JPH0531027A - Electric rice boiler - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the satisfactory boiled state by allowing a heater controller to use the heating control data of the heating characteristic for the boiled state specified by a boiling switch. CONSTITUTION:Three kinds of ideal curves with different boiling periods and boiling temperatures, Lref(L), Lref(M), Lref(H), shown by A, B, C in response to three kinds of boiled states, i.e., slightly soft A, normal B, slightly hard C, set by a boiling switch are set in the heater controller of a micro-computer. One of the ideal curves A, B, C is automatically selected in response to the boiled state set by the boiling switch. The proper heating quantity and heating period in response to the boiled state in the rice boiling process can be adjusted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric rice cooker capable of controlling the amount of cooked rice in accordance with the amount of cooked rice to control the cooked state of rice to a desired state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electric rice cooking has been performed by controlling the power supply state to a rice cooking heater by a microcomputer and performing heating control so that the temperature of the rice cooker changes according to a predetermined reference temperature curve (heating rice cooking curve). The vessel is widely used. Since the above-mentioned reference temperature curve differs depending on the amount of cooked rice, the above-mentioned microcomputer-controlled electric rice cooker first determines the amount of cooked rice in the first heating process, and then cooks it based on the determination result. It was common to control the power supply state to the rice cooking heater in the raising process.

In order to determine the amount of cooked rice in the above heating process, for example, the time required for the temperature of the rice cooker to rise from the predetermined first temperature to the second temperature with the power supplied to the cooked rice being the maximum is set. A method of measuring and determining the amount of cooked rice from the measured time, and supplying power to the rice cooking heater until the temperature of the rice cooker reaches a predetermined temperature, then stopping the power supply and then lowering the temperature to another predetermined temperature A method of measuring the time required and determining the amount of cooked rice from the measured time has been applied.

However, with these techniques, the temperature change of the rice cooker deviates from the above-mentioned reference curve at least during the heating period for determining the amount of cooked rice, and thus ideal heating control cannot be realized. There are drawbacks.

Therefore, recently, in the cooking process until reaching the boiling state, focusing on the fact that the above-mentioned reference temperature curves substantially match regardless of the amount of cooked rice, heating according to the above-mentioned reference temperature curve from the stage of the cooking process. While controlling, the cooking amount is judged by examining the heating state in this cooking process, and the rice cooking technology that changes the time of the subsequent boiling process etc. according to the cooking amount has come to be used. (For example, JP-A-60-19341)
(See Japanese Patent Publication No. 7).

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining such a cooked rice amount determination technique. An example of an actual temperature change of a rice cooker at the time of heating is shown along with a reference temperature curve Lref corresponding to the above cooking process. Shown at ₁ . The power supply state to the rice cooking heater is controlled based on the output of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the rice cooker by turning ON / OFF the relay between the rice cooking heater and the commercial AC power source. That is, when the rice cooking heater is heated (ON), the period ΔOFF during which the temperature of the rice cooker exceeds the illustrated reference temperature curve Lref
Is cut off and the power supply to the rice cooker is stopped, and during the period ΔON when the temperature of the rice cooker is below the reference temperature curve Lref shown in the figure, the relay is turned on and the rice cooker is energized. ..

Then, the length of the ON period ΔON or the OFF period ΔOFF of the relay within a predetermined time during the cooking process is integrated, and the amount of cooked rice is determined based on this integrated time S. That is, in order to perform the heating control along the constant reference temperature curve Lref without detecting the specific cooked rice amount, it is necessary to lengthen the power supply time to the cooked rice amount as the cooked rice amount increases. Therefore, after all, the integrated value S of the on time (or off time) of the relay within the predetermined time corresponds to the amount of cooked rice. Conversely, the amount of cooked rice is calculated based on the integrated value of the on time (or off time). It is possible to judge.

[0008] With such a determination technique, the amount of cooked rice can be accurately determined at the same time while realizing almost ideal heating control in the cooking process. Therefore, it is possible to cook delicious rice of higher quality than the above methods. It has a feature that can be raised.

On the other hand, recently, on the premise that it is possible to accurately determine the amount of cooked rice while ensuring ideal heating control by the above-described technique for determining the amount of cooked rice, for example, the state of cooked rice is The provision of electric rice cookers that are equipped with a function of dividing rice into multiple stages such as "soft", "normal", and "hard" without directly changing the amount of water is being considered. With an electric rice cooker equipped with such a cooking function, various cooking states such as "soft", "normal", and "hard" can be selected by simply turning on the selection key. It is possible to cook rice with the hardness of, so it is extremely convenient,
With the conventional method, there is an advantage that "sushi sushi" and the like, which were difficult to control with water, can be cooked relatively easily.

[0010]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, the cooking system which is currently being studied in part focuses on, for example, the water absorption process which is the initial stage of the rice cooking process, and the heating temperature and heating time in the water absorption process are described above. It is changed according to the cooking state, and no particular consideration is given to the heating characteristics in the cooking process. Therefore, the current situation is that good cooking control is not necessarily realized.

Therefore, one idea is to accurately determine the amount of cooked rice, for example, in the cooked rice state by the above-described rice cooking amount determination method, and use the temperature sensor provided in the inner pot to, for example, increase the temperature every 10 seconds. A system that changes the way the rice is cooked, such as changing the amount of water evaporated by changing the amount of heat while finely adjusting and controlling the amount of heat according to the set cooking state, can be considered. There is a problem that the control program becomes very complicated and expensive.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above problems, and includes a rice cooker for storing rice and water, and a rice cooker for heating the rice cooker. , An electric rice cooker comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the rice cooker, and a heater control unit for performing heating control of the rice cooker heater according to the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor, wherein the heater control unit includes: A cooking switch that sets a control data setting unit that sets the heating amount control data of multiple heating characteristics corresponding to the cooking states of multiple levels from soft to hard and specifies the cooking states of the above multiple levels And the heater control unit controls the heating of the rice cooking heater by using the heating control data of the heating characteristics of the cooking state specified by the cooking switch. It is characterized in.

[0013]

In the electric rice cooker of the present invention, as described above, the heating amount control data of a plurality of heating characteristics is stored in advance in the heater control unit in correspondence with a plurality of levels of different levels from soft to hard. It is configured by providing a set control data setting unit and a cooking switch for designating the cooking states of the plurality of levels, and the heater control unit corresponds to the cooking state designated by the cooking switch. The heating control of the rice cooking heater is performed using the heating control data having a predetermined heating characteristic.

Therefore, in the cooking process which is the center of the rice cooking process, it is possible to adjust the appropriate heating amount and heating time corresponding to each cooking condition, and it is possible to realize a good cooking condition.

[0015]

As described above, according to the electric rice cooker of the present invention, it is possible to provide the electric rice cooker with the cooking function at a low cost with a relatively simple control program.

