JP3933033B2

JP3933033B2 - Automatic rice cooker

Info

Publication number: JP3933033B2
Application number: JP2002320906A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 剛士稲田; 政樹由良; 邦行中西; 典生池田; 初彦松下; 晃宏品部
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-05-10
Filing date: 2002-11-05
Publication date: 2007-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-05
Also published as: JP2004024827A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、主として米を準備すれば炊飯まで自動で行う家庭用の自動炊飯器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の自動で米をとぎ、炊飯する炊飯器として、図１３および図１４に示すような自動炊飯器１がある（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
図１３は自動炊飯器１を正面から見た断面図、図１４は自動炊飯器１を側面から見た断面図である。ここでは、図１３および図１４に示す自動炊飯器１の構成について説明する。
【０００４】
図１３および図１４に示すように、自動炊飯器１は、使用者が米を投入する貯米部２、貯米部２の米が排出される米受部３、米を炊飯する炊飯部４を備えている。
【０００５】
５は米を空気で炊飯部４へ供給するために空気流を生み出す給米手段、６は米受部３と炊飯部４とを接続する給米経路、７は給米手段５と給米経路６とを接続する送風経路、８は給米経路６と炊飯部４との接続部Ａを開閉する米投入弁である。そして、米投入弁８が給米経路６と炊飯部４との接続部Ａを開き、給米手段５が動作することにより、給米手段５が生み出す空気流は、送風経路７、給米経路６を通過して炊飯部４の鍋９へ流れていく。１０は給水部で、所定量の水を炊飯部４の鍋９へ供給するものである。
【０００６】
上記構成において動作を説明すると、使用者が貯米部２に米を投入し、炊飯したい米の量を入力した後、運転開始ボタン（図示しない）を押すと、自動炊飯器１の運転が開始する。
【０００７】
自動炊飯器１の運転が開始すると、貯米部２から所定量の米が米受部３へ排出される。米受部３へ米が排出されると、米投入弁８が給米経路６と炊飯部４との接続部Ａを開き、給米手段５が動作する給米工程を行う。給米手段５が動作すると、給米手段５が生み出す空気流が送風経路７および給米経路６へ供給される。
【０００８】
ここで、米受部３と給米経路６は、米受部３と給米経路６を接続する給米接続口１１で接続されているので、米受部３に排出された米は給米経路６にも供給される。それゆえ、給米手段５が生み出す空気流は、給米経路６および米受部３と給米経路６との接続部近傍にある米を炊飯部４の鍋９内へ供給するものである。
【０００９】
使用者が炊飯したい量の米が鍋９に供給されると、給水部１０が動作して、炊飯したい米の量に対して最適な量の水を供給する給水工程が行われる。所定量の米と水が鍋９へ供給されると、米を水に漬からせて米に水を吸収させる浸漬工程が行われる。
【００１０】
そして、所定時間の浸漬工程が行われ、米が所定量の水を吸収した後、米を炊飯する炊飯工程が行われる。所定時間の炊飯が行われた後、炊飯されたご飯を保温する保温工程が行われ、使用者はいつでもご飯を鍋９から取り出すことができる。こうして、炊飯したい米の量を入力して運転開始ボタンを押すだけで、貯米部２に貯蔵された米から、給米、給水、炊飯、保温が自動で行われる。
【００１１】
なお、図１３および図１４に示す自動炊飯器１は、鍋９内に米と水を供給して、鍋９を回転させて米をとぐ構成であるが、米をとぐ手段は、米とぎ部を別途設けてとぐ構成にしてもよく、特に限定するものではない。
【００１２】
【特許文献１】
特開平５−３３７０４６号公報（第４頁、第１図、第２図）
【００１３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来の構成の自動炊飯器１では以下の問題を有している。
【００１４】
米受部３から給米経路６へ米が所定量以上供給されると、米が給米経路６内で詰まってしまって、給米手段５を動作させても米が鍋９へ供給されない給米不良という問題が生じてしまう。そのため、米受部３から給米経路６へ米が所定量以上供給されないようにするために、図１３に示すように、自動炊飯器１を正面から見た場合、米受部３の側壁３ａには、貯米部２から米が排出される米排出口１２から給米接続口１１へ向けて、米受部３の通路面積が小さくなるように傾斜が設けられているが、一方で、図１４に示すように、自動炊飯器１を側面から見た場合は、米受部３の側壁３ｂには傾斜が設けられていない。そのため、米受部３の米を収納できる容量を多くする場合は、米受部３の高さを高くするか、図１４に示す幅Ｂを広くする必要があるが、米受部３の高さを高くすると自動炊飯器１全体の高さが高くなってしまうという問題がある。
【００１５】
一方、幅Ｂを広くすると、図１５に示すように、給米経路６および給米接続口１１に多くの米が存在することになる。この状態で、給米手段５を動作させて、給米手段５が生み出す空気流を、送風経路７を介して給米接続口１１および給米経路６に供給しても、給米経路６および給米接続口１１に多くの米が存在するため、図１５の矢印に示すように、空気流は給米経路６へ流れていかずに、米受部３内へ流れていってしまう。その結果、米受部３内の米を炊飯部４の鍋９へ供給することができない給米不良という問題が生じてしまう。
【００１６】
同時に、図１３に示すように、米受部３の給米接続口１１の近傍には、給米経路６の内径と略同等の幅である米流出部１３が、高さＨだけ存在する。この状態で所定量の米を貯米部２から米受部３へ排出すると、図１６に示すように、米は米流出部１３、給米接続口１１および給米経路６で密に詰まってしまって、米受部３から給米経路６へ流れていかず、所定量の米を炊飯部４の鍋９へ供給することができない給米不良という問題が、この場合にも生じてしまう。
【００１７】
本発明は上記従来の問題を解決するもので、所定量の米が供給されずに、炊飯不良が生じるのを低減することを目的としている。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記目的を達成するために、米を炊飯する炊飯部と、炊飯部へ供給する米を収容する貯米部と、貯米部から炊飯部へ供給する米が排出される米受部と、米受部と炊飯部を連通接続する給米経路と、米受部の米を炊飯部へ供給するために給米経路へ空気を送風する給米手段と、一端を給米手段に接続し他端を給米経路と米受部の接続位置近傍に接続する送風経路とを備え、米受部の通路面積は、貯米部側から給米経路側へ向けて徐々に小さくなり、送風経路および給米経路の米受部との接続位置近傍で、送風経路の通路面積は給米経路の通路面積よりも小さい構成とし、送風経路から給米経路に向けて通路面積を徐々に拡大して送風経路と給米経路を接続する給米接続部を設けたものである。
【００１９】
これにより、米受部の米を収納できる容量を所定量以上確保することができるとともに、給米経路に入る米の量を制限することができ、給米経路に米が入りすぎたり、給米手段の空気流が米受部に逃げてしまったり、米受部内で米が詰まってしまったりすることを低減することができる。
【００２０】
さらに、送風経路の通路面積が給米経路の通路面積よりも小さいので、米は給米経路へより流れやすくなり、送風経路へ侵入するのをより低減することができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部から炊飯部の鍋へ供給されないという給米不良をより一層低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をより一層低減することができる。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、米を炊飯する炊飯部と、炊飯部へ供給する米を収容する貯米部と、貯米部から炊飯部へ供給する米が排出される米受部と、米受部と炊飯部を連通接続する給米経路と、米受部の米を炊飯部へ供給するために給米経路へ空気を送風する給米手段と、一端を給米手段に接続し他端を給米経路と米受部の接続位置近傍に接続する送風経路とを備え、米受部の通路面積は、貯米部側から給米経路側へ向けて徐々に小さくなり、送風経路および給米経路の米受部との接続位置近傍で、送風経路の通路面積は給米経路の通路面積よりも小さい構成とし、送風経路から給米経路に向けて通路面積を徐々に拡大して送風経路と給米経路を接続する給米接続部を設けたものであり、米受部の米を収納できる容量を所定量以上確保することができるとともに、給米経路に米が入りすぎたり、給米手段の空気流が米受部に逃げてしまったり、米受部内で米が詰まってしまったりして、米受部内の米を炊飯部の鍋へ供給できないという給米不良および給米不良により生じる炊飯不良を低減することができる。
