rice cooker

Abstract

To provide a rice cooker that can reduce noise generated at the time of delivery of rice.SOLUTION: A rice cooker comprises: a pot; a case having an upper opening part, and for housing the pot through the upper opening part; a rice container for housing rice; a rice supply part for supplying the rice in the rice container into the pot; an outer lid for openably / closably covering the upper opening part of the case by rotating around an outer lid hinge part provided at an upper part of the case; and an inner lid detachably attached to the outer lid, and for openably / closably covering an opening part of the pot in association with the rotation of the outer lid. The rice supply part comprises: a cylindrical rice delivery pipe of which one end part communicates with the inside of the rice container, and of which another end part penetrates the inside of the outer lid and opens toward a rice input port provided at the inner lid; and a rice delivery fan for pushing out the rice in the rice delivery pipe into the pot through the rice input port by generating an air flow toward the rice input port from the side of the rice container in the rice delivery pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rice cooker. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, so-called fully automatic rice cookers are known that can automatically perform processes from supplying rice and water to a pot to cooking the rice (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-220047 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional fully automatic rice cookers still have room for improvement in terms of reducing the noise generated when feeding rice into the pot.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problem and to provide a rice cooker that can reduce the noise generated when feeding rice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. According to the present invention, a pot and A housing having an upper surface opening and accommodating the pot through the upper surface opening; a rice container for storing rice; a rice supply unit that supplies rice from the rice container into the pot; an outer lid that opens and closes the top opening of the housing by rotating around an outer lid hinge portion provided on the top of the housing; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and that covers the opening of the pot in an openable and closable manner as the outer lid rotates; Equipped with The rice supply department a cylindrical rice-transport pipe whose one end communicates with the interior of the rice container and whose other end penetrates the interior of the outer lid and opens toward the rice-inlet provided in the inner lid; a rice sending fan that generates an air flow from the rice container side toward the rice inlet in the rice sending pipe and pushes the rice in the rice sending pipe into the pot through the rice inlet; Provided is a rice cooker comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a rice cooker can be provided that can reduce noise generated when feeding rice. [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. 2 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker of FIG. 1 with the outer lid open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker of FIG. 1 with the rice container lid open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the rice cooker of FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of the rice cooker of FIG. 1 with the housing, outer lid, and outer wall of the rice container removed, seen obliquely from the rear. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of components related to the rice storage section and the rice supply section, seen obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of components related to the rice storage section and the rice supply section, seen from diagonally below. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the internal structure of the outer lid. [Figure 10] This is an oblique view of the internal structure of the outer lid as seen from diagonally behind. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a portion of the rice supply pipe located at the portion where the outer lid and the rice container are adjacent to each other. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner wall of the outer lid. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner lid is attached to the outer lid of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] The rice lid is shown in the closed position. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rice cooker of FIG. 1 taken in the depth direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that form the basis of the present invention) The present inventors have conducted extensive research into ways to reduce noise generated during rice delivery, and have come to the following findings.

[0010] Conventional automatic rice cookers are typically configured to supply rice into the pot by allowing the rice to fall from above under its own weight. This configuration creates a loud noise when the rice hits the bottom of the pot. To reduce this noise, a separate silencer could be installed. However, this naturally increases the number of components and requires space for the silencer.

[0011] The inventors then discovered a configuration in which an airflow is generated in the rice-feeding pipe that feeds rice from the rice container into the pot, and this airflow pushes the rice in the rice-feeding pipe into the pot through the rice inlet in the inner lid. With this configuration, the airflow flowing through the rice-feeding pipe rapidly decreases in flow rate as it enters the large space of the pot. Furthermore, the airflow entering the pot increases the internal pressure of the pot. As a result, the speed at which the rice hits the bottom wall of the pot decreases, and noise during rice feeding is reduced compared to conventional fully automatic rice cookers. Based on this novel finding, the inventors arrived at the following invention.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pot and A housing having an upper surface opening and accommodating the pot through the upper surface opening; a rice container for storing rice; a rice supply unit that supplies rice from the rice container into the pot; an outer lid that opens and closes the top opening of the housing by rotating around an outer lid hinge portion provided on the top of the housing; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and that covers the opening of the pot in an openable and closable manner as the outer lid rotates; Equipped with The rice supply department a cylindrical rice-transport pipe whose one end communicates with the interior of the rice container and whose other end penetrates the interior of the outer lid and opens toward the rice-inlet provided in the inner lid; a rice sending fan that generates an air flow from the rice container side toward the rice inlet in the rice sending pipe and pushes the rice in the rice sending pipe into the pot through the rice inlet; To provide a rice cooker comprising:

