if an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S5 and the white rice cooking process is executed, but if a negative determination is made, step S1 is performed.
Return to. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S3 (that is, it is determined that the menu has been changed), the buzzer is notified in step S6, the menu designation is canceled in step S7, and the quick cooked rice is designated in step S8. Then, the process proceeds to step S9. In addition, step S3, step S4, step S6
Also, step S7 will be described as a selection flowchart, omitting the contents in the following control.
Also, when a negative determination is made in step S1,
The process directly goes to step S9.

In step S9, it is determined whether or not the fast-cooking rice is selected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S10 and the "quick-cook" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is blinked. . Then, step S1
In the selection flow chart of No. 1, it is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON. When the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S12 and the fast rice cooking process is executed. If the menu is changed, cooked rice is specified in step S13, and the process proceeds to step S14. Also, when the negative determination is made in step S9, the process directly proceeds to step S14. If the rice cooking key 41 is not turned on, the process returns to step S1.

In step S14, it is determined whether cooked rice has been selected. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process proceeds to step S15, and the "cooked" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Then, step S16
It is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned on in the selection flow chart of No., and when the rice cooking key 41 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S17, where the cooked rice cooking process is executed.
If the menu is changed, brown rice cooking is designated in step S18, and the process proceeds to step S19. Also,
Even when a negative determination is made in step S14, the process directly proceeds to step S19. If the rice cooking key 41 is not turned on, the process returns to step S1.

In step S19, it is determined whether or not brown rice cooking has been selected. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process proceeds to step S20 and the "brown rice" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is blinked. Then, step S21
It is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON in the selection flowchart of No., and when the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S22 and the brown rice cooking process is executed.
When the menu is changed, rice cooked with rice is designated in step S23, and the process proceeds to step S24. Also, when a negative determination is made in step S19,
The process directly goes to step S24. The rice cooking key 41 is ON
If not operated, the process returns to step S1.

In step S24, it is determined whether or not rice porridge rice has been selected. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process proceeds to step S25, and the "rice porridge" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Then, step S
In the selection flowchart of 26, it is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been operated ON. When the rice cooking key 41 has been operated ON, the process proceeds to step S27 and the rice porridge cooking process is executed. If the menu has been changed, white rice cooking is designated in step S28, and the process returns to step S1. Also, when a negative determination is made in step S24, the process directly returns to step S1. Even if the rice cooking key 41 is not turned on, step S1 is performed.
Return to. (III) Single Function Dedicated Flow (Refer to Flowchart of FIG. 7) In step S1, keys unnecessary for single function (for example,
It is determined whether or not the menu key 45) has been operated. If an affirmative determination is made here, the key operation invalid display is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in step S2. The display is made until it is determined in step S3 that 3 seconds have elapsed, and if the determination in step S3 is affirmative, it is determined in step S4 whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON, and here, the determination is positive. When it is determined, the process proceeds to step S5 and the white rice cooking process is executed.
If a negative determination is made in step S4,
The process returns to step S1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of the changeover switch 49 causes the liquid crystal display section 48 to display the multi-function display pattern A or the single-function display pattern B. In other words, for example, key operations such as rice cooking, heat retention, reservation, cancellation, menu, hour, minute, etc., and liquid crystal display for clock display, heat retention status, menu display (white rice, quick cook, cook, porridge, etc.) It is possible to selectively use a multi-function type that can perform the function, a single-function type that can perform key operations only for rice cooking and heat retention, and only a clock display, for example. Further, it is also possible to perform rice cooking in the multi-functional mode by the multi-functional program and rice cooking in the single-functional mode by the single-functional program.

The above-mentioned multifunctional display pattern A is shown in FIG.
9A to 9G, and the single-function display pattern B becomes the modes shown in FIGS. 9A to 9G.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the navigation display d for instructing the rice cooking procedure etc. is attached to the single function display pattern B, when the single function display pattern B is selected, the elderly person or Even an inexperienced user such as a child can easily cook rice according to the navigation display d.

