Rice washing and cooking device

Abstract

The aim is to make it easier to visually understand the settings for cooking conditions in commercial rice washing equipment, and to enable continuous rice washing and cooking operations with different cooking conditions. [Solution] It includes a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, a rice cooking device (B), and a setting screen for setting cooking conditions. The settings screen includes multiple tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') where different cooking conditions can be set for each tab (s21'). The rice washing and cooking device is characterized in that it is possible to sequentially perform rice cooking operations with different cooking conditions for each of the multiple tabs (s21') set as described above, and the operation area (s22') is provided on the same screen with at least the items for cooking method, amount of rice, and amount of water, as well as selection switches for selecting the type and increase / decrease of the items.

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, arranged 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] The first invention for solving the above problems is comprising a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, a rice cooking device (B), and a setting screen for setting rice cooking conditions, where the setting screen is provided with a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') where different rice cooking conditions can be set for each tab (s21'), and it is possible to sequentially and continuously perform rice cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions for each of the plurality of set tabs (s21'), and the operation area (s22') is provided with at least items such as cooking method, amount of cooked rice, and water adjustment, and selection switches for selecting the types and increases or decreases of the above items on the same screen.

[0006] The second invention is characterized by providing multiple tabs in parallel on the same screen, allowing the user to select cooking conditions for any tab from the multiple tabs (s21'), and to set the number of cooking operations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the settings for rice cooking conditions can be easily understood visually. Furthermore, it is possible to perform rice washing and cooking operations continuously under different cooking conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a rice washing and cooking apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic left side view of the rice washing and cooking apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a roughly vertical cross-sectional view of the rice supply device and rice washing tank shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the area around the rice washing tank shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the frame. Figures 5(B) and 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view enlargement of the main part of the lifting support member. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a series of rice washing and cooking processes using a rice washing and cooking device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit of the rice washing and cooking device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the settings screen for the rice cooking condition settings data. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) shows the contents of the cooking mode setting data. Figure 11(B) shows the contents of the continuous mode setting data. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the contents of the rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is an example of a setting screen for rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the cooking division mode by the control unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the continuous mode by the control unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a comparison diagram comparing the rice cooking times of the continuous mode and the cooking division mode of the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of the periphery of the rice washing tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of a hooked portion and a hook according to another embodiment, and FIG. 18(B) is an enlarged side view. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a setting screen for rice cooking condition setting data according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] FIGS. 20(A) to (B) are examples of a setting screen for rice cooking condition setting data according to another embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a rice washing and cooking device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the rice washing and cooking device 1 shown in FIG. 1. In the following description, the direction in front of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as "front", the right side of the paper surface is referred to as "right", and the left side is referred to as "left" to represent front, rear, left, and right.

[0011] <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. In addition, an operation unit S composed of a touch panel liquid crystal for performing various state displays and various settings is provided on the front surface of the rice storage bin A1.

[0012] <2.Rice feeding device> The rice storage unit A1 stores rice internally and also discharges the stored rice to the rice washing tank A2, and is located on top of the frame K. Rice can be loaded into the rice storage unit A1 from the top, and a motor for the dispensing valve (not shown), controlled by the control unit C (described later), drives the internal quantitative dispensing valve a1, allowing control of the amount of rice discharged to the rice washing tank A2 and the timing of the discharge. Based on the control signal from the control unit C, a predetermined amount of rice is discharged to the rice washing tank A2.

[0013] The rice washing tank A2 has the function of washing the rice received from the rice supply device A and supplying it to the rice cooking device B. It is located at the bottom of the rice storage unit A1 and can be moved left and right on the frame K together with the rice storage unit A1 by the supply position switching means AK, which will be described later.

[0014] Figure 3 is a roughly longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rice supply device A and the rice washing tank A2. Note that the outlet portion in the figure is a magnified view of a part to facilitate understanding of the shape of each component.

[0015] The rice washing tank A2 comprises a tank body a2 capable of containing 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 supplying and draining water to the tank body a2, a discharge valve a7 for opening and closing a discharge port a6 located at the bottom of the jacket a5, a stirring member a8 that rotates around a vertical axis and stirs the inside of the tank body a2 by being driven by a motor m2 for stirring members controlled by the control unit C, and a drain box a9 for collecting the wastewater from the tank body a2.

[0016] The tank body a2 is made of metal and includes a cylindrical section a10, a funnel-shaped section a11 located below the cylindrical section a10, and an upper drainage mechanism AO for draining water that overflows from the upper part of the tank body a2.

[0017] The upper drainage mechanism AO has a flexible tubular drainage hose a13 connected to the lower end of an open-topped box-shaped overflow box a12, which is integrally formed on the upper outer surface of the cylindrical part a10. The other end of the drainage hose a13 is connected to the drainage box a9.

[0018] The overflow box a12 collects water that overflows from the top of the tank body a2, guides it to the drain hose a13, and drains it from the drain hose a13 to the drain box a9. The drain hose a13 is detachably connected to both the overflow box a12 and the drain box a9. This allows for easy maintenance and replacement of the drain hose a13 when removing the rice washing tank A2 from the rice storage unit A1. In addition, removing the drain hose a13 also makes it easier to maintain the inside of the overflow box a12.