[0016]

【Example】

(1) First Embodiment FIGS. 1 to 10 show the configuration of an electric rice cooker having a cooking function according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the overall construction of the electric rice cooker according to the embodiment. This electric rice cooker is used for both rice cooking and heat retention, for example.
The container main body Z includes a bottomed cylindrical outer case 1 configured to set the rice cooker 6 therein, and a lid unit 7 that covers the upper portion of the outer case 1.

The outer case 1 comprises a cylindrical cover member 22 formed of a thin metal plate, and a shoulder member 4 and a bottom member 3 made of synthetic resin, which are respectively coupled to the upper and lower ends of the cover member 2. It is configured and is provided with a bottomed cylindrical inner container 5 for removably setting the rice cooker 6 therein.

A center sensor 28 that comes into contact with the bottom surface of the rice cooker 6 is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the inner container 5, and an annular rice cooking heater H is provided so as to surround the center sensor 28.
₁ is arranged so as to be embedded in the heating plate 24.
In addition, in the center sensor 28, a temperature sensing element 72 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the temperature of the rice cooker 6 and a rice cooker set sensor 71 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether or not the rice cooker 6 is set. ) Etc. are built in.

The lid unit 7 is formed in a hollow structure by an outer cover 8 made of synthetic resin forming the outer peripheral surface and an inner cover 9 made of synthetic resin forming the inner peripheral surface. The inner cover 9 and the inner cover 9 are joined to each other with high airtightness by high frequency welding or the like. The lid unit 7 is rotatably attached to the position side of the shoulder member 4 via a hinge mechanism 20, and its open end side is engaged with a predetermined position of the lid unit 7 to close the lid. A lock mechanism 21 for maintaining the closed state of the unit 7 is provided.

Further, in the substantially central portion of the lid unit 7,
A steam discharge port 15 is provided, and a steam discharge tube mounting hole 13 is formed in the lower portion of the steam discharge port 15. A rubber vapor emission tube packing 14 is attached to the vapor emission tube attachment hole 13.

Further, an inner lid 10 for closing the upper opening of the rice cooker 6 is provided below the lid unit 7, and the inner lid 10 is provided at the central portion of the inner lid 10. A vapor discharge cylinder 12 containing a pressure adjusting device 11 for releasing the vapor introduced to the internal space 16 above the inner lid 10 to the outside via a vapor port 17 formed at an appropriate position is fixed. The vapor discharge cylinder 12 is detachably attached to the vapor discharge cylinder packing 14. That is, the inner lid 10 is detachably attached to the lid unit 7 via the vapor discharge cylinder 12. The lid unit 7 and the inner lid 10
The space between and is sealed by a packing 18 attached to the peripheral edge of the inner cover 9 to prevent steam from leaking outside from a portion other than the pressure regulator 11.

A heat insulating heater H ₂ is further provided on the outer surface of the side peripheral portion of the inner container 5, and a shoulder heater H ₃ is provided at a portion of the shoulder member 4 to which the inner lid 10 is joined. Has been done. The heat-retaining heater H ₂ is mainly used to keep the cooked rice warm so as to prevent it from rotting, and the shoulder heater H ₃ heats the inner lid 10 by heat conduction to evaporate water droplets generated on its surface. It is used to prevent water drops from falling into the rice cooker 6.

On the other hand, between the inner container 5 and the outer case 1, a rice cooking heater H ₁ , a heat retaining heater H ₂ and a shoulder heater H _{3 are provided.}
A microcomputer 23 for controlling power supply to the power source is housed. In addition, the shoulder member 4 is provided with an operation board 22 that constitutes an operation unit. This operation board 2
The 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the menu switch 41 for selecting the three cooking functions white rice cooking and brown rice cooking and porridge cooking (the rice menu), the insulation heater H ₂
A heat retention / cancel switch 42 for controlling energization and de-energization of the rice, a rice cooking switch 43 for starting rice cooking by the rice cooking heater H ₁ based on the rice cooking menu selected by the menu switch 41, and a soft rice A,
The cooking switch 44 for setting the cooking level of three levels of normal B and hard C, the cooking rice indicator light 46 which is turned on based on the selection of the rice cooking switch 43, and the lighting state when the heating switch 42 is turned on and the temperature is kept warm. Is displayed, a timer indicator light 48 that lights up in response to a timer operation, and a rice cooking menu and a cooking hardness level selected by the menu switch 41 and the cooking switch 43 are displayed. A liquid crystal display unit 53 is provided for making the selection menu visible to the user.

Next, the electrical configuration of the electric rice cooker of this embodiment will be described based on the electric circuit diagram shown in FIG. Note that, in FIG. 3, portions corresponding to the respective portions shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Electric power from the commercial AC power supply 29 is supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ , the warming heater H ₂ and the shoulder heater H ₃ via a temperature fuse 30 that detects and abnormally heats the rice cooker 6 and melts it. The voltage is stepped down by the step-down transformer 35, rectified by the rectifier 36, and supplied to the microcomputer 23 as its power source. The configuration of the microcomputer 23 will be described later.

The rice cooking heater H ₁ , the warming heater H _{2 and the} shoulder heater H ₃ are connected in parallel with each other. Furthermore, the cooking heater H _1, normally-open contact 31a of the relay 31 are connected in series. Excitation / demagnetization of the relay coil 31b of the relay 31 is controlled by a transistor 37 which is ON / OFF controlled by a command from the microcomputer 23. Reference numeral 32 is a diode for absorbing a counter electromotive force generated when the relay coil 31b is demagnetized.

Triacs 33 and 34 are connected between the heat-retaining heater H ₂ and the commercial AC power supply 29 and between the shoulder heater H ₃ and the commercial AC power supply 29, respectively. The gates of these triacs 33, 34 are turned on / off by a command from the microcomputer 23.
Control signals from the controlled transistors 38 and 39 are to be provided.

The microcomputer 23 operates based on a clock signal from a reference frequency generation circuit (OSC) 40, and the transistor 3 is operated according to a predetermined program.
7, 38, 39 are controlled to control power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ , the warming heater H ₂ and the shoulder heater H ₃ . This power supply control is performed based on the output signal from the temperature sensitive element 72 incorporated in the center sensor 28. Reference numeral 71 is a rice cooker set sensor for detecting whether or not the rice cooker 6 is set.

The microcomputer 23 also includes switches 41 to 45 and indicators 46 to 48.
And a buzzer 73 for notifying the liquid crystal display unit 53 and the completion of rice cooking
Are connected. The microcomputer 2
Reference numeral 3 constitutes a heater control unit in the claims.