[0013] With this configuration, the airflow generated by the rice feeding fan flows into the pot through the rice inlet along with the rice, which reduces the speed at which the rice hits the bottom wall of the pot and reduces noise during rice feeding.

[0014] The rice feeding pipe may have an internal flow passage with a uniform or approximately uniform cross-sectional area along its length. With this configuration, the airflow generated by the rice feeding fan can push the rice in the rice feeding pipe into the pot at a constant or approximately constant pressure, further reducing noise during rice feeding.

[0015] Furthermore, a portion of the rice feed pipe may be positioned coaxially with the outer lid hinge and extend through the side wall of the outer lid. This configuration minimizes the impact of the outer lid's rotation and minimizes the number of sharp bends (e.g., 90 degrees or greater) in the rice feed pipe. This reduces airflow pressure loss due to bends in the rice feed pipe and improves the sealing of the rice feed pipe. As a result, noise during rice feeding can be reduced and the product size can be further reduced.

[0016] The rice container may further include a rice container lid that rotates around the rice container hinge to open and close the rice container opening located above the rice container. The rice container hinge and the outer lid hinge may be coaxially arranged, and a portion of the rice supply pipe may pass through the rice container hinge or may form at least a portion of the rice container hinge. This configuration minimizes the impact of the rice container lid's rotation and minimizes the number of sharp bends (e.g., 90 degrees or greater) in the rice supply pipe. This reduces airflow pressure loss due to bends in the rice supply pipe and improves the sealing performance of the rice supply pipe. As a result, noise during rice supply can be reduced and the product size can be further reduced. Furthermore, the rice container opening can be enlarged, improving the ease of refilling rice into the rice container.

[0017] The rice container may further include a rice-inlet lid that opens and closes the rice inlet, and an annular sealing member that is disposed around the rice inlet and seals the gap between the outer lid and the inner lid, as well as the gap between the rice-inlet lid and the inner lid. With this configuration, a single sealing member seals the gap between the outer lid and the inner lid, thereby minimizing the number of parts and improving sealing performance.

[0018] The rice container may further include an arm that moves the rice-inlet lid between a closed position where it contacts the sealing member to close the rice inlet and an open position where it moves away from the sealing member to open the rice inlet, and the arm is located in an enclosed space between the outer lid and the inner lid, excluding the other end of the rice-feeding tube, when the rice-inlet lid is located in the closed position. With this configuration, by locating the arm that moves the rice-inlet lid in the enclosed space between the outer lid and the inner lid, it is possible to prevent rice powder, insects, etc. from entering the inside of the outer lid or the space between the outer lid and the inner lid, thereby improving cleanability.

[0019] Alternatively, the rice sending fan may be driven at a predetermined rotation speed, and when the actual rotation speed of the rice sending fan is higher than the predetermined rotation speed, the fan may be driven at a rotation speed even higher than the predetermined rotation speed. With this configuration, if the rice sending fan is driven at a predetermined rotation speed and the actual rotation speed of the rice sending fan is higher than the predetermined rotation speed, it can be assumed that the rice sending pipe or the rice sending fan filter is clogged. By subsequently driving the rice sending fan at a rotation speed even higher than the actual rotation speed, the clogging of the rice sending pipe or the rice sending fan filter can be cleared. As a result, noise during rice sending caused by clogging of the rice sending pipe or the rice sending fan filter can be reduced.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, substantially the same components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0021] Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, the following uses terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "front," "back," and "side," assuming a state of normal use, but this does not mean to limit the state of use of the rice cooker according to the present invention.

