Rice washing and rice cooking device

Abstract

To enable setting of rice cooking condition in a rice washing device for business use to be easily, visually recognized, and to enable the rice washing device for business use to continuously perform rice cooking operation under different rice cooking conditions.SOLUTION: A rice washing and rice cooking device comprises: a rice washing tank (A2) washing rice; a rice cooking device (B); and a setting screen setting rice cooking conditions. The setting screen is provided with a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') setting each cooking condition for each of the tabs (s21'). Rice cooking operation is continuously performed in order under each of the set rice-cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a rice washing and cooking device suitable for business use.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice washing and cooking device configured to be capable of executing a series of processes from rice washing to rice cooking, including a rice storage device for storing rice, a rice washing device for washing rice, and a rice cooking device for cooking rice, which are provided in order from above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a business-use rice washing device, make it possible to visually and easily grasp the setting of rice cooking conditions. Also, enable continuous rice washing and cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first invention for solving the above problems is equipped with a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, a rice cooking device (B), and a setting screen for setting rice cooking conditions, the setting screen is provided with a plurality of tabs (s21‘) and an operation area (s22‘) for setting each rice cooking condition for each tab (s21’), characterized in that rice cooking operations are sequentially and continuously performed under the rice cooking conditions of each of the plurality of set tabs (s21‘).

[0006] The second invention is the rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the above first invention, the operation area (s22') is provided with at least items such as cooking methods, rice cooking amounts, and water adjustment, and selection switches for selecting the types and increases or decreases of the above items.

[0007] The third invention is characterized in that in the above first or second invention, it is possible to select the rice cooking conditions of any tab from a plurality of tabs (s21') and set the number of times of any rice cooking operation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the setting of rice cooking conditions can be easily grasped visually. In addition, it is possible to continuously perform rice washing and cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the rice-washing and cooking apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic left side view of the rice-washing and cooking apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. In the following description, the direction toward the front of the paper of Figure 1 is referred to as "front", the right side of the paper as "right", and the left side as "left" to represent front, rear, left, and right.

[0012] <1. Overall Configuration> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rice washing and cooking device 1 includes a rice supply device A integrally forming a rice storage bin A1 and a rice washing tank A2, a rice cooking device B for cooking rice, and a pedestal K for supporting and placing the rice supply device A and the rice cooking device B. Further, an operation unit S composed of a touch panel liquid crystal for performing various status displays and various settings is provided on the front surface of the rice storage bin A1.

[0013] <2. Rice supply device> The rice storage bin A1 stores rice inside and discharges the stored rice to the rice washing tank A2, and is disposed above the pedestal K. The rice storage bin A1 can input rice from above, and by driving a feeding valve motor (not shown) controlled by a control unit C described later, a quantitative feeding valve a1 inside rotates, and the amount and timing of the rice discharged to the rice washing tank A2 can be controlled. Based on a control signal from the control unit C, a predetermined amount of rice is discharged to the rice washing tank A2.

[0014] The rice washing tank A2 functions to wash the rice received from the rice supply device A and supply it to the rice cooking device B. It is disposed below the rice storage bin A1 and can move left and right together with the rice storage bin A1 on the pedestal K by a supply position switching means AK described later.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the rice supply device A and the rice washing tank A2. Note that the blown-out portions in the figure show partial enlarged views for facilitating the understanding of the shapes of each part.

[0016] The rice washing tank A2 includes a tank body a2 capable of storing rice and water, a water supply pipe a3 for supplying water to the rice washing tank A2, an air supply pipe a4 for supplying air to the tank body a2, a jacket a5 for water supply and drainage of the tank body a2, a dropping valve a7 for opening and closing a dropping port a6 provided at the lower part of the jacket a5, and a stirring member a8 that rotates around a vertical axis by driving a stirring member motor m2 controlled by the control unit C to stir the inside of the tank body a2, and a drainage tank a9 for collecting the drainage of the tank body a2.

[0017] The tank body a2 is made of metal and includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion a10, a funnel-shaped funnel portion a11 provided below the cylindrical portion a10, and an upper drainage mechanism AO for draining the water that has overflowed in the upper part of the tank body a2.

[0018] One end of a drainage hose a13, which is a flexible tubular member, is connected to the lower end of an overflow box a12 having an open-top box shape integrally formed on the upper outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion a10 of the upper drainage mechanism AO, and the other end of this drainage hose a13 is connected to a drainage box a9.

[0019] This overflow box a12 accumulates the water that has overflowed from the upper part of the tank body a2, guides it to the drainage hose a13, and discharges it from the drainage hose a13 to the drainage box a9. Note that this drainage hose a13 is detachably connected to the overflow box a12 and the drainage box a9. Thereby, when removing the rice washing tank A2 from the rice storage A1, the drainage hose a13 can be removed, facilitating maintenance and replacement. In addition, by removing the drainage hose a13, maintenance inside the overflow box a12 is also made easier.

[0020] One end of a water supply pipe a3 is connected to a water supply source (not shown), the other end is connected to a jacket a5, and water can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. Also, an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by a control unit C is provided in the water supply pipe a3, whereby the amount of water supplied to the tank body a2 can be controlled.

[0021] One end of an air supply pipe a3 is connected to an air supply source (not shown), the other end is connected to a jacket, and air can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. Also, the air supplied from the air supply pipe a4 can be controlled by the control unit C.

[0022] The upper part of the jacket a5 communicates with the lower part of the tank body a2, and a dropping port a6 for dropping washed rice into the rice cooking device B is provided at the lower part of the jacket a5.

