JPH0461829A - Rice cooking device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To arbitrarily set the rice cooking state and improve the using performance by the combination among each quantity of rice, water and the rice cooking time by allowing a control means to carry out rice cooking through controlling a heating means by receiving a start signal, and to control the completion of the cooking process by the output of a timer means. CONSTITUTION:A container 11 accommodates the cooked substances such as rice and water, and is equipped with a heating means 12 for heating the cooked substance in the container 11, timer setting means 13 for arbitrarily setting the rice cooking time, starting means 14 for starting rice cooking, timer means 15 which measures the rice cooking time by receiving the output of the timer setting means 13 and the starting means 14, and performs output when the time set by the timer setting means 13 lapses, a control means 16 which receives the signals supplied from the starting means 14 and the timer means 15. The control means 16 starts rice cooking by receiving a starting signal from the starting means 14 and carries out rice cooking by controlling the heating means 12. Then, control is performed so that the cooking process is completed when the output of the timer means 15 is received.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a microcomputer-type rice cooker having a "porridge" menu.

Conventional Technology Recently, many rice cookers have been developed that utilize microcomputers, and with the diversification of users, there is a demand for rice cookers that can cook rice in a variety of ways. You can set the cooking time as a rice cooking menu.
There is a strong demand for the ``rice porridge'' course.

A conventional rice cooker will be explained using the block diagram shown in FIG. 16.

A container 1 is used to hold rice and water for rice porridge, and includes a heating means 2 for heating the container 1, a temperature detection means 3 for detecting the temperature inside the container 1, and a starter for starting the cooking of the porridge. means 4 and a timer means for measuring cooking time and outputting it at a predetermined time;
and a control means 6 for outputting to the timer means 5 and the timer means 5.

The control means 6 receives the output from the starting means 4 and then heats the heating means 2 at a predetermined first heating power until the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature according to the input of the temperature detection means 30;
output to the timer means 5 when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature;
The heating means 2 was controlled at a predetermined second heating power until the cooking time was measured and output from the timer means 5.

Next, this operation will be explained according to the flowchart in FIG. 17.

In step 1, an input is made to the starting means 4, and in step 2, it is determined whether there is an input. If there is no input, return to step 1 and repeat steps 1 and 2 until there is input. If there is an input in step 2, the process proceeds to step 3, where the heating means 2 is controlled and the container 1 is heated at 80% heating power. Next, in step 4, input is made from the temperature detection means 3, and in step 6, it is determined whether the temperature exceeds 90°C. 9
Heat the container 1 by repeating steps 3 to 5 until the temperature exceeds 0°C. If it is determined in step 5 that the temperature exceeds 90°C, proceed to step 6, and the heating means 2
Control and heat container 1 at 30% heat. Next, in step 7, the timer means 6 measures the rice cooking time, and in step 8, it is determined whether 3 minutes have elapsed. Cooking time is 30
Repeat steps 6 to 8 until the minutes have elapsed. If it is determined in step 8 that 30 minutes have elapsed, the rice cooking is completed in step 9.

From the above explanation, ``When cooking porridge, once the user starts cooking, the end time of cooking is determined by the rice, water, ambient temperature, etc.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, with such conventional rice cookers, when there is a large amount of rice and water in the container, or when the ambient temperature is low,
There was a problem that the cooking time was longer than expected.

Furthermore, in the case of the ``rice porridge'' menu, the cooking time is usually left to the user to decide on the rice cooker, but if you want to achieve the desired doneness, the user will be able to control the cooking time for the ``rice porridge'' menu and check the doneness. There was a need.

Furthermore, in the case of the ``rice porridge'' menu, the normal cooking time is 1
4 hours, so the above configuration had the problem that the rice porridge menu had to be cooked several times.

The present invention is intended to solve the above problem, and its first object is to enable the user to arbitrarily set the rice cooking time even when the amount of rice and water contained in the container is large.

In addition, the second purpose is to be able to select and set the rice cooking time that is normally used for cooking rice in the porridge J menu, to prevent mistakes in setting the rice cooking time in the ``porridge'' menu, and to also make it possible to select and set the rice cooking time that is normally used when cooking rice in the porridge J menu. The aim is to improve usability by setting the

Moreover, the third purpose is to enable the user to check the rice cooking time set by the user, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manage the time by himself.

Moreover, the fourth purpose is to allow the user to check the elapsed time of rice cooking and to eliminate the need for the user to manage the time by himself/herself.

