JP7196260B2 - heating cooking system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a heating cooking system, in particular, an electric rice cooker is used by placing it on an induction heating cooker, and after the rice is cooked, it can be removed from the induction heating cooker, and the induction heating cooker alone is used. Even regarding what is available.

Conventionally, a rice cooking unit (also referred to as a "rice bowl") equipped with an inner pot is placed on a tabletop induction heating cooker (also referred to as an "electromagnetic cooker"), and an induction heating source is used to perform the rice cooking operation. There is an electric rice cooker in which the rice cooking unit can be moved to a place away from the induction heating cooker after rice is cooked (see Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, there is an electric rice cooker that not only can be separated from the induction heating cooker into upper and lower parts, but also has a function to measure the weight of the inner pot that holds rice, etc., to improve user convenience (Patent document 2, 3 and 4).

Utility Model Registration No. 3103627 Japanese Patent No. 5775885 JP 2017-079207 A JP 2017-077459 A

In the electric rice cooker described in Patent Document 1, when the rice cooking unit is placed on the induction heating cooker, various input operation buttons constituting the operation section of the induction heating cooker are exposed. There is a possibility that the input operation button on the side of the induction heating cooker, which is not necessary for rice cooking, is pressed while the rice cooker is placed.
Further, in the electric rice cookers described in Patent Documents 2, 3 and 4, when the rice cooking unit is placed on the induction heating cooker, the input operation unit is arranged in front of the top surface of the induction heating cooker. Also, since the display unit and the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit are close to each other, the input operation unit and the display unit receive heat from the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit, which has been heated to a high temperature by induction heating, and are overheated. there were.

A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooking system that improves the convenience of adjusting the amount of water.

The heat cooking system of the present disclosure is
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
Infrared signals for transmitting information for rice cooking control between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker are passed through the facing portion between the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker. forms a window of
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by means of the infrared signal, and moves the rice cooking unit to a predetermined reference position. When it is determined that there is no rice cooking unit, a process for determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed according to the progress of the rice cooking process, and a notification operation is performed in advance at the stage of continuing or stopping the rice cooking operation. and
Before the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit checks whether the amount of water is appropriate for the weight of the rice when the lid of the rice cooking unit is open. Determined from the weight of the induction heating cooker including the weight or the weight of the rice cooking unit,
The induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit notifies if the amount of water is not appropriate as a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate,
The induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit notifies that the proper amount of water has been determined when the amount of water is determined to be the appropriate amount as a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate.

Another first disclosed electric rice cooker includes:
an induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil and a first input operation means located forward of the heating coil for inputting induction heating conditions;
A rice cooking unit comprising an inner pot that houses the food to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil, and a second input operation means for inputting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
At least one of an upper surface of the induction heating cooker and a lower surface of the rice cooking unit is formed with a protrusion projecting toward the gap.

According to the electric rice cooker of the first disclosure, it is possible to prevent overheating of the first input operation means arranged in the front portion of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker.

The electric rice cooker, which is the second disclosure,
An induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil and a first input operation means located forward of the heating coil for inputting induction heating conditions;
A rice cooking unit comprising an inner pot that houses the food to be cooked and is heated by the heating coil, and a second input operation means for inputting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
The structure is characterized in that ventilation holes are formed in the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit so as to correspond to the gaps, for flowing cooling air from a built-in cooling fan in the rice cooking unit.

According to the electric rice cooker of the second disclosure, overheating of the first input operation means arranged at the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker can be prevented by cooling air flowing through the rice cooking unit.

A heating cooking system according to a third disclosure includes:
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
A window for passing an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker is provided at a portion behind the space where the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker face each other. form,
The induction heating cooker confirms placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, and then invalidates the input operation of the first input operation means. It is a configuration characterized by

According to the heating cooking system of the third disclosure, overheating of the first input operation means arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker can be prevented by the gap, and the rice cooking unit can Before starting the rice cooking process, the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal, and thereafter the input operation of the first input operation means of the induction heating cooker is invalidated, so that the predetermined rice cooking unit is used. In this case, it is possible to prevent an inadvertent input operation by the first input operation means.

The heating cooking system according to the fourth disclosure includes:
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
A window for passing an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker is provided at a portion behind the space where the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker face each other. form,
The induction heating cooker confirms placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, and then invalidates the input operation of the first input operation means,
Further, the induction heating cooker cancels the invalid state of the input operation of the first input operation means when it is detected by the infrared signal that the rice cooking unit has finished a predetermined rice cooking process. Configuration.

According to the heating cooking system of the fourth disclosure, it is possible to prevent overheating of the input operation unit arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker by the gap, and the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit can be prevented. Before starting, the installation of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal, and then the input operation of the first input operation means of the induction heating cooker is invalidated, so when using the predetermined rice cooking unit, Inadvertent input operation by the first input operation means can be prevented during the rice cooking operation. In addition, when the rice cooking process is completed, the invalid state of the input operation is automatically canceled, so that the induction heating cooker can be used alone.

The heating cooking system according to the fifth disclosure includes:
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
Information for rice cooking control between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker is transmitted to the portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker behind the space. forms a window for passing infrared signals,
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by means of the infrared signal, and moves the rice cooking unit to a predetermined reference position. When it is determined that there is no rice cooking unit, a process for determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed according to the progress of the rice cooking process, and a notification operation is performed in advance at the stage of continuing or stopping the rice cooking operation. It is a configuration characterized by performing

According to the heat cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means arranged on the front part of the upper surface can be prevented.
Before or after the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit is started, the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal, and the process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation according to the progress of the rice cooking process. In addition, since the user is notified in advance when the rice cooking operation is continued or stopped, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and erroneous operations by the user.

The heating cooking system according to the sixth disclosure includes:
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
Information for rice cooking control between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker is transmitted to the portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker behind the space. forms a window for passing infrared signals,
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal, and moves the rice cooking unit to a predetermined reference position. The configuration is characterized by comprising a wireless communication unit that wirelessly notifies the outside when it is determined that there is no error.

According to the heating cooking system of the sixth disclosure, overheating of the input operation unit arranged on the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker can be prevented by the gap, and the rice cooking unit can When it is detected that the rice cooker has deviated from the reference position during the rice cooking period, it is notified to the outside, so that it is possible to monitor so that the rice cooking is surely executed, and the user's convenience and sense of security can be increased. can.

The cooking system according to the seventh disclosure includes:
An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
A gap communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the first input operation means and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit,
A window for passing an infrared signal between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker is provided at a portion behind the space where the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker face each other. form,
The induction heating cooker monitors placement of the rice cooking unit by means of the infrared signal while the rice cooking unit is placed at a predetermined position and the heat retention process is being performed, and input is made by the first input operation means. continue to disable the operation,
Further, when the induction heating cooker cannot detect the existence of the rice cooking unit at the predetermined position by the infrared signal, the heating process of the rice cooking unit is terminated and the input operation of the first input operation means is disabled. It is a configuration that cancels the

According to the heat cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means arranged on the front part of the upper surface can be prevented.
In addition, at the stage of the heat retention process by the rice cooking unit, the placement of the rice cooking unit is confirmed by the infrared signal, and when it is detected that there is a problem with the placement of the rice cooking unit, the heat retention operation is stopped, and Since the invalid state of the input operation of the input operation means can be canceled, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and erroneous operations by the user.

According to the heat cooking system of this disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of adjusting the amount of water.

1 is a perspective view of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1 taken along line XX. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation input unit in the front portion of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view 1 of the front portion of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view 2 of the front portion of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the front portion of the lid of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 1; 2 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of an induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; It is explanatory drawing which shows the rice-cooking process of the electric rice cooker of FIG. Operational relationship explanatory drawing of the rice cooking unit of this invention, and an induction heating cooker. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 1 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart 3 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart 4 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart 5 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1 ; FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart 6 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart 7 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a flow chart 1 showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; 2 is a flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; 3 is a flowchart 3 showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation input unit in the front portion of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 19; FIG. 20 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of an induction heating cooker that induction-heats the electric rice cooker of FIG. 19; It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower front portion of the electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation input section in the front portion of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 24; Fig. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower left side surface of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 24; It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole image of one house (family) using the electric rice cooker which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 28 is a plan view of the lid of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 27; FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing in chronological order the cooperative relationship between the induction heating cooker and the power command device in the household shown in FIG. 27; It is a flowchart which shows the step of the reservation rice cooking operation of an electric rice cooker. It is a flowchart which shows the monitoring and notification operation|movement of an electric rice cooker. 10 is a flowchart 1 showing control operations of an induction heating cooker and a rice cooking unit according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 34 is a flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33; 34 is a flowchart 3 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33; 34 is a flow chart showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33; FIG. 10, which relates to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, is a flow chart showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker. It is related with Embodiment 7 of this invention and is a perspective view of an electric rice cooker. Fig. 39 is a plan view 1 of the lid body of the rice cooking unit of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 38; Fig. 39 is a plan view 2 of the lid body of the rice cooking unit of the electric rice cooker of Fig. 38; FIG. 39 is a block diagram showing the configuration of control means of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 38; FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing a control operation when stewed cooking is performed in the rice cooking unit of FIG. 38. FIG. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a control pattern in stewed cooking of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 38;

Hereinafter, the rice cooker of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual size. Moreover, in the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and this applies throughout the specification. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown in the entire specification are merely examples, and are not limited to these descriptions.

Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 20 will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 1 taken along line XX. In addition, in FIG. 2, cross-sectional display (hatching) is omitted for a part of the configuration.

It is assumed that the R direction of the double-headed arrow shown by the solid line in FIG. The L direction is the left direction.
It is assumed that the BK direction of the double-headed arrow indicated by the dashed line in FIG. FR also indicates the forward direction.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an electric rice cooker 100 includes a rice cooking unit 1 and an induction heating cooker 10 . The rice cooking unit 1 is only placed on the top plate 22 constituting the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10, and is not fixed by connecting means such as screws. It can be easily removed from the top. The induction heating cooker 10 is a member on which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, and is configured in, for example, a substantially L-shape in a side view of the electric rice cooker 100 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice cooking unit 1 includes a rectangular (cubic) main body 1A, a lid body 1B connected to the main body 1A by a hinge (not shown), and a handle 1C ( not shown), the inner pot 3, the inner pot temperature detecting means 5, the power feeding means 6 mainly composed of a power feeding coil, the power receiving coil 7, the lid open/close button 8, the lid heating means 9A, It has an inner pot side heating means 9B, a display means 11 which is an example of the notification means 70, and a second input operation means 12 for inputting rice cooking conditions and the like by the user. Reference numeral 18 denotes an operation unit for measuring the weight of rice, which will be described later, and has a plurality of operation keys 18A. One operation key (switch) 18A is a weight measurement start key, and there is also an operation key (switch) 18A for canceling the measurement result.

Except for the lid 1B, the rectangular case forming the outer shell of the rice cooking unit 1 is made of a plastic material. 1F indicates the front wall surface, and 1R indicates the right wall surface (right side).
Similarly, the body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is also made of a plastic material. 10F is the front wall surface of the body case 10A, and 10R is the right wall surface.

The induction heating cooker 10 includes a cooling fan 13, an induction heating coil 14, a power transmission coil 17, a magnetic shield plate 19, a control device 50, and an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of indoor air such as a kitchen. and a detection means 15 . Induction heating coils are referred to as "heating coils" in the following description.

The main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 is a member that accommodates the inner pot 3, and the main body 1A is provided with a lid 1B and a U-shaped handle 1C (not shown). Both ends of the handle are rotatably fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the electric rice cooker main body 1A, and are used when lifting the rice cooking unit 1 as a whole.

The lid 1B is, for example, a square or rectangular member in plan view provided so as to cover the entire upper surface of the main body 1A. The lid body 1B has a planar shape of almost the same size as the planar shape of the main body 1A.

The inner pot 3 is a substantially bottomed cylindrical member having an opening at the top. The inner pot 3 is made of a material such as magnetic metal or carbon. The inner pot temperature detection means 5 is temperature detection means (also referred to as "temperature monitoring means") for detecting the temperature of the inner pot 3, and is composed of, for example, a thermistor 5A. Although the thermistor measures the temperature by contacting the outer surface of the inner pot 3, an infrared temperature sensor 5B or the like that detects the temperature without contact may be used. The infrared temperature sensor 5B is installed inside the induction heating cooker 10, as shown in FIG. 2, and measures the temperature by receiving infrared rays emitted from the inner pot 3 as indicated by the dashed arrow.

The power supply means 6 is, for example, an electricity storage means provided on the rear (rear) side of the rice cooking unit 1 relative to the inner pot 3 . The power supply means 6 is composed of, for example, a secondary battery 95 (see FIG. 8) such as a lead-acid battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a lithium-ion battery. It should be noted that the power supply unit 6 is not limited to being composed of the secondary battery 95, and may be composed of a primary battery such as a dry battery. In this way, when the power supply means 6 is composed of a primary battery, it is desirable to provide the power supply means 6 at a position where it can be easily replaced in consideration of the possibility of frequent replacement of the power supply means 6 .

The power receiving coil 7 is, for example, a coil provided inside the rice cooking unit 1 and functions to supply power to the power feeding means 6 based on the power sent from the power transmitting coil 17 . Methods for contactlessly supplying power to the power supply means 6 include an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, an electric field coupling method, and the like. In the first embodiment, an example of the electromagnetic induction method will be described.

The lid open/close button 8 is configured so that the lid body 1B is opened from the main body 1A by applying a force directed from the front side to the rear side of the rice cooking unit 1. is provided. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 1, when a force directed from the front side to the rear side of the rice cooking unit 1 is applied to the lid open/close button 8, the lid body 1B is locked with the main body 1A by a locking mechanism (not shown). ) comes off, and the cover 1B is opened by the force of a spring mechanism (not shown) incorporated in the rear of the cover 1B.

The lid heating means 9A is a heating means provided above the inner pot 3, and is provided inside the lid 1B, for example. The inner pot side heating means 9B is a heating means provided on the side of the inner pot 3, and is provided inside the main body 1A, for example. When the rice cooking unit 1 is properly placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are driven by the electric power of the external power source supplied from the induction heating cooker 10. be done. When the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are driven by the electric power of the power supply means 6, for example.

The display means 11 is composed of two display screens. The two display screens 11A and 11B are display means for displaying various information of the electric rice cooker 100, and are configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like.

The first display screen 11A provided on the lid body 1B displays the heat retention time when the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the induction heating cooker 10, for example. 11 A of 1st display screens also display the electrical storage state of the electric power feeding means 6, for example. The first display screen 11A also displays the current state of charge within a range of 0% to 100%, for example. Furthermore, the first display screen 11A displays the time required until charging of the power supply means 6 is completed.

A second display screen 11B arranged on the front surface of the main body 1A displays information such as the weight of rice to be cooked and the optimum amount of water in characters and numbers.

The second input operation means 12 is arranged at the front portion of the lid 1B. The input operation means 12 is, for example, an operation means for receiving an operation input for executing processes such as a preheating process, a rice cooking process, and a steaming process. A plurality of push type input keys are arranged. Details will be described with reference to FIG. Note that touch-type input keys may be provided in place of the press-type input keys or for combined use.

A first display screen 11A is arranged at the same position as the second input operation means 12 . Then, with the second input operation means 12, the user can input various rice cooking conditions such as the amount of rice to be cooked, the brand of rice, the hardness of the rice to be cooked, and the rice cooking completion time and time zone in the case of reserved rice cooking. can be confirmed each time on the first display screen 11A. Details will be described with reference to FIG.

The cooling fan 13 is an air blowing means for releasing heat generated in the control device 50 composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, or the like in the induction heating cooker 10 into the air. When the cooling fan 13 rotates, an air flow is generated from the cooling fan 13 toward the heating coil 14 side. The heating coil 14 heats the inner pot 3 itself by the generated magnetic lines of force, and heats the food to be cooked, such as rice and water, stored inside the inner pot 3. For example, the rice cooking unit 1 is induction-heated. It is provided so as to be positioned below the inner pot 3 in a state of being placed on the cooking device 10 . The heating coil 14 is formed by winding a thin copper wire or the like into a donut shape.

The power transmission coil 17 supplies power from the induction heating cooker 10 . The power transmission coil 17 is positioned on the upstream side of the air flow of the cooling fan 13 relative to the heating coil 14 . That is, the power transmission coil 17 is located on the rear side of the induction heating cooker 10 relative to the heating coil 14 and located forward of the cooling fan 13 . By providing the power transmission coil 17 in this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of supplying the power transmission coil 17 with air whose temperature has been increased by cooling the heating coil 14 .

The magnetic shield plate 19 is a member that shields the electromagnetic waves emitted from the heating coil 14 from reaching the power transmission coil 17 . The magnetic shield plate 19 has, for example, a constant height so as to surround the heating coil 14, and is provided annularly in a plan view. The magnetic shield 19 extends downward from the lower surface of the top plate 22 on the top of the induction heating cooker 10, for example. Magnetic shield plate 19 is not limited to the example in which magnetic shield plate 19 is provided in an annular shape radially outside of main body of induction heating cooker 10 relative to heating coil 14 . It is sufficient if they are provided so as to be positioned between them.

The outside air temperature detection means 15 is for detecting the temperature outside the space in which the electric rice cooker 100 is placed. It is installed on the wall surface of the rear vertical part 16 standing vertically at the rear part of the induction heating cooker 10 . The temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection means 15 is used together with the temperature detected by the inner pot temperature detection means 5 to calculate the heat retention time, which will be described later.
The outside air temperature detection means 15 is provided in the induction heating cooker 10 in the first embodiment, but may be provided in the rice cooking unit 1 .

