JP2004049676A

JP2004049676A - rice cooker

Info

Publication number: JP2004049676A
Application number: JP2002213404A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroshi Kitaki; 宏北木; Masafumi Kubo; 雅史久保; Mitsuru Yashima; 充八島; Kazuhiro Ukita; 和宏浮田; Atsushi Koma; 敦高麗; Hironori Hamada; 浩典浜田; Masaaki Shibata; 雅章柴田; Shinichi Sato; 慎一佐藤
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2002-07-23
Filing date: 2002-07-23
Publication date: 2004-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2022-07-23
Also published as: JP3956791B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve warmth retaining performance of rice by enhancing precision in detecting room temperature by a room temperature detecting means, and selecting a warmth retaining course corresponding to room temperature in a warming process, in a rice cooker for cooking rice by rice cooking processes such as a pre-cooking process, a cooking process, and a steaming process, and, then, performing warmth retension by the warmth retaining process. <P>SOLUTION: A pot 3 is freely removably stored in a rice cooker main body 1 and an opening part on the upper surface of the main body 1 is covered by a lid body 8 so as to be freely opened/closed. The lid body 8 includes the room temperature detecting means 12 for detecting room temperature. A control means 7 controls the rice cooking process such as the pre-cooking process, the cooking process and the steaming process, and the warming process. The control means 7 selects one of the low-temperature warming course and high temperature warmth retaining course in the warming process based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 when the pre-cooking process is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明に属する技術分野】
本発明は、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程で炊飯した後、保温工程で保温する炊飯器に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の炊飯器は図６に示すように構成していた。以下、その構成について説明する。
【０００３】
図６に示すように、炊飯器本体１６は、上面が開口する略円筒状に形成しており、この炊飯器本体１６の内部に鍋収納部である保護枠１７を配設しており、この保護枠１７内に内周面に描かれた水位線を有する鍋１８を着脱自在に配設している。鍋温度検知手段１９は鍋１８の温度を検知するもので、鍋１８と当接するように配設している。保護枠１７の外側に鍋１８を加熱する鍋加熱コイル２０を配設しており、鍋１８の側面外側に鍋側面加熱コイル２１を配設している。
【０００４】
制御手段２２は、鍋加熱コイル２０、鍋側面加熱コイル２１、蓋加熱コイル２５などの動作を制御し、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御するよう構成している。
【０００５】
炊飯器本体１６の上部に蓋体２３を開閉自在に取り付けており、蓋体２３の下部に蓋加熱板２４を配設し、さらにその上部に蓋加熱板２４を加熱する蓋加熱コイル２５と蒸気を排出する蒸気排出孔２６を配設している。室温検知手段２７は室温を検知するもので、炊飯器本体１６の内部に配設している。ここで、室温検知手段２７は炊飯器本体１６の下部に配設してもよい。なお、鍋加熱コイル２０、鍋側面加熱コイル２１、蓋加熱コイル２５は、それぞれ鍋加熱ヒータ、鍋側面加熱ヒータ、蓋加熱ヒータであってもよい。
【０００６】