[0019] The water supply pipe a3 is connected at one end to a water supply source (not shown) and at the other end to a jacket a5, allowing water to be supplied into the tank body a2 via the jacket a5. The water supply pipe a3 is also equipped with an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by the control unit C, thereby allowing control of the amount of water supplied to the tank body a2.

[0020] Furthermore, one end of the air supply pipe a3 is connected to an air supply source (not shown), and the other end is connected to a jacket, allowing air to be supplied into the tank body a2 via the jacket a5. The air supplied from the air supply pipe a4 can also be controlled by the control unit C.

[0021] The upper part of jacket a5 is in communication with the lower part of tank body a2, and a drop port a6 for dropping washed rice into rice cooking device B is provided at the lower part of jacket a5.

[0022] The release valve a7 moves up and down by a rod connected to a cam, driven by a release valve motor m1 controlled by the control unit C, opening and closing the release port a6 of the jacket a5. That is, when it moves upward, the release port a6 is sealed by the release valve a7 and becomes closed, and when it moves downward, the release port a6 is opened and becomes open.

[0023] The drain box a9 receives wastewater that flows in from the overflow box a12 through the drain hose a13 and guides it to the drain outlet a14 for discharge. The drain box a9 is also connected to the jacket a5 via a drain elbow and has a valve inside that opens and closes this drain elbow. This makes it possible to drain water from the tank body a2 through the jacket a5 to the drain box a9.

[0024] <3. Rice washing tank detachable structure> The detachable structure of the rice washing tank A2 will be explained below using Figure 3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the floor panel a15 forming the bottom of the rice storage unit A1 is constructed by combining a metal panel section a16 and a resin panel section a17. The resin panel section a17 is fitted into and supported by an opening a18 provided in the center of the metal panel section a16. The metal panel section a16 is rigid and strong, while the resin panel section a17 is lightweight, making it easy to handle during maintenance.

[0026] The resin panel section a17 has the function of allowing the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to and detached from the rice storage container A1, and is equipped with a lid section a19 that covers the top of the tank body a2, and the lid section a19 is provided with a hooking section a21 which is roughly L-shaped in side view and can be used to attach the hook a20, a first joint section a22 which connects to the top of the tank body a2, and a second joint section a23 which connects to the top of the overflow box a12.

[0027] The fastening portion a21 allows the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to the rice storage container A1 by fastening the hook a20 provided on the tank body a2 side. The fastening portion a21 and the hook a20 function as means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank A2 to and from the rice storage container A1. Here, the hook a20 for attaching the tank body a2 is provided on the tank body a2 at equal intervals along its circumference. For example, three hooks a20 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion a10 of the tank body a2 at 120-degree intervals along its circumference, and three fastening portions a21 are provided on the lid portion a19 corresponding to the positions of these hooks a20.

[0028] The first joint portion a22 has a convex cross-section, extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion a19, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter as the upper end of the cylindrical portion a10 of the tank body a2. Furthermore, the portion of the first joint portion a22 located above the overflow box a12 has a notch a24, and its hanging length is set to be shorter than the other portions. As a result, when the rice washing tank A2 is installed in the rice storage container A1, the lower end of the first joint portion a22, excluding the notch a24 portion, is tightly joined to the upper part of the tank body a2 in a roughly C-shape in plan view, and the notch a24 portion is configured to form a communication opening a25 that connects the tank body a2 and the overflow box a12.

[0029] The second joint portion a23 has a convex cross-section, extends downward from the lower surface of the lid portion a19, and is integrally formed with the first joint portion a22 so as to protrude from the outer circumference of the first joint portion a22 in a roughly U-shape cross-section, matching the shape of the upper part of the overflow box a12 of the tank body a2. As a result, the second joint portion a23 is configured to be tightly joined to the upper part of the overflow box a12 in a roughly U-shape when viewed from above.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the upper part of the tank body a2 that connects to the first joint a22 is formed in a concave cross-section, and a first joint receiving part a27 is provided in which a first packing part a26 made of an elastic material such as rubber is fitted into the recess. Similarly, the upper part of the tank body a2 that connects to the second joint a23 is formed in a concave cross-section, and a second joint receiving part a29 is provided in which a second packing part a28 made of an elastic material is fitted into the recess.

[0031] As a result, when the rice washing tank A2 is installed, the first joint portion a22 connects to the first joint receiving portion a27 and the second joint portion a23 connects to the second joint receiving portion a29 by fitting the protrusions and recesses together. Furthermore, at this time, the first packing portion a26 and the second packing portion a28 are configured to make elastic contact with the first joint receiving portion a27 and the second joint portion a23, respectively. As a result, gaps between the rice storage container A1 and the rice washing tank A2 can be effectively prevented, improving the airtightness inside the rice washing tank A2. This effectively prevents deterioration of the rice washing quality due to water leakage and contamination of the outside of the rice washing tank. In addition, by generating vertical elastic forces that separate the latched portion a21 and the hook a20, the latching force is improved, and the fixing strength of the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage container A1 can be improved.

[0032] Furthermore, the lower surface of the lid portion a19 is provided with a gentle slope in the shape of an inverted mortar, inside the first joint portion a22, such that the ceiling surface becomes lower as it moves outward from the rotation axis of the stirring member a8. This configuration improves drainage of water inside the tank body a2 and enhances hygiene.