【００２２】
さらに、送風経路の通路面積が給米経路の通路面積よりも小さいので、米は給米経路へより流れやすくなり、送風経路へ侵入するのをより低減することができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部から炊飯部の鍋へ供給されないという給米不良をより一層低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をより一層低減することができる。
【００２３】
請求項２に記載の発明は、特に請求項１に記載の発明において、送風経路または給米経路の米受部との接続位置近傍は、米の供給方向に下方となる傾斜を有した構成にしたものであり、米は給米経路へ流れやすくなったり、米が送風経路へ侵入したりするのを低減することができる。
【００２４】
さらに、給米手段が生み出す空気流が米受部内へ流れ込むのを低減し、給米経路へ流れやすくすることができるので、米が給米経路を通過するのを向上させることができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部から炊飯部の鍋へ供給されないという給米不良をより低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をより低減することができる。
【００２５】
請求項３に記載の発明は、特に請求項１に記載の発明において、給米接続部は下方に向けて通路面積を徐々に拡大した構成にしたものであり、米が給米経路へより一層流れやすくなるとともに、送風経路へ侵入するのをより一層低減することができる。
【００２６】
さらに、給米手段が生み出す空気流が米受部内へ流れ込むのをより低減し、給米経路へより流れやすくすることができるので、米が給米経路を通過するのをより向上させることができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部から炊飯部の鍋へ供給されないという給米不良をさらに低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をさらに低減することができる。
【００２７】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の第１の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００２８】
（実施例１）
図１に示す自動炊飯器５０は、少なくとも炊飯したい量の米を収納することができる貯米部５１、米を計量する米計量部５２、米計量部５２から供給された米をとぐ米とぎ部５３、米とぎ部５３でとがれた米が排出される米受部５４、米とぎ部５３から米受部５４へ米を排出する米排出手段５５、米を炊飯する炊飯部５６を備えている。
【００２９】
５７は米を空気で炊飯部５６へ供給するために空気流を生み出す給米手段、５８は米受部５４と炊飯部５６とを接続し、給米手段５７が生み出す空気流に従って米が炊飯部５６へ向かって通過する給米経路、５９は給米経路５８を炊飯部５６に接続する給米口、６０は給米口５９に設けられ、弁駆動ユニット６１により給米口５９を開閉する米投入弁である。
【００３０】
そして、貯米部５１、米計量部５２、米とぎ部５３、米受部５４、米排出手段５５、給米手段５７、給米経路５８、給米口５９および米投入弁６０を給米部と呼ぶ。
【００３１】
６２は炊飯部５６へ所定量の水を供給する給水手段で、給水弁６３と給水経路６４および水投入弁６５を備えている。
【００３２】
６６は蒸気筒で、炊飯部５６が米を炊飯したり保温したりする際に発生する蒸気を自動炊飯器５０外へ排出したり、給米手段５７により給米経路５８を介して炊飯部５６へ米を供給した空気を自動炊飯器５０外へ排出したりする。
【００３３】
６７は炊飯部５６に着脱自在に収納される鍋、６８は鍋６７の上方を覆う蓋体で、蓋体６８はフック６９を使用者が押すと回動して炊飯部５６を開いたり閉じたりする。また、蓋体６８は鍋６７を密閉する内蓋７０を有している。
【００３４】
内蓋７０は、蒸気筒６６と接続されており、鍋６７内の蒸気や空気が蒸気筒６６から排出されるように内蓋孔７１が設けられている。
【００３５】
７２は加熱ユニットで、加熱ユニット７２がＩＨ（電磁誘導）コイルで構成される場合は、鍋６７を誘導加熱で発熱させて鍋６７内の米や水を加熱するものであり、加熱ユニット７２がシーズヒータやニクロムヒータ、マイカヒータ、ハロゲンヒータ、面ヒータ等のヒータで構成される場合は、加熱ユニット７２が鍋６７を加熱することで鍋６７内の米や水が加熱されるものである。
【００３６】
７３は給米部、給水手段６２および炊飯部５６等を制御する制御部である。
【００３７】
米とぎ部５３は、米計量部５２が計量した米を収納する米収納容器７４と、米収納容器７４内に回転自在に配設され、駆動手段７５により駆動される回転羽根７６を備えている。そして、回転羽根７６が回転することにより、米の表面を覆っている糠７７が除去される。
【００３８】
７８は、米とぎ工程で米から分離された糠７７を回収する糠回収部で、糠フィルタ７９を備えている。
【００３９】
８０は、貯米部５１に米を投入するため、貯米部５１の一部を開放する米投入扉である。
【００４０】
ここで、米受部５４近傍の構成について説明すると、８１は、給米手段５７と給米経路５８とを接続する送風経路、８２は、米受部５４から米が流れてくる給米接続口で、図２（ａ）に示すように、米受部５４、給米経路５８および送風経路８１を接続する給米接続部８３が設けられている。
【００４１】
８４は、米とぎ部５３から米受部５４へ米が排出される米排出口である。そして、米受部５４は、図２（ａ）および図２（ｂ）および図３に示すように、米排出口８４から給米接続口８２へ向かって、米とぎ部５４内で米が通過する通路面積が徐々に小さくなるように形成されており、米受部５４の側壁５４ａおよび５４ｂに傾斜が設けられている。
【００４２】
上記構成において、動作を説明する。使用者が貯米部５１内に米を投入し、炊飯したい米の量を入力した後、運転開始ボタン（図示しない）を押すと、自動炊飯器５０の運転が開始する。
【００４３】
運転が開始されると、制御部７３が米計量部５２を動作させることにより、貯米部５１に貯蔵された米から、米計量部５２が所定量の米を計量し、米収納容器７４へ供給する米計量工程を行う。所定量の米が米収納容器７４に供給されると、制御部７３は米とぎ工程プログラムに従って駆動手段７５を動作させる。駆動手段７５が動作することにより回転羽根７６が回転し、米収納容器７４内に収納された米をとぐ米とぎ工程が行われる。
【００４４】
米とぎ工程が終了すると、制御部７３は米排出手段５５を動作させることにより、米排出手段５５は米収納容器７４の米排出口７４ａを開くので、米とぎ部５３でとがれた米が米排出口８４を介して米受部５４へ排出される米排出工程を行う。米が米受部５４に排出されると、給米工程プログラムに従って、制御部７３が弁駆動ユニット６１を介して米投入弁６０を動作させることにより、米投入弁６０は給米口５９を開く。
【００４５】
そして、制御部７３が給米手段５７を動作させることにより、給米手段５７は空気流を生み出す。給米手段５７が生み出した空気流は、送風経路８１および給米接続部８３を介して給米経路５８へ供給されるので、米とぎ部５３から給米接続口８２を介して、給米接続部８３および給米経路５８へ排出された米はこの空気流により鍋６７へ供給される。
【００４６】
所定量の米が炊飯部５６の鍋６７へ供給されると、制御部７３は給水弁６３および水投入弁６５を動作させて、使用者が設定した炊飯量に最適な量の水を、給水経路６４を介して鍋６７へ供給する給水工程を行う。所定量の水と米が鍋６７へ供給されると、制御部７３は米に水を吸収させる浸漬工程プログラムおよび炊飯工程プログラムに従って炊飯部５６を動作させる。炊飯部５６が動作することにより、使用者が炊飯したい量の米が炊飯されることになる。所定量の米が炊飯されると、制御部７３は、ご飯を保温する保温工程に入る。
【００４７】
上記浸漬工程、炊飯工程および保温工程では、加熱ユニット７２に通電することにより、加熱ユニット７２がＩＨコイルで構成される場合は電磁誘導により鍋６７が発熱して鍋６７内の水や米がそれぞれの工程の所定温度に加熱され、加熱ユニット７２がシーズヒータやニクロムヒータ、マイカヒータ、ハロゲンヒータ、面ヒータ等のヒータで構成される場合は鍋６７が加熱されることにより鍋６７内の水や米がそれぞれの工程の所定温度に加熱される。
【００４８】
こうして、使用者は炊飯したい米の量を入力して運転開始ボタンを押すだけで、貯米部５１に貯蔵された米から、米の計量、米とぎ、給米、給水、炊飯、保温が自動で行われ、ご飯が炊きあがる。
【００４９】
なお、炊飯工程または保温工程中に発生する蒸気は、蒸気筒６６を介して、自動炊飯器５０外へ排出される。
【００５０】