By the way, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an ideal temperature change (basic heating characteristic) of the rice cooker 6 during the rice cooking operation.
The rice cooking operation consists of a water supply step (1) in which rice absorbs water at a predetermined temperature (for example, about 40 ° C.), a cooking step (2) in which it is heated to a boiling state, and a boiling step (3) in which the boiling state is maintained.
And the step (4) of slurping the cooked rice. The ideal heating condition of the rice cooker 6 varies depending on the amount of cooked rice, and for example, the length of the boiling step (3) and the power supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ in the boiling step (3) should be set according to the amount of cooked rice. It is known that delicious rice can be cooked by. On the other hand, regarding the cooking process (2),
It has also been empirically known that rice can be cooked deliciously by causing a substantially constant temperature change regardless of the amount of cooked rice. In this embodiment, the amount of cooked rice (total number) is determined during a predetermined period Δt (for example, a period of 4 minutes after the temperature of the rice cooker 6 reaches 71 ° C.) in the middle of the cooking process (2), and thereafter. The heating control in the boiling step (3) is performed according to the determined amount of cooked rice. That is, in the present embodiment, the above period Δ
The curve in FIG. 4 at t is the reference temperature curve Lref in FIG. 12 described above. The period Δt for determining the amount of cooked rice may be set arbitrarily in the cooking process (2), and may be, for example, the entire cooking process (2).

In the case of the present embodiment, the ideal curve is set according to the three kinds of cooked states set by the cooker switch 44, "soft A", "normal B", and "hard C". As shown in A, B, and C of FIG. 5, three types of ideal curves Lref (L), Lref with different cooking times and cooking temperatures are shown.
(M) and Lref (H) are set in the heater control section of the microcomputer 23, and any one of the ideal curves A, B, and C corresponding to the cooking state set by the cooking switch 44 is set. Is automatically selected.

Next, FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the separate cooking control operation by the microcomputer 23 when cooking rice.

First, after the water absorption step, in step S ₁ , the microcomputer 23 continuously turns on the transistor 37 and the relay 31 continuously. Thereby, the electric power from the commercial AC power supply 50 is continuously supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ (H ₁ = ON), and heating of the rice cooker 6 is started.
At this time, the duty ratio of power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ is 1
(H ₁ = 14/14). Here, the numerical value 1
Reference numeral 4 indicates a maximum energization time to the heater of 14 seconds.

Next, in step S ₂ , the temperature sensing element 72 is
Been temperature T of rice unit 6 in the detected whether or less if the number of determined data acquisition start temperature To (To = 71 ℃) is determined, the power failure check in step S _3, if the same temperature the To ° C. or less was still undergoing the power supply at a duty ratio of 1 to cooking heater H ₁ on the detected temperature T is advanced to the first step S ₄ exceeds the to ° C..

In step S ₄ , the cycle m (m = 0, 1, 2, ... N) corresponding to the temperature T detected by the temperature sensitive element 72 and the reference temperature curve Lref in FIG. Is compared with a reference temperature Tm ₁ which is a preset number of times of data acquisition.

The internal memory (ROM) of the microcomputer 23 has characteristics Lref (L) and Lref shown in FIG.
(M), Lref level each cooking divided according to (H) A, B, first to fourth predetermined time is set in place of each C t ₁ ~t ₄ (e.g. t ₁ = 12 sec for soft turtle A , For ordinary B t ₂ = 10
Seconds, stiffer C t ₃ = 8 seconds, other D t ₄ = 6
The reference temperature Tm ₁ (m = 0, 1, 2, ... N) indicating each point on the reference temperature curve Lref for each second) is stored as a table, and the first to fourth predetermined times are stored. The temperature T of the rice cooker 6 for each t _{1 to} t ₄ and the reference temperature Tm ₁ are compared in step S ₄ .

As a result of this comparison, if the temperature T of the rice cooker 6 detected by the temperature sensing element 72 exceeds the reference temperature Tm ₁ corresponding to each cooking level (NO), step S
_{In step 6} , the transistor 37 is cut off to stop the power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ , and in step S ₇ , the heater OFF accumulated time Ta for stopping the power supply to the rice cooking heater H _{1 in} each cycle is Ta.
~ Td is integrated.

On the other hand, in step S ₄ , the rice cooker 6 is
When it is determined that the temperature T of the transistor 3 is equal to or lower than the reference temperature Tm ₁ (YES), the process proceeds to step S ₅ and the transistor 3
7 is continuously conductive, and the duty ratio is 1
Power is supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ at (14/14), and it is sequentially determined in steps S ₈ , S ₁₁ , and S ₁₃ what the actual setting of the cooking state by the user is actually.

[0040] That is, first, in step S _8, a judgment set state of the current user of whether or not "soft turtle A", "soft of FIG 5 when YES is further proceeds to step S ₉ The first predetermined time t ₁ according to the cooking characteristic Lref (L) of the ideal heating curve A corresponding to "turtle A" has elapsed (t ₁ =
0) It is determined whether or not. When the answer is NO, the process goes to steps S ₁₁ and S ₁₃ to determine whether the set in the same cooked state is “normal B”, “hard C”, or other (harder = off) D ”. Execute the judgment. Then, in step S ₁₁ , Y
In the case of ES (“normal A”), the process proceeds to step S ₁₂ and the above FIG.
Of the ideal heating curve B of the second heating characteristic Lref (B)
5, whether or not a predetermined time t ₂ has elapsed, and if YES in step S ₁₃ (“hard C”), the process proceeds to step S ₁₄ and the above-mentioned FIG.
Of the ideal heating curve C for cooking Lref (H)
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time t _{3 of} has passed. Also,
NO in all of the determination in step S _8, S _11, S ₁₃
When it is judged as "Other (harder) D" rice cooked,
Proceeds to step S ₁₅ "other (more stiff) D" determines the ideal heating curve course by cook-up characteristics of the (not shown) of the fourth predetermined time t _4.

As a result, the above steps S ₉ , S ₁₂ , S ₁₄ , S
_{When the} predetermined time (t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ ) for at least each characteristic determined as NO in each determination of ₁₅ has not elapsed, step S ₁₆ once confirms the power failure and then the above Step S
₄ Continue the operation after that.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgments in the above steps S ₉ , S ₁₂ , S ₁₄ , S ₁₅ , when it is judged that t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ are 0 (YES) respectively, step S respectively. _{In step 10} , it is determined whether or not the integrated parameter m has reached a predetermined number of times n (completion judgment data import end state), and m = n is not satisfied yet.
O the integrated parameter m in step S ₁₇ when the m = m +
The above step S _{4 after} incrementing 1 cycle for 1 cycle
The subsequent operation is repeated. On the other hand, when m = n (YES), the program then proceeds to step S _18, to determine whether a special menu "porridge" whether setting of the cooking states which require modulation of example Mizukagen itself, If YES, go to the separately prepared "porridge" cooking flow, while NO
If it is not "porridge", then steps S ₁₉ , S ₂₂ , S
Proceed to step ₂₄ and reconfirm the above-mentioned cooking status.

