JP3305603B2 - rice cooker - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rice cooker, and more particularly, to a rice cooker capable of adjusting the sweetness of rice.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 24 shows, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-32362.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional rice cooker disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 9-205, and FIG. 25 is a temperature characteristic diagram of cooked rice and the like in a water absorption process.

[0003] In the figure, 1 is a rice cooker main body, 2 is a pot for storing rice, water and the like, 3 is an inner lid for covering the upper opening of the pot 2, 4 is an outer lid provided on the upper part of the rice cooker 1. In the center, there is a pot packing 5 for detachably fitting the inner lid 3. The pot packing 5 is fixed to the outer lid 4 with a shaft 6. 7 is a steam tube for discharging steam, 8 is a heater for heating the bottom of the pan 2, 9 is provided in close contact with the bottom of the pan 2,
This is a heat-responsive unit that detects the completion of rice cooking.

[0004] Reference numeral 10 denotes a sensor for detecting the temperature of the food to be heated via the pan 2, and reference numeral 11 denotes a microswitch that is linked to a lever 13 that mechanically links the heat-sensitive responsive section 9 and the switch 12, and closes the switch 12. Thus, the energization of the heater 8 is started. Reference numeral 14 denotes a circuit board including a relay 15 for controlling energization of the heater 8 based on a signal from the sensor 10. Reference numeral 16 denotes a rice cooker selection switch.
4 for selecting electric power according to the content of cooked rice.

Next, the operation of the conventional rice cooker will be described with reference to FIG. When white rice is selected by the rice selection switch 16 ((c) in the figure), the power control is as follows.
That is, when the switch 12 is depressed, rice cooking is started, the heater 8 is energized, and the water absorption process is started. After cooking starts,
Although the temperature rises rapidly with the passage of time, the circuit board 14 detects the temperature through the sensor 10 and controls the energization of the heater 8 so as to keep the temperature around 60 ° C. During this time, water absorption is promoted, and the water necessary for gelatinization is contained in the rice. 2
After performing the water absorption process for about 0 minutes, the heater 8 is energized again to start cooking. When the temperature rises rapidly as water absorption and gelatinization are promoted, the heat-sensitive responsive section 9 senses this and stops energizing the heater 8 to complete rice cooking.

When cooked rice is selected ((a) in the figure), the temperature of the rice is controlled at about 62 ° C., which is higher than that of white rice. Therefore, during the water absorption process of about 20 minutes,
Cooking with poor water absorption also has the same water absorption as white rice,
Submersion is sufficient. Next, when the offense is selected (in the figure,
In (d)), the temperature is controlled at about 50 ° C., which is lower than that of white rice, in the water absorption process. In this case, even rice cake which has a high water absorption and becomes slightly water-absorbed when immersed at around 60 ° C. has about the same amount of water absorption as polished rice after about 20 minutes, and the water is sufficiently immersed. Also, when brown rice is selected ((a) in the figure), the seed coat and peel of brown rice prevent water absorption, so that it takes a relatively high temperature for a long time to absorb the water necessary for gelatinization. A journey is required. Therefore, if the temperature is controlled at about 65 ° C., which is higher than that of the white rice, and the water absorption process is performed for about 60 minutes, appropriate water required for gelatinization will be absorbed, and the water will be sufficiently immersed.

[0007]

Generally, sweet rice is delicious, and the taste of delicious food varies from person to person. However, in the conventional rice cooker as described above, the gelatinization temperature and the gelatinization time are controlled according to the type of rice. For example, when white rice is cooked, the gelatinization temperature is as low as about 60 ° C. In addition, since the gelatinization time was as short as 20 minutes, the sugar content of the rice could not be increased, and it was not possible to cook sweet and delicious rice. In addition, the user could not adjust the sweetness to taste.

The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional rice cooker, and can increase the sugar content of the rice to cook sweet and delicious rice, and further has a gelatinization time or paste. It is an object of the present invention to allow a user to select the activation temperature, or both, according to his / her preference.

