JP7222704B2 - Rice cooker and water level detector - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rice cooker having a water level indicator in an inner pot for storing food to be cooked, and a water level detection device having a water level indicator used in an inner pot such as a rice cooker.

For example, in Patent Document 1, there are a plurality of water level displays according to the type of food to be cooked and how to cook, such as "polished rice", "porridge", "brown rice", "milled grains", and "barley rice". A rice cooker in which a part is printed and formed on the inner surface of an inner pot is disclosed. In another patent document 2, in order to improve the visibility of the water level display part, water level lines are printed over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the inner pot, and the color of the water level line representing each water level is changed to the water level line. The idea of making it different for each is shown.

In addition, Patent Literature 3 proposes a water level detection device separate from the inner pot and erected inside the inner pot in order to eliminate the difficulty in seeing the water level line formed on the peripheral surface of the inner pot. In this water level detection device, a transparent member having a refractive index larger than that of air is arranged to face the water level display part via an air layer. It is devised so that the water level can be read without error by completely reflecting the light at the interface between the water level indicator and the transparent member so that the submerged part of the water level indicator cannot be seen.

FIG. 44 shows a water level display unit 100 of a rice cooker marketed as a mass-production specification. In the figure, the water level display part 100 is printed on the inner surface of the bottomed inner pot 101 above the inner bottom line X of the inner pot 101 in order to adjust the amount of water put into the inner pot 101. be. In the example of (a) in the figure, the inner surface of the inner pot 101 is provided with a polished rice water level indicator 100A used to adjust the amount of water when cooking rice with polished rice, and a non-washed rice level indicator 100A used to adjust the amount of water when cooking rice with rinse-free rice. Washed rice water level display part 100B, Polished rice sushi water level display part 100C used to adjust the amount of water when cooking sushi rice with polished rice, Rinse-free sushi water level display part 100D used to adjust the amount of water when cooking sushi rice with rinse-free rice, Okowa Steamed rice water level display units 100E used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking steamed rice are arranged side by side. In the example of (b) in the figure, in addition to the basic white rice water level display section 100A described above, a whole rice gruel water level display section 100F used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking whole rice gruel is provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 101. , 5-minute porridge water level display unit 100G used to adjust the amount of water when cooking 5-minute porridge, barley/brown rice water level display unit 100H used to adjust the amount of water when cooking barley rice or brown rice, and divided rice Separated rice/multi-grain rice/germinated brown rice water level display units 100I used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking multi-grain rice or sprouted brown rice are arranged side by side.

The polished rice water level display section 100A has a character section 110A representing the type of the rice to be cooked with the letters "polished rice" and numbers representing the amount of the rice to be cooked put into the inner pot 101 by "0.5" and (the number of cups), respectively. It is composed of a portion 111A, water level lines 112A each representing a guideline of the amount of water corresponding to the amount of rice to be cooked by a horizontal line, and a connection line 113A connecting one end of each water level line 112A arranged vertically. . Other water level display portions 100B to 100I are similarly composed of character portions 110B to 110I, number portions 111B to 111I, water level lines 112B to 112I, and connecting lines 113B to 113I.

FIG. 45 is a top view of the bottomed inner pot 101 containing the food to be cooked. The water level display portions 100 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 101 . As an example, water level display units 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, and 100E shown in FIG. 100G, 100H, and 100I may be arranged on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 101 . 44 may be used to print the water level indicator 100 on the inner surface of the inner pot 101 at the diagonal corners.

In a rice cooker having such an inner pot 101, as preparations before starting rice cooking, put weighed rice in the inner pot 101, wash the rice as necessary, and then use the water level display section 100 to check the amount of rice. The amount of water is visually checked and adjusted accordingly. Specifically, for example, when 2.5 cups of polished rice is put into the inner pot 101, the numbers "2" and "3" are displayed using the polished rice water level display section 100A corresponding to the character section 110A of the same "polished rice". The amount of water put into the inner pot 101 is adjusted while visually checking so that the water level coincides with the water level line 112A located in the middle of the portion 111A as much as possible. After that, the inner pot 101 is set in the main body of the rice cooker (not shown), the desired rice cooking course is set, and the start of rice cooking is instructed. It is possible to cook delicious food.

JP 2018-149069 A JP-A-2000-166759 Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-15025

However, in the conventional rice cooker, the water level display unit 100 is provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 101 formed in the shape of a container. It turned out that he had received The following table shows the results of a stress questionnaire regarding water level adjustment for users who actually use rice cookers.

In addition, the water level detection device disclosed in Patent Document 3 is inserted into the inside of the inner pot containing rice and water and is used in an unstable state just by standing vertically, so when adjusting the water level The detection device and thus the water level indicator are likely to fall down. In addition, when the inner pot is viewed from directly above, the water level display cannot be seen, and the user's stress cannot be sufficiently relieved by adjusting the water level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rice cooker and a water level detection device that are capable of relieving user stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot.

The present invention is a rice cooker provided with a water level display section for adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot on the inner surface of the inner pot that houses the food to be cooked, wherein the water level display section serves as a guide for adjusting the water level. It is configured to include a plurality of symbolized icon display portions, and inside the icon display portion is provided a portion display portion that indicates the amount of rice to be cooked that allows the water level to be adjusted in the icon display portion. are arranged diagonally in the depth direction of the inner surface of the inner pot, and the outer shape of the icon display portion is provided with a characteristic portion for matching the water level as a guideline for matching the water level, A plurality of characteristic portions are provided in one icon display portion, and the plurality of characteristic portions are a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to different amounts of the rice to be cooked with the same type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked. and are assigned and arranged so as to serve as a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the amount of the same rice-cooking food for different types and cooking methods of the rice-cooking food.

According to the present invention, it is difficult for the user to see the inner surface of the inner pot because it is deep inside. Easy to adjust the water level. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rice cooker capable of relieving the user's stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot.

According to the present invention, by providing the amount display part in addition to the icon display part, the amount of the food to be cooked that can be adjusted in the water level can be visually recognized in advance on the icon display part, and the user can check the amount of the food to be cooked. Using the appropriate icon display portion as a mark, it is possible to perform water level adjustment without error.

According to the present invention, even if the icon display portions are formed to have a certain size in consideration of the visibility to the user, the adjacent icon display portions do not interfere with each other, and the inner surface of the inner hook can be viewed in the depth direction. It is possible to orderly arrange a plurality of icon display portions.

According to the present invention, the amount of water to be put into the inner pot can be adjusted correctly by simply matching the water level to the characteristic portion of the icon display portion by using the characteristic portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a plurality of water level adjustments using one common icon display section, thereby relieving the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in the number of icon display sections.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform water level adjustment corresponding to the quantity of a plurality of rice-cooking items having a common type and cooking method in one common icon display portion. The user's stress caused by the number of icon display areas increasing unnecessarily depending on the type and cooking method can be eliminated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the water level corresponding to the amount of the same food to be cooked, which is different in type and cooking method, in one common icon display portion. , the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in the number of icon display areas can be eliminated.

According to the invention of claim 8 as filed , the position of the icon display section on the inner surface of the inner pot and the quantity display section provided on the icon display section can be easily confirmed visually. Become.

According to the invention of claim 9 as filed , the position of the icon display section on the inner surface of the inner pot and the quantity display section provided on the icon display section can be easily confirmed visually. Become.

According to the invention of claim 10 at the time of filing , it is possible to confirm the positional relationship of each icon display section provided on the inner surface of the inner pot by the difference in color, and the water level can be adjusted with an unintended different icon display section. can be prevented as much as possible.

According to the invention of claim 11 at the time of filing , it is possible to confirm the positional relationship of each portion display portion provided on the inner surface of the inner pot by the difference in color, and it corresponds to an unintended other portion display portion. It is possible to prevent the adjustment of the water level in the icon display section as much as possible.

According to the present invention, the user can visually refer to the legend display section to perform water level adjustment using the water level display section without hesitation.

According to the present invention, by using not only the icon display section but also the water level line, it is possible to more accurately adjust the water level.

According to the present invention, even if you do not try to match the water level to the feature point of the icon display part, you can put it in the inner pot by using the water level line at the same horizontal position and adjusting the water level there. You can easily adjust the amount of water without error.

According to the invention of claim 15 as filed , the inner surface of the inner pot is a portion that is difficult for the user to see because it is deep inside, but here the water level line is not on one side of the amount display section but on both sides of the amount display section. is provided, the user can easily adjust the water level using the water level line as a mark. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rice cooker capable of relieving the user's stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot.

According to the invention of claim 16 at the time of filing , a plurality of water level lines are arranged side by side at narrow intervals by adding a change in length between the main water level line and the sub water level line which are arranged alternately. It becomes possible to improve as much as possible the difficulty in seeing due to being distorted.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention as filed , when the user looks into the inner surface of the inner pot, the position of the water level line can be easily recognized by using the mark as a clue.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the invention as filed , by using not only the water level line but also the icon display portion, it is possible to more accurately adjust the water level.

According to the invention of claim 19 as filed , the water level display part can be used in a stable state together with the display plate attached to the base only by placing the base on the upper surface of the food to be cooked inside the inner pot. . Also, in this state, the water level display is arranged obliquely upward, so that the user can easily see where the water level is on the water level display when viewing the inner pot from directly above. Therefore, it is possible to provide a water level detection device capable of relieving the user's stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot.

According to the invention of claim 20 at the time of filing , the water level display part can be arranged diagonally upward inside the inner pot by simply opening the display plate when in use, and when not in use, the display plate can be closed and placed on the base. By folding, the water level detection device can be handled in a compact state.

According to the invention of claim 21 as filed , by turning on the light source, it is possible to illuminate the water level display section in an easy-to-see manner when adjusting the water level.

According to the invention of claim 22 as filed , when the base comes into contact with water inside the inner pot when adjusting the water level, the light source is turned on to illuminate the water level indicator in an easy-to-see manner.

According to the invention of claim 23 as filed , the case not only serves as a storage member when the display plate is folded on the base, but also serves to detect the water level by detecting the light from the light source when the water level detection device is used as a lantern. It can also be used as a diffused shade around the device.