When the reconfirmation of the cooked state is completed, the cooked state is confirmed, "soft A", "normal B", "hard C", and "other D", respectively. The total number determination based on the cooking characteristics and the heating amount corresponding to the total number determination are set (steps S ₂₀ , S ₂₃ , S ₂₅ , S ₂₆ ). The concrete contents of the processes A, B, C and D in the steps S ₂₀ , S ₂₃ , S ₂₅ and S ₂₆ are shown in detail in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0044] That is, the process proceeds to step S ₂₀₁ in FIG. 7 is first followed YES determination in step A in the step S ₁₉ in step S ₂₀ (soft turtle confirmation), corresponding to the cooked-up state of the "soft turtle" The heater OFF time (accumulated time for n times) Ta under the above cooking characteristic Lref (L) is the first predetermined value.
It is determined whether it is within the set time T _{1 or} less. As a result, when YES is determined, it is determined that the heating time is maximum and the large amount of rice is being cooked, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is Ha ₁ (Ha ₁ = 14/14) in the following steps S ₂₀₂ and S _203. ),
The duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ is set to ha ₁ (ha ₁ = 0/14), and after sufficient heating by the rice cooking heater H ₁ , the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ). As a result, the "soft rice A" cooking state for the maximum first rice cooking amount is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, in step _S201 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Ta, further steps S ₂₀₄ to moved by the heater OFF time Ta second set time above T ₁ greater than less than _one said first set time 0 to T T ₂ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, when YES is determined, the heating time is relatively long, and it is determined that it is the second rice cooking amount next to the maximum rice cooking amount, and in the subsequent steps S ₂₀₅ and S ₂₀₆ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined. Is set to Ha ₂ (Ha ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ is set to ha ₂ (ha ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second rice cooking amount is performed. Boiling process (step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "soft A" for the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[0046] In addition, heater OFF of the step S ₂₀₄
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Ta is further step moves to S ₂₀₇ the heater OFF time Ta third setting time greater than ₁ through T less than ₂ the second set time T T ₂
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of the above T ₃ or less. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps S ₂₀₈ and S _209. To H
a ₃ (Ha ₃ = 10/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ are set to ha ₃ (ha ₃ = 4/14) respectively, and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned third rice cooking amount, boiling is performed. Process (Step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "soft rice A" with respect to the third amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Further, the heater OF in step _S207 is turned on.
When the result of the determination of F time Ta is NO, it is determined that it is the fourth amount of rice cooking, which is the smallest amount, and the following step S
_{At 210} and S ₂₁₁ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is changed to Ha.
₄ (Ha ₄ = 9/14), the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ is ha
₄ (ha ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ) is performed. As a result, the cooked state of "soft rice A" with respect to the fourth amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Next, YES determination in step B in the step S ₂₂ in step S ₂₃ subsequent to (usually check) proceeds to step S ₂₃₁ in FIG. 8, corresponding to the cooked-up state of the "normal B" It determines whether within the heater OFF time (n times integration time) Tb is less than T ₄ predetermined fourth set time under the cook-up characteristics Lref (M). As a result, if YES, the heating time is the maximum, and it is determined that it is the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, and the subsequent step S
_Set the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ to Hb at ₂₃₂ and S _233.
1 (Hb ₁ = 14/14), the duty ratio of the heat retention heater H ₂
After setting to hb ₁ (hb ₁ = 0/14) and performing sufficient heating corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice, a boiling step (step S _{2 1} )
Move to. As a result, the "normal B" cooking state for the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Meanwhile, the heater OFF in step S ₂₃₁
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tb further step S ₂₃₄ in moved by the heater OFF time Tb is above a fourth set time 0~T greater than less than ₄ fifth set time T ₄ or T ₅ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, when YES is determined, the heating time is relatively long, and it is determined that it is the second rice cooking amount after the maximum rice cooking amount, and in the subsequent steps S ₂₃₅ and S ₂₃₆ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined. Hb ₂ (Hb ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ to hb ₂ (hb ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice, Boiling process (step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "ordinary B" with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[0050] In addition, heater OFF of the step S ₂₃₄
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tb is further the heater OFF time Tb sixth setting time of greater than less than the set time T ₄ through T ₅ of the first 5 T ₅ proceeds to step S ₂₃₇
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of T ₆ or more. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the time of the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps S ₂₃₈ and S _239. To H
_{b 3 (Hb 3 = 10/} 14), boiling the duty ratio of the insulation heater H ₂ to the after sufficient heating corresponding to the third cooking amount is set each _{hb 3 (hb 3 = 4/} 14) Process (Step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "normal B" with respect to the third cooked rice amount is appropriately realized.

Further, the heater OF of the above step _S237 is
When the result of the determination of F time Tb is NO, it is determined that it is the fourth amount of rice cooking, which is the smallest amount, and the following step S
_{At 240} and S ₂₄₁ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is changed to Hb.
₄ (Hb ₄ = 9/14), set the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ to hb
₄ (hb ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ) is performed. As a result, "ordinary B" for the 4th rice cooking amount
The cooked state of is properly realized.

[0052] In addition, following the YES determination processing in step S ₂₄ in C in step S ₂₅ (firm confirmation), the process proceeds to step S ₂₅₁ in FIG. 9, the corresponding to the cooked-up state of the "harder C" It is determined whether the heater OFF time (n times accumulated time) Tc under the cooking characteristic Lref (H) is within a range of less than a predetermined seventh set time T ₇ . As a result, if YES, the heating time is the maximum, and it is determined that it is the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, and the following step S
_{In 252} and S ₂₅₃ , change the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ to Hc.
₁ (Hc ₁ = 14/14), the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂
After setting the hc ₁ (hc ₁ = 0/14) respectively and performing sufficient heating corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice, the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ).
Move to. As a result, the "hard C" cooking state with respect to the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, in step _S251 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tc is further step S ₂₅₄ in moved by the heater OFF time Tc is the eighth set time T ₇ or more greater than the less than the seventh set time 0 to T ₇ T ₈ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, when YES is determined, the heating time is relatively long, and it is determined that it is the second rice cooking amount after the maximum rice cooking amount, and in the subsequent steps S ₂₅₅ and S ₂₅₆ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined. Hc ₂ (Hc ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ to hc ₂ (hc ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice, Boiling process (step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "hard C" with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[0054] In addition, heater OFF of the step S ₂₅₄
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tc is further step S ₂₅₇ moves in to the heater OFF time Tc ninth set time greater than the less than eighth set time T ₇ through T ₈ T ₈
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of T ₉ or less. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the time of the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps S ₂₅₈ and S _259. To H
_{c 3 (Hc 3 = 10/} 14), boiling the duty ratio of the insulation heater H ₂ after set respectively were sufficient heating corresponding to the third cooking amount _{hc 3 (hc 3 = 4/} 14) Process (Step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "hard C" with respect to the third amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Further, the heater OF in step _S257 is turned on.
When the result of the determination of F time Tc is NO, it is determined that the time is the smallest amount of the fourth rice cooking, and the following step S
_260, the duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in S ₂₆₁ Hc
₄ (Hc ₄ = 9/14), and set the duty ratio of the heater H ₂ to hc
₄ (hc ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ) is performed. As a result, "hard C" for the 4th rice amount
The cooked state of is properly realized.

