Rice washing and cooking equipment

Abstract

To enable setting of rice cooking condition in a rice washing device for business use to be easily, visually recognized, and to enable the rice washing device for business use to continuously perform rice cooking operation under different rice cooking conditions.SOLUTION: A rice washing and rice cooking device comprises: a rice washing tank (A2) washing rice; a rice cooking device (B); and a setting screen setting rice cooking conditions. The setting screen is provided with a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') setting each cooking condition for each of the tabs (s21'). Rice cooking operation is continuously performed in order under each of the set rice-cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a rice washing and cooking device suitable for commercial use. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rice washing and cooking device that is configured to perform a series of processes from rice washing to rice cooking, and that includes, from top to bottom, a rice storage device for storing rice, a rice washing device for washing rice, and a rice cooking device for cooking rice. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-192015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a commercial rice washing device that allows the user to easily visually grasp the settings of rice cooking conditions and enables continuous rice washing and cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first invention to solve the above problem is: The rice supply device is an integrated unit of a rice storage (A1) for storing rice and a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, and a rice cooking device (B). A rice washing and cooking device configured to be able to perform a series of rice washing and cooking processes, The rice washing and cooking device includes a supply position switching means for switching the rice supply position of the rice supply device in accordance with a plurality of rice cooking positions; The rice cooker includes a setting information storage unit that can store a plurality of rice cooking conditions, and the rice cooking conditions include at least information on how to cook rice using the rice cooker. It is configured to be able to simultaneously execute multiple sets of rice washing and cooking processes under different cooking conditions. At that time, for each type of cooking method included in the cooking conditions stored in the setting information storage unit, one cooking position from among a plurality of cooking positions is assigned and the rice cooking process is carried out by the rice cooking device, and even after the completion of one cooking process, the rice cooking position once assigned is maintained, so that the rice cooking position is determined according to the type of cooking method, It has a setting screen for setting the rice cooking conditions, The setting screen has multiple tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') for setting each rice cooking condition for each tab (s21'). The rice washing and cooking device is characterized in that rice cooking operations are performed successively under each of the rice cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21') that have been set.

[0006] The second invention is characterized in that in the first invention, the operation area (s22') is provided with at least the items of cooking method, amount of rice cooked, and amount of water added, as well as a selection switch for selecting the type of the items or increasing or decreasing the amount.

[0007] The third invention is characterized in that in the first or second invention, the rice cooking conditions of any tab can be selected from a plurality of tabs (s21') and the number of rice cooking operations can be set as desired. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the settings of the rice cooking conditions can be visually grasped easily. Also, the rice washing and cooking operation can be performed continuously under different rice cooking conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a rice washing and cooking apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the rice washing and cooking apparatus of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the rice supplying device and the rice washing tank of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the rice washing tank and its surroundings shown in FIG. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the stand, and Figs. 5(B) and 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a main part of the lifting support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a series of steps for cooking washed rice using the rice washing and cooking apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit of the rice washing and cooking apparatus. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a setting screen for setting rice cooking condition data. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(A) is a diagram showing the contents of the separate cooking mode setting data, and Fig. 11(B) is a diagram showing the contents of the continuous mode setting data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen for setting rice cooking reservation data. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit in the separate cooking mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit in the continuous mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a comparison diagram comparing the rice cooking times in the continuous mode and the separate cooking mode of this embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of the periphery of the rice washing tank according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of a latched portion and a hook according to another embodiment, and FIG. 18(B) is an enlarged side view. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a setting screen for rice cooking condition setting data according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] 20(A) and 20(B) are examples of a setting screen for setting rice cooking condition setting data according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a rice washing and cooking apparatus 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a schematic left side view of the rice washing and cooking apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, the front side of the paper in Fig. 1 is referred to as the "front", the right side of the paper is referred to as the "right side", and the left side is referred to as the "left side", indicating front, back, left and right.

[0012] <1. Overall structure> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washed rice cooking device 1 comprises a rice supplying device A, which is an integrally formed rice storage container A1 and rice washing tank A2, a rice cooking device B that cooks the rice, and a stand K that supports and places the rice supplying device A and the rice cooking device B. In addition, an operation unit S consisting of a touch panel liquid crystal display for displaying various statuses and performing various settings is provided on the front of the rice storage container A1.

[0013] <2.Rice feeding device> Rice storage bin A1 stores rice inside and discharges the stored rice into the rice washing tank A2, and is located on top of stand K. Rice can be added to rice storage bin A1 from above, and a feed valve motor (not shown), which is controlled by control unit C (described below), rotates the internal fixed-quantity feed valve a1, making it possible to control the amount of rice discharged into rice washing tank A2 and the timing of discharge. Based on a control signal from control unit C, a predetermined amount of rice is discharged into rice washing tank A2.

[0014] The rice washing tank A2 washes the rice received from the rice supply device A and supplies it to the rice cooking device B. It is located below the rice storage tank A1 and can be moved left and right together with the rice storage tank A1 on the stand K by the supply position switching means AK described later.

[0015] 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the rice supply device A and the rice washing tank A2. Note that the balloons in the figure show partially enlarged views to make it easier to understand the shapes of the various parts.

[0016] The rice washing tank A2 comprises a tank body a2 capable of storing rice and water, a water supply pipe a3 that supplies water to the rice washing tank A2, an air supply pipe a4 that supplies air to the tank body a2, a jacket a5 for water supply and drainage of the tank body a2, a drop valve a7 that opens and closes a drop port a6 provided at the bottom of the jacket a5, an agitator a8 that rotates around a vertical axis driven by an agitator motor m2 controlled by the control unit C to agitate the inside of the tank body a2, and a drain box a9 that collects drainage water from the tank body a2.