[0023] The dropping valve a7 moves up and down by a rod connected to a cam due to the drive of a dropping valve motor m1 driven and controlled by the control unit C, and opens and closes the dropping port a6 of the jacket a5. That is, when it moves upward, the dropping port a6 is blocked by the dropping valve a7 and becomes a closed state, and when it moves downward, the dropping port a6 is opened and becomes an open state.

[0024] The drain box a9 receives the drain water that has flowed in from the overflow box a12 through the drain hose a13, and guides this to the drain port a14 for discharge. Further, the drain box a9 communicates with the jacket a5 via a drain elbow, and is provided with a valve body for opening and closing this drain elbow inside. Thereby, it is also possible to drain the water in the tank body a2 to the drain box a9 side through the jacket a5.

[0025] <3. Structure for detaching and attaching the rice washing tank> The structure for detaching and attaching the rice washing tank A2 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the floor panel a15 forming the bottom surface of the rice storage A1 is composed of a metal panel part a16 made of metal and a resin panel part a17 made of resin, and the resin panel part a17 is fitted and supported and fixed in an opening a18 provided on the central side of the metal panel part a16. Note that the metal panel part a16 is excellent in rigidity and strength, and the resin panel part a17 is lightweight, so it is easy to handle during maintenance.

[0027] The resin panel part a17 functions to make the rice washing tank A2 detachable from the rice storage bin A1, and is provided with a lid part a19 that covers the upper part of the tank body a2. On this lid part a19, there are provided a hooked part a21 having a substantially L-shaped side view that can hook a hook a20, a first joint part a22 that joins with the upper part of the tank body a2, and a second joint part a23 that joins with the upper part of the overflow box a12.

[0028] The hooked part a21 enables the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to the rice storage bin A1 by hooking the hook a20 provided on the tank body a2 side. The hooked part a21 and the hook a20 function as a detaching means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank A2 to and from the rice storage bin A1. Here, a plurality of hooks a20 for attaching the tank body a2 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the tank body a2. For example, three hooks a20 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part a10 of the tank body a2 at intervals of 120 degrees along the circumferential direction, and three hooked parts a21 are provided on the lid part a19 corresponding to the positions of these hooks a20.

[0029] The first joint part a22 has a convex cross-section and is formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the lid part a19, and is formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter as the upper end of the cylindrical part a10 of the tank body a2. Also, in the part of the first joint part a22 located above the overflow box a12, a notch a24 is provided and the length of the part hanging down is set shorter than the other parts. Thereby, when the rice washing tank A2 is attached to the rice storage bin A1, the lower end of the first joint part a22 excluding the notch a24 part is closely joined to the upper part of the tank body a2 in a substantially C-shaped plan view, and the notch a24 part is configured to form a communication port a25 that communicates the tank body a2 and the overflow box a12.

[0030] The second joint portion a23 has a convex cross-section and is formed to extend downward from the lower surface of the lid portion a19. It is integrally formed with the first joint portion a22 so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the first joint portion a22 in a substantially U-shaped cross-section according to the shape of the upper part of the overflow box a12 of the tank body a2. Thus, the second joint portion a23 is configured to closely join with the upper part of the overflow box a12 in a substantially U-shape in plan view.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper part of the tank body a2 that joins with the first joint portion a22 is formed with a concave cross-section, and a first joint receiving portion a27 is provided in the concave portion, in which a first packing portion a26 made of an elastic member such as rubber is fitted. Similarly, the upper part of the tank body a2 that joins with the second joint portion a23 is formed with a concave cross-section, and a second joint receiving portion a29 is provided in the concave portion, in which a second packing portion a28 made of an elastic member is fitted.

[0032] Thus, when the rice washing tank A2 is mounted, the first joint portion a22 joins with the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second joint portion a23 joins with the second joint receiving portion a29 in such a manner that the unevenness fits together. Further, at this time, the first packing portion a26 is configured to elastically contact the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second packing portion a28 is configured to elastically contact the second joint portion a23. As a result, it is possible to preferably prevent a gap from occurring between the rice storage bin A1 and the rice washing tank A2 and improve the sealing property inside the rice washing tank A2. Thereby, it is possible to preferably prevent a deterioration in the quality of washed rice due to water leakage and dirt outside the rice washing tank. In addition, by generating an elastic force in the vertical direction in which each is separated between the hooked portion a21 and the hook a20, the latching force can be improved, and the fixing strength of the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage bin A1 can be improved.

[0033] Further, on the lower surface of the lid portion a19, inside the first joint portion a22, a gentle inclination is provided in an inverted mortar shape such that the ceiling surface becomes lower toward the outside from the rotation axis of the stirring member a8. Thereby, the drainage in the tank body a2 is improved, and the sanitary condition is improved.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the vicinity of the rice washing tank A2 in FIG. 3.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, a ventilation hole a30 is provided at a position above the overflow box a12 of the resin panel part a17, and a fan device a31 capable of blowing air is provided above it. By blowing air, the area around the overflow box a12 can be dried. Also, a floor panel lower cover a32 with a notch matching the shape of the upper part of the tank body a2 is attached to the lower surface of the floor panel a15, and it is configured to facilitate positioning when the rice washing tank A2 is attached and detached.

[0036] In the rice storage bin A1 and the rice washing tank A2 configured as described above, since the overflow box a12 is integrally formed with the tank body a2 instead of being separate, by the operation of removing the rice washing tank A2, the overflow box a12 can also be removed from the rice storage bin A1. As a result, maintenance including cleaning around the overflow box a12 can be performed extremely easily compared to the prior art.