蒸気構成において、炊飯工程が終了すると、炊飯時の合数の判定および室温検知手段２７により検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択し、保温を行う。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、このような従来の構成では、室温検知手段２７が炊飯器本体１６の内部または下部に配設しているため、実際の室温を検知できないという問題を有していた。例えば、室温検知手段２７を炊飯器本体１６に内部に配設している場合、鍋１８および鍋１８を加熱する鍋加熱コイル２０および制御手段２２に付属する発熱部品等の影響により、炊飯器本体１６の内部の室温検知手段２７近傍の温度が上がり、室温より高い温度を検知してしまうという問題を有していた。
【０００８】
また、室温検知手段２７を炊飯器本体１６の下部に配設している場合も同様に、例えばじゅうたんの上で炊飯する場合など炊飯器本体１６と床面との距離が少ない環境下での炊飯や、炊飯器本体１６を狭い空間に設置して炊飯する場合などにおいて、炊飯器本体１６の下部の空気の対流が限定されてしまい、鍋１８および鍋１８を加熱する鍋加熱コイル２０および制御手段２２に付属する発熱部品等の影響により、室温検知手段２７近傍の温度が上がり、室温より高い温度を検知してしまうという問題を有していた。
【０００９】
このように室温検知手段２７により室温を正しくできない可能性が大きいため、保温工程にて選択する保温コースも室温の誤差を考慮し、その誤差による腐敗を防止できるよう加熱の度合を高めに設定していた。例えば、炊飯量が多い場合、室温検知誤差が多いとご飯の腐敗の可能性が生じるため、安全性を考慮して、保温工程にて高温保温コースを選択するように設定していた。
【００１０】
しかしながら、実使用においては、炊飯量とご飯残量が一致している場合は少ないため、ご飯残量に対して加熱が多すぎる場合があり、その際には、ご飯の加熱過多によるご飯の劣化が発生し、さらに、その状態で長時間保温すると、ご飯の劣化が進行し、ご飯の黄変や保温臭気の発生を引き起こしてしまっていた。
【００１１】
本発明は上記課題を解決するもので、室温検知手段による室温の検知精度を向上し、保温工程にて室温に応じた保温コースを選択し、ご飯の保温性能を向上することを第１の目的としている。
【００１２】
また、炊飯後にご飯量を認識し、保温工程にてご飯量に適合した保温コースを選択し、ご飯の保温性能を向上することを第２の目的としている。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記第１の目的を達成するために、炊飯器本体内に鍋を着脱自在に収納し、炊飯器本体の上面開口部を蓋体により開閉自在に覆い、蓋体に室温を検知する室温検知手段を設け、制御手段により前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御するよう構成し、制御手段は、前炊き工程終了時に室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたものである。
【００１４】
これにより、室温検知手段による室温の検知精度を向上でき、保温工程にて室温に応じた保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができる。
【００１５】
また、第２の目的を達成するために、炊飯器本体内に鍋を着脱自在に収納し、炊飯器本体の上面開口部を蓋体により開閉自在に覆い、蓋体に室温を検知する室温検知手段を設け、制御手段により前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御するよう構成し、制御手段は、炊飯後の温度下降時に検知した鍋の温度が第１の設定温度から第２の設定温度まで降下する温度降下時間に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたものである。
【００１６】
これにより、炊飯後にご飯量を認識できて、保温工程にてご飯量に適合した保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができる。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前炊き工程終了時に前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたものであり、炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を最も受けにくい蓋体に室温検知手段を設けるとともに、蓋体の発熱体である蓋加熱手段に電流を供給する前の工程であり、かつ炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を受けにくい前炊き工程終了時に室温を検知することで、室温検知手段による室温検知精度を向上することができ、このことから、保温工程にて室温の誤差を考慮せずに保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００１８】
請求項２に記載の発明は、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、炊飯開始前に前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたものであり、炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を最も受けにくい蓋体に室温検知手段を設けるとともに、炊飯器本体に付属する発熱体が発熱する前である炊飯開始前に室温を検知することで、より本来の室温に近い室温を検知することができ、室温検知手段による室温検知精度を向上することができ、このことから、保温工程にて室温の誤差を考慮せずに保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００１９】
請求項３に記載の発明は、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記鍋の温度を検知する温度検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、炊飯後の温度下降時に検知した鍋の温度が第１の設定温度から第２の設定温度まで降下する温度降下時間に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたものであり、炊飯後にご飯量を認識できて、保温工程にてその量に適合した保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができ、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００２０】