[0017] The tank body a2 is made of metal and has a cylindrical portion a10, a funnel-shaped portion a11 provided below the cylindrical portion a10, and an upper drainage mechanism AO that drains water that overflows at the top of the tank body a2.

[0018] The upper drainage mechanism AO has one end of a drainage hose a13, which is a flexible tubular member, connected to the lower end of an overflow box a12, which is an open-topped box-shaped unit integrally formed on the upper outer surface of the cylindrical portion a10, and the other end of this drainage hose a13 is connected to the drainage box a9.

[0019] The overflow box a12 collects water that overflows from the top of the tank body a2, guides it to the drain hose a13, and drains it from the drain hose a13 into the drain box a9. The drain hose a13 is detachably connected to the overflow box a12 and the drain box a9. This allows the drain hose a13 to be removed when removing the rice washing tank A2 from the rice storage cabinet A1, facilitating maintenance and replacement. In addition, removing the drain hose a13 also makes it easy to maintain the inside of the overflow box a12.

[0020] One end of the water supply pipe a3 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) and the other end is connected to the jacket a5, so that water can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. The water supply pipe a3 is also provided with an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by the control unit C, which makes it possible to control the amount of water supplied to the tank body a2.

[0021] One end of the air supply pipe a3 is connected to an air supply source (not shown) and the other end is connected to a jacket a5, so that air can be supplied into the tank body a2 through the jacket a5. The air supplied from the air supply pipe a4 can be controlled by the control unit C.

[0022] The upper part of the jacket a5 is connected to the lower part of the tank body a2, and the lower part of the jacket a5 is provided with a drop opening a6 for dropping the washed rice into the rice cooking device B.

[0023] The drop valve a7 moves up and down by a rod connected to a cam, by driving a drop valve motor m1 controlled by the control unit C, and opens and closes the drop port a6 of the jacket a5. That is, when it moves up, the drop port a6 is blocked by the drop valve a7 and becomes a closed state, and when it moves down, the drop port a6 is opened and becomes an open state.

[0024] The drain box a9 receives wastewater that flows in from the overflow box a12 through the drain hose a13 and directs it to the drain outlet a14 for discharge. The drain box a9 also communicates with the jacket a5 via a drain elbow and is equipped with a valve body for opening and closing the drain elbow. This allows water in the tank body a2 to be drained by flowing it into the drain box a9 through the jacket a5.

[0025] <3. Detachable rice washing tank structure> The detachable structure of the rice washing tank A2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the floor panel a15 that forms the bottom surface of the rice storage cabinet A1 is composed of a metal panel section a16 made of metal and a resin panel section a17 made of resin, and the resin panel section a17 is fitted into an opening a18 provided in the center of the metal panel section a16 to support and fix it. The metal panel section a16 has excellent rigidity and strength, and the resin panel section a17 is lightweight, making it easy to handle during maintenance.

[0027] The resin panel portion a17 functions to enable the rice washing tank A2 to be attached and detached to the rice storage cabinet A1, and is provided with a lid portion a19 that covers the upper part of the tank main body a2. This lid portion a19 is provided with a hook receiving portion a21 that is approximately L-shaped in side view to which a hook a20 can be attached, a first joint portion a22 that joins with the upper part of the tank main body a2, and a second joint portion a23 that joins with the upper part of the overflow box a12.

[0028] The hooks a20 provided on the tank body a2 hook onto the latching portions a21, allowing the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to the rice storage cabinet A1. The latching portions a21 and hooks a20 function as a means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank A2 to and from the rice storage cabinet A1. A plurality of hooks a20 for attaching the tank body a2 are provided on the tank body a2 at equal intervals along its circumferential direction. For example, three hooks a20 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion a10 of the tank body a2, spaced 120 degrees apart along its circumferential direction, and three latching portions a21 are provided on the lid portion a19 corresponding to the positions of the hooks a20.

[0029] The first joint a22 has a convex cross section, extends downward from the underside of the lid a19, and is cylindrical with approximately the same diameter as the upper end of the cylindrical portion a10 of the tank body a2. The portion of the first joint a22 located above the overflow box a12 has a notch a24, making it hang down shorter than the other portions. When the rice washing tank A2 is attached to the rice storage cabinet A1, the lower end of the first joint a22, excluding the notch a24, is tightly joined to the upper part of the tank body a2 in a roughly C-shape in plan view, and the notch a24 forms a communication port a25 that connects the tank body a2 and the overflow box a12.

[0030] The second joint a23 has a convex cross section and extends downward from the underside of the lid a19. The second joint a23 is integrally formed with the first joint a22 so as to project from the outer periphery of the first joint a22 in a generally U-shaped cross section to fit the shape of the upper part of the overflow box a12 of the tank body a2. As a result, the second joint a23 is configured to be tightly joined to the upper part of the overflow box a12 in a generally U-shaped cross section in a plan view.

[0031] 3, the upper part of the tank body a2 that is joined to the first joint part a22 is formed with a concave cross section, and a first joint receiving part a27 is provided with a first packing part a26 made of an elastic material such as rubber that is fitted into the concave part. Similarly, the upper part of the tank body a2 that is joined to the second joint part a23 is formed with a concave cross section, and a second joint receiving part a29 is provided with a second packing part a28 made of an elastic material that is fitted into the concave part.

[0032] As a result, when the rice washing tank A2 is installed, the first joint portion a22 is joined to the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second joint portion a23 is joined to the second joint receiving portion a29, respectively, by fitting the recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the first packing portion a26 is in elastic contact with the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second packing portion a28 is in elastic contact with the second joint portion a23. As a result, gaps between the rice storage container A1 and the rice washing tank A2 are effectively prevented, improving the sealing of the rice washing tank A2. This effectively prevents deterioration of rice washing quality due to water leakage and soiling of the outside of the rice washing tank. In addition, the vertical elastic force that separates the latched portion a21 and the hook a20 increases the latching force, improving the fixing strength of the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage container A1.

