JP3954634B1 - Fully automatic rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fully-automated rice cooker which can be washed after use without causing damage to rice at the time of washing with a small size and a simple configuration suitable for use in general households.
A rice cooker body having an opening on the upper surface and a space communicating with the opening, a lid disposed on the top of the rice cooker body and capable of opening and closing the opening, and the opening. An outer pot that is housed and fixed in the space, a substantially bottomed cylindrical inner pot that is supported in the outer pot and accommodates an object to be cooked such as rice, and a heating means that heats the inner pot. A fully automatic rice cooker that is connected to the approximate center of the bottom of the inner pot and rotates the inner hook rotating means, a rotation control means for controlling the inner pot rotating means, and water in the inner pot. Liquid supply means for supplying liquid, etc., inner pot cleaning means for cleaning the inside of the inner pot, and a part of the liquid and / or to-be-cooked food supplied by the liquid supply means and the inner pot cleaning means from the inner pot It is a fully automatic rice cooker provided with the discharge means to discharge | emit.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a fully automatic rice cooker, and more specifically, to a fully automatic rice cooker that can perform all the steps up to washing of a pot after use in addition to washing rice and rice. is there.

Conventional rice cookers used in general households have only a rice cooking function and a function to keep the cooked rice warm, and the processes before and after that, that is, washing the rice and washing the pot after use, etc. It is common to be done by a person.
Since this human process requires time and effort in addition to this, it is very troublesome for those who are physically handicapped or who are busy with work. In addition, it can be said that even this process is difficult for those who have inconvenience in their hands due to injuries or disabilities.
For this reason, many techniques for fully automatic rice cookers have been proposed.

  As such a technique, for example, the following Patent Document 1 includes a rice storage tank, a rice washing unit, and a rice cooking unit, and has rice transfer means between them, and further controls each step of rice washing, transfer, and rice cooking. A fully automatic rice cooker provided with a control means to detect the amount of remaining rice in the rice storage tank and the output of the sensor to be directly input to a terminal in a rice grain handling store A fully automatic rice cooker configured by having a connected network control unit is disclosed.

However, in such a rice cooker, since the rice storage tank, the rice washing part, and the rice cooking part are each constituted separately, the number of components increases, and in addition, each of the rice storage tank, the rice washing part, and the rice cooking part Since a connecting path is required, the rice cooker becomes very large as a whole, and there is a problem in terms of installation space restrictions when used in a general household.
Moreover, since a control means is required for each of rice washing, transfer, and rice cooking, and further network control is required, the control mechanism becomes very complicated.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2 below, a container for containing rice, a bottom container having an opening accommodated in the container, a screw for washing rice provided in the bottom container through the opening, and a screw for washing rice are provided. It has a motor to rotate, water is poured by providing a water intake and a diffusion valve in the inner lid, and by setting the rice cooking amount and rice cooking condition with the switch operation part, all the rice cooking is performed by controlling the water intake, water level and drainage An automatic rice cooker is disclosed.

However, such a rice cooker is very small compared to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, but because the rice is washed with a screw, there is a very high possibility that the rice will break in this rice washing process. This leads to a loss of the taste of cooked rice.
Also, when cooking with this configuration, the rice is cooked so as to cover the screw for washing the rice, so this screw gets in the way when the user disguises the rice, and in some cases, the screw is injured There is a fear.

  Moreover, in any of the above-mentioned patent documents, washing of the pot after use of the rice cooker must be performed manually.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-228054 JP 2001-218664 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, has a simple structure, is a small size suitable for use in a general household, and does not cause damage to the rice during washing, In addition, it aims at providing the fully automatic rice cooker which can also wash | clean the pot after use.

The invention which concerns on Claim 1 has an opening part in the upper surface, and a rice cooker main body provided with the space connected to this opening part, and the lid | cover which is arrange | positioned at the upper part of this rice cooker main body, and can open and close the said opening part A body, an outer pot accommodated and fixed in the space through the opening, a substantially bottomed cylindrical inner pot that is supported in the outer pot and accommodates an object to be cooked such as rice, A fully automatic rice cooker comprising a heating means for heating the inner pot, wherein the inner pot rotating means is connected to the approximate center of the bottom of the inner pot and rotates the inner pot, and the inner pot rotation A rotation control means for controlling the means, a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid such as water into the inner pot, an inner pot cleaning means for cleaning the inner pot, the liquid supply means and the inner pot cleaning means. Discharging means for discharging a supplied liquid and / or a part of the cooking object from the inner pot; An inner hook discharge hole formed near the outer periphery of the bottom portion of the inner hook, and an outer hook formed near the outer periphery of the bottom portion of the outer hook and on the rotation track of the inner hook discharge hole. A first inner hook discharge hole having a discharge hole, wherein at least two inner hook discharge holes are arranged so as to face each other across the center of the bottom of the inner hook, and each of the first inner hook discharge holes And a second inner hook discharge hole disposed on the side surface of the inner hook, and the outer hook discharge hole is disposed and formed on the rotation track of the first inner hook discharge hole. Outer hook discharge hole and second outer pot discharge hole formed on the outer side of the first outer hook discharge hole, on the side surface of the outer hook, and on the rotation track of the second inner hook discharge hole The rotation control means includes a first inner pot discharge hole and a first outer outlet for draining the liquid when the washing process is completed. Align the discharge hole and match the second inner pot discharge hole and the second outer pot discharge hole to discharge the liquid and a part of the cooking object when the cleaning of the inner pot is completed. Further, the present invention relates to a fully automatic rice cooker in which the inner pot rotating means is controlled so that the inner pot discharge hole and the outer pot discharge hole do not coincide with each other in the washing and washing steps.

