Rice washing machine

Abstract

The present invention aims to prevent operators from forgetting to start the rice cooking process when they perform the cooking process at their own timing. [Solution] In a rice washing and cooking machine equipped with a rice washing machine (M) and a rice cooking pot (S), The system involves a rice washing process using a rice washing machine (M), followed by a soaking process for a set time. If, after the soaking process is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the system does not perform a discharge process to remove the rice and water from the rice washing machine (M), the system is characterized by providing notification via a notification means (V).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rice washing and cooking machine that automatically performs operations from rice washing to rice cooking.

Background Art

[0002] A rice washing and cooking machine that performs a series of operations including weighing, rice washing, soaking, rice cooking, and making the rice even is described (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Some operators have a need to manually start the rice cooking process at a desired timing instead of the preset automatic operation. However, in that case, it is necessary to start the rice cooking process of the rice cooking pot by oneself, and there is a possibility of forgetting to start the rice cooking process because one's attention is taken by other operations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is In a rice washing and cooking machine including a rice washing machine (M) and a rice cooking pot (S), After performing the rice washing process with the rice washing machine (M), a soaking process is performed for a set time. When the dropping process of discharging the rice and water from the rice washing machine (M) is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the soaking process, it is characterized in that notification is made by a notification means (V).

[0006] Further, it is provided with an automatic mode that enables continuous rice washing and cooking operation with the rice washing machine (M) and the rice cooking pot (S), and a manual mode that manually starts the rice cooking process with the rice cooking pot (S). It is desirable that the notification means (V) makes a notification in the manual mode.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] This invention prevents operators from forgetting to start the rice cooking process when they perform the cooking process at their own timing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Rice washing and cooking machine viewed from the front [Figure 2] A side view showing the process of pulling out the rice cooker pot, removing the lid and inner pot, and transferring them to the warming pot. [Figure 3] A side view of the inside of the rice storage facility. [Figure 4] Rice washing and cooking machine viewed from above [Figure 5] Diagram showing the inside of a rice washing machine [Figure 6] Diagram showing normal continuous mode and time-saving continuous mode. [Figure 7] Control block diagram [Figure 8] Diagram showing remote management [Figure 9] Operation panel diagram [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This section describes the configuration of the rice washing and cooking machine T.

[0010] A rice washing machine M consisting of a conical rice washing tank 2 is installed at the bottom of a rice storage facility 1 which has a rice storage hopper 3 inside.

[0011] The rice storage unit 1 and the rice washing machine M are supported together by the machine frame 4.

[0012] A rice cooker pot S is installed below the rice washing tank 2. In this embodiment, two rice cooker pots S are installed side by side, and the rice storage compartment 1 and the rice washing tank 2 are configured to slide along the machine frame 4 above the left and right rice cooker pots S.

[0013] Figure 1 shows the rice cooker pot SR on the right in its normal cooking position, while the rice cooker pot SL on the left has its top lid 5L removed and is facing forward.

[0014] On the front side wall of the rice storage bin 1, an operation panel B for setting various operation switches and operation conditions is provided. The operation panel B incorporates a control unit C.

[0015] At the lower end of the rice storage hopper 3, a rotary valve 6 for feeding rice to the rice washing tank 2 in predetermined amounts is provided. Inside the rice washing tank 2, a lifting shaft 7 extending vertically and moving up and down in the vertical direction, and a rotating shaft 8 rotating about the vertical axis with respect to the lifting shaft 7 are provided. At the lower end of the lifting shaft 7, a conical dropping valve 9 is provided. The dropping valve 9 is configured to open and close the discharge port 10 at the lower end of the rice washing tank 2 by moving up and down. A stirring rod 11 for stirring the rice in the rice washing tank 2 is attached to the rotating shaft 8.

[0016] A drainage unit Y is attached to the lower part of the rice washing tank 2. The drainage unit Y includes a drain pipe 12 through which the water drained from the rice washing tank 2 passes, a drain valve 13 for opening and closing the drain pipe 12, and an overflow pipe 14 through which the water overflowing from the upper part of the rice washing tank 2 passes.

[0017] For water supply to the rice washing tank 2, a water supply pipe 15 for supplying water to the lower part of the rice washing tank 2 in a posture along the side wall of the rice washing tank 2 is provided.