Still, the fifth purpose is to enable the user to confirm the rice cooking time set by the user and also to confirm the elapsed time of the rice cooking time, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manage the time by himself/herself.

The sixth object is to eliminate the trouble of setting the rice cooking time, to set the rice cooking time in a short time, and to improve usability.

Moreover, the seventh object is to eliminate the trouble of setting the rice cooking time, to set the rice cooking time in a short time, and to also set the rice cooking time arbitrarily, thereby improving usability.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned first object, the present invention provides a container for storing food such as rice and water, a heating means for heating the food in the container, and a method for cooking rice. a timer setting means capable of arbitrarily setting the time; a start means for starting rice cooking; and a timer setting means that receives outputs from the timer setting means and the start means to measure the cooking time until the time set by the timer setting means is reached. and a control means for inputting signals from the start means and the timer means,
The control means receives a start signal from the start means to start cooking rice, controls the heating means to cook the rice, and then controls the cooking process to end when receiving an output from the timer means. is the first means of solving the problem.

Further, in order to achieve the second objective, in addition to the first problem solving means, a storage means for storing the rice cooking time set by the timer setting means is provided, and the timer setting means stores the rice cooking time in the storage means. The second problem-solving means is that the rice cooking time can be selected first and the rice cooking time can be arbitrarily set.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, the third problem-solving means is that, in addition to the first problem-solving means, a display means for displaying the time set by the timer setting means is provided.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the fourth object, a fourth problem-solving means is provided, in addition to the first problem-solving means, by providing a display means for displaying the time measured by the timer means.

In addition to the first problem-solving means, in order to achieve the fifth purpose, the sixth purpose is to provide a display means for displaying the time set by the timer setting means and the time being clocked. It is used as a means of solving problems.

Further, in order to achieve the sixth objective, in addition to the first problem solving means, a plurality of storage means storing a plurality of rice cooking times is provided, and a timer setting means is stored in the plurality of storage means. The sixth problem-solving means is to be able to select and set an arbitrary time from among the plurality of rice-cooking times.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the seventh object, in addition to the sixth problem solving means, a plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of rice cooking times is provided, and a timer setting means is configured to set a plurality of rice cooking times stored in the plurality of storage means. The seventh problem-solving means is that the rice cooking time can be arbitrarily selected from among the rice cooking times, and the rice cooking time can be arbitrarily set.

Effects of the present invention By using the above-mentioned first problem solving means, the user can set the rice cooking time arbitrarily even when the cooking time is set short or when the amount of rice and water in the container is large. Rice cooking can be finished when the rice cooking time has elapsed.

In addition, with the second problem-solving means, you can always select and set the rice cooking time normally used for cooking rice in the "porridge" menu, and you can also set the selected rice cooking time arbitrarily, and cook rice using that cooking time. It is something that can be terminated.

Moreover, the third problem-solving means allows the rice cooking time set by the user to be displayed and the rice cooking to be completed within that rice cooking time.

Moreover, the fourth problem-solving means also displays the elapsed time of the rice cooking time, and allows the rice cooking to be completed within the rice cooking time.

Furthermore, the fifth problem-solving means allows the rice cooking time set by the user and its elapsed time to be displayed at the same time, and the rice cooking to be completed at that rice cooking time.

Moreover, according to the sixth problem-solving means, the rice cooking time can be selected from the already stored rice cooking time by the timer setting means, and the rice cooking can be completed at the selected rice cooking time.

However, with the seventh problem solving means, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of setting the rice cooking time, and even if the rice cooking time is set, it can be done in a short time, and furthermore, the rice cooking time can be set arbitrarily, and the rice cooking ends at that rice cooking time. It is something that can be done.

Example FIG. 1 will be described below regarding a first embodiment of the present invention.

This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

In the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, a container 11 is used to store food to be cooked such as rice and water, and together with a heating means 12 for heating the food in this container 11, the cooking time can be arbitrarily set. A timer setting means 13 capable of starting rice cooking, a starting means 14 for starting rice cooking, and receiving the outputs of the timer setting means 13 and the starting means 14, measures the cooking time, and outputs when the time set by the timer setting means 13 has reached the time set by the timer setting means 13. and a control means 16 for inputting signals from the start means 14 and the timer means 15. The control means 16 receives a start signal from the start means 14 and starts cooking rice, and controls the heating means 12 to cook the rice.After that, when the control means 16 receives the output of the timer means 16, The cooking process is controlled to end at the end of the cooking process.

