JP2004329866A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve a rice cooking performance by promoting impasting without drying boiled rice. <P>SOLUTION: The rice cooker includes a steam generating means 15, a steam heating means 13, and a steam path 14 connecting the steam generating means 15 and the steam heating means 13, the steam generating means 15 includes a water quantity detecting means 17, and the water quantity detection result is reported by an information means 18, obtaining a proper water quantity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker that utilizes steam having a boiling point higher than that of water to improve rice cooking performance.

  In a general household rice cooker, the pot heating means arranged at the bottom of the pot to heat the rice and water in the pot is mainly used, and the heating means in the lid is the rice in the pot, above the water. As a result of passing through the space, auxiliary heating results. Therefore, the heating amount of the rice in the upper layer in the pot was insufficient, and the rice and water in the pot could not be heated uniformly.

  Furthermore, in rice cooking, water is almost lost and the fluidity of the rice is lost.In the steaming process, which is the final step of rice cooking, the heating up to that point is continued to complete the gelatinization of rice starch. Although it is essential for cooking, if heating is continued in this step, the rice near the bottom of the pot will be scorched, and heating is often weakened.

  Means to prevent insufficient gelatinization due to weakening the heating and improve the rice cooking performance include a method in which an induction heating coil, which is a high heat source, is provided on the lid and the rice is heated from above the opening of the pot. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  FIG. 12 shows the configuration of Patent Document 1. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 51 denotes a main body case to which a bottom plate 53 having a support leg 52 is fixed on the lower surface. Reference numeral 54 denotes a protective frame made of a resin material having heat resistance, and a flange 55 provided on an upper peripheral portion is fixed to an upper surface of the main body case 51. 56 is a bottom surface heating induction coil mounted on the lower bottom of the protection frame 54, and 57 is a side surface heating induction coil installed on the lower side of the protection frame 54, having a magnetic metal layer housed in the protection frame 54. The pot 58 is heated by the bottom surface heating induction coil 56, and the rice and water contents in the pot 58 are cooked. Reference numeral 59 denotes a temperature sensor mounted in a through hole provided at the center of the bottom surface of the protection frame 54, and 60 denotes a lid having a knob 61, which is detachably mounted on a flange 55 at the upper end of the protection frame 54. In addition, an inner cover 62 made of heat-resistant plastics is fixed via a heat insulating material 63. Numeral 64 denotes an inner lid detachably mounted on the inner cover 62 by means of pins 70. The inner edge of the inner lid is placed on the brim of the pot 58 and covers the pot 58. Reference numeral 65 denotes a main body side upper induction coil installed on the inner surface of the flange 55 of the protection frame 54, which is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) in the main body case 51.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a lid-side induction coil that is excited by the main-body-side upper induction coil 15 and is mounted on a portion of the lid 60 that faces the main-body-side induction coil 65. The heating plate 67 formed of a magnetic metal plate is induction-heated by the magnetic flux of the induction coil 69, so that the rice cooker or the heater can be heated from above in the pot 58.

The basic configuration of Patent Literature 2 is the same as that of Patent Literature 1, and the details are omitted here.
Japanese Patent No. 2988050 JP-A-6-62956

  However, in the rice cooker of the above-mentioned conventional configuration, since the rice in the upper layer in the pot is directly heated by the heat radiation of the induction heating coil, in the steaming step, the moisture of the rice is evaporated and dried. A phenomenon has occurred. Therefore, if the whole rice in the pan is heated by the induction heating coil from the upper part of the pan to a temperature at which sufficient cooking performance can be ensured, the upper part of the pan will dry and conversely lose its taste. The taste was not perfect throughout the pot.

  Furthermore, despite the fact that the higher the amount of cooked rice, the higher the amount of heating, the higher the amount of cooked rice, the more the upper layer of rice gets closer to the induction heating coil, which makes it easier to dry, so the heating must be weakened. Was occurring.

