Rice washing device

Abstract

To provide a rice washing and cooking device that can improve maintenance properties of an upper drainage mechanism for draining water that overflows from the upper part of a rice washing tank and that can improve the airtightness of the inside of the rice washing tank.SOLUTION: A floor panel (a15) forming the bottom surface of a rice storage shed (A1) is constructed by combining a metal panel part (a16) made of metal and a resin panel part (a17) made of resin. The resin panel part (a17) is fitted and supported and fixed in an opening (a18) provided in the center side of the metal panel part (a16). The resin panel part (a17) is provided with a lid part (a19) located on the upper part of a rice washing tank (A2) when the rice storage shed (A1) and the rice washing tank (A2) are joined, a first joint part (a22) that joins with the upper part of the rice washing tank (A2) and a second joint part (a23) that joins with the upper part of an overflow box (a12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rice washing device capable of washing rice, and in particular to a large-scale rice washing device suitable for commercial use. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice washing and cooking device that is configured to carry out a series of processes from washing rice to cooking rice, and includes, from the top, a rice storage device for storing rice, a rice washing device for washing rice, and a rice cooking device for cooking rice. Furthermore, the rice washing and cooking device described in Patent Document 1 is characterized in that the rice washing tank of the rice washing device is composed of upper and lower tanks, and the lower tank can be freely joined and separated from the upper tank by a one-touch clamp metal fitting.

[0003] With the above-mentioned configuration, the washed rice cooking device described in Patent Document 1 makes it easy to perform maintenance, including cleaning of the rice washing tank, by removing the lower tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-192015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the rice washing and cooking device described in Patent Document 1 above is equipped with an overflow port in the upper tank and an overflow elbow connected to this overflow port as an upper drainage mechanism for draining water that overflows from the upper part of the rice washing tank. However, due to its structure, it is difficult to ensure sufficient visibility and ease of use for this upper drainage mechanism during maintenance, even if the lower tank is removed.

[0006] In addition, because the upper and lower tanks were designed to be easily joined and separated, there was a problem of the tank losing its airtightness, which could lead to water leakage, causing a decline in the quality of the washed rice and soiling the outside of the tank.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a rice washing and cooking device which improves the maintainability of the upper drainage mechanism that drains water that has overflowed from the upper part of the rice washing tank, and which can improve the airtightness of the inside of the rice washing tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention to solve the above problem is: The rice washing tank (A2) for washing the rice is located below the rice storage shed (A1), The rice storage bin (A1) and the rice washing tank (A2) are configured to be freely joined and separated, and a means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank (A2) to and from the rice storage bin (A1) is provided. The washing machine is provided with an overflow box (a12) for collecting and discharging water overflowing from the rice washing tank (A2), The floor panel (a15) forming the bottom surface of the rice storage box (A1) is composed of a metal panel part (a16) made of metal and a resin panel part (a17) made of resin, and the resin panel part (a17) is fitted into an opening (a18) provided at the center of the metal panel part (a16) to be supported and fixed thereto. The resin panel portion (a17) is provided with a lid portion (a19) located on the top of the rice washing tank (A2) when the rice storage chamber (A1) and the rice washing tank (A2) are joined, and is achieved by a rice washing device characterized by having a first joint portion (a22) joined to the top of the rice washing tank (A2) and a second joint portion (a23) joined to the top of the overflow box (a12).

[0009] The second invention is the above-mentioned first invention, The resin panel portion (a17) is characterized in that it is provided with an air hole (a30) at a position corresponding to the upper part of the overflow box (a12). It is characterized by:

[0010] The third invention is the above-mentioned first or second invention, The cover (a19) is provided with a hook (a21) on which a hook (a20) provided on the rice washing tank (A2) can be hooked. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rice washing and cooking device which improves the maintainability of the upper drainage mechanism which drains water that has overflowed from the upper part of the rice washing tank, and which improves the airtightness of the inside of the rice washing tank. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a washed rice cooking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the washed rice cooking device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the rice supplying device and the rice washing tank of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the rice washing tank and its surroundings shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the stand, Fig. 5(B) and Fig. 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a main portion of the lifting support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of a series of steps for cooking washed rice using the washed rice cooking apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit of the washing and cooking rice apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting screen for setting rice cooking condition data. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(A) is a diagram showing the contents of separate cooking mode setting data, and Fig. 11(B) is a diagram showing the contents of continuous mode setting data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen for setting rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the separate cooking mode by the control unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit in the continuous mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a comparison diagram comparing the rice cooking time in the continuous mode and the separate cooking mode of this 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 latched 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] 20(A) and (B) are examples of setting screens for setting rice cooking condition data according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a washed rice cooking apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a schematic left side view of the washed rice cooking apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, the front side of the paper in Fig. 1 is referred to as the "front", the right side of the paper is referred to as the "right side", and the left side is referred to as the "left side" to indicate front, back, left and right.

[0015] <1. Overall composition> 1 and 2, the washed rice cooking apparatus 1 comprises a rice supplying device A which is an integral combination of a rice storage container A1 and a rice washing tank A2, a rice cooking device B which cooks the rice, and a stand K which supports and places the rice supplying device A and the rice cooking device B. In addition, an operation unit S which is made up of a touch panel liquid crystal for displaying various statuses and performing various settings is provided on the front side of the rice storage container A1.

[0016] <2.Rice feeding device> The rice storage warehouse A1 stores rice inside and discharges the stored rice into the rice washing tank A2, and is disposed on top of the stand K. Rice can be put into the rice storage warehouse A1 from above, and a fixed-quantity feed valve a1 inside rotates when driven by a feed valve motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C described below, making it possible to control the amount of rice discharged into the rice washing tank A2 and the timing of discharge, and a predetermined amount of rice is discharged into the rice washing tank A2 based on a control signal from the control unit C.