Next, the second and third embodiments will be described later together with the first embodiment.
4th. 6th. 6th. A circuit diagram of the seventh embodiment is shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, the setting key 2o is used to arbitrarily set the rice cooking time, and the start key 21 is used to start the rice cooking process. The heater 22 heats the container 11, and the relay 23 for energizing the heater 22 is
It has a relay contact 231L and a relay coil 23b, and is connected to a relay drive section for driving the relay 23. Further, the thermistor 26 detects the temperature of the container 11, and one side thereof is connected to a Mu/D converter 26 that converts the signal from the thermistor 25 into Mu/D. The input section 27 includes the setting key 2o, the start key 21, and the M/D converter 2.
Input the signals from 6 and 6. Further, the output section 28 outputs relay opening/closing signals to the relay and drive section 24.

The control section 29 controls the output section 28 based on the signal input from the input section 27. Note that the liquid crystal display device 3o is represented by Arabic numerals.

31 is a microcomputer constituted by the input section 27, the output section 28, and the control section 29.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer 31 of the first embodiment, and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

In step 1o, the initial value of the rice cooking time is set to 3o minutes, and the process flag is reset. A key is input in step 11, and the key pressed in step 12 is the start key 21.
If it is not the start key 21, step 13
It is determined whether the setting key is 20 or not. Set key 2 in step 13
If it is not Q, the process returns to step 11, and steps 11 to 13 are repeated until a key is input. If the setting key 20 is pressed in step 13, step 1
Step 4: Increase the cooking time by 10 minutes. If the increase in step 15 still does not exceed 4 hours, step 11
Return to step 11. If the time has exceeded, initialize the rice cooking time to 30 minutes in step 16 and return to step 11.

Next, if the start key 21 is pressed in step 12,
Proceed to step 17 and start measuring time.

Next, in step 18, check the process flag, and if the process flag is not set yet, in step 19, relay 2
3 to energize the heater 22 and heat the container 11 at 80% heating power. Next, in step 20, the thermistor 26
The temperature of the container 11 is detected and the detected temperature is 90.
It is determined in step 21 whether the value exceeds 'C, and if the value has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step 23. 90 in step 21.
If it exceeds 'C, a process flag is set in step 22, and the process proceeds to step 23. In step 23, determine whether the time measured has reached the set cooking time,
If the rice cooking time has not yet arrived, proceed to step 17.

If the process flag was set in step 18,
In step 24, the relay 23 is controlled and the heater 22 is energized to heat the container 11 with 30% thermal power, and the process proceeds to step 23. Steps 17 to 23 are repeated until the measured time reaches the set rice cooking time. Step 2
When the rice cooking time set in step 3 has been reached, the process proceeds to step 26 to end the rice cooking process.

According to the above explanation, the container 11 is heated with strong heat until the temperature of the container 11 exceeds 90'C within the set time.

If the temperature exceeds 90'C, heat slowly over low heat. However, once the set rice cooking time has elapsed, the cooking will stop, and if necessary, you can start cooking again. Also, the next time you set the rice cooking time, you just need to set the required time.

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the block diagram of the first embodiment except that a storage means 40 for storing the rice cooking time set by the timer setting means 41 is provided. The rice cooking time stored in the storage means 4° can be selected first, and the rice cooking time can be arbitrarily set.

FIG. 6 shows the microcomputer 31 of the second embodiment.
This figure shows a flowchart showing the operation of , and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

In step 3o, it is determined whether the setting flag is set, and if the flag is not set, in step 31, the initial value of the rice cooking time is set to 30 minutes. If the setting flag is set in step 3o, the process advances to step 32. In step 32, the process flag is reset. At step 33, a key is input, and at step 34 it is determined whether the pressed key is the start key 21. If it is not the start key 21, at step 35 it is determined whether it is the setting key 2o. If it is not the setting key 20 in step 35, the process returns to step 33 and continues from step 33 to step 3 until a key is input.
Repeat step 6. If the setting key 2o is pressed in step 35, the rice cooking time is increased by 10 minutes and stored in the memory in step 36.

Next, proceed to step 37 and set the setting flag.

Proceed to step 38. As a result of the increase in step 38, if the rice cooking time has not exceeded 4 hours yet, the process returns to step 33. If it has exceeded 4 hours, the rice cooking time is initialized to 30 minutes in step 39, stored in the memory again, and the process returns to step 33.

