Conditioner

Abstract

To provide a cooker that allows a user to select water quality information with a simple configuration and can perform appropriate cooking according to the selected water quality information. [Solution] The rice cooker as a cooking appliance of the present invention comprises a rice cooking control means 21 that controls the cooking of water and food to be cooked, an operation means 7 that allows the selection of water quality information, a top screen G1, a water hardness selection screen G2, a water hardness numerical value input screen G3 and a prefecture selection screen G6, and the rice cooking control means 21 is configured to control cooking according to the water quality information selected on the operation means 7, the water hardness selection screen G2, the water hardness numerical value input screen G3 and the prefecture selection screen G6.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance having a selection means for selecting and inputting information on water quality as the properties of water contained in food to be cooked. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a cooking information system that controls rice cooking according to water information, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking information system that has an external water information database and allows users to input desired cooking recipes and individual identification information for water and rice from a user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-300430 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the water information database is provided externally, and the rice cooker must operate a user terminal separate from the rice cooker to communicate with the water information database via the Internet, which is not a practical configuration.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooker that allows a user to select water quality information with a simple configuration and can perform appropriate cooking according to the selected water quality information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking device of the present invention comprises: covered Cooked food Water and rice cooking as a control means for controlling the At least one of the rice setting, the rice cooking method setting, and the rice hardness setting can be selected, a selection means for selecting water quality information; a display means for displaying information about rice cooking; Equipped with The display means simultaneously displays the water quality information selected by the selection means and at least one of the rice setting, the rice cooking method setting, and the rice hardness setting selected by the selection means, and The control means selects the water quality information from the water quality information selected by the selection means. and at least one of the selected rice setting, the rice cooking setting, and the rice hardness setting. Depending on Cooking rice The control is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The cooking appliance of the present invention allows the user to select water quality information with a simple configuration, and can perform appropriate cooking according to the selected water quality information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the same. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view of the display means displaying the top screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a top view of the display means displaying the water hardness selection screen. [Figure 6] 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a water hardness guide pop-up screen. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a water hardness value input screen. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the transition of the display on the picker display unit in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a region division selection screen according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a prefecture selection screen according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a prefecture water hardness pop-up screen. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a table showing the relationship between the energization time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump of the pressure reducing means 16 and the water hardness during the soaking process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the rice cooker of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that common parts will be designated by common reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0010] 1 to 12 show an embodiment in which the cooking device of the present invention is applied to a rice cooker. The overall configuration of the rice cooker will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Reference numeral 1 denotes a main body, which, when viewed from above, is generally rectangular with a front, rear, left, and right sides facing each other, and has an open top. Reference numeral 2 denotes a lid that freely opens and closes the top opening of main body 1, and, like main body 1, also has a generally rectangular shape with a front, rear, left, and right sides facing each other, and has a generally flat top. A hinge 3 is provided at the rear of lid 2, connecting it to main body 1. A lid operating member 4 is disposed in an exposed state on the front upper surface of lid 2. When lid operating member 4 is pressed, the engagement between main body 1 and lid 2 is released, and a hinge spring (not shown) provided at the upper rear of main body 1 rotates around the hinge axis of hinge 3, causing lid 2 to open.

[0011] Heating means 11 (see Figure 3), such as an induction coil that heats the food to be cooked, is arranged inside main body 1. The food to be cooked is contained in a cylindrical inner pot with a bottom that can be attached and detached to main body 1. When high-frequency current is supplied to heating means 11, the alternating magnetic field generated by heating means 11 causes a magnetic material attached to the outer surface of the inner pot to heat up, heating the food to be cooked inside main body 1 during cooking and keeping warm.

[0012] A steam vent 5 is provided on the upper rear surface of the lid 2, which allows steam generated from the food inside the inner pot to be released to the outside of the main body 1. In addition to the steam vent 5 and the lid operating mechanism 4, the top surface of the lid 2 is also provided with a display means 6, which includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 25 as a screen display and LED (Light Emitting Diode) displays 26-29 (see FIG. 4) as status indicators, for displaying various information related to rice cooking, and an operating means 7, which is provided above the LCD 25 and consists of a touch sensor, for starting rice cooking and selecting the cooking time and course. A control PC (Printed Circuit) board (not shown) equipped with a control means 12 (see FIG. 3) for controlling each part of the rice cooker is also provided below these components. Therefore, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, apart from the operating means 7 above the LCD 25, there are no operating means such as physical keys and buttons, such as a rice cook key or an off key, which are found in conventional rice cookers, and since the rice cooker can be operated using only the operating means 7, the trouble of searching for buttons when operating the rice cooker is eliminated, improving operability. It also has a very sleek appearance, and the space in which the display means 6 and operating means 7, which are precision components, are located can be made compact. Furthermore, by eliminating the physical keys and buttons, the top surface of the lid 2 can be made approximately flat, making it easier to wipe and clean, improving cleanability.

[0013] In addition, a lid opening / closing detection means 8 is provided inside the lid 2 to detect whether the lid 2 is open or closed. The lid opening / closing detection means 8 may be of any detection type, such as optical, mechanical, or magnetic, as long as it can output a detection signal corresponding to whether the lid 2 is open or closed.

[0014] Next, the main control system of the rice cooker will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this figure, the control means 12 equipped in the main body 2 is composed of a control IC 17 constituting a microcomputer, storage means 18 such as a readable and writable memory for storing various information and data, timing means such as a timer, and drive elements for each part. The input port of the control means 12 is electrically connected to the above-mentioned operating means 7 and lid opening / closing detection means 8, as well as to the temperature detection means 13 and pressure detection means 14. The output port of the control means 12 is electrically connected to the above-mentioned display means 6 and heating means 11, as well as to the steam path opening / closing means 15 and pressure reduction means 16.

[0015] The temperature detection means 13 detects the temperature of the inner pot and the temperature of the inner lid (not shown) that covers the upper opening of the inner pot, thereby detecting the temperature of the food to be cooked inside the main body 1. The pressure detection means 14 detects the pressure inside the inner pot and is composed of a pressure sensor, etc.