[0018] The operation panel B is provided with various setting switches (not shown) for setting the amount of rice for cooking, the amount of water adjustment, the number of pots, a normal continuous mode setting switch r for setting the normal continuous mode described later, and a short-time continuous mode setting switch j for setting the short-time continuous mode. Also, a full-automatic mode switch 70 for performing one cycle (one cycle) of the basic operations up to the weighing process, rice washing process, soaking process, dropping process, cooking process, and unevenness process described later, a manual mode switch 71 for the operator to manually perform the above processes, and weighing switches 72, rice washing switches 73, dropping switches 74, and cooking switches 75 which are manual switches for each process are provided.

[0019] The rice cooker pot S has a lid 5 on top and an inner pot 20 inside. A shutter 22 is formed on a part of the lid 5 that slides in the left-right direction as the opening / closing arm 21, which engages with the handle 5a on the top of the lid 5, slides left and right. When the shutter 22 is opened, rice and water can be supplied from the outlet 10 of the rice washing tank 2, and when the shutter 22 is closed, the rice cooking operation can be started. The lid 5 can be removed by disengaging it from the opening / closing arm 21.

[0020] In this embodiment, when describing cases where the left or right side is not specified, the rice cooker pot is referred to as rice cooker pot S, and rice cookers that are specified as either left or right are referred to as rice cooker pot SR (right side rice cooker pot) or rice cooker pot SL (left side rice cooker pot). Similarly, the lid 5 is described as 5R and 5L, and the inner pot 20 is described as 20R and 20L.

[0021] As shown in Figure 8, each store U is equipped with a rice washing and cooking machine T and a warming pot H, and the weight of the cooked rice in the warming pot H is measured by a weight measuring device W. The rice washing and cooking machine T and weight measuring device W of each store U are connected to the management terminal P of headquarters A via communication. The weight measuring device W measures the weight of the cooked rice in the warming pot H continuously or at set time intervals and transmits the weight data to the management terminal P. This allows the weight change in the warming pot H during the store U's business hours to be displayed and used as store management data by comparing or combining it with data such as the number of customers.

[0022] For example, data such as the number of customers visiting the store each day, the amount of rice cooked each day, and the amount of rice left over in the rice warmer H and discarded each day are stored in the management terminal P, and the amount of rice cooked per customer (rice consumption) is calculated, for example.

[0023] Alternatively, the system can record on a remote management system whether the rice remaining in the rice cooker H after business hours will be used the next day or discarded. The system could also record the time from the last rice cooking of the day in the rice cooker T to the time the rice was stored in the rice cooker H, and if a certain amount of time (disposal standard time) has passed, a disposal alert could be issued on the management terminal P.

[0024] If the amount of rice discarded is entered, the amount of cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker H is manually or automatically stored in the management terminal P as the daily amount of discarded rice. The system can also be configured to aggregate this data on a monthly basis. Alternatively, the amount of rice excluding the cooked rice remaining in the rice cooker H can be automatically stored as the daily consumption amount, with the amount for the next day carried over to the next day, and the system can also aggregate this data on a monthly basis.

[0025] During business hours, if the rice washing and cooking machine T is not in operation or there is no rice in the rice washing machine M, and the weight of the warming pot H falls below a set level, a command may be sent from the management terminal P to the rice washing and cooking machine T, causing it to start operating and perform rice washing and cooking. In this case, the weight measuring device W and the control unit C of the rice washing and cooking machine T may be connected by communication, and a command may be sent from the weight measuring device W to the rice washing and cooking machine T to start the rice washing and cooking operation. This reduces the risk for the store operator U of being unable to provide rice to customers due to the rice in the warming pot H running out. Note that this function should not be used in modes that perform rice washing and cooking operations for a set number of pots continuously, such as the normal continuous mode and time-saving continuous mode described later, but rather in manual mode where rice washing and cooking operations are performed one pot at a time, which has the effect of allowing the operator to perform rice washing and cooking operations according to the actual number of customers in the store.