[0009]

A rice cooker according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a heating means for heating a pot into which rice is cooked, a sweetness setting means for setting the sweetness of rice, and the sweetness setting means. Display means for displaying the sweetness of rice; and 15 minutes or more corresponding to the sweetness set by the sweetness setting means.
Gelatinization time within 5 minutes or less and / or 60 ° C or more
A first heating control means for controlling the heating means at a gelatinization temperature within a range of 70 ° C. or less, and a second heating control means for controlling the heating means and cooking after the gelatinization time has elapsed. It is provided.

[0010]

[0011]

[0012] cooker according to the second invention, rice products and heating means for heating the pan to put the following range 70 ° C. 60 ° C. or higher
A storage means for storing a plurality of combinations of the gelatinization temperature in the box and a gelatinization time in a range of 15 minutes or more and 35 minutes or less, and the sweetness of the rice corresponding to the plurality of combinations stored in the storage means. Display means for displaying, selecting means for selecting an arbitrary combination from a plurality of combinations stored in the storage means, gelatinization time selected by the selecting means, and the pan selected by the selecting means A first heating control means for controlling the heating means so as to maintain the gelatinization temperature, and a second heating control means for controlling and heating the heating means after elapse of the gelatinization time. is there.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rice cooker. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body, and 2 denotes a bottomed cylindrical inner frame built in the main body 1, which is connected to an upper portion of the main body 1. 3 is a bottomed cylindrical pot for storing rice and water contained in the inner frame 2, 4 is an inner lid covering an upper opening of the pan 3, 5 is an inner lid 4
The main body 1 and the outer lid provided so as to be freely opened and closed, 6 is a coil for induction heating the pan 3, 7 is a temperature sensor that contacts the bottom of the pan 3 to detect its temperature, and 8 is a micro sensor. A control circuit board composed of a computer or the like will be specifically described later.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an operation panel provided on the outer surface of the main body 1, and its appearance is as shown in FIG. In the figure, 1
Numeral 0 is a time setting key for setting the gelatinization time, and the time is changed in steps of 5 minutes each time the key is pressed once. Reference numeral 11 denotes a display lamp for displaying the gelatinization time set by the time setting key 10, 11a indicates the set time 15 minutes, 11b indicates 20 minutes, 11c indicates 25 minutes, 11d indicates 30 minutes, and 11e indicates 35 minutes.
The minute is displayed, and 11 is displayed each time the time setting key 10 is pressed.
Lighting is sequentially switched in the order of a-11b-11c-11d-11e... Reference numeral 12 denotes a rice cooker key for executing a rice cooker process when pressed, and reference numeral 13 denotes a cancel key for canceling the settings of the rice cooker process and the gelatinization time. When the cancel key 13 is pressed, the gelatinization time is set to 1
It returns to 5 minutes.

Next, the control circuit board 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit board 8 is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and 15 is first heating control means for maintaining a predetermined gelatinization temperature (for example, 65 ° C.)
The measurement signal from the temperature sensor 7 is input by the temperature detecting means 14. The first heating control means 15 includes the coil driving unit 1
6 is ON-OFF controlled to control the input of the coil 6 to maintain the pan 3 at a predetermined gelatinization temperature (65 ° C.).

Reference numeral 17 denotes a gelatinization temperature setting means for setting a gelatinization temperature. In the first embodiment, a gelatinization temperature th (65) is set in advance.
° C) is set. Numeral 18 is a time setting means for setting the gelatinization time, and the time set by pressing the time setting key 10 is set to 15 minutes-20 minutes-25 minutes-30 minutes-35 minutes-15 minutes ...
And change in 5 minute steps. This time setting means 18
The storage means for setting and storing the gelatinization time based on the signal of the time changing means 19, and when the rice cooking process is started by pressing the rice cooking key 12, the counting of the set gelatinization time is started to accumulate the time. It has a built-in timer.

