JP7288126B2 - rice cooker - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rice cooker provided with display means for displaying information related to rice cooking and operation means for performing operations.

As a rice cooker equipped with display means for displaying information related to rice cooking and operation means for performing operations, for example, in Cited Document 1, a liquid crystal panel serving as display means for displaying various information related to rice cooking is provided, and a cover is provided around the LCD. Operation means for giving control instructions to the control means for cooking rice, in particular, a rice cooking switch serving as a rice cooking instruction section for accepting the start of rice cooking, a rice cooking reservation switch for timer rice cooking, and a cancellation switch serving as a stop instruction section for accepting stoppage of rice cooking. A rice cooker provided with various switches such as is disclosed.

JP 2020-185253 A

Since the rice cooker described above has a configuration in which various switches are provided around the LCD, a large space is required for arranging components such as the liquid crystal panel and the switches. In addition, the user needs to appropriately operate various switches arranged around the LCD according to the display contents of the LCD, and there is room for improvement of the operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rice cooker capable of saving space for display means and operation means and improving operability.

The rice cooker of the present invention comprises a display operation means for receiving a touch operation and displaying various information, and the display operation means has a first screen as a rice cooking instruction section for receiving the start of rice cooking and a stop for receiving the discontinuation of rice cooking. simultaneously displaying an instruction part and a plurality of transition instruction parts for instructing transition to each screen of a second screen group consisting of a plurality of screens for setting each of two or more pieces of rice cooking information; Each screen of the screen group does not display the rice cooking instruction section, and displays a display for setting the corresponding rice cooking information and a transition instruction section for instructing transition to the first screen, The first screen is characterized by displaying the setting contents of the rice cooking information set on each screen of the second screen group .

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the rice cooker of this invention, the space saving of a display means and an operation means and operability can be improved.

It is a perspective view of a rice cooker in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of a rice cooker same as the above. It is a block diagram which shows an electrical structure same as the above. FIG. 11 is a top view of the display operation means displaying the top screen of the same; Fig. 10 is a top view of the display operation means displaying the rice selection screen of the same; Fig. 11 is a top view of the display operation means displaying a cooking method selection screen; Fig. 10 is a top view of the display operation means displaying a hardness selection screen; FIG. 4A is a top view of the display operation means displaying the water hardness selection screen, and FIG. 4B is a top view of the display operation means displaying the water hardness value input screen; FIG. 10A is a top view of the display operation means displaying the setting screen, and FIG. 8B is a top view of the display operation means displaying the guide selection screen; Same as above, (A) Top view of display operation means displaying reservation setting screen, (B) Top view of display operation means displaying reservation time setting screen, (C) Displaying reservation time history screen 2 is a top view of the display operation means in which the device is placed; FIG. It is a top view of the display operation means which is displaying the reserved rice cooking screen same as the above. Same as the above, it is a figure which shows the transition of the rice cooking screen of a display operation means, and the transition of a heat retention screen. FIG. 10 is a top view of the display operation means displaying the top screen with the cover of the rice cooker in the modified example of the embodiment of the present invention opened.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of a rice cooker according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, common reference numerals are given to common parts throughout these drawings.

1 to 12 show embodiments of the rice cooker of the present invention. The overall structure of the rice cooker will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Reference numeral 1 denotes a main body, which has a substantially rectangular shape with front and rear faces and left and right sides facing each other when viewed from above, and the upper face is open. there is Reference numeral 2 denotes a lid body that opens and closes the upper opening of the main body 1. Like the main body 1, it has a substantially rectangular shape in which the front and rear faces and the left and right sides face each other when viewed from above, and the upper face is substantially flat. is configured to A hinge 3 is provided at the rear of the lid 2 as a connecting portion with the main body 1, and a lid operating body 4 is arranged in an exposed state on the upper front surface of the lid 2, and this lid operation is carried out. When the body 4 is pushed, the engagement between the main body 1 and the lid 2 is released, and a hinge spring (not shown) provided at the top rear of the main body 1 opens the lid 2 with the hinge axis of the hinge 3 as the center of rotation. It is configured. Note that the lid operating body 4 is not limited to being arranged on the top surface of the lid 2 , and may be arranged on the side surface of the lid 2 .

Inside the main body 1, a heating means 11 (see FIG. 3) such as an induction coil for heating the food to be cooked is arranged. The food to be cooked is housed in a cylindrical inner pot with a bottom that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1. When a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating means 11, the alternating magnetic field generated by the heating means 11 causes the rice to be cooked on the outer surface of the inner pot. The magnetic body generates heat to heat the food to be cooked inside the main body 1 during cooking and heat retention.

A steam port 5 for discharging steam generated from the food to be cooked in the inner pot to the outside of the main body 1 is provided on the rear upper surface of the lid 2 . In addition to the steam vent 5 and the lid operating body 4, the upper surface of the lid 2 also has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 25 as a screen display section for displaying various information related to rice cooking. and a display means 6 composed of process LED (Light Emitting Diode) display units 26 to 29 (see FIG. 4) as a status display unit, and a touch sensor, for example, arranged above the LCD 25 and operation means 7 for starting rice cooking and selecting the time and rice cooking course. Therefore, the display means 6 and the operation means 7 constitute the display/operation means 10 . A control PC (Printed Circuit) board (not shown) having a control means 12 (see FIG. 3) for controlling each part of the rice cooker is arranged on the lower surface of the rice cooker. Therefore, in the rice cooker of the present embodiment, other than the operation means 7 above the LCD 25, the operation means such as the physical keys and buttons such as the rice cook key and the off key, which are provided in the conventional rice cooker, do not exist. Since the rice cooker is operated only by the operation means 7, the trouble of searching for the button during operation can be saved, and the operability can be improved. In addition, a very smart appearance can be obtained, and the space in which the display means 6 and the operation means 7, which are precision parts, are arranged can be made compact. By removing the physical keys and buttons, the upper surface of the lid body 2 can be configured in a substantially flat shape, which facilitates wiping and cleaning, thereby improving the cleaning performance.

Here, the appearance color of the main body 1 and the lid body 2 of the present embodiment, particularly the color of the upper surface of the lid body 2, is the color of the LCD 25, which is the color of the display operation means 10 in the off state, that is, the color of the display means 6 in the off state. It is preferable to use substantially the same color (for example, black) as the color of the screen when it goes dark or the color when the process LED display parts 26 to 29 are turned off. The color of the display operation means 10 is substantially the same as the color of the display means 6 because the operation means 7 is composed of a touch sensor or the like and is transparent. By doing so, the appearance of the rice cooker can be such that the display means 6 and the operation means 7 do not exist at first glance, and the rice cooker can have an appearance with a stylish design. Note that the main body 1 and the cover 2 may be of other colors. The appearance of the rice cooker may be such that there is no boundary between the LCD 25 and the lid body 2 when the rice cooker is turned on, and the rice cooker may have a stylish design appearance.

Further, in order to detect opening and closing of the lid body 2, a lid opening/closing detection means 8 is provided inside the lid body 2. As shown in FIG. Here, the lid opening/closing detection means 8 may be of any detection method such as an optical type, a mechanical type, a magnetic type, etc., as long as it can output a detection signal according to the opening/closing of the lid body 2 .

Next, a main control system in the rice cooker will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the control means 12 equipped in the main body 2 includes a control IC 17 constituting a microcomputer, a storage means 18 such as a readable and writable memory for storing various information and data, and a timing means such as a timer. , driving elements of each part, etc., and the input port of the control means 12 is connected to the operation means 7 and lid open/close detection means 8 of the display operation means 10 described above, as well as temperature detection means 13 and pressure detection means. Means 14 are electrically connected to each other. Further, to the output port of the control means 12, in addition to the display means 6 and the heating means 11 of the display operation means 10 described above, the steam path opening/closing means 15 and the pressure reduction means 16 are electrically connected.

The temperature detecting means 13 detects the temperature of the food to be cooked in the main body 1 by detecting the temperature of the inner pot and the temperature of the inner lid (not shown) covering the upper opening of the inner pot. The pressure detection means 14 detects the pressure inside the inner pot, and is composed of a pressure sensor or the like.