[0017] The rice washing tank A2 washes the rice received from the rice supplying device A and supplies it to the rice cooking device B. It is disposed below the rice storage tank A1 and can be moved left and right together with the rice storage tank A1 on the stand K by a supply position switching means AK described later.

[0018] 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the rice supplying device A and the rice washing tank A2. Note that the balloons in the figure show partially enlarged views to facilitate understanding of the shapes of the various parts.

[0019] The rice washing tank A2 comprises a tank body a2 capable of containing rice and water, a water supply pipe a3 that supplies water to the rice washing tank A2, an air supply pipe a4 that supplies air to the tank body a2, a jacket a5 for water supply and drainage of the tank body a2, a drop valve a7 that opens and closes a drop port a6 provided at the bottom of the jacket a5, an agitation member a8 that rotates about a vertical axis by driving an agitation member motor m2 controlled by the control unit C to agitate inside the tank body a2, and a drainage box a9 that collects drainage from the tank body a2.

[0020] The tank body a2 is made of metal and has a cylindrical portion a10, a funnel-shaped portion a11 provided below the cylindrical portion a10, and an upper drainage mechanism AO that drains water that overflows at the upper part of the tank body a2.

[0021] The upper drainage mechanism AO has one end of a drainage hose a13, which is a flexible tubular member, connected to the lower end of an overflow box a12, which is an open-top box-shaped box integrally formed on the upper outer surface of the cylindrical portion a10, and the other end of this drainage hose a13 is connected to the drainage box a9.

[0022] The overflow box a12 collects water that overflows from the upper part 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 the overflow box a12 and the drain box a9. This allows the drain hose a13 to be removed when removing the rice washing tank A2 from the rice storage A1, making it easy to perform maintenance and replacement. In addition, removing the drain hose a13 also makes it easy to maintain the inside of the overflow box a12.

[0023] One end of the water supply pipe a3 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) and the other end is connected to a jacket a5, so that water can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. The water supply pipe a3 is also provided with an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by the control unit C, so that the amount of water supplied to the tank body a2 can be controlled.

[0024] 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, so that air can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. The air supplied from the air supply pipe a4 can be controlled by the control unit C.

[0025] The upper part of the jacket a5 communicates with the lower part of the tank body a2, and the lower part of the jacket a5 is provided with a drop port a6 for dropping the washed rice into the rice cooking device B.

[0026] The drop valve a7 moves up and down by a rod connected to a cam, by driving a drop valve motor m1 controlled by the control unit C, and opens and closes the drop port a6 of the jacket a5. That is, when it moves up, the drop port a6 is blocked by the drop valve a7 and becomes a closed state, and when it moves down, the drop port a6 is opened and becomes an open state.

[0027] The drain box a9 receives drainage water that flows in from the overflow box a12 through the drain hose a13, and guides it to the drain port a14 for discharge. The drain box a9 also communicates with the jacket a5 through a drain elbow, and is equipped with a valve body for opening and closing the drain elbow. This allows the water in the tank body a2 to be drained by flowing it through the jacket a5 into the drain box a9.

[0028] <3. Removable rice washing tank structure> The detachable structure of the rice washing tank A2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the floor panel a15 forming the bottom surface of the rice storage A1 is composed of a metal panel part a16 made of metal and a resin panel part a17 made of resin, and the resin panel part a17 is fitted and supported in an opening a18 provided in the center of the metal panel part a16. The metal panel part a16 has excellent rigidity and strength, and the resin panel part a17 is lightweight, making it easy to handle during maintenance.

[0030] The resin panel portion a17 serves to enable the rice washing tank A2 to be attached and detached to the rice storage tank A1, and is equipped with a lid portion a19 that covers the upper part of the tank main body a2. This lid portion a19 is provided with a hook receiving portion a21 that is roughly L-shaped in side view to which a hook a20 can be hung, a first joint portion a22 that joins with the upper part of the tank main body a2, and a second joint portion a23 that joins with the upper part of the overflow box a12.

[0031] The hook a21 allows the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to the rice storage cabinet A1 by hooking the hook a20 provided on the tank body a2, and the hook a21 and the hook a20 function as a means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage cabinet A1. Here, a plurality of hooks a20 for attaching the tank body a2 are provided on the tank body a2 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. For example, three hooks a20 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical part a10 of the tank body a2 at intervals of 120 degrees along the circumferential direction, and three hooks a21 are provided on the lid part a19 corresponding to the positions of the hooks a20.

[0032] The first joint a22 has a convex cross section, extends downward from the underside of the lid a19, and is formed into a cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter as the upper end of the cylindrical part a10 of the tank body a2. In addition, the part of the first joint a22 located above the overflow box a12 is provided with a notch a24 and is set to have a shorter downward length than the other parts. As a result, when the rice washing tank A2 is attached to the rice storage A1, the lower end of the first joint a22, excluding the notch a24 part, is tightly joined to the upper part of the tank body a2 in an approximately C-shape in plan view, and the notch a24 part is configured to form a communication port a25 that communicates between the tank body a2 and the overflow box a12.

[0033] The second joint a23 has a convex cross section, extends downward from the underside of the lid a19, and is integrally formed with the first joint a22 so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the first joint a22 in a generally U-shaped cross section to match the shape of the upper part of the overflow box a12 of the tank body a2. As a result, the second joint a23 is configured to be tightly joined to the upper part of the overflow box a12 in a generally U-shaped cross section in a plan view.