請求項４に記載の発明は、上記請求項３に記載の発明において、蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段を備え、制御手段は、前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、温度降下時間の設定を可変するようにしたものであり、室温検知手段により検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて室温およびご飯量に応じた保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができる。
【００２１】
請求項５に記載の発明は、上記請求項１、２、４に記載の発明において、蓋体は金属部材で形成し、室温検知手段は前記金属部材と当接したものであり、室温検知手段の検知精度を向上することができる。
【００２２】
請求項６に記載の発明は、上記請求項１、２、４、５に記載の発明において、室温検知手段は蓋体の外部上面に配設したものであり、室温検知手段の検知精度を向上することができる。
【００２３】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
【００２４】
（実施例１）
図１に示すように、炊飯器本体１は、上面が開口する略円筒状に形成しており、この炊飯器本体１の内部に鍋収納部である保護枠２を配設しており、この保護枠２内に内周面に描かれた水位線を有する鍋３を着脱自在に配設している。鍋温度検知手段４は鍋３の温度を検知するもので、鍋３と当接するように配設している。保護枠２の外側に鍋３を加熱する鍋加熱コイル５を配設しており、鍋３の側面外側に鍋側面加熱コイル６を配設している。
【００２５】
制御手段７は、マイクロコンピュータなどで構成し、鍋加熱コイル５、鍋側面加熱コイル６、蓋加熱コイル１０などの動作を制御し、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御するよう構成している。
【００２６】
炊飯器本体１の上部に蓋体８を開閉自在に取り付けており、蓋体８の下部に蓋加熱板９を配設し、さらにその上部に蓋加熱板９を加熱する蓋加熱コイル１０と蒸気を排出する蒸気排出孔１１を配設している。室温検知手段１２は室温を検知するもので、蓋体８の内部に配設している。なお、鍋加熱コイル５、鍋側面加熱コイル６、蓋加熱コイル１０は、それぞれ鍋加熱ヒータ、鍋側面加熱ヒータ、蓋加熱ヒータであってもよい。
【００２７】
ここで、制御手段７は、前炊き工程終了時に室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしている。
【００２８】
上記構成において動作を説明する。上述のように、室温検知手段１２により検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するには、室温検知手段１２による検知精度を向上する必要がある。
【００２９】
このために、図１に示すように、蓋体８に室温検知手段１２を配設することで、炊飯器本体１内部の鍋加熱コイル５、鍋側面加熱コイル６および制御手段７に付属する発熱部品と十分距離をとることができ、炊飯器本体１内部の発熱体の影響により、蓋体８内部の室温検知手段１２近傍の温度が上昇してしまうのを回避できる。
【００３０】
一方、蓋体８の内部にも発熱体である蓋加熱コイル１０を配設しており、蓋加熱コイル１０に電流を供給して発熱すると、蓋体８内部の室温検知手段１２近傍の温度は上昇してしまい、このタイミングで室温を検知すると、室温より高い温度を検知してしまうことがある。この問題を回避するために、室温を検知するタイミングを蓋加熱コイル１０の発熱の影響がないように設定する必要がある。
【００３１】
図２は、制御手段７により制御される炊飯工程の概略を示しており、炊飯工程は、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程の３工程に大分され、前炊き工程終了時まで、蓋加熱コイル１０は電流を供給してなく、発熱してない状態である。図２（ａ）に示すように、このタイミングで室温を検知することにより、蓋加熱コイル１０の発熱の影響を受けることなく、本来の室温に近い室温を検知することができ、室温検知手段１２により検知する室温の検知精度を向上することができる。また、図２（ｂ）に示すように、室温を検知するタイミングは炊飯器本体１に付属する発熱体が全く発熱していない炊飯開始前であってもよい。
【００３２】
以上のように蓋体８に室温検知手段１２を配設するとともに、前炊き工程終了時、または炊飯開始前に室温を検知することで、より本来の室温に近い室温を検知することができ、室温の検知精度を向上することができる。このことにより、保温時の室温およびご飯残量に応じた保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができる。
【００３３】
つぎに、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択する動作について説明する。
【００３４】
今、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、５℃＜ｔ＜３０℃の場合は、炊飯量が多い場合においても、実験結果よりご飯温度７５℃以上、１５分以上というご飯の殺菌に必要なご飯温度が確保できるため、ご飯の腐敗の可能性がないと判断し、低温保温コースを選択する。ここで、低温保温コースは、保温工程の全工程において、鍋３の温度が７０℃以下になるように、鍋加熱コイル５、鍋側面加熱コイル６、蓋加熱コイル１０などのオンデューティが小さくなるよう制御する。