このように本実施例によれば、図２（ａ）および図２（ｂ）および図３に示すように、米受部５４を、米排出口８４から給米接続口８２へ向かって、米受部５４の側壁５４ａおよび側壁５４ｂに傾斜面を設けて、米とぎ部５４の通路面積が徐々に小さくなるように形成することにより、米受部５４の米を収納できる容量を多くしても、図２（ａ）に示す幅Ｂ１を狭くすることができるので、図４（ａ）に示すように、米受部５４に米が排出されたときや給米工程中に、給米接続口８２および給米接続部８３および給米経路５８に供給される米の量を、給米手段５７が炊飯部５６の鍋６７へ供給できる量以下に制限することができる。
【００５１】
さらに、図１３に示す米流出部１３を設けないので、図４（ｂ）に示すように、米が米受部５４の給米接続口８２近傍で詰まってしまって、米が給米経路５８へ流れていかなくなるのを低減することができる。
【００５２】
以上より、自動炊飯器５０の高さを高くすることなく、米受部５４の米を収納できる容量を所定量以上確保することができるとともに、給米経路５８に入る米の量を制限することができ、給米経路５８に米が入りすぎたり、給米手段５７の空気流が米受部５４に逃げてしまったり、米受部３内で米が詰まってしまったりして、米受部５４内の米を鍋６７へ供給できないという給米不良および給米不良により生じる炊飯不良を低減することができる。
【００５３】
なお、自動炊飯器５０の動作の説明では、炊飯部５６に米を供給してから水を供給するようにしたが、水を供給してから米を供給してもよいし、水と米を同時にまたは交互に供給してもよい。
【００５４】
また、給水手段６２は水道栓に直結する構成であってもよいし、水タンクを備えて、水タンクから水を炊飯部５６へ供給する構成であってもよい。水タンクを備える場合は、使用者が水を水タンクに供給するようにすれば、自動炊飯器５０を任意の場所に設置できる。
【００５５】
また、給水手段６２を持たない構成の自動炊飯器５０であってもよい。
【００５６】
また、図１に示す米とぎ部５３は、水を使わずに米をとぐ構成であるが、水を使って米をとぐ構成であってもよいし、米をとぐ手段に関しては、いかなる構成のものであってもよい。
【００５７】
また、米をとがずに水だけを加えるだけで炊飯することができる無洗米を使用する場合は、米とぎ工程において、米とぎ部５３で無洗米をとがずに給米経路５８に米を排出するだけの動作をするように制御部７３が給米部を制御してもよい。そうすれば、無洗米をとがずに貯米部５１から鍋６７へ供給することができる。
【００５８】
また、自動炊飯器５０の給米部は、米とぎ部５３を持たず、貯米部５１、米計量部５２、米受部５４、米排出手段５５、給米手段５７、給米経路５８、給米口５９および米投入弁６０のみを備えた構成で、無洗米のみに対応した構成であってもよい。
【００５９】
また、給米部は、米計量部５２を持たず、貯米部５１、米とぎ部５３、米受部５４、米排出手段５５、給米手段５７、給米経路５８、給米口５９および米投入弁６０のみを備えた構成で、米の計量は、炊飯部５６の鍋６７の底に重量センサ（図示しない）等を設けて、鍋６７へ供給された米の量を計量するようにしてもよいし、米計量部５２を炊飯部５６の上部または炊飯部５６の蓋体６８内に設けて、米受部５４から炊飯部５６へ供給された米の量を計量するようにしてもよい。
【００６０】
また、給米部は、貯米部５１および米計量部５２を持たず、使用者が炊飯したい量の米を計量してから、米とぎ部５３に直接投入する構成であってもよい。無洗米のみに対応する自動炊飯器５０の場合は、米とぎ部５３がない自動炊飯器５０とし、使用者は炊飯したい量の無洗米を計量してから、米受部５４へ米を投入する構成であってもよい。
【００６１】
また、貯米部５１は、大量の米を貯蔵（例えば１０ｋｇ）できてもよいし、毎回炊飯する量だけ（例えば３合分）貯蔵できるものであってもよい。
【００６２】
また、図１では、炊飯部５６を貯米部５１の略上部に配置したが、炊飯部５６を貯米部５１または米とぎ部５３の略横部等に設けてもよい。
【００６３】
また、図２（ａ）では、給米接続部８３を、米受部５４で形成された構成で図示したが、給米接続部８３を送風経路８１で構成してもよいし、給米経路５８で構成してもよい。
【００６４】
また、図１では、給米手段５７は、給米経路５８へ空気を送り込んで、米を米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給する構成であるが、給米手段５７は空気を循環させて、米を米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給する構成であってもよい。
【００６５】
また、米受部５４は、米排出部８４から給米接続口８２へ向けて通路面積が小さくなるようにするために、図２（ａ）および図２（ｂ）および図３では、逆四角錐の形状で図示したが、逆円錐形状や逆多角錐形状であってもよく、通路面積が小さくなる形状であればよい。
【００６６】
それから、図５に示すように、給米接続口８２近傍で、給米接続部８３を米の供給方向に下方となるように傾斜を設けることにより、米を米受部５４へ排出したときに、米は給米経路５８へ流れやすくなるとともに、送風経路８１へ侵入するのを低減することができる。
【００６７】
さらに、給米手段５７が生み出す空気流が米受部５４内へ流れ込むのを低減し、給米経路５８へ流れやすくすることができるので、米が給米経路５８を通過するのを向上させることができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給されないという給米不良をより低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をより低減することができる。
【００６８】
なお、図５に示す給米接続部８３を、送風経路８１または給米経路５８で構成してもよい。
【００６９】
また、図６（ａ）に示すように、給米接続部８３の送風経路８１側のみを米の供給方向に向けて下方となるように傾斜させてもよいし、図６（ｂ）に示すように、給米接続部８３の給米経路５８側のみを米の供給方向に向けて下方となるように傾斜させてもよい。
【００７０】
また、図７に示すように、送風経路８１および給米経路５８の一部を米の供給方向に向けて下方となるように傾斜させてもよい。それから、図８に示すように、給米接続口８２近傍で、少なくとも送風経路８１の通路面積Ａ１は給米経路５８の通路面積Ａ２よりも小さい構成とし、給米接続部８３の通路面積をＡ１からＡ２へ徐々に拡大して送風経路８１および給米経路５８と接続することにより、送風経路８１の通路面積Ａ１が給米経路５８の通路面積Ａ２よりも小さいので、米受部５４に米を排出したときに、米は給米経路５８へより流れやすくなり、送風経路８１へ侵入するのをより低減することができる。
【００７１】
同時に、給米接続部８３の通路面積Ａ１を徐々に拡大して給米経路５８に接続しているので、給米接続部８３に段差をなくすことができ、米の一部が段差部に残ってしまって鍋６７へ供給されないという不具合を低減することができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給されないという給米不良をより一層低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をより一層低減することができる。
【００７２】
なお、図９（ａ）に示すように、給米接続口８２近傍で、送風経路８１の通路面積をＡ１からＡ２へ徐々に拡大させて給米経路５８と接続してもよいし、図９（ｂ）に示すように、給米経路５８の通路面積をＡ２からＡ１へ徐々に縮小させて送風経路８１と接続してもよい。それから、図１０に示すように、給米接続口８２近傍での給米接続部８３の通路面積を下方に向けて、送風経路８１の通路面積Ａ１から給米経路５８の通路面積Ａ２になるまで徐々に拡大することにより、米受部５４に米を排出したときに、米が給米経路５８へより一層流れやすくなるとともに、送風経路８１へ侵入するのをより一層低減することができる。
【００７３】
さらに、給米手段５７が生み出す空気流が米受部５４内へ流れ込むのをより低減し、給米経路５８へより流れやすくすることができるので、米が給米経路５８を通過するのをより向上させることができる。それゆえ、所定量の米が米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給されないという給米不良をさらに低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をさらに低減することができる。
【００７４】
それから、図１１に示すように、少なくとも米受部５４の給米経路５８側の側壁５４ｃを略垂直に形成することにより、給米工程において、給米手段５７が生み出す空気流が米受部５４に侵入しやすい部分５４ｃが略垂直に形成されているので、空気流が米受部５４内に流れ込むのをより一層低減することができる。それゆえ、米が給米経路５８を通過するのをより一層向上させることができるので、所定量の米が米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給されないという給米不良をさらに一層低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をさらに一層低減することができる。
【００７５】
なお、上記実施例は、図１２（ａ）に示すように、米とぎ部５３と相対する米受部５４の側壁５４ｄを略垂直に形成してもよいし、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、米受部５４の米とぎ部５３側の側壁５４ｅを略垂直にしてもよい。
