Rice cooking system

Abstract

To effectively support user's convenience in using a rice cooker which can cool down the rice therein.SOLUTION: A rice cooking system according to the present disclosure includes: a container for containing a heated object including rice and water; a heat cooling means which can heat the heated object inside the container to cook the rice and keep warm or cool down the cooked rice. The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure includes at least one of: a setting means in which a user can set the time for keeping the rice warm by the heat cooling means before cooling the rice by the heat cooling means; or a display means for displaying the time from a completion of the rice cooking when the rice is cooled down by the heat cooling means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rice cooking system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rice cooker designed to preserve cooked rice for a long period of time. This rice cooker is equipped with a means for cooling cooked rice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-204091 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The rice cooker described in Patent Document 1 above has a problem in that the user interface is not sufficiently considered, making it difficult to use.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to effectively support a user in easily using a rice cooker that can cool cooked rice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure includes a container that contains an object to be heated, including rice and water, and a heating / cooling means that heats the object to be heated in the container to cook the cooked rice and then keeps the cooked rice warm and cools the cooked rice. The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure is characterized by including at least one of a setting means that allows a user to set the time for which the cooked rice is kept warm by the heating / cooling means before the cooked rice is cooled by the heating / cooling means, and a display means that displays the elapsed time since the cooked rice was completed while the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure can effectively assist users in making it easier to use a rice cooker capable of cooling cooked rice. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment together with the configuration of a control system. [Figure 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the rice cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an app screen of a smartphone for setting rice cooking settings for the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen during the period from when input of rice cooking settings is completed to when the rice cooking process starts in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an app screen on a smartphone during a keep-warm process in the rice cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen during the cold storage process in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen that notifies the user while the refrigeration process is being performed in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a rice cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. Furthermore, in this disclosure, redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. Note that this disclosure may include any and all modifications and combinations of the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a rice cooker 100 according to embodiment 1, together with the configuration of a control system. As shown in FIG. 1, rice cooker 100 includes a pot-shaped container 1, a main body 10, and a lid 20.

[0011] The rice cooker 100 is a cooking device that cooks rice by heating an object to be heated, which includes rice and water. The rice cooker 100 may have only a rice cooking function, or may have other functions in addition to the rice cooking function. For example, the rice cooker 100 may have a function to heat and cook food other than rice as an object to be heated.

[0012] The pot-shaped container 1 is a pot-shaped container that opens upward. The pot-shaped container 1 is an example of a container that contains an object to be heated. The object to be heated that is contained in the pot-shaped container 1 is mainly food such as rice and water. The pot-shaped container 1 provided in the rice cooker 100 is also called a "rice cooker pot." Note that the pot-shaped container 1 may contain food other than rice as the object to be heated, such as meat and vegetables.

[0013] The main body 10 is the main structural part of the rice cooker 100. The main body 10 has a cylindrical appearance with a bottom. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 has a shape that opens upward. The pot-shaped container 1 is detachably housed in the main body 10. The main body 10 heats the pot-shaped container 1 housed in the main body 10. When the pot-shaped container 1 is heated by the main body 10, the food to be heated housed in the pot-shaped container 1 is heated and cooked.

[0014] The lid 20 is attached to the main body 10 via a hinge 14 so as to be able to be opened and closed. The hinge 14 is provided on one end of the top of the main body 10. The hinge 14 supports the lid 20 in a state in which it can be opened and closed. The lid 20 opens and closes by rotating around the hinge 14 as a fulcrum. The lid 20 is configured to be able to open and close the top opening of the main body 10. The hinge 14 supports the lid 20 so that the lid 20 can open and close the top opening of the main body 10. The lid 20 opens and closes the top opening of the main body 10, and at the same time, opens and closes the top opening of the pot-shaped container 1 housed in the main body 10. In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the lid 20 closes the top opening of the main body 10 and also closes the top opening of the pot-shaped container 1.

[0015] Below, each of the components of the rice cooker 100, such as the pot-shaped container 1, the main body 10, the lid 20, etc., will be described in more detail.