[0022] (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rice cooker according to this embodiment is a so-called fully automatic rice cooker, which can automatically perform all processes from supplying rice and water to the pot to cooking the rice. The rice cooker according to this embodiment is also a non-pressure rice cooker, which performs the rice cooking process at a pressure inside the pot of less than 1.05 atmospheres.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker of this embodiment includes a housing 1, an outer lid 2 that covers the top of the housing 1, a water container 3 provided at the bottom of the housing 1, a rice container 4 provided along one side of the housing 1, and a rice container lid 5 that covers the top of the rice container 4.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker of FIG. 1 with the outer lid 2 open. In this embodiment, the housing 1 has a rectangular or approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 2, an upper opening 1a is provided on the top surface of the housing 1. A pot 6 is inserted through the upper opening 1a, thereby storing the pot 6 inside the housing 1. An outer lid hinge portion 1b is provided on the upper rear portion of the housing 1. The outer lid hinge portion 1b is provided to extend in the horizontal direction X.

[0025] The outer lid 2 is configured to cover the top opening 1a of the housing 1 in an openable and closable manner by rotating about the outer lid hinge portion 1b. In this embodiment, the outer lid 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped or approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. When viewed from above, the outer lid 2 and the housing 1 have the same or approximately the same shape. That is, the outer lid 2 and the housing 1 have the same or approximately the same dimensions in the horizontal direction X and the depth direction Y perpendicular to the horizontal direction X.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, an inner lid 7 is detachably attached to the outer lid 2. In this embodiment, the inner lid 7 has a disk or approximately disk shape. The inner lid 7 is configured to cover the opening of the pot 6 so as to be able to open and close as the outer lid 2 rotates. The inner lid 7 is provided with a rice inlet 7a for putting rice into the pot 6 and an exhaust outlet 7b for discharging fluids such as air or steam from inside the pot 6.

[0027] A water container 3 for storing water is provided at the bottom of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the water container 3 is configured to be detachable from the housing 1 by sliding in the depth direction Y.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the rice cooker of FIG. 1 with the rice container lid 5 open. The rice container 4 contains rice. In this embodiment, the rice contained in the rice container 4 is so-called no-wash rice, which does not require washing. A rice container opening 4a is provided above the rice container 4 for placing rice inside the rice container 4. A rice container hinge 4b ​​is provided at the upper rear of the rice container 4. The rice container lid 5 is configured to rotate around the rice container hinge 4b ​​to freely open and close the rice container opening 4a.

[0029] In this embodiment, the rice container lid 5 and the rice container 4 have the same or approximately the same shape when viewed from above. That is, the rice container lid 5 and the rice container 4 have the same or approximately the same dimensions in the horizontal direction X and the depth direction Y. Furthermore, the total length in the height direction Z of the rice container lid 5 and the rice container 4 is the same or approximately the same as the total length in the height direction Z of the outer lid 2 and the housing 1. The height direction Z is perpendicular to the horizontal direction X and the depth direction Y. When the rice container lid 5 and the outer lid 2 are closed, the rice cooker according to this embodiment has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped appearance.

[0030] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the internal structure of the rice cooker in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rice cooker in Figure 1 with the housing 1, outer lid 2, and outer wall of the rice container 4 removed, seen obliquely from behind.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the rice container 4 has a rice storage section 41 that stores rice. The rice storage section 41 has an inclined surface 41a that is inclined in the depth direction Y and height direction Z so that the cross-sectional area decreases downward. The rice stored in the rice storage section 41 moves downward along the inclined surface 41a due to its own weight and is collected below the inclined surface 41a.

