Conditioner

Abstract

To provide a cooker capable of improving convenience in a key lock state.SOLUTION: A rice cooker is equipped with operation means 7 for executing various operations. An operation signal is sent out when the operation means 7 is operated, and upon receipt of the operation signal, an operation in accordance with the operation signal is executed. There are a key lock state which is the state in which the rice cooker does not execute an operation in accordance with the operation signal though the operation means 7 is operated, and a temporary release state in which the key lock state is temporarily released. In the temporary release state, the rice cooker is restored to the key lock state when control means 12 does not receive the operation signal for 60 seconds.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance having a key lock state for operating means for performing various operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Cooking appliances have been disclosed that have a key lock function that prevents the cooking appliance from performing an operation corresponding to the operation of an operating means. The applicant of the present application has proposed a rice cooker that, by operating the home key, switches between a key lock state in which operation signals from other keys are not accepted and a key unlock state in which operation signals from other keys are accepted (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-19822 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the rice cooker of Cited Document 1, when the keys are locked, the user must first operate the home key to unlock the key, and then operate the other keys to re-lock the key. To do so, the user must first operate the home key to unlock the key, then operate the other keys and then operate the home key again to lock the key. The key lock function of a cooking appliance such as a rice cooker is intended to prevent accidental operation by children or pets, for example. However, when the key lock is set to the normal setting, the user must repeatedly unlock and re-activate the key lock function every time they perform an operation. Thus, there is room for improvement in the convenience of the key lock function.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cooking appliance that can improve convenience in a key-locked state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking appliance of the present invention includes an operating means for performing various operations, and an operating instruction is sent by operating the operating means, the operating instruction is received, and an operation according to the operating instruction is performed. a release state in which, when the operating means is operated, the cooking appliance performs an operation according to the operation instruction; a key-locked state in which the cooking appliance does not perform the operation even when the operating means is operated; but Temporarily deactivated The cooking appliance temporarily operates in the same manner as in the released state. a temporary release state; The operations include a first operation for alternatively selecting the release state or the key lock state, and operating a temporary release means that appears when the operation means is selected in the key lock state, Temporarily release the key lock state and a second operation of setting the switch to the temporary release state, When the operation instruction is not received for a predetermined period in the temporarily released state, the key lock state is restored. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, convenience in the key-locked state can be improved. [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 setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a top view of the display means displaying the key lock setting screen. [Figure 7] 10 is a top view of the display means displaying a key lock setting pop-up screen according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams showing the transition of the display on the top screen in the key-lock state of the first embodiment; 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 8 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, has a generally rectangular shape with a front, rear, left, and right sides facing each other, and 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 an approximately 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. An operating means 7, which is provided above the LCD 25 and includes, for example, a touch sensor, is used to start rice cooking and select 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 below normal atmospheric pressure. It does so by closing the lid 2 on the main body 1 and blocking the steam passage with 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 powers the pressure reducing means 16, stops operating, maintaining the inner pot at a reduced pressure. To restore the pressure inside the inner pot to the same pressure as the outside air, 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 to the same pressure as the outside air.

[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 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 of the rice cooking course settings.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a top view of the display means 6 of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment. Figs. 4 to 8 show top views of the display means 6, and in each drawing, the upper side is 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 is 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 shape, 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 a water hardness selection screen (not shown). When a water hardness range or numerical value is selected on this water hardness selection screen, the display control means 23 returns to the top screen G1 and controls the display means 6 to display the selected water hardness range or numerical value on the text display D14.

[0034] The setting button display section B18 is operated to set up the rice cooker. 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 the setting screen G2 as shown in Figure 5.

[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, we will explain in detail the features of the operation of the rice cooker configured as above, especially those related to the setting screen G2. From here on, for the sake of convenience, we will refer to the explanation of the key lock function.