【００７６】
それから、予め設定された所定量の米が鍋６７へ供給されるまで、所定量より少ない量の米を米計量部５２で計量して米とぎ部５３でとぎ、そして、米受部５４へ排出して、給米手段５７により鍋６７へ供給することを繰り返すことにより、１回当たりに米受部５４や給米経路５８へ供給される米の量を少なくすることができる。それゆえ、米受部５４をコンパクトに構成することができるとともに、米が給米経路５８を通過するのをさらに一層向上させることができる。
【００７７】
したがって、自動炊飯器５０の高さをより低くすることができるとともに、所定量の米が米受部５４から鍋６７へ供給されないという給米不良をさらに一層一段と低減することができ、給米不良により生じる炊飯不良をさらに一層一段と低減することができる。
【００７８】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、請求項１に示す構成にしたから、米受部の米を収納できる容量を所定量以上確保することができるとともに、給米経路に米が入りすぎたり、給米手段の空気流が米受部に逃げてしまったり、米受部内で米が詰まってしまったりして、米受部内の米を炊飯部の鍋へ供給できないという給米不良および給米不良により生じる炊飯不良を低減することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例の自動炊飯器の断面図
【図２】（ａ）同自動炊飯器を側面から見た場合の米受部近傍の断面図
（ｂ）同自動炊飯器を正面から見た場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図３】同自動炊飯器の米受部の斜視図
【図４】（ａ）同自動炊飯器を側面視し、米受部近傍に米が排出された場合の米受部近傍の断面図
（ｂ）同自動炊飯器を正面視し、米受部近傍に米が排出された場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図５】同自動炊飯器の給米接続部を、米受部との接続位置近傍で傾斜させた場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図６】（ａ）同自動炊飯器の給米接続部の送風経路側に傾斜を設けた場合の米受部近傍の断面図
（ｂ）同自動炊飯器の給米接続部の給米経路側に傾斜を設けた場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図７】同自動炊飯器の送風経路の一部および給米接続部および給米経路の一部を、米受部との接続位置近傍で傾斜させた場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図８】同自動炊飯器の給米接続部の通路面積を、米受部近傍で徐々に拡大した場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図９】（ａ）同自動炊飯器の送風経路の通路面積を、米受部近傍で徐々に拡大して給米経路に接続した場合の米受部近傍の断面図
（ｂ）同自動炊飯器の給米経路の通路面積を、米受部近傍で徐々に縮小して疎風経路に接続した場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図１０】同自動炊飯器の給米接続部の通路面積を、下方に向けて徐々に拡大した場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図１１】同自動炊飯器の米受部の給米経路側の側壁を略垂直にした場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図１２】（ａ）同自動炊飯器の米受部の米とぎ部と相対する側壁を略垂直にした場合の米受部近傍の断面図
（ｂ）同自動炊飯器の米受部の米とぎ部側の側壁を略垂直にした場合の米受部近傍の断面図
【図１３】従来の自動炊飯器を正面から見た断面図
【図１４】同自動炊飯器の側面から見た断面図
【図１５】同自動炊飯器の米受部に米が排出された状態を側面から見た米受部近傍の断面図
【図１６】同自動炊飯器の米受部に米が排出された状態を正面から見た米受部近傍の断面図
【符号の説明】
５０自動炊飯器
５１貯米部
５２米計量部
５３米とぎ部
５４米受部
５５米排出手段
５６炊飯部
５７給米手段
５８給米経路
８１送風経路
８３給米接続部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an automatic rice cooker for home use that automatically performs rice cooking if mainly rice is prepared.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As a conventional rice cooker that automatically cuts rice and cooks rice, there is an automatic rice cooker 1 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
  13 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic rice cooker 1 viewed from the front, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic rice cooker 1 viewed from the side. Here, the structure of the automatic rice cooker 1 shown to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is demonstrated.
[0004]
  As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the automatic rice cooker 1 includes a rice storage unit 2 where a user inputs rice, a rice receiving unit 3 from which the rice of the rice storage unit 2 is discharged, and a rice cooking unit 4 that cooks rice. It has.
[0005]
  5 is a rice supplying means for generating an air flow in order to supply rice to the rice cooking unit 4, 6 is a rice supplying path for connecting the rice receiving unit 3 and the rice cooking unit 4, and 7 is a rice supplying means 5 and a rice supplying path. 6 is a rice feed valve that opens and closes the connection portion A between the rice feed route 6 and the rice cooking unit 4. And the rice flow valve 8 opens the connection part A of the rice supply path | route 6 and the rice cooking part 4, and when the rice supply means 5 operate | moves, the air flow which the rice supply means 5 produces is the ventilation path | route 7, the rice supply path | route. 6 passes through to the pan 9 of the rice cooking unit 4. A water supply unit 10 supplies a predetermined amount of water to the pan 9 of the rice cooking unit 4.
[0006]
  To explain the operation in the above configuration, when the user inputs rice into the rice storage unit 2, inputs the amount of rice to be cooked, and presses an operation start button (not shown), the operation of the automatic rice cooker 1 starts. To do.