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the area around the rice washing tank A2 shown in Figure 3.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, a ventilation hole a30 is provided in the resin panel section a17 above the overflow box a12, and a fan device a31 capable of blowing air is provided above it, allowing the area around the overflow box a12 to be dried by airflow. In addition, a lower floor panel cover a32 is attached to the underside of the floor panel a15, which has a cutout that matches the shape of the top of the tank body a2, making it easy to position the rice washing tank A2 when attaching or detaching it.

[0035] As described above, the rice storage container A1 and rice washing tank A2 have an overflow box a12 that is integrally formed with the tank body a2 rather than being separate. Therefore, by removing the rice washing tank A2, the overflow box a12 can also be removed from the rice storage container A1. This makes maintenance, including cleaning around the overflow box a12, much easier than before.

[0036] Furthermore, 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 improved maintainability. In addition, by making the drain hose a13 detachable from the overflow box a12, the length of the overflow box a12 can be shortened, making maintenance easier.

[0037] <4. Rice Cooker> Rice cooker B performs the function of cooking rice and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a rice cooker body b1 with an open top, a lid b2 that opens and closes the top opening of the body b1, a lid opening / closing mechanism b3 that allows opening and closing of an input port (not shown) provided on the lid b2, and an induction cooker IH provided at the bottom of the rice cooker body b1. Based on a control signal from the control unit C, the rice cooker body b1 is heated by the induction cooker IH, thereby cooking the white rice contained in the inner pot (not shown) of the rice cooker body b1. Although the rice cooker body b1 is configured to have an induction cooker IH, it may also be configured as an existing gas-powered rice cooker. In a gas-powered rice cooker, similar cooking can be performed by controlling the gas adjustment mechanism and ignition mechanism with the control unit C.

[0038] The stand K has the function of supporting the rice supply device A on the rice cooker B, and comprises a support frame k1 for supporting the rice supply device A, and a mounting base k2 below the rice supply device A on which the rice cooker B can be set. The mounting base k2 is designed so that the rice cooker B can be placed on a drawer k3 that slides in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 2, the mounting base k2 is equipped with drawers k3, k3 on both the left and right sides, and can simultaneously set up two (two pots) rice cooker B (in a state where the rice cooker B is positioned so that rice can be dispensed from the rice supply device A).

[0039] <5. Supply position switching means> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rice washing and cooking device 1 is equipped with a supply position switching means AK for switching the rice supply position of the rice supply device A. This supply position switching means AK allows the rice supply device A to switch the rice supply position for supplying rice to the rice cooker B between two positions, left and right, thereby enabling rice to be supplied to the rice cooker B at each position.

[0040] In the following explanation, the rice supply positions from rice supply device A to rice cooker B will be referred to as the left supply position L and the right supply position R. The rice cooking position of rice cooker B corresponding to the left supply position L (referring to the position where the rice cooking process is performed; the same applies hereinafter) will be referred to as the left rice cooking position L2, and the rice cooking position of rice cooker B corresponding to the right supply position R will be referred to as the right rice cooking position R2.

[0041] In detail, the supply position switching means AK is configured to pivotally support a roller a33, which rotates in forward and reverse directions driven by a roller motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C, at the bottom of the rice storage unit A1, and to provide a rail a34 that spans horizontally on the support frame k1, with the roller a33 being guided on this rail a34 while the rice supply device A is slidably supported. As a result, when the roller a33 rotates, the rice supply device A can be moved left or right. In this way, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can switch the position of the rice supply device A left or right using the supply position switching means AK based on a control signal from the control unit C.

[0042] <6. Means for lifting the rice cooker> Figure 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the frame K. Figures 5(B) and 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. In Figure 5(B), the state before the pedal k4 is pressed is shown, and in Figure 5(B), the state after the pedal k4 is pressed is shown.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C), the stand K is equipped with a rice cooker lifting means KU that can lift the rice cooker body b1 while supporting it by pressing the pedal k4.

[0044] The rice cooker lifting mechanism KU comprises a pedal k4 operated by the user, a lifting support member k5 that lifts and supports the rice cooker body b1, a guide member k6 that guides the lifting support member k5, and a link member k7 that converts the operation of the pedal k4 into vertical movement of the lifting support member k5. The link member k7 is equipped with an elastic spring k8 that assists the operation of the pedal k4 by biasing force. In addition, a damper (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the lifting support member k5 to prevent the rice cooker body b1 from falling suddenly.

[0045] When the user presses down on pedal k4, the lifting support member k5 rises, guided by guide member k6, as shown in Figure 5(C), and the rice cooker body b1, supported by support member k5, is lifted. This makes it possible to easily lift the rice cooker B, which has increased in weight after cooking, by pressing down on pedal k4, significantly reducing the user's workload and enabling quick operation. In addition, since the front end of pedal k4 is positioned behind the front end of drawer k3, it is prevented from the user tripping over pedal k4.

[0046] Furthermore, the rice cooker lifting mechanism includes a first stopper k9 and a second stopper k10 that restrict the movement of the link member k7.

[0047] The first stopper k9 locks the link member k7 and fixes the pedal k4 when the drawer k3 is not pulled forward, i.e., when it is stored in the mounting base k2. This prevents malfunctions due to erroneous operation and further improves safety. When the drawer k3 is pulled forward, the first stopper k9 releases the lock on the link member k7, thereby enabling the pedal k4 to be pressed.