[0016] The steam path opening and closing means 15 opens and closes the steam path that connects the steam outlet 5 and the inner pot to release steam generated in the inner pot to the outside, and if the steam path opening and closing means 15 closes the steam path when the food to be cooked inside the inner pot is heated by the heating means and boiling, the steam that has evaporated from the food to be cooked cannot be released from inside the inner pot, so the pressure inside the inner pot can be increased to above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the steam path opening and closing means 15 also functions as a pressurizing means.

[0017] The pressure reducing means 16 reduces the pressure inside the inner pot by lowering it below normal atmospheric pressure. It reduces the pressure inside the sealed inner pot when the lid 2 is closed to the main body 1 and the steam passage is blocked by the steam passage opening / closing means 15. When the pressure inside the inner pot drops below atmospheric pressure by a certain amount, the vacuum pump, which is the power source for the pressure reducing means 16, stops operating, maintaining the inner pot at a reduced pressure. Furthermore, when the pressure inside the inner pot is to be restored from the reduced pressure state to the same as the outside air pressure, the vacuum pump stops operating and a path (not shown) connecting the vacuum pump to the inside of the inner pot is opened. In other words, the pressure reducing means 16 also serves as a pressure restoration means, restoring the pressure inside the inner pot from the reduced pressure state to the same as the outside air pressure.

[0018] The control means 12 includes a control IC 17 containing a rice cooking control means 21, a keep-warm control means 22, a display control means 23, and a condition setting means 24 as functions of the control sequence of the program read from the storage means 18. Upon receiving a command to start rice cooking from the operating means 7, the rice cooking control means 21 executes a rice cooking process that sequentially performs a soaking process to promote water absorption by the rice placed in the inner pot, a boiling heating process to quickly raise the temperature of the food to a boil, a boiling continuation process to maintain the boiling state of the food, and a high-temperature maintenance process to maintain the rice at a high temperature without burning it, thereby cooking the food in the inner pot at the desired pressure. The keep-warm control means 22 controls the keep-warm process to maintain the rice in the inner pot at a predetermined keep-warm temperature. The display control means 23 generates various control signals based on operation signals from the operating means 7 and controls the display operation of the display means 6. The condition setting means 24 also works in conjunction with the display control means 23 to enable the selection and setting of conditions that can be selected by the operation means 7, for example, the selection and setting of a desired rice cooking course from among a plurality of rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness settings, and water hardness settings.

[0019] In the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment, rice cooking courses corresponding to the rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness settings, and water hardness settings are stored in the memory means 51, and the rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness settings, and especially the water hardness settings for the stored rice cooking courses are selectably displayed on the display means 6, and the rice cooking course is selected and set by making these settings. The rice cooking control means 21 controls the heating means 11, the steam path opening / closing means 15, and the pressure reducing means 16, i.e., controls the rice cooking, for each setting of this rice cooking course, especially for each setting of water hardness. This makes it possible to cook rice appropriately, particularly for the water hardness, and to further enhance the deliciousness of the cooked rice.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a top view of the display means 6 of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment. Figs. 4 to 11 show top views of the display means 6, and in each drawing, the upper side will be referred to as the "front," the lower side as the "rear," the left side as the "left," and the right side as the "right." In addition, in each drawing, the front side will be referred to as the "top" and the back side as the "bottom." In Fig. 4, the display means 6 is composed of an LCD 25 arranged in the center of the top surface of the lid 2, and process LED displays 26 to 29 arranged in front of this LCD 25. The process LED indicators 26-29 display the actual status of the rice cooker. In this embodiment, the "PRESET" process LED indicator 26 lights when a timer is set, the "KEEP WARM" process LED indicator 27 lights when the rice cooker is in the "KEEP WARM" state, the "VACUUM" process LED indicator 28 lights when the pressure reducing device 16 creates a vacuum state (lower than atmospheric pressure) inside the inner pot, and the "PRESSURE" process LED indicator 29 lights when the pressure inside the inner pot is maintained from the time pressure begins to build up inside the inner pot during cooking until the rice is cooked. This allows the user to understand the current status of the rice cooker at a glance, even when the LCD 25 backlight is dimmed. Furthermore, each of the process LED indicators 26-29 illuminates in a different color, allowing the user to understand the current status of the rice cooker at a glance. In this embodiment, the process LED indicators 26-29 are located directly in front of the LCD 25, but they may also be located away from the LCD 25. Alternatively, the process LED display units 26 to 29 may be omitted, and the display contents of these process LED display units 26 to 29 may be displayed on the LCD 25.

[0021] Fig. 4 shows the top screen G1. When the user inserts the power plug provided in advance on the main body 1 into a household outlet, the necessary power is supplied to each section, such as the display means 6 and the control means 12. At this time, the display control means 23 causes the display means 6 to display the layout of the top screen G1 as shown in Fig. 4 as the usual initial screen to be displayed on the display means 6 after a predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined startup display screen is displayed.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, the top screen G1 has a menu key display area A1 in its front, displaying four button display areas B1 to B7 arranged side by side. Here, the "Rice" button display area B1 includes a text display element D1 that reads "Rice" and a text display element D2 that reads "▼." The "How to Cook" button display area B3 includes a text display element D3 that reads "How to Cook" and a text display element D4 that reads "▼." The "Hardness Adjustment" button display area B5 includes a text display element D5 that reads "Hardness Adjustment" and a text display element D6 that reads "▼." The "Water Hardness" button display area B7 includes a text display element D7 that reads "Water Hardness" and a text display element D8 that reads "▼."

[0023] Additionally, behind the menu key display area A1, there is a rice cooking information display area A2 displaying four setting indicators D11-D14 arranged side by side. Here, the "Rice" setting indicator D11 displays information about the rice that has been set. It is located behind the "Rice" button indicator B1, and in FIG. 4, it displays "White Rice, Random Brand." The "Cooking Method" setting indicator D12 displays information about the cooking method that has been set. It is located behind the "Cooking Method" button indicator B3, and in FIG. 4, it displays "Kamado Master." The "Hardness Adjustment" setting indicator D13 displays information about the hardness adjustment that has been set. It is located behind the "Hardness Adjustment" button indicator B5, and in FIG. 4, it displays "Recommended." The "Water Hardness" setting indicator D14 displays information about the water hardness that has been set. It is located behind the "Water Hardness" button indicator B7, and in FIG. 4, it displays "40-60."

