JP6999930B2 - rice cooker - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a rice cooker.

Conventionally, a rice cooker equipped with a capacitive touch key has been proposed.

The conventional rice cooker can suppress erroneous operation of the touch key by, for example, releasing or continuing the lock mode of the touch key according to the time when a predetermined touch key is pressed and held for a long time.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-014394

In the conventional rice cooker, for example, in order to prevent a malfunction, the lock mode of the key is released (or continued) according to the time when the predetermined touch key is pressed and held for a long time. However, in the conventional rice cooker, an operation (malfunction) not intended by the user may occur during normal use (in a state where the touch key can be operated) after the lock mode is released.

The present embodiment provides a rice cooker capable of reliably suppressing a malfunction.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a rice cooker main body, a lid body that can be opened and closed from the rice cooker main body via a hinge portion, and a plurality of operation keys that instruct the execution of the assigned functions. The plurality of operation keys include a plurality of capacitive touch keys, and the touch keys are arranged on the lid. , The first touch key instructing the execution of the assigned function and the first touch key arranged on the hinge portion side of the area where the first touch key of the lid is arranged and instructing the execution of the assigned function. The control unit includes two touch keys, and the control unit is the first when the open state of the lid continues for a predetermined time after the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid . A rice cooker having an invalidating means for controlling the function assigned to one touch key so as not to be executed is provided.
Further, according to another aspect of the present embodiment, a rice cooker main body, a lid body that can be opened and closed from the rice cooker main body via a hinge portion, and a plurality of instructions for executing the assigned function, respectively. The operation key and a control unit for controlling the execution of the function instructed by the operation key are provided, the plurality of operation keys include a plurality of capacitive touch keys, and the touch key is the lid body. The first touch key arranged in the rice cooker and instructing the execution of the assigned function and the execution of the assigned function arranged in the hinge portion side of the area where the first touch key of the lid is arranged are arranged. The control unit includes a second touch key for instructing, and when the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid, the control unit has a function assigned to the first touch key. It has an invalidating means for controlling so as not to be executed, and when the time when continuous contact with the first touch key is detected is less than the first predetermined time, and when the lid is open, the first touch is performed. A rice cooker that activates the invalidation means is provided when the lid is kept open for a second predetermined time after the contact with the key is detected.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a rice cooker capable of reliably suppressing a malfunction.

The perspective view which shows the whole composition of a rice cooker. A perspective view showing the inside of a rice cooker. Side view of the rice cooker when the lid is fully open. Side view of the rice cooker when the lid is being closed. Side view of the rice cooker when the lid is closed. Sectional drawing which shows typically the lock mechanism of a rice cooker. A perspective view of the bottom of the rice cooker. The perspective view which shows by breaking the weight sensor part. The plan view which shows the operation display panel and the operation key of a rice cooker. Functional block diagram of rice cooker. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. A flowchart showing an example of a rice cooker's weighing rice cooking operation. The flowchart which shows an example of the invalidation control process of the 1st touch key. The flowchart which shows the 1st modification of the invalidation control process of the 1st touch key. The flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the invalidation control process of the 1st touch key. A chart showing the steps of setting rice cooking and the conditions under which the keys required for each step are displayed. A flowchart showing a modified example of the weighing rice cooking operation of a rice cooker. A flowchart showing a modified example of the weighing rice cooking operation of a rice cooker. A flowchart showing a modified example of the weighing rice cooking operation of a rice cooker. A flowchart showing a modified example of the weighing rice cooking operation of a rice cooker. A flowchart showing an example of human feeling and operation key control processing. A flowchart showing an example of key detection invalidation control processing according to a time zone. The flowchart which shows an example of the key detection return control processing at the time of a power failure. A flowchart showing an example of operation key operation restriction control processing by face recognition. The perspective view which shows typically the rice cooker and the communication device which operates a rice cooker remotely. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the communication device when the operation key is locked. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a communication device when the lock of an operation key is released.

Next, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.

Further, the embodiments shown below exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical idea, and do not specify the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc. of the components to the following. .. This embodiment can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[Overall configuration example of rice cooker]
The overall configuration of the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the rice cooker, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rice cooker.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment includes a rice cooker main body 20 and a lid 40 that can be opened and closed via a hinge portion 30, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped appearance. It has a shape.

Further, the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment has an automatic weighing function and a calorie content display function.

Further, an operation display panel 101 for displaying the selected brand or the like is provided on the top surface of the lid 40, and the weight of rice or water is displayed and the calories of rice are displayed on the front surface of the rice cooker body 20. An operation display panel 102 for displaying the amount is provided.

In order to make the operation display panel 102 easier for the user to see, it is desirable to slightly incline the front surface of the rice cooker main body 20.

Further, in the rice cooker main body 20, a bottomed cylindrical portion 22 that opens upward and can accommodate the inner pot (rice cooker) 21 is formed. The cylindrical portion 22 is provided with an IH coil 23 for heating the inner pot 21 and a temperature sensor SN1 for detecting the temperature of the inner pot 21. The inner pot 21 is made of metal or the like, and the cooked rice containing rice and water is housed in the inner pot 21.

A handle 50 for carrying the rice cooker 10 is rotatably attached to the side wall portion of the rice cooker main body 20, and a power cord 51 is provided below the side wall portion of the rice cooker main body 20.

Inside the rice cooker main body 20, a control means 501 or the like as a control unit composed of a microcomputer or the like is housed.

A plurality of operation keys B are provided on the top surface of the lid 40 and the front surface of the rice cooker body 20, and each operation key B instructs the control means 501 to execute the assigned function. I have to. For example, a rice cooking key B1 instructing the start of rice cooking is provided on the top surface of the lid 40, and when the rice cooking key B1 is operated, the start of rice cooking (execution of the function assigned to the rice cooking key B1) is provided. ) Is instructed to the control means 501.

Further, a steam port cap 41 is detachably provided on the hinge portion 30 side of the upper surface of the lid 40.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2, a shaft 43 for detachably attaching the inner lid 42 is provided inside the lid 40. A steam port 44 that allows steam to escape to the outside is formed in the vicinity of the shaft 43.

The inner lid 42 is formed into a disk shape from metal or the like, and a packing 45 is detachably attached to the peripheral edge portion. Further, the inner lid 42 is provided with a rubber mounting portion 46 that can engage with the shaft 43 described above, and a steam port packing rubber 47 is provided at a position facing the steam port 44 of the inner lid 42. Has been done.

[Example of opening / closing operation of lid]
Next, an example of opening / closing operation of the lid 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

Here, FIG. 3 is a side view of the rice cooker when the lid is fully open, FIG. 4 is a side view of the rice cooker when the lid is in the process of being closed, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the rice cooker when the lid is closed. A side view of the rice cooker, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the locking mechanism of the rice cooker.

The hinge portion 30 is provided at the rear end of the rice cooker main body 20, and the rear end of the lid 40 is connected to the hinge portion 30. Then, the front side of the lid 40 rotates in the vertical direction with the rotation shaft 31 of the hinge portion 30 as a fulcrum.

In the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the lid 40 is stationary in a substantially vertical state. Further, the lid 40 is urged by an urging member (not shown) such as a coil spring so that the front side rotates upward.

The operation of closing the lid 40 in the open state can be performed, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator U's hand is hooked on the front end of the lid 40 that stands still in a substantially vertical state.