[0032] One end of a cylindrical rice supply pipe 42 is connected to the bottom of the rice storage compartment 41. In this embodiment, the rice supply pipe 42 has an internal flow path with a uniform or approximately uniform cross-sectional area along its length. The internal flow path of the rice supply pipe 42 is formed in a straight line or a smoothly curved line to prevent protrusions or recesses that could clog the rice. A rice supply device 43 is provided below the inclined surface 41a. The rice supply device 43 supplies rice from the rice container 4 into the rice supply pipe 42 in an amount corresponding to the rice cooking amount selected on the display / operation unit 8 (described below). The other end of the rice supply pipe 42 penetrates the interior of the outer lid 2 and opens toward the rice inlet 7a (see Figure 2) of the inner lid 7. A rice supply fan 44 is attached to the rice supply pipe 42. The rice supply fan 44 generates an airflow within the rice supply pipe 42 from the rice container 4 toward the rice inlet 7a, forcing the rice in the rice supply pipe 42 into the pot 6 through the rice inlet 7a. In this embodiment, the rice feeding pipe 42, the rice feeding device 43, and the rice feeding fan 44 constitute a rice feeding section that feeds rice in the rice container 4 (rice storage section 41) into the pot 6.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the configuration of parts related to the rice storage unit 41 and the rice supply unit, seen obliquely from above. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the configuration of parts related to the rice storage unit 41 and the rice supply unit, seen obliquely from below.

[0034] 7 and 8, a filter 45 is provided below the rice sending fan 44. In this embodiment, the filter 45 is configured to be detachable from the rice container 4 by sliding in the lateral direction X. The filter 45 prevents dust and other particles from entering the rice sending fan 44 from outside the rice container 4.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the rice container hinge portion 4b and the outer lid hinge portion 1b are arranged coaxially. The straight pipe portion 42a, which is part of the rice feed pipe 42, passes through the rice container hinge portion 4b or constitutes at least a part of the rice container hinge portion 4b. In this embodiment, the straight pipe portion 42a of the rice feed pipe 42 constitutes the rice container hinge portion 4b and functions as the rice container hinge portion 4b. This prevents the straight pipe portion 42a of the rice feed pipe 42 from being affected by the rotation of the rice container lid 5.

[0036] Figure 9 is a top view showing the internal structure of the outer lid 2. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the outer lid 2 seen from diagonally behind. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a portion of the rice feeding pipe 42 located at the part where the outer lid 2 and the rice container 4 are adjacent to each other.

[0037] The straight pipe section 42a of the rice feed pipe 42 is arranged coaxially with the outer lid hinge section 1b and penetrates the side wall 2a of the outer lid 2. The outer lid-side end 42aa of the straight pipe section 42a is rotatably connected to one end 42ca of the joint section 42c via an annular sliding packing 42b. In this embodiment, the joint section 42c is formed in a substantially L-shape. The joint section 42c is configured to rotate around the straight pipe section 42a as a rotation axis. In other words, the joint section 42c is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the outer lid 2. The straight pipe section 42a and the joint section 42c are made of a rigid material such as plastic.

[0038] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rice delivery pipe 42 includes a flexible tube 42d. In this embodiment, the tube 42d is made of rubber. One end 42da of the tube 42d is connected to the other end 42cb of the joint 42c. The other end 42db of the tube 42d is connected to the outer casing 22 of the rice delivery unit 21 so as to penetrate the outer casing 22 and be exposed below the outer lid 2. The rice delivery unit 21 is a unit for delivering rice discharged from the rice delivery pipe 42 into the pot 6. The outer shape of the tube 42d changes from a flat shape to a substantially square shape from the one end 42da to the other end 42db. However, the internal flow path of the tube 42d has a uniform or substantially uniform cross-sectional area along its length and is formed in a straight or smoothly curved shape to prevent protrusions or recesses that could clog the rice.

[0039] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner wall of outer lid 2. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the state in which inner lid 7 is attached to outer lid 2 in Fig. 13.

[0040] As shown in Figure 12, the outer casing member 22 forms part of the inner wall (the wall on the pot 6 side) of the outer lid 2, and is a portion recessed toward the upper wall of the outer lid 2. The other end 42db of the tube 42d is provided so as to pass through the outer casing member 22 and open toward the rice insertion opening 7a of the inner lid 7 (see Figure 14).

[0041] The rice feeding unit 21 includes an outer casing member 22, a rice feeding lid portion 23, an annular sealing member 24, and an arm portion 25.