[0007]
  When the operation of the automatic rice cooker 1 starts, a predetermined amount of rice is discharged from the rice storage unit 2 to the rice receiving unit 3. When the rice is discharged to the rice receiving unit 3, the rice insertion valve 8 opens the connection part A between the rice supply path 6 and the rice cooking unit 4, and performs the rice supplying process in which the rice supplying means 5 operates. When the rice supplying means 5 operates, an air flow generated by the rice supplying means 5 is supplied to the air supply path 7 and the rice supplying path 6.
[0008]
  Here, since the rice receiving part 3 and the rice supply path | route 6 are connected by the rice supply connection port 11 which connects the rice receiving part 3 and the rice supply path | route 6, the rice discharged | emitted by the rice receiving part 3 is rice supply. It is also supplied to the path 6. Therefore, the air flow generated by the rice supplying means 5 supplies rice in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the rice supplying path 6 and the rice receiving section 3 and the rice supplying path 6 into the pot 9 of the rice cooking section 4.
[0009]
  When the amount of rice that the user wants to cook is supplied to the pan 9, the water supply unit 10 operates to perform a water supply step of supplying an optimal amount of water to the amount of rice that the user wants to cook. When a predetermined amount of rice and water is supplied to the pan 9, a dipping process is performed in which the rice is soaked in water and absorbed by the rice.
[0010]
  And the immersion process of predetermined time is performed, and after the rice absorbs a predetermined amount of water, the rice cooking process which cooks rice is performed. After cooking for a predetermined time, a heat-retaining step for keeping the cooked rice warm is performed, and the user can take out the rice from the pan 9 at any time. Thus, just by inputting the amount of rice to be cooked and pressing the operation start button, rice supply, water supply, rice cooking, and heat insulation are automatically performed from the rice stored in the rice storage unit 2.
[0011]
  The automatic rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is configured to supply rice and water into the pan 9 and rotate the pan 9 to break the rice. There may be a configuration in which the edge portion is provided separately, and there is no particular limitation.
[0012]
[Patent Document 1]
    JP-A-5-337046 (Page 4, FIGS. 1 and 2)
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  The automatic rice cooker 1 having such a conventional configuration has the following problems.
[0014]
  When a predetermined amount or more of rice is supplied from the rice receiver 3 to the rice supply path 6, the rice is clogged in the rice supply path 6, and the rice is not supplied to the pan 9 even if the rice supply means 5 is operated. The problem of defective rice occurs. Therefore, when the automatic rice cooker 1 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 13 in order to prevent more than a predetermined amount of rice from being supplied from the rice receiver 3 to the rice supply path 6, the side wall 3 a of the rice receiver 3. Is provided with a slope so that the passage area of the rice receiving portion 3 is reduced from the rice outlet 12 from which the rice is discharged from the rice storage portion 2 to the rice feed connection port 11. As shown in FIG. 14, when the automatic rice cooker 1 is viewed from the side, the side wall 3 b of the rice receiver 3 is not provided with an inclination. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity of the rice receiver 3 that can store rice, it is necessary to increase the height of the rice receiver 3 or to increase the width B shown in FIG. If the height is increased, there is a problem that the height of the entire automatic rice cooker 1 is increased.
[0015]
  On the other hand, when the width B is increased, a large amount of rice is present in the rice supply path 6 and the rice supply connection port 11 as shown in FIG. Even if the rice supplying means 5 is operated in this state and the air flow generated by the rice supplying means 5 is supplied to the rice supplying connection port 11 and the rice supplying path 6 through the air blowing path 7, the rice supplying path 6 and Since a large amount of rice is present at the rice supply connection port 11, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15, the air flow does not flow into the rice supply path 6 but flows into the rice receiver 3. As a result, there arises a problem that rice in the rice receiver 3 cannot be supplied to the pan 9 of the rice cooker 4.
[0016]
  At the same time, as shown in FIG. 13, the rice outflow portion 13 having a width substantially equal to the inner diameter of the rice feed path 6 exists in the vicinity of the rice feed connection port 11 of the rice receiving portion 3 by a height H. When a predetermined amount of rice is discharged from the rice storage unit 2 to the rice receiving unit 3 in this state, the rice is closely packed in the rice outflow unit 13, the rice feed connection port 11, and the rice feed path 6, as shown in FIG. In other words, the problem of poor rice supply that does not flow from the rice receiver 3 to the rice supply path 6 and cannot supply a predetermined amount of rice to the pan 9 of the rice cooker 4 also occurs.
[0017]
  This invention solves the said conventional problem, and it aims at reducing that a rice cooking defect arises, without supplying a predetermined amount of rice.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention achieves the above-described purpose by using a rice cooking unit for cooking rice, a rice storage unit for storing rice to be supplied to the rice cooking unit, and a rice receiving unit for discharging rice supplied from the rice storage unit to the rice cooking unit. And a rice feeding path for connecting the rice receiving part and the rice cooking part, a rice feeding means for blowing air to the rice feeding path to supply rice from the rice receiving part to the rice cooking part, and one end connected to the rice feeding means The other end is connected to the rice feed path and the vicinity of the connection position of the rice receiver,The passage area of the rice receiving part gradually decreases from the rice storage part side toward the rice supply path side, and the passage area of the air supply path is in the vicinity of the connection position of the air receiving path and the rice receiving part with the rice receiving part. The structure is smaller than the passage area of the route, and a rice feed connecting portion for gradually expanding the passage area from the blower route to the rice feed route and connecting the blower route and the rice feed route is provided.Is.
[0019]
  As a result, it is possible to secure a predetermined capacity or more for storing rice in the rice receiving section, and it is possible to limit the amount of rice that enters the rice supply route, so that too much rice enters the rice supply route or rice supply It can be reduced that the air flow of the means escapes to the rice receiving part or the rice is clogged in the rice receiving part.
[0020]
  Further, since the passage area of the air supply path is smaller than the passage area of the rice supply path, the rice is more likely to flow into the rice supply path and can be further reduced from entering the air supply path. Therefore, the poor rice supply that a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit to the pot of the rice cooking unit can be further reduced, and the rice cooking failure caused by the poor rice supply can be further reduced.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a rice cooking unit for cooking rice, a rice storage unit for storing rice to be supplied to the rice cooking unit, and a rice receiver from which rice supplied from the rice storage unit to the rice cooking unit is discharged. , A rice feeding path for connecting the rice receiving section and the rice cooking section, a rice feeding means for blowing air to the rice feeding path to supply rice from the rice receiving section to the rice cooking section, and one end as the rice feeding means And the other end of the rice receiving path is connected to the vicinity of the connection position of the rice receiving portion, and the passage area of the rice receiving portion gradually decreases from the rice storage portion side toward the rice supplying route side.The passage area of the air supply path is smaller than that of the rice supply path in the vicinity of the connection position between the air supply path and the rice receiving part of the rice supply path, and the area of the air passage gradually increases from the air supply path to the rice supply path. The rice supply connection part that connects the air supply route and the rice supply route is provided.As well as being able to secure more than a predetermined amount of capacity to store rice in the rice receiver, too much rice enters the rice supply path, or the air flow of the rice supply means escapes to the rice receiver, The rice is clogged in the rice receiving part, and the rice cooking defect that the rice in the rice receiving part cannot be supplied to the pot of the rice cooking part and the rice cooking defect caused by the rice feeding defect can be reduced.
[0022]
  Further, since the passage area of the air supply path is smaller than the passage area of the rice supply path, the rice is more likely to flow into the rice supply path and can be further reduced from entering the air supply path. Therefore, the poor rice supply that a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit to the pot of the rice cooking unit can be further reduced, and the rice cooking failure caused by the poor rice supply can be further reduced.