  The invention according to claim 2 relates to the fully automatic rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rotation control means controls the inner hook rotating means so as to reciprocate the inner hook.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the inner hook cleaning means includes a rod-shaped main rotating member that is rotatably disposed substantially at the center of the lid, and a plurality of the main rotating member that is rotatably disposed on the main rotating member. The full-automatic rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a rod-like sub-rotating member having a plurality of liquid injection ports communicating with the liquid supply means.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the heating means is an upper heating means disposed on a surface of the lid body on the opening side of the rice cooker body, and the first inner pot discharge hole on the outer surface of the inner pot bottom. It has a lower heating means arrange | positioned more inward, It is related with the fully automatic rice cooker in any one of the Claims 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the outer surface of the inner hook bottom portion, the first and second inner hook discharge holes and the first and second outer hook discharge holes are covered and the inner pot bottom outer surface and the outer hook are covered. The fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a waterproof wall that seals between the bottom inner surface.

The invention according to claim 6 is the fully automatic system according to claim 4 , wherein the lower heating means is driven in the axial direction of the inner hook to perform contact and separation operation with respect to the bottom of the inner hook. It relates to a type rice cooker.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the vertical cross-sectional shape of at least the bottom of the inner hook and the inner hook is inclined gently from the first inner hook discharge hole toward the inner hook shaft. The fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rice cooker has a substantially semicircular shape.

The invention according to claim 8 is recessed toward the inner surface of the inner hook formed on the outer surface side of the inner hook at the outer peripheral position and the inner peripheral position from the region where the first and second inner hook discharge holes are formed. An annular recess;
An annular convex portion that is formed on the inner surface side of the outer hook at the outer peripheral position and the inner peripheral position than the area where the first and second outer hook discharge holes are formed is formed, The full-automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the annular concave portion and the annular convex portion are fitted.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the inner hook rotating means connected to the approximate center of the inner hook bottom and rotating the inner hook, the rotation control means for controlling the inner hook rotating means, A liquid supply means for supplying a liquid such as water, an inner pot cleaning means for cleaning the inside of the inner pot, a portion of the liquid supplied by the liquid supply means and the inner pot cleaning means and / or an object to be cooked In addition to conventional rice cooking, it is possible to wash the rice and wash the used kettle with a simple and small configuration.
The discharge means includes an inner hook discharge hole formed near the outer periphery of the bottom of the inner hook, and an outer hook discharge hole formed near the outer periphery of the bottom of the outer hook and on the rotation track of the inner hook discharge hole. A first inner hook discharge hole formed so that at least two of the inner hook discharge holes face each other across the center of the bottom of the inner hook, and an outer side of each of the first inner hook discharge holes . A first outer hook discharge hole formed at a position and on a side surface of the inner hook, the outer hook discharge hole being arranged and formed on a rotation track of the first inner hook discharge hole And a second outer pot discharge hole formed on the outer side of the first outer hook discharge hole, on the side surface of the outer hook, and on the rotation track of the second inner hook discharge hole. The rotation control means includes a first inner pot discharge hole and a first outer pot discharge hole for draining the liquid when the washing process is completed. The second inner pot discharge hole and the second outer pot discharge hole are matched to discharge the liquid and a part of the cooking object when the cleaning of the inner pot is completed. In the cleaning process, the inner pot rotation means is controlled so that the inner pot discharge hole and the outer pot discharge hole do not coincide with each other, so that sharpening juice in washing rice, washing water and residue by washing the inner pot can be ensured. Can be discharged.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, by controlling the inner hook rotating means so that the rotation control means causes the inner hook to reciprocate, the efficiency of washing the rice or washing the used hook can be remarkably improved. It becomes possible.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the inner hook cleaning means is provided with a rod-like main rotating member that is rotatably disposed substantially at the center of the lid, and a plurality of the main rotating member that is rotatably disposed on the main rotating member. By comprising a rod-like sub-rotating member having a plurality of liquid ejection ports communicating with the liquid supply means, it becomes possible to perform liquid ejection over the entire area of the inner pot, and to efficiently clean the inner pot. .

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, a heating means is an inward side from the 1st inner pot discharge hole in the upper heating means arrange | positioned in the surface by the side of the opening part of the rice cooker main body of a cover body, and an inner pot bottom part outer surface. By having the lower heating means disposed on the inside, heating from the upper and lower sides of the inner pot becomes possible, and the residue can be efficiently peeled off when cleaning the inner pot. Further, after the cleaning, the inner pot can be efficiently dried in a short time.

According to the invention according to claim 5, on the outer surface of the inner hook bottom portion, the first and second inner hook discharge holes and the first and second outer hook discharge holes are covered and the inner pot bottom outer surface and the outer pot bottom inner surface are covered. By providing a waterproof wall that seals between the two, it is possible to prevent water leakage into the rice cooker body when washing rice, cooking rice, and washing the pot after use.

According to the invention of claim 6 , the lower heating means is driven in the axial direction of the inner hook and performs a contact / separation operation on the bottom of the inner hook, thereby Generation of friction of the lower heating means can be prevented.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the vertical cross-sectional shape of at least the bottom of the inner hook and the inner hook is gently inclined from the first inner hook discharge hole toward the inner hook shaft center. Due to the generally semicircular shape that rises, it becomes possible to smoothly drain the sharpening juice in the washed rice, the washing water in the inner pot cleaning, and the residue from the inner pot at the time of draining the washed rice.

According to the invention which concerns on Claim 8, it is dented in the inner surface direction of the said inner hook formed in an inner hook outer surface side in an outer peripheral position and an inner peripheral position rather than the area | region in which a 1st and 2nd inner hook discharge hole is formed. An annular recess, and an annular projection protruding in the inner hook direction formed on the inner surface side of the outer hook at the outer peripheral position and the inner peripheral position from the region where the first and second outer hook discharge holes are formed, By fitting the annular concave portion and the annular convex portion, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent water leakage into the rice cooker body. Further, when the inner hook is rotating, it is possible to control the inner hook trajectory without difficulty, and in addition, it is possible to reduce the vibration of the inner hook.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control mode of the fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention.