  A first object of the present invention is to provide a rice cooker comprising: a pot; a steam generating unit having a steam generating unit to be supplied with water and generating steam to be supplied to the pan; and a steam heating unit configured to heat the steam generated by the steam generating unit. This can be solved by using a container.

  That is, by supplying superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or higher of water under atmospheric pressure to the rice from above the opening of the pot, firstly, the steam is supplied, so that the rice is not dried. In the following steam supply, water only adheres to the rice grain surface, but since it is steam of 100 ° C or more, it has the energy necessary to advance the gelatinization of rice, promotes gelatinization, and improves rice cooking performance That can be done.

  Furthermore, the optimum heating amount can be set regardless of the amount of cooked rice.

  However, in the case of the above configuration, a second problem newly occurs.

  The user previously puts water for generating steam to be put into the pot in the steam generating section. However, there are cases where the user forgets to put the water or does not have a sufficient amount of water. In this case, there is a second problem that the improvement of the rice cooking performance cannot be realized.

  The present invention also solves the second problem of the related art, and has a pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid for covering an opening of the pot, and a steam generator to be supplied with water. Steam generating means for generating steam to be supplied to the pot, steam heating means for heating the steam generated by the steam generating means, water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the steam generating container, and the water amount detecting means A rice cooker provided with a notification means for performing a notification determined by the detected water amount, and supplies a necessary amount of superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or more of water under atmospheric pressure to rice from above the pot opening. It can improve rice cooking performance.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while appropriately generating high-temperature steam and suppressing the operation of unnecessary steam generation means and the generation of high-temperature steam due to a shortage of water and the like, the gelatinization is promoted without the drying of rice, and the rice cooking performance is improved. Can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 1 has a pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid for covering an opening of the pot, and a steam generator to be supplied with water to generate steam to be supplied to the pot. Steam generating means, steam heating means for heating the steam generated by the steam generating means, water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the steam generating section, and a notification determined by the water amount detected by the water amount detecting means. By providing the notification means, it is possible to determine whether it is possible to supply a required amount of superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or more of water under atmospheric pressure to rice from above the pot opening. It can prompt the user to supply the necessary amount of water.

  The invention according to claim 2 has a pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid covering an opening of the pot, and a steam generator to be supplied with water to generate steam to be supplied to the pot. Steam generating means, steam heating means for heating the steam generated by the steam generating means, and water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the steam generating section, wherein the amount of water at the start of rice cooking or within a predetermined time from the start of rice cooking. By cooking rice in a sequence determined by the amount of water detected by the detecting means, superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or higher under atmospheric pressure of water under the atmospheric pressure within the range of the amount of water present in the steam heating unit is emitted above the opening of the pot. The rice can be supplied to the rice from above, and even if the amount of water is not sufficient, it is possible to perform rice cooking suitable for this while suppressing a decrease in rice cooking performance such as drying due to insufficient water amount.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, a menu for supplying steam and a menu for not supplying steam are provided. By not operating the detection means, in the case of a menu that does not need to detect the amount of water, it is possible to perform optimal rice cooking without performing an extra operation for detecting the amount of water.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, after a lapse of a predetermined time or more from the start of the rice cooking, rice cooking determined by the water amount detected by the water amount detecting means is performed. In this way, even if the amount of water fluctuates more than expected during cooking, depending on the amount of water at that time, superheated steam at or above the boiling point of water under atmospheric pressure (100 ° C.) is supplied above the pot opening. Can be supplied to rice.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the water amount detecting means detects that the water amount is equal to or less than a predetermined water amount after the operation of the steam generating means is started. By stopping the operation of the steam generating means thereafter, it is possible to prevent the steam generating means from operating in an empty state.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an empty detection unit and an appropriate water amount detection unit are provided as water amount detection units, so that each of them is optimized. By the method, it can be arranged at an optimal position, can be detected with higher accuracy, and more appropriate rice cooking can be performed.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a water supply unit for supplying necessary water to the steam generation unit, and the water amount detection unit includes the water supply unit. By detecting the amount of water of the means, the amount of water can be detected without being affected by heat or the like due to the operation of the steam generating means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the water amount detecting means according to any one of the first to sixth aspects includes a water container for storing water provided in the steam generating means and a container for measuring the temperature of the water container. With the configuration using the temperature sensor, the amount of water in the water container can be detected by measuring the temperature rise value of the container temperature sensor.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the container temperature sensor according to the eighth aspect detects not only the side temperature of the water container but also the initial amount of water for cooking rice, and the inside of the water container during rice cooking. The amount of remaining water can be detected.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the water container is made of a magnetic material and has an induction coil for heating the water container, and the induction coil is disposed above and below the container temperature sensor. By doing so, the temperature distribution of the water container according to the residual water amount of water becomes clear, and more accurate residual water amount detection performance can be secured.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in particular, the water amount detecting means according to any one of the first to seventh aspects has at least a pair of electrodes, and detects the water amount by detecting the water amount based on the conductivity of the water. Instantaneously, it is possible to notify the rice cooker user of the amount of water before and immediately after the start of rice cooking.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in particular, the water amount detecting means according to any one of the first to seventh aspects comprises a float whose position changes according to the amount of water and a position detecting means for detecting the position of the float. Thereby, not only can the water amount detection be performed instantaneously, but also a highly accurate water amount detection performance becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Example 1)
First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, a rice cooker main body 1 has a bottomed cylindrical pot storage portion 1a, and stores a pot 2 detachably. A bottom induction coil 3 serving as a pan heating means is provided at the bottom of the pan storage section 1a. Reference numeral 4 denotes a bottom sensor, which is configured to contact the bottom surface 2a of the pan 2. The control unit 5 controls the operation of the rice cooker.