According to the invention of Claim 24 as filed , when the water level detection device is used as a lantern, the light source can be turned on and the light diffused around the water level detection device simply by inserting the base into the case. It becomes possible.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention as filed , the entire water level display portion is opposed to the surface portion of the transparent member having a larger refractive index than air through an air layer. With the water level detector housed inside the inner pot, when the user looks into the inner pot at a predetermined angle, light is totally reflected at the interface between the air layer and the surface of the transparent member. , all submerged parts of the water level indicator can be made invisible. As a result, the boundary corresponding to the water surface appears clearly on the water level display portion, and the water level can be read without error.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention as filed , a portion of the water level display portion faces the surface portion of the transparent member having a larger refractive index than air through an air layer, so that the food to be cooked and water can be With the water level detector inside the inner pot, when the user looks into the inner pot at a predetermined angle, the light is totally reflected at the interface between the air layer and the surface of the transparent member. can be used to hide part of the submerged portion of the water level indicator. As a result, the boundary corresponding to the water surface appears clearly on the water level display portion, and the water level can be read without error. On the other hand, the remaining part of the water level indicator provided on the surface of the transparent member can be visually recognized regardless of whether it is submerged or not. Therefore, information necessary for the water level display can always be visually confirmed regardless of the amount of water that can be put into the inner pot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external perspective view of the rice cooker common to each Example of this invention. Fig. 3 is an external perspective view of the same, with the lid opened and the inner lid assembly removed; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing various shape variations of water level icons provided on the inner surface of the inner pot of the rice cooker of the first embodiment of the present invention. Same as the above, it is a figure which shows an example of the water level display part using the star-shaped hexagonal water level icon. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between water level icons of asterisks and water levels; Same as the above, it is a figure which shows various color variations of a water level display part. It is a figure which shows the detail about the water level display part of Fig.6 (a) same as the above. Same as the above, it is the photograph which looked at the inner pot from which the water level display part of FIG. 7 is arrange|positioned, and the photograph of the inner surface main part of the inner pot. It is a figure which shows the whole structure about the water level display part of FIG.6(b) same as the above. Same as the above, it is the photograph which looked at the inner pot with which the water level display part of FIG. 9 is arrange|positioned from above. It is a figure which shows the whole structure about the 1st modification of the water level display part of Fig.6 (a) same as the above. FIG. 11 is a top view of the inner pot in which the water level display portion of FIG. 11 is arranged, and a photograph of the main inner surface of the inner pot. It is a figure which shows the whole structure about the 2nd modification of the water level display part of Fig.6 (a) same as the above. FIG. 13 is a top view of the inner pot in which the water level display part of FIG. 13 is arranged, and a photograph of the main inner surface of the inner pot. It is a figure which shows the whole structure about the 3rd modification of the water level display part of Fig.6 (a) same as the above. FIG. 15 is a top view of the inner pot on which the water level display part of FIG. 15 is arranged, and a photograph of the main inner surface of the inner pot. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the water level icon of the pointing mark and the water level; Same as the above, it is a figure which shows an example of the water level display part using the diamond-shaped water level icon. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the water level display section using the diamond-shaped water level icon. In the rice cooker of 2nd Example of this invention, it is a figure which shows the whole structure which compared the water level display part of this Example with the conventional water level display part. Same as the above, it is the photograph which looked at the inner pot with which the water level display part of FIG. 20 is arrange|positioned from above. FIG. 22 is a photograph showing one side of the inner surface of the inner hook shown in FIG. 21; FIG. 22 is a photograph showing the other side of the inner surface of the inner hook shown in FIG. 21; It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of a water level display part same as the above. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of a water level display part same as the above. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of a water level display part same as the above. It is a figure which shows the 4th modification of a water level display part same as the above. It is a figure which shows the 5th modification of a water level display part same as the above. It is a figure which shows the 6th modification of a water level display part same as the above. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a usage state of the water level detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention when adjusting the water level; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device main body showing a state in which the display panel is closed with respect to the base; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the main body of the device showing a state in which the display panel is opened with respect to the base; It is a top view of an apparatus main body same as the above. It is a front view of an apparatus main body same as the above. Fig. 3 is a left side view of the device main body of the same; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the device main body of the same; FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the main body of the device showing another arrangement example of the water level display portion, different from FIG. 33; It is a circuit diagram of a device main body same as the above. Same as the above, it is a photograph showing a state (A) in which the device main body is housed in the case with the display plate folded, and a state (B) in which the device main body is housed in the case without the display plate folded. It is the figure which expanded one part which shows the positional relationship of the apparatus main body and inner pot at the time of water level adjustment same as the above. Same as the above, it is a photograph of the main body of the apparatus showing a state in which the display panel is opened with respect to the base. Same as the above, it is a photograph of a state in which the main body of the device is placed inside the inner pot. Same as the above, it is a photograph of a state in which the device main body is placed inside the inner pot and the LED is turned on. It is the figure which showed the water level display part in the conventional rice cooker. In the conventional rice cooker, it is the photograph which looked at the inner pot from the top.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the rice cooker and the water level detection device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each embodiment, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common explanations are omitted as much as possible to avoid duplication.

First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a schematic configuration of a rice cooker common to each embodiment will be described. In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body having an open top, and 2 a lid that opens and closes the top of the main body 1. The main body 1 and the lid 2 constitute the outline of the entire rice cooker. The main body 1 has an inner pot accommodating portion 3 with an open upper surface, and when the lid 2 is opened, a bottomed concave inner pot 4 for accommodating rice and water to be cooked is placed in the inner pot accommodating portion 3. It is configured to be detachably accommodated. The inner hook 4 is formed in a so-called upward concavity shape in which the inner surface side portion thereof is curved in an R shape and the central body portion has a wider area than the upper end opening.

Main components of the main body 1 are an upper frame 6 forming an upper portion and an upper side portion, and an outer frame 7 forming a side bottom portion. In addition, from the top to the side of the recessed inner hook housing portion 3, it is integrally formed with the upper frame 6, and the bottom portion of the inner frame housing portion 3 is an inner frame (not shown) which is a separate member from the upper frame 6. ). A heating coil (not shown) is arranged inside the main body 1 as a heating means for heating the inner pot 4 by electromagnetic induction. When the inner pot 4 is housed in the inner frame housing portion 3, the heating coil is provided at a position facing the outer surface of the inner pot 4 from the lower part of the side surface to the bottom. When the rice is supplied, the inner pot 4 is heated by an alternating magnetic field generated from the heating coil, and the food to be cooked contained in the inner pot 4 is heated.

An inner pot temperature sensor 11 serving as an inner pot temperature detecting means is provided at the center of the bottom of the inner frame accommodating portion 3 so as to abut on the bottom of the outer surface of the inner pot 4 . The inner pot temperature sensor 11 detects the temperature of the inner pot 4 during cooking or keeping warm. is mainly temperature controlled.

A hook button 12 serving as a lid opening operation body is arranged in an exposed state on the upper front surface of the lid 2. When the hook button 12 is pressed, the engagement between the main body 1 and the lid 2 is released, and the main body 1 is opened. The lid 2 is automatically opened with the hinge portion 13 provided at the upper rear as the center of rotation. A steam port 15 is detachably attached to the rear upper surface of the lid 2 for discharging steam generated from the food to be cooked in the inner pot 4 to the outside of the rice cooker through the steam passage 14 of the lid 2 .

The lid 2 includes an outer lid 16 as an external component forming the upper surface of the outer shell, a radiator plate 17 forming the lower surface of the lid 2, and a lid forming the skeleton of the lid 2 by combining the outer lid 16 and the radiator plate 17. An outer lid cover 18 as a base material is used as a main component. A lid heater (not shown) as lid heating means is provided on the upper surface of the radiator plate 17 inside the lid 2 . This lid heater (not shown) may be an electric heater such as a cord heater, or an electromagnetic induction heating coil.

A unitized inner lid assembly 21 as a lower member of the lid 2 is detachably provided below the heat sink 17 . The inner lid assembly 21 is composed of an inner lid 22 made of metal and having a disk-like shape and having approximately the same diameter as the upper opening of the inner pot 4, and an elastic member for sealing between the inner lid 4 and the inner lid 22. An annular lid packing 23 and an inner lid ring 24 for attaching the lid packing 23 to the outer circumference of the inner lid 22 are provided. The lid packing 23 abuts on the upper surface of the inner pot 4 when the lid 2 is closed, closes the gap between the inner pot 4 and the inner lid 22, and seals the steam generated from the inner pot 4. - 特許庁An inner lid 22, which directly closes the upper opening of the inner pot 4 when the lid 2 is closed, is provided with a first hole 25 serving as a steam outlet and a second hole 26 serving as a vacuum inlet.

The radiator plate 17 is provided with a lid temperature sensor 28 as lid temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the lid 2, particularly the inner lid 22, for the heating control means to perform temperature control by means of the lid heater. The radiator plate 17 has an inlet 29 of the steam passage 14 communicating with the first hole 25 of the inner lid 22 when the inner lid assembly 21 is attached to the lower surface of the lid 2, and a second hole of the inner lid 22. A vacuum inlet 30 communicating with 26 is provided respectively. The lid 2 incorporates an electric vacuum pump 31 that serves as a drive source for pressure reduction means. When the vacuum pump 31 operates, the air in the inner pot 4 is sucked into the vacuum pump 31 through the second hole 26 of the inner lid 22 and the vacuum intake port 30 of the radiator plate 17. 32 to the outside of the rice cooker.

On the upper surface of the lid 2, as a display operation unit of the rice cooker, there is an operation panel including a display section 35 composed of an LCD display and an LED lamp, and an operation section 36 composed of a plurality of keys that can be pressed. 37 is provided. In addition, 38 is a rotatable handle used to carry the rice cooker, and 39 is a cord with a power plug for supplying power to the rice cooker.

In the rice cooker having the above configuration, the cord 39 with a power plug is inserted into a household outlet (not shown), and the inner pot 4 containing a predetermined amount of food to be cooked and water is accommodated in the inner pot accommodating portion 3. After the lid 2 is set and the lid 2 is closed, a specific desired rice cooking course is set from among a plurality of rice cooking courses that combine the rice and the type of cooking method by operating the setting key of the operation unit 36 as required. be done. Next, when the rice cooking key of the operation unit 36 is operated, rice cooking by the heating control means is started, and the amount of heating from the heating coil and lid heater to the inside of the inner pot 4 is controlled according to the set specific rice cooking course. , the food to be cooked in the inner pot 4 is cooked at the end of rice cooking.

Next, the rice cooker of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 19. FIG. In the rice cooker of this embodiment, instead of the conventional water level line or in addition to the conventional water level line, when adjusting the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4, the water level is adjusted according to the amount of the food to be cooked. A water level icon 41 symbolized in an easy-to-see shape is provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4. - 特許庁FIG. 3 shows various shape variations of the water level icon 41. Inside each of the water level icons 41a to 41h, the quantity of the rice to be cooked put into the inner pot 4 is indicated by, for example, the number "1" ( Numerical portions 42a-42h are provided, each representing the number of cups.

The water level icons 41a to 41h shown in FIG. 3 are all polygonal and have three or more vertices, and are printed in a color different from the surface color of the inner surface of the inner hook 4 in order to improve visibility. . For the same purpose, the water level icons 41a to 41h and the numbered portions 42a to 42h are also formed in different colors, but the inner surface of the inner hook 4 and the numbered portion 42 may be of the same color or different colors. . The water level icon 41a is a rectangular quadrangle having two parallel sides extending horizontally and two parallel sides extending vertically. The water level icon 41b has two vertices sharp in the same direction between two parallel sides extending left and right, and a line connecting these two vertices is also concave extending left and right parallel to the two sides extending left and right. It is hexagonal. The water level icon 41c is a convex pentagon with one pointed vertex midway between two parallel sides extending left and right. The water level icon 41d is a rhombic quadrangle in which a diagonal line extending vertically and a diagonal line extending horizontally intersect perpendicularly. The water level icon 41e has two vertices pointed in different directions in the middle of two parallel sides extending left and right. It is hexagonal. The water level icon 41f has two vertically aligned vertices on the left and right in the middle of two parallel sides extending to the left and right. is a convex octagon extending left and right in parallel with two sides extending left and right. The water level icon 41g is a star-shaped octagon obtained by superimposing the above-described rectangular square and rhombus. The water level icon 41h is a star-shaped hexagon formed by overlapping a triangle with one vertex pointing straight up and a triangle with one vertex pointing straight down.

The shape of the water level icon 41 shown here is merely an example, and the water level icon 41 may be a polygonal water level icon 41 other than polygonal, or a water level icon 41 symbolized by a drawing or pattern other than polygonal.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the water level display section 40 using, among the water level icons 41 shown in FIG. 3, a star-shaped hexagonal water level icon 41h. A water level display portion 40 printed on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 includes a number portion 42 as a portion display portion that indicates the amount of the food to be cooked in the inner pot 4 as a number (the number of cups), and the food to be cooked. and a water level icon 41 that symbolizes an approximate amount of water corresponding to the amount of water.

Here, the number portion 42 includes a first number portion 42h1 indicating that the amount of rice to be cooked is "1" cup, and a second number portion 42h2 indicating that the amount of rice to be cooked is "2" cups. a third number portion 42h3 indicating that the amount of rice to be cooked is "3" cups; a fourth number portion 42h4 indicating that the amount of rice to be cooked is "4" cups; It consists of a fifth number portion 42h5 indicating that the amount is "5" cups, and a sixth number portion 42h6 indicating that the amount of the rice to be cooked is "5.5" cups. The water level icon 41 has a first number portion 42h1 inside, and a first water level icon 41h1 indicating a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the amount of the rice to be cooked is "1" cup, and a second number portion 42h2 inside. A second water level icon 41h2 indicating a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the amount of rice to be cooked is "2" cups, and a third number portion 42h3 are arranged inside, and the amount of rice to be cooked is "3" cups. A third water level icon 41h3 indicating a guideline for the appropriate amount of water, a fourth water level icon 41h4 in which a fourth number portion 42h4 is arranged and indicating a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the amount of the rice to be cooked is "4" cups, A fifth number portion 42h5 is arranged inside, and a third water level icon 41h5 indicating a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the amount of rice to be cooked is "5" cups, and a sixth number portion 42h6 is arranged inside to be cooked. and a sixth water level icon 41h6 indicating a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the amount of "5.5" cups. These water level icons 41h1 to 41h6 are not arranged linearly in the vertical direction (depth direction) of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, but arranged obliquely and randomly.

FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship between the star water level icon 41h and the water level in this embodiment in comparison with the conventional water level display unit 100. FIG. The water level display section 40 of this embodiment shown on the left side of the figure is composed of the first water level icon 41h1 to the fifth water level icon 41h5 as the water level icon 41 and the first number sections 42h1 to 42h5 as the number section 42. be done. The conventional water level display section 100 shown on the right side of FIG. Only the display unit 100H is shown entirely. Symbol X indicates the inner bottom line of the inner pot 4, 101 in a rice cooker with a maximum rice cooking capacity of 1.0 L (about 0.5 to 5.5 go).

The third water level icon 41h3 shown in [Legend] in the figure is a star-shaped hexagon having 12 vertices formed by superimposing a first triangle whose apex points straight up and a second triangle whose apex points straight down. The outer shape is formed with a square. Here, as a characteristic portion of the third water level icon 41h3, which serves as a guideline for adjusting the amount of water that can be put into the inner pot 4 and, in turn, the water level, the uppermost vertex of the first triangle facing directly upward is defined as the first vertex 44h1, and the first triangle are the second vertex 44h2 and the third vertex 44h3, while the lowest vertex of the second triangle facing downward is the fourth vertex 44h4, and the other vertex of the second triangle is the fifth vertex. Assuming that the vertex 44h5 and the sixth vertex 44h6 are located in the middle of the star-shaped hexagon, and the two vertices where one side of the first triangle intersects with one side of the second triangle are the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8, As a guide for adjusting the water level associated with the number "3" of the third numeric portion 42h3, the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8 serve as guides for adjusting the water level when the amount of white rice is cooked to three cups. The first vertex 44h1 is a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking 3.5 cups of white rice, and the fourth peak 44h4 is a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking 2.5 cups of white rice. In addition, as a type of rice to be cooked and a method of cooking different from cooking white rice, the second vertex 44h2 and the third vertex 44h3 serve as a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking sushi rice in the amount of 3 cups of white rice. The vertex 44h5 and the sixth vertex 44h6 serve as guides for matching the water level when cooking brown rice into brown rice in the amount of 3 cups. The same can be said for the other water level icons 41h1, 41h2, 41h4, and 41h5 having the same shape as the third water level icon 41h3.

In other words, the water level display section 40 of this embodiment has one or a plurality of vertices 44h1 to 44h8 as characteristic parts forming the outer shape of the water level icon 41, which are arranged so as to serve as scales for adjusting the water level that can be put into the inner pot 4. there is As a result, the user can correctly adjust the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4 simply by matching the water level to any of the vertices 44h1 to 44h8 of the water level icon 41. FIG.

Further, among the plurality of vertices 44h1 to 44h8 forming the outline of the water level icon 41h, for example, the first vertex 44h1 located at the top, the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8 located in the middle, and the bottom The fourth vertex 44h4 located is the same type of rice to be cooked and the cooking method (cooking rice from white rice), but different amounts of the rice to be cooked (3.5 cups, 3 cups, 2.5 cups for the third water level icon 41h3). ) are assigned and arranged so that they can be used as a guideline for matching water levels. As a result, with one common water level icon 41h3, it is possible to adjust the water level corresponding to the quantity of a plurality of rice-cooked items having the same type of rice-cooked item and the same cooking method. On the other hand, the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase of the water level icons 41 can be eliminated.

Further, among the plurality of vertices 44h1 to 44h8 forming the outline of the water level icon 41, in addition to the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8 located in the middle portion, the fifth vertex 44h5 and the fifth vertex 44h5 located above and below it. The 6 vertices 44h6, the 2nd vertices 44h2 and the 3rd vertices 44h3 are the same with different types and cooking methods (cook brown rice from brown rice, cook rice from polished rice, cook sushi rice from polished rice). Each is allocated and arranged so that the water level can be adjusted according to the amount of rice to be cooked (3 cups). As a result, with one common water level icon 41h3, it is possible to adjust the water level corresponding to the amount of the same food to be cooked that differs in type and cooking method. The user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in the number of icons 41 can be eliminated.

The positional relationship between the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 and the water level shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the vertices 44h1 to 44h8 correspond to different types of rice to be cooked, different cooking methods, and different amounts of rice to be cooked. It may be assigned as a guideline for water level adjustment.

FIG. 6 illustrates various color variations in the water level display section 40 of this embodiment. In the example of (a) in the figure, the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and all the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 are all black, which is the same color, while the star water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are all white. is. In this case, the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are formed by printing paint containing white pigment on the inner surface of the inner pot 4, and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 are formed by printing paint containing black pigment. It is formed by printing on the surface of 41h1 to 41h5. In the example of FIG. 6(b), the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and all the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 are all black, which is the same color, while the star water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are all yellow. The water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are formed by printing paint containing a yellow pigment on the inner surface of the inner pot 4, and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 are formed by printing paint containing a black pigment. It is formed by printing on the surface of the icons 41h1 to 41h5. In each of these examples, the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 are formed in the same color as the inner surface of the inner pot 4, while the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are formed in different colors from the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5. This makes it easy to visually confirm the positions of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 therein.

In the example of FIG. 6(c), the inner surface of the inner pot 4 is black, while the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 are all darker yellow than in the example of FIG. All white. By forming the inner surface of the inner pot 4, the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 in different colors in this manner, the positions of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 and the numbers therein are displayed. The portions 42h1 to 42h5 are made easy to visually confirm.

In the example of FIG. 6D, when compared with the example of FIG. 6A, the second water level icon 41h2 corresponding to the amount of "2" cups and the fourth water level icon 41h4 corresponding to the amount of "4" cups are shown. is yellow, which is different from the white first water level icon 41h1, third water level icon 41h3, and fifth water level icon 41h5. In this way, instead of all the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 having the same color, the positions of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 can be confirmed by the different colors by alternately changing the colors. is possible, and it is possible to prevent as much as possible from performing water level adjustment using the other water level icons 41h1 to 41h5.

In the example of FIG. 6(e), compared with the example of FIG. 6(a), the second numeral portion 42h2 indicating that the amount of rice to be cooked is "2" cups and the amount of rice to be cooked is "4". The color of the fourth numeral portion 42h4 indicating that it is a cup is orange, which is different from the other black first numeral portion 42h1, third numeral portion 42h3, and fifth numeral portion 42h5. In this way, instead of all the numbers 42h1 to 42h5 having the same color, by alternately changing the colors one by one, the positional relationship between the numbers 42h1 to 42h5 can be confirmed by the difference in color. is possible, and it is possible to prevent as much as possible from performing water level adjustment in the other number portions 42h1 to 42h5.

The color variations of the water level display portion 40 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E are merely examples. can be assigned any color.

FIG. 7 shows the overall configuration of the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 6(a). The water level display portion 40 includes a first main water level display portion 40-1 arranged on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and a second main water level display portion 40-2 arranged on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4. In addition, in order to allow the user to visually recognize how to use these main water level display units 40-1 and 40-2, the inner surface of the inner pot 4 is provided with a first main water level display unit 40-1 or a second main water level display unit 40-1. It includes a legend display section 40-3 arranged near the display section 40-2.

The main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 have the same structure, and each of them has five number portions 42h1 to 42h5 representing the amount of rice to be cooked in the inner pot 4, and the water level corresponding to each number portion 42h1 to 42h5. It includes water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, each of which represents an indication of alignment with a star-shaped hexagon. In addition, the legend display section 40-3, as described in the above [Legend], displays the water level corresponding to the number part 42h3 of the representative "3" cup among the main water level display sections 40-1 and 40-2. The icon 41h3 includes a number portion 42h3, a water level icon 41h3, and an explanation portion 46h3 representing the meaning of each of the vertices 44h1 to 44h8.

In the description part 46h3 here, the first vertex 44h1 is arranged as a guideline for matching the water level when 3.5 cups of white rice is cooked into rice, and the water level when 3 cups of brown rice is cooked into brown rice. A fifth vertex 44h5 and a sixth vertex 44h6 are arranged as a guide for alignment, and a seventh vertex 44h7 and an eighth vertex 44h8 are arranged as a guide for matching the water level when the white rice is boiled into rice in an amount of 3 cups. The second vertex 44h2 and the third vertex 44h3 are placed as a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking 3 cups of white rice into sushi rice. , and fourth vertexes 44h4 are indicated by a combination of numbers, letters, and arrows so that the user can recognize them at a glance.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the water level display portion 40 of FIG. 7 is all arranged in the inner pot 4 . In the figure, the main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, respectively. Further, the legend display section 40-3 is arranged above the second main water level display section 40-2 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 so that the user can easily see it when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. By visually recognizing the legend display section 40-3 first, the user can easily perform water level adjustment using the main water level display sections 40-1 and 40-2.

In a rice cooker having such an inner pot 4, as preparations before starting rice cooking, put weighed rice in the inner pot 4, wash the rice as necessary, and then use the water level indicator 40 to check the amount of rice. The amount of water is visually checked and adjusted accordingly. Specifically, for example, when 2.5 cups of white rice is put into the inner pot 4, while visually referring to the legend display section 40-3 as necessary, the first main water level display section 40-1 or the second main water level display section 40-1 Using one of the water level display units 40-2, select the third water level icon 41h3 corresponding to the third number unit 42h3, for example, "3", which is close to the amount of rice to be added, from among the plurality of water level icons 41h1 to 41h5. select. Then, at the third water level icon 41h3, the water to be put into the inner pot 4 is adjusted so that the water level coincides as much as possible with the fourth vertex 44h4, which is a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking 2.5 cups of white rice. Add or subtract while visually checking the amount. After that, the inner pot 4 is set in the main body of the rice cooker (not shown), the desired rice cooking course is set, and the start of rice cooking is instructed. It is possible to cook delicious food.

FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 6(b). Here too, the water level display section 40 includes a first main water level display section 40-1 arranged on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and a second main water level display section 40 arranged on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4. In addition to -2, a legend display section 40-3 is included on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and disposed near the first main water level display section 40-1 or the second main water level display section 40-2. Configured. Further, the legend display portion 40-3 includes an explanation portion 46h3 representing the meaning of each of the vertices 44h1 to 44h8 along with the number portion 42h3 and the water level icon 41h3 for the water level icon 41h3 corresponding to the number portion 42h3 of the "3" cup. Configured.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the water level display portion 40 of FIG. 9 is all arranged in the inner pot 4 . In the figure, the main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, respectively. Further, the legend display section 40-3 is arranged above the second main water level display section 40-2 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 so that the user can easily see it when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 11 shows the overall configuration of a first modified example of the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 6(a). Also in this example, the water level display portion 40 includes a first main water level display portion 40-1 arranged on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and a second main water level display portion 40-1 arranged on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4. In addition to 40-2, a legend display section 40-3 is provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and disposed near the first main water level display section 40-1 or the second main water level display section 40-2. However, each of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 is further provided with horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 as linear scales extending left and right connecting the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8. The horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 have one end and the other end aligned vertically and correspond to the water level line 112A of the polished rice water level display section 100A used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with polished rice shown in the conventional example. It is.

The legend display section 40-3 displays the meaning of each of the vertices 44h1 to 44h8 and the horizontal line 47h3 along with the numerical section 42h3, the water level icon 41h3, and the horizontal line 47h3 for the water level icon 41h3 corresponding to the numerical section 42h3 of the "3" cup. It is configured including a part 46h3.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which all the water level display parts 40 of FIG. 11 are arranged in the inner pot 4. In the figure, the main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, respectively. Further, the legend display section 40-3 is arranged above the second main water level display section 40-2 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 so that the user can easily see it when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above. It will be possible to do

FIG. 13 shows the overall configuration of a second modified example of the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 6(a). In this example, the straight horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 are not vertically aligned, and extend left and right with the same length from the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8 of each of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5. This is common with the water level display section 40 of the first modified example. The horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 here also correspond to the water level line 112A of the polished rice water level display section 100A.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the water level display portion 40 of FIG. 13 is all arranged in the inner pot 4 . In the figure, the main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, respectively. The explanation part 46h3 is arranged above the second main water level display part 40-2 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 so that the user can easily see it when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above. It will be possible to do

Further, the horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 are all connected to the feature points of the corresponding water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 and are arranged to extend linearly from there, but they are not connected to the feature points. may be arranged in a straight line at the same horizontal position as the feature point. As a result, even if the water level is not forced to match the characteristic points of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, the horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 at the same horizontal position can be used to match the water level to the inner pot 4. You can easily adjust the amount of water to put in.

