Rice Cooker

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a rice cooker that can be miniaturized. The rice cooker of the present disclosure comprises: a pot with a bottom and in a cylindrical shape; a shell that accommodates the pot and is disposed in a manner opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the pot with a gap therebetween; an upper frame that is disposed in a manner that covers the upper opening of the shell and the upper opening of the pot when viewed from above; a hinge that is disposed above the upper frame; a cover that is mounted on the hinge so as to be rotatable about the hinge and covers the upper opening of the pot in an openable and closable manner; a rice container that is disposed in the shell and accommodates rice; a water container that is disposed in the shell and accommodates water; a rice delivery portion that moves the rice accommodated in the rice container toward the pot; and a water delivery portion that moves the water accommodated in the water container toward the pot. At least a portion of the rice container is configured to extend from the bottom of the pot toward the front that is opposite to the hinge across the pot when viewed from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rice cooker. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional rice cooker, a fully automatic rice cooker is known that integrates a rice jar, water injection, and a rice cooking process. The conventional rice cooker includes a storage portion for storing rice, a rice washing space for washing rice, and a rice cooking portion (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-220047 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Conventional rice cookers have a problem in that it is difficult to put rice into the rice storage portion.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a rice cooker that allows easy placement of rice into a storage portion.

[0009] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0010] A rice cooker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises:

[0011] A pot with a cylindrical bottom;

[0012] a housing that accommodates the pot and is disposed opposite to an outer peripheral surface of the pot with a gap therebetween;

[0013] an upper frame, which is arranged in a manner to cover between the upper opening of the shell and the upper opening of the pot when viewed from above;

[0014] A hinged portion, which is disposed above the upper frame;

[0015] a cover body, which is mounted on the hinge part in a manner that allows it to rotate around the hinge part and covers the upper opening of the pot in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed;

[0016] a rice container, which is disposed in the housing and contains rice; and

[0017] The rice conveying unit moves the rice contained in the rice container toward the pot.

[0018] The top of the rice container has a rice container opening, and the rice container opening is arranged in the front facing the hinge portion across the pot in a plan view.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the rice cooker disclosed herein, rice can be easily put into the storage portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the rice cooker which concerns on embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of a rice cooker.

[0023] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the main parts of a rice cooker.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the rice cooker.

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rice cooker when viewed in the VV direction.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the rice cooker showing a state in which the lid of the rice container is opened.

[0027] Fig. 7A is a partial side view of the rice cooker showing the rice container lid in the closed position.

[0028] Figure 7B is a partial side view of the rice cooker showing the rice container lid in an open position.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the rice cooker in a state where the door is opened.

[0030] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing the rice cooker in a state where the water container is removed.

[0031] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the Peltier unit.

[0032] Fig.11 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the meter measuring unit.

[0033] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rice measuring part when feeding rice.

[0034] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view.

[0035] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rice measuring part when rice is not being fed.

[0036] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view showing the meter measuring part in a non-installed state.

[0037] Fig.16 It is a top view of the rice separation device.

[0038] Fig.17 is Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the rice separation device when viewed in the XVII-XVII direction.

[0039] Fig.18 is Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the rice separation device when viewed in the XVIII-XVIII direction.

[0040] Fig.19 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the opening and closing device of the rice feeding cover.

[0041] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 An exploded perspective view of the opening and closing device of the rice feeding cover.

[0042] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 Top view of the rotating body.

[0043] Fig. 22 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing device of the rice feeding cover in a closed state.

[0044] Fig.23 It is a cross-sectional view showing the opening and closing device of the rice feeding cover in the open state.

[0045] Fig.24 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the water container passing through the outlet and parallel to the YZ plane.

[0046] Fig.25 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the water level sensor.

[0047] Fig.26 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure around the water container storage part.

[0048] Fig. 27 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the rice cooker according to the present embodiment.

[0049] Fig.28 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed by the rice cooker of this embodiment.

[0050] Fig.29 It is shown Fig.28 Flow chart of the process of rice storage quantity detection process.

[0051] Fig.30 It is shown Fig.28Flow chart of the rice delivery process.

[0052] Fig.31 It is shown Fig.30 Flowchart of the process of measuring the amount of rice delivered.

[0053] Fig.32 It is shown Fig.28 Flow chart of the water delivery process.

[0054] Fig.33 It is shown Fig.28 Flow chart of the process of the mixing process.

[0055] Fig.34 This is a graph schematically showing the relationship between time and the temperature in the pot during the rice cooking operation.

[0056] Fig.35 yes Fig.34 Schematic enlarged view of region R.

[0057] Fig.36 This is a graph showing a comparative example of the relationship between time and the temperature in the pot during the rice cooking operation.

[0058] Fig.37 It is shown Fig.33 Flowchart of a variation of the stirring step.

[0059] Fig.38 It is shown Fig.37 A graph showing the difference in temperature (pressure) change caused by the amount of rice cooked in the stirring process.

[0060] Fig.39 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a delivered rice amount measurement process according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Fig.40 It is shown Fig.32 Flowchart of a variation of the water delivery process.

[0062] Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1 rice cooker; 2 pot; 3 housing; 4 upper frame; 5 hinge; 6 cover; 8 heating part; 9 waterproof wall; 10 base plate; 11 radiator; 12 heat insulation; 15 pressure valve; 16 boiling detection part; 17 pressure sensor; 20 control part; 21 storage part; 22 input part; 23 output part; 25 communication interface; 31 display part; 32 speaker; 40 user interface; 100m container; 100a inner wall; 100b bearing part; 101m container opening; 103 door; 104m container cover; 104a front end; 104b cover seat; 105 first rotating shaft; 106 second rotating shaft; 107 inner cover; 108 inclined side; 109 side; 110 rice feeding part; 111 rice feeding road; 112 rice feeding fan; 113 exhaust pipe; 120 rice metering part; 121 metering blade; 121a contact surface; 122 guide part; 123 driving motor; 124 input shaft; 125 meshing part; 126 output shaft; 126a front end; 127 meshing part; 128 coupling mechanism; 129 rice feeding road entrance; 130 rice feeding road cover; 131 pad; 132 fixed table; 14 1 speed sensor; 148 meter transfer blade; 150 meter separation device; 151 air intake port; 152 exhaust port; 153 main body; 154 rice discharge port; 200 rice feed cover opening and closing device; 201 rice feed cover; 202 fixed platform; 203 pad; 204 motor fixed platform; 205 rotating body seat; 210 motor; 211 spur gear; 212 rotating body; 212a gear; 212b connecting rod pin; 213 rotating body seat; 213a rack; 214 rotating shaft; 214a gear; 220 connecting rod; 221 connecting rod; 222 gap; 23 0 rice storage sensor; 300 water container; 301 water container storage part; 302 cover; 303 outlet; 304 cooling plate; 305 ball valve; 307 valve plunger; 310 water supply part; 311 water supply path; 312 water supply pump; 313 water level sensor; 314 gasket; 315 water supply path inlet; 400 Peltier unit; 401 Peltier element; 401a cooling surface; 403 radiator; 405 temperature sensor; 407 cooling fan; 409 heat sink; 410 temperature sensor; 411 gasket; 413 front cover; 414 rear cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid the following description from becoming too lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0065] It should be noted that the drawings and the following descriptions are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the technical solution.

[0066] (Implementation Method)

[0067] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a rice cooker is provided, wherein the rice cooker comprises: a pot with a bottom and a cylindrical shape; a shell body that accommodates the pot and is arranged to be opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the pot with a gap therebetween; an upper frame that is arranged to cover between an upper opening of the shell body and an upper opening of the pot when viewed from above; a hinge portion that is arranged above the upper frame; a cover that is mounted on the hinge portion in a manner that allows it to rotate around the hinge portion and covers the upper opening of the pot in an openable and closable manner; a rice container that is arranged in the shell body and accommodates rice; and a rice feeding portion that moves the rice accommodated in the rice container toward the pot, the rice container having a rice container opening portion arranged at the top, the rice container opening portion being arranged in front of the hinge portion that is opposite to the hinge portion across the pot when viewed from above.

[0068] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the rice cooker according to the first aspect, wherein at least a portion of the rice container is configured to extend forward from below the pot.

[0069] According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a rice cooker according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment is provided, wherein the rice container further comprises a rice container cover, the rice container cover is configured to be able to open and close the rice container opening, and the rice cooker further comprises a waterproof wall, the waterproof wall is between the rice container opening and the pot when viewed from above, and protrudes from the upper portion of the upper frame to a position above the rice container opening, thereby preventing water from the pot from invading the rice container opening.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a rice cooker according to the third aspect is provided, wherein the rice container cover has a rotating shaft arranged in front of the opening in a manner extending left and right, and the rice container cover rotates around the rotating shaft so as to be able to move between an open position opening the opening and a closed position closing the opening.

[0071] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a rice cooker according to the fourth aspect is provided, wherein the rice container cover is configured to be able to rotate from the closed position in the open position to a stationary position in which at least a portion of the rice container cover is arranged in front of and above the rotation axis, and can be stationary in the stationary position.

[0072] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rice cooker according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rice cooker further comprises: a water container disposed in the housing and containing water; and a water supply unit that moves the water contained in the water container to the pot.

[0073] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the rice cooker according to the sixth aspect, wherein at least a portion of the water container is configured to extend forward from below the pot.

[0074] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a rice cooker according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect is provided, wherein the rice container has a side surface, the side surface is inclined in such a manner that the width of the rice container gradually decreases downward when viewed from the front, and at least a portion of the water container is arranged below the inclined side surface.

[0075] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the rice cooker according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the rice cooker further comprises a cooling device for cooling the water contained in the water container.

[0076] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the rice cooker according to the ninth aspect, wherein the cooling device is a Peltier element.

[0077] According to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a rice cooker as described in the tenth embodiment is provided, wherein the rice cooker further comprises: a first radiator mounted on the heating surface of the Peltier element; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first radiator; a fan that blows air toward the first radiator; and a control unit that controls the rotation of the fan, wherein the control unit controls the rotation of the fan so that the temperature of the first radiator detected by the temperature sensor is within a preset temperature range.

[0078] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the rice cooker according to the eleventh aspect, wherein:

[0079] The rice cooker also includes: a switching transistor, which is used to supply power to a heating part that heats the pot; and a second radiator, which is mounted on the switching transistor, the second radiator is arranged downwind of the wind supplied by the fan, and the first radiator and the second radiator are arranged in the flow direction of the wind supplied by the fan.

[0080] Hereinafter, the rice cooker of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components in the drawings.

[0081] In addition, for convenience of description, the following uses terms indicating directions such as "up", "down", "front", and "rear" assuming a state in normal use. However, the above terms are not intended to limit the use state of the rice cooker of the present disclosure.

[0082] [1.Structure]

[0083] [1-1. Overall structure]

[0084] Figure 1 It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the rice cooker 1 which concerns on embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of the rice cooker 1. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the main parts of the rice cooker 1. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In order to show the internal structure of the rice cooker 1, a part of the components of the rice cooker 1 is removed. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of a rice cooker 1. Figure 5 is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rice cooker 1 when viewed in the VV direction.

[0085] The rice cooker 1 includes a pot 2 having a bottom cylindrical shape, a housing 3 for accommodating the pot 2, an upper frame 4, a hinge 5 disposed above the upper frame 4, and a lid 6. The pot 2 can be removed from the housing 3. The housing 3 is disposed in a manner opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the pot 2 with a gap therebetween. The upper frame 4 is disposed in a manner covering the upper opening of the housing 3 and the upper opening of the pot 2 when viewed from above. The lid 6 is mounted on the hinge 5 in a manner that allows rotation around the hinge 5. Thus, the lid 6 covers the upper opening of the pot 2 in an openable and closable manner. The hinge 5 is disposed at the rear of the rice cooker 1. Thus, the front side of the lid 6 is opened, so that the user can easily access the pot 2 and thereby can put rice.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the rice cooker 1 further includes a heating unit 8 for heating the pot 2, and a control unit 20 for controlling the overall operation of the rice cooker 1. The heating unit 8 is, for example, an induction heating (IH) type heating device, which includes a heating coil, and generates an eddy current in the metal pot 2 by a high-frequency magnetic field generated when a high-frequency current flows through the heating coil, thereby heating the pot 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, the rice cooker 1 is a pressure type rice cooker that cooks rice by pressurizing the inside of the pot 2. A pressure valve 15 ( Figures 1 to 5 The pressure valve 15 is operated in a manner that can open and close the hole connecting the inside of the pot 2 and the outside space under the control of the control unit 20. In addition, the rice cooker 1 also has a boiling detection unit 16 (see Figure 5 ), and a pressure sensor 17 for detecting the pressure in the pot 2 (refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ). The boiling detection unit 16 is, for example, a steam sensor.

[0088] The rice cooker 1 is an automatic input type rice cooker that automatically moves rice and water to a pot 2 to cook rice. Therefore, the rice cooker 1 includes a rice container 100 for storing rice and a water container 300 for storing water in a housing 3. In addition, the rice cooker 1 includes a rice delivery unit 110 for moving the rice stored in the rice container 100 to the pot 2, and a water delivery unit 310 for moving the water stored in the water container 300 to the pot 2. The details of the rice delivery unit 110 and the water delivery unit 310 will be described later.