[0024] Behind the rice cooking information display area A2, a text display D15 that reads "Rice Cooking Time" reminds the user that the numbers displayed on the clock display D16 are the rice cooking time, and displays the required rice cooking time, the remaining time until the actual rice cooking is completed, and the predicted cooking time, which is the time when the rice cooking is completed.In Figure 4, the clock display D16 that displays "approximately 38 minutes," the required rice cooking time calculated from the settings of the rice cooking information display area A2, and a button display B17 that includes a text display D17 that reads "Start cooking" are displayed side by side.

[0025] Also, at the rear of the top screen G1, a setting button display B18 including a text display D18 reminiscent of a gear diagram, a button display B19 including a text display D19 saying "Keep warm", a button display B20 including a text display D20 saying "Reservation", a time display D21 showing the current time, and a button display B22 including a text display D22 saying "Off" are displayed side by side.

[0026] The operation means 7, which is composed of a touch sensor, is configured such that a plurality of components are arranged as touch keys, for example, each of which is connected by pattern wiring between a transparent electrode section made of a conductive polymer and a contact section connected to a control PC board.By performing a touch operation on one of the plurality of button display sections displayed on the LCD 25, the touch key arranged above that button display section and corresponding to that button display section is touched and that button display section is selected.

[0027] The "Off" button display B22 is operated when stopping rice cooking or keeping warm. When the "Off" button display B22 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Off" button display B22, and the rice cooking control means 21 controls the rice cooking to stop heating the food to be cooked in the main body 1 and the scheduled rice cooking and turn it off, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the rice cooking information display area A2 with the settings from the most recent time rice was cooked, i.e., the settings stored in the memory means 18, and display the top screen G1. Furthermore, when the "Off" button display section B22 on the top screen G1 is touched, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to discard the rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness adjustment settings, and water hardness settings that were set before cooking and are currently displayed in the rice cooking information display area A2, and to display the settings in the rice cooking information display area A2 as they were when rice was most recently cooked, i.e., the settings stored in the memory means 18.

[0028] The "Start cooking" button display B17 is operated when starting to cook rice. When the "Start cooking" button display B17 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Start cooking" button display B17, and the condition setting means 24 stores the rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness settings, and water hardness settings currently displayed in the rice cooking information display area A2 in the memory means 18 as the settings for this rice cooking course, and the rice cooking control means 21 controls the start of cooking the food to be cooked in the main body 1 using the settings for this rice cooking course stored in the memory means 18.

[0029] The "keep warm" button display B19 is operated when keeping food warm, and when the "keep warm" button display B19 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "keep warm" button display B19, and the keep warm control means 22 sends an appropriate control signal to the heating means 11 so that the food to be cooked in the main body 1 begins to be kept warm and reheated.

[0030] The "Rice" button display section B1 is operated to select the type of rice to be cooked. When the "Rice" button display section B1 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Rice" button display section B1, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a rice selection screen (not shown). When a type of rice is selected on this rice selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to display the selected type of rice on the text display D11.

[0031] The "Cooking method" button display section B3 is operated to select the type of cooking method for the food to be cooked. When the "Cooking method" button display section B3 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Cooking method" button display section B3, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a cooking method selection screen (not shown). When the cooking method for the food to be cooked is selected on this cooking method selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to display the selected cooking method for the food to be cooked on the text display D12.

[0032] The "hardness adjustment" button display section B5 is operated to select the type of texture of the rice to be cooked. When the "hardness adjustment" button display section B5 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "hardness adjustment" button display section B5, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a hardness selection screen (not shown). When the rice texture is selected on this cooking method selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to display the selected rice texture on the text display D13.

[0033] The "Water Hardness" button display section B7 is operated to select the hardness of the water to be cooked. When the "Water Hardness" button display section B7 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Water Hardness" button display section B7, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the water hardness selection screen G2 as shown in Figure 5.

[0034] The setting button display section B18 is operated to set up the rice cooker, and when the setting button display section B18 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the setting button display section B18, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a setting screen (not shown).

[0035] The "Reservation" button display section B20 is operated when performing scheduled rice cooking. When the "Reservation" button display section B20 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Reservation" button display section B20, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a reservation setting screen (not shown). A reservation is set on this reservation setting screen, and when scheduled rice cooking is started, the rice cooking control means 21 starts cooking so that the food to be cooked in the main body 1 is cooked at the set scheduled time, and the keep-warm control means 22 controls to start keeping the food warm.

[0036] Next, the features of the operation of the rice cooker configured as described above will be described in detail, particularly with regard to the water hardness selection screen G2, the water hardness numerical value input screen G3, and the prefecture selection screen G6. In this embodiment, the display means 6 displays water hardness by category on the water hardness selection screen G2, the water hardness numerical value input screen G3, and the prefecture selection screen G6, and the water hardness can be selected from the hardness selection screen G2, the water hardness numerical value input screen G3, and the prefecture selection screen G6 using the operation means 7. For convenience of explanation, the following will focus on the selection and setting of water hardness.

[0037] 5A-5E show the water hardness selection screen G2, which is the second category and is displayed when the "Water Hardness" button display B7 on the top screen G1 is touched. Referring to the same figure, the water hardness selection screen G2 is described. At the front of the screen, a water hardness screen display area A3 is formed, displaying a tab display B31 including a text display D31 reading "Water Hardness Selection" and a tab display B32 including a text display D32 reading "Numeric Input" side-by-side. The currently selected tab display area, for example, the "Water Hardness Selection" tab display B31 in the case of FIGS. 5A-5E, displays a selection display area S1 around the periphery of the tab display B31. Additionally, a text display D33 reading "Please select your water hardness" is displayed behind the water hardness screen display area A3.