[0037] 5 shows the settings screen G2, which is displayed when the settings button display area B18 on the top screen G1 is touched. Referring to FIG. 5, the settings screen G2 is described. In the front of the settings screen G2, a settings / guide screen display area A3 is formed, displaying a tab display area B31 including a text display element D31 that reads "Settings" and a tab display area B32 including a text display element D32 that reads "Guide" side by side. Behind the settings / guide screen display area A3, a settings selection display area A4 is formed, displaying six button display elements B33-B38 side by side. Finally, at the rear of the settings screen G2, a button display area B39 including a text display element D39 that reads "Back" and a button display area B40 including a text display element D40 that reads "Cancel" are arranged side by side.

[0038] Here, the "Current Time Setting" button display section B33 includes a text display D33 that reads "Current Time Setting" and is selected when setting the display of the time display D21. The "Key Lock Setting" button display section B34 includes a text display D34 that reads "Key Lock Setting" and is selected when setting the lock state of all button display sections, as described below. The "Screen Brightness" button display section B35 includes a text display D35 that reads "Screen Brightness" and is selected when setting the brightness of the screen display of the LCD 25. The "Screen Design" button display section B36 includes a text display D36 that reads "Screen Design" and is selected when setting the background color displayed on the screen of the LCD 25. The "Rice Cooking / Keep Warm Setting" button display section B37 includes a text display D37 that reads "Rice Cooking / Keep Warm Setting" and is selected when setting the operation interval of the vacuum pump of the pressure reducing means 16, the number of pressure adjustments of the steam path opening / closing means 15, and the heating during keep warm. The "Initialize Settings" button display B38 includes a text display D38 that reads "Initialize Settings," and is selected when initializing settings to return them to their initial settings and setting the contents of the initialization.

[0039] The "Settings" tab display section B31 and the "Guide" tab display section B32 indicate whether the settings screen G2 or the guide selection screen (not shown) is currently displayed on the LCD 25. When the "Settings" tab display section B31 is selected and the settings screen G2 is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the "Settings" tab display section B31 is displayed in substantially the same color as the background color and the "Guide" tab display section B32 is displayed in a grayed-out state. On the other hand, when the "Guide" tab display section B102 is touched and the "Guide" tab display section B32 is selected, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 disposed above the "Guide" tab display section B102, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the guide selection screen. In this embodiment, the setting / guide screen display area A3 is also formed on this guide selection screen, and when the "Guide" tab display section B32 is selected and the guide selection screen is displayed on the LCD 25, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the "Setting" tab display section B101 is displayed in a grayed-out state and the "Guide" tab display section B102 is displayed in approximately the same color as the background color.

[0040] Button display sections B33 to B38 in setting selection display area A4 are operated to make the respective settings of the rice cooker, and when one of button display sections B33 to B38, for example, button display section B34 for "Key Lock Settings," is touched, control means 12 receives an operation signal from operation means 7 disposed above each button display section B103 to B108, for example, button display section B34 for "Key Lock Settings," and display control means 23 controls display means 6 to transition to a setting screen corresponding to the selected button display section, for example, key lock setting screen G3 shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, when setting is completed on each setting screen, display control means 23 controls display means 6 to transition to top screen G1.

[0041] The "Back" button display section B39 is operated to discard the settings on the current screen, for example, the setting screen G2, and return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1. When the "Back" button display section B39 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Back" button display section B39, 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.

[0042] The "Cancel" button display section B40 is operated when discarding the settings on the current screen, for example, the setting screen G2, and returning to the top screen G1. When the "Cancel" button display section B40 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "Cancel" button display section B40, 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.

[0043] 6 shows a key lock setting screen G3, which is displayed when the "Key Lock Setting" button display B34 of the "Guide" menu on the setting screen G2 is touched. Referring to FIG. 6, the key lock setting screen G3 is described. A text display D42 reading "You can set the key lock" is displayed at the front of the screen. Behind the text display D42, a key lock setting display area A5 is formed. The button display B43 containing the text display D43 reading "Lock" and the button display B44 containing the text display D44 reading "Do not lock" are arranged side by side. The currently selected button display, for example, the "Do not lock" button display B44 in FIG. 6, has a colored selection display S1 around it. The back of the setting screen G2 also displays a "Back" button display 39 and a "Cancel" button display B40 side by side.