Next, with the hand of the operator U hooked on the front end of the lid 40, the hand of the operator U is pulled toward the front. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the front side of the lid 40 rotates downward with the rotation shaft 31 of the hinge portion 30 as a fulcrum.

Then, when the lid body 40 is further rotated downward from the state shown in FIG. 4, the lid body 40 is in the closed state shown in FIG.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid 40 is closed by engaging the engaging protrusion 48 formed at the front end of the lid 40 with the engaged portion 24a formed in the rice cooker main body 20. I am trying to maintain the state.

That is, the rice cooker 10 is provided with a lock mechanism 11 including an engaging protrusion 48 and an engaged portion 24a so that the lid 40 is locked in the closed state shown in FIG. There is.

Further, the hook button 24 exposed from the upper surface of the rice cooker 10 is attached to the rice cooker main body 20 so as to be rotatable around the rotation shaft 24b, and the engaged portion 24a is integrated with the hook button 24. It is provided in.

By doing so, when the hook button 24 is pressed and rotated, the engaged portion 24a rotates with the rotation of the hook button 24, and the engaging protrusion 48 and the engaged portion 24a are rotated. The engagement with is released.

As described above, the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment includes at least a hook button 24 as a lock mechanism operation unit for unlocking by the lock mechanism 11.

Further, the rice cooker 10 is provided with an opening / closing detecting means (opening / closing detection sensor) SN2 for detecting the opening / closing of the lid 40.

The open / close detecting means SN2 is provided with, for example, a magnetic detection sensor in the rice cooker main body 20, and a spherical magnet is arranged in the lid 40 so as to reciprocate within a predetermined range as the lid 40 is opened and closed. Can be obtained at. In this case, the opening / closing of the lid 40 is detected by detecting the change in magnetism due to the movement of the spherical magnet by the magnetic detection sensor.

Further, it is also possible to configure the open / close detecting means SN2 by a switch provided in the rice cooker main body 20 so as to be retractable. In this case, when the switch is immersed by the lid 40, the closed state of the lid 40 is detected.

[Structure example of weight sensor]
Next, the configuration of the weight sensor as the weighing means will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the rice cooker, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the weight sensor portion broken.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, weight measurement is performed by providing strain gauges 25B on the pedestals 25 at the four corners. Specifically, the strain gauge 25B and the weight sensor pedestal 25C are attached to the base member 25A and fixed by the weight sensor cover 25D.

Then, by deforming the strain gauge 25B when the cooked rice is housed in the inner pot 21, the weight is measured based on the strain of each strain gauge 25B.

In addition, when you take only the amount of cooked rice you eat, you can measure the weight of the cooked rice as a difference and multiply the weight of the rice by a predetermined calorie coefficient to obtain the calorie content. I have to.

The calorie coefficient is a value proportional to the size of the calorie, and indicates, for example, the calorie (kcal / g) per 1 g of rice.

By displaying this calorie amount on the operation display panel 102, the user can know the calorie amount of the cooked rice to be eaten.

[Operation display panel and operation key configuration example]
Next, the configuration of the operation display panel and the operation keys will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an operation display panel and operation keys included in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment.

The top surface of the lid 40 is provided with an operation display panel 101 and a plurality of operation keys B located on the front side of the operation display panel 101.

A liquid crystal display unit D1 is provided in the center of the operation display panel 101. The liquid crystal display unit D1 is a liquid crystal display device that displays the current time, timer set time, remaining time, and the like. Further, on the left end side of the liquid crystal display unit D1 on the operation display panel 101, a character printing unit P1 on which a plurality of rice cooking menus such as "washless rice" and "white rice" are written is arranged. Further, on the right end side of the liquid crystal display unit D1 of the operation display panel 101, a character printing unit P2 on which a plurality of rice brands such as "Koshihikari" and "Akitakomachi" are written is arranged.

The operation keys B provided on the top surface of the lid 40 are rice cooking key B1, heat retention / cancellation key B2, reservation key B3, hour / minute key B4, menu key B5, hardness key B6, special cooking key B7, and rice. It has a brand key B8.

The rice-cooking key B1 is a key for instructing the start of rice-cooking, and is a capacitive touch key BK. Further, the heat retention / cancellation key B2 is a key for switching the heat retention on / off, and is a capacitance type touch key BK.

The reservation key B3 is a key for setting the reservation mode for cooking rice, the hour / minute key B4 is a key for setting the current time and the reservation time, and the reservation key B3 and the hour / minute key B4 are electrostatic capacitance. It may be a touch key of an expression, or it may be a switch that accepts a physical push-down.

Further, the menu key B5 is a key for selecting a plurality of rice cooking menus such as "washless rice" and "white rice", and is a capacitive touch key BK.

Further, the hardness key B6 is a key for setting the hardness of cooked rice, and the hardness key B6 may be a capacitive touch key or a switch that accepts physical pressing.

In addition, the special cooking key B7 is a key to set any of rice ball mode, freezing mode, bowl mode, curry mode, sushi rice mode, and dietary fiber rice mode, and the special cooking key B7 is also a capacitive touch. It may be a key or a switch that accepts physical pressing. In the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, when any mode is selected by the special cooking key B7, the heating process, pressurization time, etc. are adjusted according to the selected mode. ..

Further, the rice brand key B8 is a key for selecting a rice brand, and is a capacitance type touch key BK.

Further, the rice cooking key B1, the heat retention / cancellation key B2, the reservation key B3, and the hour / minute key B4 are arranged on the front end side of the lid 40. The menu key B5, the hardness key B6, the special cooking key B7, and the rice brand key B8 are located on the hinge portion 30 side of the rice cooking key B1, the heat retention / cancellation key B2, the reservation key B3, and the hour / minute key B4. Have been placed.

Therefore, in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the operation key B includes a plurality of capacitive touch keys BK. The rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 are arranged on the lid 40 and serve as a first touch key of the capacitance type instructing the execution of the assigned function. It should be noted that only one of the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 may be the first touch key.

Then, the menu key B5 and the US brand key B8 are arranged on the hinge portion 30 side of the area where the first touch key of the lid 40 is arranged, and the capacitance type first instructing the execution of the assigned function. It is a 2-touch key.

Further, in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the rice cooker key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 arranged on the front side of the lid 40 are at least a predetermined distance (for example, 3 cm) from the hook button (lock mechanism operation unit) 24. Above) It is designed to be placed at a distant position.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the hand of the operator U from coming into contact with the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 when the lid 40 is opened and closed.

Further, in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the menu key B5 and the rice brand key B8 are capacitive selection / setting keys for making various selections / settings, and the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation are used. The key B2 is arranged at a position away from the menu key B5 and the US brand key B8.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the hand of the operator U from accidentally touching the rice cooking key B1 or the heat retention / cancellation key B2 when making various selections and settings.

Further, in the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the plurality of operation keys B have operation keys having different forms.

Specifically, the operation key B includes a selection / setting key for performing various selections / settings and a start / stop key for instructing start / stop of various operations.

In the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, the reservation key B3, the hour / minute key B4, the menu key B5, the hardness key B6, the special cooking key B7, and the rice brand key B8 are the keys for selection / setting. , Rice cooker key B1 and heat retention / cancellation key B2 are keys for starting / stopping.

Then, the shape of the key for selection / setting is rectangular, and the shape of the key for start / stop is circular, so that each key can be visually distinguished.