[0089] A rice container opening 101 for supplying or replenishing rice to the rice container 100 is provided at the top of the rice container 100. The rice container 100 is arranged in front of the rice cooker 1, and the rice container opening 101 is arranged above the rice container 100. It is assumed that there are walls behind and on the side of the rice cooker 1 when in use, and it is assumed that there is also a ceiling of the storage space of the rice cooker 1 above the rice cooker 1. Even in such a case, since the rice container opening 101 is located in the front, the user can easily put rice from a rice bag into the rice container opening 101. In addition, since the rice container 100 is located in the front, it is possible to prevent the lateral width of the rice cooker 1 from becoming larger, thereby preventing the deterioration of the setting property of the rice cooker 1 when there are objects or walls on the side. In addition, since the rice container opening 101 is located in the front of the rice cooker, it is possible to realize a rice container 100 that is easy to put rice in regardless of whether the user's dominant hand is the left hand or the right hand. That is, when the rice container opening 101 is on the left side (+X side) facing the rice cooker 1, it is difficult for a right-handed user to put rice in. In addition, when the rice container opening 101 is on the right side (-X side) facing the rice cooker 1, it is difficult for a left-handed user to put rice in. The rice container opening 101 is located in the front, which can eliminate the above problems.

[0090] The rice container 100 further includes a rice container cover 104 configured to be able to open and close the rice container opening 101 . Figure 6 1 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker 1 in a state where the rice container lid 104 is opened. The rice container lid 104 is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lid body 6 rotates when it moves from the closed state to the open state when it moves from the closed state. That is, the rice container lid 104 has a first rotating shaft 105 arranged in a manner extending left and right in front of the rice container opening 101. As a result, the rice container lid 104 moves from the back to the front and opens without interfering with the lid body 6. Therefore, the size of the rice cooker 1 in the depth direction is not increased by, for example, arranging the rice container opening 101 further forward in order to open the rice container lid 104 without interfering with the lid body 6.

[0091] Reference Fig. 7A as well as Figure 7BThe partial side view of the rice container cover 104 is used to illustrate the opening and closing action in detail. Fig. 7A is a diagram showing the rice container cover 104 in a closed position. Figure 7B 1 is a diagram showing the rice container cover 104 in an open position. Figure 7B As shown, the rice container cover 104 further includes a second rotation axis 106 .

[0092] In the case where the rice container cover 104 does not have the second rotation axis 106 but only has the first rotation axis 105, even if the Fig. 7A When the rice container cover 104 is opened from the closed position, the front end portion 104a of the rice container cover 104 will also come into contact with the front end portion 4a of the upper frame 4, and thus the rice container cover 104 cannot be opened. Here, when the rice container cover 104 moves from the closed position to the open position, the second rotating shaft 106 rotates in a direction different from the rotation direction based on the first rotating shaft 105. When the rice container cover 104 is in the closed position, the second rotating shaft 106 is arranged at a position more rearward than the first rotating shaft 105, and rotates together with the rice container cover 104 around the first rotating shaft 105. With this structure, during the opening action, the front end portion 104a of the rice container cover 104 will not come into contact with the front end portion 4a of the upper frame 4, and thus the rice container cover 104 can be opened. In addition, with such a dual-axis structure, the rice container cover 104 and the cover seat 104b (refer to Figure 5 ) are arranged between the operating substrate, flat cable, display and other components.

[0093] The back side of the lid seat 104b of the rice container lid 104 is substantially horizontal when the lid is in the closed position. The lid seat 104b is configured to rotate only by an angle θ from the closed position and not to rotate further. The angle θ is, for example, greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In other words, the rice container lid 104 is configured to be able to rotate from the closed position to a stationary position in which at least a portion of the rice container lid 104 is arranged in front of and above the first rotation axis 105 in the open position, and can be stationary in the stationary position. In this way, when the angle θ is an obtuse angle, in the open position, the lower side of the lid seat 104b becomes an inclined surface toward the rice container 100, so that the rice attached to the lid seat 104b can be guided into the rice container 100. Therefore, the user can easily put the rice from the rice bag into the rice container 100. In addition, the scattering of rice when the rice is supplied to the rice container 100 can be prevented.

[0094] When the rice container opening 101 of the rice container 100 is located at the upper part as shown in the figure, there is a possibility that water drops attached to the bottom of the pot 2 and the lid 6 during rice cooking, as well as water vapor generated during rice cooking, may enter from the rice container opening 101 of the rice container 100. When water enters the rice container 100, the rice in the rice container 100 may swell or rot. Therefore, a waterproof wall 9 protruding upward from the rice container opening 101 is provided between the rice container opening 101 of the rice container 100 and the pot 2 at the upper part of the upper frame 4. The waterproof wall 9 can prevent water from entering the rice container opening 101 of the rice container 100.

[0095] For example Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a door 103 that can be opened and closed by hinges is installed on the front surface of the rice container 100. The door 103 opens forward. Figure 8 1 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker 1 in a state where the door 103 is opened. Thus, the user can put his hand into the rice container 100 from the front and touch the rice container 100. Therefore, the rice container 100 can be maintained by wiping it. The rice container 100 may also include an inner cover 107 for sealing the front surface opening of the rice container 100 so that the rice does not spill out of the rice container simply because the door 103 is opened.

[0096] The rice container 100 has an inclined side surface 108, which is inclined in a manner that the width of the rice container 100 gradually decreases as it moves downward when viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, only the side surface 108, which is one side surface of the rice container 100, is inclined, and the side surface 109 of the other side opposite to the inclined side surface 108 is not inclined. With this structure, a larger space can be ensured below the inclined side surface 108, so that the capacity of the water container 300 can be increased when the water container 300 is arranged in the space as described later, which is advantageous. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the left and right sides of the rice container may be inclined. The rice supplied to the rice container 100 slides on the inclined side surface 108 and gathers below.

[0097] At least a portion of the water container 300 is disposed below the inclined side surface 108 of the rice container 100. Figure 5 As shown, a water container storage portion 301 for storing a water container 300 is provided below the rice cooker 1. In this way, by arranging the water container 300 below the inclined side surface 108 of the rice container 100, the rice cooker 10 can be made compact.

[0098] The water container 300 is detachably stored in the water container storage portion 301. The user can pull out the water container 300 forward from the water container storage portion 301 to take out water. Fig. 9The rice cooker 1 is shown in a state where the water container 300 is taken out, and the overall structure of the water container 300 is shown. The water container 300 includes a cover 302 that can be opened and closed to block the water supply port, and an outlet 303 that is connected to a water supply path 311 to the pot 2 when the water container 300 is installed. The outlet 303 is an example of an "opening" in the present disclosure. After taking out the water container 300, the user opens the cover 302 and refills the water container 300 with water from a tap or the like through the water supply port. Assuming that there are walls behind and to the side of the rice cooker 1 when in use, the user can easily supply water to the water container 300 by pulling out and taking out the water container 300 forward.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, the rice cooker 1 includes a Peltier unit 400 for cooling water contained in the water container 300 at the rear of the water container storage portion 301 . Fig.10 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the Peltier unit 400. The Peltier unit 400 includes a Peltier element 401, a heat sink 403, a temperature sensor 405 for detecting the temperature of the heat sink 403, a cooling fan 407, a heat sink 409, a temperature sensor 410 for detecting the temperature of the heat sink 409, a gasket 411, a front cover 413, and a rear cover 414.

[0100] The Peltier element 401 is an example of the "cooling device" of the present disclosure. Since the Peltier element 401 is small, by using the Peltier element 401 as the cooling device, the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized as a whole. By cooling the water, the proliferation of bacteria and the corruption of the water can be prevented. In addition, by using cooled water for cooking, the taste of the cooked rice can be improved.

[0101] The Peltier element 401 has a flat shape extending parallel to the ZX plane, and has a cooling surface 401a in the front (+Y direction) and a heating surface in the rear. The radiator 403 is mounted on the heating surface of the Peltier element 401. The temperature sensor 405 is mounted on the side of the radiator 403. The cooling fan 407 can send air toward the radiator 403 to cool the radiator 403, thereby reducing the temperature of the cooling surface 401a of the Peltier element 401. In the example shown in the figure, the cooling fan 407 is arranged below the radiator 403.

[0102] The heat sink 409 is mounted on the cooling surface 401a of the Peltier element 401, and transmits the temperature of the cooling surface 401a to the water container 300. Therefore, the cooling surface 401a of the Peltier element 401 after power is supplied cools the water in the water container 300 via the heat sink 409. A cooling plate 304 (see Fig.26The cooling plate 304 is made of, for example, a metal having a high thermal conductivity. The cooling plate 304 is in contact with the heat sink 409, so that the cold air can be efficiently transferred to the water in the water container 300.

[0103] The Peltier element 401 has the following structure: a PN semiconductor is sandwiched between two ceramic plates, and the PN semiconductor is welded to an electrode provided on the ceramic plate. When power is supplied to the Peltier element 401, one side (the aforementioned cooling surface 401a) is cooled and the other side (the aforementioned heating surface) is heated. The cooled ceramic surface undergoes thermal contraction, and the heated ceramic surface undergoes thermal expansion. As a result, stress is generated on the joint surface of the PN semiconductor. Therefore, when the current is changed between on and off, or the polarity of the current is changed, the expansion and contraction of the ceramic constituting the Peltier element 401 changes, and stress is repeatedly applied to the joint of the PN semiconductor, thereby generating solder cracks. As a result, there is a problem of damage to the Peltier element 401 or deterioration of the cooling capacity.

[0104] Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 407 is controlled by the control unit 20 so that the temperature of the heat sink 403 detected by the temperature sensor 405 and / or the temperature of the heat sink 409 detected by the temperature sensor 410 are within a preset temperature range. In this way, the temperature change of the ceramic constituting the Peltier element 401 can be reduced. In this way, the ceramic temperature can be stabilized by simple control, thereby extending the life of the Peltier element 401.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the rice cooker 1 further includes a substrate 10 on which a switching transistor for supplying power to the heating unit 8 is mounted, and a radiator 11 for cooling the switching transistor. The radiator 11 is arranged above the radiator 403. That is, the radiator 11 is arranged downwind of the wind supplied by the cooling fan 407, and the radiator 11 and the radiator 403 are arranged in series in the flow direction of the wind supplied by the cooling fan 407. Therefore, the cooling fan 407 can cool not only the radiator 403 but also the radiator 11. Therefore, there is no need to further provide a fan for cooling the switching transistor or the substrate 10 on which the switching transistor is mounted in the rice cooker 1, and the cooling function can be ensured and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0106] like Figure 5As shown, the rice cooker 1 further includes a heat insulator 12. The heat insulator 12 is disposed between the pot 2 and the heating unit 8 and the water container storage unit 301, and between the pot 2 and the heating unit 8 and the rice container 100. Thus, the heat insulator 12 can thermally separate the water container storage unit 301 and the rice container 100 from the pot 2 and the heating unit 8 which become high temperatures during rice cooking and heat preservation, thereby preventing the water in the water container 300 stored in the water container storage unit 301 and the rice in the rice container 100 from becoming high temperatures. When the water and the rice become high temperatures, there is a possibility of spoilage, proliferation of bacteria, and deterioration of taste, but the heat insulator 12 can prevent the above situations.

[0107] like Figure 5 As shown, the heat insulating member 12 is not arranged between the water container storage portion 301 and the rice container 100. In addition, the heat sink 409 is in contact with the water container storage portion 301 (refer to Fig.10 ), the water container storage part 301 is adjacent to the rice container 100. Therefore, the heat of the heat sink 409 installed on the cooling surface 401a of the Peltier element 401 is also transferred to the rice container 100 via the water container storage part 301. Thus, the heat sink 409 cooled by the Peltier element 401 not only cools the water in the water container 300, but also cools the rice in the rice container 100 by the residual cooling. Therefore, the rice cooker 1 can cool the rice in the rice container 100, thereby preventing the rice from spoiling, the proliferation of bacteria, and the deterioration of the taste.

[0108] [1-2. Rice delivery department]

[0109] [1-2-1. Metering blade and meter transfer blade]

[0110] The rice delivery unit 110 includes a rice delivery path 111 for transferring rice from the rice container 100 to the pot 2; and a rice measuring unit 120 for measuring the amount of rice and supplying a specified amount of rice to the rice delivery path 111 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ).

[0111] Fig.11 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the meter measuring unit 120. The meter measuring unit 120 includes a metering blade 121 formed in a spiral shape around an axis parallel to the Y axis, and a guide portion 122 covering the outer periphery of the metering blade 121. The guide portion 122 has a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the Y axis direction. That is, the guide portion 122 has a cylindrical shape formed coaxially with the metering blade 121, and the guide portion 122 covers the outer periphery of the metering blade 121.

[0112] The meter measuring unit 120 further includes a drive motor 123 that rotates the metering blade 121 around the Y axis according to the control of the control unit 20. An input shaft 124 and an output shaft 126 are provided between the metering blade 121 and the drive motor 123. The input shaft 124 is rotated by the drive motor 123, and can transmit the power of the drive motor 123 to the output shaft 126. The output shaft 126 is inserted into the metering blade 121 in a manner that can slide in the Y direction relative to the metering blade 121. The output shaft 126 is rotated by the input shaft 124, and can transmit the power of the drive motor 123 to the metering blade 121.

[0113] The input shaft 124 has a meshing portion 125 having a spur gear shape when viewed from the Y direction, and the output shaft 126 has a meshing portion 127 having an internal gear shape when viewed from the Y direction. The input shaft 124 is installed so as to be relatively slidable in the Y direction relative to the output shaft 126. The input shaft 124 is pressed into the output shaft 126 along the Y direction, so that the meshing portion 125 of the input shaft 124 meshes with the meshing portion 127 of the output shaft 126. When the meshing portion 125 meshes with the meshing portion 127, the input shaft 124 can transmit the power of the drive motor 123 to the output shaft 126. When the meshing portion 125 does not mesh with the meshing portion 127, the input shaft 124 cannot transmit the power of the drive motor 123 to the output shaft 126. In this way, the meshing portion 125 of the input shaft 124 and the meshing portion 127 of the output shaft 126 constitute a coupling mechanism 128 .