[0044] The button display sections B43 and B44 in the key lock setting display area A5 are operated to set a key lock that disables touch operations on tab display sections or button display sections. When the “Lock” button display section B43 is touched, the control section 12 receives an operation signal from the operation section 7 arranged above the “Lock” display section D43, and the display control section 23 controls the display section 6 to return to the top screen G1 and display the top screen G1 in the key locked state as shown in FIG. 8(A). On the other hand, when the “Do not lock” button display section B44 is touched, the control section 12 receives an operation signal from the operation section 7 arranged above the “Do not lock” display section D44, and the display control section 23 controls the display section 6 to return to the top screen G1 and display the normal top screen G1 in which the key locked state is released as shown in FIG. 4 described above. Therefore, the key lock setting screen G3 also functions as a key lock section and a key lock release section.

[0045] 7 shows the key lock setting pop-up screen G4 that is first displayed when transitioning from the key lock setting screen G3 to the top screen G1. Referring to the figure, the key lock setting pop-up screen G4 is described. A key lock setting pop-up display section P1 is formed across substantially the entire LCD 25. A text display D51 reading "Setting key lock" is arranged in front of the key lock setting pop-up display section P1. Behind the text display section D51, a check box display section B52 displayed as a white square, a text display section D53 reading "Don't show this again," and a button display section B54 including a text display section D54 reading "OK" are displayed side by side.

[0046] The check box display section B52 is operated when selecting whether or not to display the key lock setting pop-up display section P1. When this 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.

[0047] The "OK" button display section B54 is operated to determine whether or not to display the key lock setting pop-up display section P1. For example, when the "OK" button display section B54 is touched while the above-mentioned checked mark is displayed in the check box 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 top screen G1. From the next time onwards, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display the top screen G1 without popping up the key lock setting pop-up display section P1 the next time the screen transitions from the key lock setting screen G3 to the top screen G1. On the other hand, for example, when 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 top screen G1, and the next time the screen transitions from the key lock setting screen G3 to the top screen G1, the display control means 23 also controls the display means 6 to pop up and display the key lock setting pop-up display section P1.

[0048] 8(A) to 8(E) are diagrams showing the transition of display in the key-lock state, using the top screen G1 as an example. Referring to FIG. 8(A), the key-lock state will be described. On the top screen G1, the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22, which are information that can be selected and operated by touching the operation means 7, are displayed on the display means 6 differently from the normal state when the key-lock state is not active. These sections are grayed out, which is a difference from the normal top screen G1 shown in FIG. 4. Even if the grayed-out button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are touched by the operation means 7, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to display a key-lock pop-up screen G5 as shown in FIG. 8(B). The control means 12 controls the rice cooker so that the individual sections do not operate in response to an operation signal, thereby disabling operation by the operation means 7. Therefore, by controlling the display control means 23 to gray out the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22, and to display the key lock pop-up screen G5 when the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are touched, the user can be visually notified that these button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are in the key lock state.

[0049] 8(B) shows a key lock pop-up screen G5. Referring to the figure, the key lock pop-up screen G5 will be described. A key lock display section P2 is formed over substantially the entire LCD 25, and a button display section B56 including a text display section D56 reading "X" is located at the right end of the front edge of the key lock display section P2. Furthermore, a text display section D57 reminiscent of a padlock and a text display section D58 reading "The screen is locked. Would you like to temporarily unlock it?" are located side by side at the front of the key lock display section P2. Behind the text displays D57 and D58, a button display section B59 including a text display section D59 reading "Unlock (long press)" is located, and behind the "Unlock (long press)" button B59, a text display section D60 reading "The screen can be locked using the "(gear shape)" button" is located. In addition, the "(gear shape)" of the text display D60 may be made into a selectable button display section, and in this case, when the "(gear shape)" button display section is touched, the display control means 23 may control the display means 6 to transition from the current screen to the setting screen G2.