[0034] 3, the upper part of the tank body a2 that is joined to the first joint part a22 is formed with a cross-sectionally concave shape, and a first joint receiving part a27 is provided with a first packing part a26 made of an elastic member such as rubber that is fitted into the concave shape. Similarly, the upper part of the tank body a2 that is joined to the second joint part a23 is formed with a cross-sectionally concave shape, and a second joint receiving part a29 is provided with a second packing part a28 made of an elastic member that is fitted into the concave shape.

[0035] As a result, when the rice washing tank A2 is attached, the first joint a22 is joined to the first joint receiving part a27, and the second joint a23 is joined to the second joint receiving part a29, by fitting the projections and recesses. Furthermore, at this time, the first packing part a26 is configured to be in elastic contact with the first joint receiving part a27, and the second packing part a28 is configured to be in elastic contact with the second joint part a23. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a gap from occurring between the rice storage container A1 and the rice washing tank A2, and improve the airtightness inside the rice washing tank A2. This effectively prevents the deterioration of the rice washing quality due to water leakage and the dirt on the outside of the rice washing tank. In addition, the latching force is improved by generating an elastic force in the vertical direction between the latched part a21 and the hook a20, which separates them, and the fixing strength of the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage container A1 can be improved.

[0036] In addition, the underside of the lid portion a19 has a gentle slope like an inverted bowl, inside the first joint a22, so that the ceiling surface becomes lower as it moves outward from the rotation axis of the stirring member a8. This improves drainage within the tank body a2 and improves hygiene.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the rice washing tank A2 and its surroundings shown in FIG.

[0038] 4, a vent hole a30 is provided in the resin panel portion a17 at a location above the overflow box a12, and a fan device a31 capable of blowing air is provided above the vent hole a30, which enables drying of the area around the overflow box a12. Also, a floor panel lower cover a32 having a notch that matches the shape of the upper part of the tank body a2 is attached to the underside of the floor panel a15, making it easy to position the rice washing tank A2 when attaching or detaching it.

[0039] In the rice storage cabinet A1 and rice washing tank A2 configured as described above, the overflow box a12 is formed integrally with the tank body a2 rather than as a separate entity. Therefore, when the rice washing tank A2 is removed, the overflow box a12 can also be removed from the rice storage cabinet A1. This makes maintenance, including cleaning around the overflow box a12, much easier than before.

[0040] In addition, since the overflow box a12 is in the shape of a box with an open top, when the rice washing tank A2 is removed, the inside of the overflow box a12 is exposed, which provides excellent visibility and improves maintainability. In addition, by making the drainage hose a13 detachable from the overflow box a12, the length of the overflow box a12 can be shortened, making maintenance easier.

[0041] <4. Rice Cooker> The rice cooker B has a function of cooking rice, and as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it is equipped with a rice cooker main body b1 with an open top, a lid body b2 that opens and closes the top opening of the main body b1, a lid opening and closing mechanism b3 that allows the feed port (not shown) provided in the lid body b2 to be freely opened and closed, and an electromagnetic cooker IH provided at the inner bottom of the rice cooker main body b1. By heating the rice cooker main body b1 with this electromagnetic cooker IH based on a control signal from the control unit C, it is possible to cook rice stored in the inner pot (not shown) of the rice cooker main body b1. Although the rice cooker main body b1 is configured to have an electromagnetic cooker IH, it may also be configured as a gas pot using existing gas. In the gas pot, similar rice cooking can be performed by controlling the gas adjustment mechanism and ignition mechanism with the control unit C.

[0042] The stand K has the function of placing the rice cooking device B and supporting the rice supplying device A on the rice cooking device B, and is equipped with a support frame part k1 that supports the rice supplying device A, and a mounting stand k2 that allows the rice cooking device B to be set below the rice supplying device A. This mounting stand k2 allows the rice cooking device B to be placed on a drawer k3 that can slide back and forth. In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, the mounting stand k2 has drawers k3, k3 on the left and right, respectively, and two rice cooking devices B (two pots) can be set at the same time (a state in which the rice cooking device B is installed in a position where rice can be dropped from the rice supplying device A).

[0043] <5. Supply position switching means> 1 and 2, the washed rice cooking device 1 is equipped with a supply position switching means AK that switches the rice supply position of the rice supplying device A. This supply position switching means AK allows the rice supplying device A to switch the rice supply position for supplying rice to the rice cooking device B between two positions, the left and right, so that rice can be supplied to the rice cooking device B at either position.

[0044] In the following explanation, of the rice supply positions at which rice is supplied from the rice supplying device A to the rice cooking device B, the left position is referred to as the left supply position L and the right position is referred to as the right supply position R. The rice cooking position of rice cooking device B corresponding to the left supply position L (referring to the position where the rice cooking process is performed; the same applies below) is referred to as the left cooking position L2, and the rice cooking position of rice cooking device B corresponding to the right supply position R is referred to as the right cooking position R2.

[0045] More specifically, this supply position switching means AK is configured such that a roller a33 that rotates forward and backward by driving a roller motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C is pivoted at the bottom of the rice storage A1, a rail a34 is provided horizontally across the support frame k1 in the left-right direction, and the rice supplying device A is slidably supported on this rail a34 while the roller a33 is guided. As a result, when the roller a33 rotates, the rice supplying device A can move left and right. In this way, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can switch the position of the rice supplying device A between left and right by the supply position switching means AK based on a control signal from the control unit C.

[0046] <6. Rice Cooker Lifting Means> Fig. 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the stand K. Fig. 5(B) and Fig. 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. Fig. 5(B) shows the state before the pedal k4 is depressed, and Fig. 5(B) shows the state after the pedal k4 is depressed.