When the control of the first heating control means 15 is finished, the coil drive section 16 is driven based on the measurement signal of the temperature sensor 7 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 6 and to control the heating of the pan 3. This is the second heating control means.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the sugar content and the gelatinization time, and shows that the sugar content of the rice at the gelatinization temperature of 65 ° C. increases with the gelatinization time. That is, if the gelatinization time is set to be long, the sugar content increases, and rice with a sweet taste can be cooked. Also, the first embodiment
As described above, if the gelatinization time is changed in the range of 15 minutes to 35 minutes, the change in sweetness is large, so that it is possible to match the taste of the user in a wider range.

Next, the operation of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on to the rice cooker, the display lamp 11a is turned on to display the gelatinization time T (15 minutes) set in advance in step S1. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the time setting key 10 has been turned ON. If the determination result is ON, a new set time T (20 minutes) is set by adding 5 minutes to T (15 minutes) preset in step S3, and the display lamp 11b is turned on. Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the set time has exceeded 35 minutes. If T> 35 minutes, the process returns to step S1 and the above operation is repeated. Thus, each time the time setting key 10 is pressed once, the setting up to a maximum of 35 minutes can be changed by the time changing means 19. If it is determined in step S2 that the time setting key 10 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S4 to execute the same determination as described above.

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the rice cooker key 12 has been turned on.
2 and the above operation is repeated. If the determination signal is ON, the rice cooking process is started, and the timer in the time setting means 11 starts counting the time T1. Next, step S
In step 7, a comparison is made between the gelatinization temperature t (65 ° C.) set in advance by the gelatinization temperature setting unit 17 and the detection temperature th of the temperature detection unit 14. If the result of the determination is th> t (65 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 stops the coil driving unit 16 and cuts off the current to the coil 6 in step S9. If the determination result is not th> t (65 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 drives the coil driving unit 16 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 6 to heat the pan 3 in step S8.
The above operation is repeated to maintain the gelatinization temperature t (65 ° C.).
FIG. 6 shows the temperature change of the temperature sensor 7 when the gelatinization time is 20 minutes (dashed line) and 30 minutes (solid line).

During this time, the gelatinization time is integrated by the above-mentioned timer, and the time T1 is compared with the previously set gelatinization time T. If the comparison result is not T1> T, the process returns to step S7 to repeat the above-described operation. If T1> T, the heating by the first heating control unit 15 is terminated, and the process returns to step S7.
Conduct the cooking process after 11. In step S12, the second heating control means 20 starts the control, and the coil driving unit 1
6 is turned on, the coil 6 is turned on to generate an alternation time, and the pan 3 is heated. The temperature in the pot 3 rises, and this temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7, and the signal is input to the temperature detecting means 14. In step S13, the temperature detecting means 14 obtains the information t.
h is input to the second heating control means 20. The second heating control means 20 makes a comparison with a predetermined temperature (125 ° C.) which is set in advance. If the result of the determination is not th> 125 ° C., heating is continued, and the temperature detecting means 14 monitors the temperature of the temperature sensor 7. If th> 125 ° C., the second heating control unit 20 stops the coil driving unit 16 and turns off the coil 6
To complete the rice cooking process (step S14).

As described above, according to the rice cooker in the first embodiment, the sugar content can be adjusted by changing the gelatinization time, so that the sugar content can be selected as desired. Also,
Since the gelatinization time is displayed on the display lamp 11 of the operation panel 9, the user is easy to use.

If the sweetness of rice is displayed "high" or "low" instead of the display of the gelatinization time, it becomes easier to use.

Embodiment 2 FIG. In the first embodiment,
The gelatinization time is set in advance in five stages from 15 minutes to 35 minutes, and the desired time is changed and set by the time changing means 19, but in the present embodiment, it can be set more finely.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an operation panel for setting a gelatinization time. In the figure, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. When a pressing signal of the time setting key 10 is input to the time setting means 18, the set time is accumulated by one minute every time the time setting key 10 is pressed once from 0 to 60 minutes, and the operation panel 9 is gelatinized. The time is displayed on the time display section 11 (7-segment display),
The gelatinization time is set.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When you turn on the rice cooker,
In step S21, the gelatinization time T is set to 0 minutes, and 0 is displayed on the display unit 11. Next, in step S22, it is determined whether the time setting key 10 has been turned ON. If the determination result is ON, T (0
A new set time T (1 minute) is set by adding 1 minute to (minute), and 1 is displayed on the display unit 11. Next, step S2
At 4, it is determined whether or not the set time has exceeded 60 minutes.
If> 60 minutes, the process returns to step S21 to repeat the above operation. In this manner, each time the time setting key 10 is pressed once, the time can be set up to a maximum of 60 minutes. If it is determined in step S22 that the time setting key 10 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S24, and the same determination is performed.