[0050] The "x" button display section B56, like the "back" button display section B39, is operated when returning to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1, without making any settings on the key lock pop-up screen G5. When the "x" button display section B56 is touched, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 arranged above the "x" button display section B56, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to return to the previous screen, for example, the top screen G1, and display the settings that were displayed on the previous screen, for example, the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20 and B22 in the key lock state.

[0051] The "Release (long press)" button display B59 is operated to select temporary release of the key lock state. However, in order to release the key lock state even temporarily and to prevent release of the key lock state due to an erroneous operation, in this embodiment, the operation of the "Release (long press)" button display B59 by the operation unit 7 is enabled by performing a long press operation of continuously pressing the "Release (long press)" button display B59 for a predetermined period of time. Specifically, when the "Release (long press)" button display B59 is long pressed, the control unit 12 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 7 disposed above the "Release (long press)" button display B59. When the control unit 12 continues to receive this operation signal for a predetermined period of two seconds, the control unit 12 starts counting with the timer. At the same time, the display control unit 23 controls the display unit 6 to display the normal top screen G1 in which the key lock state has been released, as shown in FIG. 8(C). Therefore, the key lock pop-up screen G5 also functions as a means for temporarily releasing the key lock.

[0052] 8(C) shows the top screen G1 when the key lock state is temporarily released. In this top screen G1, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 so that the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are displayed differently on the display means 6 compared to when the key lock state is active, and are displayed in the same manner as the normal top screen G1. By displaying these button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 differently on the display means 6 when the key lock state is active and when the key lock state is temporarily released, which is when the key lock state is not active, the user can be visually notified that the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are not in the key lock state. Meanwhile, the control means 12 is counting the time count. Each time the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7 through a user operation, the control means 12 clears the count of the time count and controls the time count to restart from 0.

[0053] When the control means 12 detects that the counting means has reached the predetermined period of 60 seconds, the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to turn off the backlight of the LCD 25, as shown in FIG. 8(C), and to enter a sleep state with the backlight completely turned off, as shown in FIG. 5(D). When any of the operation means 7 is subsequently operated, the control means 12 receives an operation signal from the operation means 7, and the display control means 23 controls the display means 6 to turn on the backlight and display the top screen G1 in which the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 are in the key-locked state. Thus, in this embodiment, when the key-locked state is temporarily released and the operation means 7 is not operated for 60 seconds, and the control means 12 does not receive an operation signal from the operation means 7, the key-locked state is restored. This eliminates the need for the user to switch back to the key-locked state after operating the rice cooker, thereby improving convenience.

[0054] As described above, the rice cooker as a cooking appliance of this embodiment is equipped with an operating means 7 for performing various operations, and by operating the operating means 7, an operating signal is sent as an operating instruction, and the operating signal is received by the control means 12, which controls each means so that the means perform an operation according to the operating signal.The rice cooker has a key lock state in which the control means 12 controls each means of the cooking appliance so that the means do not perform an operation according to the operating signal even when the operating means 7 is operated, and a temporary release state in which the key lock state is temporarily released, and is configured to return to the key lock state when the control means 12 does not receive an operating signal for a predetermined period of time, for example 60 seconds, in the temporary release state.

[0055] With this configuration, in the key-locked state, for example, to select button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 on the top screen G1, it is not necessary to operate the operation means 7 to go to the key-lock setting screen G3 again and touch the "Do not lock" button display section B44 to release the key-locked state, thereby improving convenience. Also, in a temporary release state in which the key-locked state has been temporarily released, in order to return the rice cooker to the key-locked state after the user has operated the rice cooker, it is not necessary to go to the key-lock setting screen G3 again and perform the operation to switch to the key-locked state, thereby further improving convenience.