The steam path opening/closing means 15 opens and closes a steam path communicating between the steam port 5 and the inner pot for discharging the steam generated in the inner pot to the outside. When the steam path opening/closing means 15 closes the steam passage when the rice is heated and boiling, the steam evaporated from the rice to be cooked is not released from the inner pot, so the pressure in the inner pot is increased to the atmospheric pressure or higher. can. Therefore, the steam path opening/closing means 15 also functions as a pressurizing means.

The decompression means 16 lowers the pressure in the inner pot below the normal atmospheric pressure. reduce the internal pressure of Further, when the pressure in the inner pot drops below the atmospheric pressure by a certain value, the operation of the vacuum pump, which is the operating source of the decompression means 16, is stopped to keep the inner pot in a decompressed state. Furthermore, when the pressure inside the inner pot is returned from the decompressed state to the same pressure as the outside air, the operation of the vacuum pump is stopped and the path (not shown) communicating between the vacuum pump and the inside of the inner pot is opened. That is, the decompression means 16 also serves as a pressure return means for returning the pressure inside the inner pot from the decompressed state to the same pressure as the outside air.

The control means 12 includes a rice cooking control means 21 , a heat retention control means 22 , a display control means 23 and a condition setting means 24 in the control IC 17 as functions on the control sequence of the program read from the storage means 18 . The rice-cooking control means 21 receives an instruction to start cooking rice from the operation means 7, and performs a submerged cooking process for promoting the water absorption of the rice put into the inner pot, and boiling heating for raising the temperature of the object to be cooked to boiling in a short period of time. a boiling continuation step for continuing the boiling state of the object to be cooked; and a high temperature maintaining step for maintaining the rice at a high temperature that does not scorch the rice. The rice is cooked and heated at a desired pressure. The heat retention control means 22 controls to perform a heat retention process for keeping the rice inside the inner pot at a predetermined heat retention temperature. The display control means 23 generates various control signals based on the operation signal from the operation means 7 and controls the display operation of the display means 6 . In addition, the condition setting means 24 cooperates with the display control means 23 to select and set conditions that can be selected by the operation means 7, for example, setting of a plurality of rice, setting of cooking method, setting of hardness, and setting of water hardness. It enables selection and setting of a desired rice cooking course from existing rice cooking courses.

In the rice cooker 1 of the present embodiment, a rice cooking course corresponding to each rice setting, cooking method setting, hardness setting, and water hardness setting is stored in the storage means 51. Setting of course rice, setting of cooking method, setting of hardness, and setting of water hardness are selectably displayed on display means 6, and selection and setting of the rice cooking course can be performed by making these settings. ing.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the display operation means 10 of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment. 4 to 12 are top views of the display operation means 10, and the upper side of each drawing is "front", the lower side is "rear", the left side is "left", and the right side is "right". Also, the front side of each drawing is referred to as "upper", and the back side thereof is referred to as "lower". In FIG. 4, the display means 6 of the display operation means 10 is composed of an LCD 25 arranged in the center of the upper surface of the lid 2 and process LED display sections 26 to 29 arranged in front of the LCD 25 . The process LED display units 26-29 display the actual state of the rice cooker. Then, the process LED display unit 27 for "heat retention" lights up, and when the inside of the inner pot becomes a vacuum state lower than the atmospheric pressure by the decompression means 16, the process LED display unit 28 for "vacuum" lights up, and the inner pot is turned on during rice cooking. When the inside of the inner pot is pressurized from the time when pressure starts to be applied to the inside of the pot until the rice is cooked, the process LED display part 29 of "pressure" lights up, and the LCD 25 The user can understand the current state of the rice cooker at a glance even when the backlight is dimmed. In addition, the color of the light when each process LED display section 26 to 29 is lit is made different so that the current state of the rice cooker can be understood at a glance. In this embodiment, the process LED display units 26 to 29 are arranged immediately in front of the LCD 25, but they may be arranged away from the LCD 25. FIG. Alternatively, the process LED display units 26 to 29 may be excluded, and the display contents of these process LED display units 26 to 29 may be displayed on the LCD 25. FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the top screen G1. When a user inserts a power plug provided in the main body 1 in advance into a household outlet, necessary power is supplied to each unit such as the display operation means 10 and the control means 12 . At this time, the display control means 23 displays the layout of the top screen G1 as shown in FIG. Display on the means 6.

Describing the top screen G1 with reference to FIG. 4, a menu key display area A1 in which four button display portions B1 to B7 are arranged side by side is formed in the front portion thereof. Here, the button display portion B1 for "rice" includes a text display D1 for "rice" and a text display for "▼" D2. The "how to cook" button display portion B3 includes a text display D3 "how to cook" and a text display D4 "▼". The "hardness adjustment" button display portion B5 includes a text display D5 "hardness adjustment" and a text display D6 "▼". The "water hardness" button display portion B7 includes a "water hardness" text display D7 and a "▼" text display D8.

Further, behind the menu key display area A1, there is formed a rice cooking information display area A2 in which four setting display bodies D11 to D14 are displayed side by side. Here, the "rice" setting display D11 displays the set rice information, is arranged behind the "rice" button display portion B1, and displays "polished rice brand selection" in FIG. It is The "cooking method" setting display D12 displays information on the set cooking method, and is arranged behind the "cooking method" button display section B3. there is The "hardness adjustment" setting display D13 displays information on the set hardness adjustment, is arranged behind the "hardness adjustment" button display section B5, and displays "recommended" in FIG. . The "water hardness" setting display D14 displays the information of the set water hardness, and is arranged behind the "water hardness" button display section B7. In FIG. 4, "40 to 60" is displayed. It is

Behind the rice cooking information display area A2, there is a text display D15 of "Rice Cooking Time" which reminds us that the number displayed on the clock display D16 is the rice cooking time, and the time required for rice cooking and the actual rice cooking time. The remaining time, which is the time until completion, and the estimated completion time of rice cooking, which is the estimated time of completion of cooking, are displayed. , and a button display portion B17 including a text display D17 of "start rice cooking" are displayed side by side.

At the rear of the top screen G1, there are a setting button display portion B18 including a text display D18 reminiscent of a gear figure, a button display portion B19 including a text display D19 of "keep warm", and a text "reservation". A button display portion B20 including a display D20, a time display D21 for displaying the current time, and a button display portion B22 including a text display D22 of "OFF" are displayed side by side.

The operating means 7, which is composed of a touch sensor, is provided with a plurality of touch keys, which are composed of, for example, a transparent electrode portion made of a conductive polymer and a contact portion connected to a control PC board, which are connected by pattern wiring. By performing a touch operation on any one of a plurality of button display portions displayed on the LCD 25, a touch key disposed on the button display portion and corresponding to the button display portion is touch-operated. Then, this button display section is selected.

The "OFF" button display portion B22 is operated when the rice is to be cooked or kept warm. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7, the rice cooking control means 21 stops the heating of the food to be cooked in the main body 1 and the reserved rice cooking, and turns off the display control means 23. The display means 6 is controlled so that the display of the rice cooking information display area A2 is set to the setting when the rice was cooked most recently, that is, the setting stored in the storage means 18, and the top screen G1 is displayed. Therefore, the "OFF" button display portion B22 also has a function as a stop instructing portion for receiving stop of rice cooking. When the "off" button display portion B22 on the top screen G1 is touched, the display control means 23 is set before rice cooking, and currently the rice setting and cooking method displayed in the rice cooking information display area A2 is changed. The setting, hardness adjustment setting, and water hardness setting are discarded, and the display of the rice cooking information display area A2 is displayed with the setting when the rice was cooked most immediately before, that is, the setting stored in the storage means 18. - 特許庁The display means 6 is controlled as follows.

The “start rice cooking” button display portion B17 is operated when rice cooking is started. When the “start rice cooking” button display portion B17 is touch-operated, it is arranged above the “start rice cooking” button display portion B17. The control means 12 receives the operation signal from the operation means 7, and the condition setting means 24 sets the rice, cooking method, hardness, and water currently displayed in the rice cooking information display area A2. The hardness setting is stored in the storage means 18 as the setting of the current rice cooking course, and the rice cooking control means 21 controls the start of rice cooking for the object to be cooked in the main body 1 with the setting of the current rice cooking course stored in the storage means 18. It is configured to Therefore, the button display portion B17 for “start rice cooking” also has a function as a rice cooking instruction portion that accepts the start of rice cooking.