[0047] As shown in Figs. 5(A) to 5(C), the stand K is provided with a rice cooker lifting means KU that can support and lift the rice cooker main body b1 by stepping on a pedal k4.

[0048] The rice cooker lifting means KU includes a pedal k4 that is depressed by the user, a lifting support member k5 that lifts and supports the rice cooker main body b1, a guide member k6 that guides the lifting support member k5, and a link member k7 that converts depression of the pedal k4 into vertical movement of the lifting support member k5. The link member k7 is provided with an elastic spring k8 that assists the operation of the pedal k4 with a biasing force. A damper (not shown) is provided below the lifting support member k5 to prevent the rice cooker main body b1 from suddenly dropping.

[0049] When the user depresses the pedal k4, as shown in Fig. 5(C), the lifting support member k5 rises while being guided by the guide member k6, and the rice cooking device main body b1 supported by the support member k5 is lifted. This makes it possible to easily lift the rice cooking device B, which has increased in weight after cooking rice, by stepping on the pedal k4, greatly reducing the user's workload and enabling quick work. In addition, the front end of the pedal k4 is disposed behind the front end of the drawer k3, preventing the user from tripping over the pedal k4.

[0050] The rice cooking device lifting means also includes a first stopper k9 and a second stopper k10 that regulate the movement of the link member k7.

[0051] The first stopper k9 locks the link member k7 and fixes the pedal k4 when the drawer k3 is not pulled out forward, i.e., when the drawer k3 is stored in the placement table k2. This prevents malfunctions due to erroneous operation and improves safety. When the drawer k3 is pulled out forward, the first stopper k9 releases the lock of the link member k7, thereby allowing the pedal k4 to be depressed.

[0052] When the pedal k4 is depressed a predetermined amount, the second stopper k10 engages the link member k7 to maintain the state in which the pedal k4 is depressed. This allows the rice cooker body b1 to be maintained in a lifted state by the lifting support member k5. When the pedal k4 is depressed again in this state, the second stopper k10 releases the link member k7 from engaging with the link member k7, and the lifting support member k5 descends.

[0053] Fig. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the lifting support member k5. As shown in Fig. 6, the lifting support member k5 has a protrusion k11 extending outward to the left and right at the upper end, and the protrusion k11 causes the handle b4 provided on the rice cooking device main body b1 to be inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, making it easier for the user to grip the handle b4 and preventing the user from getting burned.

[0054] <7. Rice washing and cooking process> 7 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of a series of steps of washing and cooking rice by the washing and cooking rice apparatus 1. The washing and cooking rice apparatus 1 configured as described above performs the following steps in order in a series of steps of washing and cooking rice for one rice cooking apparatus B.

[0055] In the measuring step (S1), the fixed amount delivery valve a1 is operated in the rice storage tank A1 to discharge a predetermined set amount G1 of rice into the rice washing tank A2.

[0056] In the rice washing process (S2), washing water is supplied from the water supply pipe a2 to the rice washing tank A2 for a predetermined set time T1, while air is supplied to the washing water from the air supply pipe a3. The agitating member a5 is rotated to wash the rice, and then the agitating member a5 is stopped and the washing water is drained.

[0057] In the water addition process (S3), the drop port provided at the bottom end of the jacket a4 in the rice washing tank A2 is closed, and a predetermined amount of water G2 required for soaking the rice in the rice cooking device B is stored in the rice washing tank A2. After that, the drop port is opened, and the rice that has been subjected to the water addition process is dropped from the rice washing tank A2 into the rice cooking device B.

[0058] In the soaking step (S4), rice cooked in rice cooking apparatus B is soaked in an inner pot for a predetermined set time T2.

[0059] The rice cooking process (S5) is carried out in the rice cooker B, which heats the inner pot with an induction cooker IH for a specified set time T3, performs 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 and simultaneously gelatinize the rice starch while removing water from the inner pot. After the boiling maintenance process, a soaking process is carried out for a specified set time T4 to steam the cooked rice and make the condition inside the inner pot uniform, completing the series of washed rice cooking processes.

[0060] As described above, the basic flow of the series of steps of washing and cooking rice has been explained based on Fig. 7, but the washing and cooking rice apparatus 1 is a two-pot type that can switch the position of the rice supplying apparatus A to the left or right by the supply position switching means and set two (two pots) of rice cooking apparatuses B at the same time on the stand K, so the measuring step (S1) to the water addition step (S3) by the rice supplying apparatus A and the soaking step (S4) to the rice cooking step (S5) by the rice cooking apparatus B can be performed independently and simultaneously in parallel. For example, after the measuring step (S1) to the water addition step (S3) by the rice supplying apparatus A for cooking washed rice with the first rice cooking apparatus B, the washing and cooking rice apparatus 1 can perform the measuring step (S1) to the water addition step (S3) for cooking washed rice with the second rice cooking apparatus B while performing the soaking step (S4) to the rice cooking step (S5) in the first rice cooking apparatus B without idling the rice supplying apparatus A.

[0061] <8. Control Unit> FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit C of the washed rice cooking device 1.

[0062] The control unit C is configured with a CPU that performs calculation processing and a memory that can read and write information necessary for the calculation processing, and the various functions shown in each block are realized by the CPU operating in accordance with various control programs stored in the memory.

[0063] The input side of the control unit C is connected to various operation buttons s2 arranged on the operation unit S, a left / right position detection sensor ks arranged on the stand K, a rice cooker detection sensor (left) ks1, and a rice cooker detection sensor (right) ks2.