[0042] The rice-introducing lid 23 is configured to cover the rice inlet 7a so as to be able to open and close freely. In this embodiment, the rice-introducing lid 23 has a disk or approximately disk shape. The rice-introducing lid 23 has a diameter that is smaller than the rice inlet 7a and larger than the inner diameter of the sealing member 24. The rice-introducing lid 23 is connected to one end of the arm 25.

[0043] Arm 25 is configured to move rice charging lid 23 between a closed position where it contacts seal member 24 to close rice inlet 7a, and an open position where it moves away from seal member 24 to open rice inlet 7a. Figure 15 shows rice charging lid 23 in the closed position. Figure 12 shows rice charging lid 23 in the open position.

[0044] In this embodiment, the arm 25 rotates around the pivot 25a to move the rice-introducing lid 23 between the closed and open positions. The pivot 25a is connected to the drive source 26. When the drive source 26 is driven, the pivot 25a rotates, causing the arm 25 to rotate. When the rice-introducing lid 23 is in the closed position, the arm 25 is located within the sealed space E1 between the outer lid 2 and the inner lid 7, sealed except for the other end 42db of the rice-transport tube 42. The sealed space E1 is formed by the outer casing 22, the rice-introducing lid 23, and the seal member 24. The pivot 25a is covered by the arm 25 and is not exposed to the sealed space E1. The drive source 26 is located outside the sealed space E1.

[0045] The sealing member 24 is provided on the bottom wall of the outer lid 2 facing the inner lid 7. When the inner lid 7 is attached to the outer lid 2 as shown in FIG. 14, the sealing member 24 is arranged around the rice inlet 7a and is configured to seal the gap between the outer lid 2 and the inner lid 7. Furthermore, when the rice-inlet lid portion 23 is in the closed position, the sealing member 24 is configured to seal the gap between the rice-inlet lid portion 23 and the inner lid 7. In other words, the sealing member 24 has the function of sealing gaps in two places with a single part.

[0046] As described above, the inner lid 7 is provided with an exhaust port 7b (see FIG. 14) for discharging fluids such as air or steam in the pot 6. As shown in FIG. 13, the outer lid 2 is provided with an exhaust passage 27. The exhaust passage 27 is provided at a position facing the exhaust port 7b. Around the exhaust passage 27 of the outer lid 2, an annular packing (not shown) for sealing the gap between the inner lid 7 and the outer lid 2 is provided when the inner lid 7 is attached to the outer lid 2. The fluid in the pot 6 flows into the exhaust passage 27 through the exhaust port 7b.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the rice cooker shown in FIG. 1 cut in the depth direction Y. As shown in FIG. 16, an exhaust hole 2b is provided in the upper wall of the outer lid 2. The exhaust hole 2b communicates with the exhaust passage 27. The fluid in the pot 6 that has flowed into the exhaust passage 27 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole 2b. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the exhaust hole 2b is formed so as to extend in the lateral direction X.

[0048] The size of the rice inlet 7a is, for example, 215 mm 2 It is. The size of the exhaust port 7b is, for example, 80.0 mm 2 It is. In a top view, it is preferable that the rice inlet 7a is close to the center of the pot 6. Thereby, the rice mountain formed in the pot 6 by the rice discharged from the rice inlet 7a has a more uniform shape. Also, the exhaust port 7b is preferably arranged away from the rice inlet 7a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rice discharged from the rice inlet 7a from flowing into the exhaust passage 27 through the exhaust port 7b. In the present embodiment, the distance L1 from the center of the pot 6 to the center of the rice inlet 7a is set smaller than the distance L2 from the center of the pot 6 to the center of the exhaust passage 27 (L1 <L2). In a top view, the center of the rice inlet 7a and the center of the exhaust port 7b are located at positions facing each other through the center of the pot 6. The distance L1 is, for example, 22.5 mm. The distance L2 is, for example, 44.9 mm.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 14, inner lid 7 is provided with steam inlet 7c and water inlet 7d. As shown in FIG. 13, outer lid 2 is provided with steam sensor 28 and water inlet passage 29. Steam sensor 28 is provided at a position corresponding to steam inlet 7c. Water inlet passage 29 is provided at a position corresponding to water inlet 7d. In this embodiment, steam sensor 28 measures the temperature of steam generated in pot 6. An annular gasket 28a is provided around steam sensor 28 to direct steam taken in from steam inlet 7c toward steam sensor 28. Similarly, an annular gasket 29a is provided around water inlet passage 29.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, one end of a cylindrical water supply pipe 31 communicates with the water inlet passage 29. The other end of the water supply pipe 31 communicates with the interior of the water container 3 through the outer lid hinge portion 1b. A water supply pump 32 is provided on the water supply pipe 31. When the water supply pump 32 is driven, water in the water container 3 is supplied into the pot 6 through the water supply pipe 31, the water inlet passage 29, and the water inlet port 7d. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 31 and the water supply pump 32 constitute a water supply unit that supplies water from the water container 3 into the pot 6.