  The upper part of the main body 1 is covered with an openable and closable lid 8 composed of an outer lid 8a and an outer lid cover 8b, which is supported by a hinge shaft 7 provided on a hinge portion 6 at the rear of the main body 1. The lid 8 is provided with a heating plate 9. On the surface of the heating plate 9 facing the pot 2, there is a lid induction coil 10 as lid heating means. The heating plate 9 has a heating plate vapor port 9a, and a lid vapor port 8d is provided on the lid top surface 8c. The steam port packing 11 is sandwiched between the heating plate 9 and the lid 8, and the pot packing 12 is sandwiched between the heating plate 9 and the pot flange 2 b at the outer periphery of the upper edge of the pot 2 when the lid is closed. . The steam heating means 13 is attached to the lid 8 and communicates with the steam generating means 15 via a steam path 14. The steam generator 15 has a water supply port 15a and a steam generator 15b. The water amount detecting means 17 comprises a pressure sensor 17a in the steam generating means and a water amount determining means 17b for determining the amount of water in the steam generating means from the output thereof. The LCD 18 of the notifying means is a notifying means for notifying the result of the water amount detecting means by display.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Rice to be cooked and water corresponding to the amount of the rice are put into the pot 2 and inserted into a predetermined state of the main body 1. At this time, when the output from the pressure sensor 17a is not at the predetermined value, the water amount determination means 17b determines that the water amount is insufficient, and displays the fact on the LCD 18. This can prompt the user to supply water to the steam generator 15b from the water supply port 15a of the steam generator 15 when the steam generator 15b does not have a predetermined amount of water or more. When the user operates a rice cook start switch (not shown), the control unit 5 receives an input from the rice cook start switch, and the rice cook process is performed. The bottom sensor 4 detects the temperature of the bottom surface 2 a of the pot 2 and sends a signal to the control unit 5. In response to the signal from the bottom sensor 4, the control unit 5 sets the temperature and the predetermined value in which the state of the water and rice inside the pot 2 is set as an appropriate value in each of the rice cooking processes divided into the submersion, cooking and steaming processes. In order to maintain the time, the amount of electricity supplied to the bottom induction coil 4, the lid induction coil 10, the steam generation means 15 and the steam heating means 13 is controlled as an output. The bottom induction coil 3 causes the bottom surface 2 a of the pan 2 to generate heat by induction heating with a current supplied from the control unit 5. The lid induction coil 10 also causes the heating plate 9 to generate heat by induction heating with the current supplied from the control unit 5. The steam generating means 15 converts a current supplied from the control unit 5 into heat, and boil water in the steam generating unit 15b to generate steam. The generated steam flows to the steam heating means 13 via the steam path 14. The steam heating means 13 converts the current supplied from the control unit 5 into heat and heats the steam to a high temperature (FIG. 2).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water amount detecting means for detecting the water amount of the steam heating means is provided, and the detection result is notified to the LCD 18 of the notifying means, so that the user is notified to the steam generating means 15 by a predetermined amount or more of water. It is possible to prompt that water is supplied from the water supply port 15a of the steam generating means 15 to the steam generating section 15b, and cook rice in a state where the steam generating means 15 does not have a predetermined amount of water or more, Insufficient water in the steam generating section 15b makes it impossible to supply steam, and it is possible to supply a necessary amount of superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or more of water under atmospheric pressure to rice from above the pot opening. It is not possible to prevent the upper layer of the pot from drying and conversely reducing the taste.