[0037] Also, since the overflow box a12 has an open-top box shape, when the rice washing tank A2 is removed, the inside of the overflow box a12 is exposed, resulting in excellent visibility and an improved maintenance configuration. Also, by making the drain hose a13 detachable from the overflow box a12, the length dimension of the overflow box a12 can be made shorter, and it is configured to make maintenance easier.

[0038] <4. Rice cooking device> The rice cooker B has a function of cooking rice. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it includes a rice cooker main body b1 with an open top, a lid b2 for opening and closing the upper opening of the main body b1, a lid opening / closing mechanism b3 for opening and closing an inlet (not shown) provided on the lid b2, and an electromagnetic cooker IH provided at the inner bottom of the rice cooker main body b1. Based on a control signal from the control unit C, the electromagnetic cooker IH heats the rice cooker main body b1, thereby cooking the white rice contained in the inner pot (not shown) of the rice cooker main body b1. Note that the rice cooker main body b1 has a configuration with an electromagnetic cooker IH, but it may also have a configuration of an existing gas pot using gas. In the case of a gas pot, similar rice cooking can be performed by controlling a gas adjustment mechanism and an ignition mechanism with the control unit C.

[0039] The pedestal K has a function of placing the rice cooker B and supporting the rice supply device A on the rice cooker B, and includes a support frame portion k1 for supporting the rice supply device A and a mounting table k2 on which the rice cooker B can be set below the rice supply device A. This mounting table k2 can place the rice cooker B on a drawer k3 that can slide in the front-rear direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting table k2 is provided with drawers k3, k3 on the left and right respectively, and two (two pots) of rice cookers B can be set simultaneously (in a state where the rice cooker B is installed at a position where it can drop rice from the rice supply device A).

[0040] <5. Supply position switching means> The rice washing and cooking device 1 includes a supply position switching means AK for switching the rice supply position of the rice supply device A, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. By this supply position switching means AK, the rice supply device A is configured to be able to switch the rice supply position for supplying rice to the rice cooker B between two positions on the left and right sides, thereby enabling the supply of rice to the rice cooker B at each position.

[0041] In the following description, among the rice supply positions where rice is supplied from the rice supply device A to the rice cooker B, the left position is referred to as the left supply position L, and the right position is referred to as the right supply position R. The rice cooking position of the rice cooker B corresponding to the left supply position L (which refers to the position where the rice cooking process is executed. The same applies hereinafter) is set as the left rice cooking position L2, and the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B corresponding to the right supply position R is set as the right rice cooking position R2.

[0042] Specifically, this supply position switching means AK pivotally supports a roller a33 that rotates forward and backward by the drive of a roller motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C at the lower part of the rice storage bin A1, and provides a rail a34 horizontally spanned in the left - right direction on the support frame portion k1. The rice supply device A is slidably supported while guiding the roller a33 on this rail a34. Thus, when the roller a33 rotates, the left - right movement of the rice supply device A becomes possible. In this way, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can switch the position of the rice supply device A left and right by the supply position switching means AK based on a control signal from the control unit C.

[0043] <6. Rice cooker lifting means> Fig. 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the pedestal K. Figs. 5(B) and 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. In Fig. 5(B), the state before the pedal k4 is depressed is shown, and in Fig. 5(C), the state after the pedal k4 is depressed is shown.

[0044] As shown in Figs. 5(A) to 5(C), the pedestal K is provided with a rice cooker lifting means KU that can lift the rice cooker main body b1 while supporting it by depressing the pedal k4.

[0045] The lifting means KU of this rice cooker includes a pedal k4 that the user steps on, a lifting support member k5 that lifts and supports the rice cooker main body b1, a guide member k6 that guides the lifting support member k5, and a link member k7 that converts the stepping operation of the pedal k4 into the vertical movement of the lifting support member k5. An elastic spring k8 that assists the operation of the pedal k4 by an urging force is provided on the link member k7. A damper (not shown) is provided at the lower part of the lifting support member k5 to prevent the rice cooker main body b1 from dropping suddenly.

[0046] When the user steps on the pedal k4, as shown in Fig. 5(C), the lifting support member k5 rises while being guided by the guide member k6, and the rice cooker main body b1 supported by the support member k5 is lifted. As a result, it becomes possible to easily lift the rice cooker B whose weight has increased after cooking by stepping on the pedal k4, which can greatly reduce the user's work burden and enable rapid operation. Also, since the front end of the pedal k4 is disposed behind the front end of the drawer k3, the user is prevented from tripping over the pedal k4.

[0047] The rice cooker lifting means also includes a first stopper k9 and a second stopper k10 that regulate the operation of the link member k7.

[0048] The first stopper k9 locks the link member k7 and fixes the pedal k4 when the drawer k3 is not pulled forward, that is, when it is stored in the mounting table k2. This prevents malfunctions due to incorrect operations and further improves safety. When the drawer k3 is pulled forward, the first stopper k9 releases the locking of the link member k7, thereby enabling the stepping operation of the pedal k4.

[0049] When a predetermined amount of the pedal k4 is depressed, the second stopper k10 locks the link member k7 to maintain the state where the pedal k4 is depressed. As a result, the state where the rice cooker main body b1 is lifted by the lifting support member k5 can be maintained. When the pedal k4 is depressed again in this state, the locking of the link member k7 of the second stopper k10 is released, and the lifting support member k5 is configured to descend.