[0064] The various operation buttons s2 include pseudo buttons, tabs, etc. displayed as a UI (user interface) on the display unit s1 configured with a touch panel liquid crystal of the operation unit S, and the control unit C is capable of acquiring operation information of the various operation buttons s2. The various operation buttons s2 include operation areas s21, s22, s23, s24, etc. (described later) (see FIG. 10), which are displayed on the display unit s together with necessary information by an output signal from the control unit C.

[0065] The left / right position detection sensor ks detects whether the rice supplying device A is in the left supply position L or the right supply position R, and outputs the result to the control unit C.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The output side of the control unit C is connected to the rice storage tank A1, the rice washing tank A2, the rice cooking device B, and the supply position switching means AK, and is capable of outputting control signals to these.

[0068] The control unit C includes a rice cooking condition setting unit c1, a rice cooking reservation setting unit c2, a rice washing and cooking processing unit c3, a rice washing reservation execution unit c4, a setting information storage unit c5, and a timing unit c6.

[0069] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has a function of setting rice cooking conditions for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking conditions refer to conditions that determine the control amount of the devices to be controlled in each process of washing and cooking rice by the rice washing and cooking device 1 (see FIG. 7). The rice cooking conditions are set by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2, accepting input of desired rice cooking conditions from the user, and storing the rice cooking conditions input by the user in the setting information storage unit c5 as rice cooking condition setting data Ds. The rice cooking condition setting data Ds will be described later.

[0070] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 also has a function of setting a rice cooking mode for the washed-rice cooking apparatus 1. Here, the rice cooking mode refers to a mode that determines a control method (e.g., a method for selecting a rice cooking position and the number of times to cook washed rice, etc.) when the washed-rice cooking apparatus 1 performs washed-rice cooking. The washed-rice cooking apparatus 1 of this embodiment has three modes: "normal mode," "continuous mode," and "different cooking mode." Details of each rice cooking mode will be described later.

[0071] The cooking mode is set by the cooking condition setting unit c1 accepting the operation of the various operation buttons s2 of the operation unit S and having the user select the desired cooking mode. In addition, the setting information for the determined cooking mode (e.g., the number of times to perform washing and cooking) is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 as the continuous mode setting data Dr and the separate cooking mode setting data Dt. The continuous mode setting data Dr and the separate cooking mode setting data Dt will be described later.

[0072] The rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 has a function of setting a rice cooking reservation in the washed-rice cooking device 1. Here, a rice cooking reservation refers to reserving the start of washed-rice cooking and the number of times that washed-rice cooking is to be performed. This rice cooking reservation is set by the rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2, having the user input the desired rice cooking reservation, and storing the rice cooking reservation input 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.

[0073] The washed-rice cooking processing unit c3 has a function of executing processing related to the washed-rice cooking of the washed-rice cooking device 1. The washed-rice cooking processing unit c3 acquires various information from devices connected to the input side of the control unit C, reads and writes necessary information in the setting information storage unit c5 and the washed-rice cooking process storage unit c6, and outputs control signals to devices on the output side of the control unit C, thereby executing processing related to the washed-rice cooking.

[0074] The rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 has a function of causing the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start processing related to the washing and cooking of rice based on the rice cooking reservation data Dy stored in the rice washing process storage unit c6 described later. In addition, the unit c4 has a function of managing the rice washing and cooking process for each rice cooking device B.

[0075] The setting information storage unit c5 stores various setting information, such as rice cooking condition setting data Ds, separate cooking mode setting data Dt, continuous mode setting data Dr, and rice cooking reservation data Dy, which will be described later.

[0076] The clock unit c6 has a clock circuit, and has a function of acquiring information about the current date and time by using this clock circuit.

[0077] <9. Various data and setting screen> Next, various setting information and setting screens stored in the setting information storage unit c5 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and Fig. 10 is an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. The setting screen is displayed on the operation unit S. As shown in Fig. 9, the rice cooking condition setting data Ds includes, for example, the following fields (items).

[0078] The "Setting No." is a primary key for uniquely identifying the set cooking conditions. In addition, in the rice washing and cooking process, the process is generally executed in ascending order of the setting No. The "Setting No." can be selected using the operation area s21 shown in FIG. 10. For example, when "Memory 1" in the operation area s21 is selected, the cooking condition with "Setting No." 1 can be set. In this embodiment, it is configured so that 10 cooking conditions can be set, but this is not limited to this.

[0079] "Cooking method" determines the finish of the cooked rice, and in this embodiment, it is set alternatively to "standard" or "porridge". Based on this setting, in the rice cooking process (S5), the set time T3 for heating the inner pot by the electromagnetic cooker IH of rice cooker B and the cooking temperature are determined. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when "porridge" is selected, the set time T4 for the steaming process, which steams the cooked rice to a certain degree and finishes the condition inside the inner pot of rice cooker B uniformly, is set to 0 (minutes).

[0080] For example, a value of +5 to -5 is set for "water addition", and based on this value, a predetermined amount G2 of water required for soaking the rice is increased or decreased in the water addition step (S3) (see FIG. 7).

[0081] The "amount of cooked rice" is set to, for example, an arbitrary value (kg), and based on this value, a set amount G1 of rice to be discharged into the rice washing tank A is determined in the measuring step (S1) (see FIG. 7).

[0082] The "washing method" is set to a value, for example, 1 to 3, and the rice washing process corresponding to this value is carried out in the rice washing step (S2) (see FIG. 7).

[0083] For example, an arbitrary value (minutes) is set for "soaking," and based on this value, a set time T2 for soaking the rice added in the inner pot of the rice cooking device B is determined (see FIG. 7) in the soaking step (S4).

[0084] "Ignition" is set, for example, to automatic or manual. If it is automatic, heating of the inner pot of rice cooker B is automatically started by the electromagnetic cooker IH in the rice cooking process (S5), and if it is manual, it is started by a specified operation by the user.