[0033] In addition, the underside of the lid portion a19 has a gentle slope in the shape of an inverted mortar, inside the first joint a22, so that the ceiling surface becomes lower as it moves outward from the rotation axis of the stirring member a8, thereby improving drainage within the tank main body a2 and improving hygiene.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the rice washing tank A2 and its surroundings shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, a vent hole a30 is provided in the resin panel part a17 at a location above the overflow box a12, and a fan device a31 capable of blowing air is provided above the vent hole, which enables drying of the area around the overflow box a12. In addition, a floor panel lower cover a32 with a cutout that matches the shape of the upper part of the tank body a2 is attached to the underside of the floor panel a15, making it easy to position the rice washing tank A2 when attaching or detaching it.

[0036] In the rice storage cabinet A1 and rice washing tank A2 configured as described above, the overflow box a12 is formed integrally with the tank body a2 rather than as a separate unit. Therefore, by removing the rice washing tank A2, the overflow box a12 can also be removed from the rice storage cabinet A1. This makes maintenance, including cleaning around the overflow box a12, much easier than before.

[0037] In addition, since the overflow box a12 has an open-top box shape, the inside of the overflow box a12 is exposed when the rice washing tank A2 is removed, which provides excellent visibility and improves maintainability. Also, by making the drainage hose a13 detachable from the overflow box a12, the length of the overflow box a12 can be shortened, making maintenance easier.

[0038] <4. Rice Cooker> The rice cooker B functions to cook rice. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it comprises a rice cooker main body b1 with an open top, a lid b2 for opening and closing the top opening of the main body b1, a lid opening / closing mechanism b3 for opening and closing an inlet (not shown) provided in the lid b2, and an induction cooker IH provided at the bottom of the inside of the rice cooker main body b1. By heating the rice cooker main body b1 with the induction cooker IH based on a control signal from the control unit C, rice stored in the inner pot (not shown) of the rice cooker main body b1 can be cooked. While the rice cooker main body b1 is configured with an induction cooker IH, it may also be configured as an existing gas-fired rice cooker. In a gas cooker, similar rice cooking can be performed by controlling the gas adjustment mechanism and ignition mechanism with the control unit C.

[0039] The stand K has the function of placing the rice cooking device B and supporting the rice supplying device A on the rice cooking device B, and is equipped with a support frame part k1 that supports the rice supplying device A, and a stand k2 that allows the rice cooking device B to be set below the rice supplying device A. The stand k2 has a drawer k3 that can slide back and forth, allowing the rice cooking device B to be placed on it. As shown in Figure 2, the stand k2 has drawers k3, k3 on each side, allowing two rice cooking devices B (two rice cookers) to be set on it at the same time (a state in which the rice cooking device B is installed in a position where rice can be dropped from the rice supplying device A).

[0040] <5. Supply position switching means> 1 and 2, the washed rice cooking device 1 is equipped with a supply position switching means AK that switches the rice supply position of the rice supply device A. This supply position switching means AK allows the rice supply device A to switch the rice supply position for supplying rice to the rice cooking device B between two positions, the left and the right, so that rice can be supplied to the rice cooking device B at either position.

[0041] In the following explanation, of the rice supply positions at which rice is supplied from rice supply device A to rice cooking device B, the left position will be referred to as the left supply position L and the right position will be referred to as the right supply position R. The rice cooking position of rice cooking device B corresponding to left supply position L (referring to the position where the rice cooking process is performed; the same applies below) will be referred to as the left cooking position L2, and the rice cooking position of rice cooking device B corresponding to right supply position R will be referred to as the right cooking position R2.

[0042] More specifically, this supply position switching means AK is configured so that a roller a33 that rotates forward and backward by driving a roller motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C is pivotally supported at the bottom of the rice storage cabinet A1, and rails a34 are provided horizontally across the support frame unit k1 in the left-right direction, and the rice supply device A is slidably supported on this rail a34 while guiding the roller a33. As a result, when the roller a33 rotates, the rice supply device A can move left and right. In this way, the supply position switching means AK in the washed-rice cooking apparatus 1 can switch the position of the rice supply device A between left and right based on a control signal from the control unit C.

[0043] <6. Rice Cooker Lifting Means> Fig. 5(A) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the drawer k3 of the stand K. Fig. 5(B) and Fig. 5(C) are enlarged left side views of the main part. Fig. 5(B) shows the state before the pedal k4 is depressed, and Fig. 5(C) shows the state after the pedal k4 is depressed.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C), the stand K is provided with a rice cooker lifting means KU that can lift the rice cooker main body b1 while supporting it by stepping on a pedal k4.

[0045] This rice cooker lifting means KU includes a pedal k4 that the user presses, a lifting support member k5 that lifts and supports the rice cooker main body b1, a guide member k6 that guides the lifting support member k5, and a link member k7 that converts the pedal k4's depression into vertical movement of the lifting support member k5. The link member k7 is provided with an elastic spring k8 that uses a biasing force to assist the operation of the pedal k4. A damper (not shown) is also provided below the lifting support member k5 to prevent the rice cooker main body b1 from suddenly dropping.

[0046] When the user depresses the pedal k4, the lifting support member k5 rises while being guided by the guide member k6, as shown in Figure 5(C), and the rice cooking device main body b1 supported by the support member k5 is lifted. This makes it possible to easily lift the rice cooking device B, which has gained weight after cooking rice, by pressing down on the pedal k4, significantly reducing the user's workload and enabling quick work. In addition, because the front end of the pedal k4 is located behind the front end of the drawer k3, the user is prevented from tripping over the pedal k4.