[0048] The second stopper k10 engages the link member k7 when the pedal k4 is pressed down by a predetermined amount, maintaining the pressed-down state of the pedal k4. This allows the rice cooker body b1 to be maintained in a lifted state by the lifting support member k5. In this state, if the pedal k4 is pressed down again, the engagement of the link member k7 of the second stopper k10 is released, and the lifting support member k5 is lowered.

[0049] Figure 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the lifting support member k5. As shown in Figure 6, the lifting support member k5 is provided with projections k11 extending outward to the left and right at its upper end. These projections k11 cause the handle b4 provided on the rice cooker body b1 to be tilted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, making it easier for the user to grasp the handle b4 and preventing burns to the user.

[0050] <7. Rice washing and cooking process> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a series of rice washing and cooking processes performed by the rice washing and cooking device 1. The rice washing and cooking device 1, configured as described above, performs the following steps in order in a series of rice washing and cooking processes for one rice cooker B.

[0051] In the weighing process (S1), the quantitative dispensing valve a1 is activated in the rice storage tank A1 to discharge a predetermined set amount G1 of rice into the rice washing tank A2.

[0052] In the rice washing process (S2), in the rice washing tank A2, washing water is supplied from the water supply pipe a2 for a predetermined set time T1, and air is supplied to this washing water from the air supply pipe a3, and the stirring member a5 is rotated to wash the rice, after which the stirring member a5 is stopped and the washing water is drained.

[0053] In the water adjustment process (S3), the drop-off port located at the lower end of the jacket a4 is closed in the rice washing tank A2 to store a predetermined amount G2 of water necessary for soaking the rice in the rice cooker B. Then, the drop-off port is opened and the water-adjusted rice is dropped from the rice washing tank A2 into the rice cooker B.

[0054] In the soaking process (S4), the rice added to the rice cooker B is soaked in the inner pot for a predetermined set time T2.

[0055] In the rice cooking process (S5), the rice cooker B heats the inner pot with an induction cooker (IH) for a predetermined set time T3, performing a preheating process to allow the rice to absorb water, a cooking process to cook the rice, and a boiling maintenance process to evaporate excess water while simultaneously gelatinizing the starch in the rice and removing the water from the inner pot. Furthermore, after the boiling maintenance process, a steaming process is performed for a predetermined set time T4 to steam the cooked rice and create a uniform state inside the inner pot, completing the entire rice washing and cooking process.

[0056] As described above, the basic flow of the series of rice washing and cooking processes has been explained based on Figure 7. However, since the rice washing and cooking device 1 is a two-pot specification that allows two (two pots) of rice cooking devices B to be set on the stand K simultaneously by switching the position of the rice supply device A to the left or right using the supply position switching means, the weighing process (S1) to the water adjustment process (S3) by the rice supply device A and the soaking process (S4) to the cooking process (S5) by the rice cooking device B can each be executed independently and simultaneously. For example, after the rice washing and cooking device 1 has executed the weighing process (S1) to the water adjustment process (S3) by the rice supply device A for rice washing and cooking with the first rice cooking device B, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can execute the weighing process (S1) to the water adjustment process (S3) for rice washing and cooking with the second rice cooking device B while the soaking process (S4) to the cooking process (S5) is being performed in the first rice cooking device B without leaving the rice supply device A idle.

[0057] <8. Control Unit> Figure 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit C of the rice washing and cooking device 1.

[0058] The control unit C is configured to include a CPU that performs calculations and a memory that can read and write information necessary for calculations. The CPU operates according to various control programs stored in the memory, thereby realizing the various functions shown in each block.

[0059] The input side of the control unit C is connected to various operation buttons s2 located on the operation unit S, left / right position detection sensors ks located on the stand K, a rice cooker detection sensor (left) ks1, and a rice cooker detection sensor (right) ks2.

[0060] The various operation buttons s2 include pseudo-buttons, tabs, etc., which are displayed as a UI (user interface) on the display unit s1, which is composed of a touch panel LCD of the operation unit S, and the control unit C is able to acquire operation information of the various operation buttons s2. The various operation buttons s2 also include operation areas s21, s22, s23, s24, etc., which will be described later (see Figure 10), and these are displayed on the display unit s along with the necessary information based on the output signals from the control unit C.

[0061] The left / right position detection sensor ks detects whether the rice supply device A is in the left supply position L or the right supply position R, and outputs the result to the control unit C.

[0062] The rice cooker detection sensor (left) ks1 detects whether rice cooker B is set to the left cooking position L2, and the rice cooker detection sensor (right) ks2 detects whether rice cooker B is set to the right cooking position L2, and outputs the results to the control unit C.

[0063] The output side of the control unit C is connected to the rice storage unit A1, the rice washing tank A2, the rice cooker B, and the supply position switching means AK, and is capable of outputting control signals to these devices.

[0064] 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 and reservation execution unit c4, a setting information storage unit c5, and a timing unit c6.