[0056] On the other hand, the step S ₂₄ determines in addition stiffer cooking state than the determined normal "harder C" rice also NO, for example when the other "rice with red beans D", step S ₂₆
Proceed to D processing.

[0057] that is, NO determination processing in step S ₂₄ in D in step S ₂₆ subsequent to (further confirmation harder), the program proceeds to a step S ₂₆₁ in FIG. 10, corresponding to the cook-up state of the "further harder" The above cooking characteristics Lref (HMA
Heater OFF time under (X) (total time for n times) T
It is determined whether d is within the range of less than the predetermined tenth set time T ₁₀ . As a result, if YES, it is determined that the heating time is the maximum, and it is the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is Hd in the subsequent steps S ₂₆₂ and S _{263. 1} (Hd ₁ = 14/14), heater H
The duty ratio of ₂ is set to hd ₁ (hd ₁ = 0/14) and sufficient heating corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice is performed, and then the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ). As a result, the other D “harder” cooking state with respect to the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, in step _S261 , the heater is turned off.
If the result of the determination of the time Td is NO, the process further proceeds to step _S264 , and the heater OFF time Td is the tenth value.
11 set time greater than the less than the set time 0 to T ₁₀ T ₁₀
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of T ₁₁ or more. As a result, a relatively large heating time when YES, the aforementioned maximum second only to rice amount is determined to be a time of rice amount, the subsequent step S _265, S ₂₆₆ Hd duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in ₂
(Hd ₂ = 12/14), set the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ to h
After setting d ₂ (hd ₂ = 2/14) and performing sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice, the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "harder" of the other D with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[0059] In addition, heater OFF of the step S ₂₆₄
When the determination of the time Td is NO, the process further proceeds to step _S267 , and the heater OFF time Td is the 11th
Setting determines whether the time is in the T ₁₀ through T 12 set time T ₁₁ or T in the range of less than ₁₂ greater than less than _11. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the subsequent steps S ₂₆₈ and S _269. Is set to Hd ₃ (Hd ₃ = 10/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ is set to hd ₃ (hd ₃ = 4/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned third rice cooking amount is performed. shifts to the boiling process (step S _21). As a result, the other D "harder" cooked state with respect to the third cooked rice amount is appropriately realized.

Further, the heater OF of the above step _S267 is set.
If NO is determined in the F time Td, it is determined that it is the fourth amount of rice cooking, which is the smallest amount, and the subsequent step S
_260, S ₂₆₁ Hd duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in
₄ (Hd ₄ = 9/14), and set the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ to hd
₄ (hd ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₁ ) is performed. As a result, other D for the above-mentioned fourth rice cooking amount
The "harder" cooked state is properly realized.

(2) Second Embodiment In the configuration of the electric rice cooker of the first embodiment described above, as shown in steps S _{4 to} S ₇ of FIG. For the integration of the time, the previously described method shown in FIG. 17 was used.

However, according to this method, the amount of cooked rice is determined based on either the integrated time when power is supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ or the integrated time when power supply is stopped within a predetermined time, and each integrated time is If one is determined, the other is determined from the above-mentioned predetermined time, so that there is one independent variable for determining the amount of cooked rice. On the other hand, even if the amount of cooked rice is the same, the degree of adhesion (the degree of thermal coupling) between the cooker 6 and the cooker heater H ₁ for each cooker, and the cooker 6 and the temperature-sensitive element 72 are the same as the above cumulative time. Variations inevitably occur due to variations in the degree of adhesion (degree of thermal coupling) of. This variation directly becomes an error factor in the determination of the amount of cooked rice based on the above-mentioned one independent variable, and causes the accuracy of the determination of the amount of cooked rice to deteriorate.

Further, when determining the amount of cooked rice, power is supplied to the cooked rice heater H ₁ by the reference temperature curve Lref of FIG. 17 and the temperature T of the rice cooker 6.
Based only on comparison with, simply turn on relay /
Since so as to turn off the heating and rapid due to full power feeding (14/14) to cooking heater H _1, and a rapid cooling by power supply stop to the cooking heater H ₁ is repeated, therefore the reference temperature curve There is a problem that Lref and the actual temperature change of the rice cooker 6 do not always match well and that ideal heating control cannot always be realized.

In view of this, the present embodiment solves the above-mentioned technical problems so that the amount of cooked rice can be determined more accurately. For example, as shown in FIG.
Temperature curve Lre corresponding to the ideal time change of the temperature of
For f, an upper limit curve L ₁₁ shifted by a predetermined temperature width to the low temperature side and a lower limit curve L ₁₂ shifted by a predetermined temperature width to the low temperature side are set, and the temperature of the rice cooker 6 is set to the above. When the value is between the lower limit curve L ₁₂ and the upper limit curve L ₁₁ , a predetermined first electric power is supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ , and when the temperature of the rice cooker 6 exceeds the upper limit curve L ₁₁ , the rice cooking is performed. The amount of cooked rice is calculated based on the difference S ₁ -S ₂ between the time S ₁ when the power supply to the heater H ₁ is stopped and the predetermined second power is supplied to the rice cooker H ₁ and the time S ₂ when the power supply is stopped. Is determined.

With such a configuration, when the measured value of the temperature of the rice cooker 6 is in the area including the reference temperature curve Lref between the upper limit curve L ₁₁ and the lower limit curve L ₁₂ , the rice cooking heater H ₁ Is supplied with a predetermined first power, and if higher than the upper limit curve L ₁₁ , power supply is stopped, and if lower than the lower limit curve L ₁₂ , predetermined second power is supplied. To determine the amount of cooked rice, the time S ₁ when the temperature of the cooker 6 is below the lower limit curve L ₁₂ and a predetermined second power is supplied to the cooker heater H ₁ and the temperature of the cooker 6 exceeds the upper limit curve L ₁₁ . It is performed by evaluating the difference S ₁ -S ₂ from the time S ₂ when the power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ is stopped. When the amount of cooked rice is large, when the above-mentioned first electric power is supplied, the gain change of the rice cooker 6 tends to fall below the reference temperature curve Lref. If the amount of cooked rice is small, the temperature change of the rice cooker 6 tends to exceed the reference temperature curve Lref when the first power is supplied. Therefore, the amount of cooked rice can be determined based on the time difference S ₁ -S ₂ .

Further, since the state of supplying the second electric power to the rice cooking heater H ₁ and the state of stopping the electric power supply are switched based on the two curves of the upper limit curve L ₁₁ and the lower limit curve L ₁₂ ,
The time S ₁ for supplying the second power and the time S ₂ for stopping the power supply are not in a dependent relationship, and so to speak, there are two independent variables for determining the amount of cooked rice. That is, since the above-mentioned determination of the amount of cooked rice is performed by mixing these two independent variables, it is possible to suppress the variation in the determination result of the amount of cooked rice.