The "Keep Warm" button display B19 is operated when keeping warm. When the "Keep Warm" button display B19 is touched, the operation provided above the "Keep Warm" button display B19 is displayed. The control means 12 receives the operation signal from the means 7, and the heat retention control means 22 transmits an appropriate control signal to the heating means 11 so that the heat retention control means 22 starts the heat retention reheating of the food to be cooked in the main body 1. It's becoming

The "rice" button display portion B1 is operated to select the type of rice to be cooked. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged on the button display portion B1, and the display control means 23 causes the display means to display the rice selection screen G2 as shown in FIG. 6.

The ``cooking method'' button display portion B3 is operated to select the type of cooking method of the food to be cooked. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 provided on the display portion B3, and the display control means 23 displays the cooking method selection screens G4 and G5 as shown in FIG. It controls the display means 6 .

The "hardness adjustment" button display section B5 is operated to select the type of texture of the rice to be cooked. ] button display portion B5, and the display control means 23 displays the hardness selection screen G5 as shown in FIG. It controls the display means 6 .

The "water hardness" button display section B7 is operated to select the hardness of the water as the object to be cooked. When the "water hardness" button display section B7 is touch-operated, the "water hardness" button The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged on the display portion B7, and the display control means 23 displays the water hardness selection screen G6 and the water hardness numerical value input screen G7 as shown in FIG. The display means 6 is controlled to display

The setting button display portion B18 is operated to set the rice cooker. When the setting button display portion B18 is touch-operated, a command from the operation means 7 disposed above the setting button display portion B18 is displayed. The control means 12 receives the operation signal, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the setting screen G8 as shown in FIG.

The "reservation" button display portion B20 is operated when the reserved rice cooking is performed. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the reservation setting screen G11 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a rice selection screen G2 that is displayed when the button display portion B1 for "rice" is touch-operated on the top screen G1. The rice selection screen G2 will be described with reference to FIG. A rice selection display area A3 is formed in which three button display portions B31 to B41 are arranged in front, back, left, and right, and the currently selected button display portion, for example, in the case of FIG. A selection display portion S1 is displayed on the outer periphery. Here, the button display portion B31 of "polished rice brand choice" includes a text display body D31 of "polished rice brand choice" and an image display body D32 of a photograph of polished rice served in a bowl. Further, the button display portion B33 of "select white rice brand" includes a text display D33 "select white rice brand" and an image display D34 of a photograph of ripe rice. The button display area B35 for "Rinse-free rice, brand of choice" includes a text display D35 of "Rinse-free rice, brand of choice" and an image display of white rice served in a bowl D36. The "brown rice" button display portion B37 includes a text display D37 "brown rice" and an image display D38 of a photograph of brown rice served in a bowl. The button display portion B39 for "mixed grain rice" includes a text display D39 "mixed grain rice" and an image display D40 of a picture of mixed grain rice served in a bowl. Further, the button display portion B41 for "barley and rice" includes a text display body D41 of "barley and rice" and an image display body D42 of a picture of barley and rice served in a bowl.

In addition, at the rear of the rice selection screen G2, a button display portion B42 including a text display D42 of "return" and a button display portion B43 including a text display D43 of "cancel" are arranged side by side. be. Therefore, on the rice selection screen G2, the button display area B17 for "start cooking rice", the button display area B117 for "reserved rice cooking" to be described later, the button display area B22 for "off", and the "off (long press)" button to be described later. The display section B149 is not displayed, and the rice selection screen G2 is configured so that it is not possible to start rice cooking, start reserved rice cooking, and stop heating of the food to be cooked in the main body 1 and reserved rice cooking. there is

Button display portions B31 to B41 in the rice selection display area A3 are operated to select the type of rice to be cooked. When the button display portion B35 of "rinse-free rice brand selection" is touch-operated, the respective button display portions B31, B35, B37, B39 or B41, for example, "rinse-free rice brand selection" button display portion B35 are displayed. The control means 12 receives the operation signal from the operation means 7, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1, and the display of the setting display body D11 of "rice" is changed to the display of the touch-operated button display section. , the display means 6 is controlled to display, for example, "rinse-free rice brand choice".

Further, when the button display portion B33 for ``select polished rice brand'' is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the button display portion B33 for ``select polished rice brand'' to control the display. The means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a brand selection screen (not shown), and when the brand of rice is selected on the brand selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1. , the display means 6 is controlled so that the display of the setting display D11 of "rice" is changed to the display of the selected brand of rice.

The "return" button display portion B42 is operated to discard the settings on the current screen, for example, the rice selection screen G2, and return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1. When the button display portion B42 of is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the button display portion B42 of "return", and the display control means 23 causes the LCD 25 to display the current The display means 6 is controlled to discard the settings that have been made, return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1, and display the settings that were displayed on the previous screen.

The "cancel" button display portion B43 is operated when the current screen, for example, the settings on the rice selection screen G2 are discarded and the screen returns to the top screen G1. Then, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "cancel" button display portion B43, and the display control means 23 discards the setting currently displayed on the LCD 25, The display means 6 is controlled so as to return to the top screen G1 and display the settings displayed on the most previous top screen G1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show cooking method selection screens G3 and G4 that are displayed when the "cooking method" button display portion B3 on the top screen G1 is touched. The cooking method selection screen G3 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. In the front part of the cooking method selection screen G3, there is a text display 45 reading "Please select rice" and a cooking method selection screen showing the current cooking method. Cursor display objects C1 and C2 are arranged side by side to remind the user that they exist in addition to the selection screen G3. Behind the text display 45 and the cursor displays C1 and C2, there is formed a first cooking method selection display area A4 in which six button display portions B46 to B51 are arranged in the front, rear, left, and right directions, and the currently selected cooking method selection display area A4 is formed. A selection display section S2 is displayed around the button display section B46 of the button display section, for example, in the case of FIG.

Here, the button display portion B46 of "Kamado Master" includes a text display body D46 of "Kamado Master", which is selected during normal rice cooking. The button display portion B47 of "target cooking" includes a text display body D47 of "target cooking", and is selected when the user wants to specify the rice cooking time and cook the rice. A button display portion B48 for "sweet cooking" includes a text display body D48 of "sweet cooking", and is selected when the rice is desired to be cooked with increased sweetness. A button display portion B49 for "quick cooking" includes a text display body D49 of "quick cooking" and is selected when it is desired to quickly complete rice cooking. A button display portion B50 for "small amount" includes a text display body D50 of "small amount" and is selected when the amount of rice to be cooked is small. A button display portion B51 for "lunch box" includes a text display body D51 of "lunch box", and is selected when it is desired to cook rice that does not harden even when cold. Behind the first cooking method selection display area A3, there are a button display portion B42 of "return", a button display portion B52 including a text display D52 of "<", and a text display D53 of ">". A button display portion B53 including a button display portion B43 and a button display portion B43 for "cancel" are arranged side by side.

Cursor displays C1 and C2 display which of the cooking method selection screen G3 and G4 is currently displayed on the LCD 25. When the cooking method selection screen G3 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor display C1 is lit and the cursor display C2 is displayed in the same color as the background color. On the other hand, when the cooking method selection screen G4 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor display C1 is extinguished and the cursor display C2 is lit. .

The button display portions B46 to B51 in the first cooking method selection display area A4 are operated to select the method of cooking the rice to be cooked. When the button display portion B49 for "quick cooking" is touch-operated, from each button display portion B46, B48, B49, B50 or B51, for example, from the operation means 7 disposed above the button display portion B49 for "quick cooking" When the control means 12 receives the operation signal, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1, and changes the display of the "cooking method" setting display body D12 to the display of the touch-operated button display, for example, "fast The display means 6 is controlled to display "cooking".

Further, when the button display portion B47 of "target cooking" is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "target cooking" button display B47, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a time selection screen (not shown) for "target cooking", and when time is selected on the "target cooking" time selection screen, the display control means 23 causes the top Returning to the screen G1, the display means 6 sets the display of the setting display D12 of "cooking method" to "target cooking" and displays the time selected on the time selection screen of "target cooking" on the clock display D16. to control.