[0038] Behind the text indicator D33, cursor indicators C1 to C5 are displayed in a straight line, and in front of these cursor indicators C1 to C5, text indicators D35 to D40 are displayed side by side, and behind the cursor indicators C1 to C5, a water hardness selection display area A4 is formed, displaying a text indicator D41 reading "mg / L," which reminds the user that the numerical values ​​in the text indicators D35 to D40 are numerical values ​​for water hardness. Furthermore, the currently selected cursor indicator, for example, the "40-60" cursor indicator C3 in the case of Figure 5(C), is displayed lit, and the other cursor indicators C1, C2, C4, and C5 are displayed unlit. Here, a text display D35 of "0" and a text display D36 of "20" are placed to the left and right of the cursor display C11 of "0-20". Similarly, a text display D36 of "20" and a text display D37 of "40" are placed to the left and right of the cursor display C12 of "20-40". Furthermore, a text display D37 of "40" and a text display D38 of "40-60" are placed to the left and right of the cursor display C13 of "40-60". A text display D37 with "60" and a text display D38 with "60" are placed in front of the left end and right end of cursor display C14 with "60-80", a text display D38 with "60" and a text display D39 with "80" are placed in front of the left end and right end of cursor display C15 with "80-100", and a text display D39 with "80" and a text display D40 with "100" are placed in front of the left end and right end of cursor display C15 with "80-100".

[0039] The storage means 18 separately stores a water hardness range setting, such as "40-60," and a water hardness value setting, such as "20," which will be described later. When the top screen G1 is switched to the water hardness selection screen G2, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor indicators C1-C5 for the water hardness range stored in the storage means 18 are lit. For example, if the storage means 18 stores a water hardness range setting of "40-60" and a water hardness value setting of "20 mg / L," and the "water hardness" setting indicator D14 displays "20 mg / L," when the top screen G1 is switched to the water hardness selection screen G2, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor indicator C3 for "40-60" is lit.

[0040] Additionally, a button display section B43 including a text display element D43 that reads "<" and a button display section B44 including a text display element D44 that reads ">" are arranged side by side behind the water hardness selection display area A4. Additionally, a button display section B45 including a text display element D45 that reads "Back," a button display section B46 including a text display element D46 that reads "OK," a button display section B47 including a text display element D47 that reads "Average for each prefecture," and a button display section B48 including a text display element D48 that reads "Cancel" are arranged side by side behind the water hardness selection screen G2.

[0041] The "Water Hardness Selection" tab display section B31 and the "Numerical Input" tab display section B32 indicate whether the water hardness selection screen G2 or the water hardness numerical input screen G3 is currently displayed on the LCD 25. When the "Water Hardness Selection" tab display section B31 is selected and the water hardness selection screen G2 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the background of the "Water Hardness Selection" tab display section B31 is displayed in approximately the same color as the background, the "Water Hardness Selection" text display section D31 is displayed in white, the selection display section S1 is displayed around the "Water Hardness Selection" tab display section B31, and the "Numerical Input" tab display section B32 is displayed in a lighter color, i.e., a so-called grayed-out display. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the tab display section B32 for "Numerical Input" is selected and the water hardness numerical input screen G3 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the tab display section B31 for "Water Hardness Selection" is displayed in gray out, the background of the tab display section B32 for "Numerical Input" is displayed in substantially the same color as the background color, the text display section D31 for "Numerical Input" is displayed in white, and the selection display section S1 is displayed around the outer periphery of the tab display section B32 for "Numerical Input".

[0042] The cursor indicators C1 to C5 indicate the water hardness setting for the food to be cooked. The water hardness increases as you move to the right cursor indicator, and the rice cooking course is set based on the water hardness displayed by the cursor indicator. In the water hardness selection screen G2 of this embodiment, the water hardness is selected by moving the illuminated cursor indicators C1 to C5 left and right. The illuminated cursor indicators C1 to C5 are moved using the "<" button indicator B43 and the ">" button indicator B44. For example, when the "<" button indicator B43 is touched once in the state shown in FIG. 5(C), the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "<" button indicator B43. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to turn off the "40 to 60" cursor indicator C3 and turn on the "20 to 40" cursor indicator C2. 5(C), when the ">" button display B44 is touched once, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the ">" button display B44, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to turn off the "40-60" cursor display C13 and turn on the "40-60" cursor display C4, as shown in FIG. 5(D). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to gray out the "<" button display B43 when the "0-20" cursor display C11 is turned on, so that even if the "<" button display B43 is touched, the operation is invalid. Also, as shown in Figure 5 (E), the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the ">" button display section B44 in a grayed-out state when the "80-100" cursor display C5 is lit, and similarly, even if the ">" button display section B44 is touched, the operation is disabled.

[0043] The "OK" button display B46 is operated to confirm the selection of water hardness, and for example, when the "OK" button display B46 is touched while the above-mentioned "20-40" cursor display C12 is lit, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "OK" button display B46, and the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to change the display of the "Water hardness" setting display D14 to the setting of the water hardness selection screen G2 when the "OK" button display B46 is operated, for example, to "20-40".

[0044] The "average for each prefecture" button display section B47 is operated to select the average value for each prefecture when selecting water hardness, and when the "average for each prefecture" button display section B47 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "average for each prefecture" button display section B47, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the regional division selection screen G5.

[0045] The "Back" button display section B47 is operated to discard the settings on the current screen, for example, the water hardness selection screen G2, and return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1. When the "Back" button display section B47 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Back" button display section B47, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to discard the settings currently displayed on the LCD 25, return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1, and display the settings that were displayed on the previous screen.

[0046] The "Cancel" button display section B48 is operated when discarding the settings on the current screen, for example, the water hardness selection screen G2, and returning to the top screen G1. When the "Cancel" button display section B48 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Cancel" button display section B48, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to discard the settings currently displayed on the LCD 25, return to the top screen G1, and display the settings that were displayed on the most recent top screen G1.

[0047] 6 shows the water hardness guide pop-up screen G4, which is displayed first when the top screen G1 is switched to the water hardness selection screen G2. Referring to the same figure, the water hardness guide pop-up screen G4 is described. A water hardness guide pop-up display P1 is formed across substantially the entire LCD 25. A guide display D51 displaying an explanation of the hardness of water used for cooking rice is disposed in front of the water hardness guide pop-up display P1. Behind the guide display D51, a check box display B52 displayed as a hollow square, a text display D53 reading "Don't show this again," and a button display B54 including a text display D54 reading "OK" are displayed side by side.

[0048] The check box display section B52 is operated when selecting whether or not to display the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1. When the check box display section B52 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the check box display section B52, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a checked mark, such as a "T" mark, within the check box display section B52.