[0114] The rice measuring unit 120 further includes a rice feeding passage inlet 129 connected to the rice feeding passage 111, a rice feeding passage cover 130 configured to open and close the passage of rice from the metering blade 121 to the rice feeding passage inlet 129, and a gasket 131. The rice feeding passage cover 130 and the gasket 131 are mounted around the metering blade 121 and coaxially with the metering blade 121.

[0115] The meter measuring unit 120 further includes a fixing table 132 that covers the guide unit 122 and fixes the drive motor 123, a spring 133 that urges the output shaft 126 in the +Y direction, and a spring 134 that urges the meter feeding cover 130 in the +Y direction. The springs 133 and 134 are, for example, compression coil springs.

[0116] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rice measuring unit 120 when feeding rice. Fig.13 yes Fig.12The rice cooker 1 is also provided with a rice transfer blade 148, which is formed in a spiral shape around an axis and transfers rice to the metering blade 121 by rotating in the supply direction around the axis. The rice transfer blade 148 is an example of a "rice transfer portion" disclosed in the present invention. The rice transfer blade 148 is concentric with the metering blade 121 and is connected in series with the metering blade 121. That is, the rice transfer blade 148 is connected to the metering blade 121 in a manner that its axial direction is consistent with the axial direction of the metering blade 121. In addition, the front end portion 126a of the output shaft 126 is embedded in a recessed portion 148a provided at one end of the rice transfer blade 148. The front end portion 126a of the output shaft 126 has a portion where the distance between the axis and the surface of the front end portion 126a in a direction perpendicular to the axis is larger and a portion where the distance is smaller. For example, the cross section in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the front end portion 126a of the output shaft 126 has a polygonal shape. Thereby, the meter feeding blade 148 can be rotated by the metering blade 121 rotating in the supply direction.

[0117] By connecting the rice conveying blade 148 and the metering blade 121 concentrically and in series in this way, the rice conveying blade 148 and the metering blade 121 can be driven by one driving motor 123. Therefore, the driving motor 123 can be shared to simplify the structure, and the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized.

[0118] A bearing 149 is mounted on the other end of the rice transport blade 148, and the bearing 149 is arranged so as to contact a bearing portion 100b provided on the inner wall 100a at the front of the rice container 100 (see Fig.26 ). The metering blade 121 is rotated in the supply direction by the driving motor 123, thereby rotating the rice transfer blade 148 to transfer the rice in the rice container 100 to the metering blade 121 (toward the -Y direction). The rice transfer blade 148 can transfer the rice located in front of the rice container 100 to the metering blade 121 even if an inclined surface is not provided on the bottom surface of the rice container 100 to cause the metering blade 121 to slide backward. Therefore, the capacity of the rice container 100 can be increased, and the rice can be prevented from remaining in the rice container 100.

[0119] The rice conveying blade 148 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, thereby preventing rice from being bitten between the rice conveying blade 148 and the inner wall of the container 100. Therefore, defects in the rice conveying operation caused by the biting of rice and failure of the drive motor 123 can be prevented.

[0120] The metering blade 121 rotates in the supply direction around the axis, thereby being able to transfer the meter in the axial direction (+Y direction). Fig.13When feeding rice, the rice feeding cover 130 moves to the rear, and the surface in the -Y direction contacts the contact surface 121a of the metering blade 121. Along with this, the pad 131 also moves to the rear. Fig.13 As shown by the middle arrow, the rice passage from the metering blade 121 to the rice delivery passage inlet 129 is opened. Therefore, the rice transferred by the metering blade 121 is supplied to the rice delivery passage 111 through the rice delivery passage inlet 129.

[0121] In this way, the metering blade 121 can measure the rice while moving it in the horizontal direction (while pressing it). For the method of measuring rice, a method of measuring, for example, by time, while making the rice fall from the rice container by the action of gravity is considered. However, in this method, a space for measuring is required in the height (vertical) direction, and there is a problem that the rice cooker as a whole becomes larger. For example, in the case where such a space for measuring is set in the cover body located above the pot, the cover body becomes large and its weight increases, so the opening and closing mechanism of the cover body has to be set as a complex mechanism, which will lead to further enlargement of the rice cooker. The rice cooker 1 of this embodiment can measure the rice while moving it in the horizontal direction by the metering blade 121, so there is no need to set a space for measuring above the pot. Therefore, the rice container 100 can be set in the housing 3, so that the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rice is moved in the horizontal direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the rice can also be moved obliquely by the metering blade 121.

[0122] In the installation state where the meter transfer blade 148 is installed on the output shaft 126 ( Figures 12-14 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the rice conveying blade 148 contacts the bearing portion 100b of the rice container 100 via the bearing 149. The axial dimensions of the rice conveying blade 148, the bearing 149, and the output shaft 126 are configured such that, in the mounted state, the rice conveying blade 148 presses the output shaft 126 into the input shaft 124. Thus, in the connected state, the meshing portion 125 of the input shaft 124 meshes with the meshing portion 127 of the output shaft 126, and the power of the drive motor 123 is transmitted to the output shaft 126 via the input shaft 124. In the mounted state where the rice conveying blade 148 is mounted on the output shaft 126 in this manner, the coupling mechanism 128 is in a connected state capable of transmitting power.

[0123] When the rice transport blade 148 is mounted on the output shaft 126, the spring 133 is elastically deformed, and the output shaft 126 is urged in the +Y direction relative to the rice transport blade 148 with reference to the fixing table 132. The output shaft 126 is urged in the +Y direction, but the output shaft 126 does not slide in the +Y direction because the front end of the rice transport blade 148 connected to the output shaft 126 is fixed to the bearing portion 100b of the rice container 100 via the bearing 149. Therefore, the connection state of the coupling mechanism 128 is maintained.

[0124] The rice measuring unit 120 has a rotation speed sensor 141 that detects the rotation speed of the metering blade 121. The rotation speed sensor 141 is an example of the "rotation speed detection unit" of the present disclosure. As long as the rotation speed of the metering blade 121 can be detected, the amount of rice supplied from the metering blade 121 to the rice delivery path 111 via the rice delivery path inlet 129 can be calculated. For example, the amount of rice supplied to the rice delivery path 111 is determined when the metering blade 121 rotates one circle. Therefore, by detecting the rotation speed of the metering blade 121 by the rotation speed sensor 141, the desired amount of rice can be transferred from the rice container 100 to the pot 2 with high accuracy. In addition, since the outer periphery of the metering blade 121 is covered by the guide portion 122 as described above, the amount of rice transferred along with the rotation of the metering blade 121 is stable, and the metering accuracy is improved.

[0125] exist Figures 13-14 In the example shown, a rotation speed sensor 141, which is an example of a rotation speed detection unit, is installed on the metering blade 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the rotation speed sensor 141 may also be installed on the output shaft 126, the input shaft 124, or the drive motor 123. Alternatively, a stepper motor may be used as the drive motor 123, and the control unit 20 may measure the number of rotation pulses of the stepper motor to measure the rotation speed of the drive motor 123, that is, the rotation speed of the metering blade 121. In addition, for example, the control unit 20 may measure the rotation time instead of the rotation speed to calculate the amount of rice transferred with the rotation of the metering blade 121.

[0126] Fig.14 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the rice measuring unit 120 when rice is not being fed. Fig.13 After the rice delivery is completed in the state of , the driving motor 123 rotates in the rice discharging direction opposite to the supply direction, and accordingly, the metering blade 121 also rotates in the rice discharging direction. Thus, after the rice delivery is completed, the metering blade 121 discharges the rice on the metering blade 121 into the rice container 100. Different from this, when rice remains on the metering blade 121 after the rice delivery is completed, there is a problem of metering error caused by the remaining rice when the rice is delivered next time, but the rice cooker 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can eliminate this problem and measure the rice with high accuracy.

[0127] When the driving motor 123 rotates the metering blade 121 in the rice discharging direction as described above, the rice delivery path cover 130 rotates relative to the metering blade 121 and moves forward (in the +Y direction). Thus, the rice delivery path cover 130 and the gasket 131 close the path of the rice from the metering blade 121 to the rice delivery path inlet 129. Thus, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and pests from passing through the rice delivery path inlet 129. For example, it is possible to prevent pests in the rice container 100 from reaching the pot 2 through the rice delivery path inlet 129 and the rice delivery path 111. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the hot air of the pot 2 from entering the rice container 100 and the cold air of the rice container 100 from escaping through the rice delivery path inlet 129 and the rice delivery path 111.

[0128] Fig.15 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the rice measuring unit 120 in a non-installed state in which the rice transfer blade 148 is removed from the output shaft 126. The rice transfer blade 148 is connected to the measuring blade 121 in a manner that can be easily attached and detached. Specifically, the rice transfer blade 148 is connected to the output shaft 126 in a manner that can be easily attached and detached. Thus, the removed rice transfer blade 148 can be cleaned. In addition, in a state in which the rice transfer blade 148 is removed, the rice container 100 can be cleaned. Since the rice transfer blade 148 can be easily attached and detached in this way, the ease of maintenance can be improved, and the hygiene of the rice cooker 1 can be maintained.

[0129] If Fig.14 For comparison, Fig.15 In the process, the output shaft 126 moves forward relative to the input shaft 124, thereby releasing the meshing of the meshing portion 125 of the input shaft 124 and the meshing portion 127 of the output shaft 126. Thus, when the rice conveying blade 148 is removed from the output shaft 126, the coupling mechanism 128 is in a cut-off state where power is not transmitted.

[0130] When from Fig.14 When the meter conveying blade 148 is pulled forward in the installed state, the output shaft 126 also moves forward together with the meter conveying blade 148. When the meter conveying blade 148 is further pulled forward, the output shaft 126 contacts the metering blade 121 in the Y direction, so that the output shaft 126 cannot move forward any further. When the meter conveying blade 148 is further pulled forward, the engagement between the recessed portion 148a of the meter conveying blade 148 and the front end portion 126a of the output shaft 126 is released, so that the meter conveying blade 148 can be removed from the output shaft 126. In this way, the meter conveying blade 148 becomes Fig.15 The coupling mechanism 128 is in a non-mounted state in which the output shaft 126 is removed. Fig.15 The cut-off state.

[0131] exist Fig.15In the non-installed state where the rice conveying blade 148 is removed from the output shaft 126, when the recess 148a of the rice conveying blade 148 is pressed into the front end 126a of the output shaft 126 in order to install the rice conveying blade 148 on the output shaft 126, the output shaft 126 moves backward. As a result, the rice conveying blade 148 is installed on the output shaft 126, and the coupling mechanism 128 is Fig.14 The connection status.

[0132] If the coupling mechanism 128 is still connected in the non-installed state in which the rice transfer blade 148 is removed from the output shaft 126, the following situation will occur: even if there is no rice on the metering blade 121, it will be measured as if there is rice, thereby performing low-precision measurement. In this embodiment, since the coupling mechanism 128 is in the disconnected state in the non-installed state in which the metering blade 121 is removed from the output shaft 126, the metering blade 121 does not rotate, and the metering of rice by rotation is not performed. Therefore, the metering of rice and the transfer of rice to the pot 2 are not performed in the non-installed state, so that the above situation can be prevented.

[0133] The rice measuring unit 120 may also include a rice transfer blade detection unit that detects whether the rice transfer blade 148 is in the installation state installed on the output shaft 126. The rice transfer blade detection unit is, for example, a current detection device that detects the amount of current flowing through the drive motor 123. In the case where the rice transfer blade 148 is not in the installation state installed on the output shaft 126, since only the input shaft 124 is driven by the drive motor 123, the load applied to the drive motor 123 is small. Therefore, the amount of current flowing through the drive motor 123 is also small. Therefore, for example, when the amount of current detected by the current detection device is less than a preset threshold value, the control unit 20 determines that the rice transfer blade 148 is not in the installation state installed on the output shaft 126. In the case of determining that it is not in the installation state, the control unit 20 reports to the user via the output unit 23. As a result, the user can know that it is not in the installation state, so that the rice transfer blade 148 can be installed and the execution of rice cooking can be instructed again. The output unit 23 includes, for example, a display unit 31 such as a display of the rice cooker 1 and a notification device such as a speaker 32 for outputting sound. The control unit 20 may make a notification to a user terminal such as a smartphone via the communication interface 25 instead of the output unit 23 .

[0134] [1-2-2. Rice separation device]

[0135] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the rice delivery path 111 extends from the rice delivery path inlet 129 to the upper part of the pot 2. The rice delivery section 110 is further provided with a rice separation device 150 at the most downstream of the rice delivery path 111. In addition, the rice delivery section 110 is further provided with an exhaust pipe 113, which is fluidically connected to the rice delivery path 111 via the rice separation device 150; and a rice delivery fan 112, which makes the air in the rice delivery path 111 flow, thereby moving the rice from the rice delivery path inlet 129 to the pot 2.

[0136] The rice separation device 150 is disposed in the cover 6. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, but if the rice separation device 150 is disposed in the cover 6, the lateral width of the rice cooker 1 can be prevented from increasing, thereby preventing the installation property of the rice cooker 1 from being deteriorated when there are objects or walls on the sides.