By making the form of the key for selection / setting different from the form of the key for start / stop in this way, the hand of the operator U mistakenly starts / stops when making various selections / settings. It is possible to prevent the key from touching the key.

It should be noted that the shape of the key for selection / setting and the key for start / stop may be visually distinguishable, for example, they may be visually distinguished by different colors.

Further, the operation display panel 102 includes a liquid crystal display unit D11. The liquid crystal display unit D11 is a display device that displays a measured value, a calorie amount, and the like. Further, the operation display panel 102 includes a weighing button B11 for executing the weighing mode described later, and a calorie button B12 for executing the calorie calculation mode. The weighing button B11 and the calorie button B12 are also a part of the plurality of operation keys B, and the weighing button B11 may be a capacitive touch key BK or a switch that accepts a physical push-down. Further, the calorie button B12 may be a capacitive touch key BK or a switch that accepts a physical push-down.

Next, the outline of the weighing operation example will be described.

First, the user selects a menu, hardness, rice brand, etc. by operating the selection / setting keys arranged on the lid 40, opens the lid 40 of the rice cooker 10, and puts it in the inner pot 21. Add rice. Next, press the weighing button B11 on the operation display panel 102 (the rice weight is navigated by the display), take out the inner pot 21 and wash the rice, set the inner pot 21 in the rice cooker 10, and then set the inner pot 21 in the inner pot 21. Add water (the amount of water is navigated by the display and sound). Here, the weighing button B11 is pressed in order to make the user recognize the use of the weighing mode, but the weighing mode may be automatically switched to when the lid 40 is opened. Finally, when the lid 40 of the rice cooker 10 is closed and the rice cooking key B1 is pressed, rice cooking is started.

[Functional configuration of rice cooker]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the functional configuration of the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

Here, FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the rice cooker.

In the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment, a rice cooking means 500 capable of executing a rice cooking process, a control means 501 for controlling the rice cooking means 500, an operation key B for giving an instruction to the control means 501, a selected brand, and the like are displayed. Operation display panel 101, a power supply circuit 600 connected to a 100V AC power supply 601 to supply power to each component, a measuring means (distortion gauge) 25B, and a display unit (display means) including a display switching means (switch) SW1. ) 102 and the like.

The operation display panel 101 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit D1, and character printing units P1 and character printing units P2 are arranged on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display unit D1.

The operation key B arranged on the lid 40 is hinged more than the area where the first touch key of the capacitance type (rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2) and the first touch key of the lid 40 are arranged. It is provided with a capacitance type second touch key (menu key B5 and US brand key B8) arranged on the unit 30 side.

Further, the operation display panel 102 including the display means is provided with a measurement button B11 for instructing the measurement process and a calorie button B12 for instructing the calorie display.

Further, the display switching means SW1 for switching the display on the operation display panel 102 is, for example, a switch for switching between the calculated calorie display of the rice and the weight display of the rice, and the user may manually switch the display. The display contents may be automatically switched at a predetermined time under the control of the display control unit 161.

The rice cooking means 500 includes an inner pot (rice cooking pot) 21 for accommodating cooked rice containing rice and water, an IH coil 23 as a heating means for heating the rice cooking pot 21, and a temperature for detecting the temperature of the rice cooking pot 21. It is composed of a temperature sensor SN1 as a detecting means, a lid 40 having the above-described configuration, an opening / closing detecting means SN2 for detecting the opening / closing of the lid 40, and the like.

When the rice cooker 10 is configured as a microcomputer-type rice cooker, a heater is provided instead of the IH coil 23 as a heating means.

The control means 501 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and is given in each process by the cooperation of hardware such as a CPU and software (program) based on the detection result of the temperature sensor SN1 and the instruction from the operation panel 101. It constitutes a calorific value setting unit 150 for setting a calorific value (power), a total number determination unit 151 for determining the amount of rice to be cooked, and the like.

An existing method can be applied to the total number determination method.

Further, the microcomputer as the control means 501 includes a data storage unit 152 composed of a ROM, a flash memory, etc., stores execution programs such as rice cooking processing and calorie calculation, and stores data and the like related to each process and the like in a data table. It is stored in advance as 153.

Further, the data table 153 also stores data such as a calorie coefficient per unit weight of the cooked rice corresponding to each rice cooking menu.

As a result, since the calorie coefficient corresponding to the rice cooking menu is predetermined, an appropriate calorie amount can be calculated according to the set rice cooking menu, and the user can be notified of the correct calorie amount.

The control means 501 includes a timer 154 that adjusts the duration and switching timing of each process.

Further, the control means 501 includes a calculation unit 160 for calculating the calorie amount by multiplying the change amount of the weight of the cooked rice measured by the measuring means (strain gauge) 25B by the calorie coefficient per unit weight of the cooked rice. There is.

Further, it includes an energization control unit 701 that controls the energization of the heating means 211 so as to be interrupted based on a predetermined operation or the like, and a communication unit 702 that communicates with the rice cooking means 500 or the like.

Further, the control means 501 provides an invalidation means 703 that controls so that the function assigned to the first touch key is not executed when the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid 40. Have.

As a result, when the operator U's hand or the like unintentionally touches the first touch key (rice cooker key B1 and heat retention / cancel key B2) while the lid 40 is open, the rice cooker 10 Is made to be able to suppress the malfunction.

Further, the control means 501 includes a display control unit 161 that controls the operation of the display changeover switch SW1.
Then, the display control unit 161 can be controlled to display the amount of change in the weight of the cooked rice (gram display) instead of displaying the calorie amount on the operation display panel 102.

Further, the display control unit 161 may control the operation display panel 102 to display the amount of change in the weight of the cooked rice in addition to the display of the calorie amount.

Further, the user may operate the display changeover switch SW1 to switch the display contents.

[Example of weighing rice cooking operation]
Next, the metering rice cooking operation of the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11G.

Here, FIGS. 11A to 11G are flowcharts showing the metered rice cooking operation of the rice cooker 10.

First, when the power cord 51 of the rice cooker 10 is plugged into an outlet of a house or the like, the menu display of the operation display panel 101 is activated, but the liquid crystal display unit D11 of the operation display panel 102 remains off (S1 → S2). ). At this time, the previous information on the menu, brand, and hardness is maintained (S3).

Next, in step S501, the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is set.

Next, when the user presses the menu key B5, the menu selection is switched (S4 → S5 → S4). For example, (1) wash-free rice → (2) wash-free rice, new rice → (3) wash-free rice, energy saving → (4) wash-free rice, fast-cooking → (5) white rice → (6) white rice, new rice → (7) white rice, Energy saving → (8) white rice, quick cooking → (9) cooking → (10) rice porridge → (11) brown rice → (12) stewed / steamed → (1) wash-free rice → ...

Here, in step S4, if the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "No", the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is substituted, and the process proceeds to step S6.

If the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "Yes" in step S4, the process proceeds to step S208, and the rice cooking menu No. Is determined to be 1 to 12.

Then, when it is determined that M = 12, the process proceeds to step S209, M is reset to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S210.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "No" in step S208, the process proceeds to step S210, M is incremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step S5.

Then, when the user presses the rice brand key B8, the brand selection remains off (S6 → S7 → S8 → S6) if the selection menu is not white rice or wash-free rice. On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the brand selection is switched (S6 → S7 → S9 → S6). For example, (0) Others → (1) Koshihikari → (2) Akitakomachi → (3) Tsuyahime → (4) Yumepirika → (5) Hitomebore → (6) Hinohikari → (0) Others → ... It has become like.