[0016] The pot-shaped container 1 is a cylindrical container with a bottom that contains an object to be heated. The pot-shaped container 1 contains, for example, a magnetic metal that generates heat through electromagnetic induction. For example, the upper end of the pot-shaped container 1 is formed in a flange shape.

[0017] The main body 10 includes a container cover 11, a bottom heating coil 12, and a pot bottom temperature sensor 13. The rice cooker 100 also includes a control device 18. Although the control device 18 and signal lines are depicted on the outside of the main body 10 in FIG. 1, this is for convenience of illustration. In reality, the control device 18 and signal lines are also provided on the main body 10 or the lid 20 of the rice cooker 100. The control device 18 is provided, for example, inside the main body 10.

[0018] The container cover 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The pot-shaped container 1 is removably housed inside the container cover 11. A hole 11a is formed in the center of the bottom of the container cover 11. A pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is inserted inside the hole 11a.

[0019] The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 is used to detect the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1. It is composed of a component such as a thermistor. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13, inserted into the hole 11a, is biased upward by a spring or other elastic member. When the pot-shaped container 1 is placed in the container cover 11, the pot bottom temperature sensor 13, biased upward, is pressed against the bottom surface of the pot-shaped container 1. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 detects the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1, particularly the bottom surface, while in contact with the bottom surface. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 sends temperature information related to the detected temperature of the pot-shaped container 1 as a detection signal to the control device 18. The pot bottom temperature sensor 13 constitutes an example of a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the pot-shaped container 1 and the contents within it.

[0020] The bottom heating coil 12 is used to heat the pot-shaped container 1. The bottom heating coil 12 is arranged, for example, in a circular shape around the hole 11a at the bottom of the container cover 11. The bottom heating coil 12 is arranged to face the bottom of the pot-shaped container 1. The bottom heating coil 12 is energized under the control of the control device 18, thereby inductively heating the pot-shaped container 1.

[0021] The bottom heating coil 12 heats the pot-shaped container 1, thereby heating the object to be heated, including rice and water, in the pot-shaped container 1, and cooking the cooked rice. The bottom heating coil 12 in this embodiment is an example of a component of the heating / cooling means according to the present disclosure. The bottom heating coil 12 may heat the cooked rice and keep the cooked rice warm. Note that the means for heating the object to be heated is not limited to those using induction heating, such as the bottom heating coil 12. The means for heating the object to be heated may also be, for example, a sheath heater, which is an electric heater.

[0022] The lid body 20 includes an outer lid 21 and an inner lid 22. The outer lid 21 forms the top and side of the lid body 20. For example, an opening button (not shown) is provided on the side of the outer lid 21 opposite the hinge part 14. When this opening button is pressed, the lid body 20 opens around the hinge part 14 due to the force of a spring or the like.

[0023] The inner lid 22 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The inner lid 22 is attached to the surface of the outer lid 21 facing the main body 10 via a locking member 23. When the lid body 20 is closed, the inner lid 22 is located inside the outer lid 21, i.e., closer to the object to be heated.

[0024] Lid gasket 22a, a sealing material, is attached to the periphery of inner lid 22. When lid 20 is closed, lid gasket 22a tightly contacts the inside of the top end of pot-shaped container 1, sealing the inside of pot-shaped container 1 from the outside. In this disclosure, "inside pot-shaped container 1" or "inside pot-shaped container 1" refers to the area surrounded by pot-shaped container 1 and inner lid 22 when lid 20 is closed.

[0025] An inner lid steam vent 22b is formed in the inner lid 22. An outer lid steam vent 26 is formed in the outer lid 21. The inner lid steam vent 22b and the outer lid steam vent 26 are openings for discharging steam generated in the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside of the rice cooker 100.