[0137] The rice delivery fan 112 is, for example, installed at an end of the exhaust pipe 113 different from the pot 2 side, and is an air intake fan that flows the air in the rice delivery path 111 by sucking air from the exhaust pipe 113, the rice separation device 150, and the rice delivery path 111. As a result, heat generated by the operation of the rice delivery fan 112 and the like does not enter the rice delivery path 111, thereby reducing the damage to the rice during the delivery due to heat. In addition, by using a structure in which the rice is moved by negative pressure using an air intake fan, it is possible to prevent the rice from flowing back to the rice container 100.

[0138] Fig.16 1 is a top view of the rice separation device 150. The rice separation device 150 includes a cylindrical body 153 with an axis parallel to the Y axis as the central axis, an air intake port 151 for taking in rice and air moved by the rice feeding fan 112, an air exhaust port 152 for exhausting air, and a rice discharge port 154 for discharging rice. The air intake port 151 is connected to the rice feeding path 111. The air exhaust port 152 is connected to the exhaust pipe 113. Fig.16 In the embodiment, the rice conveying path 111, the exhaust pipe 113 and other parts other than the rice separation device 150 are omitted. Fig.16 In the diagram, double arrows are used to indicate the direction in which the air moves when the rice is being transported.

[0139] Fig.17 is Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the rice separation device 150 when viewed in the XVII-XVII direction. Fig.18 is Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of the rice separation device 150 when viewed in the XVIII-XVIII direction. Fig.17In the figure, double arrows are used to indicate the direction in which air and rice are conveyed. The rice separation device 150 uses the flow force of the air taken in from the air intake port 151 to separate the rice taken in from the air intake port 151 from the air, and discharges only the rice from the rice discharge port 154, and discharges only the air from the exhaust port 152. No rice is discharged from the exhaust port 152. The rice discharged from the rice discharge port 154 is supplied to the pot 2.

[0140] Specifically, the rice separation device 150 separates rice and air through a cyclone structure. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air inlet 151 is configured such that the air and the air inlet path are perpendicular to the central axis of the main body 153, and the air and the air flow into the cylindrical wall surface of the main body 153 rather than near the central axis. In other words, the air inlet 151 is configured such that the air and the air flow in along the tangent line of the inner surface of the cylindrical wall surface of the main body 153. The exhaust port 152 is at Fig.17 The rice outlet 154 is arranged at the bottom of the main body 153.

[0141] With this structure, the rice and air flowing in from the air inlet flow in a vortex-like manner toward the inner surface of the main body 153. As a result, a large centrifugal force is applied to the rice, which has a larger specific gravity than air, and the rice is pressed against the inner surface of the main body 153. Therefore, the rice advances along the wall of the main body 153 to reach the rice discharge port 154, is discharged from the rice discharge port 154, and enters the pot 2. The air is discharged from the exhaust port 152. The rice does not pass through the exhaust port 152.

[0142] There is a method of separating rice and air by filtering using a filter. However, in the filtering method, a filter is provided on the cover 6 of the rice cooker 1, etc., which makes it difficult to replace and clean the filter. Therefore, there is a problem that rice cannot be delivered when the filter is clogged after long-term use. In contrast, according to the rice separation device 150 of this embodiment that separates rice and air without using a filter, the filter will not be clogged, so that rice can be delivered stably for a long time.

[0143] [1-2-3. Rice feeding cover opening and closing device]

[0144] After the rice is fed to the pot 2, the rice discharge port 154 of the rice separation device 150 is covered with a rice feed cover 201 (see Fig.18 The rice feeding cover 201 is driven by the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200. The operation of the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 is controlled by the control unit 20, for example.

[0145] Fig.19 It is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200. Fig. 202 is an exploded perspective view of the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200. The rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 includes a fixing base 202 mounted on the cover body 6, a gasket 203 mounted on the fixing base 202, and a rice feeding cover 201 for opening and closing the rice discharge port 154 of the rice separation device 150. The rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 also includes a motor 210 for driving the rice feeding cover 201, a spur gear 211, a rotating body 212 having a gear 212a, a rotating body seat 213 having a rack 213a extending in the vertical direction, and a rotating shaft 214 having a gear 214a. The rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 also includes a motor fixing base 204 for fixing the motor 210, and a rotating body seat 205 for indicating the rotating body 212. The motor fixing base 204 is arranged in the cover body 6.

[0146] The spur gear 211 is mounted on the motor 210. The spur gear 211 meshes with the rack 213a to move the rotating body seat 213 up and down. When the rotating body seat 213 moves up and down, the rotating body 212 also moves up and down. The rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 has a link mechanism that converts the up and down movement of the rotating body 212 into the rotational movement of the rotating body 212 around the vertical axis.

[0147] Fig.21 2 is a top view of the rotor 212. The rotor 212 has a bottomless cylindrical shape, that is, an annular shape. The rotor 212 has a spur gear 212a on a portion of the outer periphery and a link pin 212b protruding inwardly in the direction of the cylindrical axis on the inner peripheral surface.

[0148] like Fig. 20 As shown, the motor fixing platform 204 has a connecting rod 220, and the fixing platform 202 has a connecting rod 221. Fig.19 As shown, during assembly, a gap 222 extending in a spiral shape with the vertical axis as the center is formed between the connecting rod 220 and the connecting rod 221. During assembly, the connecting rod pin 212b of the rotating body 212 is inserted into the gap 222. The connecting rod pin 212b of the rotating body 212 can slide in the gap 222 along the extending direction of the gap 222 extending in a spiral shape.

[0149] like Fig.19 As shown, the gear 212a of the rotating body 212 is meshed with the gear 214a of the rotating shaft 214. The rice feeding cover 201 is installed at the front end of the rotating shaft 214.

[0150] Next, the operation of the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 will be described. Fig. 22 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the rice feed cover opening and closing device 200 in a closed state where the rice discharge port 154 of the rice separating device 150 is closed by the rice feed cover 201 . Fig.23 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 in an open state with the rice discharge port 154 opened.

[0151] When Fig. 22 When the motor 210 is operated in the opening direction in the closed state, the spur gear 211 rotates in the opening direction. As a result, the rack 213a meshing with the spur gear 211 moves downward, and the rotating body seat 213 moves downward. The rotating body 212 moves downward along with the movement of the rotating body seat 213, and the connecting rod pin 212b of the rotating body 212 slides in the spiral gap 222 between the connecting rod 220 and the connecting rod 221, and the rotating body 212 rotates. Since the gear 212a of the rotating body 212 is meshed with the gear 214a of the rotating shaft 214, when the rotating body 212 rotates, the rotating shaft 214 rotates. When the rotating shaft 214 rotates, the rice feeding cover 201 installed on the front end of the rotating shaft 214 also rotates around the rotating shaft 214.

[0152] In this way, the rice feeding cover 201 moves downward as the rotating body seat 213 moves downward, and rotates as the rotating shaft 214 rotates. Fig.23 The open state is shown. Fig.23 The open state of Fig. 22 Movement to the closed state can be achieved by rotating the motor 210 in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction.

[0153] After the rice is delivered, for example, during rice cooking, the rice delivery cover opening and closing device 200 closes the rice discharge port 154 of the rice separation device 150 through the rice delivery cover 201, thereby becoming closed. Thus, it is possible to prevent steam from leaking from the rice discharge port 154. Therefore, it is possible to prevent steam from entering the rice container 100 through the rice delivery path 11 and causing the rice to spoil, or to prevent the pressure in the pot 2 from decreasing during rice cooking.

[0154] In addition, when feeding rice to the pot 2, the rice feeding cover opening and closing device 200 is as follows: Fig.23 As shown, the rice delivery cover 201 is moved to open the rice discharge port 154 of the rice separation device 150. As a result, the rice can enter the pot 2 through the rice discharge port 154. When the rice is delivered, if the rice delivery cover 201 is only moved downward, there is a situation where the rice adheres to the upper surface of the rice delivery cover 201. When the rice adheres to the upper surface of the rice delivery cover 201, the rice enters between the rice delivery cover 201 and the gasket 203, so that the rice delivery cover 201 cannot be closed, and steam leakage occurs. Therefore, when the rice delivery cover opening and closing device 200 of this embodiment moves from the closed state to the open state, not only the rice delivery cover 201 is moved downward, but also the rice delivery cover 201 is rotated around the rotation shaft 214 as described above, so that the rice delivery cover 201 is separated from the path of the rice. As a result, the rice can be prevented from adhering to the upper surface of the rice delivery cover 201. Therefore, when the rice delivery cover 201 is closed, the rice can be prevented from entering between the rice delivery cover 201 and the gasket 203, which causes steam leakage.

[0155] [1-2-4. Rice storage level sensor]

[0156] like Figure 2 As shown, the rice cooker 1 further includes a rice storage amount sensor 230 for detecting the amount of rice stored in the rice container 100. For example, the rice storage amount sensor 230 detects whether there is rice in the rice container 100 that reaches a preset height. Figure 2 In the example shown, the rice storage amount sensor 230 is an electrostatic capacitive sensor such as an electrostatic touch sensor installed on the outer surface of the rice container 100. The rice storage amount sensor 230 may also include a plurality of sensors arranged in a vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of sensors respectively detect whether there is rice in the horizontal direction of the plurality of sensors. In this case, the amount of rice in the rice container 100 can be accurately measured compared to a case where only one sensor is provided.

[0157] The rice storage amount sensor 230 is not limited to the aforementioned electrostatic capacitance sensor, and may be, for example, a weight sensor, a mechanical switch type sensor disposed in the rice container 100, an infrared sensor, etc. However, the electrostatic capacitance sensor can be attached to the outer surface of the rice container 100, and the sensor will not fall off into the rice container 100. In addition, when an infrared sensor is used, the detection accuracy will be deteriorated due to rice powder, etc., but when an electrostatic capacitance sensor is used, the detection accuracy will not be deteriorated due to rice powder, etc. Therefore, by using an electrostatic capacitance sensor, the rice storage amount can be stably and accurately detected.

[0158] [1-3. Water delivery department]

[0159] like Figure 3 As shown, the water supply unit 310 includes a water supply path 311 for transferring water from the water container 300 to the pot 2, a water supply pump 312 for moving the water, and a water level sensor 313 for detecting the water level in the water container 300. The water supply pump 312 is an example of a "water supply device" disclosed in the present invention. The water supply pump 312 is, for example, a gear pump, a tube pump, or the like that can control the direction of water supply. By using the water supply pump 312, water can be supplied with a simple structure. In addition, by using the water supply pump 312, the degree of freedom in the design of the water supply path 311 is increased.

[0160] Fig.24 303 (see FIG. Fig. 9 ) and is parallel to the YZ plane. Fig.24 In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 , portions other than the periphery of the outlet 303 of the water container 300 are omitted. Fig.25 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the water level sensor 313.

[0161] The upstream of the water supply path 311 is connected to the water supply path inlet 315. A valve plunger 307 protruding forward is provided at the water supply path inlet 315. A ball valve 305 is provided at the outlet 303 of the water container 300. The ball valve 305 is urged by a spring 306 when the water container 300 is removed from the water container storage portion 301, thereby blocking the outlet 303 of the water container 300. Thus, water does not leak from the water container 300. On the other hand, when the water container 300 is installed in the water container storage portion 301, the valve plunger 307 presses the ball valve 305 forward to move the ball valve 305, so that the outlet 303 of the water container 300 is opened. Thus, the outlet 303 of the water container 300 is fluidically connected to the water supply path inlet 315, and the water in the water container 300 can flow into the water supply path 311. The ball valve 305 is an example of the "opening and closing valve" of the present disclosure.

[0162] In this embodiment, the water level sensor 313 is installed above the water supply passage inlet 315 via the gasket 314. The water level sensor 313 is, for example, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the water supply passage 311. Such a water level sensor 313 detects, for example, a pressure corresponding to the difference between the water level in the water supply passage 311 and the water level in the water container 300.

[0163] The water level sensor disclosed in the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned pressure sensor, and may be, for example, an electrostatic capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an electric wave sensor, or the like.

[0164] Fig.26 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure around the water container storage unit 301. Fig.26 , the aforementioned Peltier unit 400, the meter measuring unit 120, the meter transfer blade 148 and other structures are also shown.

[0165] [1-4. Control unit]

[0166] The rice cooker 1 is an automatic input type rice cooker that automatically moves rice and water to the pot 2 to cook rice under the control of the control unit 20 . Fig. 27 1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the rice cooker 1. The rice cooker 1 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, and a communication interface (I / F) 25.

[0167] The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the rice cooker 1. The storage unit 21 is a recording medium that records various information including programs and data necessary to realize the functions of the rice cooker 1.

[0168] The control unit 20 can be implemented in various ways. For example, as the control unit 20, a processor that cooperates with software to implement a specified function can also be used. If a processor is used as the control unit 20, the control unit 20 can perform various processes by reading and executing the program from the storage unit 21 that stores the program. Since the processing content can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage unit 21, the freedom of changing the control content can be improved. The processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). In addition, as the control unit 20, a wired logic that cannot be rewritten by the program can also be used. If wired logic is used as the control unit 20, it is effective to improve the processing speed. As wired logic, there are, for example, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and the like. In addition, the control unit 20 can also be implemented by combining a processor and wired logic. If the control unit 20 is implemented by combining a processor and wired logic, the freedom of software design can be improved and the processing speed can be improved. In addition, a semiconductor element can also be used to constitute the control unit 20 and a circuit having a function different from that of the control unit 20. As a circuit having other functions, there is, for example, an A / DD / A conversion circuit. In addition, the control unit 20 may be composed of one semiconductor element or a plurality of semiconductor elements. In the case of being composed of a plurality of semiconductor elements, different semiconductor elements may be used to implement each control described in the technical solution. Furthermore, the control unit 20 may also be composed of a structure including a semiconductor element and passive components such as a resistor or a capacitor.