【００３５】
室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、ｔ＜５℃の場合は、炊飯量が多い場合においても、実験結果よりご飯温度７５℃以上、１５分以上というご飯の殺菌に必要なご飯温度が確保できないため、ご飯の腐敗の可能性があると判断し、高温保温コースを選択する。ここで、高温保温コースは、保温工程の全工程において、鍋３の温度が７３℃程度になるように、鍋加熱コイル５、鍋側面加熱コイル６、蓋加熱コイル１０などのオンデューティが大きくなるよう制御する。
【００３６】
また、連続炊飯後の保温時に発生する可能性のあるご飯の腐敗対策のため、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、ｔ＞３０℃の場合は、高温保温コースを選択する。
【００３７】
すなわち、連続して炊飯をする場合、室温検知手段１２近傍の温度は２回目以降の炊飯開始前にすでに室温より高くなっているため、本来の室温の検知はできない。このため、実際の室温が低温、例えば５℃以下の場合、ご飯の腐敗を防止することができない可能性があるので、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、ｔ＞３０℃の場合は、すべて高温保温コースを選択し、ご飯の腐敗を防止する。
【００３８】
このように、蓋体８に室温検知手段１２を設け、前炊き工程終了時または炊飯開始前に室温を検知することで、室温検知手段１２による室温検知精度を向上することができ、保温工程にて室温の誤差を考慮せずに保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００３９】
（実施例２）
図１に示す制御手段７は、炊飯後の温度下降時に鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度が第１の設定温度ｔ０から第２の設定温度ｔ１まで降下する温度降下時間に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにし、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温に基づいて、温度降下時間の設定を可変するようにしている。他の構成は上記実施例１と同じである。
【００４０】
上記構成において図３を参照しながら動作を説明する。ステップ３０にて保温工程をスタートすると、ステップ３１にて、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、５℃＜ｔ＜３０℃である場合は、上記実施例１と同様に、ご飯の腐敗の可能性がないと判断し、ステップ３２にて低温保温コースを選択する。
【００４１】
つぎに、ステップ３３にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度を制御手段７に入力し、ステップ３４にて鍋３の温度が第１の設定温度ｔ０より下がると、ステップ３５にて制御手段７に設けたタイマーの計時をスタートし、ステップ３６にて計時する。ステップ３７にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度の温度が第２の設定温度ｔ１より下がると、ステップ３８にて計時をストップする。
【００４２】
ステップ３９にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度が第１の設定温度ｔ０から第２の設定温度ｔ１まで降下する温度降下時間が、所定の設定時間Ｘ分より長い場合は、ご飯残量が多いと判断し、ステップ４０にて高温保温コースを選択する。また、設定時間Ｘ分より短い場合は、ご飯残量が少ないと判断し、ステップ４１にて低温保温コースを選択する。
【００４３】
つぎに、ステップ３１にて、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、５℃＜ｔ＜３０℃でない場合は、上記実施例１と同様に、ご飯の腐敗の可能性があると判断し、ステップ４２にて高温保温コースを選択する。
【００４４】
つぎに、ステップ４３にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度を制御手段７に入力し、ステップ４４にて鍋３の温度が第１の設定温度ｔ０より下がると、ステップ４５にて制御手段７に設けたタイマーの計時をスタートし、ステップ４６にて計時する。ステップ４７にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度の温度が第２の設定温度ｔ１より下がると、ステップ４８にて計時をストップする。
【００４５】
ステップ４９にて、鍋温度検知手段４により検知した鍋３の温度が第１の設定温度ｔ０から第２の設定温度ｔ１まで降下する温度降下時間が、所定の設定時間Ｘ１分より長い場合は、ご飯残量が多いと判断し、ステップ４０にて高温保温コースを選択する。また、設定時間Ｘ１分より短い場合は、ご飯残量が少ないと判断し、ステップ４１にて低温保温コースを選択する。
【００４６】
ここで、室温検知手段１２にて検知した室温ｔが、５℃＜ｔ＜３０℃でない場合は、ご飯の腐敗の可能性があると判断しているので、安全のため、設定時間Ｘ１分は、室温ｔが、５℃＜ｔ＜３０℃である場合の設定時間Ｘより長く設定する（Ｘ１＞Ｘ）。
【００４７】
このように、保温中にご飯量が減少した場合や、室温の誤検知等により適切でない保温コースを選択した場合、保温コースを再度変更することができ、ご飯の腐敗の危険性を回避することができ、保温性能を向上することができ、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００４８】
なお、第１の設定温度ｔ０、第２の設定温度ｔ１、設定時間Ｘ１、Ｘの設定は、炊飯器の構成により異なるため、適宜設定する。
【００４９】
（実施例３）
次に、本発明第２の実施例について図５により説明する。なお、炊飯器の全体の構成は、実施例１と同じであるので説明を省略する。
【００５０】