[0026] A cartridge 24 is detachably attached to the outer lid 21. The cartridge 24 has a container side hole 24a and a steam exhaust hole 24b. The inner lid steam port 22b, outer lid steam port 26, container side hole 24a, and steam exhaust hole 24b are continuous, connecting the inside and outside of the pot-shaped container 1. The container side hole 24a and steam exhaust hole 24b formed in the cartridge 24, together with the container side hole 24a and steam exhaust hole 24b, form a steam port for exhausting steam generated inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the outside.

[0027] An internal temperature sensor 43 is attached to the inner lid 22 side of the outer lid 21. The internal temperature sensor 43 is positioned so that it passes through a through-hole formed in the inner lid 22. The internal temperature sensor 43 detects the temperature of the internal space of the pot-shaped container 1, i.e., the temperature above the heated object inside the pot-shaped container 1. The internal temperature sensor 43 is composed of a component such as a thermistor. The internal temperature sensor 43 sends temperature information related to the detected temperature inside the pot-shaped container 1 to the control device 18.

[0028] As an example, rice cooker 100 may be equipped with weight sensor 15. Weight sensor 15 is provided, for example, at the bottom of main body 10. Weight sensor 15 is an example of a weight measurement means for measuring the weight of an object contained in pot-shaped container 1. Weight sensor 15 can measure the weight of rice contained in pot-shaped container 1. Weight sensor 15 can measure the weight of water contained in pot-shaped container 1. Weight sensor 15 can also measure the weight of cooked rice contained in pot-shaped container 1. Weight sensor 15 is composed of components such as a strain gauge, for example. Weight sensor 15 sends weight information including the measurement value to control device 18.

[0029] The rice cooker 100 of this embodiment also includes an operation display unit 42. The operation display unit 42 is provided, for example, on the top surface of the outer lid 21. The operation display unit 42 is operated when the user uses the rice cooker 100. The operation display unit 42 also displays various types of information related to the rice cooker 100.

[0030] The operation display unit 42 includes a plurality of operation buttons that accept various instructions input by the user. The various instructions input by the user using the operation buttons include, for example, starting rice cooking, canceling the rice cooking operation, and various rice cooking settings. The rice cooking settings include, for example, reserving the rice cooking time, setting whether to cook rice at the standard time or quick cooking in a time shorter than the standard time, setting the finished rice, setting the type of rice, etc. The operation display unit 42 sends the various instructions input by the user to the control device 18 as instruction information.

[0031] Furthermore, rice cooker 100 of this embodiment is equipped with Peltier element 30 and fan 31. Peltier element 30 cools pot-shaped container 1 when power is applied under the control of control device 18. Peltier element 30 cools pot-shaped container 1, thereby cooling the cooked rice inside pot-shaped container 1. In this way, rice cooker 100 is configured to be able to cool cooked rice.

[0032] The Peltier element 30 may heat the pot 1 by being energized under the control of the control device 18. The Peltier element 30 may heat the pot 1 to keep the cooked rice warm inside the pot 1. The fan 31 circulates high-temperature air heated by the Peltier element 30 or low-temperature air cooled by the Peltier element 30 to heat or cool the pot 1. The Peltier element 30 and fan 31 in this embodiment are examples of components of the heating / cooling means according to the present disclosure. The rice cooker 100 may cool the cooked rice by any means other than the Peltier element 30 and fan 31.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 18 of the rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. The control device 18 controls the overall operation of the rice cooker 100. The control device 18 is, for example, a microcomputer. The control device 18 has a memory unit 5, a calculation unit 6, a control unit 7, and a timer 8 that measures time. The control device 18 operates in response to a signal from the operation display unit 42, for example.

[0034] The control device 18 controls the operation of each device in each process performed by the rice cooker 100. The rice cooker 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform a rice cooking process, a keep-warm process, and a keep-cold process in that order.

[0035] The rice cooking process is a process carried out when the rice cooker 100 cooks cooked rice. The warming process is a process of keeping the cooked rice warm after the rice cooking process. The cold keeping process is a process of cooling the cooked rice after the rice cooking process. As an example, in the cold keeping process, the cooked rice is kept cold at a predetermined temperature or below. The user may be able to set whether or not to carry out the warming process and the cold keeping process. For example, after the rice cooking process, the warming process may be skipped and the cold keeping process may be carried out. Alternatively, the cold keeping process may not be carried out after the warming process.