Next, if the start key 21 is pressed in step 34,
Proceed to step 4o and start measuring time.

Next, in step 41, the process flag is checked, and if the process flag is not set yet, then in step 42, relay 2
3 to energize the heater 22 and heat the container 11 at 80% heating power. Next, in step 43, therminuta 25
The temperature of the container 11 is detected and the detected temperature is 90'.
It is determined in step 44 whether the value exceeds C, and if not, the process proceeds to step 46. 90°C in step 44
If it has been sharpened, a step flag is set in step 46, and the process proceeds to step 46. In step 46, it is determined whether the time being clocked has reached the rice cooking time stored in the memory, and if it has not yet reached the rice cooking time, the process proceeds to step 4o. If the process flag is set in Step 41, then in Step 47 the relay 23 is controlled to energize the heater 22 to heat the container 11 at 30% heating power, and Step 46
Proceed to. Steps 4o to 46 are repeated until the measured time reaches the rice cooking time stored in the memory.

When the rice cooking time stored in the memory is reached in step 46, the process proceeds to step 48 and the rice cooking process is ended.

According to the above explanation, the user can store the rice in the memory, and within the stored rice cooking time, heat the container 11 with strong heat until the temperature exceeds 90'C.
When the temperature exceeds this limit, heat slowly over low heat. However, once the set cooking time is reached, the cooking will end immediately. Next time you set the rice cooking time, the rice cooking time that was previously stored in the memory will be recalled, so you can start cooking as is, or you can reset the required time and then start cooking.

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is the block diagram of the first embodiment except that display means 44 for displaying the time set by the timer setting means 43 is provided.

FIG. 7 shows the microcomputer 31 of the third embodiment.
This figure shows a flowchart showing the operation of , and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

Since the operations other than steps 5o to 63 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the invention, the explanation will be omitted.

If the setting key 20 is pressed in step 13, the rice cooking time is increased by 10 minutes in step 14. Next step 5
If the time has not exceeded 4 hours as a result of the increment in step 14, the process advances to step 52. If it is exceeded in step 50, the process proceeds to step 51, where the rice cooking time is initialized to 30 minutes, and the process proceeds to step 52. The rice cooking time set in step 62 is output to the liquid crystal display, and step 11
Return to Steps 11 to 14 and steps 60 to 52 are repeated until the start key 21 is pressed, and when the setting key 20 is pressed, the set time is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Next, if the start key 21 is pressed in step 12,
Proceeding to step 53, the rice cooking time set between 30 minutes and 4 hours is output and displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Next, the process advances to step 17 and time measurement begins.

Explanation of steps 18 to 25 will be omitted.

As described above, since the rice cooking time set by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, the rice cooking time currently being cooked can be known immediately. Therefore, when controlling the doneness of rice by combining the contents of water, rice, etc. and cooking time, the user does not need to memorize the cooking time, which is an important element.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 8, and 9. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is the block diagram of the first embodiment except that display means 47 for displaying the time measured by the timer means 46 is provided.

FIG. 9 shows the microcomputer 31 of the fourth embodiment.
This is a flowchart showing the operation of , and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

The operations other than step 60 and step 61 are the same as those in the first embodiment of the invention, so the explanation will be omitted.

If the start key 21 is pressed in step 12, step 1
Proceed to step 7 and start counting (subtracting) the set rice cooking time.

Next, the process proceeds to step 6o, and in step 17, the time being counted is output to the liquid crystal display and displayed.

Next, proceed to step 18.

Descriptions of steps 18 to 22 and steps 24 to 25 will be omitted.

In Figure 9, step 6 is replaced with step 23 in Figure 3.
1, determine whether the time being clocked has reached 0 minutes, and set it to 0.
If it is not a minute, the process returns to step 17, and when the time reaches 0 minutes, the process proceeds to step 25.