The "<" button display portion B52 and the ">" button display portion B53 are operated to change the cooking method selection screens G3 and G4. The display means 6 is controlled so that the button display portions B52 and B53 are displayed in a dark color, and the text display body D52 of "<" and the text display body D53 of ">" are displayed in white, and touch operation is performed. When the operation is disabled without changing the screen, the color of the button display portions B52 and B53 is displayed substantially the same as the background color, and the text display D52 "<" and the text display D53 ">" are grayed out. The display means 6 is controlled so as to be displayed.

FIG. 6B shows a cooking method selection screen G4 to which the cooking method selection screen G3 is switched when the button display portion B53 of ">" is touched. The cooking method selection screen G4 will be described with reference to FIG. A second cooking method selection display area A5 is formed in which B46 to B51 are displayed side by side. Here, the "eco-cooking" button display portion B55 includes a text display body D55 that reads "eco-cooking", and is selected when it is desired to cook rice while paying attention to taste and reducing power consumption. A button display portion B56 for "cooking" includes a text display body D56 for "cooking", and is selected when the user wants to cook cooked rice. A button display portion B57 for "rice porridge" includes a text display body D57 of "rice porridge" and is selected when rice porridge is desired to be cooked. The button display area B58 for "mixed polished rice 2:brown rice 1" includes a text display D58 of "mixed polished rice 2:brown rice 1", and the rice to be cooked has a ratio of 2 polished rice: 1 brown rice. Selected when you want to cook rice. The button display area B59 for "mixed white rice 1:brown rice 1" includes a text display body D59 of "mixed white rice 1:brown rice 1", and the rice to be cooked has a ratio of 1 white rice: 1 brown rice. Selected when you want to cook rice. The button display area B60 for "mixed white rice 1:brown rice 2" includes a text display D60 of "mixed white rice 1:brown rice 2", and the rice to be cooked has a ratio of white rice 1:brown rice 2. Selected when you want to cook rice. In addition, behind the second cooking method selection display area A4, there are a button display portion B42 for “return”, a button display portion B52 for “<”, a button display portion B53 for “>”, and a button for “cancel”. The display portion B43 and are arranged side by side on the left and right. Therefore, on the cooking method selection screens G3 and G4, as with the rice selection screen G2, the button display section B17 for "start cooking rice", the button display section B117 for "reserved rice cooking", and the button display section B22 for "off", which will be described later, are displayed. , and a later-described "off (long press)" button display portion B149 are not displayed, and on this rice selection screen G2, the start of rice cooking, the start of reserved rice cooking, the heating of the object to be cooked in the main body 1, and the reserved rice cooking are displayed. It is configured so that it cannot be canceled.

The button display portions B55 to B60 in the first cooking method selection display area A5 are also operated to select the cooking method of the rice to be cooked, similarly to the button display portions B46 to B51. B55 to B60, for example, when the button display portion B55 of "eco-cooking rice" is touch-operated, the respective button display portions B55-B60, for example, the button display portion B55 of "eco-cooking rice" from the operation means 7 disposed above. The control means 12 receives the operation signal, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1, and changes the display of the setting display body D12 of "cooking method" to the display of the touch-operated button display, for example, "eco-cooking". ” is displayed.

FIG. 7 shows a hardness selection screen G5 that is displayed when the "hardness adjustment" button display portion B5 is touched on the top screen G1. The cooking method selection screen G3 will be described with reference to FIG. Behind the text display body D63, a hardness selection display area A6 is formed in which cursor display bodies C4 to C8 and text display bodies D64 to D68 are displayed side by side. In the case of 7, the cursor indicator C6 of "recommended" is illuminated, and the other cursor indicators C4, C5, C7 and C8 are extinguished. In this case, a text display D64 of "hard" is placed in front of the cursor display C4 of "hard", and a text display of "shakkiri" is placed in front of the cursor display C5 of "shakkiri". In D65, in front of the cursor display C6 of "recommendation" is a text display D66 of "recommendation", and in front of the cursor display C7 of "mochi mochi" is a text display D67 of "mochimochi", and "soft". A "soft" text display D68 is placed in front of the cursor display C8.

Behind the hardness selection display area A6, a button display portion B69 including a text display D69 of "<" and a button display portion B70 including a text display D70 of ">" are arranged side by side. be. At the rear of the hardness selection screen G5, there are a button display portion B42 for "return", a button display portion B71 including a text display body D71 for "determine", and a button display portion B43 for "cancel" to the left and right. placed side by side. Therefore, in the hardness selection screen G5, similarly to the other selection screens G2 to G4, a button display portion B17 for "start cooking rice", a button display portion B117 for "reserved rice cooking" to be described later, a button display portion B22 for "off", and a A button display portion B149 for "off (long press)", which will be described later, is not displayed. It is configured so that it cannot be aborted.

The cursor display bodies C4 to C7 are for displaying the setting of the texture of the rice to be cooked, and the rice cooking course is set so that the texture of the rice becomes softer toward the right cursor display body. In this embodiment, the hardness is selected by moving the lighting display of the cursor display bodies C4 to C7 to the left and right. Move the lighting display of the bodies C4 to C7. For example, when the "<" button display portion B69 is touched once in the state shown in FIG. In response, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the "recommended" cursor display C6 is extinguished and the "shakkiri" cursor display C5 is lit. The "determine" button display portion B71 is operated to determine the hardness selection. When B71 is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the button display portion B71 of "determine", and the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and displays " The display means 6 is controlled so that the setting display D13 of "Hardness adjustment" is changed to the setting of the hardness selection screen G5 when the "Enter" button display portion B71 is operated, for example, the display of "Shakkiri".

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a water hardness selection screen G6 and a water hardness value input screen G7 which are displayed when the "water hardness" button display portion B7 is touched on the top screen G1. The water hardness selection screen G6 will be described with reference to FIG. 8(A). In the front part thereof, there is a tab display portion B73 including a text display D73 "select water hardness" and a text display "numerical input". A water hardness screen display area A7 is formed in which a tab display portion B74 including D74 is displayed side by side. Further, behind the water hardness screen display area A7, a text display body D75 reading "Please select water hardness" is arranged.

Cursor indicators C11 to C15 are arranged in a straight line behind the text indicator D75, and text indicators D76 to D81 are arranged horizontally in front of the cursor indicators C11 to C15 to display the cursors. Behind the bodies C11 to C15, a water hardness selection display area A8 is formed in which a text display D82 of "mg/L" is displayed to evoke that the numerical values of the text displays D76 to D81 are numerical values of water hardness. . Further, the currently selected cursor display body, for example, the cursor display body C13 of "40 to 60" in the case of FIG. Here, a text display body D76 of "0" and a text display body D77 of "20" are arranged in front of the left end and right end of the cursor display body C11 of "0 to 20", and the cursor display of "20 to 40" is similarly displayed. A text display D77 of "20" and a text display D78 of "40" are arranged in front of the left end and front of the right end of the body C12, and "40" is placed in front of the left end and front of the right end of the cursor display C13 of "40 to 60". A text display D78 of "60" and a text display D79 of "60" are arranged, and a text display of "60" D79 and a text display of "80" are placed in front of the left end and right end of the cursor display C14 of "60 to 80". A text display D80 of "80" and a text display D81 of "100" are placed in front of the left and right ends of the cursor display C15 of "80 to 100".

Behind the water hardness selection display area A8, a button display portion B83 including a text display D83 of "<" and a button display portion B84 including a text display D84 of ">" are arranged side by side. be done. At the rear of the water hardness selection screen G6, there are a button display portion B42 of "return", a button display portion B85 including a text display D85 of "determine", and a text display D86 of "each prefecture average". A button display portion B86 including a button display portion B86 and a "cancel" button display portion B43 are arranged side by side. Therefore, in the hardness selection screen G5, similarly to the other selection screens G2 to G4, a button display portion B17 for "start cooking rice", a button display portion B117 for "reserved rice cooking" to be described later, a button display portion B22 for "off", and a A button display portion B149 for "off (long press)", which will be described later, is not displayed. It is configured so that it cannot be aborted.