The fully automatic rice cooker (R) according to the present invention makes it possible to perform the steps up to washing rice, cooking rice, and washing after use in a fully automatic manner as long as rice is prepared.
The fully automatic rice cooker (R) has an opening (1a) on the top surface and a rice cooker body (1) having a space (1b) communicating with the opening (1a), and an upper portion of the rice cooker body (1). A lid body (2) that can be opened and closed and that can open and close the opening (1a), an outer hook (3) that is housed and fixed in the space (1b) via the opening (1a), and an outer hook (3) An inner pot (4) that is supported in the container and accommodates a cooked item such as rice, and a heating means (5) that heats the inner pot (4) are provided.

  The fully automatic rice cooker (R) is connected to the substantially center of the bottom of the inner pot (4) and rotates the inner pot (4) and the inner pot rotating means (6). A rotation control means (7) for controlling the pressure, a liquid supply means (8) for supplying a liquid such as water into the inner pot (4), an inner pot cleaning means (9) for cleaning the inner pot (4), The liquid supply means (8) and the inner pot cleaning means (9) are provided with discharge means (10) for discharging a part of the liquid and / or the food to be cooked from the inner pot (4).

Here, the heating means (5), inner pot rotating means (6), rotation control means (7), liquid supply means (8), inner pot cleaning means (9) and discharge means (10) are shown in FIG. As described above, the central processing unit (A), that is, the CPU reads out a predetermined computer program so that the sequence control is performed in a lump, thereby achieving full automation.
In addition, this central processing part (A) is also performing the rice cooking and heat retention control which the conventional rice cooker has.
The above configuration will be specifically described below.

As described above, the rice cooker main body (1) has a constant space (1b) formed through the opening (1a) on the upper surface thereof, and an outer panel is provided with an operation panel (not shown). . Moreover, the rice cooker main body (1) accommodates heat insulating materials, such as glass wool, between the space (1b) and the rice cooker main body (1) outer surface, and heat insulation between the inside and the outside of the rice cooker main body (1). I am trying.
The shape of the rice cooker body (1) is not particularly limited, and for example, a generally used bottomed cylindrical shape or a generally bottomed rectangular shape may be employed.

Next, the lid (2) is disposed so as to be rotatable with respect to the upper portion of the rice cooker body (1) so that the opening (1a) can be opened and closed. The lid cleaning means (9) is provided on the lid (2).
At this time, considering the weight of the lid (2), a hinge having excellent rigidity can be used as a rotating mechanism (not shown) for the rice cooker body (1) and the lid (2). preferable.
Moreover, when closing an opening part (1a) with a cover body (2), in order to aim at internal sealing, in the rice cooker main body (1) and / or a cover body (2), the surface which mutually contacts It is preferable to provide packing. Needless to say, when the opening (1a) is closed, the rice cooker body (1) and the lid (2) are fixed by a known lock member (not shown) used in a conventional rice cooker.
The specific configurations of the liquid supply means (8) and the inner pot cleaning means (9) will be described later.

By the above, the main-body part of the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is formed.
In addition, although there is no limitation in particular as a raw material which comprises a rice cooker main body (1) and a cover body (2), synthetic resins, such as metals, such as stainless steel which are excellent in corrosion resistance, or a polypropylene can be illustrated.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an outer pot provided in the fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention, (a) is a plan view thereof, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA.
Moreover, FIG. 4 is the schematic which shows the inner pot with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped, (a) is the top view, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line. .
In addition, as a material of the outer pot and inner pot mentioned below, it can select suitably from what is used for the conventional rice cooker.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer hook (3) is a substantially bottomed cylindrical body, and has a substantially truncated cone shape that rises while gently tilting toward the opening direction of the outer hook (3) at the center of the bottom. A frustoconical portion is formed.
A through hole (31) is formed in most of the upper surface of the truncated cone portion.
Further, in the outer hook (3), a fine mesh shape on the circumference passing through the vicinity of the center between the position near the outer periphery of the bottom and the end position of the frustoconical portion, and facing the center of the bottom. Two first outer hook discharge holes (32) (for example, about 0.02 to 0.5 mm) are formed.
Further, in the outer hook (3), on the straight line connecting the first outer hook discharge holes (32), the outer hook (3) is positioned outside the first outer hook discharge holes (32). A second outer hook discharge hole (33) (hole diameter of about 15 to 25 mm) is formed on the side surface.
The first outer pot discharge hole (32) is connected to the discharge port (1c) provided in the rice cooker body (1) through the first discharge path (32a), and the second outer pot discharge hole (33) is The second discharge path (33a) is connected to the discharge port (1c) through the leftover food receiving part (1d). (See Figure 1)

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner hook (4) is a substantially bottomed cylindrical body, and has a substantially hemispherical shape that rises while gently tilting toward the opening of the inner hook (4) at the center of the bottom. A hemispherical portion is formed.
Further, the inner hook (4) has a fine mesh shape on the circumference passing through the center between the position in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the bottom and the end position of the hemispherical portion and facing the center of the bottom. Two first inner hook discharge holes (41) (for example, about 0.02 to 0.5 mm) are formed.
The first inner hook discharge hole (41) is positioned substantially on the same circumference as the first outer hook discharge hole (32) when the inner hook (4) is housed in the outer hook (3). Form.

Further, the inner hook (4) has an outer side of each of the first inner hook discharge holes (41) on a straight line whose phase is changed by a predetermined angle from a straight line connecting the first inner hook discharge holes (41). And a second inner hook discharge hole (42) (having a hole diameter of about 15 to 25 mm) is formed on the inner hook (4) side surface.
The second inner hook discharge hole (42) is formed to have substantially the same height as the second outer hook discharge hole (33) in a state where the inner hook (4) is housed in the outer hook (3).