Then, when the user presses the hardness button, the hardness selection remains off (S10 → S11 → S12 → S10) if the selection menu is not white rice or wash-free rice. On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the hardness selection is switched (S10 → S11 → S13 → S10). For example, (1) standard → (2) firm → (3) soft → (1) standard → ...

Next, when the lid 40 is open, the weight is equal to or more than the appropriate weight of the hook, and the heat retention is "OFF", the weighing display is started (S14 → S16 → S18 → S22). The appropriate weight of the hook is the weight obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the weight of the hook.

On the other hand, if the lid 40 is not open, the weight is not more than the appropriate weight of the hook, or the heat retention is not "off", the state is left as it is (S14 → S15, S16 → S17, S18 → S19). However, when the heat retention / cancellation key B2 is pressed, the weighing display is started (S19 → S20 → S22). If the lid 40 is closed (S21: YES), the process returns to step S14.

Next, if the weighing display is left for 10 minutes or more after the measurement display is started, the weighing display is turned off (S23 → S24 → S25 → S24) unless the weighing button B11 is pressed. Even if the product has not been left for 10 minutes or more, when the heat retention / cancel key B2 is pressed, the measurement display is turned off from the viewpoint of energy saving unless the measurement button B11 is pressed (S23 → S26 → S27 → S28 → S27). ..

On the other hand, if the rice weight is less than the allowable rice weight / upper limit of the rice cooking menu when the rice is left for 10 minutes or more and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 is not pressed, "Put rice and press the weighing button. "Press" and the like are displayed (S23 → S26 → S29 → S31). If the rice weight is not less than the allowable rice weight / upper limit of the rice cooking menu, an error is displayed (S23 → S26 → S29 → S30). In this flow, the leaving time is set to 10 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Next, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight of the rice cooking menu, the display of "Put rice and press the weighing button" is maintained, and the weighing button B11 is blinked (S32 → S33). As a result, when the user presses the weighing button B11, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight range, the rice weight is stored and the optimum amount of water for the rice-like amount is displayed. Specifically, the water measuring mode "○○ cc water is added (reduced)" or the like is displayed (S34 → S35 → S36). The allowable rice weight "○ go ~ ○ go" is determined for each rice cooking menu.

Here, when the menu is "wash-free rice", "○○ cc water is added" or the like is displayed (S37 → S38). On the other hand, when the menu is other than "washless rice", "○○ cc rice is washed and then water is added" is displayed (S37 → S39).

Next, when the cancel button is not pressed and the weight of water (+ rice) is not within the optimum water amount range, a beep sounds and the rice cooking key B1 and the reservation key are turned off (S40 → S41). → S42 → S41). On the other hand, when the weight of water (+ rice) is within the optimum water amount range, a beep sounds, the rice cooking key B1 and the reservation key blink, and if the lid 40 is closed, the weighing mode is canceled. "Time mode: 00:00" and the like are displayed (S40-> S41-> S43-> S44-> S45). The optimum water amount range "optimal water amount ± ○%" is determined based on the combination of the rice cooking menu, the brand, and the hardness setting. Further, when the optimum amount of water is reached, it is desirable to prompt the lid 40 to close by display or voice.

Next, when the user presses the reservation key, the mode shifts to the reservation mode, "00:00" or the like is displayed, and "reservation 1" is turned on to display the previous registration time (S46 → S47 → S48). Here, when the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the cancel button or the reservation button, the registration time of the reservation 1 is updated (S49 → S50 → S56 → S57). On the other hand, when the user presses the reservation button without pressing the cancel button, "Reservation 2" is lit to display the previous registration time, and when the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the reservation button, reservation 2 is displayed. The registration time of is updated (S49-> S50-> S51-> S52-> S54-> S55). When the user presses the reservation button in step S52, the reservation mode is canceled and "time mode: 00:00" or the like is displayed (S52 → S53).

Finally, when the user presses the rice cooking key B1, if the lid 40 is closed, rice cooking is started in the selected rice cooking menu / brand course (S58 → S59 → S60). After that, when the rice cooking is completed, the heat insulation is started (S61), and the process returns to step S14.

[Example of invalidation control process of the first touch key]
Next, the invalidation control process of the first touch key will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the invalidation control process of the first touch key.

First, the opening / closing of the lid 40 is detected by the opening / closing detecting means (opening / closing detection sensor) SN2 (S101 → S102).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103.

That is, in step S102, when the open / close detection means (open / close detection sensor) SN2 detects the open state of the lid 40, the operator U's hand or the like to the first touch key (rice cooking key B1 or heat retention / cancellation key B2) is used. It is determined whether or not there is contact (whether or not the first touch key is pressed: whether or not the contact with the first touch key is detected) (S102 → S103).

If "No" is determined in step S102, the control in step S102 is repeated.

If "No" is determined in step S103, the control in step S103 is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104.

That is, when the contact with the first touch key is detected in step S103 (when the first touch key is pressed), the contact time with the first touch key (first touch key pressing time: first touch key). The time from the detection of contact to the contact to the detection of non-contact) is counted (S104 → S105 → S106 → S105).

At this time, for example, the contact time with the first touch key is counted in units of 0.1 seconds (S106).

Specifically, when it is determined as "No" in step S105 (when contact with the first touch key is detected), the control of S105 → S106 → S105 is repeated, and the count time T is 0. It is added by 1 second.

If it is determined as "Yes" in step S105 (when non-contact to the first touch key is detected, such as when the operator U releases his / her hand from the first touch key), step S107 Move to.

That is, it is determined whether or not the continuous contact time with the counted first touch key is less than 1 second (less than a predetermined time) (S107).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108.

That is, when it is determined that the continuous contact time with the counted first touch key is less than 1 second (less than a predetermined time), the control means 501 activates the invalidation means 703 and presses the first touch key. Disable. Specifically, when it is determined that the continuous contact time with the first touch key is less than 1 second (less than a predetermined time), the contact of the operator U's hand or the like with the first touch key (of the first touch key). Pressing) is determined to be an operation other than a long press (including an erroneous operation that was not touched with the intention of executing the function assigned to the first touch key), and the control means 501 functions the invalidating means 703. To prevent the function assigned to the first touch key from being executed.

Then, in step S108, after the invalidation means 703 is activated, the invalidation control process of the first touch key is terminated (S108 → S109).

If "No" is determined in step S107, the invalidation control process of the first touch key is terminated without proceeding to step S108 (S107 → S109).

[First modification of the first touch key invalidation control process]
The invalidation control process of the first touch key can also be performed by the method shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first modification of the invalidation control process of the first touch key.

First, the opening / closing of the lid 40 is detected by the opening / closing detecting means (opening / closing detection sensor) SN2 (S111 → S112).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S112, the process proceeds to step S113.

That is, in step S112, when the open / close detection means (open / close detection sensor) SN2 detects the open state of the lid 40, the operator U's hand or the like to the first touch key (rice cooking key B1 or heat retention / cancellation key B2) is used. It is determined whether or not there is contact (whether or not the first touch key is pressed: whether or not the contact with the first touch key is detected) (S112 → S113).

If "No" is determined in step S112, the control in step S112 is repeated.

If "No" is determined in step S113, the control in step S113 is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S113, the process proceeds to step S114.