  In addition, when the lid 8 is opened and closed to notify the user of the presence of water at the same time as notifying the user of the presence of water on the LCD 18, when the lid 8 is opened and closed, immediately after starting rice cooking, caution ventilation for confirming the amount of water in the steam generating means 15. Even if the display is displayed on the LCD 18, the shortage of steam generation can always be prevented, and the stability of rice cooking performance can be stuck.

(Example 2)
Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the present invention, which describes the operation from the start of rice cooking to the start of rice cooking in a predetermined sequence. In step 31, the amount of water in the steam generating means is detected by the water amount detecting means, and the process proceeds to step 32. In step 32, it is determined whether or not the amount of water is a first predetermined amount of water (less than 20 cc in this embodiment). If the amount of water is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount of water, the process proceeds to step 33; Proceed to. In step 33, rice is cooked in a sequence in which rice is cooked without operating the steam generating means and supplying superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or higher of water under atmospheric pressure from above the pot opening to the rice. . In step 34, it is determined whether or not the amount of water detected by the water amount detecting means is less than a second specified value (in this embodiment, less than 50 cc). Otherwise, go to step 36. In step 36, rice is cooked in an original sequence in which a sufficient amount of superheated steam having a boiling point (100 ° C.) or more of water under atmospheric pressure can be supplied to rice from above the pot opening. In step 35, even when the amount of water is equal to or more than the first specified value and less than the second specified value, the temperature under the atmospheric pressure suitable for this amount of water is adjusted by adjusting the heating timing of the steam generating means and the amount of heating. Rice is cooked in a sequence in which superheated steam having a boiling point of water (100 ° C.) or more is supplied to rice from above the pot opening.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water amount detection means for detecting the water amount of the steam heating means is provided, and rice is cooked in a sequence according to the water amount detection result by the water amount detection means at the start of rice cooking or within a predetermined time from the start of rice cooking. Thus, even when the amount of water in the steam heating means is less than the predetermined amount of water, rice can be cooked in a sequence according to the amount of water, and the required amount of boiling water at atmospheric pressure (100 ° C. The above-mentioned superheated steam cannot be supplied to the rice from above the opening of the pot, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon that the upper layer of the pot becomes dry and conversely loses its taste.

  Further, in the present embodiment, rice is cooked in accordance with the amount of water in the steam generating unit.However, the required amount of water may be selected according to the user's preference, or even in such a case, the selected amount of water may be used. If it is not enough, rice may be cooked according to the amount of water.

(Example 3)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example of an operation display unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 41 denotes a rice cooking start setting unit, reference numeral 42 denotes a menu selection unit, and reference numeral 43 denotes a menu selected by the menu selection unit. It is a menu display means to be displayed by using. 43a is a menu for supplying high-temperature steam, and there are menus such as white rice and non-washed rice. 43b is a menu that does not supply high-temperature steam, such as a porridge. In the above configuration, when “white rice” is selected from the menu 43a that supplies high-temperature steam by the menu selection unit 42 and rice cooking is started by the rice cooking start setting unit, the water amount detection unit 17 is operated. After detecting the amount of water, rice is cooked in accordance with a preset "white rice" sequence.