[0065] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has the function of setting rice cooking conditions for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, rice cooking conditions refer to the conditions that determine the control amount of the controlled equipment in each step of the rice washing and cooking process (see Figure 7) by the rice washing and cooking device 1. Setting these rice cooking conditions is done by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 receiving operation of various operation buttons s2, receiving input of desired rice cooking conditions from the user, and storing the rice cooking conditions entered by the user as rice cooking condition setting data Ds in the setting information storage unit c5. The rice cooking condition setting data Ds will be described later.

[0066] Furthermore, the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has the function of setting a rice cooking mode for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking mode refers to the mode that determines the control method (for example, the method of selecting the cooking position and the number of times the rice washing and cooking is performed) when the rice washing and cooking device 1 is performed. The rice washing and cooking device 1 of this embodiment has three modes: "normal mode," "continuous mode," and "selective cooking mode." Details of each rice cooking mode will be described later.

[0067] The rice cooking mode is determined when the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 receives input from the various operation buttons s2 on the operation unit S and allows the user to select the desired rice cooking mode. Simultaneously, setting information for the determined rice cooking mode (for example, the number of times the rice washing and cooking process is performed) is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 as continuous mode setting data Dr and cooking mode setting data Dt. The continuous mode setting data Dr and cooking mode setting data Dt will be described later.

[0068] The rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 has the function of setting a rice cooking reservation for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, a rice cooking reservation refers to reserving the start of rice washing and cooking, the number of times rice washing and cooking will be performed, etc. This rice cooking reservation is set by the rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 receiving operation of various operation buttons s2, prompting the user to input the desired rice cooking reservation, and storing the rice cooking reservation entered by the user as rice cooking reservation data Dy in the setting information storage unit c5. The rice cooking reservation data Dy will be described later.

[0069] The rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 has the function of executing the rice washing and cooking process of the rice washing and cooking device 1. The rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 acquires various information from the device 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 executes the rice washing and cooking process by outputting a control signal to the device on the output side of the control unit C.

[0070] The rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 has the function of instructing the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start the rice washing and cooking process based on the rice cooking reservation data Dy stored in the rice washing process storage unit c6, which will be described later. It also has the function of managing the rice washing and cooking process for each rice cooking device B.

[0071] The setting information storage unit c5 stores various setting information, such as the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, rice cooking mode setting data Dt, continuous mode setting data Dr, and rice cooking reservation data Dy, which will be described later.

[0072] The timing unit c6 has a timing circuit, which has the function of acquiring information regarding the current date and time.

[0073] <9. Various Data and Settings Screens> Next, we will explain the various setting information and setting screens stored in the setting information storage unit c5. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and Figure 10 is an example of the setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. These setting screens are displayed on the operation unit S. As shown in Figure 9, the rice cooking condition setting data Ds includes, for example, the following fields (items).

[0074] The "Setting No." is a primary key used to uniquely identify the set rice cooking conditions. In the rice washing and cooking process, the processes are generally executed in ascending order of the Setting No. The "Setting No." can be selected using the operation area s21 shown in Figure 10. For example, selecting "Memory 1" in the operation area s21 allows you to set the rice cooking conditions for which "Setting No." is 1. In this embodiment, 10 rice cooking conditions can be set, but this is not limited to this.

[0075] The "cooking method" determines the final stage of rice cooking, and in this embodiment, either "standard" or "porridge" is selected. Based on this setting, the setting time T3 for heating the inner pot with the induction cooker IH of the rice cooker B and the cooking temperature are determined during the rice cooking process (S5). Furthermore, in this embodiment, if "porridge" is selected, the setting time T4 for the steaming process, which steams the cooked rice to create a uniform state inside the inner pot of the rice cooker B, is set to 0 minutes.

[0076] For example, a value of +5 to -5 is set for the "water level," and based on this value, the predetermined amount of water G2 required for soaking the rice is increased or decreased in the water level adjustment process (S3) (see Figure 7).

[0077] For example, an arbitrary value (kg) is set for the "amount of rice to be cooked," and based on this value, the set amount G1 of rice to be discharged into the rice washing tank A in the weighing process (S1) is determined (see Figure 7).

[0078] For example, a numerical value from 1 to 3 is set for the "washing method," and the rice washing process corresponding to this value is performed in the rice washing process (S2) (see Figure 7).

[0079] For example, in the "soaking" process, an arbitrary value (in minutes) is set, and based on this value, the set time T2 for soaking the added rice in the inner pot of the rice cooker B during the soaking process (S4) is determined (see Figure 7).

[0080] "Ignition" is set to, for example, automatic or manual. In the automatic setting, heating of the inner pot of rice cooker B is automatically started by the induction cooker (IH) during the rice cooking process (S5). In the manual setting, it is started by a predetermined operation by the user.

[0081] For example, a predetermined value (in minutes) is set for "steaming," and based on this value, the set time T4 for the steaming process in the rice cooking process (S5) is determined, which involves steaming the predetermined cooked rice to create a uniform state inside the inner pot of the rice cooker B. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, if "porridge" is selected in the "cooking method" item, the set time T4 for the steaming process is set to 0 (minutes).

[0082] In the settings screen shown in Figure 10, the "Cooking Method" item is entered and set in operation area s22, the "Amount of Rice Cooked" item is entered and set in operation area s24, and the "Water Amount," "Soaking," "Ignition," and "Steaming" items are entered and set in operation area s24.