The "water hardness selection" tab display area B73 and the "numerical value input" tab display area B74 display which of the water hardness selection screen G6 and the water hardness numerical value input screen G7 is currently displayed on the LCD 25. When the "water hardness selection" tab display area B73 is selected and the water hardness selection screen G6 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 sets the "water hardness selection" tab display area B73 to the background color. The display means 6 is controlled so as to display in the same color and display in a so-called gray-out display in which the color of the tab display portion B74 of "numerical input" is displayed in a lighter color. On the other hand, when the tab display portion B74 of "numerical value input" is selected and the water hardness value input screen G7 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 causes the tab display portion B73 of "water hardness selection" to be displayed. The display means 6 is controlled so that the display is grayed out and the tab display portion B74 of "numerical input" is displayed in substantially the same color as the background color.

The cursor display bodies C11 to C15 are for displaying the setting of the hardness of the water as the object to be cooked. The rice cooking course is set with the water hardness set. In this embodiment, the water hardness is selected by moving the lighting display of the cursor display bodies C11 to C15 to the left and right. The lighting display of the cursor display bodies C11 to C15 is moved. For example, when the "<" button display B83 is touched once in the state shown in FIG. The means 12 accepts, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor display C13 of "40 to 60" is extinguished and the cursor display C12 of "20 to 40" is lit. The display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the button display portion B83 of "<" is grayed out when the cursor display body C11 of "0 to 20" is illuminated, and "80 The display means 6 may be controlled so that the button display portion B84 of ">" is displayed in gray out while the cursor display C15 of "-100" is illuminated.

The "determine" button display portion B85 is operated to determine the selection of the water hardness. ' button display portion B85, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the 'OK' button display portion B85, and the display control means 23 displays the top screen G1. , the display of the "water hardness" setting display D14 is changed to the setting of the water hardness selection screen G6 when the "determine" button display portion B85 is operated, for example, the display of "20 to 40". It controls the display means 6 .

The button display area B86 for "Average for each prefecture" is operated to select the average numerical value for each prefecture in the selection of water hardness, and the "Average for each prefecture" button display area B86 is touched. When operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged on the button display portion B86 of "each prefecture average", and the display control means 23 displays a prefecture selection screen (not shown). When a prefecture is selected on the prefecture selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and displays the "water hardness" setting display D14. Display means 6 to display cursor display bodies C11 to C15 in the range of the average hardness of tap water in the selected prefecture, for example, display "20 to 40" because Niigata Prefecture has 33.0 mg/L. to control.

FIG. 8(B) shows the water hardness value input screen G7 that is displayed when the "value input" tab display portion B74 is touched on the water hardness selection screen G6. The water hardness value input screen G7 will be described with reference to FIG. a picker display B89 including a text display D88 that rotatably displays the set water hardness, showing the set 10-minute digits; A picker display portion B90 including a text display D90 showing a number in the 1-minute digit, and a text display of "mg/L" reminding that the numbers displayed in the text displays D89 and D90 are water hardness. D91 and are displayed side by side. Also, in front of the picker display section B89, an up key display section B92 including an icon display body D92 that evokes an increase in the ten-minute digits displayed in the text display body D89 is arranged, and in front of the picker display section B90, An upper key display portion B93 including an icon display D93 that evokes an increase in the minute digits displayed in the text display D90 is arranged, and the text display D89 is displayed behind the picker display portion B89. A lower key display section B94 including an icon display D94 that evokes the decrement of the ten-minute digits is arranged, and behind the picker display section B90, the decrement of the one-minute digits displayed in the text display D90 is arranged. A lower key display portion B95 including an evocative icon display body D95 is arranged. These display bodies D86 to D95 and display portions B89 to B95 are arranged and displayed as described above to form the water hardness value input display area A9. Therefore, in the water hardness selection screen G6 and the water hardness value input screen G7, similarly to the other selection screens G2 to G5, the button display portion B17 for "Start cooking rice" and the button display portion B117 for "Reserved rice cooking" described later, " The "OFF" button display portion B22 and the "OFF (long press)" button display portion B149 described later are not displayed. It is configured so that the heating of cooked rice and the reservation of rice cooking cannot be canceled.

The picker display portions B89 and B90 display the setting of the hardness of the water as the object to be cooked. , B90, the rice cooking course is set with the water hardness displayed in the picker display portions B89, B90. For example, when the lower key display portion B94 is touched once in the state shown in FIG. The display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the number "5" of the text display D89 displayed in the picker display portion B89 is decremented by one and the number "4" is displayed on the text display D89. Then, for example, when the "determine" button display section B85 is touched while the picker display sections B89 and B90 described above display "40", the operation means arranged above the "determine" button display section B85 is displayed. When the control means 12 receives the operation signal from 7, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1, displays the setting display body D14 for "water hardness", and operates the button display section B85 for "determine". The display means 6 is controlled to set the water hardness value input screen G7, for example, to display "40".

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a setting screen G8 and a guide selection screen G9 to which the user touches the setting button display portion B18 on the top screen G1. The setting screen G8 will be described with reference to FIG. 9A. In the front part thereof, a tab display portion B101 including a text display D101 of "setting" and a tab display including a text display D102 of "guide" are displayed. A setting/guide screen display area A11 is formed in which a portion B102 and B102 are displayed side by side. Behind the setting/guide screen display area A11, a setting selection display area A12 is formed in which six button display portions B103 to B108 are arranged and displayed in the front, rear, left, and right directions. In the rear portion of the setting screen G8, a "return" button display 42, a time display D21, and a "cancel" button display B43 are displayed side by side.

Here, the button display portion B103 for "set current time" includes a text display body D103 "set current time", which is selected when setting the display of the time display body D21. The button display portion B104 for "key lock setting" includes a text display body D104 "key lock setting", which is selected when setting the lock state of all button display portions. A button display portion B105 for "Brightness of Screen" includes a text display body D105 of "Brightness of Screen", which is selected when setting the brightness of the screen display of the LCD 25. FIG. A button display portion B106 for "screen design" includes a text display body D106 for "screen design", which is selected when setting the background color displayed on the screen of the LCD 25. FIG. The button display portion B107 for "setting rice cooking/warming" includes a text display body D107 "setting rice cooking/warming", which includes the operating interval of the vacuum pump of the decompression means 16, the number of pressure adjustments of the steam path opening/closing means 15, Selected when setting the heating time. The "initialize settings" button display area B108 includes a text display body D108 "initialize settings", which can be selected to set the contents of the initialization when the settings are to be returned to the initial settings. be done.

The “setting” tab display portion B101 and the “guide” tab display portion B102 display which of the setting screen G8 and the guide selection screen G9 is currently displayed on the LCD 25. When B101 is selected and the setting screen G8 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 displays the tab display portion B101 of "setting" in substantially the same color as the background color, and displays the tab display portion B102 of "guide". is displayed in a grayed-out display. On the other hand, when the "Guide" tab display portion B102 is selected and the guide selection screen G9 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 causes the "Setting" tab display portion B101 to be displayed in gray out. , and control the display means 6 so that the tab display portion B102 of "Guide" is displayed in substantially the same color as the background color.

Button display portions B103 to B108 in the setting selection display area A12 are operated to perform respective settings in the rice cooker. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above B103 to B108, and the display control means 23 causes the display means 6 to shift to the setting screen corresponding to the selected button display section. to control. Further, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so as to shift to the top screen G1 when setting is completed on each setting screen.

FIG. 9(B) shows a guide selection screen G9 that is displayed when the "Guide" tab display portion B102 is touch-operated on the setting screen G8. The guide selection screen G9 will be described with reference to FIG. A setting selection display area A13 is formed in which B114 are displayed side by side. At the rear of the guide selection screen G9, a "return" button display 42, a time display D21, and a "cancel" button display B43 are displayed side by side. Therefore, in the setting screen G8 and the guide selection screen G9, similarly to the other selection screens G2 to G7, the button display portion B17 for "start rice cooking", the button display portion B117 for "reserved rice cooking" described later, and the "off" button are displayed. The display section B22 and the button display section B149 for "off (long press)", which will be described later, are not displayed. And it is configured so that the reserved rice cooking cannot be canceled.