[0085] For example, an arbitrary value (minutes) is preset for "soaking", and based on this value, a set time T4 for the soaking process in the rice cooking step (S5) is determined, in which cooked rice is steamed to a specified degree to uniformly prepare the condition inside the inner pot of the rice cooking device B. As described above, in this embodiment, when "porridge" is selected in the "cooking method" item, the set time T4 for the soaking process is set to 0 (minutes).

[0086] In the setting screen shown in FIG. 10, the item "cooking method" is input / set in operation area s22, the item "amount of rice cooked" is input / set in operation area s24, and the items "amount of water," "soaking," "ignition," and "steaming" are input / set in operation area s24.

[0087] Here, we will explain the three modes, "normal mode," "different cooking mode," and "continuous mode," of the washed rice cooking device 1. "Normal mode" is a mode in which rice is cooked in the rice cooking device B set at the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2 under any of the multiple cooking conditions set as described above, and the rice cooking conditions to be executed and the rice cooking position of the rice cooking device B are determined each time by the user's operation of the operation unit S.

[0088] The "differential cooking mode" is a mode in which the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined according to the "cooking method" item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, when washing and cooking rice is performed under the rice cooking condition of "standard cooking method", the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be the left cooking position L2, and when washing and cooking rice is performed under the rice cooking condition of "porridge" under the rice cooking condition of "cooking method", the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position L2. The user can set this "cooking method" and the rice cooking position of rice cooker B from the operation unit S. In this way, according to the "differential cooking mode" in which the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined according to the "cooking method" item of the rice cooking condition, the user can easily manage according to the rice cooking conditions, for example, white rice is on the left side and porridge is on the right side.

[0089] The "continuous mode" is a mode in which the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is dynamically determined for each series of washed rice cooking. In other words, in the "continuous mode", the rice cooking position is determined in sequence for either the left or right rice cooker B that has been set up, and the washed rice cooking process is started. This reduces the idle time of rice cooker B, allowing for efficient washed rice cooking.

[0090] These "normal mode," "multiple cooking mode," and "continuous mode" can be switched by operating the operating unit S, making the rice washing and cooking device 1 capable of handling a variety of rice cooking methods.

[0091] FIG. 11(A) is a diagram showing the contents of the separate cooking mode setting data Dt, and FIG. 11(B) is a diagram showing the contents of the continuous mode setting data Dr. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the separate cooking mode setting data Dt includes the items of "number of times of cooking (left)" and "number of times of cooking (right)". Here, the item "number of times of cooking (left)" determines the number of times of washing and cooking rice at the left cooking position L2 in the "separate cooking mode", and the item "number of times of cooking (right)" stores a numerical value that determines the number of times of washing and cooking rice at the left cooking position L2, and these execution numbers can be set by the user operating the operation unit S. For example, in the example of FIG. 11(A), the rice cooker B performs a series of washing and cooking rice three times with the left cooking position L2 as the cooking position, and the rice cooker B performs a series of washing and cooking rice four times with the right cooking position R2 as the cooking position.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 11(B), the continuous mode setting data Dr includes an item for "number of times cooking rice (total)." Here, the item for "number of times cooking rice (total)" stores a numerical value that determines the number of times a series of washed rice cooking will be performed in "continuous mode," and this number of times can be set by the user operating the operation unit S. In the example of Fig. 11(B), the rice cooker B sets the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2 as the cooking position, and performs a series of washed rice cooking four times.

[0093] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking reservation data Dy, and Fig. 13 is an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking reservation data Dy. The user inputs the planned time for completion of cooking (the time when the rice cooking process (S5)) using the operation button s31 shown in Fig. 13, and the rice cooking reservation data Dy is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 by operating the reservation button s32 and the confirmation button s33. As a result, the rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 is configured to obtain date and time information from the clock unit c6, and to start the rice washing and cooking process in the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 so that the rice cooking process (S5) of the first rice cooker B is completed on the date and time stored in the rice cooking reservation data Dy.

[0094] <10. Cooking Mode Processing> Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the separate cooking mode by the control unit C. Note that the symbol ":" in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 means "that is."

[0095] The control unit C first assigns 1 to the variable X that manages the setting number of the rice cooking condition to be executed, and assigns 0 to the variable N1 that manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the left cooking position L2 of the rice cooker B, and to the variable N2 that manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the right cooking position R2 of the rice cooker B (step S101).

[0096] Next, the control unit C determines the rice cooking position of rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds based on the settings previously registered by the user (step S102). For example, when the "cooking method" is "standard", the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be the left cooking position L2, and when the rice cooking condition is "cooking method" of "porridge", the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position R2. In the following, it is assumed that the rice cooking position is determined as described above in step S102.

[0097] Next, the control unit C acquires the cooking conditions for the setting No. (X) (step S103) and determines the cooking position for the setting No. (X) (step S104). For example, when X=1, the "cooking method" for the setting No. (1) is "porridge" (see FIG. 9), so the cooking position of the rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position L2.

[0098] Next, it is determined whether rice cooker B has been set to the rice cooking position of the setting number (X) determined in step S104 (step S105). That is, when X=1, it is determined whether rice cooker B has been set to the right-side rice cooking position L2. Note that this "set completion" refers to rice cooker B being set to rice cooking position B before the start of the soaking process, and also includes the case where rice cooker B has completed the rice cooking process and been replaced with a new rice cooker B.

[0099] When the rice cooking device B is set to the rice cooking position, the control unit C executes the measuring process to the rice washing process (steps S106 to S107), and when the rice washing process is completed, the control unit C moves the rice supplying device A to the rice cooking position (when X=1, right-side rice cooking position L2) using the supplying position switching means AK (step S108).