In FIG. 1, 2 is a leg part arranged in each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 . A weight sensor 4 is arranged inside the leg, and the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 can be measured in grams. This weight sensor will be described later in detail.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a first input operation means arranged in a horizontally elongated strip shape on the front portion of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10. As shown in FIG. In this input operation means, various push-type input buttons (keys) are arranged. In this input operation means, various conditions such as heating power, cooking menu (boiling, boiled food, etc.), cooking time, etc. can be input so that induction cooking can be performed by the induction heating cooker 10 independently of the rice cooking unit 1. .
When the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position on the top surface of the induction heating cooker 10, the first input operation means 20 is hidden from above by the rice cooking unit 1, as shown in FIGS. state.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a protrusion (protrusion) formed on the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 so as to extend laterally across the rear side of the first input operation means 20 . The protrusion 21 has a length that extends over the entire width of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and is made of a material having heat resistance and elasticity. is fixed to the upper surface of a top plate 22 made of heat-resistant glass or the like. In addition, this protrusion is formed of, for example, silicone rubber.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 denotes an inner cover for closing the top opening of the inner pot 3 in an openable and closable manner. The electric heater, which is the lid heating means 9A, is arranged on the upper surface of the inner lid 23 .

A sealing packing 24 is attached to the periphery of the inner lid 23 and is made of a material such as silicon rubber or the like having high heat resistance and elasticity. The inner pot 3 is hermetically sealed by the inner lid 23 and the packing 24 when the lid 1B is closed. The inner lid 23 is formed with a small hole for releasing steam during rice cooking, and a steam exhaust passage communicating with the outside of the rice cooking unit 1 is formed so as to penetrate the inside of the lid 1B. .

In FIG. 2, 25 is an inner body made of heat-resistant resin or non-magnetic metal (e.g., aluminum) that is not induction-heated and surrounds the inner pot 3 closely. An electric heater, which is pot side heating means 9B, is wound.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a wireless communication module (wireless communication unit) housed in the rear vertical portion 16, which enables wireless communication with local network equipment (including a power command device) installed in the home. It is possible to send and receive information with mobile information terminals and communication devices in remote locations through the Internet line. A remote control signal for the rice cooking unit 1 can also be received. Well-known means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be adopted as wireless communication means.

In FIG. 2, 27 is a support plate that supports the second display screen 11B. A window 28 is formed in the inner barrel portion 25 corresponding to the center of the bottom of the inner pot 3, and is covered with a material that transmits infrared rays. A window 29 is provided at a position corresponding to the window and is formed in the top plate 22 . The back (lower) surface of the top plate 22 is usually coated with a coating film or the like that blocks visible light so that the internal structure of the induction heating cooker 10 cannot be seen. Since there is no such coating film, infrared rays can easily pass through.

In FIG. 2, 30 is a permanent magnet installed on the rear surface of the rice cooking unit 1 so as to correspond to a reed switch 31 (see FIG. 3), which is one of the placement detection sensors arranged inside the rear vertical portion 16. be.

A support substrate 32 supports an infrared temperature sensor 5B that constitutes the inner pot temperature detection means 5 and is installed horizontally inside the induction heating cooker 10 .

Reference numeral 34 denotes an infrared signal transmitting/receiving section which constitutes a part of the reference position determination means 33 and is arranged outside the magnetic shield plate 19 and behind the first input operation means 20 . Instead of one infrared signal transmitter/receiver 34, two or more are installed, at least one for infrared signal transmission and another at least one for infrared signal reception. In that case, it is structurally advantageous to be able to share a window 37, which will be described later, by arranging them side by side in a close state.

Reference numeral 35 denotes an infrared signal transmitting/receiving section forming part of the reference position determining means 33 and arranged on a vertical extension line of the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 . As with the infrared signal transmission/reception unit 34, the infrared signal transmission/reception unit 35 may be installed in two or more instead of one.

36A is a first signal processing unit that decodes the infrared signal. A similar second signal processing section 36B is also provided on the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 side. Since there is a concern that noise may be generated in wireless communication while the induction heating coil 14 is being driven, infrared signals are used for communication. 101 is a power plug and 102 is a power cord.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 37 denotes a window formed in the top plate 22, which, like the window 29, allows infrared signals to pass therethrough.
39 is a bottom plate made of heat-resistant plastic that constitutes the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1, and forms a window for transmitting an infrared signal.
A support substrate 40 supports the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 .

In FIG. 3, 1F is the front wall surface of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1, and 10F is the front wall surface of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10. As shown in FIG.
In FIG. 3, the range in the front-rear direction of the first input operation means 20 is as indicated by solid arrows.

A plurality of press-type electronic switches 41 are arranged in a horizontal row at regular intervals in the first input operation means 20 . Each electronic switch 41 can generate a predetermined signal by closing an internal contact when an operation portion 41A on the upper portion thereof is pressed. A pressing rod 41B is made of plastic.

42 is a circuit board on which each electronic switch 41 is mounted. Reference numeral 43 denotes a protective sheet (or protective plate) made of a thin and curved plastic material, which seals the operation portion 41A and prevents water from entering from above. When this protective sheet 43 is pressed by a user's finger, the operating portion 41A moves downward by a very small dimension, and the internal contact of the electronic switch 41 closes.
Reference numeral 44 denotes a through hole formed in a support frame 45 made of plastic, and has a diameter larger than the outside dimension of the operation portion 41A so as to allow vertical movement of the operation portion 41A.

The first input operation means 20 has a display means 70D for displaying the operation input result. Although not shown, it is composed of a liquid crystal display screen, a laser light emitting diode (LED), and the like. The LED illuminates the protective sheet 43 of the first input operation means 20 with light from below to display a specific portion of the protective sheet 43 in red or yellow, thereby notifying the user of the input result of each electronic switch 41. indicate.
The liquid crystal display screen is provided with an opening in a part of the protective sheet 43, covered with a transparent sheet from above, and installed so as to face the liquid crystal display screen through the opening.

In the first embodiment, the input function of the first input operation means 20 is enabled/disabled. When the input function is disabled, the display function of the display means 70A is also disabled at the same time. The screen display is erased. Conversely, when the input function of the first input operation means 20 is enabled (when activated for the first time, when disabled), it is enabled at the same time and the display operation is performed.

In FIG. 3, S is a gap formed between the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the facing surface of the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1, and has a height of about 10 mm to 15 mm.
FIG. 3 shows a state during rice cooking, and the rice cooking unit 1 is heavier than the rice cooking unit 1 because predetermined rice and water are accommodated in the inner pot 3 . In this state, the facing distance G1 between the front wall surface 1F of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1 and the front wall surface 10F of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 is about several millimeters. Therefore, the gap S communicates forward with the gap G1. Not only the front wall surface 1F of the main body 1A of the rice cooking unit 1, but also the left and right wall surfaces and the lower ends of the left and right wall surfaces of the main body case 10A forming the outer shell of the induction heating cooker 10 are aligned on the same horizontal plane. The space S communicates with the front and the left and right sides.

The protrusion (ridge) narrows the facing distance H between the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 and the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 . In other words, since the air gap S is narrowed, the hot air generated at the position just above the induction heating coil 14 behind the protrusion 21 passes over the protrusion 21 and reaches the first input operation means 20 . sideways flow is suppressed. Therefore, even if the induction heating coil 14 heats the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 to a high temperature during the rice cooking operation, the portion of the first input operation means 20 is prevented from being overheated.

After the use of the rice cooking unit 1 is finished and the unit 1 is removed from the induction heating cooker 10, the part of the first input operation means 20 is hot, and the induction heating cooker 10 immediately performs another cooking. not be able to start.

In FIG. 3, 20W indicates the width of the first input operation means 20 in the front-rear direction, which is about 50 mm to 70 mm.

Next, FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the front leg 2 portion. The weight sensor 4 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 39, and a strain sensor 4S (not shown) is arranged directly above the thick support-like leg portion 2. As shown in FIG. The weight can be measured by the output from the strain sensor 4S according to the force of pressing the strain sensor 4S by the leg portion 2, that is, the weight of the rice cooking unit 1. A weight sensor using such a strain sensor 4S has already been proposed for a long time, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. A through hole 46 is formed in the bottom plate 39 and has a size (aperture) that allows the leg portion 2 to move up and down.

The state shown in FIG. 4 is a state in which the rice cooking unit 1 is placed and the rice is being cooked. In the state shown in FIG. Only rice is stored inside, and it is light because it does not contain the necessary amount of water. Therefore, the facing distance G2 is larger than the facing distance G1.

Next, the second input operation means 12 and the first display screen 11A will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the front half of lid 1B of electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. A first display screen 11A composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like is arranged substantially in the center of the right and left of the lid 1B.

A time, a rice seed display section 60, a hardness display section 61, and a menu display section 62 are displayed on the first display screen 11A. In addition, a rice seed switch 63, a hardness switch 64, a menu switch 65, and an off/warm switch 66 are provided outside the first display screen 11A on the left side of the first display screen 11A. A rice cooking switch 67, a reservation switch 68, and a time switch 69 are provided on the right side. After the rice cooking operation is started, when the off/warm switch 66 is pressed, a command signal to stop rice cooking is sent to the control device 50 . Further, when the OFF/KEEP switch 66 is pressed after the start of the keep warm operation, a command signal for stopping the keep warm is issued. In this embodiment 1, the control program is such that the control device 50 automatically executes the heat retention process for a certain period of time following the steaming process.

12V is a switch for selecting the voice input mode, and when this switch is pressed, a guidance "switched to voice input mode" is issued from the voice notification means 90V, which will be described later, and voice input can be performed thereafter. If the switch 12V is pressed again, the voice input mode is canceled. The voice notification means 90V gives guidance that "the voice input mode has been canceled". Note that the voice input mode is an example of voice input means.

Reference numeral 91 denotes a wireless communication unit (input/output means) that performs near field communication (NFC), and communication can be performed when an information processing terminal equipped with an NFC function is approached or brought into contact.

The rice seed switch 63 is input means for setting the type of rice to be cooked. Each time the rice seed switch 63 is pressed, the display of the rice seed display section 60 is switched to "polished rice", "rinse-free rice", "brown rice", and "germinated brown rice". Information about the type of rice set by the rice seed switch 63 is input to the control device 50, which will be described later.

In FIG. 6, the rice seed switch 63 is labeled with the brand name. Although the specific brand of rice can be specified with this switch 63, the switch 63 can be pressed to provide two types of input functions (brand name and rice seed). Only one of them can be selected. A detailed description is omitted.

The hardness switch 64 is input means for setting the hardness of cooked rice. Each time the hardness switch 64 is pressed, the display of the hardness display section 61 is switched between "hard" and "soft". The information about the hardness of the cooked rice input to the hardness switch 64 is input to the control device 50, and the control device 50 selects the hardness of the cooked rice. When "hard" is set, the rice is cooked in a "hard mode" described later, and when "soft" is set, the rice is cooked in a "soft mode" described later. In the first embodiment, the hardness switch 64 and the control device 50 constitute hardness selection means.

The electric rice cooker described in the first embodiment and subsequent embodiments has two types of cooking: a "soft mode" and a "hard mode" in which the rice is cooked harder than the soft mode. It shall be possible.

The menu switch 65 is input means for setting a rice cooking menu. Each time the menu switch 65 is pressed, the display of the menu display section 62 is switched to "risotto", "rice porridge" and "cooked". Information on the rice cooking menu set by the menu switch 65 is input to the control device 50 .

A rice cooking switch 67 is an input means for instructing the start of rice cooking, a reservation switch 68 is an input means for setting a rice cooking reservation, and a time switch 69. is an input means for setting times such as the current time and reservation time. Information set by the off/warm switch 66 , the rice cooker switch 67 , the reservation switch 68 and the time switch 69 is input to the controller 50 .

The various switches 63 to 69 constitute a pressing type input means 12P (see FIG. 8). Note that if touch-type switches are used instead of the push-type switches 63 to 69, the touch-type input means 12T is used. FIG. 8, which will be described later, also illustrates the touch-type input means 12T.

Next, the control-related configuration of the induction heating cooker 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 80 denotes a main control unit, which is composed mainly of a microcomputer, and includes storage means 80R such as a semiconductor storage device (flash memory, ROM, RAM), and clock means (clock circuit) for calculating time. ) 80T. A computer program governing the overall heating control operation and various control data tables are stored in the storage means 80R.

71 is a commercial power source (eg, 50 Hz or 60 Hz, voltage 100 V or 200 V). The power supply unit 72 receives power from the commercial power source via the power cord 102 and the plug 101 . The power supply unit 72 incorporates a rectifier circuit and the like, and has a function of converting power to a predetermined voltage.

An inverter circuit 73 receives power from the power supply unit 72 to generate high frequency power and supplies the high frequency power to the induction heating coil 14 . Various electric parts such as semiconductor power control elements and switching elements are mounted in the inverter circuit. Reference numeral 20 denotes the first input operation means, which uses the electronic push switch 41 as push input means.

A notification means 70 includes a display means 70D and a voice notification means 70V such as a voice synthesizer. The display means 70D includes a liquid crystal display screen and a semiconductor light emitting device (LED, etc.). The state and conditions of the induction heating operation (for example, thermal power value, heating time) can be displayed in letters, numbers, graphics, and the like.

The voice notification means 70V is provided with a buzzer and a speaker that emit sound (not shown). The display means 70D is arranged at the place where the first input operation means 20 is located as described above, so that when the user operates the first input operation means 20, the input result can be immediately confirmed. I have to.

Reference numeral 74 denotes top plate temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature of the top plate 22 by contacting the top plate 22. For example, a thermistor is used. The temperature detection result data is transmitted to the main controller 80 .

In FIG. 7, the object temperature detection means is composed of an infrared temperature sensor 5B that receives infrared rays emitted from the outer surface of the inner pot 3 and measures the temperature when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed thereon. . Since this temperature sensor can also measure the temperature of general pots and frying pans other than the rice cooking unit 1, the main controller 80 can also control the temperature of objects to be heated (general metal pots, etc.).

Next, the control-related configuration of the rice cooking unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 50 denotes a control device, which is composed mainly of a microcomputer, and includes storage means 50R such as a semiconductor storage device (flash memory, ROM, RAM), and clock means (clock circuit) for calculating time. 50T is built in. A rice-cooking computer program that governs the entire rice-cooking control operation including conditions such as heating power, energization time, target heating temperature, etc. in the water-absorbing process and rice-cooking (boiling) process, a weight measurement computer program that measures the weight of rice, A self-inspection program, a computer program for coping with an abnormality, and data tables for various controls are stored in the storage means 50R.

A sensor 93 for detecting the opening of the lid 1B is installed in the vicinity of the lid open/close button 8. As shown in FIG. When the mechanical lock of the lid body 1B is released, a lid open signal is transmitted to the control device 50 from this sensor.
The weight measuring means 94 includes the four weight sensors 4 described above and a processing circuit (not shown) that calculates the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 based on the output voltages from those sensors.
Reference numeral 12 denotes the second input operation means, and various push-type switches 63 to 69 provided on the lid 1B are used as push-type input means 12P.

Reference numeral 90 denotes notification means, which includes a first display screen 11A, a second display screen 11B, and a voice notification means 90V such as a voice synthesizer. The voice synthesizing device 90V is provided with a buzzer and a speaker that emit sound (not shown).

5A is a thermistor that comes into contact with the inner pot 3 and measures its temperature, and the data of the temperature detection result is transmitted to the control device 50 each time.

In FIG. 7, the object temperature detection means is composed of an infrared temperature sensor 5B that receives infrared rays emitted from the outer surface of the inner pot 3 and measures the temperature when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed thereon. Since this temperature sensor can also measure the temperature of general pots and frying pans other than the rice cooking unit 1, the main controller 80 can also control the temperature of objects to be heated (general metal pots, etc.).

A secondary battery 95 constitutes the power supply means 6, and is composed of, for example, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, or the like. It should be noted that the power supply means 6 is not limited to being composed of the secondary battery 95, and may be composed of a primary battery such as a dry battery.

The reference position determining means 33 determines whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position of the induction heating cooker 10 . The determination result of the reference position determining means 33 is output to the control device 50 . Note that the control device 50 may have the functions of the reference position determining means 33 .

In this Embodiment 1, the reference position determining means 33 has two means. One is a combination of a permanent magnet 30 installed on the rear surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and a reed switch 31 (one of the placement detection sensors) provided on the rear vertical portion 16 (see FIG. 3).
The other is a combination of a pair of infrared signal transmitting/receiving units 34, 35 as described above.

For example, the reference position determination means 33 may employ a configuration that determines whether or not the resistance value when the heating coil 14 is supplied with current is equal to or greater than the reference resistance value. Specifically, for example, when the control device 50 determines that the resistance value in the case where the heating coil 14 is energized is equal to or greater than the reference resistance value, the rice cooking unit 1 turns on the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10. determined to be in the correct position on the Further, when the control device 50 determines that the resistance value when the current is applied to the heating coil 14 is less than the reference resistance value, it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the induction heating cooker 10. judge.

The reference position determining means 33 may be configured to determine whether or not the rice cooking unit 1 is attached to the predetermined position of the induction heating cooker 10 based on the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 5B. In this case, for example, when the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 5B is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature, the control device 50 has a high possibility that the rice cooking unit 1 is attached to the induction heating cooker 10. It is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position. If the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less than the threshold temperature, it is highly likely that the rice cooking unit 1 has been removed from the induction heating cooker 10, so it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not placed. do.