[0047] The rice cooker lifting means also includes a first stopper k9 and a second stopper k10 that regulate the movement of the link member k7.

[0048] The first stopper k9 locks the link member k7 and fixes the pedal k4 when the drawer k3 is not pulled out forward, i.e., when it is stored in the stand k2. This prevents malfunctions due to incorrect operation and further improves safety. When the drawer k3 is pulled out forward, the first stopper k9 releases the lock on the link member k7, thereby allowing the pedal k4 to be depressed.

[0049] When the pedal k4 is depressed a predetermined amount, the second stopper k10 engages the link member k7, maintaining the pedal k4 in a depressed state. This allows the rice cooker body b1 to be maintained in a lifted state by the lifting support member k5. When the pedal k4 is depressed again in this state, the second stopper k10 releases the link member k7 from engaging with it, causing the lifting support member k5 to descend.

[0050] Fig. 6 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the lifting support member k5. As shown in Fig. 6, the lifting support member k5 has a protrusion k11 at its upper end that extends outward to the left and right. This protrusion k11 tilts the handle b4 on the rice cooker main body b1 at an angle of about 45 degrees, making it easier for the user to grip the handle b4 and preventing the user from getting burned.

[0051] <7. Rice washing and cooking process> 7 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of a series of washed rice cooking steps performed by the washed rice cooking apparatus 1. The washed rice cooking apparatus 1 configured as described above performs the following steps in order in a series of washed rice cooking steps for one rice cooking apparatus B.

[0052] In the measuring step (S1), the fixed amount dispensing valve a1 is operated in the rice storage tank A1 to discharge a predetermined set amount G1 of rice into the rice washing tank A2.

[0053] In the rice washing process (S2), washing water is supplied from the water supply pipe a2 to the rice washing tank A2 for a predetermined set time T1, while air is supplied to the washing water from the air supply pipe a3. After the agitator a5 is rotated to wash the rice, the agitator a5 is stopped and the washing water is drained.

[0054] In the water addition step (S3), the drop port provided at the bottom end of the jacket a4 in the rice washing tank A2 is closed, and a predetermined amount G2 of water required for soaking the rice in the rice cooking device B is stored in the rice washing tank A2. After that, the drop port is opened, and the water-adjusted rice is dropped from the rice washing tank A2 into the rice cooking device B.

[0055] In the soaking step (S4), the rice put into the rice cooker B is soaked in the inner pot for a predetermined set time T2.

[0056] The rice cooking process (S5) involves heating the inner pot with an induction cooker IH for a predetermined set time T3 in rice cooker B, preheating the rice to allow it to absorb water, cooking the rice to completion, and maintaining boiling to remove excess water from the inner pot while simultaneously gelatinizing the rice starch. After maintaining boiling, the cooked rice is steamed for a predetermined set time T4 to even out the condition inside the inner pot, completing the entire process of washed rice cooking.

[0057] As described above, the basic flow of the series of steps in the washing and cooking of rice has been explained based on Figure 7. However, the washing and cooking rice apparatus 1 is a two-pot type that can switch the position of the rice supplying device A between left and right using the supply position switching means and set two (two pots) rice cookers B simultaneously on the stand K. Therefore, the measuring step (S1) through the water addition step (S3) by the rice supplying device A and the soaking step (S4) through the rice cooking step (S5) by the rice cookers B can be performed independently and simultaneously in parallel. For example, after the washing and cooking rice apparatus 1 performs the measuring step (S1) through the water addition step (S3) by the rice supplying device A to cook washed rice using the first rice cooker B, it can perform the measuring step (S1) through the water addition step (S3) to cook washed rice using the second rice cooker B while performing the soaking step (S4) through the rice cooking step (S5) in the first rice cooker B without idling the rice supplying device A.

[0058] <8. Control Unit> FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit C of the washed rice cooking apparatus 1.

[0059] The control unit C is configured with a CPU that performs calculation processing and a memory that can read and write information necessary for the calculation processing, and the various functions shown in each block are realized by the CPU operating in accordance with various control programs stored in the memory.

[0060] The input side of the control unit C is connected to various operation buttons s2 arranged on the operation unit S, a left / right position detection sensor ks arranged on the stand K, a rice cooker detection sensor (left) ks1, and a rice cooker detection sensor (right) ks2.

[0061] The various operation buttons s2 include pseudo buttons, tabs, etc. that are displayed as a UI (user interface) on the display unit s1, which is made up of a touch panel liquid crystal of the operation unit S, and the control unit C is capable of acquiring operation information of the various operation buttons s2. The various operation buttons s2 include operation areas s21, s22, s23, s24, etc., which will be described later (see FIG. 10), and these are displayed together with necessary information on the display unit s by an output signal from the control unit C.

[0062] The left / right position detection sensor ks detects whether the rice supply device A is in the left supply position L or the right supply position R, and outputs the result to the control unit C.

[0063] The rice cooker detection sensor (left) ks1 detects whether the rice cooker B is set to the left cooking position L2, and the rice cooker detection sensor (right) ks2 detects whether the rice cooker B is set to the right cooking position L2, and outputs the results to the control unit C.

[0064] The output side of the control unit C is connected to the rice storage bin A1, the rice washing tank A2, the rice cooking device B, and the supply position switching means AK, and is capable of outputting control signals to these.

[0065] The control unit C includes a rice cooking condition setting unit c1, a rice cooking reservation setting unit c2, a rice washing and cooking processing unit c3, a rice washing reservation execution unit c4, a setting information storage unit c5, and a timing unit c6.