[0023]
  The invention according to claim 2 has a configuration in which, in the invention according to claim 1, in particular, the vicinity of the connection position of the blower path or the rice feed path with the rice receiving portion has an inclination that is downward in the rice supply direction. Thus, rice can easily flow into the rice supply route, and rice can be prevented from entering the blower route.
[0024]
  Furthermore, since it can reduce that the airflow which a rice supply means produces | generates flows into a rice receiving part, and can flow easily into a rice supply path | route, it can improve that rice passes a rice supply path | route. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the rice supply failure in which a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit to the pot of the rice cooking unit, and it is possible to further reduce the rice cooking failure caused by the rice supply failure.
[0025]
  Claim3In particular, the invention described in claim1In the invention described in the above, the rice feed connecting portion has a structure in which the passage area is gradually enlarged downward, making it easier for the rice to flow into the rice feed path and to enter the air blowing path. Further reduction can be achieved.
[0026]
  Furthermore, it is possible to further reduce the flow of air generated by the rice supplying means from flowing into the rice receiving part and to make it easier to flow into the rice supply path, so that it is possible to further improve the passage of rice through the rice supply path. . Therefore, the poor rice supply that a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit to the pot of the rice cooking unit can be further reduced, and the rice cooking failure caused by the poor rice supply can be further reduced.
[0027]
【Example】
  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
  Example 1
  An automatic rice cooker 50 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rice storage unit 51 that can store at least the amount of rice to be cooked, a rice weighing unit 52 that measures rice, and a rice paddle that breaks the rice supplied from the rice weighing unit 52. Part 53, a rice receiving part 54 from which the rice that has been cut off at rice cutting part 53 is discharged, rice discharging means 55 that discharges rice from rice cutting part 53 to rice receiving part 54, and rice cooking part 56 that cooks rice ing.
[0029]
  57 is a rice feeding means for generating an air flow for supplying rice to the rice cooking unit 56 by air, 58 is a rice cooking unit that connects the rice receiving unit 54 and the rice cooking unit 56 and follows the air flow generated by the rice feeding means 57. A rice feed path that passes toward 56, 59 is a rice feed port that connects the rice feed path 58 to the rice cooking unit 56, and 60 is a rice that is provided at the rice feed port 59 and opens and closes the rice feed port 59 by the valve drive unit 61. It is an input valve.
[0030]
  The rice storage unit 51, the rice measuring unit 52, the rice cutting unit 53, the rice receiving unit 54, the rice discharging unit 55, the rice supply unit 57, the rice supply path 58, the rice supply port 59, and the rice introduction valve 60 are provided. Call it.
[0031]
  62 is a water supply means for supplying a predetermined amount of water to the rice cooking unit 56 and includes a water supply valve 63, a water supply path 64, and a water input valve 65.
[0032]
  A steam cylinder 66 discharges steam generated when the rice cooker 56 cooks or keeps the rice out of the automatic rice cooker 50, or the rice cooker 56 through the rice feed path 58 by the rice feeder 57. The air which supplied rice to the automatic rice cooker 50 is discharged.
[0033]
  67 is a pan that is detachably stored in the rice cooking unit 56, 68 is a lid that covers the top of the pan 67, and the lid 68 rotates when the user presses the hook 69 to open or close the rice cooking unit 56. To do. The lid 68 has an inner lid 70 that seals the pan 67.
[0034]
  The inner lid 70 is connected to the steam cylinder 66, and an inner lid hole 71 is provided so that steam and air in the pan 67 are discharged from the steam cylinder 66.
[0035]
  72 is a heating unit, and when the heating unit 72 is configured by an IH (electromagnetic induction) coil, the pot 67 is heated by induction heating to heat rice and water in the pot 67. When configured with a heater such as a sheathed heater, nichrome heater, mica heater, halogen heater, or surface heater, the heating unit 72 heats the pan 67 so that the rice or water in the pan 67 is heated.
[0036]
  73 is a control part which controls a rice supply part, the water supply means 62, the rice cooking part 56 grade | etc.,.
[0037]
  The rice binding portion 53 includes a rice storage container 74 that stores the rice weighed by the rice weighing unit 52, and a rotary blade 76 that is rotatably disposed in the rice storage container 74 and driven by the driving means 75. . Then, when the rotary blade 76 rotates, the ridge 77 covering the surface of the rice is removed.
[0038]
  Reference numeral 78 denotes a straw collection unit that collects the straw 77 separated from the rice in the rice cutting process, and includes a straw filter 79.
[0039]
  Reference numeral 80 denotes a rice input door that opens a part of the rice storage unit 51 in order to input rice into the rice storage unit 51.
[0040]
  Here, the configuration in the vicinity of the rice receiving unit 54 will be described. Reference numeral 81 denotes an air supply path that connects the rice supplying means 57 and the rice supply path 58, and 82 denotes a rice supply connection port through which rice flows from the rice receiving unit 54. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2A, a rice supply connecting portion 83 that connects the rice receiving portion 54, the rice supply route 58, and the air blowing route 81 is provided.
[0041]
  Reference numeral 84 denotes a rice outlet from which rice is discharged from the rice fork 53 to the rice receiver 54. Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3, the rice receiving portion 54 passes the rice from the rice discharge port 84 toward the rice feed connection port 82 in the rice binding portion 54. The passage area is gradually reduced, and the side walls 54a and 54b of the rice receiving portion 54 are inclined.
[0042]
  The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the user puts rice into the rice storage unit 51 and inputs the amount of rice to be cooked and then presses an operation start button (not shown), the operation of the automatic rice cooker 50 starts.
[0043]
  When the operation is started, the control unit 73 operates the rice weighing unit 52, so that the rice weighing unit 52 measures a predetermined amount of rice from the rice stored in the rice storage unit 51, and supplies it to the rice storage container 74. Conduct the rice weighing process. When a predetermined amount of rice is supplied to the rice container 74, the controller 73 operates the driving means 75 in accordance with the rice cutting process program. When the driving means 75 is operated, the rotary blade 76 is rotated, and a rice cutting process for cutting the rice stored in the rice storage container 74 is performed.
[0044]
  When the rice cutting process is completed, the control unit 73 operates the rice discharging unit 55 so that the rice discharging unit 55 opens the rice discharge port 74a of the rice storage container 74. A rice discharging process is performed in which the rice is discharged to the rice receiving portion 54 through the rice discharge port 84. When the rice is discharged to the rice receiving unit 54, the control unit 73 operates the rice insertion valve 60 via the valve drive unit 61 according to the rice supply process program, so that the rice insertion valve 60 opens the rice supply port 59. .
[0045]
  And the control part 73 operates the rice supply means 57, and the rice supply means 57 produces an air flow. Since the air flow generated by the rice supplying means 57 is supplied to the rice supplying path 58 via the air supply path 81 and the rice supplying connecting portion 83, the rice supplying connection is made from the rice cutting portion 53 via the rice supplying connecting port 82. The rice discharged to the section 83 and the rice supply path 58 is supplied to the pan 67 by this air flow.
[0046]
  When a predetermined amount of rice is supplied to the pan 67 of the rice cooking unit 56, the control unit 73 operates the water supply valve 63 and the water supply valve 65 to supply water in an amount optimal for the rice cooking amount set by the user. A water supply process of supplying the pot 67 through the path 64 is performed. When a predetermined amount of water and rice are supplied to the pan 67, the control unit 73 operates the rice cooking unit 56 in accordance with an immersion process program and a rice cooking process program that cause the rice to absorb water. When the rice cooking unit 56 operates, the amount of rice that the user wants to cook is cooked. When a predetermined amount of rice is cooked, the control unit 73 enters a heat insulation process for keeping the rice warm.