Here, the button display area B109 for "Tips for cooking delicious rice" includes a text display body D109 of "Tips for cooking delicious rice", and includes instructions for cooking rice deliciously according to the rice cooking procedure, such as rice, washing the rice, and adjusting the amount of water. Selected when you want to know the procedure. Further, the button display portion B110 for "Rice Cooking Course" includes a text display body D110 "About Rice Cooking Course", which is selected when the user wishes to confirm the explanation of the rice cooking course. A button display portion B111 for "cuisine menu" includes a text display body D111 for "cooking menu", and is selected when one wants to check recipes for several dishes. Further, the button display area B112 for "Each prefecture average tap water hardness" includes a text display body D112 "Each prefecture average tap water hardness". It has substantially the same function as the button display portion B86 of "each prefecture average" to be operated. The button display portion B113 for "maintenance, boiling cleaning" includes a text display body D113 of "maintenance, boiling cleaning", and is selected when performing boiling cleaning. Further, the button display portion B114 of "in this case" includes a text display body D113 "in this case", which is selected when checking the Q&A of the rice cooker.

The button display portions B109, B110, B111, B112 and B114 in the setting selection display area A12 are operated to perform respective explanations and confirmations of the rice cooker. When B114 is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged on the button display portions B109, B110, B111, B112, or B114, and the display control means 23 operates the selected button. The display means 6 is controlled so as to shift to an explanation screen or a guide screen corresponding to the display section. Further, by operating the "return" button display section 42 or the "cancel" button display section 43 on each explanation screen or guide screen, the display control means 23 shifts to the guide selection screen G9 or the top screen G1. The display means 6 is controlled as follows. Further, when the button display portion B113 for "maintenance, boiling cleaning" is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the button display portion B113 for "maintenance, boiling cleaning". The display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to shift to a boiling cleaning selection screen (not shown), and by selecting the type of boiling cleaning on this screen, the control means 12 performs boiling cleaning. control each component.

FIG. 10(A) shows a reservation setting screen G11 that is displayed when the "reservation" button display portion B20 is touch-operated on the top screen G1. The reservation setting screen G11 will be described with reference to FIG. A menu key display area A1 and a rice cooking information display area A2 are formed at the front of the reservation setting screen G11 in the same manner as the top screen G1. A button display portion B116 including a body D116, a clock display D16 displaying "6:00" which is the finish time of cooking in FIG. A portion B117 and are displayed side by side. At the rear of the reservation setting screen G11, there are a button display portion B42 for "return", a button display portion B118 including a text display body D118 for "history", a time display body D21, and a button display portion for "off". B22 and are displayed side by side. Further, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the process LED display section 26 of "reservation" blinks when the reservation setting screen G11 is displayed.

The 'end of cooking time' button display portion B116 is operated to set the time of completion of the rice cooking process in the reserved rice cooking. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed on the button display portion B116 of "Finishing Cooking Time", and the display control means 23 sets the reservation time as shown in FIG. 10(B). The display means 6 is controlled to pop up the screen G12.

To explain the reservation time setting screen G12, a button display section B121 including a text display body D121 of "x" is arranged at the front right end thereof, and "set cooking time" is displayed at the front of the reservation time setting screen G12. Please” is placed. Below the text display unit 122, a picker display unit B123 including a text display unit D123 showing the digits of the set hour as a display unit for rotatably displaying the set time, and a text display unit B123. A text display D124 with ":" reminding that the numbers displayed in D123 and D125 are the time, and a picker display section B125 including a text display D125 showing the set minute digits are left and right. are displayed side by side. Further, in front of the picker display section B123, an up key display section B126 including an icon display body D126 that evokes an increase in the digits of the hour displayed in the text display body D123 is arranged, and in front of the picker display section B125, An up key display portion B127 including an icon display D127 that reminds of an increase in the minute digits displayed in the text display D125 is arranged, and the text display D123 is displayed behind the picker display portion B123. A lower key display portion B128 including an icon display D128 that evokes the decrement of the digits of the hour digits is arranged, and behind the picker display portion B90, the decrement of the digits of the minutes displayed in the text display D125 is arranged. A lower key display portion B129 including an evoking icon display body D129 is arranged. A button display portion B131 including a text display body D131 of "determine" is arranged at the rear of the reservation time setting screen G12.

The picker display portions B123 and B125 display the setting of the rice-cooking time at which the rice cooking process is completed in the reserved rice cooking. By changing the display of the display portions B123 and B125, reserved rice cooking is set at the cooking end time displayed in the picker display portions B123 and B125. For example, when the upper key display portion B127 is touched once in the state shown in FIG. The display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the number "00" of the text display D125 displayed in the picker display portion B125 is increased by one and the number "01" is displayed on the text display D125. Then, for example, when the above-described picker display portions B123 and B125 and the text display body D124 display "6:01" and the "OK" button display portion B131 is touch-operated, the "OK" button display portion B131 is touched. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 provided in the display control means 12, the display control means 23 returns to the reservation setting screen G11, and changes the display of the clock display D16 to the button display portion of "OK". The display means 6 is controlled to set the reservation time setting screen G12 at the time of operation of B131, for example, "6:01".

Similarly to the "return" button display portion B42, the "x" button display portion B121 cancels the setting in the reservation time setting screen G12, which is the current screen, and displays the reservation setting screen, which is the previous screen. It is operated when returning to G11. When the "x" button display portion B121 is touch-operated, the operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "x" button display portion B121 is transmitted to the control means 12. is received, the display control means 23 discards the settings currently displayed on the LCD 25, returns to the reservation setting screen G11, and stores the settings displayed on the clock display D16 of the reservation setting screen G11. The display means 6 is controlled to display the settings stored in the means 18.

Returning to FIG. 10(A), the "history" button display portion B118 is operated to set the cooking completion time by selecting the reservation time at which reserved rice cooking was performed in the past. When the "history" button display portion B118 is touch-operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "history" button display portion B118, and the display control means 23 changes the The display means 6 is controlled to display the reservation time history screen G13 as shown in 10(C).

Describing the reservation time history screen G13, a text display 133 of "reservation time history" is arranged in front thereof. Formed behind the text display body 133 is a reservation time history display area A14 in which four button display portions B134 to B140 are arranged in the front, rear, left, and right directions. Here, the button display portion B134 of "1 time before" is a text display D134 "1 time before" and a text display D135 describing the setting of the cooking finish time when the reserved rice cooking was performed one time before. , and "6:00" is displayed in FIG. 10(C). The button display portion B136 of "2 times before" includes a text display D136 of "2 times before" and a text display D137 describing the setting of the cooking finish time when the reserved rice cooking was performed two times before. , "18:00" is displayed in FIG. 10(C). The "three times before" button display portion B138 includes a text display D138 that reads "three times before" and a text display D139 that describes the setting of the finish cooking time when the reserved rice cooking was performed three times before. , "12:00" is displayed in FIG. 10(C). The button display portion B140 for "four times before" includes a text display D140 of "four times before" and a text display D141 in which the setting of the finish cooking time when the reserved rice cooking was performed four times before is described. , "7:00" is displayed in FIG. 10(C).

The button display portions B134 to B140 in the reservation time history display area A14 are operated to select a reservation time. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged on B140, the display control means 23 returns to the reservation setting screen G11, and displays the selected reservation time on the clock display D16. The display means 6 is controlled so as to display .

Returning to FIG. 10A, the button display portion B117 for "reserved rice cooking" is operated when the reserved rice cooking is started. The control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the button display portion B117 for "cooking rice", and the condition setting means 24 sets the rice currently displayed on the LCD 25 and sets the cooking method. , hardness setting, water hardness setting, and reservation time setting are stored in the storage means 18 as the settings for this reserved rice cooking, and the display control means 23 displays the "reservation" process LED display portion as shown in FIG. 26 is changed from blinking to lit display, and the display means 6 is controlled to shift to the reserved rice cooking screen G14. It is configured to control reserved rice cooking for the object to be cooked. Therefore, the button display portion B117 for “reservation cooking” has a function as a rice cooking instruction portion for accepting the start of rice cooking, similarly to the “start rice cooking” button display portion B17. The position of the button display portion B117 for "cook rice" and the position of the button display portion B17 for "start cooking rice" on the top screen G1 are configured to be substantially the same position. Therefore, when the user starts rice cooking or reserved rice cooking, the user can find the "start rice cooking" button display section B17 or the "reserved rice cooking" button display section B117 without searching.