FIG. 15 shows the overall configuration of a second modified example of the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 6(a). Instead of the horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 of the first and second modifications, the water level display section 40 of the present example has linear scales extending in one direction (rightward) from a plurality of locations of the respective water level icons 41h1 to 41h5. It is configured including shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5, and is otherwise common to the water level display section 40 of the first and second modifications. In each of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 extending from the first vertex 44h1, the eighth vertex 44h8, and the fourth vertex 44h4 correspond to the water level line 112A of the polished rice water level display portion 100A, The shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 extending from the sixth vertex 44h6 correspond to the water level line 112H of the barley/brown rice water level display portion 100H, and the shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 extending from the third vertex 44h3 correspond to the water level line 112C of the white rice sushi water level display portion 100C. corresponds to By providing the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 with shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5, which are a plurality of water level lines corresponding to the type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked, the water level can be adjusted more accurately.

FIG. 16 shows a state in which the water level display portion 40 of FIG. 15 is all arranged in the inner pot 4 . In the figure, the main water level display portions 40-1 and 40-2 are formed by printing on the diagonal sides of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, respectively. The explanation part 46h3 is arranged above the second main water level display part 40-2 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 so that the user can easily see it when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. The procedure until the rice is cooked by the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above. By providing the lines 48h1 to 48h5 side by side, the water level can be adjusted more accurately.

Further, the shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 in this example are all connected to the feature points of the corresponding water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, and are arranged to extend linearly from there. It may be arranged so as to extend linearly at the same horizontal position as the point. As a result, even if the water level is not forced to match the characteristic points of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, the shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 at the same horizontal position can be used to match the water level to the inner pot. The amount of water put into 4 can be easily adjusted without error.

The first main water level display portion 40-1 arranged on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and the second main water level display portion 40-2 arranged on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 have different colors. or shape. For example, on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, one of the first main water level display portions 40-1 shown in FIGS. 7(a), 9(a), 11(a), or 13(a) is provided, and on the other side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, the second main water level display portion 40-2 shown in FIG. 7 (b), FIG. 9 (b), FIG. 11 (b), or FIG. may be arranged. In that case, corresponding to the selected main water level display sections 40-1 and 40-2, in the vicinity of the respective main water level display sections 40-1 and 40-2, FIGS. It is preferable to arrange either the legend display section 40-3 shown in FIG. 11(c) or FIG. 13(c).

FIG. 17 shows the positional relationship between the water level icon 41i of another finger pointing mark applied in this embodiment and the water level in comparison with the conventional water level display section 100. FIG. Here, the water level icon 41i is formed not in the polygonal shape shown in FIG. 3 but in a silhouette shape when a person points his/her finger.

The water level display section 40 of this embodiment shown on the left side of FIG. It is composed of a first numeral portion 42i1 to a fifth numeral portion 42i5 each representing the number of cups. The water level icons 41i1 to 41i5 are not linearly arranged in the vertical direction of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, but arranged obliquely and randomly. In addition, the conventional water level display section 100 shown on the right side of the figure includes a polished rice water level display section 100A, a polished rice sushi water level display section 100C, a polished rice water level display section 100C, a polished rice water level display section 100C, and a barley/barley Only the unpolished rice water level display section 100H is shown. Symbol X indicates the inner bottom line of the inner pot 4, 101 in a rice cooker with a maximum rice cooking capacity of 1.0 L (about 0.5 to 5.5 go).

[Legend] in the figure shows a representative third water level icon 41i3 among the pointing-shaped water level icons 41i. Here, as characteristic portions of the third water level icon 41i3, the upper surface of the thumb, which is the upper end of the third water level icon 41i3, is the first characteristic portion 45i1, and the lower surface of the little finger, which is the lower end of the third water level icon 41i3, is the second characteristic portion. 45i2, the tip of the index finger located between the upper and lower sides of the third water level icon 41i3 is the third characteristic portion 45i3, and the lower surface of the thumb located between the first characteristic portion 45i1 and the third characteristic portion 45i3 is the fourth characteristic portion 45i3. Assuming that the tip of the middle finger positioned between the third characteristic portion 45i3 and the second characteristic portion 45i2 is the fifth characteristic portion 45i5, the water level adjustment associated with the number "3" of the third number portion 42h3 is assumed to be the portion 45i4. As a guideline, the third characteristic portion 45i3 is a guideline for matching the water level when 3 cups of white rice is cooked into rice, and the first characteristic portion 45i1 is a water level when 3.5 cups of white rice is cooked into rice. The second characteristic portion 45i2 serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking 2.5 cups of white rice into rice. In addition, the fifth characteristic portion 45i5 serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level when the amount of white rice is 3 cups and is cooked into rice. , It is a guideline for adjusting the water level when cooking brown rice with 3 cups of brown rice. The same can be said for the other water level icons 41i1, 41i2, 41i4, and 41h5 having the same shape as the third water level icon 41i3.

In other words, in the water level display section 40 of this embodiment, one or more characteristic parts 45i1 to 45i5 forming the outer shape of the water level icon 41 are arranged so as to serve as scales for adjusting the water level that can be put into the inner pot 4. As a result, the user can correctly adjust the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4 simply by matching the water level with one of the characteristic portions 45i1 to 45i5 of the water level icon 41. FIG.

Further, among the plurality of characteristic portions 45i1 to 45i5 forming the outer shape of the water level icon 41, for example, a first characteristic portion 45i1 located at the top, a third characteristic portion 45i3 located at the middle, and a third characteristic portion 45i3 located at the bottom. The second characteristic portion 45i2 is used as a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to different amounts of the rice to be cooked (3.5 cups, 3 cups, 2.5 cups) with the same type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked (cooking rice from white rice). are assigned and arranged so that As a result, the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in water level icons 41 can be eliminated with the same type of rice to be cooked and the same method of cooking.

Furthermore, among the plurality of characteristic portions 45i1 to 45i5, in addition to the above-described third characteristic portion 45i3, the fourth characteristic portion 45i4 and the fifth characteristic portion 45i5 located above and below the third characteristic portion 45i3 are classified as different types of rice to be cooked. Each cooking method (cooking rice from white rice, cooking sushi rice from white rice, cooking brown rice from brown rice) is assigned so that the water level can be adjusted according to the same amount of rice to be cooked (3 cups). are placed. As a result, the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in the water level icon 41 can be eliminated with the same amount of rice to be cooked.

The positional relationship between the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 and the water level shown in FIG. 17 is merely an example, and the vertices 44h1 to 44h8 correspond to different types of rice to be cooked, different cooking methods, and different amounts of rice to be cooked. It may be assigned as a guideline for water level adjustment.

18 and 19 respectively illustrate the water level display section 40 including the water level icon 41 of the present embodiment. The water level display section 40 shown in these drawings includes first water level icons 41j1 to eleventh water level icons 41j11 in the shape of a lozenge with sharp central portions on one side and the other side, which are all the same as the water level icons 41, and water level icons 41j1. to 41j11, and as the number part 42, a first number part 42j1 to an eleventh number part 42j11 representing the number of cups in increments of 0.5 from "0.5" to "5.5", and a target for water level adjustment. and a character portion 49j representing the type of cooked rice with characters "white rice". The water level icons 41j1 to 41j11 shown in FIG. 18 are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, whereas the water level icons 41j1 to 41j11 shown in FIG. 4 are arranged in a diagonal zigzag in the vertical direction.

Each of the water level icons 41j1 to 41j11 has a polygonal shape, and a pair of left and right characteristic portions 50j1 and 50j2 recessed in the horizontal direction are provided in the upper and lower intermediate portions thereof. The characteristic portions 50j1 and 50j2 of the water level icons 41j1 to 41j11 serve as scales for adjusting the water level when the "polished rice" indicated by the character portion 49j is cooked into rice in the amount of cups indicated by the number portion 42j1 to the eleventh number portion 42j11. It will be. The user can correctly adjust the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4 simply by matching the water level with one of the characteristic portions 50j1 and 50j2 of the water level icons 41j1 to 41j11.

As described above, in this embodiment, in the rice cooker provided with the water level display unit 40 for adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 that accommodates the food to be cooked, the water level display unit As shown in FIGS. 3 to 19, 40 includes at least a water level icon 41 as a symbolized icon display section that serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level.

In this case, it is difficult for the user to see the inner surface of the inner pot 4 because it is deep inside. You can adjust the water level. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rice cooker capable of relieving user's stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4 .

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 19 of this embodiment, inside the water level icon 41, there is a number indicating the amount of the rice to be cooked that can be adjusted in the icon display section 41. A portion 42 is provided.

In this way, by providing the number portion 42 serving as the amount display portion inside the water level icon 41, the amount of the rice to be cooked whose water level can be adjusted by the water level icon 41 can be visually recognized in advance, and the user can see the amount of the rice to be cooked. Using the appropriate water level icon 41 according to the amount of cooked rice as a mark, it is possible to perform water level adjustment without error.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 17 and 19 of this embodiment, a plurality of water level icons 41 are arranged diagonally in the depth direction of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 .

In this case, even if the individual water level icons 41 are formed to have a certain size in consideration of the visibility to the user, the adjacent water level icons 41 do not interfere with each other, and the depth direction of the inner surface of the inner pot 4 is reduced. A plurality of water level icons 41 can be arranged orderly.

Further, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the water level icon 41 is provided with a characteristic portion for matching the water level as a guideline for matching the water level. The characteristic portions are the apexes 44h1 to 44h8 of the star-shaped hexagonal water level icon 41h, the characteristic portions 45i1 to 45i5 of the pointing-shaped water level icon 41i, and the characteristic portions 50j1 and 50j2 of the lozenge-shaped first water level icon 41j. and so on.

In this case, the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4 can be adjusted correctly by simply matching the water level to the characteristic portion of the water level icon 41 that forms the outer shape of the water level icon 41 .

In addition, one water level icon 41 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of characteristic portions at different positions in the depth direction. For example, a star-shaped hexagonal water level icon 41h has a plurality of feature points at different positions in the depth direction. 44h8, a second vertex 44h2, a third vertex 44h3, and a fourth vertex 44h4. Similarly, in the pointing-shaped water level icon 41i as well, the plurality of characteristic portions located in different depth directions are the first characteristic portion 45i1, the second characteristic portion 45i2, the third characteristic portion 45i3, the fourth characteristic portion 45i4, A fifth characteristic portion 45i5 is provided.

In this case, one common water level icon 41 can be used to adjust a plurality of water levels, and the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase of water level icons 41 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 can be eliminated.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of characteristic portions provided in one water level icon 41 are provided so as to serve as guides for matching the water level corresponding to different amounts of the rice to be cooked with the same type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked. Each is assigned and placed. For example, in the star-shaped hexagonal water level icon 41h, in the rice cooking course in which white rice is cooked with the same type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked, the amount of the rice to be cooked (the number of cups shown in the number part 42h + 0.5 cups) is different. , the number of cups shown in the number part 42h, the number of cups shown in the number part 42h - 0.5 cups), the first vertex 44h1, the seventh vertex 44h7, the eighth vertex 44h8, and the fourth vertex Each feature of 44h4 is assigned and arranged in a different depth direction. Similarly, the first characteristic portion 45i1, the second characteristic portion 45i2, and the third characteristic portion 45i3 correspond to the pointing-shaped water level icon 41i.