[0169] The storage unit 21 may be implemented by using, for example, a flash memory, a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or other storage devices alone or in combination thereof. The storage unit 21 may also include a volatile memory such as an SRAM or DRAM that can temporarily store various information and can operate at high speed.

[0170] The communication interface 25 only needs to be able to communicate between the rice cooker 1 and the external device. The communication interface 25 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the communication interface 25 can be connected to the external device by wire, or it can be connected to the external device by wireless communication. If the communication interface 25 of the apparatus of the present invention and the external device are connected by wire, it is effective in terms of the security and stability of the communication. As a wired communication interface 25, for example, there is a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (Ethernet: registered trademark) standard, or a wired connection using an optical cable, etc. As a wireless communication interface 25, there is a wireless connection with an external device via a base station, etc., or a direct wireless connection with an external device, etc. As a wireless connection with an external device via a base station, for example, there are wireless LAN corresponding to IEEE 802.11, a third-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 3G), a fourth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 4G), a fifth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 5G), WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access: registered trademark) corresponding to IEEE 802.16, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc. If a communication interface 25 is used to directly wirelessly connect the device of the present invention to an external device, it is effective for improving the security of communication, and the device of the present invention can also communicate with the external device in a place where there is no relay device such as a WiFi (wireless network: registered trademark) router. As a communication interface 25 that directly wirelessly connects the device of the present invention to an external device, for example, there are communication based on Bluetooth (Bluetooth: registered trademark), communication based on NFC (Near Field Communication) via a loop antenna, or infrared communication, etc.

[0171] The input unit 22 is an input interface for receiving signals from the rice cooker 1 or an external device. The input unit 22 includes, for example, the aforementioned boiling detection unit 16, a pressure sensor 17 for detecting the pressure in the pot 2, a rotation speed sensor 141 for detecting the rotation speed of the metering blade 121, a rice storage amount sensor 230, a water level sensor 313, a temperature sensor 405 for detecting the temperature of the radiator 403, and a temperature sensor 410 for detecting the temperature of the heat sink 409. The input unit 22 may also include a button for receiving input from the user, and a user interface (UI) 40 such as a touch panel. The user operates the user interface 40, for example, to set the amount of rice to be cooked, the cooking method, the cooking time, etc.

[0172] The user interface 40 is used for the user to input information to the rice cooker 1. Various embodiments are considered as the user interface 40. For example, a mechanical operating component can be used to constitute the user interface 40. In addition, a transparent plate-like operating component provided above the display can be used to constitute the user interface 40. Such a transparent plate-like operating component can use a contact component or a non-contact component. In addition, a method in which a camera is used to capture the user's movements and the rice cooker 1 recognizes the movements can be used as the user interface 40. In addition, a method in which the rice cooker 1 receives the sound made by the user can be used as the user interface 40. As such a structure, smart speakers and the like meet the conditions.

[0173] Regarding where the user interface 40 is arranged, various embodiments are also considered. The user interface 40 can be arranged on the rice cooker 1, or it can be arranged separately from the rice cooker 1. When the user interface 40 and the rice cooker 1 are arranged separately, the user interface 40 and the rice cooker 1 can communicate with each other by wire or wireless. In this case, the user interface 40 and the rice cooker 1 can communicate directly, or the Internet or access point can be set up so that the user interface 40 and the rice cooker 1 can communicate indirectly. In addition, when communicating wirelessly, mobile communication methods can be adopted to communicate, or other standards can be used as references to communicate. And, when communicating wirelessly, long-range wireless can be used, and short-range wireless can also be used.

[0174] The control unit 20 controls the operation of the output unit 23. The output unit 23 includes, for example, the aforementioned heating unit 8, a switching transistor for supplying power to the heating unit 8, a pressure valve 15, a display unit 31, a speaker 32, a rice feeding fan 112, a water feeding pump 312, a Peltier element 401, and a cooling fan 407.

[0175] [2.Action]

[0176] Fig.281 is a flowchart showing an example of the actions performed by the rice cooker 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure. The rice cooker 1 is an automatic input type rice cooker, which moves the rice in the rice container 100 and the water in the water container 300 to the pot 2 according to the input of the cooking instruction received from the user via the user interface 40 or the communication interface 25, and operates the heating unit 8 to cook the rice. Specifically, the actions performed by the rice cooker 1 include the step S1 of receiving the above-mentioned cooking instruction, the rice feeding process S2, the water feeding process S3, the pre-cooking process S4, the cooking process S5, the stirring process S6, the boiling maintenance process S7, and the stewing process S8. In addition, in parallel with the above-mentioned process, the rice cooker 1 executes the rice storage amount detection process S9 corresponding to the detection result of the rice storage amount sensor 230. Below, each process of the action of the rice cooker 1 is described in detail.

[0177] [2-1. Rice storage quantity detection process]

[0178] Fig.29 It is shown Fig.28 The rice storage amount detection step S9 is a flowchart of the process of the rice storage amount detection step S9. The rice storage amount detection step S9 is regularly executed by the control unit 20. Alternatively, the rice storage amount detection step S9 may be executed when the rice storage amount sensor 230 detects that the rice storage amount M in the rice container 100 is less than a preset amount M0.

[0179] First, the control unit 20 obtains a detection result of whether the rice storage amount M in the rice container 100 is greater than a preset amount M0 from the rice storage amount sensor 230 (S91). When it is determined that the rice storage amount M is less than the preset amount M0 (No in step S92), and the rice storage amount M is not reset in step S24 described later (No in step S93), the control unit 20 sets the rice storage amount M to M0 and stores it in the storage unit 21 (S94).

[0180] When the rice storage amount M is greater than the preset amount M0 (Yes in step S92), the control unit 20 ends the rice storage amount detection process S9. When it is determined in step S93 that the rice storage amount M has been reset, the rice storage amount detection process S9 is also ended. It should be noted that the order of step S92 and step S93 may also be reversed.

[0181] [2-2. Rice delivery process]

[0182] Fig.30 It is shown Fig.28 The control unit 20 is based on the rice cooking instruction ( Fig.28The amount of rice m required for cooking is determined in step S1 (S21). The amount of rice to be cooked is determined, for example, by the user specifying the volume of rice (in grams, m1, cm3, etc.), the weight of rice (g), the number of servings, etc. For example, the user inputs the amount of rice to be cooked through a UI 40 such as a button provided on the top of the cover 6 or the rice container cover 104. Alternatively, the user can also operate a terminal such as a smart phone to communicate the amount of rice to be cooked to the control unit 20 of the rice cooker 1 via the communication interface 25.

[0183] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the rice storage amount M is greater than the preset amount M0 (S22). Fig.29 The control unit 20 is substantially the same as step S92, so in fact, the control unit 20 can also use the result of step S92 in step S22.

[0184] When it is determined in step S22 that the stored rice amount M is equal to or less than the preset amount M0 (No in step S22), the control unit 20 determines whether the stored rice amount M is less than the required amount m of rice determined in step S21 (S23).

[0185] When it is determined that the rice storage amount M is greater than the required amount m of rice (No in step S23), the control unit 20 resets the rice storage amount M (S24). Specifically, the control unit 20 updates the rice storage amount M to Mm and stores the updated result in the storage unit 21. Thus, the control unit 20 can always grasp the rice storage amount M.

[0186] In addition, when the rice storage amount sensor 230 includes a plurality of sensors arranged in the vertical direction, the control unit 20 may also use the detection results of each sensor to reset the rice storage amount M. For example, the rice storage amount sensor 230 includes k sensors arranged in the vertical direction, and each sensor detects whether the rice storage amount M in the rice container 100 is more than a preset amount (M1, M2, ..., Mk). Here, it is assumed that M1>M2>...>Mk. When the control unit 20 determines that the rice storage amount M is less than M1, when it determines that the rice storage amount M is more than the required amount m of rice, the rice storage amount M is updated to M1-m. However, when the rice storage amount M is detected to be less than M2, the control unit 20 gives priority to this result and updates the rice storage amount M to M2-m. The same is true for the detection results of other sensors that detect whether the rice storage amount M in the rice container 100 is more than a preset amount (M3, M4, ..., Mk). It should be noted that the control unit 20 may also be able to calculate the rice storage amount M with higher accuracy. Fig.30In the process of measuring rice in step S26, the control unit 20 can also detect the amount of rice m1 that has been delivered when the rice storage amount sensor 230 becomes Mk. Thus, the control unit 20 can calculate the amount of rice that has been further delivered from the time when the rice storage amount sensor 230 becomes Mk as m-m1. Then, the control unit 20 can calculate the amount of rice stored in the rice container 100 as Mk-(m-m1). The control unit 20 can store the rice storage amount M as Mk-(m-m1) and use this value when inputting the rice cooking instruction next time.

[0187] Next, the control unit 20 starts the rice feeding fan 112 (S25), and performs a feeding rice amount measurement process (S26) by the rice measuring unit 120. The details of step S26 will be described later. When the rice feeding is completed, the control unit 20 stops the rice feeding fan 112 (S27).

[0188] In step S23, when it is determined that the amount of rice stored M is less than the required amount of rice m (yes in step S23), the control unit 20 reports to the user via the output unit 23 (step S28). For example, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 31 to display the meaning of insufficient amount of rice, or causes the speaker 32 to output the meaning of insufficient amount of rice or a warning sound. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may also report to a user's terminal such as a smartphone via the communication interface 25. In the case of a report, cooking by the rice cooker 1 is not performed. The user can learn of the insufficient amount of rice through the report, and can replenish rice and instruct the execution of cooking again.

[0189] When it is determined in step S22 that the stored rice amount M is greater than the preset amount M0 (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0190] Fig.31 It is shown Fig.30 The flow chart of the process of the rice delivery amount measurement processing step S26. First, the control unit 20 determines to transfer the rice in the cooking instruction ( Fig.28 The required rotation speed N (S261) of the metering blade 121 required for the amount of meters specified in S1).

[0191] Next, the control unit 20 drives the drive motor 123 to rotate the metering blade 121 in the supply direction (S262). When the rotation starts, the control unit 20 obtains the rotation speed n of the metering blade 121 detected by the rotation speed sensor 141 (S263). The rotation speed n is the rotation speed of the metering blade 121 from the start of rotation. Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the rotation speed n is greater than the required rotation speed N determined in step S261 (S264). When the rotation speed n is less than the required rotation speed N determined in step S261 (No in step S264), the control unit 20 executes steps S262 and S263 again. When the rotation speed n is greater than the required rotation speed N determined in step S261 (Yes in step S264), the process proceeds to step S265. In this way, the control unit 20 drives the drive motor 123 until the rotation speed n of the metering blade 121 reaches the required rotation speed N.

[0192] In step S265, the control unit 20 rotates the driving motor 123 in the rice discharging direction opposite to the supply direction and rotates the metering blade 121 in the rice discharging direction. Thus, the metering blade 121 discharges the rice on the metering blade 121 into the rice container 100 after the rice feeding is completed.

[0193] [2-3. Water delivery process]

[0194] Fig.32 It is shown Fig.28 Flowchart of the process of the water supply step S3 of FIG. First, the control unit 20 determines the amount of water w required for cooking rice based on the amount of rice to be cooked included in the rice cooking instruction (step S4) from the user (S31).

[0195] Next, the control unit 20 obtains the detection result of the water level in the water container 300 detected by the water level sensor 313 (S32), and determines the amount of water W0 in the water container 300 based on the detection result (S33). Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the amount of water W0 in the water container 300 is less than the required amount w determined in step S31 (S34).

[0196] When it is determined that the amount of water W0 in the water container 300 is greater than the required amount w determined in step S31 (No in S34), the control unit 20 calculates the driving time T of the water pump 312 required to supply the required amount w of water (S35). Then, the control unit 20 operates the water pump 312 for the driving time T calculated in step S35 (S36). Thus, the specified amount of water moves from the water container 300 to the pot 2.

[0197] As a mechanism for detecting the amount of water moved from the water container 300 to the pot 2, in addition to the above-mentioned mechanism, a mechanism for measuring the flow rate of water flowing out of the water container 300 is also considered. In this case, for example, a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of water is used. However, there is a problem that there are many deviations in the measurement results of the flow sensor, and the amount of water put into the pot 2 cannot be measured with high accuracy. In contrast, the rice cooker 1 of the present invention uses a water level sensor 313 to detect the water level in the water container 300. Compared with a flow sensor that measures the dynamic flow rate of water, by using a water level sensor 313 that detects a static water level, a specified amount of water can be detected with high accuracy and put into the pot 2. In addition, by using a high-precision and inexpensive pressure sensor as the water level sensor 313, the manufacturing cost of the rice cooker 1 can be reduced.

[0198] Next, the control unit 20 controls the water supply unit 310 to move the water in the water supply path 311 to the water container 300 (S37). For example, the control unit 20 drives the water supply pump 312 to make the water in the water supply path 311 flow in the opposite direction to the water supply direction in step S26. In this way, it is possible to prevent the water remaining in the water supply path 311 from being rotten, and the bacteria from growing in the water supply path 311.

[0199] In step S34, when it is determined that the amount of water W0 in the water container 300 is less than the required amount w determined in step S31 (yes in S34), the control unit 20 reports to the user via the output unit 23 (step S38). For example, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 31 to display the meaning of insufficient water, or causes the speaker 32 to output the meaning of insufficient water or a warning sound. Alternatively, the control unit 20 may also report to a user's terminal such as a smartphone via the communication interface 25. In the case of a report, cooking by the rice cooker 1 is not performed. The user can learn of the insufficient amount of water through the report, and can replenish water and instruct the execution of cooking again.