Note that the control device 50 is not limited to the configuration including the storage means 50R and the timer means 50T. For example, the memory means 50R and the clock means 50T may be configured separately from the controller 50, and the outputs of the memory means 50R and the clock means 50T may be input to the controller 50. FIG.

Further, in the voice notification means 70V, the voice (guide voice) is output at a preset volume or a volume set by the user. In addition, the volume can be set in multiple stages.

The control device 50 detects the temperature of the thermistor 5A, which is the temperature detection means for the inner pot 3, the threshold temperature pre-stored in the control device 50, and the temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection device 15, for example. is calculated from the initial temperature until it falls below the threshold temperature, the heat retention possible time is determined, and the heat retention possible time is displayed on the first display screen 11A. The higher the detected temperature of the thermistor 5A than the threshold temperature, the longer it takes for the temperature of the inner pot 3 to reach the threshold temperature when the rice cooking unit 1 is removed from the induction heating cooker 10. The available time is set long.

In this manner, the first display screen 11A displays the heat-retainable time, prompting the user to quickly eat the food to be cooked (rice), It can be urged to return the food to be cooked (rice) to keep warm. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the temperature of the cooked rice will fall below the threshold temperature stored in advance in the control device 50 and that the taste of the rice will deteriorate.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of temperature change with time in electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The horizontal axis in FIG. 9 indicates time, and the vertical axis in FIG. 9 indicates the temperature of the inner pot 3 .

The temperature of the inner pot 3 is, for example, the temperature detected by the thermistor 5A, which is the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 . As shown in FIG. 9, when the preheating process is executed, the rice cooking process is executed after the preheating process is executed, and the rice cooking process is executed after the rice cooking process, the temperature of the inner pot 3 is There is a period of time when the change is steep. In this way, the electric power supplied to the heating coil 14 is increased during the period of time when the temperature of the inner pot 3 changes rapidly.

Therefore, in the time zone when the temperature of the inner pot 3 changes sharply, the main controller 80 controls the power transmission coil 17 so that the heating of the food to be cooked (rice and water) is given priority over the power supply from the power supply means 6. It is recommended that the power supply to the Specifically, for example, when the change in temperature of the inner pot 3 per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the main controller 80 stops the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 and controls the change in the inner pot 3 per unit time. If the temperature is less than the predetermined temperature, the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 is continued. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of preventing the temperature rise of the object to be heated in the rice cooking process. Note that the main controller 80 is not limited to the example of determining whether to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 based on the temperature of the inner pot 3 .

For example, whether or not to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 may be determined depending on whether or not it is the rice cooking process. Specifically, main controller 80 stops the power supply to power transmission coil 17 when the preheating process ends and the rice cooking process starts, and when the rice cooking process ends and the steaming process starts. , to start power supply to the power transmission coil 17 .

Further, for example, whether or not to stop the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 may be determined depending on whether the current value supplied to the heating coil 14 is equal to or greater than a threshold current value. Specifically, when the current value supplied to the heating coil 14 is equal to or greater than the threshold current value, main controller 80 stops power supply to the power transmission coil 17 and changes the current value supplied to the heating coil 14 to is less than the threshold current value, the power supply to the power transmission coil 17 is continued.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 and the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 are connected between the infrared signal transmitting/receiving unit 34 and the infrared signal transmitting/receiving unit 35. Through communication, at least during the rice cooking operation (from the preheating process to the steaming process), the latest control data is always transmitted and received, and the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 operate in cooperation with each other by infrared communication. It is carried out.

Next, the operation of electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the mutual operational relationship between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 of the present invention. The operation steps after connecting the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 to the commercial power supply 71 are indicated by symbols SP1 to SP6.

Simply connecting the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 to the commercial power supply 71 does not start the induction heating operation or the rice cooking operation (SP1).
Next, when the rice cooking unit 1 is placed on the induction heating cooker 10 (SP2), if the position is correct, the reed switch 31, which is a placement detection sensor, is turned ON (SP3).
From this stage, the rice cooking unit dedicated mode is entered. Therefore, even if the user does not give any input operation or heating operation command on the side of the induction heating cooker 10, the induction heating cooker automatically starts within a predetermined time. An infrared signal for reference position determination is transmitted from the 10 side, and the rice cooking unit 1 is activated.

After that, the rice cooking operation is started (SP4), and after the rice cooking operation is completed (SP5), when the rice cooking unit 1 is lowered from the induction heating cooker 10, the rice cooking unit dedicated mode is automatically canceled and induction heating is performed. With the cooker 10 alone, induction cooking can be performed using other cooking utensils such as pots and frying pans.

Next, FIG. 11 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows operation steps of the induction heating cooker 10 . Operation steps are indicated by S1 to S12.
First, when the power plug 101 is connected to the commercial power source 71, the reed switch 31 is turned ON (closed) if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (S1).

Then, even if the user does not operate the first input operation means 20 or the second input operation means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the main controller 80 detects the infrared temperature sensor 5B and other current sensors (Fig. (not shown) starts a self-check to see if there are any abnormalities in the internal components of the induction heating cooker 10 (S2).

Then, if there is no abnormality, the main controller 80 drives the power transmission coil 17 to start supplying a predetermined power. The notification means 70 is also activated (S3). On the other hand, the cooling fan 13 is started in the "low" mode (S4). Therefore, the power transmission coil 17 is cooled by the cooling air.

At this stage, main controller 80 knows that rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position because reed switch 31 is ON. The determination means (B) 33 is driven. Then, the infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 toward the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 (S5).

Thereafter, a response signal is transmitted by infrared rays from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 side, and upon receiving the response signal, the reference position determining means 33 finally confirms that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at the correct position. (S6). If there is no predetermined response signal instantaneously after the infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 to the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35, the rice cooking unit 1 may be placed at the correct position. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the cooking liquid from the previous cooking drips onto the upper surface of the window 37 and adheres to it as stains, thereby interfering with infrared communication. In either case, an error occurs on the main controller 80 side.

Since operation data, temperature data, etc. are exchanged between the two infrared signal transmitting/receiving units 34 and 35 during the rice cooking operation, the rice cooking operation is not permitted even if the window 37 is dirty. If the reference position determination result is NG in step S6, the process proceeds to the abnormality handling step shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later.

In the next step S7, the main controller 80 performs processing to invalidate the generation of the input command signal from the first input operation means 20. FIG. Specifically, the signal for generating the input signal of the first input operation means 20 is cut off to prevent the generation of the input signal, but the nullifying means is not limited to this method.

By the invalidation processing of the input operation part from the first input operation means 20, for example, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is momentarily lifted and the first input operation means 20 is operated, such an operation is mainly performed. Since it is not input to the control device 80, it is not possible to stop the rice cooking immediately before starting to use the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the notifying means 70 such as the voice notifying means 70V notifies that the rice cooking operation is about to start (S8).
In the next step S9, the rice cooking unit 1 enters a standby state in order to determine whether or not a command to start cooking rice has been issued. After the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, it takes time to adjust the amount of water in the inner pot 3, etc. until the actual rice cooking starts. Therefore, the standby time is measured by the timer 80T (S10).

For example, if there is no command signal indicating that rice cooking has started (S11), there is no command signal to start cooking rice via the wireless communication unit 26 (S12), and the predetermined time T1 (for example, 60 minutes) is reached from step 10, If it has passed (S13: see FIG. 12), main controller 80 determines that rice cooking is postponed for some reason.

As shown in FIG. 12, main controller 80 issues a drive stop command for power transmission coil 17, and stops operation of cooling fan 13 (S14).

Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the cancellation of the rice cooking operation is notified by the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V (S15). When a predetermined time T2 (for example, 61 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step 10 (S16), the main controller 80 cancels the invalidation processing of the input operation section from the first input operation means 20 (S17). . Therefore, at this stage, for example, if the rice cooking unit 1 is moved to another place, the first input operation means 20 can be operated to start another cooking with the induction heating cooker 10 . When the first input operation means 20 is not operated, the main control device 80 automatically shuts off the main power supply by itself, and operates in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not performed carelessly. (S18).

Next, the case where there is a command signal to start cooking rice (see S11 in FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG.
Proceeding to step S19 for starting the rice cooking process, main controller 80 acquires rice cooking condition information from rice cooking unit 1 through communication between infrared signal transmitting/receiving units 34 and 35 (S20). For example, data indicating the heating time for rice cooking, the amount of rice to be cooked, and the like may be acquired.

In the next step S21, the cooling fan 13 is changed to the "strong" operation mode, and the inverter circuit 73 is driven (S22). As a result, the inner pot of the rice cooking unit 1 is induction-heated by the heating coil 14 and the temperature rises, so that the preheating step is started, and thereafter the rice cooking step is started.

Main controller 80 starts measuring the elapsed time in order to grasp the rice cooking time (S23), and also transmits information indicating rice cooking conditions via wireless communication unit 26 to a power command device (not shown) or the like. Send.
“Rice cooking conditions” refer to heating time, maximum power consumption, amount of rice to be cooked, etc. for rice cooking. Even if the elapsed time is not grasped by the main controller 80 side, information such as the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking and the remaining heating time is sent from the rice cooking unit 1 side between the two infrared signal transmitting/receiving units 34 and 35 at any time. Since the information can be acquired by the communication, step S23 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, main controller 80 subsequently performs determinations and checks in steps S26, S27, S28 and S29.
First, even during rice cooking, the reference position determination means 33 is driven again (S25), and it is checked at regular time intervals whether the rice cooking unit 1 is placed (S26).

Further, it is checked whether the top plate 22 has reached an abnormally high temperature, and whether the substrate on which the inverter circuit 73 is mounted is overheated (S27).

Then, it is checked whether or not a command to stop rice cooking has been issued (S28), and whether or not the scheduled rice cooking time has been exceeded (S29). These checks are repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals.

Then, when a predetermined rice cooking time specified in the operation program of the control device 50 (for example, 40 minutes in the standard course with a rice amount of 3 go) has passed (S29), the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 The completion of the rice cooking operation is notified (S30).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, a command to stop driving the power transmission coil 17 is issued (S31). Then, the driving of the inverter circuit 73 is stopped (S32). Further, the notifying means 70 notifies that the murashi process will start (S33).

Measurement of the elapsed time is started in order to grasp the irregularity time (S34), and when a predetermined irregularity process time (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes) has elapsed (S35), the operation of the cooling fan 13 is stopped ( S36). As a result, the heating coil 14 is sufficiently cooled at this stage, and the temperature of the top plate 22 is 40° C. to 50° C. or less.

Then, main controller 80 cancels the disabling processing of the input operation section from first input operation means 20 (S37). Then, the main controller 80 automatically cuts off the main power supply by itself, and performs an operation in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not performed carelessly (S38).
In this first embodiment, it has been described that the control program is such that the heat retention process is automatically executed by the controller 50 for a certain period of time following the steaming process. If it is left on the induction heating cooker 10, the heat retention process will actually continue for, for example, one hour after the steaming process. ), a check is made at regular time intervals to see if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed. However, in this case, since the heating coil 14 is not already driven on the side of the induction heating cooker 10, only step SB11 shown in FIG. The processing (S7 in FIG. 11) is canceled.

Next, the operation of FIG. 15 will be described.
The operation shown in FIG. 15 is performed after the determination of "No" is made in step S6 shown in FIG. In other words, since the reference position determination result is NG (unsuitable), the reference position determination is performed again.

First, in step SA1, the notifying means 70 notifies that the reference position determination result is NG (not suitable). Specifically, it suggests to the user that the rice cooking unit 1 may not be placed in the correct position or the window 37 may be dirty, and prompts the user to clean or check the window.

Then, in order to complete the subsequent corrective action and recheck action within a certain period of time, measurement of the elapsed time is started (SA2).
Next, the infrared signal is transmitted again from the infrared signal transmitter/receiver 34 of the induction heating cooker 10 (SA3). Then, based on the state of the response signal from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35, the reference position is determined (SA4). Here, when it is confirmed that the rice cooking unit 1 is in the correct position by obtaining a predetermined response signal, the annunciation means 70 outputs a voice such as "The correct setting of the rice cooking unit has been confirmed". is notified, and a first process of proceeding to step S7 is performed.

Then, if the determination of the reference position in step SA4 does not result in "Yes" within a predetermined time T4 (for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes), the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 are operated as shown in step SA7. After stopping, the notification means 70 issues a voice notification such as "Since the rice cooking operation cannot proceed, the operation will be stopped", and the main power supply is automatically cut off (SA9), ending a series of operations. That is, if the problem cannot be corrected within a certain grace period (time T4), the second process is performed to forcibly stop the operation before the rice cooking operation for safety reasons.

The operation steps of FIG. 14 do not include the processing (S7) of invalidating the input instruction operation from the first input operation means 20 as described in FIG. This is because it is a stage (step S6) before such processing.

Next, the operation of FIG. 16 will be described. The operation shown in FIG. 16 is performed after "No" is determined in step S26 shown in FIG. That is, since the reference position determination result was NG (nonconforming) in the process after the rice cooking operation was started, the reference position determination is performed again.

First, at step SB1, main controller 80 temporarily stops driving inverter circuit 73. FIG.
Further, the notification means 70 provides voice guidance such as "The rice cooking unit 1 is not placed correctly, so please set it in the correct position" (SB2).

It is determined whether, for example, 15 minutes have passed since the inverter circuit 73 started to be driven (SB3). For example, if only 10 minutes have passed since the start of induction heating, the condition of the inner pot 3 is the preheating process. Therefore, if 15 minutes have not passed at SB3, the process proceeds to step SB9.

At step SB9, the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 are stopped, and the notification means 70 notifies that the rice cooking operation has been interrupted (SB10). Then, the process of invalidating the input instruction operation from the first input operation means 20 (S7 in FIG. 11) is canceled (SB11).

After that, main controller 80 itself shuts off the main power supply (SB12), and completes the series of operations. Since there is a possibility that the top plate 22 is heated by the heating coil 14, the timing of stopping the operation of the cooling fan 13 is delayed for a predetermined time (for example, several minutes) in step SB9. You may make it stop after lowering the temperature of .

At step SB3, it is determined whether, for example, 15 minutes have passed since the inverter circuit 73 started to be driven. If 15 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step SB5.

Next, the operation of FIG. 17 will be described.
The operation shown in FIG. 17 is performed after "No" is determined in step S28 shown in FIG. In other words, it corresponds to the case where the rice cooking stop command is issued from the rice cooking unit 1 side for some reason in the process after the rice cooking operation is started. This is the case when the switch 66 of the second input operation means 12 shown in FIG. 6 is pushed.

First, at step SD1, main controller 80 temporarily stops driving the inverter circuit 73 .
In step SD2, the notification means 70 provides voice guidance such as "An operation has been performed to stop the rice cooking operation".

It is determined whether, for example, 15 minutes have passed since the inverter circuit 73 started to be driven (SD3). For example, if 25 minutes have passed since the start of induction heating, the state of the inner pot 3 is already in the boiling process. , there is a concern that the rice will not be cooked as well as the original, and the rice will have an inferior taste.

Therefore, at this stage, if the rice cooking is restarted immediately, there is no problem, so the resumption of rice cooking is urged. Therefore, in SD8, the notification means 70 provides voice guidance such as "Set the rice cooking unit immediately and press the rice cooking button (rice cooking switch 67) again".

If the rice cooking button (rice cooking switch 67) is pushed within one minute from the notification of SD8 to issue a command to cook rice (SD9), driving of the inverter circuit 73 is resumed, and the process proceeds to step S29.

If it is within, for example, 15 minutes from the time when the inverter circuit 73 started to be driven, the process proceeds to step SD5. The notification means 70 performs a voice guidance such as "The rice cooking operation will be stopped halfway" (SD5), and stops driving the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 (SD6). Then, the main power supply is automatically cut off (SD7), and a series of operations is completed.

If the determination is "No" in step S27 shown in FIG. 13, that is, if an abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to predetermined abnormality handling step SC1. Depending on the contents of the abnormality, countermeasures such as immediately stopping the inverter circuit 73 are executed.

Next, the operation of FIG. 18 will be described.
FIG. 18 shows operation steps on the rice cooking unit 1 side.
Operation steps of the rice cooking unit 1 are indicated by SR1 to SR15.

When the rice cooking unit 1 is correctly set on the induction heating cooker 10 , the power receiving coil 7 is started to be driven by the power transmitting coil 17 . Even if the user does not operate the second input operation means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the control device 50 detects an abnormality in the internal components of the rice cooking unit 1 by means of the thermistor 5A and other current sensors (not shown). starts self-checking whether there is any (SR2).

If there is no abnormality, the control device 50 knows that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position. The infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 receives it, and a response signal is transmitted to the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 (SR3).

After that, the first display screen 11A of the lid 1B is activated, and the second display screen 11B is not activated (SR4). This is because there is no need to activate and display the second display screen 11B because it is not yet at the stage of measuring the weight of rice, and energy can be saved.

In step SR4, the notification means 90 provides voice guidance such as "Rice cooking is about to start".
The control device 50 reads out the latest rice cooking conditions used in the previous rice cooking from the storage means 50R. For example, the condition of white rice, the amount of cooked rice being 3 go, and the cooking method being "soft" is read (SR5).

Next, the read rice cooking conditions are displayed on the first display screen 11A. For example, to display "polished rice" and change it, the switch 63 should be pressed. If you press it once, the selection frame advances to the next candidate in sequence, such as "rinse-free rice", and if you press it twice, "germinated brown rice". can be selected (SR6).

Similarly, the brand of rice and the degree of cooking of the rice, ie, the hardness of the rice, can be sequentially read out and corrected (SR7, SR8).
At this stage, the control device 50 activates the second display screen 11B to display that the weight of the rice can be measured. It is also reported by the voice reporting means 90V (SR9).