That is, in step S113, when the operator U's hand or the like touches the first touch key (when the first touch key is pressed), the time after the first touch key is touched (first). The opening time of the lid 40 after touching the touch key) is counted (S114 → S115 → S116 → S115).

At this time, for example, the time after touching the first touch key is counted in units of 1 second (S116).

Specifically, when it is determined as "No" in step S115 (when the count time after touching the first touch key is 10 seconds or less), the control of S115 → S116 → S115 is repeated and the count is performed. Time T is added by 1 second.

Then, when it is determined as "Yes" in step S115 (when the count time after touching the first touch key is longer than 10 seconds), the process proceeds to step S117.

That is, it is determined whether or not the time counted after touching the first touch key is greater than 10 seconds (whether the open state of the lid 40 has continued for a predetermined time) (S117).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S117, the process proceeds to step S118.

That is, when it is determined that the time counted after touching the first touch key is longer than 10 seconds (the open state of the lid 40 continues for a predetermined time), the control means 501 causes the invalidation means 703 to function. , Disables the pressing of the first touch key. Specifically, when it is determined that the time counted after touching the first touch key is longer than 10 seconds (the open state of the lid 40 continues for a predetermined time), water droplets or water droplets are formed on the first touch key. It is determined that foreign matter is attached, and the control means 501 activates the invalidation means 703 so that the function assigned to the first touch key is not executed.

Then, in step S118, after the invalidation means 703 is made to function, the invalidation control process of the first touch key is terminated (S118 → S119).

If "No" is determined in step S117, the invalidation control process of the first touch key is terminated without proceeding to step S118 (S117 → S119).

[Second modification of the invalidation control process of the first touch key]
Further, the invalidation control process of the first touch key can also be performed by the method shown in FIG.

Here, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the invalidation control process of the first touch key.

First, the opening / closing of the lid 40 is detected by the opening / closing detecting means (opening / closing detection sensor) SN2 (S121 → S122).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S122, the process proceeds to step S123.

That is, in step S122, when the open / close detection means (open / close detection sensor) SN2 detects the open state of the lid 40, the operator U's hand or the like to the first touch key (rice cooking key B1 or heat retention / cancellation key B2) is used. It is determined whether or not there is contact (whether or not the first touch key is pressed: whether or not the contact with the first touch key is detected) (S122 → S123).

If "No" is determined in step S122, the control in step S122 is repeated.

If "No" is determined in step S123, the control in step S123 is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S123, the process proceeds to step S124.

That is, when it is determined that the first touch key has come into contact with the hand of the operator U or the like (contact with the first touch key has been detected), the control means 501 activates the invalidation means 703 and first. Disable touch key presses. Specifically, while the open state of the lid 40 is detected, even if the first touch key is touched, the control means 501 causes the invalidation means 703 to function, and the function assigned to the first touch key. Is not executed.

Then, in step S124, after the invalidation means 703 is activated, the invalidation control process of the first touch key is terminated (S124 → S125).

[Modified example of rice cooker weighing rice cooking operation]
Further, the control unit 501 controls so that the rice cooking start is executed after the predetermined rice cooking setting is performed, and the necessary key may be displayed for each step of the rice cooking setting.

Specifically, the metering rice cooking operation of the rice cooker 10 is performed by taking steps 1 to 5 (steps for setting rice cooking) shown in FIG. 15, and as shown in FIG. 16, 1 to 5 are performed. The required key is displayed for each step.

Here, step 1 is a step of determining the item selected by the operation of the menu key B5, step 2 is a step of determining the item selected by the operation of the US brand key B8, and step 3 is a step of determining the item selected by the operation of the US brand key B8. This is a step of determining the item selected by operating the hardness key B6.

Then, in step 1, the selected menu is displayed by pressing the menu key B5. Further, in step 2 and step 3, the rice brand and the hardness are displayed by pressing the enter button.

Further, step 4 is a step of weighing rice and water (weighing step), and step 5 is a step of instructing the start of cooking rice. The measuring step for measuring rice and water includes a water injection step of injecting water necessary for cooking rice into the rice cooker main body 20.

Then, in step 4, the weighing button B11 is displayed by pressing the enter button. Further, in step 5, the rice cooking key B1 is displayed when it is determined that the water injection amount is an appropriate amount.

The metered rice cooking operation according to the modified example is basically subjected to the same control processing as the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11A to 11G, and new control processing is performed at the locations shown in FIGS. 16A to 16D. .. Note that FIG. 16A corresponds to FIG. 11B, FIG. 16B corresponds to FIG. 11C, FIG. 16C corresponds to FIG. 11D, and FIG. 16D corresponds to FIG. 11F.

Therefore, in the metering rice cooking operation according to the modified example, when the power cord 51 of the rice cooker 10 is first plugged into an outlet of a house or the like, the menu display or the like of the operation display panel 101 is activated, but the operation display is started. The liquid crystal display unit D11 of the panel 102 remains off (S1 → S2). At this time, the previous information on the menu, brand, and hardness is maintained (S3).

Next, in step S501, the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is set.

Next, when the user presses the menu key B5, the "menu" selected by pressing the menu key B5 is displayed on, for example, the operation display panel 101 (S3A → S3B). The display of this "menu" may be such that the characters printed in advance are lit by an LED or the like, or may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit D1 of the operation display panel 101. That is, the selected "menu" may be displayed by the dot display, or the selected "menu" may be displayed by the graphic display.

Next, when the user presses the menu key B5, the menu selection is switched (S4 → S5 → S4). For example, (1) wash-free rice → (2) wash-free rice, new rice → (3) wash-free rice, energy saving → (4) wash-free rice, fast-cooking → (5) white rice → (6) white rice, new rice → (7) white rice, Energy saving → (8) white rice, quick cooking → (9) cooking → (10) rice porridge → (11) brown rice → (12) stewed / steamed → (1) wash-free rice → ...

Here, in step S4, if the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "No", the currently set rice cooking menu No. Is substituted, and the process proceeds to step S6.

If the determination result of pressing the menu button B1 is "Yes" in step S4, the process proceeds to step S208, and the rice cooking menu No. Is determined to be 1 to 12.

Then, when it is determined that M = 12, the process proceeds to step S209, M is reset to “0”, and the process proceeds to step S210.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "No" in step S208, the process proceeds to step S210, M is incremented by "1", and the process proceeds to step S5.

Next, when the user presses the enter button, the menu selection is determined, and the "rice brand" selected by pressing the rice brand key B8 is displayed, for example, on the operation display panel 101 (S4A → S4B). The display of the "rice brand" may be either dot display or graphic display.

Then, when the user presses the rice brand key B8, the brand selection remains off (S6 → S7 → S8 → S6) if the selection menu is not white rice or wash-free rice. On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the brand selection is switched (S6 → S7 → S9 → S6). For example, (0) Others → (1) Koshihikari → (2) Akitakomachi → (3) Tsuyahime → (4) Yumepirika → (5) Hitomebore → (6) Hinohikari → (0) Others → ... It has become like.

Next, when the user presses the enter button, the rice brand selection is determined, and the "hardness" selected by pressing the hardness key B6 is displayed on, for example, the operation display panel 101 (S6A → S6B). The display of "hardness" may be either dot display or graphic display.

Then, when the user presses the hardness button, the hardness selection remains off (S10 → S11 → S12 → S10) if the selection menu is not white rice or wash-free rice. On the other hand, when the selection menu is white rice or non-washed rice, the hardness selection is switched (S10 → S11 → S13 → S10). For example, (1) standard → (2) firm → (3) soft → (1) standard → ...