Next, in step S25, the rice cooker key 12 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. If the result is not ON, the process returns to step S22 and the above operation is repeated. The judgment signal is O
If N, the rice cooking process is started, and the timer in the time setting means 11 starts counting the time T1. Next, in step S27, the gelatinization temperature t (65 ° C.) previously set by the gelatinization temperature setting unit 17 and the detection temperature th of the temperature detection unit 14
Are compared and determined. The result is th> t (65 ° C.)
If so, the first heating control unit 15 stops the coil driving unit 16 in step S29 and cuts off the current supply to the coil 6. If the determination result is not th> t (65 ° C.), the first
The heating control unit 15 of the coil driving unit 1 in step S28
6 is driven to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 6 to heat the pot 3. The above operation is repeated to maintain the gelatinization temperature t (65 ° C.).

During this time, the gelatinization time is accumulated by the above-mentioned timer, and the time T1 is compared with the gelatinization time T previously set and determined. If the result of the comparison is not T1> T, the process returns to step S27 to repeat the above-mentioned operation. If T1> T, the heating by the first heating control means 15 is terminated, and the cooking process after step S31 is performed. I do. Next, step S
At 32, the second heating control means 20 starts the control, drives the coil driving unit 16 to turn on the coil 6, generates an alternating time, and heats the pan 3. The temperature in the pot 3 rises, and this temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7, and the signal is sent to the temperature detecting means 14.
To enter. In step S33, the temperature detecting means 14 inputs the information th to the second heating control means 20. The second heating control means 20 operates at a predetermined temperature (125
° C). If the result of the determination is not th> 125 ° C., heating is continued, and the temperature detecting means 14 monitors the temperature of the temperature sensor 7. If Tt> 125 ° C., the second heating control means 20 stops the coil driving unit 16 and
Is turned off to complete the rice cooking process (step S34).

As described above, according to the rice cooker according to the second embodiment, the gelatinization time can be changed every minute, so that the sugar content can be more finely adjusted. The display of the gelatinization time of the operation panel 9 is also displayed on the display section 11 in seven segments in an easily understandable manner.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel for setting a gelatinization temperature. In the figure, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 23 denotes a temperature setting key for setting a gelatinization temperature, and the temperature is changed in steps of 2 ° C. each time the key is pressed once. Reference numeral 24 denotes a display lamp for displaying the gelatinization temperature set by the temperature setting key 23, and reference numeral 24a denotes a setting of 62 ° C.
24b is 64 ° C., 24c is 66 ° C., 24
d indicates 68 ° C, 24e indicates 70 ° C, and temperature setting key 2
Every time 3 is pressed, 24a-24b-24c-24d
The lighting is sequentially switched from -24e to 24a.

The control circuit 8 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and 22 is a gelatinization time setting means for setting a gelatinization time, and T (30 minutes) is set in advance in the third embodiment. Reference numeral 17 denotes a gelatinization temperature setting means for setting a gelatinization temperature.
-64 ° C-66 ° C-68 ° C-70 ° C-62 ° C ... and 2 ° C
Change in steps. This gelatinization temperature setting means 17 includes:
A storage means for setting and storing a gelatinization temperature t based on a signal from the gelatinization temperature changing means 21; and when the rice cooking process is started by pressing the rice cooking key 12, the set gelatinization temperature t and the temperature detection means 14 are set. Temperature comparison means for comparing and detecting the detected temperature th.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the sugar content and the gelatinization temperature when the gelatinization time is 30 minutes. As shown in the figure, the sugar content is highest when the gelatinization temperature is about 65 ° C. Further, it was found that the sugar content increased as the gelatinization temperature increased between 60 ° C and 70 ° C. Therefore, by changing the gelatinization temperature in the range of 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. as in the second embodiment, it is possible to cook rice that suits the taste of the user within the range where the sugar content is large. .