[0050] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the lifting support member k5. As shown in FIG. 6, the lifting support member k5 is provided with a protrusion k11 extending outward to the left and right at the upper end. By this protrusion k11, the handle b4 provided on the rice cooker main body b1 is inclined at about 45 degrees obliquely, so that it is easy for the user to grip the handle b4 and the user is prevented from being scalded.

[0051] <7. Washing and cooking rice process> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a series of washing and cooking rice processes by the rice washing and cooking device 1. The rice washing and cooking device 1 configured as described above performs the following processes in order in a series of washing and cooking rice processes for one rice cooker B.

[0052] In the metering step (S1), in the rice storage tank A1, the fixed quantity feeding valve a1 is operated to discharge a predetermined set quantity G1 of rice into the rice washing tank A2.

[0053] In the rice washing step (S2), in the rice washing tank A2, while supplying washing water from the water supply pipe a2 for a predetermined set time T1, air is supplied from the air supply pipe a3 to the washing water, the stirring member a5 is rotated to wash the rice, and then the stirring member a5 is stopped to drain the washing water.

[0054] In the water adjustment step (S3), in the rice washing tank A2, the dropping port provided at the lower end of the jacket a4 is closed, and a predetermined set quantity G2 of water required for soaking the rice in the rice cooker B is stored in the rice washing tank A2. Then, the dropping port is opened, and the rice with water adjustment is dropped from the rice washing tank A2 into the rice cooker B.

[0055] In the soaking step (S4), the rice cooker B soaks the input rice in the inner pot for a predetermined set time T2.

[0056] In the rice cooking step (S5), the rice cooker B heats the inner pot with the electromagnetic cooker IH for a predetermined set time T3 to perform a preheating process for absorbing water into the rice, a cooking process for cooking the rice, and a boiling maintenance process for evaporating excess water while gelatinizing the starch of the rice to remove the water in the inner pot. Further, after the boiling maintenance process, a mura removal process is performed for a predetermined set time T4 to steam the cooked rice and finish the state in the inner pot uniformly, and a series of rice washing and cooking is completed.

[0057] As described above, based on FIG. 7, the basic flow of a series of rice washing and cooking steps has been explained. However, since the rice washing and cooking device 1 is of a two-pot specification in which the position of the rice supply device A can be switched left and right by the supply position switching means and two (two pots) rice cooker Bs can be set on the gantry K at the same time, the weighing step (S1) to the water adjustment step (S3) by the rice supply device A and the soaking step (S4) to the rice cooking step (S5) by the rice cooker B can be executed independently and simultaneously in parallel. For example, for the rice washing and cooking by the first rice cooker B, after the weighing step (S1) to the water adjustment step (S3) by the rice supply device A are executed, without leaving the rice supply device A idle, in the first rice cooker B, while performing the soaking step (S4) to the rice cooking step (S5), the weighing step (S1) to the water adjustment step (S3) can be executed for the rice washing and cooking by the second rice cooker B.

[0058] <8. Control Unit> FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit C of the rice washing and cooking device 1.

[0059] The control unit C includes a CPU that performs arithmetic processing and a memory that can read and write information necessary for the arithmetic processing. The CPU operates according to various control programs stored in the memory, and various functions shown in each block are realized.

[0060] On the input side of the control unit C, various operation buttons s2 arranged on the operation unit S, left and right position detection sensors ks arranged on the gantry K, a rice cooking device detection sensor (left) ks1, and a rice cooking device detection sensor (right) ks2 are connected.

[0061] The various operation buttons s2 include pseudo buttons, tabs, etc. that are displayed as a UI (user interface) on the display unit s1 composed of the touch panel liquid crystal of the operation unit S. The control unit C can acquire the operation information of the various operation buttons s2. Note that the various operation buttons s2 include operation areas s21, s22, s23, s24, etc. (see Fig. 10) described later, and these are displayed on the display unit s together with the necessary information by the output signal from the control unit C.

[0062] The left and right position detection sensors ks detect whether the rice supply device A is at the left supply position L or the right supply position R and output it to the control unit C.

[0063] The rice cooking device detection sensor (left) ks1 detects whether the rice cooking device B is set at the left rice cooking position L2, and the rice cooking device detection sensor (right) ks2 detects whether the rice cooking device B is set at the right rice cooking position L2, and outputs them to the control unit C respectively.

[0064] On the output side of the control unit C, a rice storage bin A1, a rice washing tank A2, a rice cooking device B, and a supply position switching means AK are connected, and it can output control signals to these.

[0065] The control unit C includes a rice cooking condition setting unit c1, a rice cooking reservation setting unit c2, a rice washing and cooking processing unit c3, a rice washing reservation execution unit c4, a setting information storage unit c5, and a timing unit c6.

[0066] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has a function of setting rice cooking conditions for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking conditions refer to the conditions for determining the control amount of the devices to be controlled in each process of rice washing and cooking by the rice washing and cooking device 1 (see Fig. 7). The setting of these rice cooking conditions is performed by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 receiving the operations of various operation buttons s2, receiving the input of the desired rice cooking conditions from the user, and storing the rice cooking conditions input by the user in the setting information storage unit c5 as rice cooking condition setting data Ds. Note that the rice cooking condition setting data Ds will be described later.

[0067] In addition, the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has a function of setting a rice cooking mode for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking mode refers to the mode for determining the control method (for example, the method of selecting the rice cooking position and the number of times of executing rice washing and cooking) when the rice washing and cooking device 1 executes rice washing and cooking. The rice washing and cooking device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with three modes: "normal mode", "continuous mode", and "separate cooking mode". The details of each rice cooking mode will be described later.