[0047]
  In the immersion process, the rice cooking process, and the heat-retaining process, when the heating unit 72 is energized, when the heating unit 72 is configured with an IH coil, the pot 67 generates heat by electromagnetic induction, and the water and rice in the pot 67 are respectively When the heating unit 72 is composed of a heater such as a sheathed heater, a nichrome heater, a mica heater, a halogen heater, or a surface heater, the pot 67 is heated and water or rice in the pot 67 is heated. Are heated to a predetermined temperature in each step.
[0048]
  In this way, the user automatically inputs the amount of rice he wants to cook and presses the operation start button. From the rice stored in the rice storage unit 51, rice weighing, rice cutting, rice supply, water supply, rice cooking, and heat insulation are automatically performed. The rice is cooked.
[0049]
  Note that steam generated during the rice cooking process or the heat retaining process is discharged out of the automatic rice cooker 50 through the steam cylinder 66.
[0050]
  Thus, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 3, the rice receiving portion 54 is moved from the rice discharge port 84 toward the rice feed connection port 82. Even if the capacity of the rice receiving portion 54 to be stored is increased by providing inclined surfaces on the side wall 54a and the side wall 54b of the receiving portion 54 so that the passage area of the rice gap portion 54 is gradually reduced. Since the width B1 shown in FIG. 2 (a) can be narrowed, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), when the rice is discharged to the rice receiving portion 54 or during the rice feeding process, The amount of rice supplied to 82, the rice supply connecting portion 83, and the rice supply path 58 can be limited to the amount that the rice supply means 57 can supply to the pan 67 of the rice cooking unit 56.
[0051]
  Further, since the rice outflow portion 13 shown in FIG. 13 is not provided, the rice is clogged in the vicinity of the rice feed connection port 82 of the rice receiving portion 54 as shown in FIG. It is possible to reduce the loss of flow to
[0052]
  As mentioned above, while making the height of the automatic rice cooker 50 high, the capacity | capacitance which can accommodate the rice of the rice receiving part 54 can be ensured more than predetermined amount, and the quantity of the rice which enters into the rice supply path 58 is restricted. The rice supply path 58 is overfilled, the air flow of the rice supply means 57 escapes to the rice receiver 54, or the rice is clogged in the rice receiver 3, and the rice receiver It is possible to reduce rice supply failure and the rice cooking failure caused by the rice supply failure that rice in 54 cannot be supplied to the pan 67.
[0053]
  In addition, in description of operation | movement of the automatic rice cooker 50, it was made to supply water after supplying rice to the rice cooking part 56, However, You may supply rice after supplying water, or water and rice. You may supply simultaneously or alternately.
[0054]
  Moreover, the structure directly connected to a water tap may be sufficient as the water supply means 62, and the structure provided with a water tank and supplying water from the water tank to the rice cooking part 56 may be sufficient. In the case where a water tank is provided, the automatic rice cooker 50 can be installed at an arbitrary location if the user supplies water to the water tank.
[0055]
  Moreover, the automatic rice cooker 50 of the structure which does not have the water supply means 62 may be sufficient.
[0056]
  Moreover, although the rice-together part 53 shown in FIG. 1 is the structure which uses the water and does not use water, the structure which uses the water to cut rice may be sufficient, Any configuration may be used.
[0057]
  In addition, when using non-washed rice that can be cooked by adding only water without severing the rice, the rice is fed into the rice supply path 58 without rinsing the non-washed rice at the rice-together portion 53 in the rice cutting process. The control unit 73 may control the rice supply unit so as to perform an operation of simply discharging the rice. If it does so, it can supply to the pot 67 from the rice storage part 51, without rinsing unwashed rice.
[0058]
  Moreover, the rice supply part of the automatic rice cooker 50 does not have the rice-together part 53, but the rice storage part 51, the rice measurement part 52, the rice receiving part 54, the rice discharge | emission means 55, the rice supply means 57, the rice supply path | route 58, A configuration that includes only the rice feed port 59 and the rice input valve 60 and that supports only non-washed rice may be used.
[0059]
  Further, the rice supply unit does not have the rice measuring unit 52, but the rice storage unit 51, the rice cutting unit 53, the rice receiving unit 54, the rice discharge unit 55, the rice supply unit 57, the rice supply route 58, the rice supply port 59, and In the configuration provided with only the rice introduction valve 60, the weight of the rice is measured by providing a weight sensor (not shown) or the like at the bottom of the pan 67 of the rice cooking unit 56 to measure the amount of rice supplied to the pan 67. Alternatively, the rice weighing unit 52 may be provided in the upper part of the rice cooking unit 56 or in the lid 68 of the rice cooking unit 56 to measure the amount of rice supplied from the rice receiving unit 54 to the rice cooking unit 56. Good.
[0060]
  Further, the rice supply unit may not have the rice storage unit 51 and the rice weighing unit 52, and may be configured to measure the amount of rice that the user wants to cook and then directly input the rice into the rice binding unit 53. In the case of the automatic rice cooker 50 corresponding only to non-washed rice, it is set as the automatic rice cooker 50 which does not have the rice-together part 53, and a user measures the quantity of non-washed rice which wants to cook rice, and throws rice into the rice receiving part 54 It may be a configuration.
[0061]
  Moreover, the rice storage part 51 may be able to store a large amount of rice (for example, 10 kg), or may be capable of storing only the amount to be cooked each time (for example, 3 minutes).
[0062]
  In FIG. 1, the rice cooking unit 56 is disposed substantially at the upper portion of the rice storage unit 51, but the rice cooking unit 56 may be provided at a substantially horizontal portion of the rice storage unit 51 or the rice binding unit 53.
[0063]
  Further, in FIG. 2A, the rice supply connection portion 83 is illustrated with a configuration formed by the rice receiving portion 54, but the rice supply connection portion 83 may be configured by a blower path 81, or a rice supply path 58 may be used.
[0064]
  Moreover, in FIG. 1, although the rice supply means 57 is the structure which sends air into the rice supply path | route 58, and supplies rice to the pan 67 from the rice receiving part 54, the rice supply means 57 circulates air, The structure which supplies rice to the pan 67 from the rice receiving part 54 may be sufficient.
[0065]
  In addition, the rice receiving portion 54 is shown in FIG. 2 (a), FIG. 2 (b), and FIG. 3, in order to reduce the passage area from the rice discharge portion 84 to the rice supply connection port 82. Although illustrated in the shape of a pyramid, an inverted cone shape or an inverted polygonal pyramid shape may be used as long as the passage area is small.
[0066]
  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the rice is discharged to the rice receiving portion 54 by providing an inclination so that the rice supply connecting portion 83 is downward in the rice supply direction in the vicinity of the rice supply connecting port 82. The rice can easily flow into the rice supply path 58 and can reduce the intrusion into the blower path 81.
[0067]
  Further, since the air flow generated by the rice supplying means 57 can be reduced from flowing into the rice receiving portion 54 and easily flow into the rice supplying path 58, it is possible to improve the passage of rice through the rice supplying path 58. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the rice supply failure in which a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiver 54 to the pan 67, and it is possible to further reduce the rice cooking failure caused by the rice supply failure.
[0068]
  Note that the rice feed connection portion 83 shown in FIG.
[0069]
  Moreover, as shown to Fig.6 (a), you may make it incline so that only the ventilation path | route 81 side of the rice supply connection part 83 may become downward toward the rice supply direction, and it is shown to FIG.6 (b). Thus, you may make it incline so that only the rice supply path | route 58 side of the rice supply connection part 83 may become a downward toward the rice supply direction.