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on to the rice cooker, the gelatinization temperature t (62) set in advance in step S41.
C), and the display unit lamp 24a is turned on to display. Next, in step S42, it is determined whether or not the temperature setting key 23 has been turned ON. If the determination result is ON, a new set temperature t (64 ° C.) is set by adding 2 ° C. to the gelatinization temperature t (62 ° C.) set in advance in step S43, and the display unit 24b is turned on. . Next, in step S44, it is determined whether the set temperature has exceeded 70 ° C., and t> 7.
When the temperature reaches 0 ° C., the process returns to step S41 and the above operation is repeated. In this way, each time the temperature setting key 23 is pressed once, the setting can be changed up to 70 ° C. by the gelatinization temperature changing means 21. Here, the description is continued assuming that the gelatinization temperature t is set to 64 ° C. If it is determined in step S42 that the temperature setting key 23 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S44 and performs the same determination as described above.

Next, in step S45, the rice cooker key 12 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. If the result is not ON, the process returns to step S42 to repeat the above operation. The judgment signal is O
If N, the rice cooking process is started, and a timer T1 for counting the gelatinization time is started in step S46. Next, in step S47, a comparison is made between the gelatinization temperature t (64 ° C.) set in advance by the gelatinization temperature setting unit 17 and the detection temperature th of the temperature detection unit 14. The result is th> t
If the temperature is (64 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 stops the coil driving unit 16 and cuts off the current to the coil 6 in step S49. If the determination result is not th> t (64 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 drives the coil driving unit 16 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 6 to heat the pot 3 in step S48. The above operation is repeated and the gelatinization temperature t
(64 ° C.). In FIG. 14, for reference, the case where the gelatinization temperature is 62 ° C. (dashed line) and the case where the gelatinization temperature is 66 ° C. (solid line)
3 shows a temperature change of the temperature sensor 7.

During this time, the gelatinization time T1 is integrated by the above-mentioned timer, and in step S50, it is determined whether or not the time T1 has reached a predetermined gelatinization time T (30 minutes). If the determination result is not T1> T (30 minutes), the process returns to step S47 to repeat the above-described operation, and T1> T (3
If it is (0 minutes), the heating by the first heating control means 15 is ended, and the cooking process from step S51 is performed. In step S52, the second heating control means 20 starts control,
The coil driving unit 16 is driven to turn on the coil 6 to generate an alternation time and heat the pan 3. The temperature in pan 3 rises,
This temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7 and the signal is input to the temperature detecting means 14. In step S53, the temperature detection unit 1
4 inputs the information th to the second heating control means 20. The second heating control means 20 makes a comparison with a predetermined temperature (125 ° C.) which is set in advance. When the determination result is th> 1
If the temperature is not 25 ° C., the heating is continued, and the temperature detecting means 14 monitors the temperature of the temperature sensor 6. If Th> 125 ° C., the second heating control unit 20 stops the coil driving unit 16 and turns off the coil 6 to complete the rice cooking process (step S).
54).

As described above, according to the rice cooker according to the third embodiment, the sugar content can be adjusted by changing the gelatinization temperature, so that the sugar content can be selected as desired. Further, since the gelatinization temperature is also displayed on the display unit 24 on the display of the operation panel 9, the user is easy to use.

If the sweetness of rice is displayed as "high" or "low" instead of displaying the gelatinization temperature, it becomes easier to use.