[0026] The management terminal P in this embodiment not only acquires information from the rice washing and cooking machine T and the warming pot H, but can also operate various settings. For example, it can pre-set the start time of the rice washing and cooking operation of the rice washing and cooking machine T at a certain store U. It can also change the settings for each rice washing and cooking machine T. The range of settings that can be changed includes the planned number of pots for various operating modes (normal continuous mode and time-saving continuous mode described later), the cooking menu (white rice / porridge), the amount of rice to be cooked, the washing method, soaking time, water level, the ignition mode of the rice cooking pot S (automatic / manual), the steaming time, and various maintenance switches (for example, tank cleaning mode). However, by restricting the operation of the various operation switches (72-75) of the rice washing and cooking machine T from the management terminal, it is possible to prevent safety risks caused by the store U operator unexpectedly starting the operation.

[0027] <Normal continuous mode / Reduced continuous mode> The normal continuous mode will be explained based on Figure 6. The normal continuous mode is a mode in which the rice cooker pot SR on the right and the rice cooker pot SL on the left are used to cook rice alternately and continuously.

[0028] The rotary valve 6 is activated, performing a weighing process to supply the rice from the rice storage unit 1 to the rice washing machine M.

[0029] Water is supplied to the rice washing machine M, and the rice washing process is carried out by the stirring rod 11. When the rice washing process is complete, the stirring rod 11 stops, the drain valve 13 opens, and the water in the rice washing machine M is drained from the drain unit Y, ending the rice washing process.

[0030] After the rice washing process is complete, fresh water is supplied and a soaking process (a) is performed in which the rice is soaked.

[0031] When the soaking process a is completed, the drop valve 9 opens and the shutter 22R opens, and the rice and water in the rice washing machine M are supplied to the inner pot 20R of the rice cooker SR on the right, performing the drop process. After the soaking process b is completed in the rice cooker SR for a predetermined time, the rice cooker SR is ignited and the cooking process is performed. In this embodiment, the soaking process is performed separately for a set total time, consisting of soaking process a in the rice washing machine M and soaking process b in the rice cooker S. However, it is also possible to complete the entire soaking time (soaking process a + soaking process b) in the rice washing machine M before proceeding to the drop process and then the cooking process.

[0032] After the rice cooking process is complete and the steaming process is finished, all processes for the first pot are completed. As shown in Figure 2, the operator pulls out the drawer 30 on which the rice cooking pot SR is placed, then takes out the lid 5R and inner pot 20R and places them in the warming pot H, and then closes the warming pot H with the lid H1 to keep it warm.

[0033] After the dropping process during the first batch of rice, the rotary valve 6 is activated, and a weighing process is performed to supply the rice from the rice storage container 1 to the rice washing machine M. Water is supplied to the rice washing machine M and the rice is washed by the stirring rod 11. When the rice washing is finished, the stirring rod 11 stops, the water in the rice washing machine M is drained, and the rice washing process ends. After the rice washing process is finished, water is supplied again, and a soaking process is performed to soak the rice. By the time soaking process a is finished, the rice storage container 1 and the rice washing machine M have moved above the left batch of rice kettle SL. When soaking process a is finished, the dropping valve 9 opens, and the shutter 22L opens, and the rice and water from the rice washing machine M are supplied to the inner pot 20L of the rice cooking pot SL in a dropping process. After soaking process b, the rice cooking process is performed in the rice cooking pot SL. After the rice cooking process is finished and a steaming process is performed, the entire process for the second batch of rice is completed. The worker pulls out drawer 30 on which the rice cooker pot SL is placed, takes out the lid (5L) and inner pot (20L), and transfers them to the warming pot H. In other words, the first and second pots are operating in parallel in some processes.

[0034] Similarly, for the third pot, the weighing and steaming processes are carried out in the right pot. Thereafter, the rice washing and cooking processes are performed continuously for the number of pots set in the normal continuous mode.

[0035] The time-saving continuous mode will be explained based on Figure 6. The time-saving continuous mode is a mode in which the rice cooker pot SR on the right and the rice cooker pot SL on the left are cooked alternately in a faster cycle than the normal continuous mode.

[0036] For the first batch of rice washing and cooking, the rotary valve 6 is activated to perform a weighing process that supplies the rice from the rice storage unit 1 to the rice washing machine M.

[0037] Water is supplied to the rice washing machine M and the rice washing process is carried out by the stirring rod 11. When the rice washing process is complete, the stirring rod 11 stops, the water in the rice washing machine M is drained, and the rice washing process ends.