[0200] [2-4. Cooking Action]

[0201] When the water supply step S3 is finished, the rice and water are placed in the pot 2. Then, the rice cooking operation including the pre-cooking step S4, the cooking step S5, the stirring step S6, the boiling maintaining step S7, and the simmering step S8 is performed.

[0202] The pre-cooking step S4 is a step of heating the rice by the heating unit 8 while keeping the temperature in the pot 2 below the gelatinization temperature (eg, 55 degrees) to allow the rice to absorb water. The cooking step S5 is a step of further heating the pot 2 to bring it to a boiling state.

[0203] The rice cooker 1 is an automatic input type rice cooker, which automatically moves the rice in the rice container 100 and the water in the water container 300 to the pot 2. Since there is no manual operation of leveling or stirring the rice before cooking, there is a case where the rice is put into the pot 2 in a mountain shape, and the rice is not completely immersed in water. Therefore, there is a problem that the rice immersed in water and the rice not immersed in water are cooked unevenly, thereby damaging the taste of the cooked rice. That is, the water in the part with a higher rice height disappears first, so the rice becomes hard, and the part with a lower rice height is immersed in water for a long time, so the rice becomes soft.

[0204] In addition, when cooking disposable rice, the starch attached to the disposable rice precipitates and adheres to the bottom of the pot, thereby hindering the heat transfer from the pot 2 to the cooked food such as rice. This problem can be solved by simply washing the disposable rice, but the automatic input rice cooker 1 cannot perform the rice washing action.

[0205] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is desirable to stir the rice and water in the pot at an earlier stage of cooking. One method of solving the above-mentioned problem is to stir the rice and water in the pot by a stirring member such as a blade until the pre-cooking step S4 or the cooked food in the pot just boils. However, in this case, the stirring member needs to be arranged in the pot, the structure of the rice cooker becomes complicated, and the stirring member needs to be maintained, and the handling becomes complicated.

[0206] Then, the rice cooker 1 of embodiment of this indication solves the said subject by controlling the pressure in the pot 2 in the stirring process S6, causing bumping and stirring.

[0207] Fig.33 It is shown Fig.28 The flowchart of the process of the stirring step S6 of the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. First, the control unit 20 obtains the detection result of whether the boiling detection unit 16 detects boiling (S61). For example, the boiling detection unit 16 detects boiling when the temperature of the steam becomes above a preset threshold value. Alternatively, the boiling detection unit 16 measures the temperature of the steam generated from the pot 2, and the control unit 20 determines whether the heated object in the pot 2 is boiling.

[0208] When boiling is detected (Yes in step S61), the control unit 20 closes the pressure valve 15 to block the inside of the pot 2 from the outside (S62). As a result, the pressure in the pot 2 rises. Next, the control unit 20 obtains the detection result of the pressure P in the pot 2 from the pressure sensor 17, and when the detected pressure P is greater than the preset threshold value Pth (Yes in step S63), the pressure valve 15 is opened (S64). As a result, the pressure in the pot 2 is suddenly reduced to near the atmospheric pressure, and sudden boiling occurs, so that the rice grains are stirred by the generated bubbles.

[0209] The threshold value Pth is, for example, 5 kPa to 30 kPa. It is known that when the gauge pressure in the pot 2 is 20 kPa, the temperature in the pot 2 is equivalent to about 105°C. It is known that as long as the pressure in the pot 2 is 5 kPa or more, the cooked food in the pot 2 can be stirred. In addition, it is known that when the pressure in the pot 2 exceeds 30 kPa, it is difficult to prevent boiling over and the surface of the rice becomes sticky. By setting the threshold value Pth to 5 kPa to 30 kPa, the above problems can be avoided.

[0210] Fig.34 The graph schematically shows the relationship between time (minutes) and the temperature (° C.) in the pot 2 during the rice cooking operation including the pre-cooking step S4 , the cooking step S5 , the stirring step S6 , the boiling maintaining step S7 , and the simmering step S8 . Fig.35 yes Fig.34 : is a schematic enlarged view of region R, and is a graph showing the difference in temperature (pressure) change caused by the amount of rice cooked.

[0211] In this embodiment, as described above, the pressure valve 15 is opened when the detected pressure or temperature is above the threshold value, so that regardless of the amount of rice to be cooked, the pressure drops and sudden boiling occurs just after the temperature in the pot 2 reaches 105°C (or the pressure reaches 20kPa). Fig.35 In the example shown, the time from boiling detection (S61) to opening of the pressure valve 15 (S64) is T1 (minutes) when the meter is a small amount, T3 (minutes) when the meter is a maximum amount, and T2 (minutes) when the meter is an intermediate amount. Here, T1 < T2 < T3.

[0212] It should be noted that in the prior art, there is also a situation in which the boiling phenomenon occurs by opening the pressure valve in the boiling maintenance process, thereby stirring the cooked rice in the pot (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-344568). Fig.36As shown in the comparative example of , the time from boiling detection to opening the pressure valve is a constant value (T0) regardless of the amount of rice to be cooked. The constant value T0 is set so that even if the maximum amount of rice is put into the pot, a sudden boil can be generated. Therefore, for example, when a small amount of rice is cooked, there is a situation where the pressure valve is not opened until the time T0 has passed, although a long time has passed since the boiling. In the prior art, the problem of the rice in the automatic input type rice cooker 1 such as the embodiment of the present disclosure becoming a mountain shape, and the problem of starchy precipitation attached to the disposable rice and attached to the bottom of the pot are not easy to occur, so the situation that the pressure valve is not opened until a long time T0 has passed and a sudden boil does not occur is not a problem. However, in the automatic input type rice cooker 1 such as the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is expected to stir the rice and water in the pot at an early stage of cooking. Therefore, in the present embodiment, especially when the rice is a small amount, the above-mentioned structure is adopted to stir the rice in a mountain shape at an early stage of cooking to collapse it, thereby eliminating the state of all rice not being immersed in water at an early stage.

[0213] Fig.28 The action of the rice cooker 1 shown can also be replaced by Fig.33 The stirring step S6 includes Fig.37 The stirring step S6a is shown. Fig.37 The stirring step S6a and Fig.33 Compared with the stirring step S6 of the present invention, the control unit 20 includes step S63a instead of step S63 of judging whether the detected pressure P is greater than the preset threshold value Pth. That is, when the preset time has passed since the pressure valve 15 was closed (yes in step S63a), the control unit 20 opens the pressure valve 15 (S64). As a result, the pressure in the pot 2 is suddenly reduced to near the atmospheric pressure, and sudden boiling occurs, so that the rice grains are stirred by the generated bubbles.

[0214] The preset time is set according to the amount of rice to be cooked, for example, T1a (minutes) when the amount of rice is small, T3a (minutes) when the amount of rice is maximum, and T2a (minutes) when the amount of rice is intermediate between them. Here, T1a < T2a < T3a. In this way, the smaller the amount of rice to be cooked, the shorter the time from closing the pressure valve 15 to opening it is set.

[0215] Fig.38 It is a graph showing the difference in temperature (pressure) change due to the amount of cooked rice in the stirring step S6a. Fig.38 is with Fig.34 A schematic enlarged view of a portion corresponding to region R. Fig.35By comparison, it can be seen that the control unit 20 opens the pressure valve 15 when a preset time has passed since the pressure valve 15 was closed. As described above, the preset time is set according to the amount of rice to be cooked, for example, T1a (minute) when the amount of rice is small, T3a (minute) when the amount of rice is the maximum, and T2a (minute) when the amount of rice is between them.

[0216] [3. Effects, etc.]

[0217] [3-1. Effects of the overall structure, etc.]

[0218] As described above, the rice cooker 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pot 2 having a bottom cylindrical shape, a housing 3 for accommodating the pot 2, an upper frame 4, a hinge 5, a lid 6, a rice container 100 for accommodating rice, and a rice delivery unit 110. The housing 3 is disposed in a manner opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the pot 2 with a gap therebetween. The upper frame 4 is disposed in a manner covering the upper opening of the housing 3 and the upper opening of the pot 2 when viewed from above. The hinge 5 is disposed above the upper frame 4. The lid 6 is mounted on the hinge 5 in a manner that can rotate around the hinge 5, and covers the upper opening of the pot 2 in an openable and closable manner. The rice container 100 is disposed in the housing 3. The rice delivery unit 110 moves the rice accommodated in the rice container 100 toward the pot 2. The rice container 100 has a rice container opening 101 disposed at the top thereof. The rice container opening 101 is disposed in the front opposite to the hinge 5 across the pot 2 when viewed from above.

[0219] Thus, the user can easily put rice from the rice bag into the rice container 100 through the rice container opening 101 provided at the top.

[0220] At least a portion of the rice container 100 is configured to extend from below the pot 2 toward the front facing the hinge portion 5 across the pot 2 in a plan view.

[0221] Thus, the volume of the rice container 100 can be ensured by utilizing the space below the pot 2. In addition, since the rice container 100 extends toward the front, the lateral width of the rice cooker 1 can be prevented from becoming larger. Therefore, the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized, and the deterioration of the settability of the rice cooker 1 when there are objects on the side can be prevented. In addition, it is assumed that when in use, there are walls behind and on the side of the rice cooker 1, and it is assumed that there is also a ceiling of the storage space of the rice cooker 1 above the rice cooker 1. Even in such a case, the user can easily put rice from a rice bag into the rice container 100 by having the rice container 100 located in the front.

[0222] The rice container 100 may also include a rice container opening 101 provided at the top, and a rice container cover 104 configured to open and close the rice container opening 101. In this case, the rice container opening 101 may also be arranged at a position forward of the pot 2. The rice cooker 1 may further include a waterproof wall 9, which is located at the upper part of the upper frame 4 and between the rice container opening 101 and the pot 2, protruding upward from the rice container opening 101, to prevent water from entering the rice container opening 101.

[0223] By providing the waterproof wall 9, water drops adhering to the pot 2, the bottom of the lid 6, etc. during rice cooking, and water vapor generated during rice cooking can be prevented from entering the rice container 100 from the rice container opening 101 provided at the top. Therefore, the rice in the rice container 100 can be prevented from swelling or spoiling.

[0224] Alternatively, the rice container cover 104 may include a first rotation axis 105 disposed in front of the rice container opening 101 in a manner extending left and right, and the rice container cover 104 may rotate around the first rotation axis 105 to move between an open position for opening the rice container opening 101 and a closed position for closing the rice container opening 101 .

[0225] Thus, the rice container cover 104 will not interfere with the cover body 6 when moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0226] The rice container cover 104 may be configured to be rotatable from the closed position to a stationary position in which at least a portion of the rice container cover 104 is disposed in front of and above the first rotation axis 105 at the open position, and to be stationary at the stationary position.

[0227] Thus, in the open position, the back side of the rice container cover 104 becomes an inclined surface downwardly facing the rice container 100, so that the rice attached to the inclined surface can be guided into the rice container 100. Therefore, the user can easily put the rice from the rice bag into the rice container 100. In addition, the rice can be prevented from being scattered when the rice is supplied to the rice container 100.

[0228] The rice cooker 1 may further include a water container 300 provided in the housing 3 and storing water, and a water supply unit 310 for moving the water stored in the water container 300 to the pot 2.

[0229] Thereby, it is not necessary to supply water from an external water source such as a water pipe, and it is possible to prevent the rice cooker from becoming large-scale due to the water supply equipment.

[0230] At least a portion of the water container 300 may be configured to extend forward from below the pot 2 .

[0231] Thereby, the rice container 100 and the water container 300 can be gathered at the front position, and the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized.

[0232] The rice container 100 may have an inclined side surface 108 that is inclined such that the width of the rice container 100 gradually decreases downward when viewed from the front, and at least a portion of the water container 300 may be disposed below the inclined side surface 108 .

[0233] Thus, a large space can be ensured below the inclined side surface 108 , and when the water container 300 is arranged in the space, the capacity of the water container 300 can be increased.

[0234] The rice cooker 1 may further include a cooling device for cooling the water contained in the water container 300. The cooling device may be a Peltier element 401.

[0235] Thus, the water contained in the water container 300 can be cooled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and the deterioration of water in the water container 300. In addition, by using cooled water to cook rice, the taste of the cooked rice can be improved.

[0236] The rice cooker 1 may further include a radiator 403 mounted on the heating surface of the Peltier element 401, a temperature sensor 410 for detecting the temperature of the radiator 403, a cooling fan 407 for sending air toward the radiator 403, and a control unit 20 for controlling the rotation of the cooling fan 407. The control unit 20 controls the rotation of the cooling fan 407 so that the temperature of the radiator 403 detected by the temperature sensor 410 is within a preset temperature range.

[0237] This can reduce the temperature change of the Peltier element 401. Therefore, the life of the Peltier element 401 can be extended, and the cooling capacity can be exerted for a long time.

[0238] The rice cooker 1 may further include a switching transistor for supplying power to the heating unit 8 of the heating pot 2, and a heat sink 11 mounted on the switching transistor. The heat sink 11 is arranged downwind of the wind supplied by the cooling fan 407. The heat sink 403 and the heat sink 11 are arranged in the flow direction of the wind supplied by the cooling fan 407.

[0239] Thus, the cooling fan 407 can cool not only the radiator 403 but also the radiator 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to further provide a fan for cooling the switching transistor or the substrate 10 on which the switching transistor is mounted in the rice cooker 1, and the rice cooker 1 can be downsized while ensuring the cooling function.

[0240] [3-2. Effects of the structure of the rice feeding unit, etc.]