[0036] The control unit 7 is an example of a control means according to the present disclosure. The control unit 7, which is an example of a control means, controls the operation of the bottom heating coil 12 in the rice cooking process. The control unit 7, which is an example of a control means, also controls the operation of the bottom heating coil 12, the Peltier element 30, and the fan 31 in the warming process. The control unit 7, which is an example of a control means, also controls the operation of the Peltier element 30 and the fan 31 in the cooling process.

[0037] The memory unit 5 stores various types of information used by the control unit 7 to control each device. The calculation unit 6 performs various calculations for the control unit 7 to control each device. The timer 8 is an example of a time measurement means, and measures the elapsed time required for the calculation process executed by the calculation unit 6 and the control process executed by the control unit 7. The timer 8 provides the calculation unit 6 and the control unit 7 with time information, which is information related to the measured time.

[0038] The control device 18 may be configured with hardware such as a control circuit that realizes its functions, or may be configured with a software program stored in a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory, and a processing unit such as a microcomputer or CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the software program.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the operation display unit 42 functions as an example of a setting means for allowing the user to make various settings. The operation display unit 42 also functions as a display means for displaying various types of information. The setting means and the display means according to the present disclosure may be configured as a single device such as the operation display unit 42, or may be configured as separate devices. The user may also operate the rice cooker 100 using an external device such as a smartphone instead of the operation display unit 42. The external device such as a smartphone may also display various types of information related to the rice cooker 100 and notify the user instead of the operation display unit 42.

[0040] The rice cooking system according to the present embodiment can be realized by the rice cooker 100 configured as described above, or by linking the rice cooker 100 with an external device such as a smartphone. The rice cooker 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with an external device such as a smartphone. The functions of the operation display unit 42 may be realized by an external device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the control device 18 may be realized by a server device or the like on the Internet. The setting means and display means that constitute the rice cooking system do not have to be provided in the rice cooker 100. The setting means and display means may be configured as external devices of the rice cooker 100. Furthermore, the rice cooking system according to the present disclosure only needs to include at least one of the setting means and the display means.

[0041] The heat-retaining process, which heats and keeps cooked rice warm, allows the cooked rice to be stored at a temperature suitable for eating as is. However, there is a limit to the time that cooked rice can be hygienically preserved using the heat-retaining process. The time that cooked rice can be hygienically preserved using the heat-retaining process is, for example, about 24 to 40 hours. Furthermore, after a certain time has passed since the heat-retaining process, for example, about 2 to 3 hours, the deliciousness of the cooked rice is significantly impaired compared to immediately after cooking.

[0042] On the other hand, the time that cooked rice can be hygienically preserved by the cooling process is longer than the time that cooked rice can be hygienically preserved by the warming process. Also, by storing cooked rice in a cool place and then reheating it just before eating, users can enjoy delicious cooked rice.

[0043] Considering the above characteristics of the warming process and the cold-keeping process, it is preferable that the time for the warming process be kept to the minimum necessary. In this embodiment, the operation display unit 42, which is an example of a setting means, is configured to allow the user to set the time for which the cooked rice is kept warm in the warming process before being cooled in the cold-keeping process. This makes it possible to set the time for the warming process to the minimum necessary in accordance with the user's lifestyle and actual daily schedule. In this embodiment, the warming process is performed for an arbitrary time set by the user, and then the process transitions to the cold-keeping process.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to effectively assist the user in easily using rice cooker 100 capable of cooling cooked rice, it is also effective to display the time that has elapsed since the completion of cooking the cooked rice while the cold keeping process is being performed. In this embodiment, operation display unit 42, which is an example of a setting means, is configured so that the user can set the time for which the cooked rice is kept warm in the warm keeping process before being cooled in the cold keeping process.