Further, when the measured value of the temperature of the rice cooker 6 is in the area including the reference temperature curve Lref between the upper limit curve L ₁₁ and the lower limit curve L ₁₂ , the rice cooking heater H ₁ is supplied with a predetermined first electric power. Since the temperature of the rice cooker 6 is supplied, the temperature of the rice cooker 6 is compared with the conventional method in which the power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ is simply turned on / off by comparing the reference temperature curve Lref with the measured value of the temperature of the rice cooker 6. The change can be brought as close as possible to the reference temperature curve Lref.

In this case, the above-mentioned first power and second power may be set corresponding to, for example, a large-sized, medium-sized or small-sized electric rice cooker.

The relationship between the first power and the second power is preferably that the first power is set smaller than the second power in order to bring the temperature change of the rice cooker 6 close to the reference temperature curve Lref. However, the amount of cooked rice can be satisfactorily determined even when the first power is higher than the second power.

Therefore, in the cooking control system having the configuration of the first embodiment, if the rice cooking amount determination method of this embodiment is adopted, the accuracy of the cooking rice determination can be further improved, and the heating amount in each cooking state can be improved. Will be more appropriate, and a more accurate cooking control function can be realized.

(3) Third Embodiment In the configuration of the electric rice cooker of the first embodiment described above, when the rice cooked amount determination data is presupposed to be cooked separately, the set cooked state (“soft A”) is used. , "Ordinary B", "hard C", and "other (offer) D"), the judgment time was changed using a timer (t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ , t ₄ ).

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the determination time t is constant (t _{1 to} t ₄ = 10 seconds), and the temperature widths (temperature rows) set on the contrary are Tl (L row: softening A). , Tm (M row: ordinary B), Th (H
It is characterized in that the same purpose is achieved by making the row: harder C), Ts (Hh row: other D) different depending on the cooked state.

12 to 16 show the configuration of the cooking control system of the electric rice cooker of this embodiment.

That is, FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the cooking control operation of the microcomputer 23 when cooking rice.

First, after the water supply step, in step S ₁ , the microcomputer 23 continuously makes the transistor 37 conductive and the relay 31 continuously conductive. Thereby, the electric power from the commercial AC power supply 50 is continuously supplied to the rice cooking heater H ₁ (H ₁ = ON), and heating of the rice cooker 6 is started.
At this time, the duty ratio of power supply to the rice cooking heater H ₁ is 1
(H ₁ = 14/14).

Next, in step S ₂ , the temperature sensing element 72 is
Been temperature T of rice unit 6 in the detected whether or less if the number of determined data acquisition start temperature To (To = 71 ℃) is determined, the power failure check in step S _3, if the same temperature the To ° C. or less was still undergoing the power supply at a duty ratio of 1 to cooking heater H ₁ on the detected temperature T is advanced to the first step S ₄ exceeds the to ° C..

In step S ₄ , the reference temperature of the cycle m (m = 0, 1, 2, ... N) corresponding to the temperature T detected by the temperature sensing element 72 and the reference temperature curve Lref of FIG. Tm ₁
Is compared with.

In the internal memory (ROM) of the microcomputer 23, the reference temperature Tm ₁ (m = 0) indicating each point on the upper limit reference temperature curve Lref for each predetermined time tn (for example, tn = 10 seconds). , 1, 2, ... N) are stored as a table, and the temperature T of the rice cooker 6 and the reference temperature Tm ₁ for each predetermined time tn are compared in step S ₄ .

As a result of this comparison, if the temperature T of the rice cooker 6 detected by the temperature sensing element 72 exceeds the upper limit reference temperature Tm _1.
(When NO), the power is stopped to cooking heater H ₁ by blocking the transistor 37 in step S _6, Ta to Td is further step S ₇ in cooking heater H heater OFF accumulated time of the power supply stop to ₁ Accumulated.

On the other hand, in step S ₄ , the rice cooker 6 is
When it is determined that the temperature T of is less than or equal to the case outside the reference temperature Tm (YES), the operation proceeds to step S ₅ and subsequent steps, and the cooked state set by the user is first “soft A”. Whether or not it is "normal B" if it is not "soft A", and "normal B" even if it is "soft A"
However, if it is not, "harder C" or "other (harder)"
Whether the D "sequential steps S _5, S _10, going to each determined at S _12.

[0081] As a result of the respective judgment, for example, in the case of "soft turtle A". In step S _6, the determination time
It is determined whether or not the temperature width T to be determined for each tn is equal to or lower than the reference temperature Tl ° C. corresponding to the “soft A”, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S ₇ to turn on the rice heating heater H ₁ . ON
(H ₁ = 14/14).

[0082] Also, the above determination result, proceeds then to step S ₁₁ in the case for example of a "normal B", the reference to the determination time tn the temperature range T to be determined for each is corresponding to the "normal B" It is determined whether or not the temperature is Tm ₁ ° C. or lower, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S ₇ and the rice cooking heater H ₁ is similarly turned on.

[0083] Further, also the result of the determination, for example in the case of "firm C". In step S _13, the temperature range T to be determined for each of the determination time tn is corresponding to the "firm C" It is determined whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than the reference temperature Th ° C. If YES, the process proceeds to step S ₇ and the rice cooking heater H ₁ is similarly turned on.

[0084] Further the determination result, for example, "other (more stiff) D 'proceeds then to step S ₁₄ in the case of the temperature range T to be determined for each of the determination time tn is the" other (more firm ) D ”, the temperature is equal to or lower than the reference temperature Ts ° C., and if YES, the process proceeds to step S ₇ and the rice cooking heater H ₁ is turned on similarly to the above.

After that, when each of the above processes is completed, the process proceeds to step S ₁₆ and the set integration time (70 ° C.
105 up to ℃) the course of the tn the (tn = 0?) To determine, when the tn has not elapsed, to continue the operation of the step S ₄ after on that once was once carried out the power failure checked in step S ₁₆ .. On the other hand, when the result of the decision in step S _16, the tn is 0 (elapsed: YES) and when it is judged further willing to temperature column softness Me A set in the heater control unit to step S ₁₇ It is determined whether or not it is the corresponding L column. As a result, YE
In the case of S (L row), the process further proceeds to step S ₁₈ and it is determined whether or not the number of times (the number of times of end of loading) n ₁ of the rice cooking amount determination data corresponding to the L row is reached. On the other hand, H column or M column or not corresponding to the ordinary B, also corresponding further stiffer C moves to step S ₂₃ if not a M sequence in L sequence further proceeds to step S ₂₁ when the NO Whether or not each is determined.

[0086] Then, the process proceeds to next step S ₂₂ when the YES is M rows determined in the step S _21, whether or not reached the acquisition count n ₂ of rice amount determination data associated with the M columns To judge.