[0066] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 has a function of setting rice cooking conditions for the rice washing and cooking apparatus 1. Here, rice cooking conditions refer to conditions that determine the control amount of the devices to be controlled in each process of washing and cooking rice by the rice washing and cooking apparatus 1 (see FIG. 7). The rice cooking conditions are set by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2, accepting input of desired rice cooking conditions from the user, and storing the rice cooking conditions input by the user as rice cooking condition setting data Ds in the setting information storage unit c5. The rice cooking condition setting data Ds will be described later.

[0067] The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 also has a function of setting a rice cooking mode for the washed-rice rice cooker 1. Here, the rice cooking mode refers to a mode that determines the control method (e.g., the method for selecting the rice cooking position and the number of times to cook washed rice) when the washed-rice rice cooker 1 cooks washed rice. The washed-rice rice cooker 1 of this embodiment has three modes: "normal mode," "continuous mode," and "multiple-cooking mode." Details of each rice cooking mode will be described later.

[0068] The cooking mode is determined by the rice cooking condition setting unit c1 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2 of the operation unit S and having the user select the desired cooking mode. Additionally, setting information for the determined cooking mode (such as the number of times rice washing and cooking is performed) is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 as continuous mode setting data Dr and separate cooking mode setting data Dt. The continuous mode setting data Dr and separate cooking mode setting data Dt will be described later.

[0069] The rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 has the function of setting a rice cooking reservation in the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, rice cooking reservation refers to reserving the start of rice washing and cooking, the number of times rice washing and cooking is to be performed, etc. This rice cooking reservation is set by the rice cooking reservation setting unit c2 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2, having the user input the desired rice cooking reservation, and storing the rice cooking reservation input by the user as rice cooking reservation data Dy in the setting information storage unit c5. The rice cooking reservation data Dy will be described later.

[0070] The washed-rice cooking processing unit c3 has a function of executing processes related to the washed-rice cooking of the washed-rice cooking device 1. The washed-rice cooking processing unit c3 acquires various information from devices connected to the input side of the control unit C, reads and writes necessary information in the setting information memory unit c5 and the washed-rice cooking process memory unit c6, and outputs control signals to devices on the output side of the control unit C, thereby executing processes related to the washed-rice cooking.

[0071] The rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 has a function to cause the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start processing related to washing and cooking rice based on rice cooking reservation data Dy stored in the rice washing process memory unit c6 (described later). It also has a function to manage the rice washing and cooking process for each rice cooking device B.

[0072] The setting information storage unit c5 stores various setting information, such as rice cooking condition setting data Ds, separate cooking mode setting data Dt, continuous mode setting data Dr, and rice cooking reservation data Dy, which will be described later.

[0073] The clock unit c6 has a clock circuit, and has the function of obtaining information about the current date and time using this clock circuit.

[0074] <9. Various data and setting screens> Next, various setting information and setting screens stored in the setting information storage unit c5 will be explained. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, and Fig. 10 is an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. The setting screen is displayed on the operation unit S. As shown in Fig. 9, the rice cooking condition setting data Ds includes, for example, the following fields (items):

[0075] The "Setting No." is a primary key for uniquely identifying the set rice cooking conditions. In addition, in the rice washing and cooking process, the process is generally executed in ascending order of the setting No. The "Setting No." can be selected using the operation area s21 shown in FIG. 10. For example, selecting "Memory 1" in the operation area s21 allows the setting of the rice cooking condition with a "Setting No." of 1. In this embodiment, the system is configured so that 10 rice cooking conditions can be set, but this is not limited to this.

[0076] "Cooking method" determines the finish of the cooked rice, and in this embodiment, either "standard" or "porridge" is set as an alternative. Based on this setting, in the rice cooking step (S5), the set time T3 for heating the inner pot using the induction cooker IH of rice cooker B and the cooking temperature are determined. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when "porridge" is selected, the set time T4 for the steaming process, which steams the cooked rice to a certain degree to even out the condition inside the inner pot of rice cooker B, is set to 0 (minutes).

[0077] For example, a value of +5 to -5 is set for "water addition," and based on this value, the predetermined amount G2 of water required for soaking the rice is increased or decreased in the water addition / adjustment step (S3) (see FIG. 7).

[0078] The "amount of cooked rice" is set to, for example, an arbitrary value (kg), and based on this value, the set amount G1 of rice to be discharged into the rice washing tank A is determined in the measuring step (S1) (see FIG. 7).

[0079] The "washing method" is set to a value between 1 and 3, for example, and the rice washing process corresponding to this value is carried out in the rice washing step (S2) (see FIG. 7).

[0080] For example, an arbitrary value (minutes) is set for "soaking," and based on this value, the set time T2 for soaking the rice added in the inner pot of the rice cooking device B in the soaking step (S4) is determined (see Figure 7).

[0081] "Ignition" can be set to, for example, automatic or manual; if automatic, heating of the inner pot of rice cooker B is automatically started by the induction cooker IH during the rice cooking process (S5); if manual, heating is started by a specified operation by the user.

[0082] For example, an arbitrary value (minutes) is set in advance for "soaking," and based on this value, the set time T4 for the soaking process in the rice cooking step (S5) is determined, in which the cooked rice is steamed to a certain degree to uniformly prepare the condition inside the inner pot of the rice cooker B. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, if "porridge" is selected in the "cooking method" item, the set time T4 for the soaking process is set to 0 (minutes).

[0083] In the setting screen shown in FIG. 10, the "cooking method" item is input / set in operation area s22, the "amount of rice cooked" item is input / set in operation area s24, and the "amount of water," "soaking," "ignition," and "steaming" items are input / set in operation area s24.