Next, when the lid 40 is open, the weight is equal to or more than the appropriate weight of the hook, and the heat retention is "OFF", the weighing display is started (S14 → S16 → S18 → S22). The appropriate weight of the hook is the weight obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the weight of the hook.

On the other hand, if the lid 40 is not open, the weight is not more than the appropriate weight of the hook, or the heat retention is not "off", the state is left as it is (S14 → S15, S16 → S17, S18 → S19). However, when the heat retention / cancellation key B2 is pressed, the weighing display is started (S19 → S20 → S22). If the lid 40 is closed (S21: YES), the process returns to step S14.

Next, if the weighing display is left for 10 minutes or more after the measurement display is started, the weighing display is turned off (S24A → S24B) unless the enter button is pressed. Even if the product has not been left for 10 minutes or more, when the heat retention / cancel key B2 is pressed, the measurement display is turned off from the viewpoint of energy saving unless the measurement button B11 is pressed (S23 → S26 → S27 → S28 → S27). ..

On the other hand, if the rice weight is less than the allowable rice weight / upper limit of the rice cooking menu when the rice is left for 10 minutes or more and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 is not pressed, "Put rice and press the weighing button. "Press" and the like are displayed (S23 → S26 → S29 → S31). If the rice weight is not less than the allowable rice weight / upper limit of the rice cooking menu, an error is displayed (S23 → S26 → S29 → S30). In this flow, the leaving time is set to 10 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Next, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight of the rice cooking menu, the display of "Put rice and press the weighing button" is maintained, and the weighing button B11 is blinked (S32 → S33). As a result, when the user presses the weighing button B11, when the rice weight is within the allowable rice weight range, the rice weight is stored and the optimum amount of water for the rice-like amount is displayed. Specifically, the water measuring mode "○○ cc water is added (reduced)" or the like is displayed (S34 → S35 → S36). The allowable rice weight "○ go ~ ○ go" is determined for each rice cooking menu.

Here, when the menu is "wash-free rice", "○○ cc water is added" or the like is displayed (S37 → S38). On the other hand, when the menu is other than "washless rice", "○○ cc rice is washed and then water is added" is displayed (S37 → S39).

Next, when the cancel button is not pressed and the weight of water (+ rice) is not within the optimum water amount range, a beep sounds and the rice cooking key B1 and the reservation key are turned off (S40 → S41). → S42 → S41). On the other hand, when the weight of water (+ rice) is within the optimum water amount range, "rice cooking" is displayed (S41 → S41A). After that, a beep sounds, the rice cooking key B1 and the reservation key blink, and if the lid 40 is closed, the weighing mode is canceled and "time mode: 00:00" or the like is displayed (S40 → S41 → S41A → S43 → S44 → S45). The optimum water amount range "optimal water amount ± ○%" is determined based on the combination of the rice cooking menu, the brand, and the hardness setting. Further, when the optimum amount of water is reached, it is desirable to prompt the lid 40 to close by display or voice.

Next, when the user presses the reservation key, the mode shifts to the reservation mode, "00:00" or the like is displayed, and "reservation 1" is turned on to display the previous registration time (S46 → S47 → S48). Here, when the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the cancel button or the reservation button, the registration time of the reservation 1 is updated (S49 → S50 → S56 → S57). On the other hand, when the user presses the reservation button without pressing the cancel button, "Reservation 2" is lit to display the previous registration time, and when the user presses the hour / minute button without pressing the reservation button, reservation 2 is displayed. The registration time of is updated (S49-> S50-> S51-> S52-> S54-> S55). When the user presses the reservation button in step S52, the reservation mode is canceled and "time mode: 00:00" or the like is displayed (S52 → S53).

Finally, when the user presses the rice cooking key B1, if the lid 40 is closed, rice cooking is started in the selected rice cooking menu / brand course (S58 → S59 → S60). After that, when the rice cooking is completed, the heat insulation is started (S61), and the process returns to step S14.

By pressing the enter button before step S22, the weighing may be displayed.

[Example of human feeling and operation key control processing]
Further, a motion sensor may be installed in the rice cooker 10 to enable the operation by the operation key B when it is detected that a person (operator U) is present in front of the rice cooker 10. As the motion sensor, for example, an infrared sensor can be used.

Hereinafter, the human feeling and the operation key control process will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of human feeling and operation key control processing.

First, the motion sensor detects whether or not there is a person (operator U) in front of the rice cooker 10 (S131 → S132).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S132, the process proceeds to step S133.

That is, in step S132, when the motion sensor detects that a person (operator U) is in front of the rice cooker 10, the time when the person (operator U) is in front of the rice cooker 10 is counted (S133). → S134 → S135 → S134).

At this time, for example, the time when a person (operator U) is in front of the rice cooker 10 is counted in units of 1 second (S135).

Specifically, when it is determined as "No" in step S134 (when the time that the person (operator U) is in front of the rice cooker 10 is not 3 seconds), the control of S134 → S135 → S134 is repeated. , The count time T is added by 1 second.

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S134 (when the time when the person (operator U) is in front of the rice cooker 10 is 3 seconds), the process proceeds to step S136.

That is, it is determined whether or not the time that the person (operator U) is in front of the counted rice cooker 10 is 3 seconds (predetermined time) (S134).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S134, the process proceeds to step S136.

That is, it is determined whether or not the operation of the operation key B of the rice cooker 10 is invalidated (S136).

Then, when it is determined as "Yes" in step S136, the process proceeds to step S137, and the control means 501 enables the operation of the operation key B.

Then, in step S137, after the operation of the operation key B is enabled, the human feeling and the operation key control process are terminated (S137 → S138).

If "No" is determined in step S136, the human feeling and the operation key control process are terminated without shifting to step S137 (S136 → S138).

[Example of key detection invalidation control processing according to time zone]
Further, the operation by the operation key B may be invalidated according to the time zone.

Hereinafter, the key detection invalidation control process according to the time zone will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the key detection invalidation control process according to the time zone.

First, it is determined whether or not the pressing (contact) of the operation key B is detected (S141 → S142).

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S142, the process proceeds to step S143.

That is, the time when the operation key B is detected (contact) is stored as T (S143).

If "No" is determined in step S142, the control of S142 is repeated.

Then, when the time T is stored in step S143, it is determined whether or not the stored time T is after 0:00 am and before 5:00 am (S144).

Then, when it is determined as "Yes" in step S144, the process proceeds to step S145, and the control means 501 invalidates the operation of the operation key B.

Then, in step S145, after the operation of the operation key B is invalidated, the key detection invalidation control process according to the time zone is terminated (S145 → S146).

If "No" is determined in step S144, the control of S142 → S143 → S144 → S142 is repeated.

[Example of key detection / recovery control processing when a power failure occurs]
Further, after the power failure is restored, the operation by the operation key B may be invalidated, and the operation by the operation key B may be enabled by the reset operation.

Hereinafter, the key detection / recovery control process when a power failure occurs will be described with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the key detection / recovery control process when a power failure occurs.

First, it is detected whether or not a reset operation such as operating a reset key has been performed (S151 → S152).

Then, when it is determined as "Yes" in step S152, the process proceeds to step S153, the reset flag F = 1, and the process proceeds to step S154.

On the other hand, if it is determined as "No" in step S152, the process proceeds to step S154.