In this case, with one common water level icon 41, it is possible to adjust the water level corresponding to the quantity of a plurality of rice-cooking items having the same type and cooking method. On the other hand, the user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase of the water level icons 41 can be eliminated.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of characteristic portions provided in one water level icon 41 are provided so as to serve as guides for matching the water level corresponding to the same quantity of rice to be cooked with different types and cooking methods of the rice to be cooked. Each is assigned and placed. For example, the star-shaped hexagonal water level icon 41h indicates a rice cooking course for cooking brown rice from brown rice, a rice cooking course for cooking rice from polished rice, and a rice cooking course for cooking sushi rice from polished rice, which are different types and cooking methods of rice to be cooked. , the fifth vertex 44h5 and the sixth vertex 44h6, the seventh vertex 44h7 and the eighth vertex 44h8, and the second Each characteristic portion of the vertex 44h2 and the third vertex 44h3 is assigned and arranged in different depth directions. Similarly, in the pointing-shaped water level icon 41i, the fourth characteristic portion 45i4, the third characteristic portion 45i3, and the fifth characteristic portion 45i5 correspond to this.

In this case, with one common water level icon 41, it is possible to adjust the water level corresponding to the amount of the same food to be cooked that differs in type and cooking method. The user's stress caused by the unreasonable increase in the number of icons 41 can be eliminated.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) of this embodiment, the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 serving as the quantity display portion are formed in the same color as the inner surface of the inner pot 4, while the water level icon 41h1 41h5 are formed in a different color from the inner surface of the inner hook 4 and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5.

In this case, the positions of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 provided on the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 can be easily visually confirmed.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6(c) of this embodiment, the inner surface of the inner pot 4, the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 may be formed in different colors.

In this case as well, the positions of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 and the number portions 42h1 to 42h5 provided on the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 can be easily confirmed visually. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(d) of this embodiment, a plurality of water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 arranged side by side on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 are alternately colored, for example, white and yellow. may be

In this case, the positional relationship of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5 provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 can be confirmed by the difference in color, and the water level can be adjusted by unintended different water level icons 41h1 to 41h5. can be prevented as much as possible.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6(e) of the present embodiment, the colors of the plurality of number portions 42h1 to 42h5 arranged side by side on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 are alternately changed one by one, for example, black and orange. may be configured.

In this case, it is possible to confirm the positional relationship of the respective number portions 42h1 to 42h5 provided on the inner surface of the inner hook 4 by the difference in color, and the water level icons 41h1 to 41h1 to It is possible to prevent the water level adjustment at 41h5 as much as possible.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 17 of this embodiment, the water level display section 40 including the water level icon 41 is further provided with a legend display section 40-3 for visually confirming how to use the water level display section 40. It is

In this case, by visually referring to the legend display section 40-3 provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4, the user can adjust the water level using the water level display section 40 without hesitation even if it is the first time. become.

In addition to the water level icon 41, the water level display section 40 of the present embodiment is further provided with a water level line that serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level. The water level lines correspond to horizontal lines 47h1 to 47h5 shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 shown in FIG.

In this case, by using not only the water level icon 41 but also the water level line, the water level can be adjusted more accurately.

In addition, the water level display unit 40 of the present embodiment is provided with a characteristic portion for matching the water level as a guideline for matching the water level as described above. lines are placed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the first vertex 44h1, the sixth vertex 44h6, the eighth vertex 44h8, the third vertex 44h3, and the fourth vertex 44h4, which are characteristic points of the respective water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, are the same. Shooting star lines 48h1 to 48h5 are arranged as water level lines extending linearly at a horizontal position.

As a result, even if the water level is not forced to match the characteristic points of the water level icons 41h1 to 41h5, the water can be put into the inner pot 4 by using the water level line at the same horizontal position and adjusting the water level there. You can easily adjust the amount of water without error.

Next, a rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 to 29. FIG. In the rice cooker of this embodiment, when adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot, instead of the water level line extending horizontally from one side of the conventional number part as a guide for adjusting the water level according to the amount of the rice to be cooked, A water level line 51 extending on both sides of the numeral portion is provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4. - 特許庁FIG. 20(a) shows the water level display portion 40 provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 in this embodiment, and FIG. 20(b) shows the same conventional inner pot as in FIG. A part of the water level display section 100 provided on the inner surface of the pot 101 is shown.

The so-called ruler-type water level indicator 40 shown in FIG. The first numeric part 42k1 to the seventh numeric part 42k7 respectively represented by the numbers (cup number) "5" and "5.5", and the integers "1" and "2" among the plurality of numeric parts 42k1 to 42k7. A plurality of linear main water level lines 51k extending horizontally from both sides of the second numeral portion 42k2 to the sixth numeral portion 42k6 representing the number of cups of "," "3", "4", and "5"; A plurality of linear secondary water lines 52k are arranged above and below the main water line 51k and extend horizontally like the main water line 51k.

The number portions 42k1 to 42k7 are positioned in the left-right center of the water level display portion 40 and aligned in the vertical direction. , when adjusting the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4, water level lines are formed, each of which represents a guideline for adjusting the water level according to the amount of the rice to be cooked by horizontal lines. The main water level line 51k indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of the rice to be cooked is an integer. It shows a guideline for adjustment, and by using these main water level line 51k and sub water level line 52k, it is possible to adjust the water level by 0.5 cups from 0.5 cups to 5.5 cups of the amount of rice to be cooked. In addition, in order to minimize visibility caused by a plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the main water level line 51k and the sub water level line 52k are arranged on one side of the number portions 42k1 to 42k7. are aligned vertically, the main water level line 51k is longer than the secondary water level line 52k, and the base end of the main water level line 51k extends closer to the numeral parts 42k1 to 42k7 than the base end of the secondary water level line 52k. There is a change in length between the staggered main waterline 51k and the secondary waterline 52k.

21 to 23 show a state in which the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. In the figure, the water level display portions 40 are formed by printing on the opposite corners of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, that is, on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4, respectively. Further, on one side of the inner surface of the inner pot 4, along with the water level display portion 40, a conventional white rice sushi water level display portion 100C, a boiled rice water level display portion 100E, and a whole porridge water level display portion 100F are provided side by side. 4, along with the water level display section 40, a conventional barley/brown rice water level display section 100H and a split rice/mixed grain rice/germinated brown rice water level display section 100I are provided side by side.

In a rice cooker having such an inner pot 4, the water level indicator 40 is used to visually confirm and adjust the amount of water according to the amount of rice as a preparation before starting rice cooking. For example, when 2.5 cups of white rice is put into the inner pot 4, it is arranged between the second number part 42k2 of "2" and the third number part 42k3 of "3", and the rice is cooked in the amount of 2.5 cups. The amount of water put into the inner pot 4 is adjusted while visually confirming it so that the water level matches the secondary water level line 52k, which serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level. After that, the inner pot 4 is set in the main body of the rice cooker (not shown), the desired rice cooking course is set, and the start of rice cooking is instructed. It is possible to cook delicious food.

24 to 29 illustrate various water level display units 40 applied to the rice cooker of this embodiment. As a first modified example, the thermometer-type water level display unit 40 shown in FIG. In addition to the main water level line 51m that is the same as the water level line 51k and the secondary water level line 52m that is the same as the secondary water level line 52k, there is also a character portion 49m that represents the type of food to be cooked that can be adjusted in water level with the characters "polished rice". , at one end of the main waterline 51m and the secondary waterline 52m, a circular mark 54m having a diameter larger than the line width (line thickness) of the main waterline 51m and the secondary waterline 52m. Configured.

Here, the mark 54m makes it easy for the user to visually recognize the positions of the main water level line 51m and the sub water level line 52m when looking into the inner surface of the inner pot 4 through the opening. Although not shown, for example, not only one side tip of the main water line 51m and the secondary water line 52m but also the other side tip may be provided with a similar mark 54m, or either the main water line 51m or the secondary water line 52m. Only one side tip and/or the other side tip may be provided with a mark 54m. Instead of making the mark 54m circular, a mark 54m made conspicuous in a color different from that of the main water line 51m may be provided at the tip of the main water line 51m in the same shape. In addition, the water level display unit 40 shown in FIG. 24 allows the user to visually recognize that it is used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with white rice, with a character portion 49m of characters “polished rice”. As shown, they are arranged on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4, along with a water level indicator corresponding to the type of rice to be cooked and the cooking method. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 25 shows a thermometer-type water level display unit 40 as a second modification. In the figure, the water level display section 40 here indicates the amount of rice to be cooked put into the inner pot 4 as "0.5", "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", The first numeric part 42n1 to the seventh numeric part 42n7 respectively represented by the number (the number of cups) of "5.5", and the second number representing the integer number of cups among the plurality of numeric parts 42n1 to the seventh numeric part 42n7 A plurality of main water level lines 51n arranged below the portion 42n2 to the sixth numeral portion 42n6 and extending horizontally from both sides of the second numeral portion 42n2 to the sixth numeral portion 42n6, and above and below the main water level line 51n It includes a plurality of secondary water level lines 52n that extend horizontally like the main water level line 51n, and a character portion 49n that represents the type of rice to be cooked that can be adjusted in water level with characters "polished rice". consists of

The second numeral portion 42n2 to the sixth numeral portion 42n6 are located near the other side of the water level display portion 40 and are aligned in the vertical direction, while the first numeral portion 42n1 is the second numeral. The seventh numeral portion 42n7 is provided diagonally below the center of the portion 42n2, and the sixth numeral portion 42n6 is provided diagonally above the center. As a result, the difference between the second numeral portion 42n2 to the sixth numeral portion 42n6 representing the integer number of cups and the first numeral portion 42n1 and the seventh numeral portion 42n7 representing the non-integer number of cups can be easily visually recognized. ing.

The five main water level lines 51n and the six sub water level lines 52n represent, by horizontal lines, the standard of adjusting the water level according to the amount of the food to be cooked when adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4. Constructed as a waterline. The main water level line 51n indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the quantity of the rice to be cooked is an integer, while the secondary water level line 52n indicates the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the quantity of the rice to be cooked is a non-integer. It shows a guideline for matching, and by using these main water level line 51n and sub water level line 52n, it is possible to adjust the water level by 0.5 cups from 0.5 cups to 5.5 cups for the amount of rice to be cooked. In addition, in order to minimize the difficulty in seeing due to the plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the main water level line 51n and the sub water level line 52n are arranged on one side of the number portions 42n1 to 42n7. are vertically aligned, the main water level line 51n is longer than the secondary water level line 52n, and the other end of the main water level line 51k crosses the lower side of the numerals 42n1 to 42n7 and extends to the other side on the opposite side. There is a change in length between the main water line 51n and the secondary water line 52n that are alternately arranged.

The water level display unit 40 shown in FIG. 25 allows the user to visually recognize that it is used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with a character portion 49n of characters “polished rice”. Along with the water level display part corresponding to the cooking method, it is arranged on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4 respectively. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 26 shows a linear water level display unit 40 as a third modified example. In the same figure, the water level display section 40 here includes a first numeral portion 42p1 to a seventh numeral portion 42p7 similar to the first numeral portion 42k1 to the seventh numeral portion 42k7, and a main water level line identical to the main water level line 51k. In addition to 51p and a character portion 49p similar to the character portion 49m, there are more lines above and below the main water line 51p than the above-described secondary water line 52k, and they extend horizontally like the main water line 51n. and a plurality of arranged secondary water lines 52p.

The five main water level lines 51p and the 16 sub water level lines 52p each represent, by horizontal lines, a standard for matching the water level according to the amount of the food to be cooked when adjusting the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4. Constructed as a waterline. The main water level line 51p indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups with an integer amount of the rice to be cooked, while the secondary water level line 52p indicates the water level corresponding to the number of cups with a non-integer amount of the rice to be cooked. A guideline for alignment is shown, and between one main water level line 51p and another main water level line 51p, three sub water level lines 52p are arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, in this example, by using the main water level line 51p and the sub water level line 52p, it is possible to adjust the water level by 0.25 cups from 0.5 cups to 5.5 cups for the amount of rice to be cooked.