[0045] As mentioned above, compared to the warming process, the cold storage process can preserve cooked rice for a long period of time while maintaining its flavor in a hygienic manner. However, if the storage time is long, the user tends to forget how long the cooked rice has been stored. Therefore, in the cold storage process, it is a good idea to display to the user the time that has elapsed since the cooked rice was cooked. This helps the user decide whether it is time to eat the cooked rice or whether to continue storing it.

[0046] The operation and display unit 42 configured as described above can effectively help the user to easily use the rice cooker 100, which is capable of cooling cooked rice. In particular, the rice cooking system according to the present disclosure can more effectively help the user to easily use the rice cooker 100 by including both a setting means and a display means such as the operation and display unit 42.

[0047] Further reference will be made below to the drawings to describe more specific examples of the operation of the rice cooking system and rice cooker 100 according to the present embodiment. Note that in the following embodiment, an example will be described in which the setting means and display means according to the present disclosure are configured by a smartphone, which is an external device of the rice cooker 100.

[0048] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the rice cooking system and rice cooker 100 according to the first embodiment. When using the rice cooking system and rice cooker 100 according to the present embodiment, the user inputs rice cooking settings (step S1). The rice cooking settings are input using, for example, a smartphone. The rice cooking settings may be input using an external device such as a smartphone as setting means, or, as described above, may be input using a device provided in the rice cooker 100, such as the operation and display unit 42 as setting means.

[0049] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 50 for setting rice cooking settings for the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. Before cooking rice, the user sets the rice cooking conditions, such as the type of rice, brand, cooking method, whether or not to reserve, and the reservation time. Furthermore, the user sets the operation of the rice cooker 100 after cooking is finished, such as whether to keep the rice warm, and if so, how long to keep it warm, and whether to keep it cold.

[0050] In the example of Figure 4, you can set whether or not to keep warm by swiping the part indicated by the symbol A. In the example of Figure 4, when the round part in the part indicated by the symbol A is on the right side, "keep warm" is set.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4, the keep-warm time is displayed and set in the area indicated by the symbol B. In the example of FIG. 4, the keep-warm time can be shortened by tapping the minus icon in the area indicated by the symbol B, and can be lengthened by tapping the plus icon. Note that the longer the keep-warm time, the more the rice will dry out, turn yellow, have a warm odor, and become less tasty. Therefore, an upper limit of, for example, 3 hours may be set for the set value of the keep-warm time.

[0052] In the example of Figure 4, the presence or absence of cold storage can be set by swiping the part indicated by symbol C. In the example of Figure 4, when the round part in the part indicated by symbol C is on the right side, "cold storage" is set.

[0053] After input of the rice cooking settings in step S1 is completed, the rice cooker 100 starts cooking rice (step S2). A predetermined rice cooking process is carried out and the cooked rice is cooked to completion, whereupon the rice cooking ends (step S3).

[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 50 during the period from when the rice cooking settings have been input until the rice cooking process starts in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. In the example of FIG. 5, the current status of the rice cooker 100 is displayed in the top row. In the example of FIG. 5, the fact that the rice cooker is waiting for a reservation is displayed as "Reservation in progress." In the example of FIG. 5, information on the current rice cooking settings and the scheduled start time of the rice cooking process is displayed. Note that before the rice cooking process ends, various rice cooking settings, such as whether to keep the rice warm, the keep-warm time, and whether to keep the rice cold, may be changed. In the example of FIG. 5, a "Cancel" button, which can be tapped to cancel the rice cooking reservation, is displayed in the bottom row.

[0055] When the rice cooking process is completed, the time elapsed since the end of the rice cooking process, i.e., the time elapsed since the completion of cooking the cooked rice, is measured (step S4). Also, when the rice cooking process is completed, if "keep warm" is set in the rice cooking settings (YES in step S5), the keep warm process is executed from step S6 to step S10.