Thus, when the inner hook (3) is rotated, the first outer hook discharge hole (32) and the first inner hook discharge hole (41) coincide with each other (hereinafter referred to as the first section), and the second A section where the outer pot discharge hole (33) and the second inner pot discharge hole (42) are matched (hereinafter referred to as the second section) is formed independently.
At this time, when one section is formed in each section, for example, the first outer pot discharge hole (32) and the first inner pot discharge hole (41) are aligned so that the other section is not formed. When the first inner hook discharge hole (33) and the second inner hook discharge hole (42) do not coincide with each other, the first inner hook discharge hole (41) and the second inner hook discharge hole ( 42) is set. (For example, about 15 to 25 degrees)
Thereby, the discharge means (10) is configured.
Here, when forming the first compartment and the second compartment, the rotation of the inner hook (4) is controlled by the central processing unit (A) so that the first compartment is always formed first. Constitute. (Counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4)
In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the first section and the second section are formed and described.

Further, a fitting portion (43) into which a shaft of the inner hook rotating means to be described later is fitted is formed at a substantially central portion of the outer surface of the bottom portion of the inner hook (4).
Further, the open end of the inner hook (4) is formed so as to be curved outward in the radial direction so as to cover the outer hook (4), and between the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4). It plays a role in preventing foreign matter from entering the clearance. The lower surface of the curved portion is formed with a slight gap from the upper end of the outer hook (3) in consideration of friction caused by rotation.
Furthermore, on the inner surface side of the bottom of the inner hook (4), as shown in FIG. 4 (a), a plurality of (6 in the illustrated example) rod-like projections (45) (projection height of about 1.5 cm). ) Is formed, and when the inner pot (4) rotates with water filled therein, it is possible to efficiently generate an internal water flow. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of washing rice.
It is also possible to improve the efficiency by providing a plurality of the rod-like protrusions (45) on the inner surface of the inner hook (4).
In addition, as shown in the enlarged part of FIG. 4A, it is preferable that the end portion of the rod-shaped protrusion (45) is rounded.

The first section is used when draining the sharpening water in the washing process. Here, since the first inner pot discharge hole (41) is formed in a fine mesh shape, it is possible to drain only the polishing water while holding the sharpened rice in the inner pot (4). The sharpening water discharged from the first section is discharged out of the rice cooker main body through the discharge port (1c).
The mesh of the first outer hook discharge hole (32) that coincides with the first inner hook discharge hole (41) is preferably slightly rougher than that of the first inner hook discharge hole (41). . Thereby, it becomes possible to drain the polishing water smoothly.

The second section is used when discharging washing water and residues such as rice adhering to the inner surface of the inner pot (4) in the washing process. At this time, since the second inner pot discharge hole (42) and the second outer pot discharge hole (33) are formed with a hole diameter of about 15 to 25 mm, not only the washing water in the inner pot (4) but also rice Residues such as can be discharged without problems.
The second inner hook discharge hole (42) has a lowermost portion substantially at the same position as the lowermost inner surface of the inner bottom of the inner hook (4) (the position where the first inner hook discharge hole (41) is formed). It is preferable to configure. Further, the second outer hook discharge hole (33) has the lowermost portion on the inner surface of the outer hook (4) substantially at the same position as the lowermost portion of the second inner hook discharge hole (42), and the outer hook (4) It is preferable to configure to incline downward toward the outer surface. Thereby, the contents in the inner hook (4) can be reliably discharged.
As described above, the contents discharged from the second section are accommodated in the remaining rice receiving portion (1d). This remaining rice receiving part (1d) is detachably provided on the rice cooker body (1), and is connected to the discharge port (1c) through a mesh hole (not shown), such as washing water. A liquid part is discharged | emitted from a discharge port (1c) through a left rice receiving part (1d), and residues, such as rice, are accommodated in a left rice receiving part (1d). As a result, it is possible to reduce time and effort in the so-called garbage disposal.
In addition, the capacity | capacitance of the remaining rice receiving part (1d) is comprised so that at least about 1 rice can be accommodated so that residues, such as rice, may not overflow from the remaining rice receiving part (1d).

In the above example, in the inner hook (4), the phases of the first inner hook discharge hole (41) and the second inner hook discharge hole (42) are changed. It is of course possible to reverse the positional relationship of the discharge holes between the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4). At this time, it goes without saying that the rotation control is also changed to form the first section first.
Moreover, although the number of the discharge holes of each of the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4) is two, it is not particularly limited to this. However, if the number of each discharge hole is one, there is a possibility that the contents may not be discharged smoothly. At this time, considering that the rice cooker main body (1) is not installed horizontally, the discharge holes (32, 33) of the outer pot (3) are connected to the rice cooker main body (1) from the front to the rear. The outer pot (3) is fixed to the rice cooker body (1) in a state where the phase is changed by a predetermined angle (for example, about 15 to 30 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise) with respect to the direction of.
Moreover, although the shape of the 1st outer hook discharge hole (32) and the 1st inner hook discharge hole (41) was made into the fine mesh shape, this may open many small diameter holes over one division. Then, a fine mesh may be attached to the hole formed in the one section.

Next, the heating means (5) will be described.
Drawing 5 is a schematic diagram showing the upper heating means in the lid with which the fully automatic rice cooker concerning the present invention is provided, (a) is a front view and (b) is a bottom view.
Moreover, FIG. 6 is the schematic which shows the lower heating means in the inner pot with which the fully automatic rice cooker concerning this invention is equipped, (a) is front sectional drawing, (b) is a bottom view.
The heating means (5) includes an upper heating means (51) disposed on the opening (1a) side surface of the rice cooker body (1) of the lid (2), and an inner pot (4) at the bottom outer surface. It is comprised from the lower heating means (52) arrange | positioned inside from one inner hook discharge hole (41).