Next, the process proceeds to the rice weight measurement process and the notification process. According to the method of measuring the weight of rice and the result of the measurement, the appropriateness of the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 3 is indicated by the second display screen 11B and the voice notification means 90V (SR9). This step will be explained in detail later.

When the rice cooker switch 67 is pushed when the amount and type of rice, the brand, and the amount of water are finally adjusted, the voice notification means 90V will say, for example, "The weight measurement result of rice was 300 g. Appropriate water amount judgment. A voice guide such as "I have done so, I will start cooking rice" is performed. The display operation of the second display screen 11B is finished (turned off) (SR10).

Next, the final rice cooking conditions such as "white rice, how to cook... estimated time to finish cooking is 18:50" are given by voice guidance (SR11).

When about 10 seconds have passed since the rice cooker switch 67 was pushed, the control device 50 presumes that the user has not canceled the operation, and transmits a predetermined “rice cooker command signal” to the induction heating cooker 10 . The command signal in this case is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitter/receiver 35 to the infrared signal transmitter/receiver 34 (SR12).
The “rice-cooking command signal” referred to here is not a control program that determines the details of the rice-cooking process. If basic data indicating the quantity, type, brand, etc. of rice is sent, computer software (rice cooking control program) stored in the storage means 80R of the main controller 80 is used based on the basic data to perform induction heating for rice cooking. Energization control of the coil 14 can be executed. However, the control program itself for determining the details of the rice cooking process may be directly transmitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the preheating process is finished (SR13). If it is determined that the preheating process is finished, the procedure proceeds to the next step (SR14), and the infrared signal transmitting/receiving unit 35 indicates that the preheating process is finished. A signal is transmitted in infrared (SR14).

Next, it is determined whether or not the rice cooking process has ended (SR15). If it is determined that the rice cooking process has ended, the process proceeds to the next step (SR16). A signal is transmitted in infrared (SR16).

As shown in FIG. 19, next, it is determined whether or not the shading process is finished (SR17). A signal is sent in the infrared to indicate that the mooring process is over.

Then, the notification means 90 of the rice cooking unit 1 displays the completion of rice cooking (end of steaming) on the first display screen, and the audio notification means 90 also announces by voice that the rice cooking and steaming process are completed. (SR19). A series of rice cooking operations are completed with the above steps.

Next, the operation steps of FIG. 20 will be described.
FIG. 20 is for explaining in detail steps SR9 to SR10 of FIG.

The step SR9 includes steps SR9A to SR9M shown in FIG.
In the first step SR9A, the voice notification means 90V notifies that the mode is automatically switched to the voice input mode. This audio guide includes an explanation that only rice should be placed in the inner pot 3 and that the weight should be measured with the lid 1B left open. Then, it automatically switches to the voice input mode (SR9B).

Next, the notification means 90 performs voice guidance asking whether the mode for measuring weight is desired (SR9C). Depending on the user who is proficient in rice cooking, it may be possible to adjust the amount of water to an appropriate level through experience. If you speak, the voice is input through a microphone provided at an appropriate location on the lid 1B, and the routine proceeds to step SR10 at once. At the same time, the voice input mode is automatically canceled.

In step SR9C, when the user vocalizes that he/she desires the weight measurement mode, the control device 50 determines whether or not the lid 1B is open (SR9D). This determination is made by the control device 50 determining the output from the cover opening sensor 93 . If the lid 1B is not opened, the voice notification means 90V may be used to guide the lid 1B to be opened.

In the next step SR9E, when the user utters "measurement start", the control device 50 uses the weight measuring means 94 to calculate the weight of the entire rice cooking unit 1 from the measured values of the four weight sensors 4 (SR9F ).

Then, the measured result is announced by voice (SR9G). Then, the amount of water corresponding to the weight is calculated, and the result is notified by the voice notification means 90V (SR9H). Upon hearing this notification, the user pours water into the inner pot 3 of the rice cooking unit 1 with the lid 1B still open. Calculate the deviation and announce it by voice (SR9K).

When the control device 50 determines that the water level has finally reached the appropriate level through such a process of pouring water or removing excess water (SR9L), a voice notification is given to automatically cancel the voice input mode. The means 90V and the second display screen 11B give notification, and the process proceeds to step SR10. That is, when the amount and type of rice, the brand, the amount of water, etc. are finally adjusted, the fact that the appropriate amount of water has been measured is notified by the voice notification means 90V and the second display screen 11B (SR10).

In the next step SR11, it is recommended to press the rice cooker switch 67 by voice, and furthermore, the voice notification means 90V says, for example, "Polished rice, how to cook rice will start cooking. The estimated time of completion of cooking is 18:50. A voice guidance such as "It's a minute" is performed (SR11).

In this embodiment 1, since the voice input mode is automatically set at the stage of measuring the weight of rice and pouring water, the user can concentrate on pouring water and can open or close the lid 1B. It is possible to avoid the operation of confirming the first display screen 11A by pressing the button, and the effect of improving the convenience of the user can be expected.

Summary of Embodiment 1.
As is clear from the above description, the first embodiment discloses the electric rice cooker 100 of the first invention.
That is, the electric rice cooker 100 in Embodiment 1 is
An electric rice cooker 100 comprising an induction heating cooker 10 and a rice cooking unit 1 placed on top of the induction heating cooker 10 and having a built-in inner pot 3 induction-heated,
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes an inner pot 3 for containing the food to be cooked, and a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
At least one of the top surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 is provided between the first input operation means 20 and the heating coil 14 and the top surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit. Equipped with a protrusion 21 that narrows the facing distance H with the lower surface of the unit 1,
Furthermore, between the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1, a space S communicating with the outside is formed.

According to the electric rice cooker having this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged at the front portion of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 can be prevented.

Furthermore, the electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 1 has the configuration of the third invention.
That is, the cooking system according to Embodiment 1 is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 in which an inner pot 3 is placed in proximity to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and is induction heated. and
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the first input operation means 20 and the heating coil 14, a gap S communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1,
An infrared signal is transmitted between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 at a portion behind the space S where the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 face each other. forming a window 37 for passage,
Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal, and then performs the input operation of the first input operation means 20. It is invalidated.

According to the heating cooking system of the third aspect of the invention, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 can be prevented by the space S, and Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the installation of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and then the input operation of the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is invalidated. When using a predetermined rice cooking unit 1, it is possible to prevent the first input operation means 20 from performing careless input operations.

Furthermore, the electric rice cooker 100 in Embodiment 1 has the configuration of the fourth invention.
That is, the cooking system according to Embodiment 1 is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit 1 in which an inner pot 3 is placed in proximity to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and is induction heated. and
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the first input operation means 20 and the heating coil 14, a gap S communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1,
Behind the gap S, the rice cooking process is performed between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 at the portion facing the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10. forming a window 37 for passing an infrared signal before the start and after the start of the rice cooking process;
Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal, and then performs the input operation of the first input operation means 20. Further, when the induction heating cooker 10 detects that the rice cooking unit 1 has completed a predetermined rice cooking process by means of the infrared signal, the first input operation means 20 disables the input operation. It is intended to cancel the state of

According to the heating cooking system of the fourth aspect of the invention, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 can be prevented by the space S, and Before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the installation of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and then the input operation of the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is invalidated. In the case of using a predetermined rice cooking unit 1, it is possible to prevent inadvertent input operation by the first input operation means 20 during the rice cooking operation. In addition, when the rice cooking process ends, the invalid state of the input operation is automatically canceled, so that the use of the induction heating cooker 10 alone is not hindered.

As described in the first embodiment, the heating cooking system of the fifth invention is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 that is used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and incorporates an inner pot 3, with
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1, a space S communicating with the outside is formed,
Behind the space S, the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 face each other. forming a window 37 for passing an infrared signal carrying information for
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1 and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker 10 or the rice cooking unit 1 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal, When it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not at the reference position of , a process for determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed according to the progress of the rice cooking process, and at the stage of continuing or stopping the rice cooking operation , is notified in advance (SA8 in FIG. 15, SB2 and SB10 in FIG. 16, SD5 and SD8 in FIG. 17, etc.).

According to the heat cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged on the front part of the upper surface can be prevented.
Before or after starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and the progress of the rice cooking process, that is, the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking and the temperature of the inner pot 3 Depending on the information, the process of determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed, and the user is notified in advance when the rice cooking operation is continued or stopped, so that misunderstandings and erroneous operations by the user can be prevented. It has the advantage of being preventable.

Note that the control program of the main controller 80 or the controller 50 may be changed so that the degree of progress of the rice cooking process is determined by considering not only the elapsed time from the start of rice cooking but also the temperature information of the inner pot 3. .

Embodiment 2.
21 to 23 relate to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the electric rice cooker as seen from the side. 22 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the front of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a control-related configuration of the electric rice cooker of FIG. 21. FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

The electric rice cooker 100 according to the second embodiment has the configuration of the second invention.
That is, the electric rice cooker 100 of Embodiment 2 is an electric rice cooker 100 that includes an induction heating cooker 10 and a rice cooking unit 1 that is placed on top of the induction heating cooker 10 and in which an inner pot 3 incorporated therein is induction-heated. There is
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes an inner pot 3 for containing the food to be cooked, and a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the first input operation means 20 and the heating coil 14, a space SS communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1,
Ventilation holes are formed in the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 corresponding to the air gap SS to flow the cooling air of the cooling fan incorporated in the rice cooking unit 1 .

According to the electric rice cooker 100 of the invention of the second embodiment, the cooling air flowing through the rice cooking unit 1 can prevent overheating of the input operation unit arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 .

Electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail below.
In FIG. 21, 103 is an IC tag installed instead of the permanent magnet 30 of the first embodiment. A reader (IC tag information reading unit) 104 for reading the information of this tag corresponds to the placement detection sensor (read switch) 31 of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 21, reference numeral 105 denotes support legs attached to the four corners of the bottom surface of the induction heating cooker 10. Inside these are weight sensors 4 (not shown) corresponding to the weight sensors 4 of the first embodiment. ) are placed.

In FIG. 22, 22A is an inclined portion formed around the top plate 22 (front, rear, left, and right) forming the upper surface of the induction heating cooker 10 . That is, the inner side of the inclined portion is higher than the top surface of the outermost peripheral portion by about 10 mm.

In FIG. 22 , 106 is a protrusion integrally formed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 . As is clear from FIG. 22, this projection is formed in a square or rectangular shape in plan view on the lower surface of the bottom plate 39 so as to surround the inclined portion 22A.

As shown in FIG. 22, the projecting portion 106 is fitted to the outside of the inclined portion 22A. Note that the inclined portion 22A and the protrusion 106 do not have to be in close contact with each other, and a gap of about several millimeters may be maintained between them. The fitting between the inclined portion 22A and the projecting portion 106 provides a stopper function to prevent the rice cooking unit 1 from moving unexpectedly forward, backward, leftward, and rightward on the induction heating cooker 10. As shown in FIG.

The protruding height of the protruding portion 106 may be flush with the lower end surface of the peripheral portion, and it is not necessary to protrude greatly downward. If it protrudes greatly, the stability of the rice cooking unit 1 will deteriorate when it is placed on a table or the like.

A cooling fan 130 is installed to prevent hot air from staying inside the rice cooking unit 1, particularly at the bottom of the inner pot 3 and its surroundings. Reference numeral 107 denotes a ventilation hole forming an intake air passage of the cooling fan 130, and is a circular hole or a thin slit having a diameter of about several millimeters into which a finger cannot be inserted. Thick arrows indicate the flow of cooling air sucked by cooling fan 130 .

In FIG. 23, 194 is weight measuring means for measuring the weight of rice, and includes the weight sensor 4 (not shown). Note that this weight measuring means does not measure only the rice cooking unit 1 as in the first embodiment, but measures the weight of the induction heating cooker 10 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed thereon.

Since the basic operation of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be expected.

Embodiment 3.
24 to 26 relate to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lower front portion of the electric rice cooker. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the operation input section in the front portion of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower left side of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 24. FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

The electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 3 is particularly designed to suppress the temperature rise of the first input operation means 20 located in the front portion of the induction heating cooker 10, and to suppress the temperature rise of the left and right side portions of the rice cooking unit 1. It has a configuration aimed at suppressing and providing a highly safe rice cooker.

As shown in FIG. 24, the rice cooking unit 1 has a bottom plate 39 of a rectangular or square shape in plan view, and plastic or rubber support legs 2 are fixed to the lower surface of the four peripheral corners. It is Since the support leg has a shape that is thick at the top and tapers toward the bottom, the periphery forms an inclined surface 2S.

CL is a vertically extending center line indicating the center of the support leg 2 . As can be seen from FIG. 24, the front surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the front wall surface 10F of the induction heating cooker 10 are substantially flush with each other. The support leg 2 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the front wall surfaces 1F and 10F.

The slanted surface 2S of the support leg 2 abuts on the slanted portion 22A where the top plate 22 swells upward from the middle, and the support leg 2 cannot move further rearward than this. That is, the support leg 2 and the inclined portion 22A serve as stoppers so that the rice cooking unit 1 does not easily move backward.
Because of this structure, in order to bring the rice cooking unit 1 closest to the rear vertical portion 16 (reference position), the support leg 2 is pushed backward until it hits the inclined portion 22A as shown in FIG. You should move it.

As shown in FIG. 24, the support legs 2 are located within the width 20W of the first input operation means 20 in the front-rear direction. They are provided apart in the horizontal direction so as to avoid the position of the input operation means 20 of No. 1. As a result, the support leg 2 does not push the first input operation means 20 from above. This is also clear from the following FIG.

FIG. 25 will be described.
The window 37 through which the infrared signal is transmitted is hermetically covered with a glass plate or the like through which the infrared ray is transmitted. One feature of the third embodiment is that the window 37 is formed in the inclined portion 22A of the top plate 22. As shown in FIG.

The infrared signal is oriented slanted forward rather than vertically as indicated by the dashed line IR in FIG. HZ indicates the maximum outer peripheral range where the rice cooking unit 1 and other metal pans are placed and induction-heated. This range is determined by the maximum outer diameter of heating coil 14 .
When cooking with general cooking utensils such as pots and frying pans on the top plate 22, the window 37 may be covered with the overflowing cooking liquid, cooking ingredients, etc. If left unattended, it will solidify and become dirty. There is a concern that it will stick.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the window 37, which is important, is arranged on the inclined portion 22A of the top plate 22 so as not to get dirty. In addition, when the first input operation means 20 is operated from the front, the window 37 can be easily seen from the front side, so there is an advantage that even if there is dirt, the user can easily notice it.

Next, FIG. 26 will be described.
This FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower left side surface of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. Although not shown, the shape of the lower right side surface is bilaterally symmetrical with this FIG.
As can be seen from FIG. 26, the top plate 22 is made higher except for a portion of the left and right ends (width WL) so that induction heating can be performed as close as possible to the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1. . In other words, stepped portions 22L and 22R (not shown) that rise substantially vertically are integrally formed at the left and right end portions.

In FIG. 26, 1P is a projecting part (also referred to as a “rib”) integrally formed inside the lower part of the plastic case that constitutes the outer shell of the rice cooking unit 1 . The projections 1P are formed inside the lower part of the case of the rice cooking unit 1 at regular intervals (for example, 30 to 50 mm). The tip of the protrusion 1P is in contact with or close to the stepped portion 22L as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is properly placed on the induction heating cooker 10, the projection 1P prevents the rice cooking unit 1 from being accidentally moved in the horizontal direction.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 26, a space S having a predetermined width dimension WL is formed at least in the left and right lower portions of the case of the rice cooking unit 1 . Moreover, since the air gap communicates with the outside through the gap of the facing distance G1, hot air is prevented from being trapped in the air gap S, and the temperature rise of the case of the rice cooking unit 1 can be suppressed. Even if the user touches the lower left side surface of the rice cooking unit 1 during the rice cooking operation, the stepped portion 22L of the top plate 22 is not touched by the user's hand.

As shown in FIG. 26, in the third embodiment, the top plate 22 has a portion that approaches or contacts the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1, and the left and right peripheral portions are formed of separate members. 22T is made of a plastic material with low thermal conductivity, so that the temperature rise in the peripheral portions 22T (on the left and right) can be particularly suppressed. It should be noted that the front and rear peripheral portions may also be formed of separate members.
The portion of the top plate 22 that is close to or in contact with the bottom plate 39 of the rice cooking unit 1 needs to be made of a material that has high heat resistance and allows the magnetic lines of force from the heating coil 14 to easily pass through. On the other hand, if the left and right peripheral portions are formed of separate members, it is not necessary to use such a highly heat-resistant material, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

Since the basic operation of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, an effect equivalent to that of the first embodiment can be expected.
Furthermore, in this Embodiment 3, the effect of suppressing the temperature rise of the outer shell case of the rice cooking unit 1 and improving the installation stability of the rice cooking unit 1 can be expected.

Embodiment 4.
27 to 32 relate to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of one house (household). 28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a plan view of the lid of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 27. FIG. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing in chronological order the relationship between the induction heating cooker and the power command device in the household shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the steps of the reserved rice cooking operation of the electric rice cooker. FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing monitoring and notification operations of the induction heating cooker. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

The electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 4 has a configuration aimed at further improving the convenience of the user, particularly by the communication function provided in the induction heating cooker 10 .

Also, the internal structure of the induction heating cooker 10 is improved to improve the cooling efficiency of the heating coil.
Embodiment 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 27 to 32. FIG.