The reserved rice cooking screen G14 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. A rice cooking information display area A2 is formed in the upper part of the rice cooking information display area A2, and behind the rice cooking information display area A2, a text display body 122 reading "Reserved rice cooking is set" is arranged. be done. Behind the text display body 122, there is a text display body D143 of "cooking finish time" and a clock display body D16, which evokes that the number displayed on the clock display body D16 is the cooking finish time. They are displayed side by side. In the rear portion of the reserved rice cooking screen G14, a time display body D21 and an "off" button display portion B22 are displayed side by side. Here, regarding the button display portion B22 for "OFF", while the arranged position is substantially the same as that of the top screen G1 and the reservation setting screen G11, the display area of the button display portion B22 is increased vertically, and touch operation is possible. displayed for ease of use. In this way, the position of the "off" button display portion B22 as the stop instructing portion and the position of the button display portion B22 on the top screen G1 and the reservation setting screen G11 are configured to be substantially the same position. , the user can find the "off" button display portion B22 without searching when canceling the reserved rice cooking. On the other hand, the button display portion B17 for “start rice cooking” and the button display portion B117 for “reserved rice cooking” are not displayed, and it is not possible to newly start rice cooking or reserved rice cooking on this reserved rice cooking screen G14. is configured to

FIG. 12 shows the transition of the rice cooking screen G15 and the thermal insulation screen G16 that are displayed when the "start rice cooking" button display portion B17 is touched on the top screen G1. The rice cooking screen G15 will be described with reference to FIG. 12(A). A rice cooking information display area A2 is formed in front of the rice cooking screen G15, and behind the rice cooking information display area A2 is a " A text display D145 reading "Rice is being cooked" and a text display D146 reading "Vacuum pump is operating" to remind the user that the vacuum pump of the decompression means 16 is operating are displayed side by side. Further, behind the text displays D145 and D146, there is a text display D147 of "remaining" which reminds us that the number displayed on the clock display D16 is the remaining time until the rice is cooked. Then, a clock display D16 displaying "approximately 38 minutes", which is the expected remaining time until rice cooking is completed, is displayed side by side. At the bottom of the rice cooking screen G15, a time display D21 and a button display portion B149 including a text display D149 "off (long press)" are displayed side by side. Here, the position of the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 is the position of the "off" button display portion B22 on the top screen G1, the reservation setting screen G11, and the reserved rice cooking screen G14, and the position of the "off" button display portion B22 on the top screen G1 and the reservation The position of the button display portion B22 on the setting screen G11 is substantially the same as that of the button display portion B149. be able to.

The "off (long press)" button display B149 is operated to stop cooking rice or keeping warm, and has the same function as the "off" button display B22. On the other hand, even if the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 is touch-operated, the display control means 23 does not transmit the operation signal to the control means 12, and the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 is displayed. is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time, for example, two seconds or more, the display control means 23 switches to the operation means arranged above the button display portion B22 of the button display portion B149 for "off (long press)". The operation signal from 7 is transmitted to the control means 12, and the rice cooking control means 21 stops heating the food to be cooked in the main body 1 to turn it off. Therefore, the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 also has a function as a stop instructing portion for accepting stop of rice cooking, like the "off" button display portion B22.

When the rice cooking process is started by touching the button display portion B17 of the button display portion B17 of "Start cooking rice", the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the text display body D125 of "Rice Cooking". do. Here, when the vacuum pump is operated with the steam path closed by the steam path opening/closing means 15, for example, when the pressure inside the inner pot is reduced in order to promote the water absorption of the rice in the soaking process of the rice cooking process, As shown in FIG. 12(A), the display control means 23 blinks the process LED display section 28 of "Vacuum" and displays the text display body D146 of "Vacuum pump is operating". to control the display means 6.

In FIG. 12A, the vacuum pump operates for a predetermined period, and when the pressure detection means 14 detects that the pressure in the inner pot has decreased to a predetermined pressure, the rice cooking control means 21 stops the operation of the vacuum pump. The decompression means 16 is controlled as follows. On the other hand, since the path communicating between the vacuum pump and the inside of the inner pot remains closed, the pressure inside the inner pot is maintained. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the display control means 23 changes the process LED display section 28 for "Vacuum" from the blinking state to the lighting state, and displays the text display body D146 so as to turn off the display. Control means 6;

Thereafter, for example, in a boiling heating process, the rice cooking control means 21 controls the pressure reduction means 16 to open the path between the vacuum pump and the inside of the inner pot, and the steam path opening/closing means 15 to open the steam path. is controlled to restore the pressure inside the inner pot from the decompressed state to the same pressure as the outside air. At this time, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so as to extinguish the "vacuum" process LED display portion 28, as shown in FIG. 12(C).

Then, for example, in the boiling heating process, the boiling continuation process, and the high temperature maintaining process, the rice cooking control means 21 controls the steam path opening/closing means 15 so as to block the steam passage, and the steam evaporated from the rice to be cooked causes the inside of the inner pot to rise. Increase the pressure above atmospheric pressure. At this time, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so as to light the process LED display section 29 for "pressure" as shown in FIG. 12(D). Thereafter, when the rice cooking process is completed, the heat retention control means 22 controls the heating means 11 so as to perform the heat retention process. At this time, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to shift from the rice cooking screen G15 to the heat retention screen G16 as shown in FIG. 12(E).

Referring to FIG. 12(E), the keep warm screen G16 will be described. A rice cooking information display area A2 is formed in the front part thereof, and behind the rice cooking information display area A2 is a " A text display D151 saying "Please untie" is displayed. Behind the text display D131, there is a text display D152 of "Heat retention elapsed" which reminds us that the number displayed on the clock display D16 is the heat retention time from the completion of rice cooking. A clock display D16 displaying "0 minutes", which is the heat retention time from the completion of rice cooking, is displayed side by side. In the rear portion of the rice cooking screen G15, a time display D21 and a button display portion B149 for "off (long press)" are displayed side by side.

When the rice cooking process is completed and the process shifts to the heat retention process, as shown in FIG. to control the display means 6. After that, when the lid open/close detection means 8 detects that the lid 2 has been opened and closed, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to turn off the text display body D151 as shown in FIG. 12(F). are doing. In this way, the position of the “off (long press)” button display portion B149 or the position of the “off” button display portion B22 in the rice cooking screen G15 and the heat retaining screen G16 of the rice cooking process and the heat retention process are different from those of the top screen G1 and the reservation screen. The position of the "off" button display portion B22 on the setting screen G11 and the reserved rice cooking screen G14 is configured to be substantially the same as the position of the button display portion B22 on the top screen G1 and the reservation setting screen G11. , the user can find the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 or the "off" button display portion B22 without searching when the user stops rice cooking. On the other hand, in the rice cooking screen G15 and the keep warm screen G16, the button display area B17 for "start cooking rice" and the button display area B117 for "reserved rice cooking" are not displayed. It is configured so that rice cooking or reserved rice cooking cannot be started.

As described above, the rice cooker of the present embodiment includes the display operation means 10 including the operation means 7 configured by a touch sensor or the like for receiving touch operations, and the display means 6 for displaying various information. The operation means 10 includes a “rice cooking start” button display portion B17 and a “reserved rice cooking” button display portion B117 as a rice cooking instruction portion for accepting the start of rice cooking operation by touch operation, and a button display portion B117 for “reserved rice cooking”, and a touch operation to stop rice cooking. At least one of the "off" button display portion B22 and the "off (long press)" button display portion B149 as a stop instruction portion for accepting, and the "rice cooking start" button display portion B17, "reserved rice cooking ' button display portion B117, 'OFF' button display portion B22, and 'OFF (long press)' button display portion B149 are simultaneously displayed. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to provide at least one of the "rice cooking start" button and "reserved rice cooking" button, and the "off" button and "off (long press)" button on the outer surface of the rice cooker. Space saving of the display means 6 and the operation means 7 can be realized. In addition, it is not necessary to provide at least one of the "rice cooking start" button and "reserved rice cooking" button, and the "off" button and "off (long press)" button on the outer surface of the rice cooker. This eliminates the need to search for buttons and improves operability.

Further, the display operation means 10 of the present embodiment, for example, the top screen G1 or the reservation setting screen G11, only when the rice cooking process can be started or the reserved rice cooking can be started, the button display section B17 of "rice cooking start" or "reserved rice cooking" is displayed. or only when the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking can be canceled, such as the top screen G1, the reserved rice cooking screen G14, the rice cooking screen G15, or the keep warm screen G16, the "OFF" button display B22. Alternatively, the button display portion B149 for "off (long press)" is displayed. Therefore, these button display portions are not always displayed. Since there is no risk of malfunction, malfunction can be prevented.