[0068] The setting of this rice cooking mode is performed by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 receiving the operations of various operation buttons s2 of the operation unit S and allowing the user to select the desired rice cooking mode, thereby determining the rice cooking mode. At the same time, the setting information (for example, the number of times of executing rice washing and cooking) in the determined rice cooking mode is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 as continuous mode setting data Dr and separate cooking mode setting data Dt. Note that the continuous mode setting data Dr and the separate cooking mode setting data Dt will be described later.

[0069] The rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 has a function of setting a rice cooking reservation for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking reservation refers to reserving the start of rice washing and cooking, the number of times of executing rice washing and cooking, etc. The setting of this rice cooking reservation is performed by the rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 receiving the operations of various operation buttons s2, allowing the user to input the desired rice cooking reservation, and storing the rice cooking reservation input by the user in the setting information storage unit c5 as rice cooking reservation data Dy. Note that the rice cooking reservation data Dy will be described later.

[0070] The rice washing and cooking processing unit C3 has a function of executing the processing related to rice washing and cooking of the rice washing and cooking apparatus 1. The rice washing and cooking processing unit C3 acquires various information from the devices connected to the input side of the control unit C, reads and writes the necessary information to the setting information storage unit C5 and the rice washing and cooking process storage unit C6, and outputs a control signal to the devices on the output side of the control unit C, thereby executing the processing related to rice washing and cooking.

[0071] The rice cooking reservation execution unit C4 has a function of causing the rice washing and cooking processing unit C3 to start executing the processing related to rice washing and cooking based on the rice cooking reservation data Dy stored in the rice washing process storage unit C6 described later. Also, it has a function of managing the rice washing and cooking process for each rice cooking apparatus B.

[0072] The setting information storage unit C5 stores various setting information. For example, the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, the cooking division mode setting data Dt, the continuous mode setting data Dr, and the rice cooking reservation data Dy described later are stored.

[0073] The timekeeping unit C6 has a timekeeping circuit and has a function of acquiring information regarding the current date and time by this timekeeping circuit.

[0074] <9. Various Data and Setting Screens> Next, the various setting information stored in the setting information storage unit C5 and the setting screen will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the content of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and FIG. 10 is an example of the setting screen of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. Note that such a setting screen is displayed on the operation unit S. As shown in FIG. 9, the rice cooking condition setting data Ds includes, for example, the following fields (items).

[0075] "Setting No." is the primary key for uniquely identifying the set rice cooking conditions. Also, in the rice washing and cooking process, the processing is generally executed in ascending order of the Setting No. "Setting No." can be selected by the operation area s21 shown in Fig. 10. For example, when "Memory 1" in the operation area s21 is selected, the rice cooking conditions with a Setting No. of 1 can be set. In this embodiment, although it is configured to be able to set 10 rice cooking conditions, it is not limited to this.

[0076] "Cooking Method" determines the finish of rice cooking. In this embodiment, "Standard" or "Congee" can be alternatively set. Based on the set content, in the rice cooking process (S5), the set time T3 for heating the inner pot by the electromagnetic cooker IH of the rice cooker B to cook rice and the cooking temperature are determined. Further, in this embodiment, when "Congee" is selected, the set time T4 for the unevenness treatment to steam the cooked rice and finish the state in the inner pot of the rice cooker B uniformly is determined to be 0 (minutes).

[0077] "Water Adjustment" is set with a value, for example, from +5 to -5. Based on this value, in the water adjustment process (S3), the predetermined amount G2 of water required for soaking the rice is increased or decreased (see Fig. 7).

[0078] "Rice Cooking Quantity" is set with an arbitrary value (kg), for example. Based on this value, in the weighing process (S1), the set amount G1 of rice discharged into the rice washing tank A is determined (see Fig. 7).

[0079] "Washing Method" is set with a numerical value, for example, from 1 to 3. The rice washing process corresponding to this numerical value is performed in the rice washing process (S2) (see Fig. 7).

[0080] "Soaking" is set with an arbitrary value (minutes), for example. Based on this value, in the soaking process (S4), the set time T2 for soaking the input rice in the inner pot of the rice cooker B is determined (see Fig. 7).

[0081] "Ignition" is set to automatic or manual, for example. In the case of automatic, in the rice cooking process (S5), the heating of the inner pot of the rice cooker B is automatically started by the electromagnetic cooker IH. In the case of manual, it is started by a predetermined operation of the user.

[0082] "Steaming" is set to an arbitrary value (minutes) in advance, for example. Based on this value, in the rice cooking process (S5), the setting time T4 of the steaming process for steaming the cooked rice to make the state in the inner pot of the rice cooker B uniform is determined. As described above, in this embodiment, when "congee" is selected in the "cooking method" item, the setting time T4 of the steaming process is set to 0 (minutes).

[0083] In the setting screen shown in FIG. 10, the item of "cooking method" is input and set in the operation area s22, the item of "rice cooking amount" is in the operation area s24, and the items of "water adjustment", "soaking", "ignition", and "steaming" are input and set in the operation area s24.

[0084] Here, the three modes of the rice washer and cooker 1, namely, the "normal mode", the "separate cooking mode", and the "continuous mode", will be described. The "normal mode" is a mode in which any of the plurality of rice cooking conditions set as described above is used to cook rice in the rice cooker B set at the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2. By operating the operation unit S of the user, the rice cooking conditions to be executed and the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B are determined each time.