  On the other hand, when "porridge" in the menu 43b which does not supply high-temperature steam is selected by the menu selecting means 42 and rice cooking is started by the rice cooking start setting means, the water amount detecting means 17 is not operated. Cooking rice is performed according to a preset “porridge” sequence that does not supply high-temperature steam.

  As described above, in the present invention, the menu for supplying high-temperature steam and the menu for not supplying high-temperature steam are provided, and when rice is cooked using the menu to which high-temperature steam is not supplied, the water amount detecting means is not operated. This makes it possible to cook rice without using extra time or energy for operating the water amount detecting means, which is not necessary for a menu that does not supply high-temperature steam.

  In the present embodiment, the menu for supplying high-temperature steam and the menu for not supplying high-temperature steam are completely different menus. You may make a selection when not supplying high-temperature steam.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a pressure sensor is used as the water amount detecting means, but the steam generating means is operated as a part of the water amount detecting means for a short time to detect the water amount based on a temperature change at that time. Is also good.

(Example 4)
Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which rice cooking in a menu for supplying high-temperature steam is started, and after confirming the presence or absence of a pot or abnormality of a sensor (not shown), An example of the operation is shown. In step 50, the amount of water is determined. If the amount is equal to or more than the first predetermined amount of water (80 cc in this embodiment), the flow proceeds to step 51; In step 51, as preheating 1, the steam generating means is operated for a certain period of time to warm the internal water to such an extent that no steam is generated. In step 52, of the rice cooking process roughly divided into the processes of water immersion, cooking and steaming, a process for water immersion is performed, and the process proceeds to step 53. In step 53, the amount of water is determined. If the amount of water is equal to or more than the second predetermined amount of water (60 cc in this embodiment), the flow proceeds to step 54; In step 54, as the preheating 2, the steam generating means is operated for a certain period of time to warm the internal water to such an extent that no steam is generated. In step 55, a process for cooking is performed, and the process proceeds to step 56. In step 56, the amount of water is determined. If the amount of water is equal to or more than the third predetermined amount of water (50 cc in this embodiment), the flow proceeds to step 57; In step 57, it is determined that the amount of water is sufficient, and the steam generating means is operated to supply a sufficient high-temperature steam to perform a steaming process, thereby finishing the rice cooking. In step 58, in the same sequence as step 57, there is a possibility that water will be exhausted before the rice cooking is completed, and supply of high-temperature steam may not be possible. Therefore, in the first half of the steaming step, the temperature is lowered, and high-temperature steam is not supplied. In the latter half of the process, the temperature is increased, high-temperature steam is supplied, and cooking is finished.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in accordance with the amount of water detected by the water amount detection means in a predetermined step after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of rice cooking, the steam generation means is operated, or the temperature is adjusted. By cooking rice according to the actual amount of water at the time, even if there is a fluctuation in the amount of water more than expected from the amount of water at the start of rice cooking due to preheating or fluctuations in the ambient temperature, etc. The best rice cooking can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, after operating the steam generating means according to the amount of water, the steps of flooding and cooking are the same, but they may be operated in different steps, respectively. In the first half of the steaming process, the temperature was lowered in the first half of the steaming process, and high-temperature steam was not supplied.In the second half of the steaming process, the temperature was increased, and high-temperature steam was supplied. It is not necessary to separate, and high-temperature steam may be supplied intermittently, the timing and length may be changed according to the detected water amount, and the water amount is determined during the steaming process and the result is determined. May be further changed according to the conditions.

  Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the first to third predetermined water amounts are respectively different water amounts. However, the water amounts do not necessarily have to be different from each other, such as a menu, a water temperature, a room temperature, a previously detected water amount, and the like. May be changed according to

(Example 5)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of the operation in the steaming step of supplying high-temperature steam. In step 60, the steam generating means is operated, and the process proceeds to step 61. In step 61, the first steaming step, steaming one step, is performed, and the process proceeds to step 62. In step 62, the amount of water is detected, and it is determined whether the amount is less than a predetermined amount (5 cc in the present embodiment). If the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 63; Proceed to. In step 64, the second steaming process, steaming 2 process, is performed, and the process proceeds to step 65. In step 65, the amount of water is detected, and it is determined whether the amount is less than a predetermined amount (5 cc in the present embodiment). If the amount is less than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step 66; Proceed to. In step 67, the steaming 3 step, which is the third steaming step, is performed, and the rice cooking is completed. In step 63, the operation of the steam generating means is stopped, a second steaming step 2a corresponding to a case where high-temperature steam is not supplied is performed, and the rice cooking is completed. In step 66, the operation of the steam generating means is stopped, the third steaming step 3a corresponding to the case where the high-temperature steam is not supplied, and the rice cooking is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even after the steam generating means is operated, the operation of the steam generating means is stopped when it is empty or the water amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. Even in the case of shortage, the steam generating means can be prevented from operating without water.

  In the present embodiment, rice cooking is continued even after detecting that the amount of water is less than the predetermined amount of water.However, the rice cooking may be terminated at the time of detection, or at the time of detection or at the time of completion of rice cooking. Then, it may be notified that the amount of water is insufficient.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the amount of water is detected each time one process is completed.However, the amount of water is constantly detected or the amount of water is constantly detected, and when it is detected that the amount of water is empty or less than a predetermined amount of water, Obviously, the operation of the steam generating means may be stopped.

(Example 6)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of FIG. 2, detailed description is omitted. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 17 denotes a water amount detecting means, which comprises a proper water amount detecting means 17c, an empty detecting means 17d, and a water amount determining means 17b. 17c is for judging whether there is an appropriate amount of water, and uses a pressure sensor. Reference numeral 17d denotes an empty detecting means for determining whether or not the amount of water in the steam generating section 15b is empty, and uses a thermistor.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The water amount determining unit 17b determines whether the amount of water in the steam generating unit 15b is appropriate based on whether or not the output from the appropriate water amount detecting unit 17c is equal to or more than a certain value. Based on the output from the means 17d, when a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 120 ° C.) is detected, it is detected as empty.

  Conversely, when the water amount is detected by the sky detecting unit 17d, the temperature cannot be changed without operating the steam generating unit, so that the detection cannot be performed. For example, even if the steam generating means is operated, it takes a long time to perform detection, and there is a possibility that steam is generated at an erroneous timing such as when the amount of water is small.

  Further, even if an attempt is made to detect the sky with the appropriate water amount detecting means 17C, it is difficult to make an accurate determination based on bubbles due to boiling after the boiling is started by the steam generating means.

  As described above, in the present invention, by providing the sky detecting means and the appropriate water amount detecting means as the water amount detecting means, the optimum detecting means can be respectively provided, and a more accurate determination can be made, You can make it work.

(Example 7)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration of the rice cooker is the same as that of FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 15 denotes steam generating means, and 19 denotes a water supply means for supplying water to the steam generating means. The operation of the valve 20 supplies an appropriate amount of water to the steam generating means 15. Reference numeral 17 denotes a water amount detecting means for detecting the water amount of the water supply means 19.

  With the above configuration, the steam generating means and the water supply means for supplying water to the steam generating means are separated from each other, and a constant amount of water is supplied to the steam generating means to generate stable steam, and the amount of water in the water supplying means is reduced. Detecting this allows for proper rice cooking. Further, since the amount of water in the water supply unit is detected, the influence of heat or the like due to the operation of the steam generation unit is small, and the amount of water can be detected more accurately.