[0100] Next, the control unit C causes the rice supplying device A to supply the washed rice to the rice cooking device B, and the rice cooking device B executes the soaking process (step S109). After this, although not shown, the control unit C executes the soaking process to the rice cooking process in the rice cooking device B that has started executing the soaking process, in sequence, in a manner not shown in the figure, independent of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 14. Note that when the rice cooking device B that has completed the rice cooking process is replaced with a new rice cooking device B by the user, and when the rice cooking device B is set on the stand K, the next soaking process can be executed.

[0101] After executing the soaking process in step S109, control unit C counts the number of times it has been executed. If the soaking process has started in rice cooker B at left cooking position L2, variable N1 is incremented by 1, and if the soaking process has started in rice cooker B at right cooking position R2, variable N2 is incremented by 1. For example, when X=1, the soaking process started at right cooking position R2, so variable N1=0 and variable N2=1.

[0102] Next, the control unit C refers to the numerical values ​​set in the "Number of times cooking rice (left)" and "Number of times cooking rice (right)" items of the separate cooking mode setting data Dt, and determines whether the number of times cooking rice at both the left and right cooking positions has reached the specified number and cooking is complete (step S111).

[0103] If the rice cooking execution is completed, the process is terminated. If the rice cooking execution is not completed, the value of X is incremented by +1 to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting number (step S112). As a result, if the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained, the value of X is set to 1 (step S113).

[0104] Next, the cooking conditions for the setting No. (X) are obtained (step S114), the cooking position is determined from the "cooking method" of the cooking conditions for the setting No. (X) (step S115), and if the cooking position has already reached the specified number of times (step S116, step S116': YES) by referring to the separate cooking mode setting data Dt, the value of X is incremented by 1 to execute the cooking conditions for the next setting No. (step S117, step S117'), and the process returns to step S114. If the specified number of times has not been reached, the process returns to step S105.

[0105] <11. Continuous mode processing> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit C in the continuous mode.

[0106] The control unit C first assigns 1 to a variable X that manages the setting number of the rice cooking condition to be executed, and assigns 0 to a variable N that manages the number of times rice cooking is executed by the rice cooker B (step S201).

[0107] The control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions of the setting No. (X) (step S202), and determines whether the rice cooking device B is set to either the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 (step S203).

[0108] When the rice cooker B is set to either the left cooking position L2 or the right cooking position R2, the control unit C determines the cooking position of the setting No. (X) (for example, when the left cooking position L2 has not been set and the right cooking position R2 has been set, the right cooking position R2 is determined as the cooking position) (step S204), and then executes the measuring process to the rice washing process (steps S205 to S206). When the rice washing process is completed, the supply position switching means AK moves the rice supplying device A to the cooking position determined in step S204. In step S204, when the rice cooker B is set to the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, the cooking position of the setting No. (X) is determined based on a predetermined priority order (for example, priority is given to the right).

[0109] Next, the control unit C causes the rice supplying device A to supply the washed rice to the rice cooking device B, and the rice cooking device B executes the soaking process (step S208). After this, although not shown, the control unit C executes the soaking process to the rice cooking process in the rice cooking device B that has started executing the soaking process, in sequence, in a manner not shown in the figure, independent of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 15. Note that, as with the processing of the separate cooking mode, when the rice cooking device B that has completed the rice cooking process is replaced with a new rice cooking device B by the user, and the next soaking process can be executed when the rice cooking device B is set on the stand K.

[0110] After executing the immersion process in step S208, the control unit C counts the number of executions, i.e., increments the variable N by +1.

[0111] Next, the control unit C refers to the value set in the "number of cooking times (total)" item of the continuous mode setting data Dr, and determines whether the number of cooking times has reached a specified number, i.e., whether cooking has been completed (step S210).

[0112] If the rice cooking execution is completed, the process ends. If the rice cooking execution is not completed, the value of X is incremented by +1 to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting number (step S211). As a result, if the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained, the value of X is set to 1 (step S212) and the process returns to step S202.

[0113] <12. Cooking time for continuous mode and separate cooking mode> Fig. 16 is a comparative diagram comparing the cooking time between the continuous mode and the separate cooking mode of this embodiment. The washed-rice cooking shown in Fig. 16 is performed under the cooking conditions of "Setting No." 1 to 4 in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 16, in the continuous mode, the washed-rice cooking process can be completed more quickly than in the separate cooking mode.

[0114] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following description, components that are the same as or can be considered to be the same as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] <13. Another embodiment of the rice washing tank detachable structure> FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the rice washing tank A2 is attached to the rice storage cabinet A1 by hanging a hook a20 provided on the rice washing tank A2 on the hanging portion a21 that is roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side. However, the hanging portion a21 and the hook a20 can also be configured as follows.

[0116] Fig. 17 is a schematic front view of the periphery of the rice-washing tank A2 according to another embodiment, Fig. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of the latched portion a21' and the hook a20' according to another embodiment, and Fig. 18(B) is an enlarged side view. As shown in Fig. 17, the hook a20' according to another embodiment is disposed on the left and right sides of the rice-washing tank A2, and includes an operating handle a35 and a T-shaped rod a37 that rotates about an attachment portion a36 as a fulcrum by operating the handle.

[0117] The hooking portion a21' in another embodiment is provided on the underside of the metal panel portion a16, as shown in Figure 18(A), and is bifurcated into two parts so as to be able to hook the upper part of the T-rod a37 when viewed from the front, and has an approximately L-shape when viewed from the side, as shown in Figure 18(B).