[0056] When the warming process starts, the elapsed time from the start of the warming process is measured (step S6). In the warming process, the cooked rice is kept warm at a predetermined temperature based on the detection result of the pot bottom temperature sensor 13 (step S7). In the warming process, heating is performed by the bottom heating coil 12, Peltier element 30, and fan 31 so that the temperature of the cooked rice is maintained at 70°C, for example.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 50 during the keep-warm process in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. In the example of Fig. 6, the current status of the rice cooker 100 is displayed at the top. In the example of Fig. 6, "Keeping warm" is displayed to indicate that the keep-warm process is being performed.

[0058] In the example of Fig. 6, the time measured from step S4 is displayed as the elapsed time since the cooked rice is finished. Note that the time measured from step S6 may be displayed as the execution time of the keep-warm step, i.e., the time the cooked rice has been kept warm.

[0059] 6, the amount of cooked rice remaining in the pot-shaped container 1 is displayed based on the measurement results of the weight sensor 15. In this example, the user can check the amount of cooked rice remaining that is being kept warm without opening the rice cooker 100.

[0060] In the example of Figure 6, the remaining time for the keep-warm process is displayed. The user can tap the "Extend Keep-warm" button on the bottom left and then operate the extension time input screen that appears, allowing them to choose to extend the keep-warm process by any amount of time.

[0061] In the example of Figure 6, the setting status of whether or not to keep the food cold is displayed. At this timing, the execution of the cold storage process may be canceled. Also, it may be possible to end the warm storage process and transition to the cold storage process at any timing. In this case, the user taps the "Start cold storage" button in the center of the bottom row. Also, if the user wants to end both the warm storage process and the cold storage process at any timing, the user taps the "Stop" button on the right side of the bottom row.

[0062] If the "Stop" button is pressed while the keep-warm process is being performed (YES in step S8), the rice cooking system will end each process of preserving cooked rice. If the "Start cold storage" button is pressed while the keep-warm process is being performed (YES in step S9), the keep-warm process will begin in step S12 onwards, which will be described later. If the "Stop" button and the "Start cold storage" button are not pressed while the keep-warm process is being performed (NO in step S8, NO in step S9), the keep-warm process will continue until the elapsed time measured from step S6 reaches the set keep-warm time (NO in step S10).

[0063] If "keep warm" is not set in the rice cooking settings (NO in step S5), or if the keep warm process is performed until the set keep warm time has elapsed (YES in step S10), and if "keep cold" is set in the rice cooking settings (YES in step S11), the keep cold process from step S12 to step S20 is performed. If "keep cold" is not set in the rice cooking settings (NO in step S10), each process of preserving cooked rice by the rice cooking system ends.

[0064] When the cold insulation process starts, the elapsed time from the start of the cold insulation process is measured (Step S12). At this time, the start of the cold insulation process may be notified (Step S13). In the cold insulation process, based on the detection result of the pot bottom temperature sensor 13, cooling is performed by the Peltier element 30 and the fan 31 so that the cooked rice is kept cold at a predetermined temperature (Step S14).

[0065] In the refrigeration step, the cooked rice may be kept refrigerated at a temperature of 10°C or below, which is the lower limit of the growth temperature of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that causes food poisoning. This allows the cooked rice to be stored hygienically for a long period of time. Furthermore, in the refrigeration step, the cooked rice may be kept refrigerated at a temperature of -1°C or above, which is the freezing point of cooked rice. By storing the cooked rice in a refrigerator without freezing it, the required amount of cooked rice can be easily removed from the rice cooker 100 using a rice paddle, chopsticks, or the like. Furthermore, by storing the cooked rice in a refrigerator, uneven heating during reheating can be reduced compared to when the cooked rice is stored frozen, and tasty cooked rice can be provided consistently.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 50 during the cold storage process in the rice cooking system of embodiment 1. In the example of Fig. 7, the current status of the rice cooker 100 is displayed at the top. In the example of Fig. 7, "Cold Storage" is displayed to indicate that the cold storage process is being performed.