Further, in the present embodiment, the single function display pattern B displays that the key operation is invalid when an unnecessary operation key (for example, a menu key or the like) is operated. Therefore, single function display pattern B
When is selected, even if the unnecessary operation key is operated by mistake, the user can know that the key operation is invalid.

Second Embodiment FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example of a multi-function / single-function switching display and an example of a rice cooking execution procedure in an electric rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. ing.

In this case, when the multi-function display pattern A or the single-function display pattern B is selected, rice is to be cooked according to a common flow chart. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

(I) Multi-Function / Single-Function Setting (Refer to Flowchart in FIG. 10) In step S1, it is determined whether or not the multi-function setting is selected by the changeover switch 49, and if a positive determination is made here (in other words, For example, when the multi-function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), the multi-function display pattern A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48 in step S2.
When a negative determination is made (in other words, when the single function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), step S
3, the single-function display pattern B is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 48, and in any case, the process proceeds to step S4,
The process moves to the execution of the common flow described later in detail.

(II) Common Flow (Refer to the Flowchart of FIG. 11) In step S1, it is determined whether or not the menu key 45 has been turned ON, and if an affirmative determination is made in this step, the changeover switch 49 is used to perform multiple functions in step S2. It is determined whether or not the setting is selected, and if the determination is affirmative (in other words, if the multi-function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), the cooked rice is cooked with the menu key 45 in step S3. It is determined whether or not it has been selected. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S4, and the "white rice" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the menu key 45 has been operated, and if a negative determination is made (that is, it is determined that the menu has not been changed), then the rice cooking key 41 has been operated in step S6. Whether or not it is determined, and if an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S7 to execute the white rice cooking process, but if a negative determination is made, the process returns to step S3.
On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S5 (that is, it is determined that the menu has been changed), the buzzer is notified in step S8, the menu designation is canceled in step S9, and the quick cooked rice is designated in step S10. Then, the process proceeds to step S11. In addition,
Step S5, step S6, step S8, and step S9 will be described as a selection flow chart with the contents omitted in the following control. In addition, when the negative determination is made in step S3, the process directly proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, it is determined whether or not the fast-cooking rice is selected. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process proceeds to step S12, and the "quick-cook" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. . Then, step S
In the selection flowchart of No. 13, it is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 is turned on. If the rice cooking key 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S14, and the fast rice cooking process is executed. If the menu is changed, cooked rice is designated in step S15, and the process proceeds to step S16. Also, when a negative determination is made in step S11,
The process directly goes to step S16. The rice cooking key 41 is ON
If not operated, the process returns to step S3.

In step S16, it is determined whether cooked rice has been selected. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S17, and the "cooked" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Then, step S18
It is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 is turned on in the selection flow chart of No., and when the rice cooking key 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S19 and the cooked rice cooking process is executed.
When the menu is changed, brown rice cooking is designated in step S20, and the process proceeds to step S21. Also,
Even when a negative determination is made in step S16, the process directly proceeds to step S21. If the rice cooking key 41 is not turned on, the process returns to step S3.

In step S21, it is determined whether or not brown rice cooking is selected. If an affirmative determination is made in this step, the process proceeds to step S22, and the "Brown rice" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 blinks. Then, step S23
It is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 is turned on in the selection flow chart of No., and when the rice cooking key 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S24 and the brown rice cooking process is executed.
If the menu has been changed, porridge rice is specified in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S26. Also, when a negative determination is made in step S21,
The process directly goes to step S26. The rice cooking key 41 is ON
If not operated, the process returns to step S3.