[0084] Here, we will explain the three modes of the washed rice cooker 1: "normal mode," "multiple cooking mode," and "continuous mode." "Normal mode" is a mode in which rice is cooked using one of the multiple rice cooking conditions set as described above in rice cooker B set at the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2, and the rice cooking conditions to be executed and the rice cooking position of rice cooker B are determined each time by the user operating the operating unit S.

[0085] The "multiple cooking mode" is a mode in which the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined according to the "cooking method" item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, when washing rice is cooked with the "cooking method" set to "standard," the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be left-side cooking position L2, and when washing rice is cooked with the "cooking method" set to "porridge," the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be right-side cooking position L2. The user can set this link between the "cooking method" and the rice cooking position of rice cooker B using the operation unit S. In this way, the "multiple cooking mode," which determines the rice cooking position of rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" item of the rice cooking conditions, makes it easy for the user to manage the rice cooking conditions, for example, by cooking white rice on the left side and porridge on the right side.

[0086] "Continuous mode" is a mode in which the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is dynamically determined for each series of washed rice cooking. In other words, in "continuous mode," the rice cooking position is determined sequentially for either the left or right rice cooker B that has been set up, and the washed rice cooking process begins. This reduces the idle time of rice cooker B, allowing for efficient washed rice cooking.

[0087] These "normal mode," "different cooking mode," and "continuous mode" can be switched by operating the operating unit S, making the rice washing and cooking device 1 capable of handling a variety of rice cooking methods.

[0088] FIG. 11(A) is a diagram showing the contents of the separate cooking mode setting data Dt, and FIG. 11(B) is a diagram showing the contents of the continuous mode setting data Dr. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the separate cooking mode setting data Dt includes the items "Number of times rice is cooked (left)" and "Number of times rice is cooked (right)." Here, the "Number of times rice is cooked (left)" item determines the number of times rice is washed and cooked at the left cooking position L2 in the "separate cooking mode," and the "Number of times rice is cooked (right)" item stores a value that determines the number of times rice is washed and cooked at the left cooking position L2. These numbers can be set by the user operating the operation unit S. For example, in the example of FIG. 11(A), rice cooker B performs a series of rice-washing and cooking three times using the left cooking position L2 as the rice cooking position, and rice cooker B performs a series of rice-washing and cooking four times using the right cooking position R2 as the rice cooking position.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 11(B), the continuous mode setting data Dr includes an item for "Number of times rice is cooked (total)." Here, the item for "Number of times rice is cooked (total)" stores a numerical value that determines the number of times a series of washed rice cooking will be performed in "continuous mode," and this number can be set by the user operating the operation unit S. In the example of Fig. 11(B), rice cooker B uses left cooking position L2 or right cooking position R2 as the cooking position, and performs a series of washed rice cooking four times.

[0090] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the contents of the rice cooking reservation data Dy, and Figure 13 is an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking reservation data Dy. The user uses the operation button s31 shown in Figure 13 to input the planned time for cooking to be completed (the time when the rice cooking step (S5) will be completed), and by operating the reservation button s32 and the confirmation button s33, the rice cooking reservation data Dy is stored in the setting information storage unit c5. As a result, the rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 obtains date and time information from the timing unit c6, and causes the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start the rice washing and cooking process so that the rice cooking step (S5) of the first rice cooker B will be completed on the date and time stored in the rice cooking reservation data Dy.

[0091] <10. Cooking Mode> Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the separate cooking mode by the control unit C. Note that the symbol ":" in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 means "that is."

[0092] The control unit C first assigns 1 to the variable X that manages the setting number of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and assigns 0 to the variable N1 that manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the left cooking position L2 of the rice cooker B, and to the variable N2 that manages the number of times rice cooking is performed at the right cooking position R2 of the rice cooker B (step S101).

[0093] Next, control unit C determines the rice cooking position of rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, based on the settings previously registered by the user (step S102). For example, if the "cooking method" is "standard," the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be left-side cooking position L2, and if the rice cooking condition is "porridge" for the "cooking method," the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be right-side cooking position R2. In the following, we will assume that the rice cooking position has been determined as described above in step S102.

[0094] Next, the control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S103) and determines the rice cooking position for setting No. (X) (step S104). For example, when X=1, the "cooking method" for setting No. (1) is "porridge" (see Figure 9), so the rice cooking position of rice cooker B is determined to be the right cooking position L2.

[0095] Next, it is determined whether rice cooker B has been set to the rice cooking position of the setting number (X) determined in step S104 (step S105). That is, if X=1, it is determined whether rice cooker B has been set to the right-side rice cooking position L2. Note that "set" here means that rice cooker B was set to rice cooking position B before the start of the soaking process, and also includes the case where rice cooker B has completed the rice cooking process and been replaced with a new rice cooker B.

[0096] When the rice cooking device B is set to the rice cooking position, the control unit C executes the measuring process to the rice washing process (steps S106 to S107), and when the rice washing process is completed, the supply position switching means AK moves the rice supply device A to the rice cooking position (when X=1, the right-side rice cooking position L2) (step S108).

[0097] Next, the control unit C controls the rice supplying device A to supply the washed rice to the rice cooking device B, which then carries out the soaking process (step S109). After this, although not shown, the control unit C sequentially carries out the soaking process through the rice cooking process in the rice cooking device B that has started the soaking process, independently of the processing procedure shown in Fig. 14. After the rice cooking process is completed, the user replaces the rice cooking device B with a new rice cooking device B, and once the rice cooking device B is set on the stand K, the next soaking process can be carried out.