[0067] In the example of Fig. 7, the time measured from step S4 is displayed as the elapsed time since the cooked rice is cooked. Note that the time measured from step S12 may be displayed as the execution time of the refrigeration step, i.e., the time the cooked rice has been kept refrigerated. Alternatively, the time the warming step was actually performed before the refrigeration step may be displayed.

[0068] As mentioned above, compared to keeping cooked rice warm, keeping cooked rice cool allows for longer periods of time while maintaining its flavor and in a hygienic manner, but users tend to forget how long the cooked rice has been stored. In the cooling process, displaying the elapsed time since the cooked rice was cooked can help users make various decisions.

[0069] The longer the keep-warm process, the greater the risk of a warm odor occurring. Furthermore, the longer the cold-keeping time, the less sticky the cooked rice becomes after reheating. Therefore, by displaying the time for which the keep-warm process and the cold-keeping process were performed, the user can understand the condition of the cooked rice and be assisted in eating the cooked rice appropriately. For example, when eating cooked rice that has been kept warm for a long time, the user should choose a dish that does not have a warm odor, such as curry rice. Furthermore, the user should use cooked rice that has been kept cold for a long time in a dish that takes advantage of the less sticky cooked rice, such as fried rice.

[0070] In the example of FIG. 7, the amount of cooked rice remaining in the pot-shaped container 1 is displayed based on the measurement results of the weight sensor 15. In this example, the user can check the remaining amount of refrigerated cooked rice without opening the rice cooker 100. This allows the user to easily determine, for example, "Should I use the refrigerated cooked rice today?", "Do I need to cook new rice soon?", "Do I have any refrigerated cooked rice left that I accidentally forgot to use?", etc. This example can help the user plan their menu or cooking schedule, and also has the effect of preventing food waste.

[0071] The refrigeration process may also be terminated at any time during the process. In this case, the user taps the "Stop" button on the right side of the bottom row. When reheating refrigerated cooked rice in the rice cooker 100, the user taps the "Reheat" button on the left side of the bottom row.

[0072] If the "Stop" button is pressed during the cold storage process (YES in step S15), the rice cooking system will end its processes for storing cooked rice. If the "Stop" button is not pressed (NO in step S15), the cold storage process will continue.

[0073] The rice cooking system according to the present disclosure may be configured to include a notification means that issues a notification when at least one of the elapsed time since completion of cooking the cooked rice, the elapsed time since the start of the warming step, and the elapsed time since the start of the cold keeping step reaches or exceeds a certain standard. The function of the notification means is realized, for example, by an external device such as a smartphone or a device such as the operation display unit 42 provided in the rice cooker 100.

[0074] During the cold keeping step, it may be determined whether the time elapsed since the completion of cooking the cooked rice has reached a first reference time (step S16). In the example of Fig. 3, the processes from step S14 to step S16 continue until the time elapsed since the completion of cooking the cooked rice reaches the first reference time. Note that the elapsed time determined in step S16 may be the time elapsed since the start of the warm keeping step or the time elapsed since the start of the cold keeping step.

[0075] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a smartphone app screen 50 that notifies the user while the refrigerated rice storage process is being performed in the rice cooking system of the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8, the smartphone app screen 50 notifies that 60 hours, which is an example of the first reference time, has passed since the end of rice cooking (step S17). As it is desirable to eat all cooked rice stored in the refrigerator within about two to three days, the first reference time is set to 60 hours, as an example. This example can prevent the user from forgetting about the cooked rice while it is kept refrigerated.

[0076] After the notification in step S17, the rice may continue to be kept cold at the predetermined temperature (step S18). If the "Stop" button is pressed while the cold keeping process is continuing (YES in step S19), the rice cooking system ends each process of storing cooked rice.

[0077] If the "Stop" button has not been pressed (NO in step S19), it may be determined whether at least one of the time elapsed since the completion of cooking the cooked rice, the time elapsed since the start of the warming process, and the time elapsed since the start of the cold storage process has reached a second reference time (step S20). The second reference time is set to a time longer than the first reference time. The second reference time is set to, for example, 72 hours, taking into account the maximum time that cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator.