(Example 8)
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration of the rice cooker is the same as that of FIG. In FIG. 9, the steam generating means 15 is composed of a water container 15c using a magnetic material for storing water for steam generation and a container induction coil 15d for heating the water container 15c, and further measures the temperature of the water container 15c. The container temperature sensor 15e is pressed against the side surface of the container. The container induction coil 15d is wound above and below the container temperature sensor 15e.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the user starts cooking rice. Then, the heating of the water container 15c is started by the container induction coil 15d. Here, it is detected whether or not the container temperature sensor reaches 110 ° C. during a certain period of time. For example, if the temperature of the container temperature sensor 15e does not reach 110 ° C. during a certain period of time, it is determined that water is present in the water container 15d. Is heated to generate steam. However, if the container temperature sensor detects 110 ° C. within a certain period of time, it is determined that there is no water in the water container 15c, the rice cooking sequence without steam generation is performed, and no steam is generated.

  If the initial amount of water is small, the water in the water container 15c may evaporate during cooking and the water container 15c may be emptied. The temperature is constantly detected, and when the temperature of the container temperature sensor 15e reaches 110 ° C., the heating of the water container 15c is stopped.

  Further, since the water container 15c made of a magnetic metal such as stainless steel having a low thermal conductivity has a large temperature difference between the temperature near the container induction coil 15d and the temperature of the water container 15c at a position away from the container induction coil 15d. If the container temperature sensor 15e is installed at the bottom of the water container 15c, the temperature detection is delayed, such as when the water in the water container 15c becomes empty during rice cooking, and the water container 15c is abnormally heated. There is. However, by disposing the container induction coil 15d above and below the container temperature sensor 15e, the vicinity of the water container temperature sensor 15e is always heated, and the responsiveness of temperature detection is improved. In addition, since the container temperature sensor 15e detects the temperature of the side surface (side wall) of the water container 15c, the possibility that foreign matters such as rice grains are interposed between the water container 15c and the container temperature sensor 15e is reduced. You can do it.

  Even when the container temperature sensor 15e is installed on the side surface of the water container 15c, there is still a possibility that a foreign substance may be interposed between the water container 15c and the container temperature sensor 15e. Since the container induction coil 15d is installed above and below the container temperature sensor, when the water evaporates during cooking and the water in the water container 15c decreases, the container temperature sensor 15e already has water. There is no water, but water remains at the bottom of the water container 15c. Even if a certain amount of foreign matter is present in the container temperature sensor 15e in this state, a delay in temperature detection occurs, but it is possible to detect a temperature of 110 ° C., which determines that there is no water before the water completely runs out. .

  Also, instead of fixing the detection temperature of the container temperature sensor 15e to only one at 110 ° C., a temperature point lower than 110 ° C. is detected and the time until the detection is measured, so that the water container 15c It is also possible to detect the amount of water.

(Example 9)
A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration of the rice cooker is the same as that of FIG. In FIG. 10, the steam generating means 15 is composed of a water container 15c using a magnetic material for storing water for generating steam and a container induction coil 15d for heating the water container 15c, and is generated above the water container 15c. A steam path 14 through which steam passes is provided, and a pair of electrodes 17e and 17f as water amount detecting means 17 are provided in the steam path 14, and the electrodes 17e and 17f have different heights. It is configured as follows.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described. First, the user starts cooking rice. Then, when sufficient water is contained in the water container 15c, both the electrodes 17e and 17f are immersed in the water, and the electrodes 17e and 17f each serve as a switch for detecting the amount of water due to the conductivity of the water. , Electrodes 17e and 17f are both ON. Then, it is possible to detect a state in which water is sufficiently contained, and when the electrode 17f having a high installation position is turned off without being immersed in water, it is possible to detect that water has decreased, and to detect both the electrodes 17e and 17f. If is turned off without immersion in water, it can be determined that water has completely run out. In these water amount detection methods, the user can recognize the presence or absence of water immediately after starting rice cooking, and can supply water immediately after starting rice cooking.

  In this description, the configuration in the case where two electrodes are provided has been described. However, by increasing the number of electrodes, the water amount detection is proportional to the number of electrodes, and the accuracy is improved.