[0051] 1 and 3, the upper wall of the outer lid 2 is provided with a display / operation unit 8 that displays various types of rice cooking information such as the rice cooking amount and rice cooking course (white rice course, brown rice course, etc.), and allows the user to select specific rice cooking information from the various types of rice cooking information. The display / operation unit 8 is configured to display various types of rice cooking information, and to instruct the user to select the rice cooking amount and rice cooking course, as well as to start, cancel, or schedule rice cooking. In this embodiment, the display / operation unit 8 is an example of a selection unit that allows the user to select the rice cooking amount.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 16, casing 1 has a pot accommodating section 1c that accommodates pot 6. A pot heating device 9 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of pot accommodating section 1c of casing 1 in a position facing pot 6. Pot heating device 9 is an example of a heating section that heats pot 6. Pot heating device 9 is, for example, an induction heating coil that inductively heats pot 6 when electricity is applied. A through hole is provided in the central bottom of pot accommodating section 1c of casing 1, and pot temperature sensor 10, an example of a temperature detection section, is provided so as to contact the central bottom of pot 6 through the through hole.

[0053] Also provided inside the housing 1 is a control unit 11. The control unit 11 controls the water pump 32, drive source 26, rice feeding device 43, and rice feeding fan 44 to supply rice and water into the pot 6, and controls the pot heating device 9 to perform the rice cooking process. The control unit 11 is equipped with a memory unit that stores multiple rice cooking sequences for cooking rice. Here, a "rice cooking sequence" refers to a rice cooking procedure in which the power supply time, heating temperature, heating time, heating output, etc. are predetermined for each of the four main steps of preheating, heating, maintaining boiling, and steaming. Each rice cooking sequence corresponds to one of multiple rice cooking courses. The control unit 11 controls the pot heating device 9 to perform the rice cooking process based on the rice cooking information selected on the display / operation unit 8 and the temperatures detected by the pot temperature sensor 10 and the steam sensor 28.

[0054] The control unit 11 also has a memory unit that stores multiple preparation sequences to be performed before the rice cooking process begins. Here, a "preparation sequence" refers to a procedure in which the operating time of each pump or fan is predetermined for each process, including rice and water feeding. Based on the rice cooking information selected on the display / operation unit 8, the control unit 11 controls the water feeding pump 32, drive source 26, rice feeding device 43, and rice feeding fan 44 to perform each process.

[0055] When the water supply pump 32 is driven by the control unit 11, water in the water container 3 is supplied into the pot 6 through the water supply pipe 31, the water inlet passage 29, and the water inlet 7d. When the drive source 26 is driven by the control unit 11, the arm 25 rotates about the pivot shaft 25a, and the rice inlet lid 23 moves from the closed position to the open position. Thereafter, when the rice sending device 43 and the rice sending fan 44 are driven by the control unit 11, the rice in the rice container 4 is sent into the rice sending pipe 42 by the rice sending device 43, and the rice in the rice sending pipe 42 is sent into the pot 6 through the rice inlet 7a by the rice sending fan 44.