[0083] Here, we will explain the three modes of the rice washing and cooking device 1: "Normal Mode," "Selective Cooking Mode," and "Continuous Mode." "Normal Mode" is a mode in which rice is cooked using one of the multiple cooking conditions set as described above, with the rice cooker B set at the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2. The cooking conditions to be executed and the cooking position of the rice cooker B are determined each time by the operation of the user's control unit S.

[0084] The "Cooking Mode" determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "Cooking Method" item in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, when washing and cooking rice with the "Cooking Method" set to "Standard," the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the left cooking position L2. When washing and cooking rice with the "Cooking Method" set to "Porridge," the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position L2. This link between the "Cooking Method" and the cooking position of the rice cooker B can be set by the user from the control unit S. In this way, the "Cooking Mode," which determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "Cooking Method" item of the rice cooking conditions, makes it easy for the user to manage different cooking conditions, for example, white rice on the left and porridge on the right.

[0085] The "continuous mode" is a mode in which the cooking position of rice cooker B is dynamically determined for each batch of rice washing and cooking. In other words, in "continuous mode," the cooking position is sequentially determined for either the left or right rice cooker B once the setup is complete, and the rice washing and cooking process begins. This reduces the idle time of rice cooker B and allows for efficient rice washing and cooking.

[0086] These "normal mode," "selective cooking mode," and "continuous mode" can be switched by operating the control unit S, thereby enabling the rice washing and cooking device 1 to handle a variety of rice cooking methods.

[0087] Figure 11(A) shows the contents of the rice cooking mode setting data Dt, and Figure 11(B) shows the contents of the continuous mode setting data Dr. As shown in Figure 11(A), the rice cooking mode setting data Dt includes the items "Number of cooking cycles (left)" and "Number of cooking cycles (right)". Here, the "Number of cooking cycles (left)" item determines the number of times the rice washing and cooking process is performed at the left cooking position L2 in the "Rice Cooking Mode," and the "Number of cooking cycles (right)" item stores a numerical value that determines the number of times the rice washing and cooking process is performed at the left cooking position L2. These number of cycles can be set by the user through the operation of the control unit S. For example, in the example in Figure 11(A), the rice cooker B performs a series of rice washing and cooking three times with the left cooking position L2 as the cooking position, and the rice cooker B performs a series of rice washing and cooking four times with the right cooking position R2 as the cooking position.

[0088] As shown in Figure 11(B), the continuous mode setting data Dr includes the item "Number of rice cooking cycles (total)". Here, the "Number of rice cooking cycles (total)" item stores a numerical value that determines the number of times a series of rice washing and cooking cycles are performed in "continuous mode," and this number of cycles can be set by the user operating the control unit S. In the example in Figure 11(B), the rice cooker B performs a series of rice washing and cooking cycles four times, with the cooking position set to either the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2.

[0089] Figure 12 shows the contents of the rice cooking reservation data Dy, and Figure 13 is an example of the setting screen for the rice cooking reservation data Dy. The user inputs the planned time for completion of cooking (completion time of the rice cooking process (S5)) using the operation button s31 shown in Figure 13, and by operating the reservation button s32 and the confirmation button s33, the rice cooking reservation data Dy is stored in the setting information storage unit c5. As a result, the rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 obtains date and time information from the timing unit c6 and is configured to start the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 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.

[0090] <10. Processing of rice cooking modes> Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by the control unit C during the rice cooking mode selection. Note that the ":" symbol in Figures 14 and 15 means "that is to say".

[0091] The control unit C first assigns 1 to variable X, which manages the setting No. of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and assigns 0 to variable N1, which manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the left rice cooking position L2 of rice cooker B, and to variable N2, which manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the right rice cooking position R2 of rice cooker B (step S101).

[0092] Next, the control unit C determines the cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, based on the settings previously registered by the user (step S102). For example, if the "cooking method" is "standard", the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the left cooking position L2, and if the cooking condition is "porridge", the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position R2. In the following explanation, we will assume that the cooking position has been determined as described above in step S102.

[0093] Next, the control unit C acquires the cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S103) and determines the cooking position for setting No. (X) (step S104). For example, if X=1, the "cooking method" for setting No. (1) is "porridge" (see Figure 9), so the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position L2.

[0094] Next, it is determined in step S105 whether the rice cooker B has been set at the rice cooking position of setting No. (X) determined in step S104. That is, if X=1, it is determined whether the rice cooker B has been set at the right rice cooking position L2. Note that "set completion" means that the rice cooker B before the start of the immersion process has been set at the rice cooking position B, and also includes the case where the rice cooking process by the rice cooker B has been completed and replaced with a new rice cooker B.

[0095] When the rice cooker B is set to the cooking position, the control unit C executes the weighing process and the rice washing process (steps S106 to S107). Once the rice washing process is complete, the supply position switching means AK moves the rice supply device A to the cooking position (right cooking position L2 when X=1) (step S108).

[0096] Next, the control unit C supplies the washed rice from the rice supply device A to the rice cooker B, and the rice cooker B performs the soaking process (step S109). Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit C, independently of the processing procedure shown in Figure 14, sequentially executes the soaking process to the cooking process in the rice cooker B that has started the soaking process. After the cooking process is completed, the rice cooker B is replaced by a new rice cooker B by the user, and once the rice cooker B is set on the stand K, the next soaking process can be executed.