In addition, in order to minimize visibility caused by a plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the main water level line 51p and the sub water level line 52p are provided on both sides of the number portions 42p1 to 42p7 Although the tips are aligned vertically, the main water level line 51n is longer than the secondary water level line 52p, and the line connecting the base ends of one main water level line 51p and the plurality of secondary water level lines 52p below it is The main water level line 51p and the sub water level line 52p are arranged so as to gradually separate from the number portions 42p1 to 42p7 and form an oblique straight line. with a change in

The water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 26 allows the user to visually recognize that it is used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with a character section 49p of characters "polished rice". Along with the water level display part corresponding to the cooking method, it is arranged on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4 respectively. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 27 shows a linear water level display unit 40 as a fourth modified example. In the figure, the water level display section 40 here includes the first numeral portion 42q1 to the seventh numeral portion 42q7 similar to the first numeral portion 42k1 to the seventh numeral portion 42k7, and the main water level line similar to the main water level line 51k. 51q and a character portion 49q similar to the character portion 49m. A plurality of secondary water level lines 52q that are arranged to extend, a vertical line 55q connecting the tips of the main water level line 51q and the secondary water level line 52q and extending in the vertical direction, one main water level line 51q, and the secondary water level below it. Surrounded by a straight oblique line 56q connecting the base ends of the line 52q and extending from there to connecting the tip of the next main water level line 51q, the sub water level line 52q, the vertical line 55q and the oblique line 56q, and a plurality of marks 54q painted in a triangular shape.

The five main water level lines 51q and the six sub water level lines 52q each represent, by horizontal lines, a guideline for matching the water level according to the amount of the food to be cooked when adjusting the amount of water to be put into the inner pot 4. Constructed as a waterline. The main water level line 51q indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of the rice to be cooked is an integer, while the secondary water level line 52q indicates the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of the rice to be cooked is a non-integer. It shows a guideline for matching, and by using these main water level line 51q and sub water level line 52q, it is possible to adjust the water level by 0.5 cups from 0.5 cups to 5.5 cups for the amount of rice to be cooked. In addition, in order to minimize visibility caused by a plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the main water level line 51q and the sub water level line 52q Although the tips are aligned vertically and connected to each other by a vertical line 55q, the main water level line 51q is longer than the secondary water level line 52q, and the main water level line 51q and a plurality of secondary water level lines below it. The main water level line 51q and the sub water level line 52q are arranged such that the oblique line 56q connecting the proximal ends of the water level 52q is formed in an oblique straight line gradually separating from the number portions 42q1 to 42q7. There is a linear change in length between the line 51q and the secondary water level line 52q.

The mark 54q makes it easy for the user to visually recognize the positions of the main water level line 51m and the sub water level line 52m when looking through the opening of the inner pot 4. FIG. Although the marks 54q are provided on both sides of the number portions 42p1 to 42p7 here, the marks 54q may be provided only on one side or the other side of the number portions 42p1 to 42p7. In addition, the water level display unit 40 shown in FIG. 27 allows the user to visually recognize that it is used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with white rice by means of a character portion 49q with characters “polished rice”. Along with a water level display part corresponding to the type and cooking method, it is arranged on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4, respectively. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 28 shows a linear water level display unit 40 as a fifth modification. In the same figure, the water level display portion 40 here includes a first numeral portion 42r1 to a seventh numeral portion 42r7 similar to the first numeral portion 42k1 to the seventh numeral portion 42k7, and a second In addition to the main water level line 51r horizontally extending from both sides of the numeral portion 42r2 to the sixth numeral portion r6 and the character portion 49r similar to the character portion 49m, the first numeral portion 42r1 and the seventh numeral portion 42r7 Two secondary water level lines 52r extending from both sides and arranged horizontally like the main water level line 51n, and rhomboid shaped water level icons 41r1 to 41r7 with pointed center portions on one side and the other side. composed of

The first water level icon 41r1 inside which the first number portion 42r1 is arranged indicates a guideline for the amount of water corresponding to the quantity of the rice to be cooked in a cup of "0.5". The central convex portion is the characteristic portion described in the first embodiment. A linear inclined side 58r is formed between this characteristic portion and the upper and lower surfaces of the first water level icon 41r1. In addition, the second water level icon 41r2 to the seventh water level icon 41r7, in which the second numerical portion 42r2 to the seventh numerical portion 42r7 are respectively arranged, also correspond to the amount of water corresponding to the amount of the rice to be cooked from "1" cup to "5.5" cups. , and sharp central portions on one side and both sides of the main water level line 51r are characteristic portions, and similar linear inclined sides 58r are formed. The water level icons 41r1 to 41r7 are positioned in the horizontal center of the water level display section 40 and aligned in the vertical direction. Except for the seventh water level icon 41r7, a linear gap 59r is formed between the vertically adjacent water level icons 41r2 to 41r6, which serves as a guide for adjusting the water level by 0.5 cups.

The water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 28 allows the user to visually recognize that it is used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with white rice by means of a character section 49r with characters "polished rice". Along with a water level display part corresponding to the type and cooking method, it is arranged on one inner surface side and the other inner surface side of the inner pot 4, respectively. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

FIG. 29 shows a linear water level display unit 40 as a sixth modification. In the figure, the water level display section 40 here has a first number section 42s1 to a seventh number section 42s7 similar to the first number section 42k1 to the seventh number section 42k7 arranged in the center of the water level display section 40 in the left-right direction. On one side of the first number portion 42s1 to the seventh number portion 42s7, a polished rice water level display portion 40A used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with polished rice is arranged, and the first number portion 42s1 to the seventh number portion are arranged. On the other side of 42s7, a rinse-free rice water level display section 40B used for adjusting the amount of water when cooking rice with rinse-free rice is arranged.

The polished rice water level display section 40A corresponding to cooking with "polished rice" includes the first numeric section 42s1 to the seventh numeric section 42s7, as well as "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5". A plurality of main water level lines 51sA extending horizontally from one side of the second numeral portion 42s2 to the sixth numeral portion 42s6 representing the number of cups, and one of the first numeral portion 42s1 representing the number of cups of "0.5". a plurality of secondary water level lines 52sA extending horizontally like the main water level line 51sA from one side of the seventh numeral portion 42s7 representing the number of cups "5.5"; It includes a plurality of marks 54sA that are provided on the tip side of each of the water level lines 52sA and that are painted in a triangular shape, and a character portion 49sA that indicates the type of rice to be cooked that can be adjusted to the water level with characters "polished rice". Configured.

In addition, the wash-free rice water level display portion 40B corresponding to cooking with "rinse-free rice" has the first numeral portion 42s1 to the seventh numeral portion 42s7 common to the polished rice water level display portion 40A, as well as "1" and "2". A plurality of main water level lines 51sB extending horizontally from one side of the second numeral portion 42s2 to the sixth numeral portion 42s6 representing the number of cups, "3", "4", and "5", and "0.5". A plurality of secondary water levels are arranged extending horizontally like the main water level line 51sA from one side of the first numeral portion 42s1 representing the number of cups of "5.5" and one side of the seventh numeral portion 42s7 representing the number of cups of "5.5". A line 52sB, a plurality of triangular marks 54sB provided on the tip side of each of the main water level line 51sB and the sub water level line 52sB, and the type of rice to be cooked whose water level can be adjusted are defined as "rinse-free rice." , and a character portion 49sB represented by the characters ".

In this embodiment, the water level line 51sA and the secondary water level of the polished rice water level display section 40A are different because the types of the rice to be cooked, which are the conditions for adjusting the water level, differ between the polished rice water level display section 40A and the rinse-free rice water level display section 40B. The line 52sA, the water level line 51sB and the secondary water level line 52sB of the rinse-free rice water level display portion 40B are arranged at different heights. As a result, it is possible to adjust the water levels of two different types of rice-cooking objects in one water level display portion 40 by sharing the first number portion 42s1 to the seventh number portion 42s7. The water level display part 40 can be arranged compactly.

The polished rice water level display unit 50A displays the five main water level lines 51sA and the two sub water level lines 52sA according to the amount of "polished rice" to be cooked when adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4. The standard of alignment is configured as water level lines, each of which is represented by a horizontal line. The main water level line 51sA indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of "polished rice" is an integer, while the secondary water level line 52sA indicates the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of "polished rice" is a non-integer. It shows a guideline for matching, and by using these main water level line 51sA and sub water level line 52sA, it is possible to adjust the water level of the amount of rice to be cooked from 0.5 cup, 1 cup to 5 cups, and 5.5 cups. ing. Further, in order to minimize visibility caused by a plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the lower side of the main water level line 51sA extending from the first water level portion 42s1 and the seventh water level line 51sA extending from the first water level portion 42s1 A secondary water level line 52sA is provided only above the main water level line 51sA extending from the portion 42s7.

Similarly, the wash-free rice water level display section 50B displays five main water level lines 51sB and two sub-water level lines 52sB when adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4. It is composed of water level lines each representing a guideline for adjusting the water level according to the amount of water by horizontal lines. The main water level line 51sB indicates a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the number of cups in which the amount of "rinse-free rice" is an integer, while the secondary water-level line 52sB corresponds to the number of cups in which the amount of "rinse-free rice" is a non-integer. Using these main water level line 51sB and secondary water level line 52sB, the water level is adjusted for 0.5 cups, 1 cup to 5 cups, and 5.5 cups for the amount of rice to be cooked. making it possible. Further, in order to minimize visibility caused by a plurality of water level lines arranged side by side at narrow intervals, the lower side of the main water level line 51sB extending from the first water level portion 42s1 and the seventh water level line 51sB extending from the first water level portion 42s1 Secondary water level lines 52sB are provided only above the main water level lines 51sB extending from the portion 42s7.

Marks 54q provided on the water level display portion 50A of polished rice and the water level display portion 50B of rinse-free rice indicate that when the user looks into the opening of the inner pot 4, the main water level lines 51sA and 51sB and the sub water level lines 52sA and 52sB are aligned. This makes it easier to visually recognize where it is. Here, the mark 54q is provided on each of the polished rice water level display portion 50A and the wash-free rice water level display portion 50B, but the mark 54q may be provided on only one of them. In addition, the polished rice water level display unit 50A allows the user to visually recognize that it is used to adjust the amount of water when cooking rice with polished rice, in particular, by the character part 49sA of characters "polished rice", and the rinse-free rice water level display unit 50B The character part 49sB of the character "rinse-free rice" is used to adjust the amount of water when cooking rice, and the water level display part according to the type and cooking method of other rice to be cooked, They are arranged on one side of the inner surface of the inner hook 4 and on the other side of the inner surface. The procedure until the rice is cooked in the rice cooker having the inner pot 4 is as described above.

As described above, in this embodiment, in the rice cooker provided with the water level display unit 40 for adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4 on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 that accommodates the food to be cooked, the water level display unit As shown in FIGS. 20 to 29, 40 includes a number portion 42 that is a portion display portion that indicates the amount of rice to be cooked, and water level lines 51 and 52 that are a guideline for adjusting the water level. Among them, a main water level line 51 extending horizontally from both sides of the numeric part 42 representing the integer number of cups as the quantity of the rice to be cooked is arranged as a straight water level line.

In this case, it is difficult for the user to see the inner surface of the inner pot 4 because it is deep inside. For example, the user can easily adjust the water level using the main water level line 51 as a mark. Therefore, it is possible to provide a rice cooker capable of relieving user's stress as much as possible by adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot 4 .

Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 27 of the present embodiment, the water level line provided in the water level display portion 40 is a straight line extending horizontally from both sides of the number portion 42 representing the integer number of cups. It is composed of a main water level line 51 and linear secondary water level lines 52 located above and below the main water level line 51 and extending horizontally like the main water level line 51. The length of the secondary water level line 52 is formed differently. For example, the water level display section 40 shown in FIG. 20 includes five main water level lines 51k and six sub water level lines 52k as water level lines, but the main water level lines 51k are formed longer than the sub water level lines 52k. It is

In this way, by varying the length between the main water level lines 51 and the sub water level lines 52 that are arranged alternately, a plurality of water level lines 51 and 52 can be arranged side by side at narrow intervals. It is possible to improve as much as possible the difficulty of viewing for users due to

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 24, 27, and 29, the water level display unit 40 of this embodiment includes marks 54 having shapes different from those of the water level lines 51 and 52 on the tip side of the water level lines 51 and 52. is further provided. The mark 54 may be highlighted by a color rather than a shape different from the water level lines 51,52.

As a result, when the user looks into the inner surface of the inner pot 4, the position of each water level line 51, 52 can be easily visually recognized using the mark 54 as a clue.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 28, the water level display section 40 of the present embodiment is further provided with a water level icon 41 that serves as a symbolized icon display section that serves as a guideline for adjusting the water level together with the water level lines 51 and 52 .

In this case, the user can use not only the water level lines 51 and 52 but also the water level icon 41 to more accurately adjust the water level.