[0049] The "OK" button display section B54 is operated to determine whether or not to display the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1. For example, when the "OK" button display section B54 is touched while the check mark is displayed in the checkbox display section B52, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "OK" button display section B54, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the water hardness selection screen G2. From the next time onward, when transitioning from the top screen G1 to the water hardness selection screen G2, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the water hardness selection screen G2 without popping up the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1. On the other hand, for example, if the above-mentioned check mark is not displayed in the check box display section B52 and the "OK" button display section B54 is touched while it is a white square, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the water hardness selection screen G2, and the next time the display control means 23 transitions from the top screen G1 to the water hardness selection screen G2, it also controls the display means 6 to pop up and display the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1.

[0050] 7 shows the water hardness numeric value input screen G3, which is the first category and is accessed by touching the "Numeric Input" tab display B32 on the water hardness selection screen G2. Referring to FIG. 7, the water hardness numeric value input screen G3 will be described. A water hardness screen display area A3 is formed in the foreground, and behind this water hardness screen display area A3, a text display D58 that reads "Settable from 0 to 120" is displayed. A picker display B59 including a text display D59 showing the set 10-digit number, a picker display B60 including a text display D60 showing the set single-digit number, and a text display D61 that reads "mg / L," which indicates that the numbers displayed in the text displays D59 and D60 are the water hardness, are displayed side by side. Furthermore, an up key display B62 including an icon display D62 evoking an increase in the tens digit number displayed on the text display D59 is arranged in front of the picker display B59, an up key display B63 including an icon display D63 evoking an increase in the units digit number displayed on the text display D60 is arranged in front of the picker display B60, and a down key display B64 including an icon display D64 evoking a decrease in the tens digit number displayed on the text display D59 is arranged behind the picker display B59, and a down key display B65 including an icon display D65 evoking a decrease in the units digit number displayed on the text display D60 is arranged behind the picker display B60. These displays D58 to D65 and displays B59 to B65 are arranged and displayed as described above to form a water hardness numerical input display area A3.

[0051] As described above, the storage means 18 stores the water hardness range setting and the water hardness value setting separately, and when the screen transitions from the water hardness selection screen G2 to the water hardness value input screen G3, the storage means 18 stores the water hardness value range displayed on the water hardness selection screen G2 immediately before the transition, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the water hardness value stored in the storage means 18 is displayed on the picker display units B59 and B60. On the other hand, when the screen transitions from the water hardness value input screen G3 to the water hardness selection screen G2, the storage means 18 stores the water hardness value displayed on the water hardness value input screen G3 immediately before the transition, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the cursor indicators C1 to C5 for the water hardness value range stored in the storage means 18 are lit. Therefore, even if you move to the water hardness number input screen G3 or the water hardness selection screen G2 while setting the water hardness on the water hardness selection screen G2 or the water hardness number input screen G3, the information on the previous water hardness setting can be displayed the next time you move to the water hardness selection screen G2 or the water hardness number input screen G3.

[0052] The picker display sections B59, B60 display the setting of the water hardness for the food to be cooked, and by touching the up key display sections B62, B63 or the down key display sections B64, B65 to change the display on the picker display sections B59, B60, the rice cooking course is set according to the water hardness displayed on the picker display sections B59, B60. For example, when the down key display section B64 is touched once in the state shown in Figure 7, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the down key display section B64, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to decrease by 1 the number "5" in the text display section D59 displayed on the picker display section B59, so that the number "4" is displayed on the text display section D59. For example, when the "OK" button display B46 is touched while the above-mentioned picker display sections B59 and B90 display "40," the control section 12 receives an operation signal from the operation section 7 disposed above the "OK" button display B46, and the display control section 23 controls the display section 6 to return to the top screen G1 and change the display of the "Water Hardness" setting display D14 to the setting of the water hardness numerical value input screen G3 at the time of operation of the "OK" button display section B46, for example, to "40 mg / L." Note that the display control section 23 may also control the display section 6 so that, when a slide operation is performed by touching the touch panel 8 with a finger on these picker display sections B59 and B60 and then sliding the finger, the number on the picker display section is scrolled in the direction of the slide operation.

[0053] 8A and 8B show how the display of the picker display sections B59 and B60 changes when the up key display sections B62 and B63 or the down key display sections B64 and B65 are operated on the water hardness value input screen G3. Fig. 8A shows the state when the picker display sections B59 and B60 display the minimum value "0." At this time, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the icon display sections D62, D63, and D65 of the up key display sections B62 and B63 and the down key display section B65 in color and to display the icon display section D64 of the down key display section B64 in gray. This allows the user to intuitively input the water hardness value, reminding them that the value of the picker display section B60 can be increased or decreased, while the value of the picker display section B59 can be increased, but the value of the picker display section B59 cannot be decreased.

[0054] In this embodiment, the text display D60, which indicates the set single-digit number and is the value of the picker display B60, can be changed between "0" and "9," and the text display D59, which indicates the set 10-digit number and is the picker display B59, can be changed between " " and "12," which are blank spaces that are not displayed. By making the minimum value of the text display D59 blank instead of 0, the user can quickly and reliably know the currently displayed water hardness value simply by looking at the water hardness value input screen G3.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the up key display section B63 is touched as shown in FIG. 8(A), the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to increment the number displayed in the text display section D60, for example, to "1" or "2." Meanwhile, when the down key display section B65 is touched, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to change the number displayed in the text display section D60, for example, to "9," as shown in FIG. 8(B). At this time, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a blank " " in the text display section D59 of the picker display section B59, as in FIG. 8(A). The picker display sections B59 and B60 are configured so that no carryover or carryback occurs between them, and each can be set independently, making it easier for the user to set them. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which carryover or carryback occurs between the picker display sections B59 and B60 may also be used.

[0056] On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the down key display section B64 is touched in the state shown in Fig. 8(A), the control means 12 does not accept the operation signal from the operation means 7, and the operation is invalid, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the number shown in the text display D59 is not changed, for example, from a blank " " to "12," thereby preventing the user from making an erroneous operation when entering the numerical value for water hardness. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration is also possible in which a blank " " is changed to "12."