[0097] After executing the immersion process in step S109, the control unit C counts the number of executions. If the immersion process is started in the rice cooker B at the left cooking position L2, the variable N1 is incremented by 1. If the immersion process is started in the rice cooker B at the right cooking position R2, the variable N2 is incremented by 1. For example, if X=1, the immersion process was started in the right cooking position R2, so the variables N1=0 and N2=1.

[0098] Next, the control unit C refers to the values ​​set in the "Number of Cooking Counts (Left)" and "Number of Cooking Counts (Right)" items of the cooking mode setting data Dt, and determines whether the number of cooking counts for both the left and right cooking positions has reached the specified number and whether cooking has been completed (step S111).

[0099] If the rice cooking process is complete, the process is terminated. If it is not complete, the value of X is incremented by 1 to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting No. (step S112). If the rice cooking conditions could not be obtained as a result, the value of X is set to 1 (step S113).

[0100] Next, the cooking conditions for setting No. (X) are obtained (step S114), the cooking position is determined from the "cooking method" of the cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S115), and the cooking mode setting data Dt is referenced. If the cooking position has already reached the specified number of cycles (step S116, step S116' is YES), the value of X is increased by 1 (step S117, step S117') to execute the cooking conditions for the next setting No., and the process returns to step S114. If the specified number of cycles has not been reached, the process returns to step S105.

[0101] <11. Processing in continuous mode> Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure by the control unit C in continuous mode.

[0102] The control unit C first assigns 1 to variable X, which manages the setting No. of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and 0 to variable N, which manages the number of times the rice cooking device B has performed rice cooking (step S201).

[0103] The control unit C obtains the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S202) and determines whether the rice cooker B is set at either the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 (step S203).

[0104] If the rice cooker B is set at either the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2, the control unit C determines the cooking position of setting No. (X) (for example, if the left cooking position L2 is not set and the right cooking position R2 is set, the right cooking position R2 is determined as the cooking position) (step S204). Subsequently, the control unit C performs the weighing process and the rice washing process (steps S205 to S206). Once the rice washing process is complete, the supply position switching means AK moves the rice supply device A to the cooking position determined in step S204. In step S204, if the rice cooker B is set at both the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, the control unit C determines the cooking position of setting No. (X) based on a predetermined priority order (for example, prioritizing the right side).

[0105] Next, the control unit C supplies the washed rice from the rice supply device A to the rice cooker B, and the rice cooker B performs the soaking process (step S208). Although not shown in the diagram, the control unit C, independently of the processing procedure shown in Figure 15, sequentially executes the soaking process to the cooking process in the rice cooker B that has started the soaking process. As with the processing for the different cooking modes, the rice cooker B that has completed the cooking process is replaced by a new rice cooker B by the user, and once the rice cooker B is set on the stand K, the next soaking process can be executed.

[0106] After executing the immersion process in step S208, the control unit C counts the number of executions. That is, it increments the variable N by 1.

[0107] Next, the control unit C refers to the value set in the "Number of Rice Cooking Counts (Total)" item of the continuous mode setting data Dr and determines whether the number of rice cooking counts has reached the specified number, that is, whether the rice cooking process is complete or not (step S210).

[0108] If the rice cooking process is complete, the process is terminated. If it is not complete, the value of X is incremented by 1 (step S211) in order to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting No. If the rice cooking conditions could not be obtained as a result, the value of X is set to 1 (step S212), and the process returns to step S202.

[0109] <12. Cooking times for continuous mode and cooking mode> Figure 16 is a comparison diagram showing the cooking times for the continuous mode and the selective cooking mode of this embodiment. The rice washing and cooking shown in Figure 16 is performed using the cooking conditions where the "Setting No." in the cooking condition setting data Ds shown in Figure 11 is 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 16, the rice washing and cooking process can be completed more quickly in continuous mode than in selective cooking mode.

[0110] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, 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 modified or changed in various ways. For example, the above embodiments may be modified and implemented as follows. In the following description, components that are the same as or can be considered the same as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0111] <13. Another embodiment of the rice washing tank attachment / detachment structure> In Figure 3, a configuration is shown in which a hook a20 provided on the rice washing tank A2 is attached to a rice storage container A1 by hooking the hook a21, which is roughly L-shaped in side view, onto the hook a21. However, the hook a21 and hook a20 can also be configured as follows.

[0112] Figure 17 is a schematic front view of the area around the rice washing tank A2 according to another embodiment, Figure 18(A) is an enlarged front view of the latching portion a21' and hook a20' according to another embodiment, and Figure 18(B) is an enlarged side view. As shown in Figure 17, the hook a20' according to another embodiment is provided on the left and right sides of the rice washing tank A2, and is equipped with an operating handle a35 and a T-shaped rod a37 that rotates around the mounting portion a36 as a pivot point when the handle is operated.

[0113] In another embodiment, the latching portion a21' is provided on the lower surface of the metal panel portion a16, as shown in Figure 18(A), and is divided into two branches so as to be able to latch onto the upper part of the T-shaped rod a37 when viewed from the front, and as shown in Figure 18(B), it has a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0114] This allows for quick attachment and detachment of the rice washing tank A2 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, engaging it with the engaging part a21', or disengaging it from the engaged state. The tip of the engaging part a21' is formed in a convex shape that points upward in order to hold the engaged T-shaped rod a37.