[0085] The "Separate Cooking Mode" is a mode that determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the item of "Cooking Method" in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, when performing rice washing and cooking under the rice cooking condition where the "Cooking Method" is "Standard", the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined as the left cooking position L2, and when performing rice washing and cooking under the rice cooking condition where the "Cooking Method" is "Congee", the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined as the right cooking position L2. This association between the "Cooking Method" and the cooking position of the rice cooker B can be set by the user from the operation unit S. Thus, according to the "Separate Cooking Mode" that determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B based on the item of "Cooking Method" in the rice cooking conditions, it is easier for the user to manage by rice cooking conditions, for example, white rice on the left and congee on the right.

[0086] The "Continuous Mode" is a mode that dynamically determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B for each series of rice washing and cooking. That is, in the "Continuous Mode", the cooking position is sequentially determined for either the left or right rice cooker B where the setting is completed, and the rice washing and cooking process is started. Thereby, the idle time of the rice cooker B can be reduced, and rice washing and cooking can be performed efficiently.

[0087] These "Normal Mode", "Separate Cooking Mode", and "Continuous Mode" can be switched by operating the operation unit S, and thereby, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can cope with various rice cookings.

[0088] FIG. 11(A) is a diagram showing the content of the batch cooking mode setting data Dt, and FIG. 11(B) is a diagram showing the content of the continuous mode setting data Dr. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the batch cooking mode setting data Dt includes items of "number of rice cooking (left)" and "number of rice cooking (right)". Here, the item of "number of rice cooking (left)" determines the number of times of washing and cooking rice at the left rice cooking position L2 in the "batch cooking mode", and the item of "number of rice cooking (right)" stores a numerical value for determining the number of times of washing and cooking rice at the left rice cooking position L2. These numbers of executions can be set by the user's operation of the operation unit S. For example, in the example of FIG. 11(A), the rice cooker B performs a series of washing and cooking rice 3 times with the left rice cooking position L2 as the rice cooking position, and the rice cooker B performs a series of washing and cooking rice 4 times with the right rice cooking position R2 as the rice cooking position.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11(B), the continuous mode setting data Dr includes an item of "total number of rice cooking". Here, the item of "total number of rice cooking" stores a numerical value for determining the number of times of a series of washing and cooking rice in the "continuous mode", and this number of executions can be set by the user's operation of the operation unit S. In the example of FIG. 11(B), the rice cooker B performs a series of washing and cooking rice 4 times with the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 as the rice cooking position.

[0090] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the content of the rice cooking reservation data Dy, and FIG. 13 is an example of a setting screen of the rice cooking reservation data Dy. The user inputs the scheduled time of cooking completion (the completion time of the rice cooking process (S5)) by operating the operation button s31 shown in FIG. 13, and the rice cooking reservation data Dy is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 by operating the reservation button s32 and the confirmation button s33. Thereby, the rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 is configured to acquire the date and time information from the timer unit c6 and cause the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start the rice washing and cooking process so that the rice cooking process (S5) of the first rice cooker B is completed at the date and time stored in the rice cooking reservation data Dy.

[0091] <10. Processing of batch cooking mode> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the rice cooking mode by the control unit C. Note that the symbol ":" in FIGS. 14 and 15 means "that is".

[0092] First, the control unit C substitutes 1 into a variable X that manages the setting No. of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and substitutes 0 into a variable N1 that manages the number of times of rice cooking at the left rice cooking position L2 of the rice cooker B and a variable N2 that manages the number of times of rice cooking at the right rice cooking position R2 of the rice cooker B, respectively (step S101).

[0093] Next, the control unit C determines the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds based on the setting registered by the user in advance (step S102). For example, when the "cooking method" is "standard", the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B is the left rice cooking position L2, and when the "cooking method" is the rice cooking condition of "congee", the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the right rice cooking position R2. Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that the rice cooking position is determined as described above in step S102.

[0094] Subsequently, the control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions of the setting No. (X) (step S103) and determines the rice cooking position of the setting No. (X) (step S104). For example, when X = 1, since the "cooking method" of the setting No. (1) is "congee" (see FIG. 9), it is determined that the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B is the right rice cooking position L2.

[0095] Next, it is determined whether the rice cooker B is set at the rice cooking position of the setting No. (X) determined in step S104 (step S105). That is, when X = 1, it is determined whether the rice cooker B is set at the right rice cooking position L2. Note that this setting completion means that the rice cooker B before the start of the immersion process is set at the rice cooking position B, and also includes the case where the rice cooking process by the rice cooker B is completed and it is replaced with a new rice cooker B.

[0096] When the cooking device B is set at the rice cooking position, the control unit C executes the metering process to the rice washing process (steps S106 to S107). When the rice washing process is completed, the rice supply device A is moved to the rice cooking position (the right rice cooking position L2 when X = 1) by the supply position switching means AK (step S108).

[0097] Next, the control unit C causes the rice supply device A to supply the washed rice to the rice cooking device B, and the rice cooking device B executes the soaking process (step S109). Thereafter, although not shown in the figure, the control unit C sequentially executes the soaking process to the rice cooking process in the rice cooking device B that has started the execution of the soaking process independently of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14. Note that the rice cooking device B in which the rice cooking process is completed is replaced with a new rice cooking device B by the user, and when the rice cooking device B is set on the gantry K, the next soaking process can be executed.