[0056] In this embodiment, the rice sending fan 44 is driven by the control unit 11 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 60% to 65% of the maximum rotation speed). If rice is clogged in the rice sending pipe 42 or dust or the like is clogged in the filter 45, the actual rotation speed of the rice sending fan 44 will be higher than the predetermined rotation speed due to pressure loss. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the actual rotation speed of the rice sending fan 44 is higher than the predetermined rotation speed, the rice sending fan 44 is driven at an even higher rotation speed (for example, 100% of the maximum rotation speed). This makes it possible to clear clogging of the rice sending pipe 42 or the filter 45. Furthermore, since the rotation speed of the rice sending fan 44 is not normally set to the maximum rotation speed, noise caused by the operation of the rice sending fan 44 can be reduced.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rice feed fan 44 is driven at a higher rotational speed than the actual rotational speed for a predetermined period of time, and then driven at a lower rotational speed. If the rice feed pipe 42 or filter 45 remains clogged, the actual rotational speed of the rice feed fan 44 will be higher than the lower rotational speed. Therefore, when the actual rotational speed of the rice feed fan 44 is higher than the lower rotational speed, the control unit 11 is configured to issue a warning indicating that the rice feed pipe 42 or filter 45 remains clogged. The warning is issued, for example, by audio or visual display from the display / operation unit 8.

[0058] The rice cooker according to this embodiment is configured so that the airflow generated by the rice feeding fan 44 flows into the pot 6 together with the rice through the rice inlet 7a. This configuration reduces the speed at which the rice hits the bottom wall of the pot 6, reducing noise during rice feeding.

[0059] Furthermore, in the rice cooker according to this embodiment, the rice feed pipe 42 has a uniform or approximately uniform cross-sectional area along its length. This allows the airflow generated by the rice feed fan 44 to push the rice in the rice feed pipe 42 into the pot 6 at a constant or approximately constant pressure, further reducing noise during rice feeding.

[0060] Furthermore, in the rice cooker according to this embodiment, the straight pipe section 42a of the rice feed pipe 42 is arranged coaxially with the outer lid hinge section 1b and penetrates the side wall 2a of the outer lid 2. This configuration reduces the effects of the rotation of the outer lid 2 and minimizes the number of places where the rice feed pipe 42 bends at sharp angles (e.g., 90 degrees or more). This reduces airflow pressure loss caused by bending the rice feed pipe 42 and improves the sealing performance of the rice feed pipe 42. As a result, noise during rice feeding can be further reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, the rice cooker according to this embodiment is equipped with a rice container lid 5 that pivots around the rice container hinge 4b ​​to freely cover the rice container opening 4a. The rice container hinge 4b ​​and the outer lid hinge 1b are arranged coaxially. The straight pipe section 42a of the rice supply pipe 42 constitutes the rice container hinge 4b. This configuration minimizes the impact of the rotation of the rice container lid 5 and minimizes the number of sharp bends (e.g., 90 degrees or greater) in the rice supply pipe 42. This reduces airflow pressure loss due to bending of the rice supply pipe 42 and improves the sealing performance of the rice supply pipe 42. As a result, noise during rice supply can be further reduced. Furthermore, the rice container opening 4a can be enlarged, improving the ease of refilling rice into the rice container 4.

[0062] Furthermore, the rice cooker according to this embodiment is equipped with a rice charging lid 23 that can open and close freely and covers the rice charging opening 7a, and an annular sealing member 24 that seals the gap between the outer lid 2 and the inner lid 7 and also seals the gap between the rice charging lid 23 and the inner lid 7. With this configuration, a single sealing member 24 seals the gap between the outer lid 2 and the inner lid 7 and the gap between the rice charging lid 23 and the inner lid 7, thereby minimizing the number of parts and improving sealing performance.

[0063] Furthermore, the rice cooker according to this embodiment is equipped with an arm 25 that moves the rice-charging lid 23 between a closed position that closes the rice inlet 7a and an open position that opens the rice inlet 7a. When the rice-charging lid 23 is in the closed position, the arm 25 is located within the sealed space E1. With this configuration, by placing the arm 25 within the sealed space E1, it is possible to prevent rice flour, insects, and the like from entering the outer lid 2 or the space between the outer lid 2 and the inner lid 7.