[0057] 8(C) shows the case where the picker display sections B59 and B60 are displaying the maximum value of "120," and at this time the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the icon display D64 in the down key display section B64 in color and to display the icon displays D62, D63, and D65 in the up key display sections B62, B63, and down key display section B65 in gray. This reminds the user that while the value in the picker display section B59 can be decreased, the value in the picker display section B59 cannot be increased, and the value in the picker display section B60 cannot be increased or decreased, allowing the user to intuitively operate the water hardness value input. In this embodiment, as described above, no carry-over or carry-down occurs between the picker display sections B59 and B60, and therefore the numerical value in the picker display section B60 cannot be operated to either increase or decrease. However, in a configuration in which carry-over or carry-down occurs between the picker display sections B59 and B60, the numerical value in the picker display section B60 may be operated to decrease.

[0058] 9 shows the region division selection screen G5, which is displayed when the "Prefecture Average" button display B47 is touched on the water hardness selection screen G2. Referring to FIG. 9, the region division selection screen G5 is displayed in the front of the screen. The screen displays a settings / guide screen display area A5, which displays a tab display area B71 containing a text display element D71 that reads "Settings" and a tab display area B72 containing a text display element D72 that reads "Guide." The settings / guide screen display area A5 is followed by a region division selection display area A6, which displays six button display elements B73-B78 side by side.

[0059] Here, the button display section B73 for "Hokkaido Tohoku" includes a text display element D73 that reads "Hokkaido Tohoku", the button display section B74 for "Kanto Koshin" includes a text display element D74 that reads "Kanto Koshin", the button display section B75 for "Hokuriku Tokai" includes a text display element D75 that reads "Hokuriku Tokai", the button display section B76 for "Kinki" includes a text display element D76 that reads "Kinki", the button display section B77 for "Chugoku Shikoku" includes a text display element D77 that reads "Chugoku Shikoku", and the button display section B78 for "Kyushu Okinawa" includes a text display element D78 that reads "Kyushu Okinawa".

[0060] Also, at the rear of the region division selection screen G5, a "Back" button display section B45 and a "Cancel" button display section B48 are arranged side by side.

[0061] The "Settings" tab display section B71 and the "Guide" tab display section B72 indicate whether the settings screen or the guide selection screen is currently displayed on the LCD 25, and since the region division selection screen G5 can also be selected from the guide selection screen, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the "Settings" tab display section B71 is displayed in a grayed-out state and the "Guide" tab display section B72 is displayed in approximately the same color as the background color, assuming that the guide selection screen G9 is displayed on the LCD 25.

[0062] The button display sections B73 to B78 in the regional division selection display area A6 are operated to select the regional division in which the prefecture is located when selecting the water hardness from among the prefectures. When any of the button display sections B73 to B78 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above each button display section B73 to B78, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to transition to the prefecture selection screen G6 corresponding to the selected button display section.

[0063] 10 shows a prefecture selection screen G6 as a third category, which is transitioned to when, for example, the "Hokuriku Tokai" button display B75 is touched on the region division selection screen G5. Referring to FIG. 10, the prefecture selection screen G6 will be described. At the front of the screen, a text display D81 is displayed, which reads, "Average tap water hardness (mg / L) for each prefecture." Behind the text display D81, a prefecture selection display area A7 is formed, displaying eight button displays B82-B89 arranged front to back and left to right. At the rear of the prefecture selection screen G6, a "Back" button display B45 and a "Cancel" button display B48 are arranged left to right.

[0064] The button display sections B82 to B89 in the prefecture selection screen G6 are operated to select the water hardness from the average hardness of tap water in the prefecture, and in this embodiment, the number of button display sections B82 to B89 and the display of text displays D82 to D89 included in the button display sections B82 to B89 correspond to the regional division selected in the regional division selection display area A6. Therefore, prefecture selection screen G6 has six screens corresponding to button display sections B73 to B78, and for example, as shown in Figure 10, in prefecture selection screen G6 which is transitioned to when button display section B75 for "Hokuriku Tokai" is touched, display control means 23 controls display means 6 so that eight button display sections B82 to B89 are displayed and text displays D82 to D89 respectively display "Niigata 33.0", "Toyama 29.5", "Ishikawa 46.5", "Fukui 38.4", "Shizuoka 53.6", "Gifu 38.6", "Aichi 24.1", and "Mie 44.5".

[0065] Here, when one of the button displays B82-B89, for example, the "Niigata 33.0" button display B82, is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the corresponding button display B73-B78, stores in the storage means 18 the range of the average tap water hardness of the selected prefecture—for example, Niigata Prefecture, which is 33.0 mg / L, so "20-40"—and the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to change the display of the "Water Hardness" setting display D14 to one of the cursor displays C1-C5 corresponding to the range of the average tap water hardness of the selected prefecture, for example, Niigata Prefecture, which is "20-40." Therefore, even if the user does not know the hardness of the tap water used for cooking rice, the user can select the water hardness by selecting the region or prefecture of the tap water to be used, eliminating the need to test or investigate the tap water hardness, thereby improving convenience. In this embodiment, since the hardness of tap water varies even within each prefecture, the storage means 18 stores information on a range of the average hardness of tap water in the selected prefecture and displays it on the setting display D14. However, the storage means 18 may also store the numerical value of the average hardness of tap water in each prefecture, for example, "33" for Niigata prefecture, and display it on the setting display D14.

[0066] 11 shows the prefecture water hardness pop-up screen G7, which is the first screen displayed when the screen transitions from the water hardness selection screen G2 to the region division selection screen G5. Referring to FIG. 11, the prefecture water hardness pop-up screen G7 is described. A prefecture water hardness pop-up display P2 is displayed across substantially the entire LCD 25. A guide display D91, which displays an explanation of the average hardness of tap water in each prefecture, is located in front of the prefecture water hardness pop-up display P2. Behind the guide display D91, a check box display B92 displayed as a hollow square, a text display D93 that reads "Don't show this again," and a button display B94 that includes a text display D94 that reads "OK" are displayed side by side.

[0067] The check box display section B92 is operated when selecting whether or not to display the prefecture water hardness pop-up display section P2. When this check box display section B92 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the check box display section B92, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a checked mark, such as a "T" mark, within the check box display section B92.