In this Embodiment 4, "household appliances" EE refer to electrical appliances designed mainly for home use, such as home appliances in the kitchen such as the electric rice cooker 100, television receivers, etc. Video equipment such as machines, air conditioners, electric vacuum cleaners, electric washing machines (including those with a drying function), water heaters used in baths, etc., but are not limited to these. Note that, in the following description, the electric home appliance EE includes the electric rice cooker 100 unless otherwise specified.

In the fourth embodiment, the "identification information" of the home appliance EE is information for specifying the home appliance EE, and is information unique to the home appliance EE, which is necessary for accurate repair and inspection. This is important information. For example, the identification information includes, but is not limited to, the following. Note that the home appliance EE will be described later in detail.
(1) Manufacturer name of home appliance (2) Model name (3) Model number (4) Rated power consumption (5) Date of purchase (in many cases, it is the starting date of the quality assurance period of the manufacturer or seller) )
(6) Start date of use (For dishwashers, it will be the start date of the legal inspection period)
(7) Quality assurance number

The “integrated management device” 200 in the fourth embodiment refers to a device for cooperatively operating two or more electric home appliances EE. For example, it refers to a device that links the electric rice cooker 100, which is the subject of the present invention, with another home appliance EE such as an air conditioner or a ventilator. "Coordination" means that information indicating the operating state of one home appliance or acquired data is used by the other home appliance for operation, display, or the like. For this reason, the integrated management device 200 has a function of acquiring information about the current status of the electric home appliance EE, such as operation, stoppage, standby state, etc., from the electric home appliance EE via a wired or wireless signal.

The "power command device" referred to in the fourth embodiment is one of the "integrated management devices" 200 that has a function of limiting power consumption and a function of regulating the upper limit of total power consumption in one household. Say. In one home appliance, the "integrated management device" may also serve as the "power command device". Also, the "power command device" of one home appliance is not necessarily the power command device of another home appliance. In the following description, reference numeral 200 is used for both the power command device and the integrated management device.

The term "resident" as used in the fourth embodiment refers to a person who lives in one house, which will be described later. Includes visitors who stay in the premises and others who live with them. It also includes those who rent one or more living spaces by one or more people. In addition, when the electric rice cooker 100 and other home appliances EE are used, the resident is called a "user."

In this Embodiment 4, "household" means one house managed by a specific manager, and may include a collective housing with multiple rooms and multiple families. . In other words, even in such collective housing, if the upper limit of commercial power is centrally managed by one power interruption device (one breaker BK, or multiple power breakers, etc.) as in the case of one house , is regarded as a family here.

In the fourth embodiment, the "operation information" of the integrated management device (also referred to as "power command device") 200, which will be described later, is information indicating the upper limit total power amount set for one household, information indicating the amount of power used, information indicating the difference between the total amount of power and the amount of power used, information such as a name specifically identifying the home appliance EE controlled by the power command device 200, the home appliance Information indicating the usage state of the equipment EE, information on the amount of power used by each home appliance EE (for example, average amount of power for one minute), etc., but are not limited to these.

In the fourth embodiment, the "power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information related to some signal related to power consumption received by the home appliance from the power command device 200. It includes information related to commands such as the command signal AS2. The information includes information indicating when the signal was received (year, month and time in seconds) and the meaning of the signal. For example, the power reduction command signal AS2 at a certain time to the electric rice cooker 100, which will be described later, is information such as "Received time: May 1, 2017, 17:00, momentary maximum power consumption reduced by 2%". The power limit information on the home appliance side is stored in chronological order in the storage means 80R of the main control unit 80 that controls the entire home appliance, for example, the electric rice cooker 100. It doesn't disappear. Considering turning on and off the main power supply as one cooking time, at least 10 times are stored in memory. Any excess is automatically deleted.

In the fourth embodiment, the "position information on the home appliance side" is information (code) indicating in which room in the living space HA the home appliance is located. , Code 002 for the kitchen, 003 for the bedroom, etc., are ruled in advance by the central control unit of the power command device 200, and are subject to (power) control of the power command device 200 using the home appliance EE , the position information is registered in the power command device 200 together with the identification information of the home appliance. Note that even a home appliance EE that is not (power) controlled by the power command device 200 may transmit the latest position information indicating its installation position and use place.

Appliances that do not change their initial installation position (non-portable), such as built-in induction cookers that are installed in kitchen furniture and air conditioners that are fixed to the wall. In the case of the device EE, the location information can be used permanently as it is.

In the description of the fourth embodiment, detailed description of means for grasping the latest positions of the electric rice cooker 100 and other individual portable home appliances will be omitted.

(overall structure)
FIG. 27 shows an example of one house using the electric rice cooker 100 of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 27, HA1 indicates a living space (kitchen) of one house. Although other living spaces are not shown in FIG. 27, there are a "living room", a "bathroom", etc., and other rooms may be included.

Electric power with a voltage of 200 V, for example, is supplied to all the living spaces HA from a commercial power supply 71 of an electric power company outside the house. The power is drawn into the house via the electricity meter 110 . Reference numeral 111 denotes a power supply line (main trunk line) connected to the commercial power supply 71 having a voltage of 200 V via a breaker BK. Various electrical appliances EE are connected to the power line 111 . Household appliances other than the electric rice cooker 100 are omitted from the illustration.

200 is a power command device (which also serves as an integrated control device) to which power is supplied via a breaker BK, and is wall-mounted in a place easily accessible to the family, such as the wall of the living space HA (kitchen). or placed on the floor.

In FIG. 27, AD is a power strip. In addition, in this Embodiment 4, since the identification code such as the position information indicating the installed living space HA and the room information is transmitted from each home appliance EE itself in the living space HA to the power command device 200, This power strip may be omitted.

In FIG. 27, 112 is a router connected to the power command device 200. This router is an external organization such as a local power company, a public institution, or an information provider that transmits a power reduction command signal, power shortage information, etc. 113 via a wide area communication circuit network (also referred to as “communication network” or “Internet”) 114 such as the Internet.

115 is an information communication terminal device. The "information communication terminal device" 115 in the fourth embodiment is a terminal device that can be easily carried by the user to make calls and communicate data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or on the go. is. A device that cannot make a phone call but can download information from the Internet, send e-mails, or transmit remote control signals is called a “portable communication device”. A small portable personal computer is also a type of information communication terminal equipment.

The information communication terminal device 115 according to the fourth embodiment has a function of bringing close (or contacting) the input/output unit of each home appliance EE by several centimeters, and transmitting/receiving signals by short-range communication. there is The near field communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviation: NFC).

In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the home appliance EE side. The NFC tag is connected to a communication control IC for NFC (hereinafter referred to as "NFC control circuit") and to this control circuit, and power for the control circuit is supplied when radio waves of a predetermined frequency are received from the outside. It is composed of a generated antenna and a microchip memory (hereinafter referred to as "NFC storage unit") connected to the NFC control circuit.

On the other hand, on the information communication terminal device 115 side, data is read (status information), and conversely, control data (control command) is sent from the information communication terminal device 115 side to the NFC storage unit (not shown) of the rice cooking unit 1, and the control device 50 controls the NFC storage unit (Such a type of NFC tag may be called an "active tag"). A home appliance EE other than the electric rice cooker 100 has a similar configuration. In other words, the NFC of the fourth embodiment has a function of reading information in the internal storage device of the home appliance EE on the information communication terminal device 115 side (an NFC tag with such a function is sometimes called a "simple tag"). ), the home appliance EE side also has a function that can be activated by a control command from the information communication terminal device 115 . In other words, the information communication terminal device 115 not only has the function of reading various information from the home appliance EE, but also has the function of writing to the NFC storage unit, and has two functions of a reader and a writer.
It is said that the advantage of NFC is that it generally does not restrict the format of data that can be exchanged in communication, and that it can exchange not only text data but also moving images, XML data, and the like.

Although not shown, the base station of the information communication terminal equipment 115 is connected to the communication network 114 via a relay server, and the information communication terminal equipment 115 can access the router 112 via the base station. is now possible. In other words, the information communication terminal device 115 owned by the resident of this household can be connected to the power command device 200 by connecting it to the communication network 114 from a remote location.

Also, it is possible to connect to the wireless communication unit 26 (see FIG. 2) of the electric rice cooker 100 via the power command device 200 and remotely control it from a place away from the living space HA. However, in the fourth embodiment, direct remote control of the electric rice cooker 100 and other home appliances EE from the information communication terminal device 115 is prohibited. This is because some home appliances EE, such as electric cookers, emit radiant heat directly into the room. , is not adopted in consideration of safety, and instead, all operations are performed via the power command device 200 .

Inside the house, the electric rice cooker 100 may be connected via a router 112, a home server (not shown), or a local network facility (not shown).

Next, FIG. 28 will be described. FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the entire electric rice cooker 100 as viewed from the side in the same manner as in FIG. 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. Cross-sectional display (hatching) is omitted for some configurations.

The induction heating cooker 10 has, in its internal space, a cooling fan 13, a heating coil 14 wound in a thin disk shape (doughnut shape), a power transmission coil 17, a circular magnetic shield plate 19 in plan view, and a control device 50. and an outside air temperature detecting means 15 for detecting the temperature of indoor air in a kitchen or the like.

The magnetic shield plate 19 has such a height as to horizontally partition the internal space of the induction heating cooker 10. The magnetic shield plate 19 and the horizontally installed plastic partition plate 96 having a large flat area , a circular room 97 is defined in plan view.

Said chamber 97 houses the heating coil 14 . The cooling fan 13 is located in the rear of the room 97, and is installed vertically so that the air outlet is forward and the air intake is rearward.

A ventilation port 98 is formed at the rear of the magnetic shield plate 19 forming the room 97 .
The cooling air blown out from the cooling fan 13 passes through the interior of the room 97 through the air vent 98 and passes through an exhaust port (not shown) provided on the left side of the induction heating cooker 10. Released to the outside.
It should be noted that the cooling fan 13 may be arranged further to the right in FIG.
Alternatively, the air path may be branched into two before the room 97 , one of which is directed to the power transmission coil 17 side and the other of which is directed to the room 97 .

A wind direction plate 99 is arranged on the upstream side of the cooling air flow when viewed from the cooling fan 13 .
What is indicated by thick arrows in FIG. 28 is the flow of cooling air generated in the internal space of the induction heating cooker 10 by the cooling fan 13 .

As is clear from FIG. 28, in the fourth embodiment, fresh air is sucked into the living space HA from the intake holes on the rear side of the main controller 80, and the cooling air flows around the main controller 80. It is cooled and then sent into said room 97 . As a result, the heating coil 14 is effectively cooled, and the top plate 22 located directly above it is also cooled.

A through hole 96A is formed in the central portion of the partition plate 96. As shown in FIG. This through hole is formed directly above an infrared temperature sensor 5B that senses the temperature in a non-contact manner by sensing infrared rays emitted from the inner pot 3, and is open so as to allow infrared rays to pass therethrough.

A lower space 108 surrounded by the magnetic shield plate 19 is defined below by the partition plate 96, and the infrared temperature sensor 5B fixed by the support substrate 32 is arranged in this space. Due to this structure, the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less likely to receive high heat from the heating coil 14, so that more accurate temperature detection is possible.

The infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34, which is a means for transmitting important control information to and from the rice cooking unit 1, is located on the front side of the room 97, and is located on the opposite side of the heating coil 14 with the magnetic shield plate 19 interposed therebetween. . Therefore, the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 is also less likely to be thermally affected by the heating coil 14 . Similarly, the first input operation means 20 is also configured to avoid temperature rise.

Although the room 97 is defined by the magnetic shield 19, a plastic plate or the like may be arranged along the magnetic shield. In other words, it is not necessary to construct the entire room 97 with the magnetic shield 19 .

Next, FIG. 29 will be described. 29 is a plan view of the lid of the electric rice cooker shown in FIG. 27. FIG.
In FIG. 29, 20 is the second input operation means (input operation section) of the rice cooking unit 1 of the electric rice cooker 100, which is a "rice cooking start switch" 67 for starting the rice cooking operation or confirming the reservation. A "warm switch" 75 for commanding a mode to keep the cooked rice warm at a certain predetermined temperature, a "menu switch" 65 for selecting various rice cooking menus such as normal rice cooking, rice porridge and cooked rice, and rice cooking such as white rice and brown rice. A "rice type switch" 63 for selecting and inputting the type of rice to be cooked, the state of the rice cooking unit 1 and the next necessary operation are notified by voice, the volume of the notification is adjusted, and the voice mode is turned on and off. "Voice navigation switch" 76, "Reservation switch" 68 for setting the reserved rice cooking function, "Off/cancel switch" 66 for canceling or turning off various input operations and modes, "Normal" for cooking method (cooking degree) ', 'hard', and 'porridge' different from normal rice cooking can be selected, respectively.

Each of these switches may be either a mechanical switch or a capacitive touch switch that closes a built-in electrical contact when pressed by a user to generate an input signal, or may be used in combination. Also good. The heat retention switch 75 starts the heat retention mode when operated after the steaming process is completed.

A power saving switch 77 can reduce power consumption by a predetermined amount by pressing it once. For example, if the power saving switch is pressed during the preheating process, the power consumption can be reduced for the first few minutes, but the time required for the preheating process is lengthened accordingly. , a notice to that effect is displayed, and even if the voice guidance (navigation) switch 76 is not pressed each time, a message such as "You have selected the power saving mode. The preheating process will take several minutes longer." Guidance is provided.

78 is a health information display switch that, when pressed once, displays information on healthy rice cooking on the first display screen 11A. When this key is pressed, information such as rice and rice cooking method can be obtained from the information server of the external organization 113 via the wireless communication unit 26 of the induction heating cooker 10 and the power command device 200 .

Reference numeral 91 denotes an NFC input/output unit for allowing near-field wireless communication by bringing the information communication terminal device 115 having the NFC input/output unit close to it, which is embedded inside the cover 1B close to the upper surface thereof. is Further, on the upper surface of the lid 1B, the target position to approach or touch the information communication terminal device 115 is indicated as "TOUCH" so that the user can easily see the position of the wireless tag (NFC tag) 91T of the NFC input/output unit 91. displayed in letters.

In FIG. 29, reference numeral 81 denotes the power priority information displayed on the first display screen 11A. The wireless communication unit 26 receives information on commands such as the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2. In this case, the main controller 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 transfers information to the rice cooking unit 1 via the infrared signal transmission/reception section 34 as an infrared signal. display is commanded to a driving circuit (not shown). However, it is displayed only while the rice cooking unit 1 is performing the preheating process and the rice cooking process.

82 is the boiling process display information also displayed on the first display screen 11A. In the state shown in FIG. 28, the rice cooking process is currently being executed and the inside of the inner pot 3 is in a boiling state. , the user can easily recognize that it is a home appliance (electric rice cooker) that does not take measures to reduce power consumption.

Next, FIG. 30 will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing in chronological order the cooperative relationship between the induction heating cooker 10 and the power command device 200 in the living space shown in FIG.
In FIG. 30, L1 to L10 are operation information signals transmitted from the electric rice cooker 100 to the power command device 200. In FIG.

In FIG. 30 , a square frame indicated by broken lines indicates a range in which the induction heating cooker 10 is related to the rice cooking unit 1 .
L1 is a signal indicating that the induction heating cooker 10 is turned on (ON) with the commercial power supply 71 connected thereto. If the induction heating cooker 10 has a power switch for turning on the main power, the signal is sent when the switch is pressed to turn it on.

L2 is information for selecting the reserved rice cooking mode. L3 is advance notice information (also referred to as a "start request signal") that is transmitted when the scheduled time to start rice cooking is approaching (for example, 5 minutes before the set time for reserved rice cooking).

In FIG. 30, KS is a "rice cooking start permission signal" transmitted from the power command device 200 within a short time (usually within several seconds) from the start notice information (also referred to as "start request signal") L3. . Unless this signal reaches electric rice cooker 100 , main controller 80 of electric rice cooker 100 does not send an actual heating start command signal to inverter circuit 73 .

L4 is one of the operation information signals, and indicates that the inverter circuit 73 has actually been driven, the induction heating operation has started, and the preheating process has started.

L5 is an operation information signal indicating that the rice cooking process has started. L6 is an operation information signal indicating that the rice cooking process has ended. During the execution time period of the rice cooking process, power consumption is not reduced by an external operation or command. That is, even if this electric rice cooker 100 actually receives the power reduction command signal AS2, the power is reduced after the next operation information signal L6. Note that even if the electric rice cooker 100 is registered as an electric appliance targeted for power reduction, the power command device 200 receives the operation information signal L5 indicating that the rice cooking process is in progress, and the power command device 200 issues a power reduction command. Even if the signal AS2 is received, the power reduction command signal is not transmitted to the electric rice cooker 100 accordingly.

L6 indicates an operation information signal indicating that the rice cooking process has ended. L7 indicates that the murashi process has ended. L8 is an operation information signal indicating the start of the heat retention process. L9 is an operation information signal indicating the end of the heat retention process. The heat retaining process is performed by energizing only two of the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B.

L10 is a signal indicating main power shutdown (OFF) in which connection between the commercial power supply 71 and the induction heating cooker 10 is interrupted. Each of these pieces of information L1 to L10 includes the current time in units of seconds. Although there are also response signals from the power command device 200 side in response to each operation information signal, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power command device 200 gives the highest priority to the electric power demanded by the electric rice cooker 100 (over other electrical appliances EE) so as to ensure the electric power demanded by the electric rice cooker 100 with the highest priority. Therefore, even if the rated capacity of the breaker BK is likely to be exceeded or the power capacity of the upper limit specified by the user is likely to be exceeded, the power is not reduced in the boiling process, and delicious rice can be cooked. can be done.