[0098] After executing the soaking process in step S109, control unit C counts the number of times it has been executed. If the soaking process is started in rice cooker B at left cooking position L2, variable N1 is incremented by 1, and if the soaking process is started in rice cooker B at right cooking position R2, variable N2 is incremented by 1. For example, if X=1, the soaking process was started at right cooking position R2, so variable N1=0 and variable N2=1.

[0099] Next, the control unit C refers to the numerical values ​​set in the "Number of times rice is cooked (left)" and "Number of times rice is cooked (right)" items of the cooking mode setting data Dt, and determines whether the number of times rice is cooked at both the left and right cooking positions has reached the specified number and the rice cooking is complete (step S111).

[0100] If the rice cooking is complete, the process ends. If not, the value of X is incremented by 1 to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting number (step S112). If the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained as a result, the value of X is set to 1 (step S113).

[0101] Next, the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) are obtained (step S114), the rice cooking position is determined from the "cooking method" of the rice cooking conditions for setting No. (X) (step S115), and the separate cooking mode setting data Dt is referenced. If the specified number of times has already been reached for that rice cooking position (YES in steps S116 and S116'), the value of X is incremented by 1 to execute the rice cooking conditions for the next setting No. (steps S117 and S117'), and the process returns to step S114. If the specified number of times has not been reached, the process returns to step S105.

[0102] <11. Continuous mode processing> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit C in the continuous mode.

[0103] First, the control unit C assigns 1 to the variable X that manages the setting number of the rice cooking conditions to be executed, and assigns 0 to the variable N that manages the number of times rice cooking is executed by the rice cooker B (step S201).

[0104] The control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions for the setting No. (X) (step S202), and determines whether the rice cooking device B is set to the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 (step S203).

[0105] If rice cooker B is set to either left cooking position L2 or right cooking position R2, control unit C determines the rice cooking position of setting No. (X) (for example, if left cooking position L2 has not been set and right cooking position R2 has been set, it determines right cooking position R2 as the rice cooking position) (step S204), then executes the measuring process to rice washing process (steps S205 to S206), and when the rice washing process is completed, it moves rice supply device A to the rice cooking position determined in step S204 using supply position switching means AK. Note that in step S204, if rice cooker B is set to left cooking position L2 and right cooking position R2, it determines the rice cooking position of setting No. (X) based on a predetermined priority order (for example, giving priority to the right).

[0106] Next, control unit C causes rice supplying device A to supply washed rice to rice cooking device B, which then performs the soaking process (step S208). After this, although not shown, control unit C sequentially performs the soaking process through the rice cooking process in rice cooking device B, which has started the soaking process, independently of the processing procedure shown in Figure 15. As with the processing in the multiple cooking mode, once the rice cooking device B has completed the rice cooking process, it can be replaced by a new rice cooking device B by the user, and once rice cooking device B is set on stand K, the next soaking process can be performed.

[0107] After executing the immersion process in step S208, the control unit C counts the number of times the process has been executed, i.e., increments the variable N by +1.

[0108] Next, the control unit C refers to the value set in the "Number of times rice is cooked (total)" item of the continuous mode setting data Dr, and determines whether the number of times rice is cooked has reached the specified number, i.e., whether rice cooking has been completed (step S210).

[0109] If the rice cooking is complete, the process ends. If not, the value of X is incremented by 1 to execute the rice cooking conditions of the next setting number (step S211). If the rice cooking conditions cannot be obtained as a result, the value of X is set to 1 (step S212) and the process returns to step S202.

[0110] <12. Cooking time for continuous mode and separate cooking mode> Fig. 16 is a comparison diagram comparing the cooking times in the continuous mode and the separate cooking mode of this embodiment. The washed-rice cooking shown in Fig. 16 is performed under the cooking conditions of "Setting No." 1 to 4 in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 16, the washed-rice cooking process can be completed more quickly in the continuous mode than in the separate cooking mode.

[0111] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, various modifications or changes to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments may be modified as follows. In the following description, components that are the same as or can be considered to be the same as those in the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] <13. Another embodiment of the rice washing tank detachable structure> In Figure 3, a configuration is shown in which the hook a20 provided on the rice washing tank A2 is hung on the hanging portion a21, which is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the side, and the rice washing tank A2 is attached to the rice storage cabinet A1, but the hanging portion a21 and the hook a20 can also be configured as follows.

[0113] Fig. 17 is a schematic front view of the rice washing tank A2 and its surroundings according to another embodiment, Fig. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of a hooked portion a21' and a hook a20' according to another embodiment, and Fig. 18(B) is an enlarged side view. As shown in Fig. 17, the hook a20' according to another embodiment is disposed on each side of the rice washing tank A2, and includes an operating handle a35 and a T-shaped rod a37 that rotates around an attachment portion a36 as a fulcrum by operating the handle.

[0114] The hooked portion a21' in another embodiment is provided on the underside of the metal panel portion a16, as shown in Figure 18(A), and is bifurcated in front view so that the upper part of the T-rod a37 can be hooked thereon, and as shown in Figure 18(B), is roughly L-shaped in side view.

[0115] This allows the rice washing tank A2 to be quickly attached and detached by operating the handle a35 from the front side of the rice washing tank A2 and rotating the upper part of the T-rod a37 back and forth to engage with the hooked part a21' or to detach it from the hooked state. The tip of the hooked part a21' is formed in an upwardly convex shape to hold the hooked T-rod a37.

[0116] <14. Other embodiments> 1 to 4, the overflow box a12 is configured to be provided on the back side of the rice-washing-tank body a2, but the design can also be modified so that the overflow box a12 is provided on the right or left side of the rice-washing-tank body a2. In this case, maintenance of the overflow box a12 can be performed from the front of the rice-washing and cooking apparatus 1, making maintenance easier.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the hook portion a16 and the first joint portion a22 are provided on the underside of the resin panel portion a17 in Fig. 3, but they may be integrally formed on the underside of the resin panel portion a17 so as to cover the upper front end of the first joint receiving portion a27. This makes it easier to align the rice washing tank body a2.