The upper heating means (51) is arranged on the surface of the lid (2) on the side of the opening (1a) of the rice cooker body (1), and a part of the annular shape is notched in the bottom view. It has a shape. The upper heating means (51) has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the opening (1a).
The lower heating means (52) is disposed so as to be accommodated in the hemispherical portion formed on the bottom of the inner hook (4), and has a circular shape in a bottom view and an upward U-shape in a front view. Is formed. (See FIG. 6) At this time, a recess (44) into which the lower heating means (52) is fitted is formed on the outer surface of the bottom of the inner hook (4). This makes it possible to efficiently heat the inner pot (4) by the lower heating means (52).
The tip of the lower heating means (52) is preferably substantially parallel to the opening surface of the inner hook (4) as shown in FIG. 6 (a), but is not particularly limited thereto. The inner hook (4) can be changed as appropriate according to the shape of the bottom.
Moreover, you may make it the structure which heats an inner pot (4) indirectly via a material (for example, copper and aluminum) with high heat conductivity between a lower heating means (52) and an inner pot (4). . At this time, the shaft around the inner rotary member rotating means, which will be described later, is covered with a material having a low thermal conductivity (for example, silicon or expanded polystyrene) and has a predetermined amount of gap from the material having a high thermal conductivity. It is preferable to do.
In addition, what is necessary is just to use a well-known heater as an upper heating means (51) and a lower heating means (52), for example, a sheathed heater, an IH heater, etc. can be mentioned.
The upper heating means (51) and the lower heating means (52) are more preferably in the form of a sheathed heater embedded in a metal such as aluminum.

The heating means (5) is configured as described above.
Thereby, since heating from the upper and lower sides of the inner pot (4) becomes possible, the inner pot (4) can be efficiently dried in a short time after the inner pot (4) is washed.
In addition, when washing the inner pot (4), a small amount of washing water is supplied and steamed by the upper and lower heating means (51, 52), so that residues such as rice adhering to the inner pot (4) are efficiently peeled off. It becomes possible. At this time, it is possible to further improve the peeling efficiency by providing a plurality of minute hemispherical projections (not shown) on the inner surface of the inner hook (4).
In addition, when performing rice cooking work, you may comprise so that only a lower heating means (52) may be used, or it is comprised so that both an upper heating means (51) and a lower heating means (52) may be used. You may do it.

Further, the lower heating means (52) is driven in the axial direction of the inner hook (4) so as to make contact with and separate from the bottom of the inner hook (4), whereby the inner hook (4) By separating the two when rotating, the friction between the inner hook (4) and the lower heating means (52) can be prevented, and the inner hook (4) and the lower heating means (52) are prevented from being damaged. It becomes possible.
The contact and separation of the lower heating means (52) with respect to the bottom of the inner hook (4) is controlled by the central processing unit (A) using, for example, a known air piston, hydraulic piston, or motor and pinion rack. Should be done.
Needless to say, the parallel state of the lower heating means (52) is maintained during the contact-separation operation.
Insulation after rice cooking may be performed by lowering the heating temperature of the lower heating means (52), or may be performed away from the inner pot (4) while maintaining the heating temperature.
The heating temperature may be controlled by the central processing unit (A) using a temperature sensor.
Moreover, it is naturally possible to additionally provide a side heating means (53) on the outer surface of the outer pot (3) as seen in a conventional rice cooker. (See Figure 1)
Thereby, the above-described heating efficiency can be further improved.

Next, the inner hook rotation means (6) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The inner hook rotating means (6) is a so-called motor, and its shaft (61) passes between the lower heating means (52), and a bolt or the like is attached to the fitting part (43) at the bottom of the inner hook (4). The inner hook (4) is rotatable.
At this time, in order to prevent the main body of the inner hook rotating means (6) from being heated by the lower heating means (52), there is a gap between the main body of the inner hook rotating means (6) and the lower heating means (52). A heat insulating wall (1e) is provided.
What is necessary is just to comprise this heat insulation wall (1e) by interposing heat insulating materials, such as glass wool, like the rice cooker main body (1).
Needless to say, a key is inserted in the boundary surface between the shaft portion (61) and the fitting portion (43).
Further, in order to smoothly rotate the inner hook (4), it is preferable to provide a bearing such as a ball bearing (not shown) around the shaft portion (61).
In consideration of generation of vibration due to rotation of the inner hook (4), a support member (1f) is provided between the outer hook (3) and the heat insulating wall (1e) to support the outer hook (3). Is preferred. (See Figure 1)

The rotation of the inner hook rotation means (6) is controlled by the rotation control means (7).
The rotation control means (7) is a computer program predetermined by a programming language such as C language, for example, and the central processing section (A) reads it to control the rotation of the inner pot rotation means (6). To do.
Therefore, it is more preferable that the inner hook rotating means (6) described above is configured as a so-called servo motor including the rotation control means (7).

Next, a specific control operation of the inner hook rotation means (6) by the rotation control means (7) will be described.
First, in the step of washing rice, it is possible to efficiently wash the rice by controlling the inner hook rotating means (6) so as to reciprocate and rotate the inner hook (4) in plural sets (for example, 5 to 7 sets). Can be saved. At this time, the driving range of the reciprocating rotation will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The first inner hook discharge hole (41) of the inner hook (4) is clockwise from the first section. Control is performed so that a predetermined angle, for example, 105 to 135 °, is clockwise from this position with reference to a state in which the phase is changed by the first section (hereinafter referred to as the third section). Thereby, since the said 1st division and the said 2nd division are not formed in the case of the said reciprocating rotation, it can prevent discharging | emitting a content from the inner pot (4) in a rice washing process.

Next, when the polishing water is drained after washing the rice, the inner pot rotating means (6) is rotationally controlled so that the inner pot (4) is positioned in the first section. Thereby, it becomes possible to drain only the sharpening water while holding the sharpened rice in the inner pot (4).
Further, in the cleaning process of the inner pot (4), it is possible to improve the cleaning efficiency by controlling the inner pot rotating means (6) so as to perform the same reciprocating rotational motion as in the rice washing process. Become.
After cleaning the inner pot (4), when discharging the residue such as washing water and rice, the inner pot rotating means (6) is controlled to rotate so that the inner pot (4) is positioned in the second section. To do. Thereby, it becomes possible to discharge | emit residues, such as washing water and rice, reliably.
Note that when the lower heating means (52) performs the contact operation with the inner hook (4), there is a possibility that the inner hook (4) may be lifted. It is preferable that an air piston or the like is provided on the inner hook and the inner hook (4) is indirectly moved up and down.