In this step S154, it is determined whether or not the operation key B is pressed.

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S154, the process proceeds to step S155, and it is determined whether or not the reset flag F is 1.

If "No" is determined in step S154, step S154 is repeated.

Then, if it is determined as "Yes" in step S155, the process proceeds to step S156, and the operation corresponding to the detected operation key B is executed.

Then, after the operation corresponding to the detected operation key B is executed, the key detection return control process at the time of power failure is terminated (S156 → S157).

If "No" is determined in step S155, the process returns to step S152 and the above-mentioned control is performed.

[Example of touch key operation restriction control processing by face recognition]
Further, when an image sensor such as a camera is installed in the rice cooker 10 and the face of the operator U is authenticated, the operation by the operation key B may be enabled.

Hereinafter, the touch key operation restriction control process by face authentication will be described with reference to FIG. 20.

Here, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the touch key operation restriction control process by face recognition.

First, an image sensor such as a camera captures the face of the operator who is trying to operate the operation key this time (S161).

Then, image processing of the captured data is performed by A / D conversion, smoothing, or the like (S162).

Next, the image captured by feature extraction or the like is analyzed (S163).

Then, the image is authenticated by comparing with the face information of the operator stored in advance (S164).

Then, it is determined whether or not the operator captured this time is the operator U who has the face information stored in advance (S165).

Then, when it is determined as "Yes" in step S165 (when the operator captured this time is the operator U himself / herself registered in advance), the operation by the operation key B is enabled (S166).

On the other hand, when it is determined as "No" in step S165 (when the operator captured this time is not the operator U himself / herself registered in advance), the control means 501 invalidates the operation of the operation key B. (S167).

When the fingerprint of the operator U is registered in advance and the fingerprint of the operator U is authenticated, the operation by the operation key B may be enabled. Such a touch key operation restriction control process by fingerprint authentication can also be performed by almost the same method as the touch key operation restriction control process by face authentication described above.

[Example of touch key operation restriction control processing by remote control]
Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the operation of the operation key B of the rice cooker 10 can be locked (disabled) and unlocked (enabled) by remote control using the smartphone (mobile information terminal) 200. May be good.

The smartphone 200 is connected to the Internet environment via a base station of a mobile phone carrier or through a connection function to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi.

On the other hand, the rice cooker 10 is equipped with, for example, a wireless LAN compatible chip equipped with a communication circuit and an antenna capable of Wi-Fi communication inside, and can be connected to a router that constructs a wireless LAN environment in the home. There is. The wireless LAN router is connected to the Internet environment through each provider. In this way, the rice cooker 10 arranged in the home is connected in a state where information can be acquired from the smartphone (mobile information terminal) 200 carried by the user by the communication function.

Then, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (display unit) 201 of the smartphone (mobile information terminal) 200, and the "Yes" key (touch key) B21 or the "No" key (touch key) is displayed. By touching B22, the key lock of the rice cooker 10 can be continued or the key lock can be released.

Further, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen (display unit) 201 of the smartphone (mobile information terminal) 200, and the "Yes" key (touch key) B23 or the "No" key (touch key) is displayed. By touching B24, the key lock of the rice cooker 10 can be released or continued.

In addition to the smartphone 200, the mobile information terminal includes, for example, a mobile phone having a connection function to the Internet environment 300, a tablet-type or notebook-type personal computer, and other high-performance portable game machines. It is possible to use a personal navigator equipped with a data transmission function, an electronic book terminal, or the like as a mobile information terminal.

Further, although not shown, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 200 has a position detection function, and such a position detection function receives signals from a plurality of GPS satellites to specify a position on the earth. The most common one is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function that can be used. However, it may be provided with various other position detection means such as LORAN using a conventional ground station.

Further, although FIG. 21 illustrates a rice cooker 10 that can be vertically separated into a rice cooker unit 10A and an IH cooker (electromagnetic cooker) 10B, the rice cooker 10 shown in FIG. 1 or the like may be used. ..

As described above, the rice cooker 10 according to the embodiment has a rice cooker main body 20, a lid 40 that can be opened and closed from the rice cooker main body 20 via a hinge portion 30, and execution of assigned functions. It includes a plurality of operation keys B for instructing, and a control unit 501 for controlling execution of a function instructed from the operation key B. Further, the plurality of operation keys B include a plurality of capacitive touch key BKs, and the touch key BK is arranged on the lid 40 and is a first touch key (rice cooking) instructing the execution of the assigned function. The second touch key (menu key) arranged on the hinge portion 30 side of the area where the key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2) and the first touch key of the lid 40 are arranged and instructing the execution of the assigned function. It is equipped with B5 and a US brand key B8). Then, when the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid 40, the control unit 501 controls the invalidation means 703 so as not to execute the function assigned to the first touch key. Have.

By doing so, for example, when the lid 40 in the open state is touched during the work of closing the lid 40 in the heat insulating state or before the completion of water injection, the hand of the operator U or the like touches the first touch key (rice cooking). Even if the key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2) are unintentionally touched, the function assigned to the first touch key can be prevented from being executed. That is, even if the operation key B can be operated, the rice cooker 10 can be prevented from malfunctioning.

Therefore, it is possible to provide the rice cooker 10 that can surely suppress the malfunction.

Further, the control unit 501 may make the invalidation means 703 function when the time when the continuous contact with the first touch key is detected is less than a predetermined time (for example, less than 3 seconds).

In this way, for example, when the lid 40 in the open state is touched, even if the hand of the operator U unintentionally touches the first touch key for a short time (moment), it is not a long press. It is possible to prevent the rice cooker 10 from malfunctioning because it is determined to be an operation.

Further, when the control unit 501 detects the contact with the first touch key in the open state of the lid 40 and the open state of the lid 40 continues for a predetermined time, the invalidation means 703 is made to function. May be good.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooker 10 from malfunctioning because it is determined that the operator U did not intentionally touch the first touch key by keeping the lid 40 open for a predetermined time. ..

Further, while the open state of the lid 40 is detected, the control unit 501 may make the invalidation means 703 function.

By doing so, the invalidating means 703 functions when the lid 40 is in the open state, so that the rice cooker 10 is prevented from malfunctioning even if the hand or the like of the operator U touches the first touch key. Can be done.

Further, the rice cooker 10 includes a lock mechanism 11 for locking the lid 40 in a closed state, and at least a hook button (lock mechanism operation unit) 24 for releasing the lock by the lock mechanism 11, and a plurality of operation keys B. However, it may be arranged at a position separated from the hook button (lock mechanism operation unit) 24 by a predetermined distance (for example, 3 cm) or more.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation key B from coming too close to the hook button (lock mechanism operation unit) 24, which is relatively easy to contact when opening and closing the lid 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the operation key B during the opening / closing operation of the lid body 40.

In particular, the first touch key arranged on the tip side of the lid 40, that is, the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 are arranged at a position separated from the hook button 24 by a predetermined distance (for example, 3 cm) or more. It is preferable to do. By doing so, it is possible to prevent operations such as starting rice cooking and canceling heat insulation from being mistakenly performed.

In addition, a plurality of touch key BKs are a rice cooking key B1 for instructing the start of rice cooking, a heat retention / cancellation key B2 for switching on / off of heat retention, and a selection / setting key (menu key B5 and rice) for making various selections / settings. The brand key B8) may be provided, and the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 may be arranged at positions away from the selection / setting keys (menu key B5 and rice brand key B8).