Next, a water level detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 30 to 43. FIG. The water level detection device of this embodiment measures the height of the water above the rice, which is the food to be cooked, as the "deliciousness of our home" in the same way as when our predecessors cooked rice with a hagama. It is intended for the purpose of, and if you adjust the height of the water to the same level every time, you can get the same finished cooking every time.

FIG. 30 shows how the water level detection device 60 is used to adjust the water level. In the figure, an inner pot 4 placed on a horizontal floor surface F contains rice R and water W to be cooked in order to cook the rice, and the amount of water W is adjusted. The water level detection device 60 for the sake is placed on the upper surface of the rice R inside the inner pot 4 and used. In the conventional water level indicator 100 provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4, water level lines 112 are arranged at different heights according to the type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked. Here, as an example, the polished rice water level display unit 100A used for adjusting the water level when cooking "polished rice" with normal hardness is shown, but the water level display unit 61 provided in the water level detection device 60 of the present embodiment , Unlike the conventional water level display unit 100, it serves as a guideline for the amount of water W based on the top surface of the rice W put in the inner pot 4, regardless of the type of rice to be cooked or how it is cooked. Therefore, if it is known from experience how high the water W should be for the amount of rice W normally put in the inner pot 4 and how it will be cooked, the rice cooker can set the desired height. The water level display part 61 of the water level detection device 60 can be used to obtain the "deliciousness of home" every time without setting the rice cooking course to be used each time.

Next, the main body configuration of the water level detection device 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 31 to 38 in addition to FIG. The water level detection device 60 includes a display plate 62 having the water level display portion 61, a base 63 that can be placed on the upper surface of the rice W inside the inner pot 4, and the display plate 62 on the base 63. The hinge 64 that is rotatably attached constitutes the outer shell of the apparatus main body 65 . The base 63 has a box-like shape with a bottom, inside of which are mounted a magnet 66, a pair of pin electrodes 67A and 67B, a button-type battery 68 as a power source, an LED 69 as a light source, and a printed circuit board on which an FET 70 is mounted. (PC boards) 71 are accommodated and arranged in a liquid-tight manner. In addition to the device main body 65, the water level detection device 60 of this embodiment is configured by including a housing case 72 (see FIG. 39).

The display board 62 is constructed by stacking three plates 75A, 75B, and 75C. The first plate 75A forming the back surface of the display panel 62 and the third plate 75C forming the front surface of the display panel 62 are both flat sheet-like. The second plate 75B arranged in the middle is frame-shaped, and when these plates 75A, 75B, and 75C are laminated and joined, a closed space 76 forming an air layer is provided inside the display plate 62 . At this time, the third plate 75C is arranged on the front side of the display plate 62, which is one side of the sealed space 76, and the rear side of the display plate 62, which is the other side of the sealed space 76, faces the third plate 75C. A first plate 75A is arranged.

Each of the plates 75A, 75B, and 75C that constitute the display panel 62 has a refractive index greater than that of air and is made of a transparent member having optical transparency. As such a transparent member, a synthetic resin such as acrylic or polyester, glass, or the like is preferable. In this embodiment, the peripheral portions of the first plate 75A and the third plate 75C are liquid-tightly joined with an adhesive or by welding through the second plate 75B serving as an intermediate layer. A closed space 76 with an air layer is formed.

The water level display unit 61 indicates the height of the water W (water level height) with reference to the upper surface of the rice W with numbers "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5". It is composed of a number portion 78 representing each, and a water level line 79 serving as a scale representing a standard of the height of the water W with respect to the top surface of the rice W with horizontal lines. In the example shown in FIG. 36, all of the number portion 78 and the water level line 79 that constitute the water level display portion 61 are printed on the inner surface facing the sealed space 76 of the first plate 75A, and the third plate 75C facing the No water level indicator 61 is formed. Instead, as another arrangement example of the water level display portion 61, as shown in FIG. A water level line 79 forming the remaining portion of the portion 61 may be printed on the outer surface of the third plate 75C facing away from the closed space 76 . 33 and 34 differ only in the arrangement of the water level display portion 61 with respect to the water level plate 62, and the other configurations are common to each other.

The water level display section 61 of this embodiment may be arranged on the water level plate 62 in the form of the water level display section 40 described in the first and second embodiments. Also, the rice cooker may be constructed by combining the inner pot 4 having such a water level indicator 40 on its inner surface and the water level detection device 60 of the present embodiment.

The base 63, like the display plate 62, is composed of a transparent member combining four case bodies 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D, all of which are light transmissive. Between a flat plate-like first case body 81A forming the bottom surface of the base 63 and a flat plate-like third case body 81C forming the top surface of the base 63 and facing the first case body 81A, a base A second case body 81B forming the left and right side surfaces and the rear surface of the base 63, and a fourth case body 81D forming the front surface of the base 63 are provided. Further, these case bodies 81A, 81B, 81C, and 81D are liquid-tightly joined to each other so as to form a box shape as a whole so that liquid such as water W does not enter the base 63 . Shafts 82 for attaching the hinges 64 are formed integrally with the second case body 81B in front of the left and right side surfaces of the base 63 so as to protrude outward.

The hinge 64 is composed of a pair of hinge pieces 83A and 83B that are attached and fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the display plate 62 on the base end side, respectively. A hole 84 is formed in each of the hinge pieces 83A and 83B, and a shaft 82 attached and fixed to both the left and right sides of the base 63 is inserted through the hole 84 of the hinge pieces 83A and 83B and pivotally supported. , a display plate 62 including a hinge 64 is connected to the base 63 so as to be foldable and openable around a shaft 82 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 34, when the display unit 62 is closed with respect to the base 63 , the rear surface of the display plate 62 hits the upper surface of the base 63 , and the display plate 62 is folded onto the base 63 . Further, as shown in FIG. 35, when the display unit 62 is opened with respect to the base 63, the rear surface of the display plate 62 hits the front surface of the base 63, and the bottom surface serving as the mounting surface of the base 63 does not face the bottom surface. Thus, the display plate 62 including the water level display portion 61 is held obliquely upward at a predetermined angle α=70°.

Inside the base 63, the magnet 66 serves as a weight when the device body 65 of the water level detection device 60 is submerged, and also serves as an attraction member when the device body 65 is stored. Also, the LED 69 serving as a light source is arranged at a position where it can illuminate not only the water level display section 61 but also the device main body 65 and the water level detection device 60 at the time of lighting. A first case body 81A forming the bottom surface of the base 63 is provided with holes 85 through which the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are inserted in close contact. It is configured to be exposed to

FIG. 38 shows a circuit diagram of the device body 65 described above. In the figure, three batteries 68 that serve as DC power sources are connected in series, and a series circuit of an LED 69 and an FET 70 is connected across the two ends. A pin electrode 67A is connected to the positive terminal of the battery 68, and another pin electrode 67B is connected to the gate of the FET 70, which serves as a switching element. As a result, when the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are open and a predetermined voltage is not applied to the gate of the FET 70, there is no conduction between the gate and the source of the FET 70, and the LED 69 connected thereto does not draw current from the battery 68. However, if the base 63 is submerged in water and the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are submerged in water, or if a conductor contacts between the pin electrodes 67A and 67B, a is short-circuited, the voltage of the battery 68 is applied to the gate of the FET 70, the gate and source of the FET 70 are electrically connected, and the LED 69 is lit by the current supplied from the battery 68.

Next, the case 72 for housing the device main body 50, which is the main body of the water level detection device 60, will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the figure, (a) shows a state in which the display panel 62 is folded on the base 63 and the device main body 65 is housed in the case 72, and (b) shows a state in which the display panel 62 is not folded on the base 63. , the device body 65 is housed in the case 72. FIG. As shown here, the case 72 has an opening 87 on one side and is formed in the shape of a bag. Not only the display plate 62 but also the base 63 with the display plate 62 opened relative to the base 63 can be inserted into and removed from the inside of the case 72 . Further, the case 72 is composed of a light diffusing member that evenly diffuses the light emitted from the LED 69 inside the base 63 around the water level detection device 60 .

A conductive sheet 88 for short-circuiting is adhered to the inner surface of the case 72 at a position where the pin electrodes 67A and 67B that serve as the lighting switches of the LED 69 abut when the base 63 is inserted into the case 72 and accommodated. . The conductive sheet 88 is provided only on one of the top and bottom sides of the inner surface of the case 72, and as shown in FIG. , when the base 63 is inserted into the case 72, the conductive sheet 88 does not come into contact with the pin electrodes 67A and 67B, and the LED 69 is extinguished. Therefore, when the water level detection device 60 is stored, the device main body 65 with the display plate 62 folded on the base 63 can be stored in the case 72 so that the LED 69 is turned off.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 39(b), when the base 63 is inserted into the case 72 so that the conductive sheet 88 and the first case body 81A on the lower surface side of the base 63 face each other, the conductive sheet 88 contacts the pin electrodes 67A and 67B, resulting in a short-circuited state between them, the LED 69 lights up inside the base 63, and the light from the LED 69 is widely diffused around the water level detection device 60 by the case 72. mode. At this time, regardless of whether the display plate 62 is folded or not, the weight of the base 63 acts in the direction in which the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are pressed against the conductive sheet 88 by the magnet 66 acting as a weight. Therefore, it is possible to stably diffuse the light around the water level detection device 60 .

In order to use the water level detection device 60 configured as described above from the storage state shown in FIG. 39(a) to adjust the water level shown in FIG. The folded display panel 62 is manually raised on the front side of the base 63 with the hinge 64 centered on the shaft 82 . When the back surface of the base 63 abuts against the front surface of the base 63, it can no longer stand up. As shown in FIG. It is held obliquely upward at a predetermined angle α.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30, the inner pot 4 is placed on a horizontal floor surface F, and the rice R and water W are evenly and evenly placed inside. When the device body 65 of the water level detection device 60 with the display plate 62 raised obliquely upward is housed here so that the bottom surface of the base 63 rests on the top surface of the rice R, the display plate 62 is placed against the top surface of the rice R. are arranged obliquely upward at a predetermined angle α.

In such a state, when the light L is incident on the water W inside the inner pot 4 toward the surface side of the display plate 62 at an incident angle Θ1, the light L is projected at a point O on the water surface as shown in FIG. The water is refracted at point P on the boundary surface between the water W and the third plate 75C of the surface plate 62, passes through the third plate 75C, and enters the closed space 76, which is the air layer, from the third plate 75C. do. However, if the third plate 75C is a member with a higher refractive index than air, the light L is sealed at the point Q on the boundary surface between the third plate 75C and the closed space 76 when the incident angle Θ1 falls below a certain value. It is totally reflected without passing through the space 76 .

That is, when the refractive index of air is n1=1, the refractive index of the third plate 75C is n2 (>n1), and the refractive index of water is n3=1.333, the condition for total reflection at the point Q is Assuming that the angle of incidence of the layers into the closed space 76 is Θq, the following equation is satisfied.

Further, the refraction at the point P satisfies the following formula, where Θp is the angle of incidence from the water W to the third plate 75C.

The following formula is obtained by arranging the above formulas.

Therefore, the incident angle at the point P at which the light L from the closed space 76 can no longer emerge, ie, the critical angle .THETA.p, is given by the following equation.

The incident angle Θo from the water W to the air (outside air) at the point P corresponding to this critical angle Θp is , can be calculated by the following formula.

At the point P, the relationship between the incident angle .THETA.o obtained by the above equation and the incident angle .THETA.1 from the air to the water W can be expressed by the following equation.

Rewriting the above formula gives the following formula.

Applying the refractive index of air n1 = 1, the refractive index of water W n3 = 1.333, and the incident angle Θo = 21.4°, the incident angle Θ1 from air to water W at point P is given by the following equation. In a range smaller than the calculated value, total reflection occurs at point Q on the boundary surface between the third plate 75C and the closed space 76 .

Thus, in this embodiment, when the device main body 65 of the water level detection device 60 is viewed from above the inner pot 4 at an angle of incidence Θ1 or less, the portion above the water surface inside the inner pot 4 is substantially vertical. Even if one looks into the water level indicator 61 at an angle, the water level indicator 61, which is placed obliquely upward at a predetermined angle α, can be visually recognized without difficulty. A boundary line corresponding to the position of the water surface can be clearly confirmed in the middle of the display section 61 . Therefore, the water level in the inner pot 4 can be clearly read from this boundary line, and the amount of water to be accommodated in the inner pot 4 can be measured efficiently.