Next, the liquid supply means (8) and the inner pot cleaning means (9) will be described.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the lid provided in the fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention.
Moreover, FIG. 8 is the schematic which shows the rotation member provided in the cover body bottom surface with which the fully automatic rice cooker concerning this invention is equipped, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. .
In FIG. 8, the upper heating means disposed on the bottom surface of the lid is omitted.

The liquid supply means (8) and the inner pot cleaning means (9) are provided on the lid (2) and communicate with each other via the valve (11). Further, the valve (11) is connected to the water intake (2a) of the lid (2), and a water tap or a water storage tank (not shown) is attached to the water intake (2a). 8) Supply water to the inner pot cleaning means (9).
As the valve (11), for example, an electromagnetic valve is used, and the central processing section (A) controls the switching of the paths of the liquid supply means (8) and the inner pot cleaning means (9) and the water supply amount. You can do it.

The liquid supply means (8) includes a supply path (8a) and a liquid supply port (8b). Water taken from the water intake port (2a) is introduced into the liquid supply port (8b) through the supply path (8a). It is comprised so that it may supply in a hook (4).
The water supplied from the liquid supply means (8) is used in the steps of washing rice and cooking rice, and the supply amount of water is adjusted by the valve (11) according to the steps.

The inner pot cleaning means (9) includes a cleaning tank (91), a liquid heater (92), a high-pressure pump (93), a rotating member (94), and a cleaning path (95) connecting them. The water taken from the intake port (2a) is supplied into the inner pot (4) through these.
The washing tank (91) is filled with a detergent (a well-known dishwashing detergent, etc.), and a predetermined amount of the detergent is injected into the water taken from the water intake (2a) to generate washing water and liquid heating. Feed to heater (92).
The washing water is heated in the liquid heater (92), promotes the mixing efficiency of the detergent and water, is adjusted in pressure through the high-pressure pump (93), and then sent to the supply unit (9a). .

The supply unit (9a) communicates with the rotating member (94) and feeds cleaning water to the rotating member (94).
The rotating member (94) supplies and injects this cleaning water into the inner hook (4), and is a rod-shaped main rotating member (94a) rotatably disposed at the approximate center of the lid (2). And a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) rotatably disposed on the main rotating member (94a) and a plurality of (fourteen in the illustrated example) liquid ejection ports (94b). Member (94c).
Here, it is preferable that the liquid injection ports (94b) have different directions from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction so that the cleaning water can be injected over the entire surface of the inner pot (4).
The rotation of the rotation member (94) can be configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the law of inertia by controlling the adjustment of the spray pressure of the washing water.
As described above, it is possible to perform liquid injection over the entire area of the inner hook (4), and it is possible to efficiently clean the inner pot.
The above-described injection control is performed by reading out by the central processing unit (A) using a known pressure sensor and computer program.

Next, the further structure of an outer hook (3) and an inner hook (4) is demonstrated.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the positions of the waterproof wall, the water brush, and the brush container provided in the fully automatic rice cooker according to the present invention, (a) is a plan view of the outer pot, and (b) is an inner view. It is a hook bottom view.
FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

In the region where the discharge holes (32, 33, 41, 42) of the outer pot (3) and the inner pot (4) are formed, the contents are transferred to the outer pot when the inner pot (4) is rotated or cooked during washing and washing. It is preferable to eliminate the clearance between the inner hook (4) and the inner hook (4) so as not to flow between them. However, considering the friction between the hooks when the inner hook (4) rotates, a certain amount (for example, , 0.2, or 0.3 to several mm).
Here, the above-mentioned lifting / lowering movement of the inner pot rotating means (6) is used so that the clearance can be adjusted. A clearance is formed when the inner pot (4) is rotated, and an inner pot ( 4) Make the outer hook (3) substantially contact.
Further, as a compensation for the clearance, a waterproof wall (12) is provided between the inner surface of the bottom of the outer hook (3) and the outer surface of the bottom of the inner hook (4).
The waterproof wall (12) is configured such that a metal wall (for example, stainless steel) having excellent corrosion resistance is covered with an elastic body such as packing, and the first outer hook / inner pot discharge holes (32, 41) and Two outer hook / inner hook discharge holes (33, 42) surrounding the periphery of the first waterproof wall (12a) and the outer hole (3) through hole (31) has the same outer diameter and penetrates It is comprised from the cyclic | annular 2nd waterproofing wall (12b) closely_contact | adhered with respect to a hole (31).

The first waterproof wall (12a) is disposed on the outer hook (3) side and is substantially in contact with the outer surface of the inner hook (4) (between the inner pot (4) and the first waterproof wall (12a)). It has a gap of about 0.02 to 0.2, 3 mm). Thereby, even when the inner hook (4) rotates, the clearance between the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4) can always be sealed.
Further, the second waterproof wall (12b) may be arranged on the heat insulating wall (1e) provided in the above-described rice cooker body (1) so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the bottom of the inner pot (4). Alternatively, it may be arranged on the outer surface of the bottom of the inner hook (4) so as to be in close contact with only the through hole (31).
With the above configuration, when washing the rice, cooking rice, and cleaning the inner pot (4) after use, friction between the pots, water leakage into the rice cooker body (1), and the like can be prevented.
In addition, it is preferable to use heat-resistant packing etc. for the elastic body which comprises a waterproof wall (12) in consideration of the frictional heat by rotation of a lower heating means (52) or an inner hook (4).