[0070]
  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, you may make it incline so that a part of ventilation path 81 and the rice supply path | route 58 may become downward toward the supply direction of rice. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, in the vicinity of the rice supply connection port 82, at least the passage area A1 of the air supply path 81 is smaller than the passage area A2 of the rice supply path 58, and the passage area of the rice supply connection portion 83 is A1. The passage area A1 of the blower path 81 is smaller than the passage area A2 of the rice feed path 58 by gradually expanding from A2 to A2 and connecting to the blower path 81 and the rice feed path 58. When discharged, the rice becomes easier to flow into the rice supply path 58, and the intrusion into the blower path 81 can be further reduced.
[0071]
  At the same time, since the passage area A1 of the rice supply connecting portion 83 is gradually enlarged and connected to the rice supply path 58, the step can be eliminated in the rice supply connecting portion 83, and part of the rice remains in the step portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the problem of being not supplied to the pan 67. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the rice supply failure in which a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit 54 to the pan 67, and further reduce the rice cooking failure caused by the rice supply failure.
[0072]
  In addition, as shown to Fig.9 (a), the passage area of the ventilation path | route 81 may be expanded gradually from A1 to A2 in the vicinity of the rice supply connection port 82, and you may connect with the rice supply path | route 58, FIG. As shown in (b), the passage area of the rice supply path 58 may be gradually reduced from A2 to A1 and connected to the air supply path 81. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the passage area of the rice supply connection portion 83 in the vicinity of the rice supply connection port 82 is directed downward until the passage area A1 of the air supply path 81 becomes the passage area A2 of the rice supply path 58. By gradually expanding, it becomes easier for the rice to flow into the rice supply path 58 when the rice is discharged to the rice receiving portion 54, and it is possible to further reduce the intrusion into the blower path 81.
[0073]
  Further, the flow of air generated by the rice supplying means 57 can be further reduced from flowing into the rice receiving portion 54 and more easily flow into the rice supplying path 58, so that the rice can pass more through the rice supplying path 58. Can be improved. Therefore, the poor rice supply that a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving unit 54 to the pan 67 can be further reduced, and the rice cooking failure caused by the poor rice supply can be further reduced.
[0074]
  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, at least the side wall 54c on the side of the rice supply path 58 of the rice receiving portion 54 is formed substantially vertically so that the air flow generated by the rice supplying means 57 in the rice supplying process is generated in the rice receiving portion 54. Since the portion 54c that is likely to invade is formed substantially vertically, it is possible to further reduce the flow of air into the rice receiving portion 54. Therefore, since it is possible to further improve the passage of rice through the rice supply path 58, it is possible to further reduce the rice supply failure in which a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiver 54 to the pan 67. The rice cooking failure caused by the rice supply failure can be further reduced.
[0075]
  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the side wall 54d of the rice receiving portion 54 facing the rice binding portion 53 may be formed substantially vertically, or as shown in FIG. 12 (b). Further, the side wall 54e of the rice receiving portion 54 on the side of the rice binding portion 53 may be made substantially vertical.
[0076]
  Then, until a predetermined amount of rice set in advance is supplied to the pan 67, a smaller amount of rice is weighed by the rice weighing unit 52, cut by the rice cutting unit 53, and discharged to the rice receiving unit 54. Then, by repeating the supply to the pan 67 by the rice supply means 57, the amount of rice supplied to the rice receiving portion 54 and the rice supply path 58 per time can be reduced. Therefore, the rice receiving portion 54 can be configured compactly, and the passage of rice through the rice supply path 58 can be further improved.
[0077]
  Therefore, while being able to make the height of the automatic rice cooker 50 lower, the rice supply defect that a predetermined amount of rice is not supplied from the rice receiving part 54 to the pan 67 can be further reduced, and the rice supply is poor. The rice cooking failure which arises by this can be further reduced further.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
  As mentioned above, since it was set as the structure shown in Claim 1, while being able to ensure the capacity | capacitance more than predetermined amount which can accommodate the rice of a rice receiving part, too much rice enters into a rice supply path, or the air of a rice supply means The rice escapes to the rice receiving part, or the rice is clogged in the rice receiving part, and the rice in the rice receiving part cannot be supplied to the pot of the rice cooking part. Can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an automatic rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] (a) A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver when the automatic rice cooker is viewed from the side.
  (B) Sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver when the automatic rice cooker is viewed from the front
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rice receiving part of the automatic rice cooker.
4A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the rice is discharged in the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the automatic rice cooker is viewed from the side.
  (B) A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver when the automatic rice cooker is viewed from the front and rice is discharged in the vicinity of the rice receiver.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the rice feeding connection portion of the automatic rice cooker is inclined near the connection position with the rice receiving portion.
6A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a rice receiving portion when an inclination is provided on the air supply path side of the rice feed connection portion of the automatic rice cooker. FIG.
  (B) Sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when an inclination is provided on the rice feed path side of the rice feed connecting portion of the automatic rice cooker
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when a part of the blowing path, the rice feed connecting portion, and a part of the rice feeding path of the automatic rice cooker are inclined near the connection position with the rice receiving portion.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the passage area of the rice feed connecting portion of the automatic rice cooker is gradually enlarged near the rice receiving portion.
9A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the passage area of the blowing path of the automatic rice cooker is gradually enlarged near the rice receiving portion and connected to the rice feeding route.
  (B) Sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver when the passage area of the rice supply path of the automatic rice cooker is gradually reduced in the vicinity of the rice receiver and connected to the sparse wind path
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the passage area of the rice feed connecting portion of the automatic rice cooker is gradually expanded downward.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver when the side wall on the rice feed path side of the rice receiver of the automatic rice cooker is substantially vertical.
FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving portion when the side wall of the automatic rice cooker, which is opposite to the rice binding portion, is substantially vertical.
  (B) Sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiving part when the side wall of the rice receiving part of the automatic rice cooker is substantially vertical.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a conventional automatic rice cooker viewed from the front.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the automatic rice cooker viewed from the side.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver as seen from the side when the rice is discharged to the rice receiver of the automatic rice cooker.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rice receiver as seen from the front when the rice is discharged into the rice receiver of the automatic rice cooker.
[Explanation of symbols]
  50 Automatic rice cooker
  51 Savings Department
  52 Rice Measuring Department
  53 Rice Toibu
  54 Rice reception
  55 Rice discharge means
  56 Cooking rice
  57 Rice supply
  58 Rice supply
  81 Blower path
  83 Rice supply connection

Claims

A rice cooking unit for cooking rice, a rice storage unit for storing rice to be supplied to the rice cooking unit, a rice receiving unit for discharging rice supplied from the rice storage unit to the rice cooking unit, the rice receiving unit and the rice A rice feed path for connecting the rice cooking unit, a rice feed means for blowing air to the rice feed path to supply the rice of the rice receiving part to the rice cooking part, one end connected to the rice feed means, etc. An air passage that connects an end of the rice supply path and the vicinity of the connection position of the rice receiving portion, and a passage area of the rice receiving portion gradually decreases from the rice storage portion side toward the rice supply route side. Do Ri, in the vicinity of the connecting position and the rice receiving of said air feed path and the paper US path, the passage area of the air flow path is smaller configuration than the passage area of the paper US path, the sheet rice from the air feed path A rice feed connecting portion that gradually enlarges the passage area toward the route and connects the blower route and the rice feed route Automatic rice cooker provided.

The automatic rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the vicinity of the connection position with the rice receiving part of the air supply path or the rice supply path has an inclination that is downward in the rice supply direction.

The automatic rice cooker according to claim 1 , wherein the rice feed connecting portion gradually expands the passage area downward.