[0068] The "OK" button display section B94 is operated to determine whether or not to display the prefecture water hardness pop-up display section P2. For example, when the "OK" button display section B94 is touched while the above-mentioned check mark is displayed in the checkbox display section B92, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "OK" button display section B94, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the region division selection screen G5. From the next time onward, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the region division selection screen G5 without popping up the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1 the next time the screen transitions from the water hardness selection screen G2 to the region division selection screen G5. On the other hand, for example, when the above-mentioned check mark is not displayed in the check box display section B92 and the "OK" button display section B94 is touched while it is a white square, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the regional division selection screen G5, and the next time the display control means 23 transitions from the water hardness selection screen G2 to the regional division selection screen G5, it also controls the display means 6 to pop up and display the water hardness guide pop-up display section P1.

[0069] Next, the operation of the rice cooker configured as described above in the rice cooking process will be described with reference to Figure 12. In this embodiment, in order to properly and easily select the cooking method depending on the water hardness of the food being cooked, the water hardness is selected and set, and the internal pressure of the inner pot is adjusted by changing the energization time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump of the pressure reducing means 16 during the soaking cooking process, so that an appropriate cooking method pattern can be set for each water hardness.

[0070] Specifically, after setting the rice cooking course, when the "Start Cooking" button display B17 on the top screen G1 is touched, the condition setting means 24 stores the rice settings, cooking method settings, hardness settings, and water hardness settings currently displayed in the rice cooking information display area A2 in the memory means 18 as the settings for this rice cooking course, and the rice cooking control means 21 performs each of the rice cooking operations of the soaking cooking process, boiling heating process, continued boiling process, and steaming process on the food to be cooked in the inner pot of the main body 1 in accordance with the heating pattern of the current rice cooking course settings stored in the memory means 18.In this embodiment, pressure reduction is mainly performed in the soaking cooking process during the rice cooking process.

[0071] During the soaking process, the rice cooking control means 21 controls the operation of the steam path opening / closing means 15 and the pressure reducing means 16 so that the pressure inside the inner pot is reduced below atmospheric pressure. Specifically, when the soaking process begins, the rice cooking control means 21 controls the steam path opening / closing means 15 to close the steam passage. In this state, based on pressure detection by the pressure detection means 14, the rice cooking control means 21 opens the path of the pressure reducing means 16 and continuously operates the vacuum pump to remove air from inside the sealed inner pot. Thereafter, based on the settings in the tables shown in Figures 12(A) and (B), the rice cooking control means 21 controls the pressure reducing means 16 so that the pressure inside the inner pot is maintained at a reduced pressure below a certain value. In this way, the inside of the inner pot is maintained at a reduced pressure throughout the entire soaking process.

[0072] Figure 12 is a table showing the relationship between the power-on time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump of the pressure-reducing means 16 during the soaking cooking process and the hardness of the water. As the hardness of the water used for cooking rice increases and the amount of impurities contained in this water increases, the water absorption rate of the rice used for cooking rice S decreases due to differences in osmotic pressure. Furthermore, particles of calcium and magnesium clog the microscopic pores in the rice used for cooking rice S, preventing water from penetrating deep into the rice. This can result in rice that is not gelatinized to the core. Therefore, the rice cooker of this embodiment adjusts the internal pressure of the inner pot by changing the power-on time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump operates to reduce the pressure as the hardness of the water used for cooking rice increases. This reduces the pressure according to the hardness of the water used for cooking rice, ensuring that cooked rice is gelatinized to the core, even in high-hardness water.

[0073] Specifically, when rice cooking is started when the water hardness setting display D14 on the top screen G1 is displaying a range of water hardness, such as "40-60" as shown in FIG. 4, for example, by setting the water hardness on the water hardness selection screen G2 or the prefecture selection screen G6, the rice cooking control means 21 controls the pressure reduction means 16 to operate the vacuum pump with a power-on time and duty ratio corresponding to the water hardness setting of the received information, based on the settings in the table shown in FIG. 12(A). For example, if "40-60" is displayed on the "water hardness" setting display D14 as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure reduction means 16 controls the vacuum pump to operate with a power-on time Ts of "T3" and a vacuum pump duty ratio of "maximum."

[0074] Furthermore, if rice cooking is started when the water hardness is set on the water hardness value input screen G3, for example, and the "Water Hardness" setting display D14 on the top screen G1 displays a water hardness value such as "30 mg / L," the rice cooking control means 21 controls the pressure reduction means 16 to operate the vacuum pump with a power-on time and duty ratio corresponding to the water hardness setting in the received information, based on the settings in the table shown in Figure 12 (B).For example, if the "Water Hardness" setting display D14 displays "30 mg / L," the pressure reduction means 16 controls the vacuum pump to operate with a power-on time Ts of "T2" and a vacuum pump duty ratio of "large." 12(B), the power supply time Ts is set to increase proportionally as the water hardness value increases, for example, when the water hardness value is 10 mg / L, the power supply time Ts is set to T1, and when the water hardness value is 30 mg / L, the power supply time Ts is set to T2. After that, when the pre-set time of the soaking cooking process is completed, the process moves to the next boiling heating process, and the rice cooking control means 21 controls the steam path opening / closing means 15 and the controlled pressure reduction means 16 to return the pressure inside the inner pot from the reduced pressure state to the same as the outside air pressure.

[0075] As described above, the rice cooker as a cooking appliance of this embodiment comprises rice cooking control means 21 as a control means for controlling the cooking of rice and water as food items containing water, memory means 18 for storing water hardness information as water quality information of the water for the food item, display means 6 for displaying water hardness information by category, and operation means 7 for operating the water hardness information displayed on the display means 6 in a selectable manner. The rice cooking control means 21 controls cooking by controlling the pressure reduction means 16 to reduce the pressure to a level corresponding to the water hardness information selected by the operation means 7, and the display means 6 is configured to have a water hardness selection screen G2, a water hardness numerical input screen G3, and a prefecture selection screen G6 as displays by category that allow the operation means 7 to select and operate the water hardness information.

[0076] With this configuration, the rice cooker can reduce the pressure according to the water hardness of the food being cooked, allowing cooking to be done according to the water hardness of the food being cooked, and the simple configuration allows the user to select water hardness information, allowing appropriate cooking to be done according to the selected water hardness information.In addition, since the operation means 7 allows selection of water hardness information and multiple displays for each category, the user can easily select the water hardness to suit their needs.