[0038] After the rice washing process is complete, fresh water is supplied, the drop valve 9 opens, and the shutter 22R opens, allowing the rice and water from the rice washing machine M to be supplied to the inner pot 20R of the rice cooker SR in a dropping process. In the rice cooker SR, after a set time and soaking process, the first rice cooking process is performed. When this is finished in this embodiment, the operator removes the inner pot 20R and transfers it to the warming pot H, where a steaming process is performed.

[0039] During the soaking process of the first pot, the rotary valve 6 is activated, and the weighing process for the second pot is performed, supplying the rice from the rice storage bin 1 to the rice washing machine M. Water is supplied to the rice washing machine M and the rice is washed by the stirring rod 11. When the rice washing is finished, the stirring rod 11 stops, the water in the rice washing machine M is drained, and the rice washing process ends. After the rice washing process is finished, water is supplied again, the drop valve 9 opens, and the shutter 22R opens, and the rice and water from the rice washing machine M are supplied to the inner pot 20L of the rice cooker pot SL in the drop process. In the rice cooker pot SL, the soaking process is performed for the set time, and then the cooking process for the second pot is performed.

[0040] During the soaking process of the second pot, the weighing process for the third pot is performed, followed by the rice washing process. The soaking process for the third pot continues until the cooking process of the first pot is complete. Once the cooking process of the first pot is finished, the process moves to the dropping process, and the rice is dropped into the rice cooker SR (n line). In the rice cooker SR, the remaining soaking time is performed until the set soaking time is reached, and then the cooking process begins. In other words, the soaking time itself is the sum of the aforementioned soaking time a and soaking time b.

[0041] From the fourth pot onward, as shown in Figure 6, the weighing process for the next rice cooker begins after the previous rice cooker's loading process is completed, and once the previous rice cooker's cooking process is finished, the next batch of rice and water is loaded into that rice cooker (O line, P line, Q line).

[0042] The key feature of the time-saving continuous mode is that once the process of adding rice to the previous rice cooker S is complete, the process of measuring rice for the next rice cooker S begins. Furthermore, once the cooking process in the rice cooker S is finished, the inner pot 20 is removed without performing a steaming process in that rice cooker S, and kept warm in a separate warming pot H.

[0043] This allows for continuous rice washing and cooking in shorter cycles compared to the normal continuous mode, enabling the production of a larger quantity of rice.

[0044] In normal continuous mode and time-saving continuous mode, the same amount of rice is basically cooked continuously. However, by controlling the amount of rice cooked in the last pot, the amount of rice cooked in a single batch can be reduced for rice cooked close to closing time, minimizing the amount of white rice left over after closing and reducing food waste.

[0045] In this embodiment, the process involves adding the soaked water and rice, but it is also possible to perform the adding step after draining the soaked water and supplying water to adjust the water level.

[0046] <Preventing soiling from being left unattended> Next, we will explain how to prevent leaving the food unattended after the soaking time.

[0047] The rice washing and cooking machine of this embodiment is primarily used in places that serve rice to customers, such as restaurants. In such places, it is important to cook large quantities of rice, and the taste of the rice is also an important consideration. Leaving the rice in the machine after the steaming process is complete has drawbacks, such as a decrease in taste. In particular, when processing rice into sushi rice, it is desirable to use freshly cooked rice, so it is desirable not to leave the rice in the machine for longer than necessary after the steaming process. Also, if the inner pot 20 is not removed even after the steaming time has elapsed, the next cooking process cannot be performed when continuously washing and cooking rice as in this embodiment, so in this embodiment, the machine is configured as follows.

[0048] The countdown for the remaining steaming time begins after the steaming process is completed. If the inner pot 20 is not removed after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes), the notification means V of the control unit C will notify the worker. The notification will be made by a buzzer or the like.

[0049] As a means of detecting that the inner pot 20 has been removed after the steaming process is complete, the lid detection sensor 5b, which detects the opening and closing of the lid 5, detects that the lid 5 is open.

[0050] The operator opens the lid 5, removes the inner pot 20 and transfers it to the warming pot H, and at the same time attaches another inner pot 20 to the rice cooker pot S and closes the lid 5. When the drawer position sensor 30a detects that the drawer 30 has been returned to its initial position, it determines that it is now possible to supply rice and water from the rice washing machine M to the rice cooker pot S, and proceeds with the process of dropping the rice from the rice washing machine M to the rice cooker S.

[0051] The timing of notification by notification means V is set to be a predetermined time after the end of the steaming process in normal continuous mode, and a predetermined time after the end of the rice cooking process in shortened continuous mode.