[0098] After executing the soaking process in step S109, the control unit C counts the number of executions. When starting the soaking process in the rice cooking device B at the left rice cooking position L2, the variable N1 is incremented by 1, and when starting the soaking process in the rice cooking device B at the right rice cooking position R2, the variable N2 is incremented by 1. For example, when X = 1, since the soaking process is started at the right rice cooking position R2, the variable N1 = 0 and the variable N2 = 1.

[0099] Next, the control unit C refers to the numerical values set in the items of "Number of rice cookings (left)" and "Number of rice cookings (right)" in the rice cooking mode setting data Dt, and determines whether the number of rice cookings at both the left and right rice cooking positions has reached the specified number and the rice cooking execution is completed (step S111).

[0100] If the rice cooking execution is completed, the process ends. If not, in order to execute the rice cooking conditions for the next setting No, the value of X is incremented by 1 (step S112). As a result, if the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained, the value of X is set to 1 (step S113).

[0101] Next, the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) are acquired (step S114), the rice cooking position is determined from the "cooking method" of the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S115), and referring to the cooking division mode setting data Dt, if the rice cooking position has already reached the specified number of times (YES in step S116, step S116´), in order to execute the rice cooking conditions for the next setting No., the value of X is incremented by 1 (step S117, step S117´), and the process returns to step S114. If the specified number of times has not been reached, the process returns to step S105.

[0102] <11. Processing in continuous mode> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in continuous mode by the control unit C.

[0103] First, the control unit C substitutes 1 into a variable X that manages the setting No. of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and substitutes 0 into a variable N that manages the number of times the rice cooking device B has been executed (step S201).

[0104] The control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S202), and determines whether the rice cooking device B is set at either the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 (step S203).

[0105] When the rice cooking device B is set at either the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2, the control unit C determines the rice cooking position for setting No. (X) (for example, if the left rice cooking position L2 has not been set and the right rice cooking position R2 has been set, the right rice cooking position R2 is determined as the rice cooking position) (step S204). Subsequently, the metering process to the rice washing process is executed (steps S205 to step S206). When the rice washing process is completed, the rice supply device A is moved to the rice cooking position determined in step S204 by the supply position switching means AK. In step S204, when the rice cooking device B is set at both the left rice cooking position L2 and the right rice cooking position R2, the rice cooking position for setting No. (X) is determined based on a predetermined priority order (for example, giving priority to the right).

[0106] Next, the control unit C causes the rice supply device A to supply the washed rice to the rice cooker B, and the rice cooker B executes the soaking process (step S208). Thereafter, although not shown, the control unit C sequentially executes the soaking process to the rice cooking process in the rice cooker B that has started executing the soaking process, independently of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15. Note that, similar to the processing in the cooking separation mode, the rice cooker B for which the rice cooking process has been completed is replaced by a new rice cooker B by the user, and when the rice cooker B is set on the pedestal K, the next soaking process can be executed.

[0107] After executing the soaking process in step S208, the control unit C counts the number of executions. That is, the variable N is incremented by 1.

[0108] Next, the control unit C refers to the value set in the item "Total number of rice cookings" of the continuous mode setting data Dr, and determines whether the number of rice cookings has reached the specified number, that is, whether the rice cooking has been completed (step S210).

[0109] If the rice cooking has been completed, the process ends. If not, in order to execute the rice cooking conditions for the next setting No, the value of X is incremented by 1 (step S211). As a result, if the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained, the value of X is set to 1 (step S212), and the process returns to step S202.

[0110] <12. Cooking time in continuous mode and cooking separation mode> FIG. 16 is a comparison chart comparing the cooking times in the continuous mode and the cooking separation mode of the present embodiment. Note that the rice washing and cooking shown in FIG. 16 is the rice washing and cooking performed under the rice cooking conditions where the "Setting No" in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds shown in FIG. 11 is 1 to 4. As shown in FIG. 16, in the continuous mode, the rice washing and cooking process can be completed more quickly than in the cooking separation mode.

[0111] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, within the scope of the gist of the present invention, the embodiments can be variously modified or changed. For example, the above embodiments may be implemented with the following changes. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components that are the same as or can be regarded as the same as those in the above embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0112] <13. Another Embodiment of the Structure for Attaching and Detaching the Rice Washing Tank> In FIG. 3, a configuration is shown in which a hook a20 provided on the rice washing tank A2 is hooked on a hooked portion a21 having a substantially L-shaped side view to attach the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage A1. However, the hooked portion a21 and the hook a20 can also be configured as follows.

[0113] FIG. 17 is a schematic front view around the rice washing tank A2 according to another embodiment, FIG. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of the hooked portion a21' and the hook a20' according to another embodiment, and FIG. 18(B) is an enlarged side view. As shown in FIG. 17, the hook a20' according to another embodiment is disposed on the left and right sides of the rice washing tank A2, and includes an operation handle a35 and a T-shaped rod a37 that rotates about a mounting portion a36 as a fulcrum by operating the handle.

[0114] The hooked portion a21' according to another embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the metal panel portion a16 as shown in FIG. 18(A), and is bifurcated so that the upper part of the T-shaped rod a37 can be hooked in a front view, and as shown in FIG. 18(B), it has a substantially L-shaped side view in a side view.

[0115] Thereby, by operating the handle a35 from the front side of the rice washing tank A2 to rotate the upper part of the T-shaped rod a37 back and forth to hook it on the hooked portion a21', or to remove it from the hooked state, the rice washing tank A2 can be quickly attached and detached. The tip of the hooked portion a21' is formed in a convex shape upward to hold the hooked T-shaped rod a37.