(Reserved rice cooking operation of electric rice cooker)
Next, the reserved rice cooking operation of the electric rice cooker 100, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.
Steps SE1 to SE8 show the operation up to the setting of reserved rice cooking, which is the operation of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1. FIG.

When the user presses the reservation switch 68 of the first input operation means 20 to set the rice cooking time, and finally presses the rice cooking start switch 67, a setting confirmation signal for reserved rice cooking is generated, and the setting for reserved rice cooking is completed. Confirm (SE1).

In response to this determination signal, the operation information signal L2 indicating the setting of the reserved rice cooking mode is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 26 to the power command device 200 (SE2). At that time, the rice cooking operation start time information is also transmitted in a 24-hour format such as "20:00". In addition, it is preferable to include the information of the person who set the reservation (presumed to be the user) in the data, for example, a code number indicating "resident B" and transmit the information.

Next, the time interval between the rice cooking start time set by the user and the current time is calculated. When the user sets the desired rice cooking time, the user sets the "rice cooking completion time". In other words, the user sets the set time to "20:00" because he wants to finish cooking the rice when he gets home. (including the three murashi processes) is calculated, and the start time of the preheating process is calculated (SE3).

From the calculation result of step SE3, if there is time of 60 minutes or longer, the next step SE4 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to the next step SE5. The "standby process" of step SE5 is, when the standby determination unit built in the control device 50 receives the information of the rice cooking start time, from the current time to the specified time (for example, 5 minutes before). During this period, the power supply to the control device 50 is cut off and the operation of the first display screen 11A is stopped in order to put it in a standby state. This eliminates power consumption on the rice cooking unit 1 side. In addition, the standby determination unit uses the time information from the timer 50T to determine whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) before the specified time for rice cooking (start) from the current time. ) are checked at intervals. Description of the subsequent operations will be omitted.

On the other hand, if there is no time of 60 minutes or more from the calculation result of step SE3, the process proceeds to step SE6. At step SE6, it is checked at fixed time intervals whether or not it is a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) before the specified time.

At step SE7, an operation information signal (announcement signal) L3 indicating the start of rice cooking in the reserved rice cooking mode is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 26 to the power command device 200. FIG. At that time, the rice cooking operation start time information is also transmitted in a 24-hour format such as "20:00".

In the next step SE8, the start of the rice cooking operation is notified by voice or text through the voice notification means 90V and the first display screen 11A. Description of the subsequent operations will be omitted.

(Monitoring operation during reserved cooking)
Next, FIG. 32 will be described.
The monitoring operation during the reserved rice cooking of the electric rice cooker 100, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, will be explained. This is the operation of the control device 80 . In the rice cooking unit 1, as described above, power may not be supplied to the control device 50 during reserved rice cooking, so the main control device 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 performs a monitoring operation.

Since the monitoring operation of the electric rice cooker 100, which is one of the features of the fourth embodiment, is performed not only during the reserved rice cooking but also during the rice cooking, the reserved rice cooking is not described in FIG.

First, the monitoring operation starts from the stage at which the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking process is started as indicated by step SU1.
When the information communication terminal device 115 is brought close to the short-range wireless communication unit 91 in advance and the information communication terminal device 115 is registered in the rice cooking unit 1, when the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking process is started, the main control The device 80 checks the registration data (stored in the storage means 80R) transmitted in advance from the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 (SU2), and if there is a registered information communication terminal device 115, , the information communication terminal device 115 is designated and the wireless communication unit 26 notifies that the rice cooking has been started or that the rice cooking has been set (SU3).

The information communication terminal device 115 may be registered on the induction heating cooker 10 side. Various methods such as MAC address transmission are known for pre-registering the identification information, address, etc. of the information communication terminal device 115 in the electric rice cooker 100 (including the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1). Therefore, description of these will be omitted.

After that, a case where the rice cooking unit 1 is moved from a predetermined position (reference position) on the upper surface of the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 for some reason will be described. For example, although resident A has set the electric rice cooker 100 for rice cooking by reservation, another resident B carelessly moves the rice cooking unit 1 without knowing the circumstances.

In the induction heating cooker 10, during the rice cooking and during the reserved rice cooking period (after setting the reserved rice cooking until the actual rice cooking process, the steaming process, and the heat retention process are all completed), the As in step S6 of 11, the reference position determination operation is performed.

Therefore, if the rice cooking unit 1 moves from the reference position of the induction heating cooker 10 for some reason, step SU4 becomes "No", and the process proceeds to step SU6. Therefore, even if the information communication terminal device 115 registered in advance is located in a remote location outside the living space HA, the information communication terminal device 115 is notified from the wireless communication unit 26 via the power command device 200 be done. When there is some kind of reply from the information communication terminal device 115 (SU7), the process proceeds to step SU8, and the notification means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies by text, voice, or the like. Further, when power is supplied to the rice cooking unit 1 from the induction heating cooker 10 side, the induction heating cooker 10 also sends the external reply information to the rice cooking unit 1 .

The "reply" here means a message selected and registered in advance from a plurality of types of standard messages and alarms on the information communication terminal device 115 side. In the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1, since the rice cooking unit is in use, the content is such that the resident at home is requested to check immediately. The information communication terminal device 115 may be set to automatically transmit this reply quickly (for example, within 10 seconds) unless the user specifically operates it.

If the rice cooking unit 1 does not move from the reference position of the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking process, the steaming process, and the heat retaining process are all completed (SU5), the series of monitoring operations is completed. It should be noted that this monitoring operation is not entirely performed by main controller 80 of induction heating cooker 10 alone, and rice cooking unit 1 may take charge of a part of the operation. As described in Embodiment 1, the rice cooking unit 1 is provided with the power supply section 95 such as a secondary battery, and can execute information processing for monitoring.

In the fourth embodiment, the induction heating cooker 10 is used during rice cooking and during the reserved rice cooking period (from setting the reserved rice cooking to completing the actual rice cooking process, the steaming process, and the heat retention process). Although the reference position determination operation is performed as shown in step S6, the heat retention process may be excluded. In other words, it means that the maintenance of the cooperative relationship between the induction heating cooker 10 and the rice cooking unit 1 is terminated when the steaming process is finished. The operation of the induction heating cooker 10 is not affected at all even if it is removed from the heating cooker 10 and changed to another place such as a dining table. In this way, when the steaming process is finished, the input operation function of the first input operation means 20 is not restricted, so the induction heating cooker 10 can be immediately used for other cooking.

Summary of Embodiment 4.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking system according to the fourth embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 that is used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and incorporates an inner pot 3, with
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1, a space S communicating with the outside is formed,
Behind the space S, the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 face each other. forming a window 37 for passing an infrared signal carrying information for
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1 and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker 10 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal, and moves to a predetermined reference position. When it is determined that the rice cooking unit 1 is not present, the configuration is characterized by including a wireless communication section 26 that notifies the outside by wireless.

According to the heating cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged in the front part of the upper surface of the induction heating cooker can be prevented by the space S, and the rice cooking unit 1 can When it is detected that it deviates from the reference position during or during the reserved rice cooking period, it is notified to the external device such as the power command device 200 and the information communication terminal device 115, so that the rice cooking is reliably executed. It is possible to monitor as it is, and the user's convenience and sense of security can be increased.

Since the basic operation of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be expected.
Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when it is detected that the rice cooking unit 1 has deviated from the reference position during rice cooking or during the reserved rice cooking period, the information communication terminal device 115 or the like is notified, so that the rice can be cooked reliably. It is possible to supervise the operation so as to execute it in a timely manner, thereby increasing the user's convenience and sense of security.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the lower space 108 surrounded by the magnetic shield plate 19 is defined below by the partition plate 96, and the infrared temperature sensor 5B fixed by the support substrate 32 is arranged in this space. Since the infrared temperature sensor 5B is less likely to receive high heat from the heating coil 14, more accurate temperature detection can be performed.

In addition, since the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 is located on the front side of the room 97 and is located on the opposite side of the heating coil 14 with the magnetic shield plate 19 interposed therebetween, the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 also receives heat from the heating coil 14. Since it is hard to be affected, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of failures and abnormalities due to heat. Similarly, since the first input operation means 20 is also configured to avoid a temperature rise, it is possible to suppress failures and shortened life of electronic components arranged therein.

Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 28, the chamber 97 is formed below the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10, the heating coil 14 is arranged in this chamber, and this chamber is cooled by a cooling fan. Since the heating coil 14 is cooled by the cooling air supplied from 13, overheating of the heating coil 14 is prevented, which contributes to prevention of overheating of the top plate 22. - 特許庁

Furthermore, since the cooling fan also cools the power transmission coil 17, overheating of the power transmission coil 17 can be prevented.

Embodiment 5.
33 to 36 relate to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and FIG. 33 is a flow chart 1 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit. 34 is a flow chart 2 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33. FIG. 35 is a flow chart 3 showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker and the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33. FIG. 36 is a flow chart showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 33. FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 5, the operation program when the induction heating cooker 10 is started is changed. In addition, the operation program of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is particularly changed to improve the operability when the user measures the weight of rice.

The control operation steps shown in FIG. 33 are obtained by improving steps S1 to S12 in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment.
Steps that are the same as or the same as those in FIG. 11 will be described with the same reference numerals.

First, when the power plug 101 of the induction heating cooker 10 is connected to the commercial power source 71, the reed switch 31 is turned ON (closed) if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (S1).

Then, even if the user does not operate the first input operation means 20 or the second input operation means 12 of the rice cooking unit 1, the main controller 80 detects the infrared temperature sensor 5B and other current sensors (Fig. (not shown) starts a self-check to see if there are any abnormalities in the internal components of the induction heating cooker 10 (S2).

Then, if there is no abnormality, the main controller 80 drives the power transmission coil 17 to start supplying a predetermined power. The notification means 70 is also activated (S3). On the other hand, the cooling fan 13 is started in the "low" mode (S4). Therefore, the power transmission coil 17 is cooled by the cooling air.

At this stage, the main controller 80 knows that the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position because the reed switch 31 is ON. 33 A of determination means are started. In the first embodiment, the main control device 80 drives the reference position determination means (B) 33, but in the fifth embodiment, when power is supplied from the power supply means 6 to the control device 50, control An operation program of the device 50 is started, and an infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 to the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 34 (SM5).

Then, the infrared signal received by the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 is decoded by the reference position determining means 33B, and the result is inputted to the main controller 80. FIG. Main controller 80 makes a final confirmation that rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position (SM6).

If, after a predetermined regular infrared signal is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitter/receiver 35 to the infrared signal transmitter/receiver 34, the reference position determining means 33B cannot receive such a regular infrared signal. In such a case, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in the correct position, the cooking liquid from the previous cooking drips onto the upper surface of the window 37 and adheres to it as dirt, hindering infrared communication. It is assumed that In this case, the main controller 80 side makes an error determination. The operation after this error judgment (SM6) is shown in FIG.

Since operation data, temperature data, etc. are exchanged between the two infrared signal transmitting/receiving units 34 and 35 during the rice cooking operation, the rice cooking operation is not permitted even if the window 37 is dirty. If the reference position determination result is NG in step SA6, the process proceeds to the abnormality handling step shown in FIG. 14, which will be described later.

In the next step S7, the main controller 80 performs processing to invalidate the generation of the input command signal from the first input operation means 20. FIG. Specifically, the signal for generating the input signal of the first input operation means 20 is cut off to prevent the generation of the input signal, but the nullifying means is not limited to this method.

By the invalidation processing of the input operation part from the first input operation means 20, for example, even if the rice cooking unit 1 is momentarily lifted and the first input operation means 20 is operated, such an operation is mainly performed. Since it is not input to the control device 80, it is not possible to stop the rice cooking immediately before starting to use the induction heating cooker 10 alone.

Next, in the rice cooking unit 1, the notifying means 90 such as the voice notifying means 90V notifies that the rice cooking operation will be started (SM8).
In the first embodiment, the induction heating cooker 10 is notified by the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V, so this portion is also different from the first embodiment.

In the next step S9, the rice cooking unit 1 enters a standby state in order to determine whether or not a command to start cooking rice has been issued. After the rice cooking unit 1 is placed, it takes time to adjust the amount of water in the inner pot 3, etc. until the actual rice cooking starts. Therefore, the standby time is measured by the timer 80T (S10).

For example, if there is no command signal indicating that rice cooking has started (S11), there is no command signal to start cooking rice via the wireless communication unit 26 (S12), and the predetermined time T1 (for example, 60 minutes) is reached from step 10, If it has passed (S13: see FIG. 34), main controller 80 determines that rice cooking is postponed for some reason.

Next, FIG. 34 will be described.
The control operation steps shown in FIG. 34 are obtained by improving steps S13 to S18 in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. In other words, it shows the operation when the preparation for starting the rice-cooking operation has been made and the time has passed without the important rice-cooking command.

When a predetermined time T1 (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step 10 (S13), the rice cooking unit 1 notifies that the rice cooking operation has been canceled by the notification means 70 such as the voice notification means 70V (SM14). . The notification by the rice cooking unit 1 in this step is different from that in FIG. 12 of the embodiment.
Next, in the induction heating cooker 10, the controller 50 stops power supply to the rice cooking unit 1 (S15). Specifically, a command to stop power supply to the power transmission coil 17 and the cooling fan 13 is issued.

When a predetermined time T2 (for example, 61 minutes) has elapsed from the stage of step 10 (S16), the main controller 80 cancels the invalidation processing of the input operation section from the first input operation means 20 (S17). . Therefore, at this stage, for example, if the rice cooking unit 1 is moved to another place, the first input operation means 20 can be operated to start another cooking with the induction heating cooker 10 . When the first input operation means 20 is not operated, the main control device 80 automatically shuts off the main power supply by itself, and operates in consideration of safety so that the heating operation is not performed carelessly. (S18).

Next, FIG. 35 will be described.
The steps of the control operation shown in FIG. 35 are the same as steps SA1 to SA9 in FIG. 15 of the first embodiment. When step SM6 in FIG. 33 results in a “No” determination, main controller 80 executes the processing in FIG. That is, FIG. 35 shows the operation when the main controller 80 detects that the rice cooking unit 1 does not exist at the reference position before starting the rice cooking operation, and steps SA1 to SA9 shown in FIG. Since these steps are the same as the steps SA1 to SA9 shown, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 36 will be described below. The steps of the control operation shown in FIG. 36 are improved from step SR9 onward in FIG. 20 of the first embodiment.

As described with reference to FIG. 20 in Embodiment 1, when the user finishes inputting the hardness of the rice to be cooked (SR8), the control device 50 activates the second display screen 11B and Show that you can measure weight. It is also reported by the voice reporting means 90V (SR9).

In this fifth embodiment, if the lid 1B is open, then the lid 1B is closed and the rice cooking switch 67 is pressed so that rice cooking can be started immediately without going through the step of measuring the rice weight. , and there is an advantage that a user who is familiar with the amount of water when cooking rice can proceed quickly through the steps up to the start of rice cooking.

In FIG. 36, when the second display screen 11B is activated (SR9) and measurement of a predetermined time T6 is started (ST1), there is a step of determining whether the lid 1B is open.
As described in the first embodiment, the lid open/close button for opening the lid 1B and the mechanism interlocking with the opening/closing operation thereof are provided with a microswitch, a reed switch, or the like as the lid opening sensor 93, so that the lid 1B can be opened. The control device 50 may detect the opening.

Alternatively, before the second display screen 11B is activated, the control device 50 may monitor the movement of the center of gravity of the rice cooking unit 1 back and forth to detect the opening of the lid 1B.
For example, as described in Embodiment 1, two weight sensors are provided in the front-rear direction of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10, and the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are detected by the weight sensors. In this case, when the lid 1B is opened, the lid 1B is supported by the rice cooking unit 1 in a vertical or more stable rearward tilted state through a rear hinge (not shown). be.

Therefore, when the lid 1B is opened, the measured value of the weight sensor on the front side decreases before and after the lid 1B is opened, and the weight of the lid 1B is applied to the rear hinge portion (not shown). The measured value of the weight sensor on the rear side increases.

In particular, before the second display screen 11B is activated, there are steps (SR7, SR8) in which information on the brand of rice and the degree of cooking of the rice, that is, the hardness of the rice can be sequentially read out and corrected. Therefore, when operating the second input operation means 12, the user usually needs to close the lid 1B. The balance of the measured values of the weight sensor changes with subsequent opening of the lid 1B.

Therefore, the control device 50 does not need to provide hardware such as a microswitch or a reed switch as the lid opening sensor 93, but uses software to analyze the data of the measured values of the plurality of weight sensors as described above. The opening of 1B can be detected.

In FIG. 36, when the opening of the lid 1B is detected, the controller 50 proceeds to the next operation step ST12. Then, just to make sure, the presence or absence of opening of the lid body 1B is checked once again, and after that, when it is detected that the rice cooking switch 67 has been pushed (ST13), the first display screen 11A and the voice notification means 90V are displayed. Then, keep the cover 1B closed and issue a warning not to open it (ST15), and detect that the cover 1B is closed (ST16). Go to SR10.

For this reason, in step SR10, the voice notification means 90V provides voice guidance such as, for example, "Weighing rice is 500g. Appropriate amount of water has been determined. Cooking of white rice in the soft mode will start."
Also, the display operation of the second display screen 11B is finished (turned off).
In this way, it is possible to immediately shift to rice cooking without going through the step of measuring the weight of rice.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST2 that the lid 1B is open, the process proceeds to the next step ST3.
In this step ST3, it is determined whether or not the operation key 18A arranged on the operation unit 18 for measuring the weight of rice is operated to give a rice weighing command. When a predetermined operation key 18A is pressed, the weight of rice is measured while the lid 1B is open (ST4).