[0052] Even during single-cycle rice washing and cooking operations other than the normal continuous mode or time-saving continuous mode, the steaming process is started to count down the steaming time after it is completed, and if the inner pot 20 is not removed after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the notification means V of the control unit C notifies the operator. Alternatively, the cooking process is started to count down the cooking time after it is completed, and if the inner pot 20 is not removed after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes), the notification means V of the control unit C notifies the operator.

[0053] <Prevention of leaving immersed in water> In the aforementioned normal continuous mode and time-saving continuous mode, the rice washing machine M and rice cooker S are operated automatically in a continuous manner. However, some operators may choose to use manual mode, which involves manually dispensing the rice from the rice washing machine M to the rice cooker S and manually igniting (or turning on) the rice cooker S, in order to perform the rice cooking operation at their own timing.

[0054] In this case, if the soaking process in the rice washing machine M is completed after the set time and the dropping process is not performed, the rice cannot be dropped into the rice cooker S. The operator may forget the dropping and cooking processes due to other tasks in the kitchen. To prevent this, if the soaking process is completed after the set time and the dropping process is not performed, the notification device V will notify the operator to perform the dropping process.

[0055] <Washing Mode> Regarding the rice washing and cooking operation, if the number of cooking pots exceeds the set number (for example, 10 pots), a cleaning mode is provided to clean the dirt accumulated in the rice washing tank 2. When the cleaning mode setting switch 41 is set, when the number of cooking pots in the rice washing and cooking operation reaches the set number or higher, water is supplied to the empty rice washing tank 2 and the system switches to a cleaning mode in which a stirring rod rotates. This cleaning mode does not switch during normal continuous cooking mode or time-saving continuous cooking mode, even if the set number of pots is reached, but switches when the normal continuous cooking mode or time-saving continuous cooking mode has ended and the number of pots has exceeded the set number. If the operator manually operates the cleaning operation switch 42 to clean the rice washing tank 2 while the cleaning mode is set using the cleaning mode setting switch 41, the counted number of pots is reset and the count is restarted.

[0056] A sensor 43 for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank 2 is provided, and when it detects that the tank has been removed, it is determined that maintenance and cleaning have been performed. In that case, the count of the number of pots in the aforementioned washing mode is reset.

[0057] <Hard water mode / Soft water mode> When cooking rice under the same conditions, hard water and soft water result in different cooking outcomes. Soft water allows the water to penetrate the rice more easily, resulting in fluffier rice. Hard water, on the other hand, contains minerals that can cause the rice to turn yellowish on the surface, and the water doesn't penetrate as well, resulting in harder rice.

[0058] Therefore, the device is configured to allow selection between hard water mode and soft water mode to match the water quality of tap water (hard water, soft water). A hard water mode switch 44 and a soft water mode switch 45 are provided. The soaking time is adjusted to be shorter in soft water mode than in hard water mode to match the water quality of tap water (hard water, soft water). The rice washing time is adjusted to be shorter in soft water mode than in hard water mode to match the water quality of tap water (hard water, soft water). The amount of water used is reduced in soft water mode than in hard water mode to match the water quality of tap water (hard water, soft water).

[0059] <Taste Meter (Registered Trademark) Mode> The hardness of the white rice cooked in the rice cooker pot S is measured using a taste meter (registered trademark), and the measurement data is transmitted to the management terminal P. If the measurement data falls outside a preset range, the water level and soaking time settings of the rice cooker are corrected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Rice storage 2 Rice washing tank M rice washing machine S Rice Cooker SR Right-hand rice cooker SL (steam locomotive) rice cooker on the left

Claims

1. In a rice washing and cooking machine equipped with a rice washing machine (M) and a rice cooking pot (S), A rice washing and cooking machine characterized in that, after performing a rice washing process in a rice washing machine (M), it performs a soaking process for a set time, and if the dropping process to discharge rice and water from the rice washing machine (M) is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the soaking process is completed, it notifies the user using a notification means (V).

2. The rice washing and cooking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an automatic mode that enables continuous rice washing and cooking operation using a rice washing machine (M) and a rice cooking pot (S), and a manual mode that allows manual initiation of the cooking process using the rice cooking pot (S), and the notification means (V) provides notification only in the manual mode.

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