[0241] The rice cooker 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pot 2, a housing 3 for accommodating the pot 2, a cover 6 mounted on the upper side of the housing 3 and covering the upper opening of the pot 2 in an openable and closable manner, a rice container 100 provided in the housing 3 and accommodating rice, and a rice delivery unit 110 for moving the rice accommodated in the rice container 100 toward the pot 2. The rice delivery unit 110 has a rice delivery path 111 for transferring the rice from the rice container to the pot, and a rice measuring unit 120 for pressing the rice, measuring the amount of the pressed rice based on the pressed amount, and supplying a specified amount of rice from the rice delivery path 111.

[0242] Thus, the rice can be measured while being moved in the horizontal direction, so there is no need to provide a space for measurement in the height (vertical) direction. When such a space for measurement is provided in the cover body located above the pot, the cover body becomes large. When the cover body of the rice cooker becomes large and the weight increases, the opening and closing mechanism of the cover body has to be provided as a complex mechanism, which will lead to further enlargement of the rice cooker. In contrast, in the present embodiment in which there is no need to provide a space for measurement above the pot, the rice container 100 can be provided in the housing 3, so that the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized.

[0243] Alternatively, the rice measuring unit 120 may push rice into the rice feeding path 111 horizontally or obliquely.

[0244] Thus, the method of measuring rice is not limited to causing rice to fall downward by gravity. Therefore, the rice measuring unit 120 can be arranged in various spaces.

[0245] The meter measuring unit 120 may include a metering blade 121 formed in a spiral shape around a first axis, a guide unit 122 having a cylindrical shape and covering the outer periphery of the metering blade 121, and a drive motor 123 that rotates the first axis around the axis. The metering blade 121 rotates in the supply direction around the first axis to convey the rice in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of the guide unit 122, thereby supplying a specified amount of rice to the rice feeding path 111.

[0246] Thus, the outer periphery of the metering blade 121 is covered by the guide portion 122. Therefore, the amount of rice transferred along with the rotation of the metering blade 121 is stabilized, and the metering accuracy is improved.

[0247] The meter measuring unit 120 may include a rotation speed sensor 141 that detects the rotation speed of the measuring blade 121 .

[0248] Thus, the rotation speed sensor 141 detects the rotation speed of the metering blade 121. Therefore, a designated amount of meters can be metered with high accuracy.

[0249] Alternatively, one end of the metering blade 121 is connected to the rice feeding path 111, and the other end is connected to a rice transfer unit disposed inside the rice container 100. The rice transfer unit transfers rice from the rice container 100 to the metering blade 121. The rice transfer unit may include a rice transfer blade 148 that is formed in a spiral shape around the second axis and transfers rice to the metering blade 121 by rotating around the second axis.

[0250] Thus, even without providing an inclined surface on the bottom surface of the rice container 100 for causing the metering blade 121 to slide backward, the rice in front of the rice container 100 can be transferred to the metering blade 121. Therefore, the capacity of the rice container 100 can be increased and rice can be prevented from remaining in the rice container 100.

[0251] The meter feeding blade 148 may be connected to the metering blade 121 so that the second axis and the first axis are located on the same straight line, and may be configured to rotate about the second axis as the metering blade 121 rotates about the first axis.

[0252] Thus, the rice conveying blade 148 and the metering blade 121 are connected concentrically and in series, and can be driven by one driving motor 123. Therefore, the rice conveying blade 148 and the metering blade 121 share the driving motor 123, and the structure becomes simple, which contributes to the miniaturization of the rice cooker 1.

[0253] The meter transfer blade 148 may be configured to be detachably connected to the metering blade 121 .

[0254] Thus, the removed rice conveying blade 148 can be cleaned. In addition, in the state where the rice conveying blade 148 is removed, the rice container 100 can be cleaned. Therefore, the ease of maintenance of the rice conveying blade 148 and the rice container 100 is improved, and the rice cooker 1 can be kept hygienic.

[0255] The rice cooker 1 may also include a coupling mechanism 128, which is configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the drive motor 123 to the metering blade 121 when the rice transfer blade 148 is connected to the metering blade 121, and on the other hand, not transmit the rotational driving force of the drive motor 123 to the metering blade 121 when the rice transfer blade 148 is not connected to the metering blade 121.

[0256] Thus, when the meter conveying blade 148 is not connected to the metering blade 121, the rotational driving force of the drive motor 123 is not transmitted to the metering blade 121. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the metering blade 121 from being measured as if there is meter even when there is no meter, thereby preventing the metering blade 121 from being measured with low accuracy.

[0257] Alternatively, the driving motor 123 may be configured to rotate the first axial direction in a direction opposite to the supply direction after the rice feeding section 110 moves the rice measured by the rice measuring section 120 toward the pot, thereby discharging the rice on the measuring blade 121 into the rice container 100 .

[0258] This can prevent rice from remaining on the metering blade 121 even after the rice is fed. Therefore, the problem of metering error caused by the remaining rice during the next rice feeding can be eliminated, and the rice can be metered with high accuracy.

[0259] The rice cooker 1 may further include a rice storage amount sensor 230 for detecting the amount of rice stored in the rice container 100, and a control unit 20 for controlling the movement of rice by the rice feeding unit 110. When the amount of rice stored detected by the rice storage amount sensor 230 is less than a specified amount, the control unit 20 stops the movement of rice to the pot by the rice feeding unit 110, and / or reports this intention through a reporting device.

[0260] Thus, when the amount of rice is insufficient, the rice is not moved, etc., and the user can be informed that the amount of rice is insufficient, and can replenish the rice and instruct the execution of rice cooking again.

[0261] The rice storage amount sensor 230 may also be a sensor for detecting whether the amount of rice stored in the rice container 100 is greater than a preset amount. When the rice storage amount sensor 230 detects that the amount of rice stored in the rice container 100 is less than a preset amount M0, the control unit 20 calculates the current amount of rice in the rice container 100 using the preset amount M0 and the specified amount m.

[0262] Thereby, the rice cooker 1 can always grasp the storage amount of rice in the rice container 100 .

[0263] The rice storage amount sensor 230 may also be an electrostatic touch sensor, and may be disposed outside the rice container 100 .

[0264] Thus, the rice storage amount sensor 230 does not fall off into the rice container 100 as in the case of a sensor provided inside the rice container 100. In addition, when an infrared sensor is used, the detection accuracy is deteriorated due to rice powder, etc., but when an electrostatic touch sensor is used, the detection accuracy is not deteriorated due to rice powder, etc. Therefore, the rice storage amount can be detected stably and accurately.

[0265] The rice cooker 1 may further include a rice feeding fan 112 and a rice separation device 150. The rice feeding fan 112 causes air in the rice feeding path 111 to flow, thereby moving rice from the rice container 100 to the pot. The rice separation device 150 is disposed in the rice feeding path 111, and includes an air intake port 151 for taking in rice and air moved by the rice feeding fan 112, an air exhaust port 152 for exhausting air, and a rice discharge port 154 for exhausting rice. The rice separation device 150 uses the flow force of the air taken in from the air intake port 151 to separate the rice taken in from the air intake port 151 from the air, discharges only the rice from the rice discharge port 154, and discharges only the air from the air exhaust port 152. The rice discharged from the rice discharge port 154 is supplied to the pot 2.

[0266] Thus, in the rice delivery mechanism using the rice delivery fan 112 that flows the air in the rice delivery path 111, rice can be reliably put into the pot 2. In addition, since the rice cooker 1 does not use a filter in separating the rice, clogging of the filter will not occur, and rice can be delivered stably for a long time.

[0267] The rice separation device 150 may also be disposed in the cover body 6 .

[0268] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the lateral width or depth of the rice cooker 1 from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the installation property of the rice cooker 1 from being deteriorated when there is an object or a wall on the side.

[0269] The rice cooker 1 may further include a rice transfer unit that is disposed inside the rice container 100 and transfers rice from the rice container 100 to the rice measuring unit 120. The rice measuring unit 120 may also include a measuring blade 121 that supplies a specified amount of rice to the rice feeding path 111. The rice transfer unit may also include a rice transfer blade 148 that transfers rice to the measuring blade 121. The rice transfer blade 148 may also be connected to the measuring blade 121 in a detachable manner.

[0270] Thus, in addition to the aforementioned effect of miniaturization of the rice cooker 1, the removed rice conveying blade 148 can be cleaned. In addition, in a state where the rice conveying blade 148 is removed, the rice container 100 can be cleaned. Therefore, the ease of maintenance of the rice conveying blade 148 and the rice container 100 is improved, and the sanitation of the rice cooker 1 can be maintained.

[0271] The metering blade 121 may be formed to be rotatable around the first axis. The metering unit 120 may also include a guide unit 122 having a cylindrical shape and covering the outer periphery of the metering blade 121, and a drive unit that rotates the first axis around the axis. Alternatively, the metering blade 121 may be rotated in the supply direction around the first axis, thereby conveying the rice in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of the guide unit 122, and supplying a specified amount of rice to the rice delivery path 111.

[0272] Thus, the outer periphery of the metering blade 121 is covered by the guide portion 122. Therefore, the amount of rice transferred along with the rotation of the metering blade 121 is stabilized, and the metering accuracy is improved.

[0273] The metering blade 121 may be formed in a spiral shape around the first axis. The meter transfer blade 148 may be formed in a spiral shape around the second axis.

[0274] Thus, the rice transfer blade 148 can transfer the rice to the metering blade 121 with high accuracy by rotating around the second axis.

[0275] One end of the metering blade 121 may be connected to the rice feeding path 111 , and the other end may be connected to the rice transfer unit. The rice transfer unit may transfer rice from the rice container 100 to the metering blade 121 .

[0276] Thus, even without providing an inclined surface on the bottom surface of the rice container 100 for causing the metering blade 121 to slide backward, the rice in front of the rice container 100 can be transferred to the metering blade 121. Therefore, the capacity of the rice container 100 can be increased and rice can be prevented from remaining in the rice container 100.

[0277] The metering blade 121 may be detachably mounted on the meter measuring unit 120. The meter conveying blade 148 may be detachably mounted on the meter conveying unit.

[0278] Thus, both the removed metering blade 121 and the rice conveying blade 148 can be cleaned. In addition, in the state where the metering blade 121 and the rice conveying blade 148 are removed, the rice container 100 can be cleaned. Since the metering blade 121 and the rice conveying blade 148 are freely attachable and detachable in this way, the ease of maintenance can be improved, and the hygiene of the rice cooker 1 can be maintained.

[0279] The metering blade 121 may be fixed to the meter measuring unit 120. That is, the metering blade 121 may be attached to the meter measuring unit 120 in a manner that cannot be removed from the meter measuring unit 120. The meter conveying blade 148 may be connected to the metering blade 121 in a detachable manner.

[0280] Thus, in addition to the aforementioned effects of improving the ease of maintenance of the rice conveying blade 148 and the rice container 100 and maintaining the hygiene of the rice cooker 1, degradation of the measuring function of the rice cooker 1 can be suppressed by making the measuring blade 121 non-detachable.

[0281] [3-3. Effects of the structure of the water supply unit, etc.]

[0282] The rice cooker 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pot 2, a housing 3 for accommodating the pot 2, a water container 300 for accommodating water, a water supply unit 310, a water level sensor 313 for detecting the water level in the water container 300, an input unit 22, and a control unit 20. The water container 300 is provided in the housing 3. The water supply unit 310 moves the water contained in the water container 300 to the pot 2 before cooking. The input unit 22 receives an operation instruction from a user. The control unit 20 controls the water supply unit 310 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 313 so that a specified amount of water corresponding to the operation instruction moves to the pot 2.

[0283] Thus, the rice cooker 1 can move a specified amount of water from the water container 300 to the pot 2 with high accuracy before cooking. In particular, compared with a flow sensor that measures a dynamic flow rate of water, by using the water level sensor 313 that detects a static water level, a specified amount of water can be detected and put into the pot 2 with high accuracy.

[0284] The control unit 20 may calculate the amount of water moved from the water container 300 to the pot 2 based on the difference in water level detected by the water level sensor 313 before and after the movement of water by the water supply unit 310 .

[0285] Thus, the rice cooker 1 can detect the amount of water moved from the water container 300 to the pot 2 with high accuracy, and can accurately measure a designated amount of water according to the operation instruction and put it into the pot 2 .

[0286] The water supply unit 310 may also include a water supply path 311 between the water container 300 and the pot 2. The water container 300 may also be mounted on the housing 3 in a detachable manner. The water container 300 includes an outlet 303 connected to the water supply path 311 when the water container 300 is mounted on the housing 3. The water container 300 further includes a ball valve 305, which is configured to block the outlet 303 when the water container 300 is removed from the housing 3 so that water does not pass through, and to open the outlet 303 when the water container 300 is mounted on the housing 3, so that water passes through the water supply path 311 via the outlet 303.

[0287] Since the water container 300 is detachably mounted on the housing 3, the user can easily refill water by removing the water container 300. When the water container 300 is removed from the housing 3, the ball valve 305 blocks the outlet 303 and prevents water from passing through, so water does not leak.

[0288] The water supply unit 310 may include a water supply pump 312 that moves water in the water supply path 311 .

[0289] Thus, even when the water container 300 is not disposed above the pot 2, water can be supplied from the water container 300 to the pot 2 by the water supply pump 312. Therefore, the water container 300 can be disposed in a space other than above the pot 2, and the rice cooker 1 can be miniaturized.

[0290] The water level sensor 313 may detect the water level in the water container 300 by measuring the pressure in the water supply path 311. The water level sensor 313 may also be configured to detect the pressure corresponding to the difference between the water level in the water supply path 311 and the water level in the water container 300.