図４に示すように、蓋体８ａは金属部材で形成し、室温検知手段１２は蓋体８ａを形成する金属部材と当接するように配設している。他の構成は炊飯器の全体構成を含め上記実施例１または２と同じであり、同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００５１】
上記構成において動作を説明する。金属部材は樹脂部材と比較して、熱応答性が良好なため、蓋体８ａを金属部材で形成し、その蓋体８ａに室温検知手段１２を当接すると、より本来の室温に近い温度を検知することができる。
【００５２】
このことにより、室温検知手段１２による室温の検知精度を向上することができ、室温およびご飯残量を考慮した保温コースを選択することができ、結果として、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を回避することができる。
【００５３】
（実施例４）
図５に示すように、室温検知手段１２は、蓋体８ｂの上部外面に配設している。他の構成は炊飯器の全体構成を含め上記実施例１または２と同じであり、同一符号を付して説明を省略する。
【００５４】
上記構成において動作を説明する。室温検知手段１２を蓋体８ｂの上部外面に配設することで、室温検知手段１２は直接外気と接触することができ、より本来の室温に近い温度が検知することができる。
【００５５】
このことにより、室温検知手段１２による室温の検知精度を向上することができ、室温およびご飯残量を考慮した保温コースを選択することができ、結果として、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を回避することができる。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明の請求項１に記載の発明によれば、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、前炊き工程終了時に前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたから、炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を最も受けにくい蓋体に室温検知手段を設けるとともに、蓋体の発熱体である蓋加熱手段に電流を供給する前の工程であり、かつ炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を受けにくい前炊き工程終了時に室温を検知することで、室温検知手段による室温検知精度を向上することができ、このことから、保温工程にて室温の誤差を考慮せずに保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００５７】
また、請求項２に記載の発明によれば、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、炊飯開始前に前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたから、炊飯器本体内部の発熱体の影響を最も受けにくい蓋体に室温検知手段を設けるとともに、炊飯器本体に付属する発熱体が発熱する前である炊飯開始前に室温を検知することで、より本来の室温に近い室温を検知することができ、室温検知手段による室温検知精度を向上することができ、このことから、保温工程にて室温の誤差を考慮せずに保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の加熱過多による保温性能の劣化を防止でき、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００５８】
また、請求項３に記載の発明によれば、炊飯器本体と、前記炊飯器本体内に着脱自在に収納される鍋と、前記炊飯器本体の上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋体と、前記鍋の温度を検知する温度検知手段と、前炊き工程、炊き上げ工程、むらし工程などの炊飯工程と保温工程とを制御する制御手段とを備え、前記制御手段は、炊飯後の温度下降時に検知した鍋の温度が第１の設定温度から第２の設定温度まで降下する温度降下時間に基づいて、保温工程にて低温保温コース、高温保温コースのいずれかを選択するようにしたから、炊飯後にご飯量を認識できて、保温工程にてその量に適合した保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができ、同時に消費電力量の過多を防止することができる。
【００５９】
また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、蓋体に設け室温を検知する室温検知手段を備え、制御手段は、前記室温検知手段にて検知した室温に基づいて、温度降下時間の設定を可変するようにしたから、室温検知手段により検知した室温に基づいて、保温工程にて室温およびご飯量に応じた保温コースを選択することができ、ご飯の保温性能を向上することができる。
【００６０】
また、請求項５に記載の発明によれば、蓋体は金属部材で形成し、室温検知手段は前記金属部材と当接したから、室温検知手段の検知精度を向上することができる。
【００６１】
また、請求項６に記載の発明によれば、室温検知手段は蓋体の外部上面に配設したから、室温検知手段の検知精度を向上することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施例の炊飯器の断面図
【図２】（ａ）同炊飯器の炊飯工程の一例の要部フローチャート
（ｂ）同炊飯器の炊飯工程の他の例の要部フローチャート
【図３】本発明の第２の実施例の炊飯器の保温工程の要部フローチャート
【図４】本発明の第３の実施例の炊飯器の蓋体の要部断面図
【図５】本発明の第４の実施例の炊飯器の蓋体の要部断面図
【図６】従来の炊飯器の断面図
【符号の説明】
１　炊飯器本体
３　鍋
７　制御手段
８　蓋体