Further, the inner and outer peripheral positions of the inner hook discharge holes (41, 42) are formed between the first inner hook discharge hole (41) and the second inner hook discharge hole (42). The outer peripheral position and the inner peripheral position than the region where the annular recess (4a) formed in the inner surface direction of the inner hook (4) formed on the outer surface side of the hook (4) and the outer hook discharge holes (32, 33) are formed. And an annular projection (3a) projecting in the direction of the inner hook (4) formed on the inner surface side of the outer hook (3) between the first outer hook discharge hole (32) and the second outer hook discharge hole (32). ) And the annular concave portion (4a) and the annular convex portion (3a) are fitted.
Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent the water leak etc. into the rice cooker main body (1) more reliably. Further, when the inner hook (4) is rotated, the trajectory control of the inner hook (4) can be performed without difficulty, and in addition, the vibration of the inner hook (4) can be reduced.
In addition, since it is desirable that the second outer hook / inner hook discharge hole (33, 42) maintain close contact during the up-and-down movement of the inner hook (4), this is the case in the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4). The positions to be formed are configured to be parallel to each other. At this time, a slight amount of gap (C) is formed in the fitting portion between the annular recess (4a) and the annular projection (3a) formed at the outer peripheral positions of the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4). Needless to say.

In addition, when water or the like slightly flows into the clearance between the inner hook (4) and the outer hook (3) during rotation of the inner hook (4), FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable to provide a water brush (46) on the outer surface of the bottom of the inner hook (4).
The scuff brush (46) changes the phase with the inner hook discharge holes (41, 42) (for example, about 5 to 10 degrees clockwise from the second inner pot discharge hole (42)) and the first waterproof wall ( 12a) is configured to fit inside and to abut the inner surface of the outer hook (3). (See Figure 9)
Thereby, when the inner hook (4) rotates, the water scraping brush (46) can scrape off the water in the clearance.
Also, the phase changes from the outer pot discharge holes (32, 33) on the inner surface of the bottom of the outer pot (3) so that the water scraping brush (46) does not get in the way during the lowering movement of the inner pot rotating means (6) during rice cooking. A brush accommodating portion (34) is formed at a position (for example, about 5 to 15 degrees counterclockwise).
It goes without saying that the inner hook rotating means (6) is controlled by using the position sensor and the rotation control means (7) so that the water scraping brush (46) is positioned in the brush receiving part (34).
Moreover, it is preferable to use a heat-resistant packing or the like that is flexible and has a low gripping force as the material constituting the water brush (46).
Moreover, in order to perform the above-mentioned water scraping more reliably, it is preferable that a part of the vicinity of the inner surface of the outer hook (3) where the discharge holes (32, 33) are formed is slightly depressed.
The fully automatic rice cooker (R) based on this invention is comprised by the above.
In order to reduce friction caused by the rotation of the inner hook (4), silicon oil or the like may be added to the clearance between the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4). (12) may be omitted and the clearance between the outer hook (3) and the inner hook (4) may be substantially eliminated.

Based on the above structure, the usage example of the fully automatic rice cooker (R) based on this invention is demonstrated.
First, the user weighs a necessary amount of rice, puts it into the inner pot (4), and closes the lid (2).
Next, when the user presses the rice cooking button on the operation panel (not shown), water is supplied from the liquid supply means (8) under the control of the central processing unit (A). 6) Washes the rice by reciprocatingly rotating the inner pot (4).
Thereafter, the inner hook rotating means (6) rotates so as to position the inner hook (4) to the first section, and drains the polishing water. The drained sharpening water is discharged out of the rice cooker body (1) through the discharge port (1c). Thereby, the rice washing process is completed.

Thereafter, a predetermined amount of rice cooking water is again supplied from the liquid supply means (8). (The program is controlled by the central processing unit (A) using a known weight sensor or water level sensor)
Next, the lower heating means (52) is fitted into the recess (44) on the bottom surface of the inner pot (4) to heat the inner pot (4). At this time, the upper heating means (51) also generates heat and heats the inner pot (4).
Next, after a certain period of time, the rice is cooked and the rice cooking process is completed.
After this, the fully automatic rice cooker (R) is switched to the heat retention mode.

Then, after use, when the user presses a cleaning button on the operation panel (not shown), a small amount of cleaning water is first supplied from the inner pot cleaning means (9) under the control of the central processing section (A). Thereafter, the upper heating means (51) and the lower heating means (52) generate heat, and the inside pot (4) is steamed.
Next, the cleaning water is again sprayed from the inner hook cleaning means (9), and the inner hook rotating means (6) reciprocally rotates the inner hook (4) in response to this, so that the inner pot (4) Wash.
Thereafter, the inner hook rotating means (6) positions the inner hook (4) to the second section, temporarily stores the rice remaining in the inner hook (4) in the remaining rice receiving portion (1d), Then, a liquid such as washing water is discharged from the discharge port (1c) through the remaining rice receiving part (1d).
This cleaning step is preferably controlled to be repeated a plurality of times (for example, about 2 or 3 times).
Thereafter, the upper heating means (51) and the lower heating means (52) generate heat again, and the inside of the inner pot (4) is dried.
Thus, the entire process is completed.

In the above-described rice washing step, the amount of water supplied is about 15 to 40% of the capacity of the inner pot (4) so that the water supplied from the liquid supply means (8) does not overflow from the inner pot (4). It is preferable to control so that the polishing water is discharged in a plurality of times. This control may be performed by providing a known water level sensor or weight sensor in the inner hook (4).
Moreover, it is more preferable that the rice washing process is controlled so as to be repeated a plurality of times until the polishing water has a certain transparency. In addition, what is necessary is just to use a well-known transparency sensor for judgment of transparency.
In the above-described example, the cleaning process is such that a predetermined amount of detergent is injected into the water from the cleaning tank (91). However, as another configuration, water is injected into the cleaning tank (91) and the cleaning tank (91 ) A fixed amount of washing water is generated in the inner pot (4) to wash, and the washing water discharged from the remaining rice receiving part (1d) is returned to the inner pot washing means (6) using a pump not shown. It is also possible to adopt a washing water circulation type configuration in which the water is fed. Thereby, since it becomes possible to circulate washing water in the rice cooker main body while aiming at water saving, efficient washing | cleaning can be performed.
In the case of this circulation type configuration, the capacity of the liquid heater (92) is preferably about 15 to 30% of the volume of the inner pot (4) in order to maintain the cleaning efficiency.