As described above, since the rice cooking time being measured is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display during the rice cooking time set by the user, it can be seen at a glance how many minutes it will take for the rice cooking to finish.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 10, and 11. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is based on the block diagram of the first embodiment with a display means 51 for displaying the time set by the timer setting means 49 and the time measured by the timer means 50. It has been decided to establish a

FIG. 11 shows the microcomputer 3 of the fourth embodiment.
This figure shows a flowchart showing the operation of No. 1, and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

The operations other than steps 70 to 72 and 73 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

If the setting key 2o is pressed in step 13, the rice cooking time is increased by 10 minutes in step 14. Next step 7
If the time has not exceeded 4 hours after increasing in step 14, the process advances to step 72. If it is exceeded in step 70, the process proceeds to step 71, where the rice cooking time is initialized to 30 minutes, and the process proceeds to step 72. The rice cooking time set in step 72 is output to the liquid crystal display, and step 11
Return to Steps 11 to 14 and steps 7o to 72 are repeated until the start key 21 is pressed, and when the setting key 2o is pressed, the set time is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

If the start key 21 is pressed in step 12, step 1
Proceed to step 7 and start counting (adding) the set rice cooking time.

Next, the process advances to step 73, and in step 17, the time being counted is pressed on the liquid crystal display and displayed. Next, proceed to step 18.

Explanation of steps 18 to 26 will be omitted.

As explained above, since the rice cooking time set by the user and the rice cooking time being measured are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device, it is possible to know at a glance how many minutes it will take for the rice cooking to finish by comparing the two times. Additionally, since the rice cooking time set by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display, the user can immediately know the rice cooking time that is currently being cooked. However, when controlling the doneness of rice by combining the contents of water, rice, etc. and cooking time, the user does not need to memorize the cooking time, which is an important element.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 12, and 13. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is the block diagram of the first embodiment except that a plurality of storage means 64 storing a plurality of rice cooking times is provided, and the timer setting means 63 is added to the block diagram of the first embodiment. An arbitrary time can be selected and set from among a plurality of rice cooking times stored in the .

FIG. 13 shows the microcomputer 3 of the sixth embodiment.
This figure shows a flowchart showing the operation of No. 1, and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

In step 8o, pointer 1 is set to 30 minutes, pointer 2 is set to 1 hour, pointer 3 is set to 2 hours, pointer 4 is set to 3 hours, pointer 5 is set to 4 Set the time, set the pointer to 1, and reset the configuration flag. Next, in step 81, a key is input, and in step 82 it is determined whether the pressed key is the start key 21. If it is not the start key 21, then in step 83 it is determined whether it is the setting key 20. If the setting key 2o is not pressed in step 83, the process returns to step 81, and steps 81 to 83 are repeated until a key is input. If the setting key 2o is pressed in step 83, the pointer is increased by one in step 84. Next, the process advances to step 86, and if the pointer has not yet exceeded 4 as a result of the increment in step 84, the process returns to step 81; if it has, the pointer is set to 1 in step 86 and the process returns to step 81.

Next, if the start key 21 is pressed in step 82,
Proceed to step 87 and start counting time.

Next, in step 88, the process flag is checked, and if the process flag is not set yet, in step 89, relay 2
3 to energize the heater 22 and heat the container 11 at 80% heating power. Next, in step 9o, the thermistor 25
The temperature of the container 11 is detected and the detected temperature is 90''.
It is determined in step 91 whether or not C is exceeded, and if it is not, the process advances to step 93. 90″C in step 91
If it exceeds , a process flag is set in step 92 and the process proceeds to step 93. In step 93, it is determined whether the time being clocked has reached the rice cooking time indicated by the number set on the pointer, and if the rice cooking time has not yet reached the time, the process proceeds to step 8. If the process flag is set in step 88, the relay 23 is sterilized in step e4, the heater 22 is energized, and the container 11 is heated with a thermal power of 30 inches, and the process proceeds to step 93. Steps from step 87 until the measured time reaches the cooking time stored in the memory.
Repeat knob 93. When the rice cooking time stored in the memory is reached in step 93, the process proceeds to step 95 and the rice cooking process is ended.

According to the above explanation, the timer setting means 63 can select the rice cooking time from the rice cooking time that has already been stored, and the rice cooking can be finished at that rice cooking time, which eliminates the trouble of setting the rice cooking time. Even if the time is set, it can be done in a short time and the purpose is to improve usability.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 14, and 16. Note that explanations of components having the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted.

The block diagram of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is similar to the block diagram of the first embodiment except that a plurality of storage means 68 for storing and recording a plurality of rice cooking times are provided, and a timer setting means 57 is configured to store and record a plurality of rice cooking times. The rice cooking time can be arbitrarily selected from among the plurality of rice cooking times stored in the storage means 58, and the rice cooking time can be arbitrarily set.