In step S26, it is determined whether or not porridge rice is selected. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S27, and the "porridge" display on the liquid crystal display unit 48 is blinked. Then, step S
In the selection flowchart of 28, it is determined whether or not there is a menu change and whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON. If the rice cooking key 41 has been turned ON, the process proceeds to step S29 and the porridge rice cooking process is executed. If the menu has been changed, white rice cooking is designated in step S30, and the process returns to step S3. Also, when a negative determination is made in step S26, the process directly returns to step S3. Even if the rice cooking key 41 is not turned on, step S3 is performed.
Return to.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S2 (in other words, when the single function mode is selected by the changeover switch 49), the key operation invalid display is made on the liquid crystal display portion 48 in step S31. The display is made until it is determined in step S32 that 3 seconds have elapsed, and when the determination in step S32 is affirmative, it is determined in step S33 whether or not the rice cooking key 41 has been turned on, and here it is determined that the result is positive. When it is determined, the process proceeds to step S7 and the white rice process is executed. If a negative determination is made in step S33,
The process returns to step S31.

As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 48 displays the multi-function display pattern A or the single-function display pattern B by operating the changeover switch 49. In other words, for example, key operations such as rice cooking, heat retention, reservation, cancellation, menu, hour, minute, etc., and liquid crystal display for clock display, heat retention status, menu display (white rice, quick cook, cook, porridge, etc.) It is possible to selectively use a multi-function type that can perform the function, a single-function type that can perform key operations only for rice cooking and heat retention, and only a clock display, for example. Further, it is possible to perform rice cooking in the multi-function mode and rice cooking in the single-function mode by one common program. Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first execution mode, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 12 and 13 show an electric rice cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the changeover switch 49 is provided on the operation panel 7 side by side with various keys, and the changeover input is made by key operation (that is, push operation). In this case, only one tact switch needs to be added, and the cost merit is large. Other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The fourth embodiment Figure 1 4 and 1 5, electric rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0061] In this case, the operation panel 7, a liquid crystal touch panel 63 and the multi-function display pattern A (see Fig. 1 4) and single-function display pattern B (see Fig. 1 5) is a touch panel which is switching display is provided ing. This has the advantage that the size, type, menu display, character size, etc. of the switch can be freely set to some extent. Other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] The embodiment Figure 1 6 through 19 of the embodiment of the fifth, electric rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

In this case, all the operation keys 41 to 47 and a display pattern of a different type from the operation panel 7 having the liquid crystal display section 48 for displaying the multi-function display pattern A (for example, the operation keys 41 to 41 excluding the menu key 45). A preliminary operation panel 7'having a liquid crystal display unit 47 for displaying a single function display pattern B 47 and 47 is prepared, and the preliminary operation panel 7'is mounted on the operation panel 7 as needed. ing. In the case of the present embodiment, in the multi-function mode, the rice cooking key 41 is provided with the reheat key and the heat retention key 42 is provided with the selection key, but in the single-function mode, the reheat key and the selection key are provided. Is omitted. By doing so, the operation keys and the display pattern can be switched to a plurality of types by mounting the preliminary operation panel 7'on the operation panel 7. Therefore, one electric rice cooker can be used as one having a plurality of types of functions. Further, the functions that cannot be operated in the single function mode can be eliminated from the display on the operation panel 7, and the usability is improved. Other configurations and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] The embodiment Figure 2 0 embodiment of the sixth, electric rice cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

In this case, the preliminary operation panel 7'in the fifth embodiment is openably and closably supported on the lower end portion of the operation panel 7 on the front surface of the rice cooker body 1, and the preliminary operation panel 7'is required. According to the above, the operation panel 7 is closed on top. In this way, the preliminary operation panel 7'is supported by the rice cooker body 1, so that the usability is further improved. Other configurations, functions, and effects are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0066]

According to the invention of claim 1, in an electric rice cooker equipped with various operation keys and an operation panel provided with a display section, the electric rice cooker is displayed on the display section when the multifunction mode is selected.
Multi-function display pattern and displayed when single function mode is selected.
Is provided with a single-function display pattern, and switching means for switching between these display patterns to be selectively displayed is provided, and the display pattern is multifunctional by the switching means.
Since the display pattern and the single function display pattern can be selectively switched and displayed on the display unit, one electric rice cooker has two functions, a multi-function and a single function. There is an effect that can be used as.