In addition, although the case where the button of the operation panel was comprised with two of rice cooking and washing | cleaning was demonstrated in the said usage example, this can also be comprised with three buttons of rice washing, rice cooking, and washing | cleaning.
Thereby, at the stage where the rice washing process is finished, it is also possible to open the lid (2) and add the ingredients and soup stock to make cooked rice and the like.

  The present invention can be suitably used as a rice cooker used in general households.

It is a general | schematic fragmentary sectional view which shows an example of the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control form of the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic which shows the outer pot with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped, (a) is the top view, (b) is the AA sectional view. It is the schematic which shows the inner pot with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped, (a) is the top view, (b) is the AA sectional view. It is the schematic which shows the upper part heating means in the cover body with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. It is the schematic which shows the lower heating means in the inner pot with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped, (a) is front sectional drawing, (b) is a bottom view. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the cover body with which the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention is equipped. It is the schematic which shows the rotation member provided in the cover body bottom provided with the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic which shows the position of the waterproof wall provided in the fully automatic rice cooker which concerns on this invention, the watering brush, and a brush accommodating part, (a) is an outer pot top view, (b) is an inner pot bottom view. is there. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

R Fully automatic rice cooker 1 Rice cooker body 1a Opening 1b Space 2 Lid 3 Outer hook 32 First outer pot discharge hole 33 Second outer pot discharge hole 3a Annular convex part 4 Inner pot 41 First inner pot discharge hole 42 Second inner pot discharge hole 4a Annular recess 51 Upper heating means 52 Lower heating means 6 Inner pot rotation means 7 Rotation control means 8 Liquid supply means 9 Inner pot cleaning means 94a Main rotation member 94b Sub-rotation member 10 Discharge means 12 Waterproof wall

Claims (8)

A rice cooker body having an opening on the upper surface and a space communicating with the opening;
A lid that is disposed at the top of the rice cooker body and that can open and close the opening;
An outer pot accommodated and fixed in the space through the opening;
A substantially bottomed cylindrical inner pot that is supported in the outer pot and accommodates food such as rice;
A fully automatic rice cooker comprising heating means for heating the inner pot,
An inner hook rotating means connected to substantially the center of the inner hook bottom and rotating the inner hook;
Rotation control means for controlling the inner hook rotation means;
Liquid supply means for supplying a liquid such as water into the inner pot;
An inner pot cleaning means for cleaning the inner pot;
A discharge means for discharging the liquid supplied by the liquid supply means and the inner pot cleaning means and / or a part of the cooking object from the inner pot;
The discharge means has an inner hook discharge hole formed near the outer periphery of the bottom of the inner hook, and an outer pot discharge hole formed near the outer periphery of the bottom of the outer hook and on the rotation track of the inner hook discharge hole. And
A first inner hook discharge hole formed so that at least two of the inner hook discharge holes are opposed to each other across the center of the bottom of the inner hook; and a position outside each of the first inner hook discharge holes; It consists of a second inner hook discharge hole arranged on the side of the inner hook,
The outer hook discharge hole is disposed on the rotation track of the first inner hook discharge hole, and the outer hook discharge hole is located at a position outside the first outer hook discharge hole and on the side surface of the outer hook. And a second outer hook discharge hole formed on the rotation track of the second inner hook discharge hole,
The rotation control means matches the first inner pot discharge hole and the first outer pot discharge hole to drain the liquid when the rice washing process is completed, and when the inner pot cleaning is completed, The second inner pot discharge hole and the second outer pot discharge hole are made to coincide with each other in order to discharge the liquid and a part of the cooking object, and the inner pot discharge hole and the A fully automatic rice cooker that controls the inner pot rotating means so as not to match the outer pot discharge hole.   The fully automatic rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rotation control means controls the inner pot rotating means so as to reciprocate the inner pot. A rod-like main rotating member that is rotatably disposed at a substantially center of the lid body,
3. A fully automatic system according to claim 1, further comprising: a rod-shaped sub-rotating member that is rotatably disposed on the main rotating member and includes a plurality of liquid ejection ports communicating with the liquid supply means. Type rice cooker. The heating means is an upper heating means arranged on the opening side surface of the rice cooker body of the lid,
The fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising lower heating means disposed on an outer surface of the bottom portion of the inner pot from the first inner pot discharge hole . . The outer surface of the inner hook bottom portion covers the periphery of the first and second inner hook discharge holes and the first and second outer hook discharge holes and seals between the outer surface of the inner hook bottom portion and the inner surface of the outer pot bottom portion. A fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a waterproof wall.   The fully automatic rice cooker according to claim 4, wherein the lower heating means is driven in the axial direction of the inner pot to perform a contact and separation operation with respect to the bottom of the inner pot. The vertical cross-sectional shape of at least the bottom of the outer hook and the inner hook is a substantially semicircular shape that rises gently from the first inner hook discharge hole toward the inner hook shaft center. A fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An annular recess recessed toward the inner surface of the inner hook formed on the outer surface side of the inner hook at an outer peripheral position and an inner peripheral position from an area where the first and second inner hook discharge holes are formed;
An annular convex portion that is formed on the inner surface side of the outer hook at the outer peripheral position and the inner peripheral position than the area where the first and second outer hook discharge holes are formed is formed,
The fully automatic rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the annular concave portion and the annular convex portion are fitted.

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