Embodiment 4 FIG. In the third embodiment, the gelatinization temperature is preset in five stages from 62 ° C. to 70 ° C., and a desired temperature is changed and set by the gelatinization temperature changing unit 21 in this embodiment. Now we can make more detailed settings.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel for setting a gelatinization temperature. In the figure, the same components as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The pressing signal of the temperature setting key 23 is transmitted to the temperature setting means 17.
, The set temperature is integrated by 1 ° C. each time the button is pressed once from 0 to 70 ° C., and the temperature is displayed on the gelatinization temperature display section (7-segment display) of the operation panel 9 to display the gelatinization. The temperature is set. As described above, when the gelatinization temperature is from 0 to 70 ° C, the higher the gelatinization temperature, the higher the sugar content of the rice.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the power is turned on to the rice cooker, the gelatinization time is set to 0 minutes in step S61, and 0 is displayed on the display unit 24. Next, in step S62, it is determined whether or not the temperature setting key 23 has been turned ON. If the determination result is ON, a new set temperature t is set by adding 1 ° C. to the gelatinization temperature t in step S63, and 1 is displayed on the display unit 24. Next, in step S64, the set temperature t becomes 70
It is determined whether or not the temperature has exceeded ℃. If t> 70 ° C., the process returns to step S61 and the above operation is repeated. In this manner, the setting can be changed by the gelatinization temperature setting means 17 up to a maximum of 70 ° C. every time the temperature setting key 23 is pressed. Here, the description is continued assuming that the gelatinization temperature t is set to 64 ° C.
If it is determined in step S62 that the temperature setting key 23 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S64 and performs the same determination as described above.

Next, in step S65, the rice cooker key 12 is turned on.
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. If the result is not ON, the process returns to step S62 and the above operation is repeated. The judgment signal is O
If N, the rice cooking process is started, and a timer T1 for counting the gelatinization time is started in step S66. Next, in step S67, a comparison is made between the gelatinization temperature t (64 ° C.) previously set by the gelatinization temperature setting unit 17 and the detection temperature th of the temperature detection unit 14. The result is th> t
If the temperature is (64 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 stops the coil driving unit 16 and cuts off the current to the coil 6 in step S69. If the determination result is not th> t (64 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 drives the coil driving unit 16 to generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 6 to heat the pan 3 in step S68. The above operation is repeated and the gelatinization temperature t
(64 ° C.).

During this time, the gelatinization time is accumulated by the above-mentioned timer, and in step S70, it is determined whether or not the time T1 has reached a preset gelatinization time T (30 minutes).
If the determination result is not T1> T (30 minutes), the process returns to step S47 to repeat the above-described operation, and T1> T (30 minutes).
If it is (minutes), the heating by the first heating control means 15 is terminated, and the cooking step after step S71 is performed. In step S72, the second heating control means 20 starts control,
The coil driving unit 16 is driven to turn on the coil 6 to generate an alternation time and heat the pan 3. The temperature in pan 3 rises,
This temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7 and the signal is input to the temperature detecting means 14. In step S73, the temperature detection unit 1
4 inputs the information th to the second heating control means 20. The second heating control means 20 makes a comparison with a predetermined temperature (125 ° C.) which is set in advance. When the determination result is th> 1
If the temperature is not 25 ° C., the heating is continued, and the temperature detecting means 14 monitors the temperature of the temperature sensor 6. If Th> 125 ° C., the second heating control unit 20 stops the coil driving unit 16 and turns off the coil 6 to complete the rice cooking process (step S).
74).

As described above, according to the rice cooker in the fourth embodiment, the gelatinization temperature can be changed every 1 ° C., so that it is possible to finely adjust the sugar content. The display of the gelatinization temperature of the operation panel 9 is also displayed on the display unit 24 in seven segments in an easily understandable manner.

Embodiment 5 18 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 5, FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel for setting sweetness of rice, and FIG. 20 is a sweetness of rice by a combination of gelatinization temperature and gelatinization time. FIG. In the figure, the same components as those of the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 26 denotes a sweetness setting means.
Gelatinization temperature of 62 ° C to 70 ° C and gelatinization time of 15 minutes to 35
Five levels are stored for each minute, and five levels of sweetness can be set from M = 1 to M = 5 as shown in FIG. 20 by the combination of the temperature and the time. Reference numeral 25 denotes a sweetness setting key for setting a sweetness , and 27 denotes sweetness changing means .

Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, when the power is turned on to the rice cooker as a start, "1" having the least sweetness is set in the sweetness stage M in step S101, and the display lamp 24a at the low sweetness position of the display lamp 24 is turned on. Next, in step S102, the sweetness setting means 26 determines whether or not the sweetness setting key 25 has been turned on.
Is determined. If the determination result is ON, step S
At 103, a new sweetness stage “2” which is one more than the sweetness stage M is set, stored in the sweetness setting means 26, and the display lamp 24b corresponding to the sweetness stage “2” is turned on. Next, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the sweetness stage M has exceeded 5, and if M> 5, the process returns to step S101 and the above operation is repeated. In this way, each time the sweetness setting key 25 is pressed once, the sweetness changing means 27 can change the sweetness to the sweetness stage “5” having the highest sweetness. If the sweetness setting key 25 is not ON in step S102, the process proceeds to step S104, and the same determination as above is performed.

Next, it is determined in step S105 whether or not the rice cooker key has been turned on.
The rice cooking process after 106 is executed. In the rice cooking process, the gelatinization temperature t and the gelatinization time T corresponding to the sweetness stage previously set in steps S107 to S115 are set in the sweetness setting means 26. In step S107, it is determined whether or not the sweetness stage M is 1. If M = 1, the gelatinization temperature t is set to 62 ° C. and the gelatinization time T is set to 15 minutes in step S108. If M is other than 1, the next step S108
It is determined whether or not the taste stage M is 2, and if M = 2, the gelatinization temperature t is set to 64 ° C. and the gelatinization time T is set to 20 minutes in step S110. Similarly, at step S111, M = 3
If so, the gelatinization temperature t is set to 66 ° C. and the gelatinization time T is set to 25 minutes in step S112, and M = 4 in step S113.
If so, the gelatinization temperature t is set to 68 ° C. and the gelatinization time T is set to 30 minutes in step S114, and M> 4 in step S113.
If so, the gelatinization temperature t is set to 70 ° C. and the gelatinization time T is set to 35 minutes in step S115.

Next, in step S116, the timer in the sweetness setting means 26 starts counting the time T1. In step S117, t set by the sweetness setting means 26
(64 ° C.) and the detected temperature th of the temperature detecting means are compared and determined by the first heating control means 15. The determination result is th>
If t (64 ° C.), the first heating control unit 15 stops the coil driving unit 16 and stops the energization of the coil 6.
If th> t (64 ° C.), the first heating control means 1
5 drives the coil driving unit 16 to energize the coil 6 to generate an alternating magnetic field and heat the pan 3. The above operation is repeated to maintain the gelatinization temperature t (64 ° C.).

During this time, the time T1 is counted by the above-mentioned timer, and the time T1 is set to the gelatinization time T (2
0 minutes). If the comparison determination result is not T1> T, the process returns to step S117 to repeat the above-described operation. If T1> T, the heating by the first heating control means 15 is terminated, and the cooking process from step S121 is executed. I do. In step S122, the second heating control means 20 starts the control, drives the coil driving unit 16, turns on the coil 6, generates an alternation time, and heats the pan 3. The temperature in the pot 3 rises, and this temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 7, and the signal is input to the temperature detecting means 14. In step S123, the temperature detection unit 14 transmits the information th to the second heating control unit 2.
Enter 0. The second heating control means 20 makes a comparison with a predetermined temperature (125 ° C.) which is set in advance. If the result of the determination is not th> 125 ° C., heating is continued, and the temperature detecting means 14 monitors the temperature of the temperature sensor 6. Th> 125
℃, the second heating control means 20
6, the coil 6 is turned off, and the rice cooking process is completed (step S124).

As described above, according to the rice cooker in the fifth embodiment, the sweetness of rice can be adjusted by changing the gelatinization time and the gelatinization temperature, so that the user can select the sweetness of the rice according to his / her taste. In addition, since the sweetness is displayed on the display lamp 24 of the operation panel 9, the user is easy to use.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In the fifth embodiment, the combination of the gelatinization temperature and the gelatinization time is determined in advance.
If the sweetness stage is set to nine as shown in FIG. 2, finer sweetness control can be performed. The results are shown in FIG.
By displaying in nine steps up to j, fine sweetness can be displayed.