[0056] The rice cooker of this embodiment further includes a display unit 6 that displays various information. An operation signal is sent by selecting, with the operating unit 7, information displayed on the display unit 6, such as button display units B1-B7, B17-B20, and B22. The button display units B1-B7, B17-B20, and B22, which represent the information to be selected, are displayed differently on the display unit 6, grayed out, depending on whether the key is locked or not, i.e., whether the key is in a normal state or when the key is temporarily unlocked. This allows the user to visually be notified that the button display units B1-B7, B17-B20, and B22 are in the key locked state. Furthermore, when temporarily unlocking the key, the button display units B1-B7, B17-B20, and B22 in the key locked state are selected. Therefore, by graying out the button display units B1-B7, B17-B20, and B22 in the key locked state, erroneous operation of the button display units to be selected can be prevented.

[0057] Furthermore, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, when in the key-lock state, button display units B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 that are displayed in gray are switched to a temporary release state by performing a predetermined operation, a long press operation, using the operating means 7. Therefore, while maintaining the key-lock state, button display units B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 can be switched to a temporary release state for the key lock, and by performing a long press operation, it is possible to prevent button display units B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22 from being switched to a temporary release state by mistake.

[0058] Furthermore, in the rice cooker of this embodiment, the operating means 7 is arranged on the top surface of the rice cooker, and therefore the operating means 7 is arranged in a location that is easy to see and operate, eliminating the need to search for the operating means 7 and allowing easy operation of the operating means 7. However, there is a risk of misoperation, for example, if a pet or similar object lingers on the top surface of the rice cooker and accidentally touches and operates the operating means 7, or if a small child or similar object misoperates the operating means 7, so the rice cooker is provided with a key lock state and a temporary key lock release state to prevent such misoperation.

[0059] 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, in this embodiment, a rice cooker is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to other cooking appliances, such as a heating cooker. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the key-locked state, all of the button display sections B1 to B7, B17 to B20, and B22, which are display sections that can be selected on the top screen G1, are locked. However, for example, when the key-locked state is entered, only important display sections, such as the "Off" button display section B22 and the "Start Cooking" button display section B17, may be locked. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the button display sections displayed on the display section 6 in the key-locked state are grayed out, which differs from the normal state and when the key-locked state is temporarily released. However, other display methods, such as flashing, may also be used. In this embodiment, the key lock state is temporarily released by touching the grayed-out button display section and operating the key lock pop-up screen G5 that pops up, but the key lock state may also be temporarily released by, for example, long pressing the operating means 7 when the rice cooker is in a sleep state with the backlight completely turned off, as shown in Fig. 5(D).The numerical values ​​exemplified in the embodiment are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the rice cooker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 6 Display means 7 Operating means B1, B3, B5, B7, B17, B18, B19, B20, B22 Button display (information) G5 Key lock pop-up screen (temporary release method)

Claims

1. A cooking appliance that includes an operating means for performing various operations, that transmits an operation instruction by operating the operating means, that receives the operation instruction, and that performs an operation according to the operation instruction, a release state in which, when the operating means is operated, the cooking appliance performs an operation according to the operation instruction; a key-lock state in which the cooking appliance does not perform the operation even when the operating means is operated; a temporary release state in which the key lock state is temporarily released and the cooking appliance temporarily performs the same operation as in the release state, The operation includes: a first operation for alternatively selecting the unlocked state or the key-locked state; a second operation of operating a temporary release means that appears by selecting and operating any of the operation means in the key lock state, thereby temporarily releasing the key lock state to set the key lock state to the temporary release state, The cooking appliance is characterized in that, when the operation instruction is not accepted for a predetermined period in the temporarily released state, the cooking appliance returns to the key-locked state.

2. Further provided with a display means for displaying various information, The operation instruction is sent by selecting and operating the information displayed on the display means with the operation means, 2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the information selected and operated is displayed on the display means in a manner different from that when the key is locked and when the key is not locked.

3. A cooking appliance as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the manner of display on the display means is the same when in the released state and when in the temporary released state.

4. 3. The cooking appliance according to claim 2, wherein in the key-locked state, the cooking appliance transitions to the temporary release state by performing a predetermined operation using the temporary release means that appears when one of the operating means is selected based on the information to be selected.

5. 5. The cooking appliance according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined operation is a long press of the temporary release means.

6. 6. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the operating means is disposed on a top surface of the cooking appliance.

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