In addition, the rice cooker of the present embodiment has process LED display units 26 to 29 as state display units for displaying the state of the rice cooker. Even when , the user can understand the current state of the rice cooker at a glance by checking the process LED display sections 26 to 29 .

In addition, even when the screens G1 to G15 as the display contents are switched, the display operation means 10 of the present embodiment can start the rice cooking process or start the reserved rice cooking, for example, on the top screen G1 or the reservation setting screen G11. The position of the button display portion B17 for "start rice cooking" or the button display portion B117 for "reserved rice cooking" on the screen at this time is substantially the same when displayed on the display means 6 of the display operation means 10, and/or Even when the screens G1 to G15 are switched, for example, the top screen G1, the reserved rice cooking screen G14, the rice cooking screen G15, the keep warm screen G16, etc., when the rice cooking process or the reserved rice cooking can be canceled. The positions of the button display portion B22 and the button display portion B149 of "off (long press)" displayed on the display means 6 of the display operation means 10 are substantially the same. Therefore, when the user starts rice cooking or reserved rice cooking, the user can find the "start rice cooking" button display section B17 or the "reserved rice cooking" button display section B117 without searching, and the user can stop rice cooking or reserved rice cooking. When doing so, the button display portion B22 for "OFF" or the button display portion B149 for "OFF (long press)" can be found without searching.

In addition, the display operation means 10 of the present embodiment displays a button display portion B17 for “start cooking rice” and a button display portion B117 for “reserved rice cooking”, such as selection screens G2 to G7, setting screen G8, and guide selection screen G9. For example, the button display B35 of "Rinse-free rice brand choice" and " Barley rice" button display B41, "Amami cooked" button display B48, "Bento" button display B51, "Soft" cursor display C8, "80 to 100" cursor display C15, etc. or when the "OFF" button display portion B22 or the "OFF (long press)" button display portion B149 is not displayed, the "OFF" button display portion B22 or the "OFF" button display portion B22 is displayed. At the same position as the button display portion B149 for "(long press)", for example, another display such as a "cancel" button display B43 is displayed.

With such a configuration, the position of the button display portion B17 for “start rice cooking” or the button display portion B117 for “reserved rice cooking”, the button display portion B22 for “off” or the button display portion B149 for “off (long press)” is not a dedicated space for these button display sections, but a dedicated location for the button display section B17 for "start rice cooking" or the button display section B117 for "reserved rice cooking" on the LCD 25 of the display means 6, or for "OFF". Since there is no need to provide a dedicated space for the button display portion B22 of or the button display portion B149 of "off (long press)", the design of the screen of the display means 6 can be expanded.

Further, the display operation means 10 of this embodiment is arranged on the upper surface of the lid 2 that covers the upper opening of the main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. In addition to the lid operation body 4 and the display operation means 10, other operation means such as physical keys and buttons are not provided. , and there is no operating means such as physical keys or buttons other than the touch sensor as the operating means 7 disposed above the LCD 21, so that a very smart appearance can be achieved. Note that the lid operating body 4 is not limited to being arranged on the top surface of the lid 2 , and may be arranged on the side surface of the lid 2 .

In addition, in the rice cooker of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the color of the display operation means 10 in the off state and the color of the upper surface of the lid body 2 are substantially the same. The appearance can be made such that the means 6 and the operation means 7 do not exist, and the rice cooker can have an appearance with a stylish design.

FIG. 13 shows a modification of this embodiment. In this modified example, when the lid body 2 is open, the operation by the operation means 7 is configured not to be accepted.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the lid open/close detection means 8 detects that the lid body 2 is opened, the display control means 23 does not transmit the operation signal from the operation means 7 to the control means 12. It is configured to be in a key lock state, so even if the operation means 7 is touch-operated, the control means 12 will not receive the operation signal. At this time, the button display portion B17 for “Start Cooking”, the button display portion B18 for setting, the button display portion B19 for “Keep Warm”, the button display portion B20 for “Reservation”, and the button display for “Off” are easily visible to the user. By graying out the entire portion B22, the user can be informed that the operating means 7 is currently in the key-locked state. When the lid open/close detection means 8 detects that the lid body 2 is closed, the display control means 23 releases the key lock state of the operation means 7, and the button display portion is grayed out as shown in FIG. The display means 6 is controlled to cancel the display. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the risk of malfunction when the lid body 2 is open.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the button display portion B17 for “start rice cooking” and the button display portion B117 for “reserved rice cooking” as the rice cooking instruction portion, and the “off” button display portion B22 and the “off (long)” button display portion B22 as the stop instruction portion. Both of the button display portion B149 of "Press)" can be displayed on the display means 6, but only one of them can be displayed on the display means 6, and the other can be displayed on the display means 6, for example, by operating a physical key button. It may be configured to be operated by means. Further, the numerical values exemplified in the embodiments are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the rice cooker.

10 Display Operation Means B1 “Rice” Button Display Section ( Transition Instruction Section )
B3 “How to cook” button display section ( transition instruction section )
B5 "Hardness adjustment" button display section ( transition instruction section )
B7 "Water hardness" button display section ( transition instruction section )
B17 “Start cooking rice” button display (rice cooking instruction)
B18 Button display for setting (setting button)
B19 “Keep warm” button display (keep warm indicator)
B20 "Reservation" button display (reservation instruction section)
B22 "Off" button display (stop instruction part)
B42 "Return" button display section (transition instruction section)
B43 “Cancel” button display area (transition instruction area)
B117 "Reserved rice cooking" button display (rice cooking instruction)
B129 "Off (long press)" button display (cancel instruction)
D11 “Rice” setting display ( rice cooking information, rice information)
D12 "How to cook" setting display ( rice cooking information, information on how to cook)
D13 "Hardness adjustment" setting display ( rice cooking information, hardness adjustment information)
D14 "Water hardness" setting display ( rice cooking information, water quality information)
D16 clock display (time required for cooking rice)
G1 Top screen (first screen)
G2 Rice selection screen ( each screen of the second screen group )
G3, G4 Cooking method selection screen ( each screen of the second screen group )
G5 hardness selection screen ( each screen of the second screen group )
G6 Water hardness selection screen ( each screen of the second screen group , water quality information selection screen)
G7 Water hardness value input screen ( each screen of the second screen group , water quality information selection screen)
G8 setting screen
G11 Reservation setting screen

Claims (8)

Equipped with display operation means for accepting touch operations and displaying various information,
The display operation means is
Each screen of the second screen group consisting of a first screen, a rice cooking instruction section for accepting the start of rice cooking, a stop instruction section for accepting the cancellation of rice cooking, and a plurality of screens for setting each of two or more pieces of rice cooking information. Simultaneously displaying a plurality of transition indicator parts for instructing the transition of
Each screen of the second screen group does not display the rice-cooking instruction section, and displays a display for setting the corresponding rice-cooking information, and a transition instruction section for instructing transition to the first screen. Along with displaying
A rice cooker, wherein the setting contents of the rice cooking information set on each screen of the second screen group are displayed on the first screen. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the two or more pieces of rice cooking information include at least two of rice information, rice cooking method information, hardness adjustment information, and water quality information. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the two or more pieces of rice cooking information are rice information, rice cooking method information, hardness adjustment information, and water quality information. 4. The rice cooker according to claim 2, wherein the first screen displays the time required for rice cooking calculated from the setting of the rice cooking information. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first screen displays a heat retention instruction section for accepting start of heat retention and a reservation instruction section for accepting reserved rice cooking. There are a plurality of water quality information selection screens, which are screens of the second screen group corresponding to the water quality information,
4. The rice cooker according to claim 2, wherein the water quality information can be selected by different methods on each of the water quality information selection screens. By operating the reservation instruction unit, the display operation means displays a reservation setting screen,
6. The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the reservation setting screen displays the stop instructing portion . A setting button operated to set the rice cooker is displayed on the first screen,
By operating the setting button, the display operation means displays a setting screen,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rice cooking instruction portion is not displayed on the setting screen.

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