[0118] While Fig. 10 shows an example of a setting screen for the rice cooking condition setting data Ds, the setting screen may also be configured as shown in Fig. 19. In the example setting screen in Fig. 19, the "Setting No." can be selected using the tab s21' shown in Fig. 19. For example, selecting the "First Time" tab s21' allows the rice cooking conditions with a "Setting No." of 1 to be set. In addition, each item in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds can be set using the operation area s22', and the setting is completed by operating the confirm button s23'. This makes it easier to visually grasp the rice cooking condition settings.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), a beginner mode setting screen may be provided that simplifies the rice cooking condition setting screen. On the beginner mode setting screen, the "Setting No." can be selected using area s21", and each item of the rice cooking condition setting data Ds can be set by operating operation button s22". This makes it easier to set the rice cooking conditions.

[0120] Furthermore, the rice washing and cooking device 1 may be provided with a failure detection means for detecting a failure of the rice cooking device B, and if a failure of either the left or right rice cooking device B is detected during the rice washing and cooking process, the non-failed rice cooking device may be automatically set as the rice cooking position for the rice cooking device B and the rice washing and cooking process may be performed. This allows the rice washing and cooking process to continue even if one of the left and right rice cooking devices B fails.

[0121] In addition, for the separate cooking mode, it is possible to set one cooking condition for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, and further to set the number of times to cook rice with washed rice for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2.

[0122] 14 and 15, when one wash-rice cooking is completed, the setting number is incremented by 1 (step S112, step S211, etc.) and the cooking conditions for the next setting number are executed, but the number of executions can be set for each setting number. For example, when the cooking conditions for setting No. 1 are executed three times, the setting number can be incremented by 1 and the cooking conditions for setting No. 2 are executed.

[0123] Furthermore, while the rice cooking positions are shown as two positions, left cooking position L2 and right cooking position R2, this is not limiting. For example, the rice cooker B can be configured to be set in three positions (left, center, and right) on the stand K, and the rice supplying device A can be configured to supply rice in three positions accordingly. In this case, as in the case of two positions, the "multiple cooking mode" can determine the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" item in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, the left and center cooking positions can be used for standard cooking, and the right cooking position can be used for porridge. Furthermore, in the "continuous mode," for example, in step S204 of FIG. 15, the rice cooking position can be sequentially determined from the three rice cookers B (left, center, and right) that have been set up, enabling more efficient rice cooking. The same applies when there are more than three rice cooking positions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 Rice washing and cooking device A rice feeding device A1 Rice storage A2 Rice washing tank a1 Fixed-volume dispensing valve a2 Tank body a3 water supply pipe a4 Air supply pipe a5 jacket a6 Drop port a7 Drop valve a8 Stirring member a9 drain box a10 Cylindrical part a11 infundibulum a12 overflow box a13 drain hose a14 drain port a15 floor panel a16 Metal panel part a17 Resin panel part a18 opening a19 Lid a20 hook a21 Latched part a22 1st joint a23 2nd joint a24 cutout a25 communication port a26 First packing part a27 1st joint receiving part a28 Second packing part a29 Second joint receiving part a30 ventilation hole a31 Fan unit a32 Floor panel under cover a33 Lola a34 rail a35 handle a36 Mounting part a37 T-shaped rod AK supply position switching means AO upper drainage mechanism B. Rice cooking device b1 Rice cooker body b2 Lid body b3 Lid opening / closing mechanism b4 handle C control section c1 Cooking condition setting section c2 Rice cooking timer setting section c3 Rice washing and cooking processing unit c4 Rice Cooking Reservation Execution Department c5 Setting information storage section c6 Clock section IH induction cooker K stand k1 Support frame part k2 Mounting stand k3 drawer k4 pedal k5 Lifting support member k6 Guide member k7 Link member k8 Elastic spring k9 First stopper k10 Second stopper S Operation section s1 display s2 Various operation buttons m1 Drop valve motor m2 Stirring motor

Claims

1. A rice supply device that integrates a rice storage shed (A1) for storing rice and a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, and a rice cooking device (B), A rice washing and cooking device configured to be able to perform a series of rice washing and cooking processes, The rice washing and cooking device includes a supply position switching means for switching the rice supply position of the rice supply device in accordance with a plurality of rice cooking positions; The rice cooker includes a setting information storage unit that can store a plurality of rice cooking conditions, and the rice cooking conditions include at least information on how to cook rice using the rice cooker. It is configured to be able to simultaneously execute multiple sets of rice washing and cooking processes under different cooking conditions. At that time, for each type of cooking method included in the cooking conditions stored in the setting information storage unit, one cooking position from among a plurality of cooking positions is assigned and the rice cooking process is carried out by the rice cooking device, and even after the completion of one cooking process, the rice cooking position once assigned is maintained, so that the rice cooking position is determined according to the type of cooking method, It has a setting screen for setting the rice cooking conditions, The setting screen has a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') for setting each rice cooking condition for each tab (s21'). The rice washing and cooking device is characterized in that rice cooking operations are performed successively under each of the rice cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21') that have been set.

2. 2. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the operation area (s22') is provided with at least the items of cooking method, amount of rice cooked, and water addition, and a selection switch for selecting the type of said items or increasing or decreasing said items.

3. 3. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the rice cooking conditions of any tab can be selected from a plurality of tabs (s21') and the number of rice cooking operations can be set as desired.

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