The weight measuring means 94 weighs the rice in the inner pot 3, the weight is notified by the voice notification means 90V, and the weight is also displayed numerically on the second display screen 11B (ST5).

After that, the amount of water corresponding to the weight of the rice is notified by the voice notification means 90V, for example, "It is 500 ml", and is also displayed numerically on the second display screen 11B (ST6).

Then, with the lid 1B left open, the indicated amount of water is poured in, and when the predetermined operation key 18A is pressed, the rice and water are put into the inner pot 3 by the weight measuring means 94. The weight is weighed again in this state, and the determination result is notified by the voice notification means 90V and also displayed on the second display screen 11B (ST6).

After that, when it is detected that the rice cooker switch 67 has been pressed (ST13), the first display screen 11A and the voice notification means 90V keep the lid 1B closed and instruct not to open it. (ST15), and when it is detected that the lid 1B is closed (ST16), the process proceeds to step SR10.

In step ST3, if time passes without the operation key 18A arranged on the operation unit 18 for measuring rice weight, the elapsed time is checked in step ST8, and the second display screen 11B is activated. If 30 minutes have not passed since the time, the voice notification means 90V notifies that the weight measurement command is awaited, and is displayed on the second display screen 11B (ST11).

Such reminders may be made every few minutes. If it is determined that 30 minutes have passed in step ST8, the user is taking time to do some work with the lid 1B open, or is preparing for another cooking, and the rice cooking set is postponed. Since there is a possibility that the error has been set to , an error notification is made to call the user's attention (ST9). This error notification is preferably performed by the voice notification means 90 and the second display screen 11B. Then, the control device 50 stops the series of operations for setting the rice cooking conditions, ends the operation of the second display screen 11B and the first display screen 11A, and turns off the screen displays (ST10).

In step ST13, if the rice cooker switch 67 is not pressed and the time has elapsed, the elapsed time is checked in step ST14. , the process returns to step ST2 to check again whether or not the cover 1B is open. However, if 30 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step ST9 to issue an error notification. This error notification is preferably performed by the voice notification means 90 and the first display screen 11A. Then, the control device 50 stops a series of operations for setting rice cooking conditions, ends the operations of the second display screen 11B and the first display screen 11A, and turns off the screen displays (ST10).

Summary of Embodiment 5.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking system according to the fifth embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 that is used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and incorporates an inner pot 3, with
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1, a space S communicating with the outside is formed,
Behind the space S, the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 face each other. forming a window 37 for passing an infrared signal carrying information for
The induction heating cooker 10 or the rice cooking unit 1 confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by the infrared signal before the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1 is started, and if the rice cooking unit 1 is not at a predetermined reference position. When the determination is made (step SM6 in FIG. 34), the process of stopping the rice cooking operation (step SA8 in FIG. 35) is performed without starting the energization of the heating coil 14, and the rice cooking unit 1 is placed in a problematic state. The configuration is characterized in that a notification is given in advance (steps SA1 and SA8 in FIG. 35) at a stage after detecting that there is something.

According to the heat cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged on the front part of the upper surface can be prevented.
Also, before the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit 1 is started, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and after detecting that there is a problem with the placement of the rice cooking unit 1, Since the user is notified in advance of the malfunction, such as stopping the operation, there is an advantage that misunderstandings and erroneous operations by the user can be prevented.

Embodiment 6.
FIG. 37 relates to Embodiment 6 of the present invention and is a flow chart showing the control operation of the induction heating cooker. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted. Further, the following description is based on the premise that the configuration of the second input operation means 12 of the lid 1B is the same as in FIG. 29 (Embodiment 4).

Electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 6 has a modified operation program for induction heating cooker 10 . Moreover, the operation program of the control device 50 after finishing the rice cooking process in the rice cooking unit 1 in particular is changed.

The induction heating cooker 10 of the electric rice cooker 100 performs the same operations as the operation steps S1 to S30 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 of the first embodiment.
The step S30 and subsequent steps are improved as shown in FIG.

First, when the rice cooking process ends (S30), the notifying means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the steaming process will start (SU1).
On the other hand, in the rice cooking unit 1 as well, in synchronism with this, the informing means 90 informs by voice that the steaming process is started.

Measurement of the elapsed time is started in order to grasp the irregularity time (SU2), and when a predetermined irregularity process time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, the notification means 70 displays, for example, "Since the irregularity process has ended, You can eat it immediately." is announced by voice (SU3).

When the heat retention switch 75 is operated after the steaming process is finished, it commands the start of the heat retention mode. Therefore, in the next step SU4, it is determined whether or not the heat retention switch 75 has been pressed by the user. make judgments.

When the keep-warm switch 75 is pressed, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 requests the main control device 80 to provide the temperature measurement result data from the outside air temperature detection means 15, and keeps warm based on the provided data. Calculate available time (SU5). Alternatively, the main controller 80 itself may calculate the heat retention time, and the controller 50 may acquire the result without requiring the controller 50 to provide the data. In the latter case, the control device 50 causes the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 to transmit a specific identification code or data indicating that the heat retention switch 75 has been pressed, and the main control device 80 receives the data, etc. Starts calculating the heat retention time.

If the keep warm switch 75 is not pressed within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step SU5. For example, even if the user is clearly aware of rice cooking at the start of rice cooking, there is a possibility that the user may forget about rice cooking afterwards. If the user forgets to cook the rice in this manner, the user may not be near the electric rice cooker 100, and may be left as it is without noticing the end of the steaming process.

At step SU5, for a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes), it is checked whether or not the keep warm switch 75 has been pressed, for example, every minute.

In step 10, the notifying means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the heat retaining process has ended.
During steps SU4 to SU10, the lid heating means 9A, the inner pot side heating means 9B, and the induction heating coil 14 may be heated with a minimum heating amount (thermal power) or not energized at all. In winter when the temperature of the living space is low, the outside temperature detection means 15 inputs the room temperature data of the low temperature to the main controller 80, so that the rice cooking unit 1 cools down during the predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes). It may be lost.

Therefore, assuming such a situation, the main controller 80 drives all or part of the lid heating means 9A, the inner pot side heating means 9B, and the induction heating coil 14, and the total power is about 30 W to 100 W, for example. It is also programmed to perform a temporary heat retention operation with the power consumption of .

At step SU7, the heat-retaining operation for the calculated heat-retainable time TX (for example, 3 hours) is started. In addition, the informing means 70 informs that the temperature-maintenance step is started (SU7).
The heat retention process of the sixth embodiment is performed by driving the induction heating coil 14, unlike the first embodiment. Therefore, the bottom portion of the inner pot 3, which is difficult to raise the temperature only by the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B, can be maintained at a predetermined temperature (for example, around 70°C).

Then, a check (SU8) to see if the heat retention possible time TX (for example, 3 hours) has elapsed and a check (SU9) to see if the rice cooking unit 1 exists at the reference position are repeatedly performed (for example, at a time interval of several seconds or less). and).

Therefore, a user other than the user who instructed the rice cooking operation does not notice that the rice cooking unit 1 is in the heat retention operation, and moves the induction heating cooker 10 to use it for another cooking. If so, the determination at step SU9 is "Yes". Then, the notifying means 70 of the induction heating cooker 10 notifies that the heat retaining process has ended. Almost at the same time, the notifying means 90 on the rice cooking unit 1 side similarly notifies that the heat retaining process has ended (SU10).

Furthermore, the input function of the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 is restored. That is, the prohibition of input to main controller 80 is canceled (SU11).
Therefore, desired cooking can be started by operating the first input operation means 20 of the induction heating cooker 10 immediately.

When the induction heating coil 14 is being driven in the heat retaining step, the driving of the inverter circuit 73 is stopped (SU12). Further, when the lid heating means 9A and the inner pot side heating means 9B are heated by the electric power from the power feeding means 6, the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 stops heating them (SU12).

Further, when the induction heating coil 14 is being driven and power is being supplied from the power transmission coil 17, the operation of the cooling fan 13 cooling them is also stopped (SU13).

Then, the main controller 80 cuts off the main power supply circuit by itself. On the other hand, the control device 50 side of the rice cooking unit 1 that has been moved also knows that it is not at the reference position by the reference position determination means 33, so the control device 50 stops the power supply to the power transmission coil 17, and the second , the function of the input operation means 12 is stopped.

Summary of Embodiment 6.
As is clear from the above description, the cooking system according to the sixth embodiment is
An induction heating cooker 10 having a top plate 22 on its upper surface, a rice cooking unit 1 that is used so as to be placed close to or in contact with the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 and incorporates an inner pot 3, with
The induction heating cooker 10 includes a heating coil 14 for induction-heating the inner pot 3, and a first input operation positioned in front of the heating coil 14 for setting the energization condition of the heating coil 14. means 20;
The rice cooking unit 1 includes a second input operation means 12 for setting rice cooking conditions,
The rice cooking unit 1 covers the top of the first input operation means 20 with the rice cooking unit 1 placed on the induction heating cooker 10,
Between the upper surface of the first input operation means 20 and the lower surface of the rice cooking unit 1, a space S communicating with the outside is formed,
An infrared signal is transmitted between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 at a portion behind the space S where the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit 1 and the top plate 22 of the induction heating cooker 10 face each other. forming a window 37 for passage,
The induction heating cooker 10 monitors the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 by means of the infrared signal while the rice cooking unit 1 is placed at a predetermined position and the heat-retaining process is being performed, and the first input operation is performed. continuing to disable the input operation of means 20,
Further, when the induction heating cooker 10 cannot detect the presence of the rice cooking unit 1 at the predetermined position by the infrared signal, the heat retaining process of the rice cooking unit 1 is terminated, and the first input operation means 20 is input. It was a configuration to release the invalidation of the operation.

According to the heat cooking system with this configuration, overheating of the first input operation means 20 arranged on the front part of the upper surface can be prevented.
Also, at the stage of the heat retention process by the rice cooking unit 1, the placement of the rice cooking unit 1 is confirmed by the infrared signal, and at the stage where it is detected that there is a problem with the placement of the rice cooking unit 1, the heat retention operation is stopped, and Since invalidation of the input operation of the first input operation means 20 can be canceled, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and erroneous operations by the user.

Embodiment 7.
38 to 43 relate to Embodiment 7 of the present invention, and FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an electric rice cooker according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a plan view 1 of the lid body of the rice cooking unit. FIG. 40 is a plan view 2 of the lid body of the rice cooking unit. 41 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control means of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 38. FIG. FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the control operation of the rice cooking unit of FIG. 38 when the rice is stewed. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of control patterns in stewed cooking of the rice cooking unit of FIG. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or corresponding part as Embodiment 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the electric rice cooker 100 according to Embodiment 7, the cooking menu of the rice cooking unit 1 is enhanced. That is, in the rice cooking unit 1, "stew" cooking, "porridge", and "steaming" cooking can be performed. In order to realize this, the operation program of the control device 50 of the rice cooking unit 1 is changed.
Also, the operation program of the main controller 80 of the induction heating cooker 10 is partially changed.

Furthermore, a steam discharger (sometimes called a sticky collector) is used to release water vapor generated inside the inner pot 3 during the rice cooking process, etc., so that water can be injected into the inner pot 3. This improves the convenience of adjusting the amount of water before the start of rice cooking.

Furthermore, the second input operation means 12 is improved so that the visibility of the first display screen 11A arranged there and the measurement instruction of the weight of rice and confirmation of the result can be easily performed.

An electric rice cooker 100 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that it is composed of an induction heating cooker 10 and a rice cooking unit 1 .

Before going into the specific description of Embodiment 7, the outline of "stewed" cooking, "rice porridge", and "steamed cooking" will be described.
(1) “Simmered” cooking: An electric rice cooker that can cook ingredients such as vegetables and meat in soup or the like with water or seasoning added and heat to cook simmered food. This is proposed by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2007-181521 and 2004-329488. Also, JP-A-2004-329488 proposes to prepare inner pots exclusively for cooking rice and simmering foods, and to replace the inner pots depending on whether the rice is to be cooked or simmered.

(2) “Porridge”: A configuration in which a “porridge” menu is prepared in an electric rice cooker and rice porridge can be prepared is proposed in, for example, JP-A-2007-135884 and JP-A-8-164065. As disclosed in JP-A-2007-135884, there are thick rice porridge made with a relatively long heating time and thin rice porridge made with a relatively short heating time. When making rice porridge, it is necessary to use a different heating pattern and heat than rice cooking.

"Steaming" cooking: Put a steaming table or net with many ventilation holes in the inner pot 3, put vegetables etc. on it, boil the water put in the bottom of the inner pot, and use the generated steam It heats vegetables and the like. Therefore, unlike when cooking rice, it is not necessary to cook with the lid 1B closed, but rather it is better to cook with the lid 1B open.

The rice cooking unit 1 of Embodiment 7 has the following configuration based on the characteristics of each cooking described above.
In FIG. 38, 12 is a second input operation means provided on the cover 1B, and has a second display screen 11B composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like.
122 is a steam discharger having a circular planar shape. This steam exhauster forms therein a first passage (not shown) for discharging steam generated inside the inner pot 3 during rice cooking. That is, the internal space of the inner pot 3 and the external space of the rice cooking unit 1 are communicated.

The steam discharger 122 has been proposed, for example, in JP-A-9-187371 and JP-A-2014-83203.
Next, FIG. 39 will be described.
In FIG. 39, reference numeral 12 denotes a second input operation means provided on the cover 1B, which has a second display screen 11B composed of a liquid crystal display screen or the like.

The steam discharger 122 is located behind the second display screen 11B and is detachably mounted in a circular concave portion 123 having a mortar shape.
A circular lid 124 is formed of a plastic material in a disc shape. The lid 124 closes the top opening of the steam ejector 122 . The lid 124 can be easily opened by the user for cleaning or pouring water, which will be described later. A hinge shaft 125 rotatably supports the rear portion of the lid 124 . The hinge shaft 125 is a member that connects the lid body 1B and the lid 124 . With this configuration, the lid 124 is in a substantially vertical state with the hinge shaft 125 as a fulcrum in the most open state.

Numeral 126 denotes a plurality of steam discharge holes formed vertically through the lid 124. In the seventh embodiment, a total of five holes are provided.
A water inlet 127 is exposed when the lid 124 is opened, and this water inlet vertically penetrates the inside of the steam discharger 122 . In other words, this steam discharger forms therein a second passage (not shown) for discharging steam generated inside the inner pot 3 during rice cooking. Although the first passage and the second passage may be used in common, the first passage is usually provided to suppress the amount of steam generated during rice cooking inside the inner pot 3 and to In some cases, a throttle part or control valve mechanism that maintains the atmospheric pressure at the time of boiling in 3 may be provided, and a check valve may be provided to prevent cold air from entering from the outside at the completion of rice cooking, so these functions are suitable. You may form separately so that it may carry out.

In FIG. 39, the surface (upper surface) of the second display screen 11B also serves as a touch-type input screen that allows input by capturing changes in capacitance when the user touches a finger or the like.
In FIG. 39, 120 is a touch key, sometimes called an icon. The touch-type keys are displayed by the control device 50 in correspondence with the display on the display screen 11B so that the user can see them whenever necessary. Since such touch input keys are well known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

120A is a "rice cooking key" for commanding the control device 50 to cook rice, 120B is a "porridge key" for commanding to make rice porridge, and 120C is a "simmering key" for commanding simmering/stewed cooking. , 120D is a "steam cooking key" for instructing steam cooking. Reference numeral 121 denotes an operation start switch, which is composed of touch keys. This operation start switch 121 disappears from the surface of the second display screen 11B after an operation such as rice cooking is started.

These keys 120A to 120D appear as a list on the second display screen 11B as shown in FIG. 38 when the menu switch 65 is pressed when the rice cooking unit 1 is activated by the induction heating cooker 10. do. Also, after any one of these keys 120A to 120D is touched, an operation start switch 121 appears on the second display screen 11B.

40 is a plan view of the lid body of the rice cooking unit as in FIG. 39. FIG. In FIG. 40, 120R is a touch key for returning to the previous screen, and when touched, the display screen shown in FIG. 39 is displayed.

A touch key 128 is used to instruct the controller 50 to measure the weight of rice.
Once the key 121 for starting heating is pressed, this key 120R disappears immediately and the weight measurement instruction cannot be performed.

Reference numeral 129 denotes a water amount display section, which graphically displays the insufficient amount of water with respect to the optimum amount of water based on the weight calculated by the weight measuring means 94 . Therefore, triangular figures (indicators) 129A are displayed in a vertical line, but when the inner pot 3 is filled with water and the weight increases, the figures 129A shining blue increase. The appropriate amount of water is indicated when all the five figures 129A are illuminated in blue. If too much water is added, instead of the bright blue figure 129A, the figure 129A turns red, and all flash at the same time to warn the user of excess water.

In FIG. 41, 12T is a touch-type input means that constitutes the second input operation means 12, and includes the touch-type keys 120A to 120D and 120R shown in FIGS.
A microcomputer (not shown) that constitutes the control device 50 operates according to a control program for cooking rice and a control program for the above-described stewed cooking, porridge and steamed cooking. These control programs are stored in the memory means (ROM) of the microcomputer and the memory means 50R.

Next, referring to FIG. 42, the case where the second input operation means 12 receives a command signal to start stew cooking will be described.
FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing the control operation when the rice is cooked by stewing in the rice cooking unit 1. As shown in FIG.

Step SW1 is when the stew key 120D is pressed and then the operation start switch 121 is pressed.
The control device 50 notifies the start of stew cooking by the voice notification means 90V (SW2).