FIG. 16 shows the microcomputer 3 of the seventh embodiment.
This figure shows a flowchart showing the operation of No. 1, and the operation will be explained with reference to this flowchart.

In step 100, it is determined whether the setting flag is set. If the flag is not set, in step 101, pointer 1 is set to 30 minutes, pointer 2 is set to 1 hour, and pointer 3 is set to 2. Set the time to cents, pointer 4 to 3 hours, pointer 6 to 4 hours t-, and pointer to 1 cent. If the setting flag is set in step 100, the process advances to step 102. In step 102, the process flag is reset. In step 103, key input is performed, and step 1
It is determined in step 04 whether the set key 2o and the start key 21 were pressed at the same time, and if they are not pressed simultaneously, the process proceeds to step 105 and it is determined whether the key is the start key 21. Step 106
If it is not the start key 21, the process advances to step 106 and it is determined whether the setting key 20 has been pressed. If it is not the setting key 20, the process returns to step 103.

Repeat steps 103 to 106 until a key is pressed.

If the setting key 20 is pressed in step 106, the pointer is increased by one in step 107.

Next, the process advances to step 10B, and if the pointer has not yet exceeded 4 as a result of incrementing in step 107, the process returns to step 103; if it has, the pointer is set to 1 in step 109 and the process returns to step 103.

If the setting key 20 and start key 21 are pressed at the same time in step 104, the process proceeds to step 11o, where a setting flag is set. Next, in step 111, a key is input, and in step 112, it is determined whether the pressed key is the start key 21,
If it is not the start key 21, it is determined in step 113 whether it is the setting key 20. If the setting key 2o is not pressed in step 113, the process returns to step 110, and steps 110 to 113 are repeated until a key is input.

If the setting key 20 is pressed in step 113, the rice cooking time indicated by the number on the pointer is increased by 10 minutes and stored in the memory in step 114. Next, the process proceeds to step 115, and if the result of the increase in step 114 does not exceed 4 hours, the process returns to step 110, and if it has exceeded 4 hours, step 1
In step 16, the rice cooking time is initialized to 30 minutes, stored in the memory again, and the process returns to step 11o.

Next, if the start key 21 is pressed in steps 105 and 112, the process proceeds to step 117 and starts counting time. Next, in step 118, the process flag is checked, and if the process flag is not set yet, in step 119, the relay 23 is controlled to energize the heater 22 and heat the container 11 at 80% heating power. Next step 12
0, the temperature of the container 11 is detected by the thermistor 25, and it is determined in step 12 whether the detected temperature exceeds 90'C.
1, and if it is not exceeded, the process advances to step 123. If the temperature exceeds 90° C. in step 121, a process flag is set in step 122, and the process proceeds to step 123. In step 123, it is determined whether the rice cooking time set in the timer pointer has reached the rice cooking time, and if the rice cooking time has not yet reached the rice cooking time, the process proceeds to step 117. If the process flag is set in step 118, the relay 23 is controlled in step 124, and the heater 22
Step 1: Apply electricity and heat the container 11 with 30% firepower.
Proceed to 23. Steps 117 to 123 are repeated until the measured time reaches the rice cooking time stored in the memory.

When the rice cooking time stored in the memory in step 123 is reached, the process proceeds to step 126 and the rice cooking process is ended.

According to the above explanation, the rice cooking time can be selected from the already stored rice cooking time using the timer setting means 53 and the selected rice cooking time can be changed, and furthermore, the rice cooking can be finished at the rice cooking time, so that the rice cooking time can be changed. You can eliminate the hassle of setting the rice cooking time. Even if you set the rice cooking time, it can be done in a short time, and if you set it to -degrees, the rice cooking time you set will be memorized.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above description of the embodiments, according to the first invention, the control means receives a start signal from the start means, starts cooking the rice, controls the heating means to cook the rice, and then starts the timer means. Since the cooking process is controlled to end when the output of
Within the set time, the container 11 is heated with strong heat until the temperature exceeds 90'C, and when it exceeds 90'C, it is heated gradually with low heat. However, once the set rice cooking time is reached, the rice cooking will end immediately, and you can start cooking again if necessary. That is, since the degree of rice cooking can be controlled by the combination of the contents of water, rice, etc. and the cooking time, it is possible to provide a rice cooker that better meets the user's wishes.