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 from being accidentally touched when the selection / setting keys (menu key B5 and rice brand key B8) are operated.

Further, at least one of the rice cooking key B1 and the heat retention / cancellation key B2 may be used as the first touch key.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooking start, the heat insulation cancellation, and the like from being mistakenly performed when the lid 40 is opened and closed.

Further, the plurality of operation keys B may have operation keys having different forms.

By doing so, it is possible to visually distinguish the operation keys having different forms, and it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of the operation keys.

In addition, a plurality of operation keys B are provided with a selection / setting key for making various selections / settings and a start / stop key for instructing start / stop of various operations for selection / setting. The form of the key may be different from the form of the start / stop key.

In this way, the selection / setting key and the start / stop key can be visually distinguished, and the operator U's hand mistakenly starts / stops when making various selections / settings. It is possible to prevent the user from touching the key.

Further, the control unit 501 may be controlled so that the rice cooking start is executed after the predetermined rice cooking setting is performed, and the necessary keys may be displayed for each step of the rice cooking setting.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooking setting step to be performed before the start of rice cooking from being mistakenly performed. Further, since it is not necessary to arrange the necessary keys in different places for each step of the rice cooking setting, the area where the operation key B is arranged can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the layout of the operation keys can be improved.

Further, a measuring means (distortion gauge) 25B for measuring the weight of the cooked rice in the rice cooker main body 20 is further provided, and a predetermined step of rice cooking setting injects water necessary for cooking rice into the rice cooker main body 20. It is equipped with a water injection step, and when it is determined in the water injection step that the amount of water injection measured by the measuring means (strain gauge) 25B is an appropriate amount, the capacitance type rice cooking key B1 instructing the start of rice cooking May be displayed.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooking start key B1 from being operated when the rice cooking start is not possible.

Further, a motion sensor may be installed in the rice cooker 10 to enable the operation by the operation key B when it is detected that a person (operator U) is present in front of the rice cooker 10.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation key B from reacting in the absence of a person, and it is possible to prevent the rice cooker 10 from malfunctioning.

Further, the operation by the operation key B may be invalidated according to the time zone.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation key B from reacting during a time period when it is not normally used, and it is possible to prevent the rice cooker 10 from malfunctioning.

Further, after the power failure is restored, the operation by the operation key B may be invalidated, and the operation by the operation key B may be enabled by the reset operation.

By doing so, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of the operation key B after the power failure is restored, and it is possible to improve the safety when using the rice cooker 10.

Further, the operation by the operation key B may be enabled when the person is authenticated by face authentication or when the person is authenticated by fingerprint authentication.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the rice cooker 10 from being operated by a person other than the person himself / herself. As a result, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of the operation key B, and it is possible to enhance the safety when using the rice cooker 10.

Further, the operation of the operation key B of the rice cooker 10 may be locked (disabled) or unlocked (enabled) by remote control using the smartphone (mobile information terminal) 200.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent a child or the like who is answering machine from accidentally operating the operation key B when the user forgets to lock the operation of the operation key B and makes him / her absent. Further, when the user forgets to unlock and goes out, when another person operates the rice cooker 10 on behalf of the user, the unlocking can be removed without returning home. As a result, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of the operation key B, and it is possible to enhance the safety when using the rice cooker 10.

[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although described by embodiment, the statements and drawings that form part of this disclosure are exemplary and should not be understood to be limited. This disclosure will reveal to those skilled in the art various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques.

As described above, the present embodiment includes various embodiments not described here. For example, although the rice cooker 10 provided with the measuring means has been illustrated, it is also possible to use a rice cooker not provided with the measuring means.

The rice cooker of the present embodiment can be applied to a vertically separated type, an integrated IH rice cooker, a microcomputer type rice cooker, or the like.

10 ... Rice cooker 11 ... Lock mechanism 20 ... Rice cooker body 24 ... Hook button (lock mechanism operation unit)
25B ... Strain gauge (measuring means)
30 ... Hinge part 40 ... Cover body 501 ... Control unit 703 ... Invalidation means B ... Operation key BK ... Touch key B1 ... Rice cooking key (1st touch key: Key for start / stop)
B2 ... Insulation / cancellation key (1st touch key: start / stop key)
B5 ... Menu key (2nd touch key: selection / setting key)
B8 ... US brand key (2nd touch key: selection / setting key)

Claims (10)

The rice cooker body and
A lid that can be opened and closed from the rice cooker body via a hinge,
Multiple operation keys that indicate the execution of each assigned function,
A control unit that controls the execution of the function instructed by the operation keys,
Equipped with
The plurality of operation keys include a plurality of capacitive touch keys.
The touch key is
A first touch key placed on the lid and instructing the execution of the assigned function,
A second touch key arranged on the hinge portion side of the area where the first touch key of the lid is arranged and instructing the execution of the assigned function, and
Equipped with
The control unit has a function assigned to the first touch key when the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid and the open state of the lid continues for a predetermined time . A rice cooker characterized by having an invalidation means that controls the execution of the rice cooker. The rice cooker body and
A lid that can be opened and closed from the rice cooker body via a hinge,
Multiple operation keys that indicate the execution of each assigned function,
A control unit that controls the execution of the function instructed by the operation keys,
Equipped with
The plurality of operation keys include a plurality of capacitive touch keys.
The touch key is
A first touch key placed on the lid and instructing the execution of the assigned function,
A second touch key arranged on the hinge portion side of the area where the first touch key of the lid is arranged and instructing the execution of the assigned function, and
Equipped with
The control unit has an invalidation means for controlling so that the function assigned to the first touch key is not executed when the contact with the first touch key is detected in the open state of the lid. Then, when the time when the continuous contact with the first touch key is detected is less than the first predetermined time, and after the contact with the first touch key is detected with the lid open, the lid is opened. A rice cooker characterized in that the disabling means functions when the body is kept open for a second predetermined time . The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control unit functions the invalidating means while the open state of the lid is detected. It is provided with a lock mechanism for locking the lid in a closed state, and at least a lock mechanism operation unit for releasing the lock by the lock mechanism.
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the plurality of operation keys are arranged at a position separated from the lock mechanism operation unit by a predetermined distance or more. The plurality of touch keys are
A rice cooking key that instructs you to start cooking rice,
Insulation / cancellation key to switch heat insulation on / off,
Selection / setting keys for making various selections / settings,
Equipped with
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the rice cooker key and the heat retention / cancel key are arranged at positions away from the selection / setting key. The rice cooker according to claim 5 , wherein at least one of the rice cooker key and the heat retention / cancel key is the first touch key. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the plurality of operation keys have operation keys having different forms. The plurality of operation keys include a selection / setting key for making various selections / settings and a start / stop key for instructing start / stop of various operations.
The rice cooker according to claim 7 , wherein the form of the key for selection / setting is different from the form of the key for start / stop. The control unit is controlled so that the rice cooking start is executed after the predetermined rice cooking setting is performed.
The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a required key is displayed for each step of the rice cooking setting. Further equipped with a weighing means for measuring the weight of the cooked rice in the rice cooker body,
The rice cooking setting step includes a water injection step of injecting water necessary for cooking rice into the rice cooker main body.
In the water injection step, when it is determined that the water injection amount measured by the measuring means has reached an appropriate amount, a capacitive rice cooking key instructing the start of rice cooking is displayed. The rice cooker according to claim 9 .

Images