The control device 50 confirms that the lid 1B is closed by the lid opening sensor 93, and if it is closed, outputs a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94, and starts the rice cooking immediately before the start of the boiling process. The weight of unit 1 is measured (SW3).

The control device 50 receives the measurement result signal from the weight measurement means 94 and stores the weight value indicated by the signal in the storage means 50R.
Also, the measurement result is reported by the reporting means 90 . Specifically, the voice notification means, for example, announces that "current weight is 1500 g", and also displays "measurement result: 1500 g" on the second display screen 11B (SW4).

Next, the control device 50 transmits basic information necessary for execution of stew cooking to the induction heating cooker 10 from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 by means of an infrared signal. For example, in order to perform the operation pattern shown in FIG. 43, the execution program for sections A to X is transmitted so that the boiling process and the low-temperature heating process can be executed sequentially.

It should be noted that control programs for various types of cooking such as stewed cooking and rice cooking are not transmitted from the rice cooking unit 1 to the induction heating cooker 10 each time, but are prepared in the induction heating cooker 10 in advance (stored in the storage means 80R). ), and the rice cooking unit 1 may transmit the progress of each step, the temperature data of the inner pot 3, and the like.

In the induction heating cooker 10, upon receiving the command signal to start stew cooking from the rice cooking unit 1, the heating coil 14 is driven by the inverter circuit 73, and the cooling fan 13 also starts operating.

In the next step SW5, the inner pot of the rice cooking unit 1 is induction-heated by the heating coil 14 and the temperature rises, so it is determined whether or not the boiling temperature has been reached.
As shown in FIG. 43, it is necessary to maintain the boiling temperature level TY for a predetermined time. The length of this time varies depending on the ingredients to be cooked, but is, for example, 30 minutes or more.
This time TY can be designated by the second input operation means 12 before the start of stew cooking. Alternatively, when the ingredients to be stewed are selected, the control device 50 sets the time.

The timing of outputting a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94 and measuring the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as “measurement timing”) is determined in advance by the control device 50 . Also, by pressing the key 128, a measurement command can be issued each time.
As described above, the stage P1 in which the operation start switch 121 is pushed is one (first) of the measurement timings.
Also, the stage at which the key 128 is arbitrarily pressed is one of the measurement timings.

In the following description, the case where the weight is automatically measured by the control device 50 even if the key 128 is not arbitrarily pressed will be described.
There are a total of four automatic measurement timings, as indicated by symbols P1 to P4 in FIG.
In step SW6, the measurement of the elapsed time from the point of time when it is confirmed that the boiling temperature level has been reached is started. This time is necessary when determining whether or not a "predetermined time TY", which will be described later, is maintained. The length of this time varies depending on the ingredients to be cooked, but is, for example, 30 minutes or longer.

When it is determined in step SW7 that it is time to measure, the control device 50 proceeds to step SW8 and instructs the weight measuring means 94 to perform a measuring operation. Then, it receives a measurement result signal from the weight measuring means 94, compares the weight value indicated by the signal with the previous weight value stored in the storage means 50R, and judges whether the weight has decreased (SW9). .

The "decrease in weight" referred to here is based on a predetermined weight value (for example, 100 g). It is determined whether or not the process (section B in FIG. 41) has been completed.

If it is determined that the step weight is decreasing (SW9), then the weight decrease rate is calculated (SW10).
Calculate the percentage (%) to see the impact of the reduction relative to the initial weight (eg 1500 g as described above). For example, 100g lighter is equivalent to 6.6% of 1500g, so it is rounded up to "7%".

If the determination in step SW10 is "No", the process proceeds to step SW14. When the determination is "Yes", the weight value and rate of change (decrease rate) at that time are stored in the storage means 50R (SW12).

In the next step SW13, the second display screen 11B displays "Measurement result: 1300 g. Weight decreased by 200 g". Also, the same information is reported by voice from the voice reporting means 90V.

Next, the control device 50 transmits an instruction signal requesting an emergency stop of the stewed cooking to the induction heating cooker 10 by an infrared signal from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 (SW13). The stewed cooking by the rice cooking unit 1 is thereby stopped.

In step SW14, it is determined whether or not the boiling process (section B in FIG. 41) has been completed, and if it has been completed, the next low temperature heating process is performed.

Next, FIG. 43 will be described. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram of a control pattern in the stewed cooking of the rice cooking unit 1. FIG. The vertical axis indicates the temperature of the inner pot 3, and the horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time from the start of stew cooking. The temperature of the inner pot 3 is measured by the inner pot temperature detection means 5 .

As can be seen from FIG. 43, in section A, the heating coil 14 is heated with the maximum heating power, and the temperature of the inner pot 3 rises to 100° C. at once.
When the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 detects that the temperature of the inner pot 3 has reached 100° C., this temperature data is transmitted from the infrared signal transmitting/receiving section 35 to the induction heating cooker 10 as an infrared signal.

The induction heating cooker 10 controls to lower the heating power of the inverter circuit 73 and maintain that state for a predetermined time (TY). In practice, the temperature need not always be 100.degree.

When it is determined in step SW14 in FIG. 42 that the boiling process (section B in FIG. 43) has been completed, the process proceeds to step SW15 of the low temperature heating process in FIG.
In section C, the induction heating cooker 10 stops the inverter circuit 73 and does not perform induction heating at all. Then, it waits until the inner pot temperature detecting means 5 of the rice cooking unit 1 detects that the inner pot 3 cools naturally to 85°C.

When the inner pot temperature detection means 5 detects that the inner pot 3 has naturally cooled down to 85° C., the induction heating cooker 10 receives an infrared signal indicating the temperature detection data, and the inverter circuit 73 is operated. It drives and heats the inner pot 3. and maintain around 80°C to 85°C.

As shown in FIG. 43 , intermittent heating is repeated several times or more, such as induction heating in section D, natural heat dissipation in section E, and induction heating again in section N, and the broth and seasoning are added to the ingredients of the boiled dish. It is made so that the liquid etc. permeates and becomes delicious. There is also a method of reducing the heating amount per unit time by lowering the energization rate instead of the method of repeating energization and non-energization as in the sections D and E, but in this seventh embodiment, heating is performed. By intermittently (intermittently) performing, it is expected that convection will be generated in the cooking liquid inside the inner pot 3 .

The length of the low-temperature heating process is not constant, and varies depending on the type and amount of simmered food. It may take several hours or more to boil the meat and vegetables slowly and allow the broth to permeate the inside.
Finally, stop the induction heating by the heating coil 14 and wait until it cools down naturally.
In FIG. 43, when the temperature finally drops to about 70° C., the boiled food cooking is completed. An end notice is given.

P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 43 are the timings (measurement timings) at which the rice cooking unit 1 outputs a measurement command signal to the weight measuring means 94 to measure the weight of the rice cooking unit 1, as described above. Interval B, interval E in which heating by the heating coil 14 is temporarily stopped (pause), and interval X in which heat is naturally released are each set once.

Of these, if it is detected that the weight has significantly decreased in section B of the simmering process at the time of measurement P2, as in step SW11, the possible cause is that the boiling is intense and the water content evaporates excessively. It is assumed that the liquid to be cooked overflows from the inner pot 3 due to intense boiling.

In this stewed cooking, if section C is entered, for example, at the stage of step SW14 in FIG. Even if the opening of the inner pot 3 is detected, it is not treated as an error in the section C to section X, so it is assumed that the amount of water evaporation from the inner pot 3 will increase.

In such stewed cooking, in the seventh embodiment, the weight measuring means 94 detects at a predetermined measurement time that the amount of broth or seasoning liquid has decreased, and if the amount of the broth or seasoning liquid decreases excessively, the heating operation is interrupted. It can be stopped automatically. For this reason, even if the user is not constantly watching over the stewed cooking that takes a relatively long time, the user can safely cook.

Moreover, in this Embodiment 7, the timing (measurement timing) at which the weight measuring means 94 automatically measures the weight of the rice cooking unit 1 is selected while the heating by the heating coil 14 is stopped (suspended). Therefore, while the heating is stopped, the weight can be measured quietly without being affected by the convection of the object to be cooked inside the inner pot 3 or the slight vibration caused by boiling, and accurate weight measurement can be expected.

In the seventh embodiment, the steam discharger is used to pour water into the inner pot 3. Therefore, for example, water is roughly put into the inner pot 3, and then the lid 1B is closed. In this state, the lid 124 can be opened and water can be replenished from above the water inlet 127 using a cup or the like. Moreover, when the user presses the weighing instruction key 128 in that state (the cover 1B is not opened or closed), the weight measuring means 94 measures the weight at that point. For this reason, if the amount of rice is input by the second input operation means 12 in advance, the total weight including the amount of water suitable for the amount of rice and the total weight of the inner pot 3 as a result of pouring water are calculated. , can be recognized by a figure 129A displayed on the water amount display section 129. FIG.
In addition to or instead of the graphic 129A, for example, a numerical value indicating the amount of insufficient water may be displayed.

As described above, the seventh embodiment has a configuration that improves the convenience of adjusting the amount of water before starting to cook rice.

Furthermore, although the effect of detecting weight change by the rice cooking unit 1 has been described only for the case of the boiling process, the effect of detecting the change in weight by the rice cooking unit 1 has been described. The same effect can be expected even if it is applied to "steaming" cooking that requires continuous steam generation by heating water.

Other Embodiments and Modifications.
In Embodiments 1 and 2, what constitutes the reference position determining means 33 is the infrared signal transmission/reception section 34 on the induction heating cooker 10 side, and the infrared signal transmission/reception section 35 on the rice cooking unit 1 side. Then, an infrared signal is first transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side, and a response to the infrared signal from the rice cooking unit 1 side is confirmed to determine whether or not the placement position of the rice cooking unit 1 is at a reference position. Although it is a method, it is not necessary to adopt a form in which information is separately transmitted by infrared signals in both directions. For example, an infrared signal may be first transmitted from the induction heating cooker 10 side, and the state of the reflected light may be determined at the induction heating cooker 10 side.

In the first to seventh embodiments, the storage means 50R of the control device 50 on the rice cooking unit 1 side stores a basic rice cooking control operation program (computer software) capable of executing the rice cooking operation. Although the rice was cooked, the rice cooking unit does not necessarily have to prepare an operation program for autonomously executing the rice cooking operation. In that case, an operation program (computer software) for rice cooking control is stored in the main controller 80 on the induction heating cooker 10 side, and the induction heating coil 14 is controlled using this operation program to cook (preheat) the rice. , rice cooking, and steaming) and to determine the progress of the rice cooking process, control data such as the temperature of the inner pot 3 may be acquired from the rice cooking unit 1 side as needed by infrared signals.

Furthermore, as shown in Embodiments 1 and 2, the rice cooking unit is operated by means such as a combination of reed switch 31 and permanent magnet 30, IC tag 103 and reader (IC tag information reading section) 104 installed at predetermined positions. 1 may be confirmed, and only information transmission between the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 may be performed by infrared signals. Since the induction heating cooker 10 uses high-frequency power and generates an alternating magnetic field, there is a concern that electrical noise may affect wireless communication. In this respect, infrared signal communication is also advantageous.

Further, in Embodiments 1 to 7, the window 37 is formed in the portion where the rice cooking unit 1 and the induction heating cooker 10 are overlapped and the portion closest to them, and infrared signals are transmitted. It is possible to realize communication in close contact or in a close environment without being affected by ambient light such as visible light and sunlight, and it is expected that signal transmission will be reliable. An infrared transmitting hole may be provided in the first input operation means 20, and an infrared signal may be transmitted to the rice cooking unit 1 through the transmitting hole. In this case, it is preferable to dispose the transmission holes while avoiding button (key) portions or touch switch portions that are pressed by the user.

Further, in Embodiments 1 to 7, the induction heating cooker 10 has the rear vertical portion 16. Therefore, when induction-heating ordinary cooking utensils such as various pots and frying pans, the rear vertical portion 16 is on the rear side. was guarded to prevent the utensils from falling backwards. However, the rear vertical portion 16 is not required for the practice of the invention. That is, the induction heating cooker 10 may have an outer shape whose entire top surface is flat.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The electric rice cooker and cooking system according to the present invention can be widely used not only in the kitchens of general houses but also in the kitchens of public facilities, shops, and the like.

1 Rice Cooking Unit 1A Main Body 1B Lid 1F Front Wall 1P Projection 2 Leg 2S Inclined Surface 3 Inner Pot 4 Weight Sensor 4S Strain Sensor 5 Inner Pot Temperature Detecting Means 5A Thermistor 5B Infrared Temperature Sensor 6 Power Supply Means 7 Power Receiving Coil 8 Lid Open/Close Button 9A Lid heating means 9B Inner pot side heating means 10 Induction heating cooker 10A Body case 10F Front wall surface 11 Display means 11A First display screen 11B Second display screen 12 Second input operation means 12P Press type input means 12T touch type input means 12V switch 13 cooling fan 14 induction heating coil 15 outside air temperature detection means 16 rear vertical part 17 power transmission coil 18 operation part 18A operation key 19 magnetic shield plate 20 first input operation means 21 projection (protrusion)
22 Top plate 22A Inclined portion 22L Stepped portion 22T Peripheral portion 23 Inner lid 24 Sealing packing 25 Inner trunk portion 26 Wireless communication module (wireless communication unit)
27 support plate 28 window 29 window 30 permanent magnet 31 placement detection sensor (reed switch)
32 Support substrate 33 Reference position determination means 34 Infrared signal transmission/reception unit 35 Infrared signal transmission/reception unit 36A First signal processing unit 36B Second signal processing unit 37 Window 38 Window 39 Bottom plate 40 Support substrate 41 Electronic switch 41A Operation unit 42 Circuit board 43 Protective sheet 44 Through hole 45 Support frame 46 Through hole 50 Control device 50R Storage means 50T Timing means 60 Rice seed display section 61 Hardness display section 62 Menu display section 63 Rice seed switch 64 Hardness switch 65 Menu switch 66 Off/Keep warm Switch 67 Rice Cooking Switch 68 Reservation Switch 69 Time Switch 70 Notification Means 70D Display Means 70V Voice Notification Means 71 Commercial Power Supply 72 Power Supply Section 73 Inverter Circuit 74 Top Plate Temperature Detecting Means 75 Heat Retention Switch 76 Voice Navigation Switch 77 Power Saving Switch 78 Health Information Display switch 80 Main controller 80R Storage means 80T Clock means 81 Power priority information 82 Boiling process display information 90V Voice notification means 91 Near field wireless communication unit 93 Lid opening sensor 94 Weight measurement means 95 Power supply unit (secondary battery)
96 Partition plate 96A Through hole 97 Room 98 Air vent 99 Wind direction plate 100 Electric rice cooker 101 Power plug 102 Power cord 103 IC tag 104 Reader (IC tag information reading unit)
105 support leg 106 protrusion (fitting portion)
107 vent hole 108 lower space 110 power meter 111 power supply line 112 router 113 external agency 114 communication network 115 information communication terminal equipment 120 touch key 121 operation start switch 122 steam exhauster 123 recess 124 lid 125 hinge shaft 126 steam exhaust hole 127 water inlet 128 measurement instruction key 129 water volume display 129A indicator (graphic)
130 cooling fan 194 weight measuring means 200 integrated management device (power command device)
AD Power supply tap BK Breaker H Opposing distance HA Living space HZ Maximum outer peripheral range S Gap SS Gap G1 Opposing distance.

Claims (4)

An induction heating cooker having a top plate on its upper surface, and a rice cooking unit that is placed close to or in contact with the top plate of the induction heating cooker and contains an inner pot,
The induction heating cooker includes a heating coil for induction heating of the inner pot, and a first input operation means positioned in front of the heating coil for setting an energization condition of the heating coil,
The rice cooking unit comprises second input operation means for setting rice cooking conditions,
With the rice cooking unit placed on the induction heating cooker, the rice cooking unit covers an upper side of the first input operation means,
Infrared signals for transmitting information for rice cooking control between the rice cooking unit and the induction heating cooker are passed through the facing portion between the bottom surface of the rice cooking unit and the top plate of the induction heating cooker. forms a window of
During at least one of the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit and the reserved rice cooking period, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit confirms the placement of the rice cooking unit by means of the infrared signal, and moves the rice cooking unit to a predetermined reference position. When it is determined that there is no rice cooking unit, a process for determining whether to continue or stop the rice cooking operation is performed according to the progress of the rice cooking process, and a notification operation is performed in advance at the stage of continuing or stopping the rice cooking operation. and
Before the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit checks whether the amount of water is appropriate for the weight of the rice when the lid of the rice cooking unit is open. Determined from the weight of the induction heating cooker including the weight or the weight of the rice cooking unit,
The induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit notifies if the amount of water is not appropriate as a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate,
The induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit notifies that the appropriate amount of water has been determined as a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate. . The rice cooking unit further has a display screen for displaying whether or not the amount of water put into the inner pot containing rice and water is appropriate, and an audio notification means,
As a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit notifies at least one of the display screen or the voice notification means if the amount of water is not appropriate,
As a result of determining whether the amount of water is appropriate, the induction heating cooker or the rice cooking unit determines that the amount of water is appropriate. 2. The heating cooking system according to claim 1, wherein said voice notification means and said display screen inform that the measurement of is performed. The induction heating cooker confirms placement of the rice cooking unit by the infrared signal before starting the rice cooking process by the rice cooking unit, and then invalidates the input operation of the first input operation means. The cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: The induction heating cooker cancels the invalid state of the input operation of the first input operation means when it is detected by the infrared signal that the rice cooking unit has finished a predetermined rice cooking process. Item 4. The cooking system according to item 3.

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