In FIG. 40, for the sake of convenience, the light L is drawn linearly before and after the point P as if the refractive index n2 of the third plate 75C and the refractive index n3 of the water W were the same. If there is a difference in the refractive indices n2 and n3 depending on the material of the third plate 75c, the light L will be refracted at the P point.

In addition, in the configuration of the display panel 62 shown in FIG. 36, since all of the number portion 78 and the water level line 79 that constitute the water level display portion 61 are provided on the first plate 75A of the transparent display panel 62, the third Regardless of whether or not the refractive index n2 of the plate 75c is different from the refractive index n3 of the water W, if the user looks into the interior of the inner pot 4 at an angle of incidence Θ1 or less, the closed space 76 becomes an air layer. and the first plate 75A, the light L is totally reflected at the point Q on the interface between the plate 75A and the first plate 75A, so that the entire submerged portion of the water level display portion 61 can be made invisible. On the other hand, in another configuration of the display panel 62 shown in FIG. 37, if the user looks into the interior of the inner pot 4 at an incident angle Θ1 or less, the Q The light L is totally reflected at a point so that the number portion 78 provided on the first plate 75A, which is part of the water level display portion 61, can be made invisible in the submerged portion. is provided on the third plate 75C rather than on the first plate 75A, and if the refractive index n2 of the third plate 75C is greater than the refractive index n3 of water W, the water level Total reflection does not occur at point P on the near side of line 79, and even if the user looks into the interior of inner pot 4 at an incident angle Θ1 or less, regardless of whether or not water level indicator 61 is submerged. A water line 79 is visible. Therefore, in order to ensure that only the water level line 79 is visible in the example of FIG. 37, the third plate 75C is formed of a material that satisfies n2>n3.

FIG. 41 shows the device main body 65 with the display plate 62 opened with respect to the base 63, and FIG. 42 shows the device main body 65 placed inside the inner pot 4 containing rice R and water W. is shown. Here, since the entire water level display portion 61 is provided on the first plate 75A, the number portion 78 and the water level line 79 disappear in the portion below the water surface of the water level display portion 61 due to the above-described total reflection phenomenon. Become invisible. On the other hand, when a portion of the water level display portion 61 is provided on the first plate 75A and the remaining portion is provided on the third plate 75C, the portion of the water level display portion 61 below the water surface is It is possible to make only a part invisible by total reflection and to make the remaining part visible.

Next, the lighting function of the water level detection device 60 will be described. FIG. 43 shows a state in which the apparatus main body 65 shown in FIG. 41 is placed inside the inner pot 4 containing rice R and water W, and the LED 69 is turned on. In the LED type water level detection device 60 incorporating the circuit configuration shown in FIG. When the water W touches the pin electrodes 67A and 67B exposed to the LED 69, a current is supplied to the LED 69 to light up, and the transparent display board 62 on which the water level display portion 61 is printed is brightly illuminated from the back. Therefore, when the base 63 is immersed in the water W inside the inner pot 4 at the time of adjusting the water level, the LED 69 lights up to illuminate the water level display part 61 in an easy-to-see manner. When the water level is adjusted and the device body 65 is taken out from the inner pot 4, the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are not in contact with the water W and are in a non-conducting state, and the LED 69 is automatically extinguished. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary battery 68 consumption.

Apart from the illumination of the water level display unit 61 when adjusting the water level, the water level detection device 60 of the present embodiment can be used as a lantern to brightly illuminate the surroundings, for example, when cooking in an outdoor camp, in the event of a disaster, or in the event of a power failure. can also be used effectively. As shown in FIG. 39(b), when the water level detection device 60 is used as a lantern, the conductive sheet 88 provided on the inner surface of the case 72 faces the bottom surface where the pin electrodes 67A and 67B of the base 63 are exposed. The base 63 is inserted through the opening of the case 72 as shown. At this time, only the base 63 may be inserted into the case 72 without folding the display plate 62 with respect to the base 63, or the base 63 and the display plate 62 may be folded and inserted together into the case 72. may In either case, when the conductive sheet 88 comes into contact with the pin electrodes 67A and 67B and short-circuits between them, the LED 69 lights up inside the base 63, and the light from the LED 69 becomes a light diffusing member. 72 spreads widely around the water level detection device 60 .

When the water level detection device 60 is not used for adjusting the water level or as a lantern, the base 63 and the display plate 62 are folded, and the device main body 65 is placed in the case 72 so that the conductive sheet 88 does not come into contact with the pin electrodes 67A and 67B. , it becomes possible to turn off the LED 69 and store the device main body 65 in the case 72 in a compact state.

As described above, the water level detection device 60 attached to the rice cooker of the present embodiment can be accommodated inside the inner pot 4 that accommodates rice R, which is the object to be cooked. A water level indicator 61 is provided for adjusting the amount of W. Here, in particular, a base 63 that can be placed on the upper surface of the rice R leveled substantially horizontally inside the inner pot 4, and a display plate 62 that is attached to the base 63 and has a water level display portion 61 are provided. , the water level detection device 60 is configured so that the water level display portion 61 is arranged obliquely upward when the base 63 is placed on the upper surface of the rice R.

Therefore, only by placing the base 63 on the upper surface of the rice R inside the inner pot 4, the water level display part 61 can be used in a stable state together with the display plate 62 attached to the base 63. - 特許庁In this state, the water level display part 61 is arranged obliquely upward, so that when the user looks at the inner pot 4 from directly above, the position of the water level display part 61 where the water level is can be easily visually recognized. Therefore, by adjusting the amount of water W put into the inner pot 4, it is possible to provide the water level detection device 60 capable of relieving the user's stress as much as possible.

Further, the water level detection device 60 of this embodiment is provided with a hinge 64 for attaching the display plate 62 to the base 63 so that the display plate 62 can be opened and closed. When folded on the base 63 and the display plate 62 is opened, the water level display part 61 is arranged obliquely upward when the base 63 is placed on the upper surface of the rice R.

Therefore, when the water level detection device 60 is used, the water level display portion 61 can be arranged diagonally upward inside the inner pot 4 simply by opening the display plate 62, and when the water level detection device 60 is not used, the display plate 62 is closed. The water level detection device 60 can be handled in a compact state by folding it to the base 63.

Further, the water level detection device 60 of this embodiment further includes an LED 69 inside the base 63 as a light source for illuminating the water level display section 61 .

Therefore, for example, the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are short-circuited to turn on the LED 69, which is a light source, so that the water level display section 61 can be illuminated in an easy-to-see manner when adjusting the water level.

In the water level detection device 60 of the present embodiment, the pin electrodes 67A and 67B serving as electrode bodies are exposed at the bottom of the base 63, and the pin electrodes 67A and 67B are used to measure the water W contained in the inner pot 4. When the is touched, the LED 69 as a light source is turned on.

Therefore, when the base 63 is immersed in the water W inside the inner pot 4 when the water level is adjusted, the LED 69 lights up to illuminate the water level display portion 61 in an easy-to-see manner.

Further, the water level detection device 60 of the present embodiment further includes a case 72 that accommodates the display plate 62 folded on the base 63 so that it can be inserted and removed from the opening 87 on one side of the display plate 62 . It is composed of a light diffusing member such as a polycarbonate resin member that diffuses light over a wide range.

Therefore, the case 72 not only serves as a storage member when the display plate 62 is folded onto the base 63, but also diffuses light from the LEDs 69 around the water level detection device 60 when the water level detection device 60 is used as a lantern. It can also be used as a shade.

In the water level detection device 60 of this embodiment, the pin electrodes 67A and 67B serving as electrode bodies are exposed at the bottom of the base 63, and the case 72 is provided with a conductive sheet 88 serving as a conductor. When the base 63 is inserted into the case 72, the pin electrodes 67A and 67B come into contact with the conductive sheet 88 and the LED 69 lights up regardless of whether the 62 is folded.

Therefore, when the water level detection device 60 is used as a lantern, the light can be diffused around the water level detection device 60 by lighting the LED 69 only by inserting the base 63 into the case 72.例文帳に追加

Further, the display panel 62 of this embodiment has a sealed space 76 forming an air layer inside, and is composed of a transparent member having a larger refractive index than air. A third plate 75C as a surface portion to be formed and a first plate 75A as a back surface portion formed on the other side of the closed space 76 are arranged to face each other, and as shown in FIG. All are provided on the first plate 75A.

That is, since the entire water level display portion 61 faces the third plate 75C, which has a larger refractive index than air, through the closed space 76, which is an air layer, the inner pot 4 containing rice R and water W 40, when the user looks into the interior of the inner pot 4 from above at an incident angle .theta. and the third plate 75C, the light L is totally reflected, so that the submerged portion of the water level display portion 61 can be completely hidden from view. As a result, the boundary corresponding to the water surface appears clearly on the water level display portion 61, and the water level can be read without error.

Instead, as shown in FIG. 37, while the number portion 78, which is part of the water level display portion 61, is provided on the first plate 75A, the remaining part of the water level display portion 61, for example, the water level line 79 is provided. , may be provided on the third plate 75C.

In this case as well, when the user looks into the interior of the inner pot 4 from above at an incident angle Θ1 or less, which is a predetermined angle, the boundary corresponding to the water surface clearly appears on the water level display section 61, and the water level can be read without error. be able to. On the other hand, the water level line 79, which is the remaining portion of the water level display portion 61 provided on the third plate 75C, can be visually recognized regardless of whether the water level display portion 61 is submerged. Therefore, the information necessary for the water level display section 61 can always be visually confirmed regardless of the amount of water that can be put into the inner pot.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the water level display portion 40 shown in each of the above embodiments may be appropriately combined and provided on the inner surface of the inner pot 4 . Also, a light source other than the LED 69 may be used, or a manual operation switch may be used instead of the pin electrodes 67A and 67B. The conductive sheet 88 provided on the case 72 may be a conductor having conductivity similar to that of water.

4 Inner pot 40 Water level display 40-3 Legend display 41 Water level icon (icon display)
42 Number part (quantity display part)
44h1 to 44h8 vertices (features)
45i1 to 45i5 Characteristic part 47h1 to 47h5 Horizontal line (water level line)
48h1~48h5 shooting star line (water level line)
50j1, 50j2 Characteristic part 51 Main water line (water line)
52 secondary waterline (waterline)
54 mark 60 water level detector 61 water level indicator 62 indicator board (transparent member)
63 base 64 hinge 67A, 67B pin electrode (electrode body)
69 LEDs (light source)
72 case (light diffusion member)
75A 1st plate (back side)
75C 3rd plate (surface part)
76 Closed space 78 Number part (a part of the water level display part)
79 Water level line (remaining part of water level indicator)
88 conductive sheet (conductor)
W Water R Rice (to be cooked)

Claims (3)

A rice cooker provided with a water level display section for adjusting the amount of water put into the inner pot on the inner surface of the inner pot that houses the food to be cooked,
The water level display unit includes a plurality of symbolized icon display units that serve as a guideline for adjusting the water level ,
Inside the icon display part, a quantity display part is provided that indicates the quantity of the food to be cooked that allows the water level to be adjusted in the icon display part,
arranging the plurality of icon display portions diagonally in the depth direction of the inner surface of the inner pot;
The outer shape of the icon display portion is provided with a characteristic portion for matching the water level as a guideline for matching the water level,
A plurality of the characteristic portions are provided in one of the icon display portions,
The plurality of characteristic portions include a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to different amounts of the rice to be cooked with the same type and cooking method of the rice to be cooked, and the same rice to be cooked with different types and cooking methods of the rice to be cooked. A rice cooker characterized by assigning and arranging each so as to serve as a guideline for adjusting the water level corresponding to the quantity of things . The water level display unit is further provided with a legend display unit for visually confirming how to use the water level display unit ,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the legend display section is arranged above the icon display section . The water level display unit is further provided with a water level line that serves as a guideline for matching the water level together with the icon display unit ,
3. The rice cooker according to claim 1 , wherein the water level line extends linearly at the same horizontal position as the characteristic portion and is arranged outside the icon display portion.

Images