Next, according to the second invention, since the timer setting means can first select the rice cooking time using the provided storage means, the rice cooking is finished, and when the rice cooking time is set next, the rice cooking time stored in the previous memory is set. You can start cooking rice as is, or reset the required time and then start cooking. By selecting and setting the rice cooking time normally used for cooking rice in the "Porridge" menu, "Porridge" can be started. The purpose is to improve usability by preventing mistakes in setting the rice cooking time on the menu and further by allowing the selected rice cooking time to be arbitrarily set.

Furthermore, according to the third invention, since the rice cooking time set by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, the user can immediately check the rice cooking time that is currently being cooked. Therefore, when controlling the doneness of rice by combining the contents of water, rice, etc. and cooking time, there is no need for the user to memorize the cooking time, which is an important element.

Next, according to the fourth invention, since the rice cooking time being measured is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display during the rice cooking time set by the user, it is possible to check at a glance how many minutes it will take to finish cooking the rice. Users no longer need to manage their own time.

Furthermore, according to the fifth invention, since the rice cooking time set by the user and the rice cooking time being measured are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display device, it is possible to compare the two times to see how many minutes it will take to finish cooking the rice. It can be understood at a glance.

In addition, since the rice cooking time set by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display, the rice cooking time that is currently being cooked can be checked immediately. Therefore, when controlling the doneness of rice by combining the contents of water, rice, etc. and cooking time, there is no need for the user to memorize the cooking time, which is an important element.

Next, according to the sixth invention, the rice cooking time can be selected from the already stored rice cooking time using the timer setting means, and the rice cooking can be finished at that rice cooking time, thereby eliminating the trouble of setting the rice cooking time. Even if you set the rice cooking time, it can be done in a short time, making it easy to use.

Furthermore, according to the seventh invention, the rice cooking time can be selected from the already stored rice cooking time by the timer setting means, the selected rice cooking time can be changed, and furthermore, the rice cooking can be finished at the rice cooking time. It is possible to eliminate the trouble of setting the rice cooking time, and even if the rice cooking time is set, it can be done in a short time, and once the rice cooking time is set, the set rice cooking time is memorized, making it easy to use.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a detailed circuit diagram of the first embodiment as well as 2. Third. 4th. 6th. A specific circuit diagram of the rice cooker according to the sixth and seventh embodiments, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer in the rice cooker according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer in the rice cooker according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the same microcomputer, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the rice cooker of the third embodiment, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer, FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the rice cooker of the fourth embodiment, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer, FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the rice cooker a of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 11 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the rice cooker of the sixth embodiment, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer, and FIG. 14 is the seventh embodiment. A block diagram of the rice cooker shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a conventional rice cooker, and FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the same microcomputer. 11... Container, 12-... Heating means, 13,
41゜43.49.53.57...Timer setting means, 14...Starting means, 15,46. ．． 50...
timer means, 16... control means, 4o...
...Storage means, 44.47.51 ...Display means,
54.58・Multiple storage means, 31...Microcomputer. Name of agent: Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano and 1 other person No. J
Figure number one? Fig. f Fig. Fig. 15 (B) Fig. f7

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) A container for storing food such as rice and water, a heating means for heating the food in the container, a timer setting means for arbitrarily setting the rice cooking time, and a starting means for starting the rice cooking. , a timer means that receives the outputs of the timer setting means and the start means, measures the cooking time, and outputs the rice when the time set by the timer setting means is reached, and inputs signals from the start means and the timer means. The control means receives a start signal from the start means to start cooking the rice, controls the heating means to cook the rice, and then ends the cooking process when receiving an output from the timer means. A rice cooker that is controlled as follows. (2) A storage means for storing the rice cooking time set by the timer setting means is provided, and the timer setting means can first select the rice cooking time stored in the storage means and can arbitrarily select the rice cooking time. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rice cooker can be set to . (3) The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the time set by the timer setting means. (4) The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the time measured by the timer means. (5) The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the time set by the timer setting means and the time being clocked. (6) A plurality of storage means storing a plurality of rice cooking times is provided, and the timer setting means is capable of selecting and setting an arbitrary time from among the plurality of rice cooking times stored in the plurality of storage means. The rice cooker according to claim 1, comprising: (7) A plurality of storage means for storing a plurality of rice cooking times is provided, and the timer setting means can arbitrarily select the rice cooking time from among the plurality of rice cooking times stored in the plurality of storage means. 7. The rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein the rice cooker can be set arbitrarily.