If it is in the H column, further step S ₂₄
Willing, the H train whether reaches the rice amount determination data acquisition times n ₃ corresponding to further "other columns proceeds to step S ₂₅ when neither H column in M columns in L columns It is determined whether or not the number n ₄ of times of fetching rice cooking amount determination data corresponding to Hh has been reached.

Then, the above steps S ₁₈ , S ₂₂ , S ₂₄ , S
The result of each count determination _25, when the NO (when the rice amount determination data acquisition is not completed) is in terms of the integration parameter m of the data acquisition and one period Enkurimento to m = m + 1 in step S ₂₀ The operation (data input) after step S ₄ is repeated. On the other hand, the above steps S ₁₈ , S
_When data acquisition of m = n (YES) is completed in ₂₂ , S ₂₄ , S ₂₅ , the process proceeds to step S ₁₉ , and whether the above rice cooked state setting is a special menu “porridge” that requires water adjustment, for example. It determines whether, the process proceeds to cook up flow "porridge" which is separately set when YES, the further sequential steps when not "porridge" of the other _{nO S 26, S 29, S} 31
Proceed to and reconfirm the state of cooking separately.

When reconfirmation of the cooked state is completed, according to the confirmed cooked state, "soft A", "normal B", "hard C", and "other (offer) D". The sum determination based on the cooking characteristics and the heating amount corresponding to the sum determination are set (steps S ₂₇ , S ₃₀ , and S ₃₃ ). Specific contents of the processes A, B, C, and D in steps S ₂₇ , S ₃₀ , S ₃₂ , and S ₃₃ are described in detail in FIGS. 13 to 16.

That is, first, in the process A of step S ₂₇ , following the YES determination (confirmation of softness) in step S ₂₆ , the process proceeds to step S ₂₇₁ in FIG. 13 to correspond to the cooked state of “softness A”. It is determined whether or not the heater OFF time (n-time integrated time) Ta under the above-mentioned cooking characteristic Lref (L) is within a range of less than a predetermined first set time T ₁ . As a result, if YES, it is determined that the heating time is the maximum, and it is the first rice cooking amount of the large rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is Ha in the subsequent steps S ₂₇₂ and S _273.
1 (Ha ₁ = 14/14), the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂
After ha ₁ (ha ₁ = 0/14) is set and sufficient heating is performed, the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "soft rice A" with respect to the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, the heater is turned off in step _S271 .
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Ta, further steps S ₂₇₄ to moved by the heater OFF time Ta second set time above T ₁ greater than less than _one said first set time 0 to T T ₂ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, when YES is determined, the heating time is relatively long, and it is determined that it is the second rice cooking amount after the maximum rice cooking amount, and in the subsequent steps S ₂₇₅ and S ₂₇₆ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined. Is set to Ha ₂ (Ha ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ is set to ha ₂ (ha ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second rice cooking amount is performed. Boiling process (step S
₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "soft A" for the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Further, in step _S274 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Ta, further the heater OFF time Ta third setting time greater than ₁ through T less than ₂ the second set time T T ₂ moves to step S ₂₇₇
It is determined whether or not it is in the range of T ₃ or more and less than T ₃ . As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the time of the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps S ₂₇₈ and S _279. To H
a ₃ (Ha ₃ = 10/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ are set to ha ₃ (ha ₃ = 4/14) respectively, and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned third rice cooking amount, boiling is performed. Process (Step S
Go to ₂₁ ). As a result, the cooked state of "soft rice A" with respect to the third amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Further, the heater OF in step S ₂₇₇ is used.
When the result of the determination of F time Ta is NO, it is determined that it is the fourth amount of rice cooking, which is the smallest amount, and the following step S
The duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is set to Ha at ₂₈₀ and S _281.
4 (Ha ₄ = 9/14), the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ is ha
₄ (ha ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ) is performed. As a result, the cooked state of "soft rice A" with respect to the fourth amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Next, in the process B of the above step S ₃₀ , following the YES judgment (normal confirmation) of the above step S ₂₉ , the process proceeds to step S ₃₀₁ in FIG. 14 to deal with the cooked state of the “normal B”. It determines whether within the heater OFF time (n times integration time) Tb is less than T ₄ predetermined fourth set time under the cook-up characteristics Lref (M). As a result, if YES, the heating time is the maximum, and it is determined that it is the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, and the subsequent step S
_{At 302} and S ₃₀₃ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is set to Hb.
₁ (Hb ₁ = 14/14), the duty ratio of the heat retention heater H ₂
After setting to hb ₁ (hb ₁ = 0/14) and performing sufficient heating corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice, a boiling step (step S ₂₈ ).
Move to. As a result, the "normal B" cooking state for the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, in step _S301 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tb further step S ₃₀₄ in moved by the heater OFF time Tb is above a fourth set time 0~T greater than less than ₄ fifth set time T ₄ or T ₅ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, a relatively large heating time when YES, the it is determined that the time of the second cooking amount next to the maximum cooking amount, followed by the duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in step S _305, S ₃₀₆ Hb ₂ (Hb ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ to hb ₂ (hb ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice, Boiling process (step S
₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "ordinary B" with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Further, in step _S304 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tb is further the heater OFF time Tb sixth setting time of greater than less than the set time T ₄ through T ₅ of the first 5 T ₅ proceeds to step S ₃₀₇
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of T ₆ or more. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the subsequent steps S ₃₀₈ and S _309. To H
_{b 3 (Hb 3 = 10/} 14), boiling the duty ratio of the insulation heater H ₂ to the after sufficient heating corresponding to the third cooking amount is set each _{hb 3 (hb 3 = 4/} 14) Process (Step S
₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "normal B" with respect to the third cooked rice amount is appropriately realized.

[0097] In addition, the heater OF of the above-mentioned step S ₃₀₇
When the result of the determination of F time Tb is NO, it is determined that the time is the smallest amount of the fourth cooked rice, and the following step S
_{At 410} and S ₄₁₁ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is changed to Hb.
₄ (Hb ₄ = 9/14), set the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ to hb
₄ (hb ₄ = 5/14) is set to perform sufficient heating corresponding to the fourth amount of cooked rice, and then the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ) is performed. As a result, "ordinary B" for the 4th rice cooking amount
The cooked state of is properly realized.