[0118] This allows the rice washing tank A2 to be quickly attached and detached by operating the handle a35 from the front side of the rice washing tank A2 to rotate the upper part of the T-rod a37 back and forth to hook it onto the hooked part a21' or to remove it from the hooked state. The tip of the hooked part a21' is formed in an upwardly convex shape to hold the hooked T-rod a37.

[0119] <14. Other embodiments> 1 to 4, the overflow box a12 is configured to be provided on the back side of the rice-washing-tank body a2, but the design can be changed so that the overflow box a12 is provided on the right or left side of the rice-washing-tank body a2. In this case, maintenance of the overflow box a12 can be performed from the front of the rice-washing and cooking device 1, making maintenance easier.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the hook portion a16 and the first joint portion a22 are provided on the lower surface of the resin panel portion a17 in Fig. 3, but they may be integrally formed on the lower surface of the resin panel portion a17 so as to cover the upper front end of the first joint receiving portion a27. This makes it easier to align the rice washing tank body a2.

[0121] In FIG. 10, an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds is shown, but the setting screen may be configured as shown in FIG. 19. In the example of the setting screen in FIG. 19, the "Setting No." can be selected using the tab s21' shown in FIG. 19. For example, when the "First Time" tab s21' is selected, the rice cooking conditions with a "Setting No." of 1 can be set. In addition, each item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds can be set using the operation area s22', and the setting is completed by operating the confirm button s23'. This makes it easier to visually grasp the setting of the rice cooking conditions.

[0122] Also, as shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), a beginner mode setting screen that further simplifies the rice cooking condition setting screen may be provided. In the beginner mode setting screen, "Setting No." can be selected in area s21", and each item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds can be set by operating operation button s22". This makes it easier to set the rice cooking conditions.

[0123] The washing and cooking device 1 may be provided with a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the rice cooking device B, and if a failure of either the left or right rice cooking device B is detected during the washing and cooking process, the non-failed one may be automatically set as the rice cooking position of the rice cooking device B and the washing and cooking process may be performed. This allows the washing and cooking process to continue even if one of the left and right rice cooking devices B fails.

[0124] In addition, the separate cooking mode may be configured so that one cooking condition can be set for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, and further, the number of cooking times for performing washed rice cooking can be set for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2.

[0125] 14 and 15, the continuous mode and the separate cooking mode are configured so that when one washing and cooking of rice is completed, the setting number is incremented by 1 (step S112, step S211, etc.) in principle and the cooking conditions of the next setting number are executed, but it may be configured so that the number of executions can be set for each setting No. For example, when 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 are executed.

[0126] In addition, the rice cooking positions are two positions, the left rice cooking position L2 and the right rice cooking position R2, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the rice cooking device B can be set to three positions, left, center, and right, on the stand K, and the rice supplying device A can be configured to supply rice in three positions accordingly. In this case, in the "different cooking mode," as in the case of two positions, the rice cooking position of the rice cooking device B can be determined according to the item of "cooking method" in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and for example, the left and center rice cooking positions can be standard, and the right rice cooking position can be porridge. In addition, in the "continuous mode," for example, in step S204 of FIG. 15, the rice cooking position of the rice cooking device B that has been set can be determined sequentially from the three positions, left, center, and right, making it possible to cook rice more efficiently. The same applies when there are more than three rice cooking positions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1 Rice washing and cooking device A rice feeding device A1 Rice storage A2 Rice washing tank a1 Fixed-volume dispenser 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 part a17 Resin panel part a18 opening a19 Lid a20 hook a21 Latched part a22 1st joint a23 2nd joint a24 Cutout a25 communication port a26 First packing part a27 1st joint receiving part a28 Second packing part a29 Second joint receiving part a30 Ventilation hole a31 Fan unit a32 Floor panel under cover a33 Lola a34 rail a35 handle a36 Mounting part a37 T-rod AK supply position switching means AO upper drainage mechanism B Rice cooking device b1 Rice cooker body b2 Lid body b3 Lid opening / closing mechanism b4 Handle C control section c1 Cooking condition setting section c2 Rice cooking timer setting section c3 Rice washing and cooking processing unit c4 Rice Cooking Reservation Execution Department c5 Setting information storage section c6 Clock section IH induction cooker K Mount k1 Support frame part k2 Placement table k3 Drawer k4 pedal k5 Lifting support member k6 Guide material k7 Link material k8 Elastic spring k9 First stopper k10 Second stopper S Operation section s1 display s2 Various operation buttons m1 Drop valve motor m2 Stirring motor

Claims

1. A rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice is arranged below the rice storage shed (A1) for storing rice. The rice storage bin (A1) and the rice washing tank (A2) are configured to be freely joined and separated, and a means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank (A2) to and from the rice storage bin (A1) is provided. An overflow box (a12) is provided for collecting and discharging water overflowing from the rice washing tank (A2). The floor panel (a15) forming the bottom surface of the rice storage (A1) is composed of a metal panel part (a16) made of metal and a resin panel part (a17) made of resin, and the resin panel part (a17) is fitted into an opening (a18) provided on the central side of the metal panel part (a16) to be supported and fixed thereto. This rice washing device is characterized in that the resin panel portion (a17) has a lid portion (a19) located on the top of the rice washing tank (A2) when the rice storage chamber (A1) and the rice washing tank (A2) are joined, and is provided with a first joint portion (a22) joined to the top of the rice washing tank (A2), and a second joint portion (a23) joined to the top of the overflow box (a12).

2. 2. The rice washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resin panel portion (a17) is provided with an air hole (a30) at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the overflow box (a12).

3. The rice washing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lid portion (a19) is provided with a hook receiving portion (a21) on which a hook (a20) provided on the rice washing tank (A2) can be hooked.

Images