[0116] <14. Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, in FIGS. 1 to 4, the overflow box a12 is configured to be provided on the back side of the rice washing tank body a2. However, the design can be changed so that the overflow box a12 is provided on the right or left side of the rice washing tank body a2. In this case, since the maintenance of the overflow box a12 can be performed from the front of the rice washing and cooking device 1, the maintenance becomes easier.

[0117] Also, in the above embodiment, in FIG. 3, the latching portion a16 and the first joint portion a22 are respectively provided on the lower surface of the resin panel portion a17. However, these may be integrally formed on the lower surface of the resin panel portion a17 so as to cover the upper front end of the first joint receiving portion a27. Thereby, the alignment of the rice washing tank body a2 becomes easy.

[0118] In FIG. 10, an example of the setting screen of the cooking condition setting data Ds is shown. However, the setting screen may be configured as shown in FIG. 19. In the example of the setting screen of FIG. 19, "Setting No." can be selected by the tab s21' shown in FIG. 19. For example, when the tab s21' of "First time" is selected, the cooking conditions with "Setting No." of 1 can be set. Also, each item of the cooking condition setting data Ds can be set by the operation area s22', and the setting is completed by operating the OK button s23'. According to this, the setting of the cooking conditions can be visually grasped more easily.

[0119] Also, as shown in FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B), a setting screen in a beginner mode with a simpler cooking condition setting screen may be provided. In the setting screen in the beginner mode, "Setting No." can be selected by the area s21'', and each item of the cooking condition setting data Ds can be set by operating the operation button s22''. According to this, the setting of the cooking conditions can be performed more easily.

[0120] In addition, the rice washing and cooking device 1 may be provided with a failure detection means for detecting the failure of the cooking device B. During the rice washing and cooking process, if a failure of either the left or right cooking device B is detected, the non-failed one may be automatically set as the cooking position of the cooking device B to execute the rice washing and cooking process. Thereby, even when one of the left and right cooking devices B fails, the rice washing and cooking process can be continued.

[0121] Regarding the divided cooking mode, one cooking condition can be separately set for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, and further, the number of cooking times for executing the rice washing and cooking can be set for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2.

[0122] Regarding the continuous mode and the divided cooking mode, in FIGS. 14 and 15, when one rice washing and cooking is completed, in principle, the setting No is incremented by 1 (steps S112, S211, etc.) to execute the cooking condition of the next setting No. However, the number of execution times can be set for each setting No. For example, when the cooking condition of setting No1 is executed three times, the setting No may be incremented by 1 so that the cooking condition of setting No2 is executed.

[0123] The cooking positions are two positions, namely the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the cooking device B can be configured to be set at three positions, namely left, middle, and right, on the gantry K. Correspondingly, the rice supply device A can be configured to supply rice at three positions. In this case, in the "divided cooking mode", similar to the case of two positions, the cooking position of the cooking device B can be determined according to the item in the "cooking method" of the cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, the left and middle cooking positions can be for standard cooking, and the right cooking position can be for congee, enabling divided cooking. In the "continuous mode", for example, in step S204 of FIG. 15, the ones that have been set and completed among the three cooking devices B at the left, middle, and right positions can be sequentially determined as the cooking positions, making more efficient cooking possible. The same applies when the number of cooking positions is more than three.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0124] 1 Rice washing and cooking device A Rice supply device A1 Rice storage bin A2 Rice washing tank a1 Quantitative feeding valve a2 Tank body a3 Water supply pipe a4 Air supply pipe a5 Jacket a6 Drop port a7 Drop valve a8 Stirring member a9 Drainage box a10 Cylindrical part a11 Funnel-shaped part a12 Overflow box a13 Drainage hose a14 Drainage port a15 Floor panel a16 Metal panel part a17 Resin panel part a18 Opening a19 Cover part a20 Hook a21 Hooked part a22 First joint part a23 Second joint part a24 Notch a25 Communication port a26 First packing part a27 First joint receiving part a28 Second packing part a29 Second joint receiving part a30 Vent hole a31 Fan device a32 Floor panel lower cover a33 Roller a34 Rail a35 Handle a36 Mounting part a37 T-shaped rod AK Supply position switching means AO Upper drainage mechanism B Cooking device b1 Cooking device body b2 Lid b3 Lid opening and closing mechanism b4 Handle C Control unit c1 Cooking condition setting unit c2 Cooking reservation setting unit c3 Washing and cooking processing unit c4 Cooking reservation execution unit c5 Setting information storage unit c6 Timing unit IH electromagnetic cooker K Base k1 Support frame part k2 Mounting table k3 Drawer k4 Pedal k5 Lifting support member k6 Guide member k7 Link member k8 Elastic spring k9 First stopper k10 Second stopper S Operation unit s1 Display unit s2 Various operation buttons m1 Motor for dropping valve m2 Motor for stirring member

Claims

1. The rice washing apparatus includes a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, a rice cooking device (B), and a setting screen for setting rice cooking conditions. The setting screen has a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') for setting each rice cooking condition for each tab (s21'). The rice washing and cooking apparatus is characterized in that rice cooking operations are performed successively under each of the rice cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21') set.

2. 2. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the operation area (s22') is provided with at least the items of cooking method, amount of cooked rice, and water amount, and a selection switch for selecting the type or increasing or decreasing the items.

3. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rice cooking conditions of any tab can be selected from a plurality of tabs (s21') and the number of rice cooking operations can be set as desired.

Images