According to the invention of claim 2, in the electric rice cooker provided with an operation panel provided with various operation keys, the multi-function displayed on the operation panel when the multi-function mode is selected.
Display pattern and single function displayed when single function mode is selected
Provide a touch panel that can be selectively switched between display patterns and display these display patterns selectively.
A switching means for switching as shown is attached, and the display pattern is displayed by the switching means as a multi-function display pattern and a single-function display.
Since it is possible to selectively switch to the pattern and display it on the touch panel, there is an effect that one electric rice cooker can be used as having two functions of a multi-function and a single function. .

As in the invention of claim 3 , claim 1
In the electric rice cooker according to any one of 1 and 2 , a single-function mode such as a menu key is added to the single-function display pattern.
When an unnecessary operation key is operated when selecting the mode, it is displayed that the key operation is invalid.
When the single function display pattern is selected, the menu key
Even when an unnecessary operation key is mistakenly operated when the single function mode such as is selected , the user can know that the key operation is invalid.

According to the invention of claim 4 , multi-function mode selection
Displays operation keys and multi-function display pattern required when selecting
In electric cooker equipped with a control panel provided with a display unit for the operation keys necessary upon single-function mode selection and single machine
A preliminary operation panel provided with a display section for displaying a function display pattern is prepared, and the preliminary operation panel is selected and mounted on the operation panel to select a multifunction mode.
Displays operation keys and multi-function display pattern required when selecting
Select the single function mode on the operation panel with the display
Displays operation keys and single function display pattern required when selecting
Operation keys and display patterns for multi-functions and single-functions by attaching a preliminary operation panel with a display
Since it can be switched to and , there is an effect that one electric rice cooker can be used as having two functions of a multi-function and a single function .

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a multifunction mode is selected.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a single function mode is selected.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a wire connection state of electrical elements in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of multi-function / single-function setting control in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the content of control at the time of multi-function setting in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the content of control when a single function is set in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8A to 8G are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a multifunctional display pattern in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9A to 9G are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a single function display pattern in the electric rice cooker according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of multi-function / single-function setting control in the electric rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of control common to the multi-function / single-function mode in the electric rice cooker according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the third embodiment of the present invention when the multifunction mode is selected.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the third embodiment of the present invention when a single function mode is selected.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when the multifunction mode is selected.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention when a single function mode is selected.

FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an electric rice cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when the multifunction mode is selected.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the electric rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention when the single-function mode is selected.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a preliminary operation panel in the electric rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view of an electric rice cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 7 is an operation panel, 7'is a preliminary operation panel, 41 to 47 are operation keys, 48 is a display unit (liquid crystal display unit), 49 is switching means (switching switch), 63 is a touch panel (liquid crystal touch panel), and A is a multi-function. Display pattern, B is a single function display pattern.

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An electric rice cooker having an operation panel provided with various operation keys and a display unit, wherein the display unit displays a multifunctional display pattern when a multifunctional mode is selected.
And the single function display pattern displayed when the single function mode is selected.
Provided with a down, alternatively these display patterns
An electric rice cooker characterized by being provided with a switching means for switching so as to display . 2. An electric rice cooker comprising an operation panel provided with various operation keys, wherein the operation panel has a multi-function.
Multi-function display pattern and single function displayed when mode is selected
With a single-function display patterns provided a touch panel that is selectively switchable display displayed during mode selection, this
An electric rice cooker characterized by being provided with switching means for switching so as to selectively display these display patterns. 3. The single function display pattern includes a menu
The key operation claim 1 and 2 according to any one claim, characterized in that so as to indicate that it is disabled if unnecessary operation keys at the time of single-function mode selection such as a key is operated Electric rice cooker. 4. A rice cooker with a control panel provided with a display unit for displaying the operation key and multi-function display pattern required when the multi-function mode is selected, single-function mode selection
To display the sometimes necessary operation keys and single-function display pattern
An electric rice cooker characterized in that a preliminary operation panel provided with a display section is prepared in advance, and the preliminary operation panel is selectively mounted on the operation panel.