Further, in the processing C of the above step S ₃₂ , following the YES judgment (confirmation of hardness) of the above step S ₃₁ , the process proceeds to step S ₃₂₁ in FIG. 15, and the above-mentioned "hardness C" corresponding to the cooked state is dealt with. It is determined whether the heater OFF time (n times accumulated time) Tc under the cooking characteristic Lref (H) is within a range of less than a predetermined seventh set time T ₇ . As a result, if YES, the heating time is the maximum, and it is determined that it is the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, and the following step S
_322, the duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in S ₃₂₃ Hc
₁ (Hc ₁ = 14/14), the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂
After setting each to hc ₁ (hc ₁ = 0/14) and performing sufficient heating corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice, a boiling step (step S ₂₈ ).
Move to. As a result, the "hard C" cooking state with respect to the maximum amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

On the other hand, in step _S321 , the heater is turned off.
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tc is further step S ₃₂₄ in moved by the heater OFF time Tc is the eighth set time T ₇ or more greater than the less than the seventh set time 0 to T ₇ T ₈ It is determined whether it is within the range below. As a result, a relatively large heating time when YES, the it is determined that the time of the second cooking amount next to the maximum cooking amount, followed by the duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in step S _325, S ₃₂₆ Hc ₂ (Hc ₂ = 12/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ to hc ₂ (hc ₂ = 2/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice, Boiling process (step S
₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "hard C" with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[0100] In addition, heater OFF of the step S ₃₂₄
When it is determined NO in the determination of the time Tc is further step S ₃₂₇ moves in to the heater OFF time Tc ninth set time greater than the less than eighth set time T ₇ through T ₈ T ₈
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of T ₉ or less. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the time of the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps S ₃₂₈ and S _329. To H
_{c 3 (Hc 3 = 10/} 14), boiling the duty ratio of the insulation heater H ₂ after set respectively were sufficient heating corresponding to the third cooking amount _{hc 3 (hc 3 = 4/} 14) Process (Step S
₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of "hard C" with respect to the third amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Furthermore, the heater OF of the above step _S327 is set.
When the result of the determination of F time Tc is NO, it is determined that the time is the smallest amount of the fourth rice cooking, and the following step S
_330, the duty ratio of the cooking heater H ₁ in S ₃₃₁ Hc
₄ (Hc ₄ = 9/14), and set the duty ratio of the heater H ₂ to hc
₄ (hc ₄ = 5/14) respectively, and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned fourth amount of cooked rice, the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ). As a result, "hard C" for the 4th rice amount
The cooked state of is properly realized.

[0102] On the other hand, "firm C" cooking state of still harder than cooking determine also the determination is NO in the normal in step S _31, for example when the "rice with red beans" Other D, the step S ₃₃
Proceed to D processing.

[0103] that is, NO determination in step S ₃₁ the processing D step S ₃₃ subsequent to (further confirmation harder), the program proceeds to a step S ₃₃₁ in FIG. 16, the cooking raised state of the D "further harder" Corresponding above cooking process characteristics Lref (H
It is determined whether or not the heater OFF time (maximum time of n times) Td under MAX is within a range less than the predetermined tenth set time T ₁₀ . As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is the maximum and that the first rice cooking amount, which is the maximum rice cooking amount, is being reached, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is Hd in the following steps S ₃₃₂ and S _{333. 1} (Hd ₁ = 14/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ were set to hd ₁ (hd ₁ = 0/14), respectively, and sufficient heating was performed corresponding to the first amount of cooked rice, followed by the boiling step. the process proceeds to (step S _28). As a result, the state of D "harder" for the maximum amount of cooked rice is properly realized.

On the other hand, in step _S331 , the heater is turned off.
When the determination of the time Td is NO, the process further proceeds to step _S334 and the heater OFF time Td is the tenth time.
11 set time T is greater than the set time 0~T less than ₁₀
It is determined whether or not it is within the range of ₁₀ or more and less than T ₁₁ . As a result, if YES, the heating time is relatively long, and it is determined that the cooking amount is the second largest amount of rice, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is set to H in subsequent steps S ₃₃₅ and S _336.
Set the duty ratio of d ₂ (Hd ₂ = 12/14) and the heater H ₂ to hd ₂ (hd ₂ = 2/14) respectively, and boil after performing sufficient heating corresponding to the second amount of cooked rice. Process (Step S ₂₈ )
Move to. As a result, the cooked state of D “harder” with respect to the second amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

Also, in step _S334 , the heater is turned off.
If the result of the determination of the time Td is NO, the process further proceeds to step _S337 and the heater OFF time Td is the 11th
Setting determines whether the time is in the T ₁₀ through T 12 set time T ₁₁ or T in the range of less than ₁₂ greater than less than _11. As a result, when YES, it is determined that the heating time is medium and it is the third rice cooking amount after the second rice cooking amount, and the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is determined in the following steps _S338 and _S339. Is set to Hd ₃ (Hd ₃ = 10/14) and the duty ratio of the heat-retaining heater H ₂ is set to hd ₃ (hd ₃ = 4/14), and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned third rice cooking amount is performed. The process moves to the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of D "harder" with respect to the third rice cooking amount is appropriately realized.

Furthermore, the heater OF of the above step _S337
If NO is determined in the F time Td, it is determined that it is the fourth amount of rice cooking, which is the smallest amount, and the subsequent step S
_{At 340} and S ₃₄₁ , the duty ratio of the rice cooking heater H ₁ is changed to Hd.
₄ (Hd ₄ = 9/14), and set the duty ratio of the heat insulation heater H ₂ to hd
₄ (hd ₄ = 5/14) respectively, and after sufficient heating corresponding to the above-mentioned fourth amount of cooked rice, the process proceeds to the boiling step (step S ₂₈ ). As a result, the cooked state of D "harder" with respect to the fourth amount of cooked rice is appropriately realized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electric rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 4 is a basic heating characteristic diagram of the electric rice cooker during normal rice cooking.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a heating characteristic diagram of a plurality of types when the electric rice cooker separately cooks rice.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a cooking control operation of the electric rice cooker.

FIG. 7 is a step S ₂₀ of the flowchart of FIG. 6;
5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of FIG.

Figure 8 is a step S ₂₃ of the flowchart of FIG. 6
5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a step S ₂₅ of the flowchart of FIG. 6;
5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of step S ₂₆ of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing basic heating characteristics of an electric rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a cooking control operation of the electric rice cooker according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of step S ₂₇ of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of step S ₃₂ of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of step S ₃₃ of the flowchart of FIG.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of step S ₃₃ in the flowchart of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing basic heating characteristics of an electric rice cooker according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is an outer case, 5 is an inner container, 6 is a rice cooker, 22 is an operation board, 23 is a microcomputer, 29 is an AC power supply, 3
7, 38 and 39 are transistors, 44 is a cooking switch, H ₁ is a main heater, and H ₂ is a heat retention heater.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A rice cooker for storing rice and water, a rice cooker heater for heating the rice cooker, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the rice cooker, and a temperature detection for the temperature sensor. In an electric rice cooker including a heater control unit that controls heating of the rice cooker heater according to a value, the heater control unit is provided with a plurality of cookers corresponding to a plurality of levels of different levels from soft to hard. A control data setting unit for setting the heating amount control data of the heating characteristic is provided, and a cooking switch for designating the cooking states of the plurality of levels is provided, and the heater control unit is the cooking state designated by the cooking switch. An electric rice cooker characterized by being configured to perform heating control of the rice cooking heater by using heating control data of the heating characteristic of.