[0064] Furthermore, in the rice cooker according to this embodiment, the rice feed fan 44 is driven at a predetermined rotation speed, and when the actual rotation speed of the rice feed fan 44 is higher than the predetermined rotation speed, it is driven at an even higher rotation speed. With this configuration, it is possible to estimate that the rice feed pipe 42 or the filter 45 is clogged based on the rotation speed of the rice feed fan 44. Then, by driving the rice feed fan 44 at a rotation speed higher than the actual rotation speed, it is possible to clear the clog in the rice feed pipe 42 or the filter 45. As a result, noise during rice feeding caused by clogging in the rice feed pipe 42 or the filter 45 can be reduced.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various other forms. For example, the display operation unit 8 is given above as an example of the selection means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the selection means may be an information terminal device such as a smartphone. Furthermore, the selection means may receive information selected on an information terminal device such as a smartphone, and select the amount of rice to be cooked, etc., based on that information.

[0066] Although the rice cooker according to the present embodiment is described above as a non-pressure rice cooker, the present invention is not limited to this. The rice cooker according to the present invention may also be a pressure rice cooker.

[0067] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments, with appropriate reference to the drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] The rice cooker according to the present invention can suppress noise generated when feeding rice, and is therefore useful, for example, as a fully automatic rice cooker that can automatically perform the process from supplying rice and water to cooking the rice in a pot. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 chassis 1a Top opening 1b Outer lid hinge 1c Pot storage section 2 Outer lid 2a side wall 2b Exhaust hole 3 water container 4 rice container 4a Rice container opening 4b Rice container hinge 5 Rice container lid 6. Pot 7 Inner lid 7a Rice inlet 7b Exhaust port 7c Steam intake 7d Water inlet 8 Display operation unit (selection means) 9 Pot heating device (heating section) 10 Pot temperature sensor (temperature detection part) 11 Control section 21 Rice Input Unit 22 Outer shell components 23 Rice input lid part 24 Sealing material 25 Arm section 25a Rotating shaft 26 Power Source 27 Exhaust passage 28 Steam Sensor 28a Gasket 29 Water input passage 29a Gasket 31 Water pipe 32 Water pump 41 US Detention Center 41a Slope 42 Rice feeding tube 42a Straight pipe section 42aa end 42b Sliding packing 42c Joint 42ca one end 42cb other end 42d tube 42da One end 42db other end 43 Rice feeding device 44 Rice-sending fans 45 filters E1 Closed space

Claims

1. A pot and A housing having an upper surface opening and accommodating the pot through the upper surface opening; a rice container for storing rice; a rice supply unit that supplies rice from the rice container into the pot; an outer lid that covers the top opening of the housing in an openable and closable manner; an inner lid that is detachably attached to the outer lid and covers the opening of the pot; Equipped with The rice supply department a cylindrical rice-transport pipe whose one end communicates with the interior of the rice container and whose other end penetrates the interior of the outer lid and opens toward the rice-inlet provided in the inner lid; a rice feeding unit for feeding the rice discharged from the rice feeding pipe into the pot; Equipped with The rice input unit comprises: A rice-input lid that covers the rice-input port in an openable and closable manner; an arm portion that moves the rice charging lid portion between a closed position that closes the rice charging opening and an open position that opens the rice charging opening; Equipped with The rice feeding unit is provided on the outer lid, When the rice-feeding lid is in the open position, the rice-feeding lid and the arm are positioned so as not to cross below the other end of the rice-feeding pipe. Rice cooker.

2. When the rice-feeding lid is in the closed position, the arm is located in a sealed space between the outer lid and the inner lid, except for the other end of the rice-feeding tube. The rice cooker according to claim 1.

3. An annular sealing member is arranged around the rice inlet and seals the gap between the outer lid and the inner lid, and also seals the gap between the rice-injection lid portion and the inner lid. The rice cooker according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

Images