[0078] The processing from step S18 to step S20 continues until the second reference time has elapsed. When the second reference time has elapsed, the processing of storing cooked rice by the rice cooking system ends. In this case, the rice cooking system may notify the user via notification means such as a smartphone to encourage the user to discard the cooked rice in the rice cooker 100.

[0079] Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A container for accommodating an object to be heated, including rice and water; A heating and cooling means capable of heating the object to be heated in the container to cook the cooked rice and keeping the cooked rice warm and cooling the cooked rice; Equipped with A rice cooking system characterized by comprising at least one of a setting means that allows a user to set the time for which the cooked rice is kept warm by the heating and cooling means before the cooked rice is cooled by the heating and cooling means, and a display means that displays the elapsed time from the completion of cooking of the cooked rice while the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating and cooling means. (Appendix 2) The rice cooking system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that it is equipped with both the setting means and the display means. (Appendix 3) The rice cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating and cooling means keeps the cooked rice at a temperature of 10°C or below. (Appendix 4) The rice cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating and cooling means keeps the cooked rice at a temperature of -1°C or higher and 10°C or lower. (Appendix 5) The rice cooking system according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that the display means displays the time for which the cooked rice has been kept warm by the heating / cooling means while the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means. (Appendix 6) The rice cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the display means displays the time for which the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means. (Appendix 7) The rice cooking system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, further comprising an alarm means for issuing an alarm when at least one of the time elapsed since completion of cooking the cooked rice, the time elapsed since the heating / cooling means started keeping the cooked rice warm, and the time elapsed since the heating / cooling means started cooling the cooked rice reaches or exceeds a reference value. (Appendix 8) The rice cooking system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the display means displays the amount of cooked rice in the container at least one of when the cooked rice is being kept warm by the heating / cooling means and when the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 pot-shaped container, 5 memory unit, 6 calculation unit, 7 control unit, 8 timer, 10 main body, 11 container cover, 11a hole, 12 bottom heating coil, 13 pot bottom temperature sensor, 14 hinge unit, 15 weight sensor, 17 time measurement unit, 18 control device, 20 lid body, 21 outer lid, 22 inner lid, 22a lid gasket, 22b inner lid steam vent, 23 locking member, 24 cartridge, 24a container side hole, 24b steam exhaust hole, 26 outer lid steam vent, 30 Peltier element, 31 fan, 42 operation display unit, 43 internal temperature sensor, 50 application screen, 100 rice cooker

Claims

1. A container for accommodating an object to be heated, including rice and water; A heating and cooling means capable of heating the object to be heated in the container to cook the cooked rice and keeping the cooked rice warm and cooling the cooked rice; Equipped with A rice cooking system characterized by comprising at least one of a setting means that allows a user to set the time for which the cooked rice is kept warm by the heating and cooling means before the cooked rice is cooled by the heating and cooling means, and a display means that displays the elapsed time from the completion of cooking of the cooked rice while the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating and cooling means.

2. The rice cooking system according to claim 1, further comprising both the setting means and the display means.

3. 3. The rice cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the heating and cooling means keeps the cooked rice at a temperature of 10°C or less.

4. 3. The rice cooking system according to claim 1, wherein the heating and cooling means keeps the cooked rice at a temperature of -1°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

5. The rice cooking system according to claim 2, wherein the display means displays the time for which the cooked rice has been kept warm by the heating / cooling means while the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means.

6. The rice cooking system according to claim 2, wherein the display means displays the time during which the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means.

7. The rice cooking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with an alarm means for issuing an alarm when at least one of the elapsed time from the completion of cooking the cooked rice, the elapsed time from the start of keeping the cooked rice warm by the heating / cooling means, and the elapsed time from the start of cooling the cooked rice by the heating / cooling means reaches or exceeds a reference value.

8. The rice cooking system according to claim 2, characterized in that the display means displays the amount of cooked rice in the container at least one of when the cooked rice is being kept warm by the heating / cooling means and when the cooked rice is being cooled by the heating / cooling means.

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