[0115] <14. Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the overflow box a12 is configured to be located on the rear side of the rice washing tank body a2. However, the design can be modified so that the overflow box a12 is located on the right or left side of the rice washing tank body a2. In this case, maintenance of the overflow box a12 can be performed from the front of the rice washing and cooking device 1, making maintenance easier.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the latching portion a16 and the first joint portion a22 are provided on the lower surface of the resin panel portion a17, respectively, as shown in Figure 3. However, these may also be formed integrally 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. This makes it easier to align the rice washing tank body a2.

[0117] Figure 10 shows an example of the setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, but the setting screen may also be configured as shown in Figure 19. In the example setting screen in Figure 19, the "Setting No." can be selected using the tab s21' shown in Figure 19. For example, selecting the "1st time" tab s21' allows you to set the rice cooking condition for "Setting No." 1. The operation area s22' allows you to set each item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and the setting is completed by operating the confirmation button s23'. This makes it easier to visually understand the settings for the rice cooking conditions.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), a beginner mode setting screen may be provided that simplifies the rice cooking condition setting screen. In the beginner mode setting screen, the "Setting No." can be selected by area s21'', and each item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds can be set by operating the operation button s22''. This makes it easier to set the rice cooking conditions.

[0119] Furthermore, the rice washing and cooking device 1 may be equipped with a fault detection means for detecting a malfunction in the rice cooking device B. If a malfunction is detected in either the left or right rice cooking device B during the rice washing and cooking process, the device may be configured to automatically set the working rice cooking device B as the cooking position and continue the rice washing and cooking process. This allows the rice washing and cooking process to continue even if one of the left or right rice cooking devices B malfunctions.

[0120] Furthermore, for the cooking mode, it may be possible to set one cooking condition for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, and to configure the system to set the number of times to perform rice washing and cooking for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2.

[0121] Furthermore, in the continuous mode and the selective cooking mode, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, once one cycle of rice washing and cooking is completed, the setting number is incremented by 1 (step S112, step S211, etc.) and the cooking conditions of the next setting number are executed. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that the number of executions can be set for each setting number. For example, after the cooking conditions of setting No. 1 are executed three times, the setting number may be incremented by 1 and the cooking conditions of setting No. 2 may be executed.

[0122] Furthermore, while the rice cooking positions are set to two, left cooking position L2 and right cooking position R2, they are not limited to these. For example, the stand K can be configured to allow the rice cooking device B to be set in three positions: left, middle, and right, and the rice supply device A can be configured to supply rice in these three positions accordingly. In this case, the "cooking selection mode" can determine the cooking position of the rice cooking device B according to the "cooking method" item in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, similar to the case with two positions. For example, the left and middle cooking positions can be standard, and the right cooking position can be used for porridge. In addition, in "continuous mode," for example, in step S204 of Figure 15, the rice cooking device B that has been set up can be sequentially determined as the cooking position from among the three positions: left, middle, and right, enabling more efficient cooking. The same applies when there are more than three cooking positions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1. Rice washing and cooking device A rice feeding device A1 Rice storage A2 Rice washing tank a1 Quantitative dispensing valve a2 Tank body a3 water supply pipe a4 Air supply pipe A5 Jacket a6 Drop port a7 Drop valve a8 Stirring member a9 drain box a10 Cylindrical part a11 infundibulum a12 Overflow Box a13 Drain hose a14 drain port a15 Floor Panel a16 Metal panel section a17 Resin panel section a18 opening a19 Lid a20 hook a21 Latched part a22 1st joint a23 2nd joint a24 Notch a25 communication port a26 First packing section a27 1st joint receiving part a28 Second packing section a29 Second joining receiving part a30 Ventilation holes a31 Fan device a32 Floor panel lower cover a33 Laura a34 rail a35 handle a36 Mounting part a37 T-shaped rod AK supply position switching means AO upper drainage mechanism B Rice Cooker b1 Rice cooker unit b2 Lid body b3 Lid opening / closing mechanism b4 handle C control section c1 Rice Cooking Condition Setting Section c2 Rice Cooker Reservation Setting Section c3 Rice Washing and Cooking Processing Unit c4 Rice Cooker Reservation Execution Unit c5 Setting information storage section c6 Clock section IH induction cooker K-frame k1 Support frame section k2 mounting platform k3 drawer k4 pedals k5 Lifting support member k6 guide member k7 Link component k8 elastic spring k9 First stopper k10 Second stopper S Operation section s1 display s2 Various operation buttons m1 Motor for drop valve m2 motor for stirring element

Claims

1. It includes a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, a rice cooking device (B), and a setting screen for setting cooking conditions. The settings screen includes multiple tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') where different rice cooking conditions can be set for each tab (s21'). The rice washing and cooking device is characterized in that it is possible to sequentially perform rice cooking operations with different cooking conditions for each of the multiple tabs (s21') set as described above, and the operation area (s22') is provided on the same screen with at least the items for cooking method, amount of rice, and amount of water, as well as selection switches for selecting the type and increase / decrease of the items.

2. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that multiple tabs are provided in parallel on the same screen, and the cooking conditions of any tab can be selected from the multiple tabs (s21'), and the number of cooking operations can be set.

Images