Embodiment 7 FIG. In each of the above embodiments, the heating method using the induction heating coil is used. However, a resistance type heater may be used, and one temperature sensor is used for both the first heating control means 15 and the second heating control means 20. However, a temperature sensor may be provided for each heating control unit.

[0056]

According to the rice cooker according to the first invention, 15
Gelatinization time within the range of not less than 35 minutes and / or not more than 35 minutes
By setting the gelatinization temperature within the range of 0 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less , the change in sweetness is large, and the sugar content is large.
You can cook rice that suits your tastes.

[0057]

[0058]

According to the rice cooker according to the second invention, the pre-stored gelatinization temperature in the range of 60 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less and 1
By displaying the sweetness of rice corresponding to a plurality of combinations of gelatinization times within a range of 5 minutes or more and 35 minutes or less, by selecting an arbitrary combination from the plurality of combinations,
The user can select the sweetness of the rice according to his / her taste and display
Since the sweetness is displayed by means, the user is easy to use.

[0060]

[0061]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rice cooker main body.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation panel of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing changes in gelatinization time and sugar content of rice.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of rice cooking by the rice cooker according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a temperature characteristic diagram when rice is cooked by the rice cooker according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a rice cooker operation panel according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rice cooking by the rice cooker according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an operation panel of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing changes in gelatinization temperature and sugar content of rice.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of rice cooking by the rice cooker according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a temperature characteristic diagram when rice is cooked by the rice cooker according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a rice cooker operation panel according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of rice cooking by the rice cooker according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a rice cooker operation panel according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a matrix diagram of the gelatinization time and the gelatinization temperature of the rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of rice cooking by the rice cooker according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a matrix diagram of gelatinization temperature and gelatinization time of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 23 is a front view of an operation panel of a rice cooker according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of a conventional rice cooker.

FIG. 25 is a temperature characteristic diagram when rice is cooked by a conventional rice cooker.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 time setting key, 11 display lamp, 12 rice cooking key, 13 cancel key, 14 temperature detecting means, 15
1st heating control means, 16 coil drive section, 17 gelatinization temperature setting means, 18 hours setting means, 19 hours changing means, 20 second heating control means, 21 gelatinization temperature changing means, 22 hours setting means, 23 Temperature setting key, 24
Display lamp, 25 sweetness setting key, 26 sweetness setting means, 27 sweetness changing means.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Isamu Hirashiki 2-3-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (56) References JP-A-9-429 (JP, A) JP-A-8-52070 ( JP, A) JP-A-5-49532 (JP, A) JP-A-8-322721 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A47J 27/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A heating means for heating a pot into which rice is cooked, a sweetness setting means for setting the sweetness of rice, a display means for displaying the sweetness of rice set by the sweetness setting means, and the sweetness setting means. Corresponding to the sweetness set by
First heating control means for controlling the heating means at a gelatinization time within a range of 15 minutes or more and 35 minutes or less and / or a gelatinization temperature within a range of 60 ° C or more and 70 ° C or less ; A rice cooker comprising: second heating control means for controlling the heating means and cooking after the gelatinization time has elapsed. 2. A heating means for heating a pot into which rice is cooked, and a gelatinization temperature in a range of 60 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less, and 15 minutes.
Storage means for storing in advance a plurality of combinations of gelatinization times within a range of not more than 35 minutes ; display means for displaying the sweetness of rice corresponding to the plurality of combinations stored in the storage means; Selecting means for selecting an arbitrary combination from a plurality of combinations stored in the means,
First heating control means for controlling the heating means so as to maintain the pan at the gelatinization temperature selected by the selection means, the gelatinization time selected by the selection means, and after the gelatinization time has elapsed, The second to control heating means and cook
A rice cooker comprising: a heating control unit.