[0077] In addition, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the categories displayed on the display means 6 are configured to include at least one of a water hardness numerical value input screen G3 as a first category that allows the user to select the water hardness numerically using the operation means 7, and a water hardness selection screen G2 as a second category that allows the user to select the water hardness from a range of numerical values ​​using the operation means 7, allowing the user to select and input the water hardness according to their needs.

[0078] In addition, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the categories displayed on the display means 6 include a water hardness numerical value input screen G3 as the first category and a water hardness selection screen G2 as the second category. When switching between the water hardness numerical value input screen G3 and the water hardness selection screen G2, the storage means 18 separately stores the numerical value of the water hardness numerical value input screen G3 and the numerical range of the water hardness selection screen G2 selected by the operation means 7. The next time the water hardness numerical value input screen G3 is displayed on the display means 6, the numerical value stored at the time of switching is reflected and displayed on the water hardness numerical value input screen G3. Alternatively, the next time the water hardness selection screen G2 is displayed on the display means 6, the numerical range stored at the time of switching is reflected and displayed on the water hardness selection screen G2. This allows the user to select and input water hardness according to their needs, and eliminates the need for the user to remember previously entered water hardness numerical values ​​or previously selected water hardness numerical ranges, improving convenience.

[0079] Furthermore, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the categories displayed on the display means 6 include at least a prefecture selection screen G6 as a third category that can be selected from a plurality of regions using the operation means 7, and by selecting a prefecture as a specified region, the corresponding range of water hardness values ​​is stored in the memory means 18. This allows the user to select the water hardness by selecting the prefecture of the tap water to be used for cooking rice, even if they do not know the hardness information of the tap water used, thereby improving convenience.

[0080] In addition, the rice cooker of this embodiment has multiple regions, which are 47 prefectures, and is categorized by the 47 prefectures, which are well-known regions, so the user can easily select a region.

[0081] In addition, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the display means 6 is configured to further include a water hardness guide pop-up screen G4 and a prefecture water hardness pop-up screen G7 as displays for explaining water hardness information, so that the user can learn about the water hardness and the average hardness of tap water in each prefecture before selecting water hardness information.

[0082] Furthermore, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the operating means 7 is configured with a touch sensor, allowing the user to operate the operating means 7 intuitively.

[0083] In addition, the rice cooker as a cooking appliance in this embodiment is a rice cooker that can sequentially perform a soaking cooking process, a boiling heating process, a continuing boiling process, and a high temperature maintaining process, and the rice cooking control means 21 is configured to control rice cooking in the soaking cooking process by controlling the pressure reducing means 16 to reduce the pressure to a level corresponding to the water hardness information, depending on the water hardness information, and the rice cooker can cook rice according to the water hardness of the food being cooked.

[0084] In addition, the rice cooker as a cooking appliance in this embodiment is a rice cooker that includes an inner pot as a pot for accommodating the food to be cooked, and pressure reduction means 16 for reducing the pressure inside the inner pot, and the rice cooking control means 21 is configured to control the pressure reduction means 16 to reduce the pressure to a level corresponding to the water hardness information, depending on the water hardness information.Since the rice cooker can reduce the pressure according to the water hardness of the food to be cooked, cooking can be done according to the water hardness of the food to be cooked.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while the present embodiment describes a rice cooker as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to other cooking appliances, such as a heating cooker. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rice cooking course is selected and set by setting the water hardness as the water quality information of the food to be cooked. However, the rice cooking course may also be selected and set by using water quality information other than water hardness, such as the calcium ion concentration, magnesium ion concentration, or pH value of the water. Furthermore, when the prefecture selection screen G6 is switched, the prefecture selected by the operation unit 7 may be stored. The next time the prefecture selection screen G6 is displayed on the display unit 6, the prefecture stored at the time of switching may be reflected and displayed on the prefecture selection screen G6. The numerical values ​​exemplified in the present embodiment are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the rice cooker.

[0086] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the rice cooking control means 21 as a control means changes the energization time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump of the pressure reduction means 16 in the soaking cooking process in accordance with the selection and setting of water hardness, but the process in which control is changed in accordance with the selection and setting of water hardness is not limited to the soaking cooking process, and it may change control in at least one process of other rice cooking processes, such as the boiling heating process, the boiling continuation process, and the high temperature maintenance process.For example, it may change control in other processes in addition to the soaking cooking process.Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which the control target of the rice cooking control means 21 as a control means was the energization time and duty ratio of the vacuum pump of the pressure reduction means 16, but the control target is not limited to this and may be another control target, such as heating control of the heating means 11, or of course multiple control targets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 6 Display means 7 Operation means (selection means) 16 Pressure reduction means 21 Rice cooking control means (control means) B17 "Start cooking" button display (cooking instruction section) G1 Top screen (selection method, Simultaneous display screen ) G2 Water Hardness Selection Screen (Selection Method, A screen that allows selection of water quality information; (Second form) G3 Water hardness value input screen (selection method, A screen that allows selection of water quality information; (First form) G6 Prefecture selection screen (selection method , a screen that allows selection of water quality information )

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the cooking of water and rice as the food to be cooked; a selection means for selecting at least one of the rice setting, the rice cooking method setting, and the rice hardness setting, and for selecting water quality information; and a display means for displaying information about rice cooking. The display means simultaneously displays the water quality information selected by the selection means and at least one of the rice setting, the rice cooking method setting, and the rice hardness setting selected by the selection means, and The control means controls rice cooking in accordance with the water quality information selected by the selection means, and at least one of the selected rice setting, the rice cooking method setting, and the rice hardness setting.

2. A cooking appliance as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the display means displays the screen that is displayed simultaneously, separately from the screen that allows the water quality information to be selected.

3. A cooking appliance as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the display means simultaneously displays a rice cooking instruction section that accepts the start of rice cooking on the simultaneously displayed screen.

4. 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is capable of selecting the water quality information in two or more forms.

5. The selection means has a first form in which the water quality information can be selected by a numerical value; a second form in which the water quality information can be selected from a range of values; and

6. The cooking device is a rice cooker capable of sequentially performing a soaking process, a boiling heating process, a continuing boiling process, and a high temperature maintaining process, The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the rice cooking in the soaking process according to the water quality information.

7. The cooking appliance is a rice cooker comprising a pot for accommodating the food to be cooked and a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure inside the pot; 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the pressure reducing means in accordance with the water quality information.

Images