[0291] Thereby, it is possible to obtain a detection result with less deviation, and to measure a designated amount of water with high accuracy. In addition, by using a high-precision and inexpensive pressure sensor, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the rice cooker 1.

[0292] Alternatively, after the control unit 20 causes a designated amount of water to flow from the water container 300 to the pot 2 , the control unit 20 may control the water supply unit 310 so that the water remaining in the water supply path 311 returns to the water container 300 .

[0293] This can prevent the water remaining in the water supply path 311 from being deteriorated after the designated amount of water is moved to the pot 2 , and prevent bacteria from growing in the water supply path 311 .

[0294] The rice cooker 1 may further include an output unit 23 for reporting to the user. When the amount of water corresponding to the water level detected by the water level sensor 313 is less than a specified amount, the control unit 20 stops the movement of water to the pot 2 by the water supply unit 310 and / or reports this through the output unit 23.

[0295] Thus, when the amount of rice is insufficient, the rice is not moved, etc., and the user can be informed that the amount of rice is insufficient, and can replenish the rice and instruct the execution of rice cooking again.

[0296] [3-4. Effects of cooking action, etc.]

[0297] The rice cooker 1 of the embodiment of the present disclosure is an automatic input type rice cooker that moves a designated amount of rice and water determined based on an operation instruction by a user to a pot 2 and cooks rice. The rice cooker 1 also includes a pot 2, a housing 3 for accommodating the pot 2, a cover 6 for blocking the opening of the pot 2, a pressure valve 15 that operates in a manner that can open and close a hole connecting the inside of the pot 2 and the outside space, and a rice container 100 that is provided in the housing 3 and accommodates rice. The rice cooker 1 also includes a rice delivery unit 110 that moves rice from the rice container 100 to the pot 2, a heating unit 8 that heats the pot 2, and a boiling detection unit 16 that detects the boiling of water in the pot 2. The rice cooker 1 also includes an input unit 22 that receives an operation instruction based on the user, and a control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the movement of rice by the rice delivery unit 110, the movement of water by the water delivery unit 310, the heating by the heating unit 8, and the opening and closing of the pressure valve 15. The control unit 20 sets the time from closing the pressure valve 15 to opening as the first time when the specified amount is the first amount, and sets the time from closing the pressure valve 15 to opening as the second time when the specified amount is the second amount. The control unit 20 sets the first amount to be larger than the second amount and sets the first time to be longer than the second time.

[0298] In an automatic input type rice cooker, since there is no manual operation of leveling or stirring the rice before cooking, there is a situation where the rice becomes a mountain shape in the pot after being put in, and the rice is not completely immersed in water. In addition, when cooking disposable rice, the starch attached to the disposable rice precipitates and adheres to the bottom of the pot, thereby hindering the heat transfer from the pot to the rice and other cooking products. This problem can be solved by simply washing the disposable rice once, but the rice washing action cannot be performed in an automatic input type rice cooker. The rice cooker 1 can cause sudden boiling after detecting boiling through the above-mentioned structure, thereby stirring the rice in the pot 2. Therefore, the rice in the mountain shape can be collapsed and the rice can be leveled, thereby preventing the occurrence of uneven cooking between the rice immersed in water and the rice not immersed in water. In addition, by stirring, the starch precipitates and adheres to the bottom of the pot, thereby hindering the heat transfer from the pot to the rice and other cooking products.

[0299] The control unit 20 controls as follows: after the boiling detection unit 16 detects boiling, the pressure valve 15 is closed to increase the pressure in the pot 2, and then the pressure valve 15 is opened to reduce the pressure in the pot 2 all at once, thereby causing sudden boiling and stirring the rice in the pot 2.

[0300] Thus, as described above, it is possible to generate a sudden boil after boiling is detected, thereby stirring the rice in the pot 2. Therefore, the mountain-shaped rice can be collapsed and the rice can be flattened, thereby preventing uneven cooking between the rice soaked in water and the rice not soaked in water. In addition, by stirring, it is possible to prevent starch from precipitating and adhering to the bottom of the pot, thereby preventing heat from transferring from the pot to the cooked food such as rice.

[0301] The control unit 20 may also make the time from closing to opening of the pressure valve 15 shorter as the designated amount decreases.

[0302] Thus, when the amount of rice to be cooked is large, the time from closing the pressure valve 15 to opening it can be adjusted to extend, and sudden boiling can occur when the pressure valve 15 is opened. In addition, when the amount of rice to be cooked is small, the time from closing the pressure valve 15 to opening it can be adjusted to shorten, and sudden boiling can occur when the pressure valve 15 is opened, and the situation where the pressure valve is not opened even though a long time has passed since boiling can be prevented. Therefore, regardless of the amount of rice to be cooked, the rice can be stirred at an early stage of cooking, thereby solving the problem of uneven cooking and the problem of starch precipitating and adhering to the bottom of the pot.

[0303] The rice cooker 1 may further include a pressure sensor 17 for detecting the pressure in the pot 2. The control unit 20 opens the pressure valve 15 when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 17 becomes equal to or higher than a preset threshold value Pth.

[0304] Thus, no matter how much rice is cooked, the rice can be stirred at an early stage of cooking. Therefore, the problem of uneven cooking and the problem of starch precipitating and adhering to the bottom of the pot can be solved.

[0305] The preset threshold value Pth may be 5 kPa to 30 kPa.

[0306] It is known that when the gauge pressure in the pot 2 is 20 kPa, the temperature in the pot 2 is equivalent to about 105°C. It is known that as long as the pressure in the pot 2 is 5 kPa or more, the cooked food in the pot 2 can be stirred. In addition, it is known that when the pressure in the pot 2 exceeds 30 kPa, it is difficult to prevent boiling over and the surface of the rice becomes sticky. By setting the threshold value Pth to 5 kPa to 30 kPa, the above problems can be avoided.

[0307] (Other embodiments)

[0308] As described above, as an illustration of the technology disclosed in this application, the embodiments are described. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, each component element described in the above embodiment can also be combined to form a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0309] In the above-mentioned implementation mode, if Fig.31 As shown, an operation example is described in which the control unit 20 obtains the rotation speed n of the metering blade 121 detected by the rotation speed sensor 141 (S263), and drives the drive motor 123 until the rotation speed n of the metering blade 121 reaches the required rotation speed N. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the rice cooker 1 can measure the amount of rice delivered by the rotation of the metering blade 121.

[0310] For example, Fig.30 The rice feeding step S2 shown in the figure can also replace the rice feeding amount measurement process S26 ( Fig.31 ) and includes Fig.39 In the rice delivery amount measurement process S26a, the control unit 20 determines to move the rice cooking instruction ( Fig.28 The control unit 20 controls the metering blade 121 to rotate in the supply direction for the required rotation time t (S261a). Then, the control unit 20 controls the driving motor 123 to rotate in the rice discharging direction opposite to the supply direction, and controls the metering blade 121 to rotate in the rice discharging direction (S265).

[0311] In the above-mentioned implementation mode, if Fig.32 As shown, the control unit 20 calculates the driving time T of the water pump 312 required to supply the required amount w of water (S35) and operates the water pump 312 for the driving time T (S36). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the rice cooker 1 can be used as long as it can supply the required amount w of water to the pot 2.

[0312] For example, the control unit 20 may also Fig.28 The rice cooker 1 performs the water supply step S3 ( Fig.32 ) and includes Fig.40 The water supply step S3a is shown. Fig.40 Steps S31 to S34, S37, and S38 shown in FIG. Fig.32 The same, therefore the description is omitted.

[0313] When it is determined in step S34 that the amount of water W0 in the water container 300 is greater than the required amount w determined in step S31 (No in S34), the control unit 20 sets the required amount w as a variable w1 (S301) and starts the loop processing of S302 to S309. After step S301, the control unit 20 calculates the driving time Tp of the water delivery pump required to supply P% of the water of the variable w1 (S302). Then, the control unit 20 operates the water delivery pump 312 for the driving time Tp calculated in step S302 (S303). The value of P is, for example, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, etc., but is not limited thereto and may be any value.

[0314] Next, the control unit 20 obtains the detection result of the water level in the water container 300 detected by the water level sensor 313 (S304), and determines the amount of water W1 in the water container 300 based on the detection result (S305). The control unit 20 calculates the amount of water w2 actually supplied in step S303 (S306). Here, w2=W0-W1. Next, the control unit 20 calculates the error e between the amount of water w2 actually supplied in step S303 and the variable w1 (S307). Here, e=(w1-w2) / w1. When the error e calculated in step S307 is greater than the preset reference error eK (No in step S308), the control unit 20 sets (w1-w2) as the variable w1 (S309) and returns to step S302. When the error e calculated in step S307 is smaller than the preset reference error eK (YES in step S308), the process proceeds to step S37. The value of the reference error eK is, for example, 0.05, but is not limited thereto and may be any value.

[0315] By replacing the water supply step S3 ( Fig.32 ) and includes Fig.40 The water supply step S3a shown can more accurately measure the amount of water supplied to the pot 2.

[0316] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the rice cooker 1 having the Peltier element 401 for cooling the water in the water container 300 is described. The Peltier element 401 only needs to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and the corruption of water by cooling water, and does not need to be in operation all the time. For example, the control unit 20 can also stop the operation of the Peltier element 401 when cooking, for example, when the heating unit 8 is heating. In this way, it is possible to prevent a large current from flowing in the Peltier element 401 in opposition to the heating. Therefore, the life of the Peltier element 401 can be extended, or energy saving can be achieved without the need for a large current. Alternatively, it is not necessary to set the Peltier element 401 as a large component that can be fully cooled during cooking. In this way, the Peltier element 401 can be miniaturized, thereby achieving miniaturization of the rice cooker 1.

[0317] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the automatic input type rice cooker 1 is described, which includes the rice container 100 and the water container 300, and moves a specified amount of rice and water determined by the operation instruction of the user to the pot 2 to cook rice. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to being applicable to the rice cooker including both the rice container 100 and the water container 300. For example, the structure of the rice feeding part 110 and the Fig.30 The rice delivery step S2 shown can also be applied to a rice cooker having a rice container but not a water container. Such a rice cooker, for example, includes a rice container disposed in a housing, a rice delivery mechanism for moving rice in the rice container to the pot 2, and a water supply mechanism connected to a water pipe or an external water tank to supply water from the water pipe or the external water tank to the pot 2.

[0318] Likewise, Fig.29 The rice storage amount detection step S9 shown, and Fig.33 , 37 The stirring steps S6 and S6a shown can also be applied to the rice cooker without a water container as described above.

[0319] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the scope of their equivalents.

[0320] Industrial Applicability

[0321] The present disclosure can be applied to a rice cooker.

Claims

1. A rice cooker, wherein: The rice cooker comprises: A pot with a cylindrical bottom; a housing that accommodates the pot and is disposed opposite to an outer peripheral surface of the pot with a gap therebetween; an upper frame, which is arranged in a manner to cover between the upper opening of the shell and the upper opening of the pot when viewed from above; A hinged portion, which is disposed above the upper frame; a cover body, which is mounted on the hinge part in a manner that allows it to rotate around the hinge part and covers the upper opening of the pot in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed; a rice container, which is disposed in the housing and contains rice; and a rice feeding unit for moving the rice contained in the rice container toward the pot; The rice container has a rice container opening portion arranged at the top, The rice container opening is arranged in the front facing the hinge portion across the pot in a plan view.

2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the rice container is configured to extend forward from below the pot.

3. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein: The rice container further includes a rice container cover, and the rice container cover is configured to be able to open and close the rice container opening. The rice cooker further includes a waterproof wall which is between the rice container opening and the pot when viewed from above and projects from the upper portion of the upper frame to a position above the rice container opening, thereby preventing water from the pot from intruding into the rice container opening.

4. The rice cooker according to claim 3, wherein: The rice container cover includes a rotation shaft disposed in a manner extending leftward and rightward in front of the rice container opening, and the rice container cover rotates around the rotation shaft to move between an open position for opening the rice container opening and a closed position for closing the rice container opening.

5. The rice cooker according to claim 4, wherein: The rice container cover is configured to be rotatable from the closed position to a stationary position in which at least a portion of the rice container cover is disposed in front of and above the rotation axis at the open position, and to be stationary at the stationary position.

6. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The rice cooker also has: a water container, which is disposed in the housing and contains water; and The water supply unit moves the water contained in the water container toward the pot.

7. The rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein: At least a portion of the water container is configured to extend forward from below the pot.

8. The rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein: The rice container has a side surface, and the side surface is inclined in such a manner that the width of the rice container gradually decreases toward the bottom when viewed from the front. At least a portion of the water container is disposed below the inclined side surface.

9. The rice cooker according to claim 6, wherein: The rice cooker further includes a cooling device for cooling the water contained in the water container.

10. The rice cooker according to claim 9, wherein: The cooling device is a Peltier element.

11. The rice cooker according to claim 10, wherein: The rice cooker also has: A first heat sink, mounted on the heat-generating surface of the Peltier element; a temperature sensor, which detects the temperature of the first radiator; a fan that supplies air toward the first heat sink; as well as a control unit that controls the rotation of the fan, The control unit controls the rotation of the fan so that the temperature of the first heat sink detected by the temperature sensor is within a preset temperature range.

12. The rice cooker according to claim 11, wherein The rice cooker further comprises: a switching transistor for supplying power to a heating unit for heating the pot; and a second heat sink mounted on the switching transistor. The second radiator is arranged downwind of the wind supplied by the fan. The first heat sink and the second heat sink are arranged in a flow direction of wind supplied by the fan.

Images