  Also, if the water amount detection only needs to detect the presence or absence of water, it goes without saying that one electrode may be provided instead of a plurality of electrodes.

(Example 10)
A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration of the rice cooker is the same as that of FIG. In FIG. 11, the steam generating means 15 is composed of a water container 15c using a magnetic material for storing water for steam generation and a container induction coil 15d for heating the water container 15c, and is generated above the water container 15c. A steam path 14 through which steam passes is provided, and a water amount detecting means 17 is provided in the steam path 14. The water amount detecting means 17 is provided with a float 17g having a smaller specific gravity than water and a photo sensor 17h for detecting the position of the float 17g.

  The operation of the above configuration will be described. When water is present in the water container 15c, the height of the float 17g changes according to the amount of water. The position of the float 17g is detected by the photo sensor 17h, and the amount of water in the water container 15c is detected. With this configuration, the amount of water in the water container 15c can be detected accurately and immediately, and the water amount can be notified to the user more accurately.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention generates high-temperature steam, promotes gelatinization without drying rice, improves rice cooking performance, and is applicable to rice cookers.

Sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional view of the main part of the rice cooker Flowchart of a rice cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows the operation display part of the rice cooker of the 3rd Example of this invention. Flowchart of a rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention Flowchart of a rice cooker according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention Sectional view of a main part of a rice cooker according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Sectional view of a main part of a rice cooker according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Sectional view of main part of an eighth rice cooker of the present invention Sectional view of main part of a ninth rice cooker of the present invention Sectional view of a main part of a tenth rice cooker according to the present invention. Cross section of conventional rice cooker

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Pot 3 Bottom induction coil 8 Lid 13 Steam heating means 14 Steam path 14a Steam path opening 14c Steam path opening valve 15 Steam generation means 15c Water container 15d Container induction coil (induction coil)
15e Container temperature sensor 16 High temperature steam port 16a High temperature steam port valve 17 Water amount detecting means 17a Pressure sensor 17b Water amount judging means 17c Proper water amount detecting means 17d Empty detecting means 17e Electrode 17f Electrode 17g Float 17h Photo sensor (float position detecting means)
18 Notification means 19 Water supply means

Claims (12)

A pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid for covering an opening of the pot, a steam generating means having a steam generating section to be supplied with water and generating steam to be supplied to the pot, and the steam generating means A rice cooker comprising: steam heating means for heating the steam generated by the steam generator; water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the steam generating portion; and notification means for giving a notification determined by the water amount detected by the water amount detecting means. A pot, a pot heating means for heating the pot, a lid for covering an opening of the pot, a steam generating means having a steam generating section to be supplied with water and generating steam to be supplied to the pot, and the steam generating means Steam heating means for heating the steam generated, and a water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the steam generating section, and is determined by the amount of water detected by the water amount detecting means at the start of rice cooking or within a predetermined time from the start of rice cooking. Rice cooker that cooks rice in a sequence. 3. The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising a menu for supplying steam and a menu for not supplying steam, wherein the menu for not supplying steam does not operate the water amount detecting means. . The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rice cooking method determined by the amount of water detected by the water amount detection means is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of rice cooking. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein after the operation of the steam generating means is started, when the water amount detecting means detects that the amount of water is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the subsequent operation of the steam generating means is stopped. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water amount detecting means is an empty detecting means and an appropriate water amount detecting means. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a water supply unit that supplies water to the steam generation unit, wherein the water amount detection unit detects the amount of water from the water supply unit. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water amount detecting means is a water container for storing water provided in the steam generating means and a container temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the water container. 9. The rice cooker according to claim 8, wherein the container temperature sensor detects a side wall temperature of the water container. The rice cooker according to claim 9, wherein the water container is a magnetic material, and has an induction coil for heating the water container, wherein the induction coil is disposed above and below the container temperature sensor. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water amount detection means has at least a pair of electrodes, and detects the water amount based on conductivity of the water. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water amount detecting means is a float whose position changes according to a water amount and a position detecting means for detecting a position of the float.

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