１２　室温検知手段[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a rice cooker that cooks rice in a rice cooking process such as a pre-cooking process, a cooking process, a steaming process, and the like, and then keeps warm in a warming process.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of rice cooker has been configured as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 6, the rice cooker main body 16 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose upper surface is open, and a protection frame 17 serving as a pot storage portion is provided inside the rice cooker main body 16. A pot 18 having a water level line drawn on the inner peripheral surface is detachably disposed in the protective frame 17. The pan temperature detecting means 19 detects the temperature of the pan 18 and is disposed so as to be in contact with the pan 18. A pot heating coil 20 for heating the pot 18 is provided outside the protection frame 17, and a pot side heating coil 21 is provided outside the side face of the pot 18.
[0004]
The control means 22 controls the operations of the pot heating coil 20, the pot side heating coil 21, the lid heating coil 25, and the like, and controls the rice cooking process such as the pre-cooking process, the cooking process, the rice drying process, and the warming process. Make up.
[0005]
A lid 23 is attached to the upper part of the rice cooker body 16 so as to be openable and closable, a lid heating plate 24 is provided at a lower part of the lid 23, and a lid heating coil 25 for heating the lid heating plate 24 and steam are provided above the lid. The steam discharge hole 26 which discharges is provided. The room temperature detecting means 27 detects the room temperature and is provided inside the rice cooker main body 16. Here, the room temperature detecting means 27 may be provided below the rice cooker main body 16. In addition, the pot heating coil 20, the pot side heating coil 21, and the lid heating coil 25 may be a pot heating heater, a pot side heating heater, and a lid heating heater, respectively.
[0006]
In the steam configuration, when the rice cooking process is completed, based on the determination of the total number of the cooked rice and the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means 27, one of a low-temperature warming course and a high-temperature warming course is selected in the warming process, and the warming is performed. Do.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a conventional configuration has a problem that the actual room temperature cannot be detected because the room temperature detecting means 27 is provided inside or below the rice cooker main body 16. For example, when the room temperature detecting means 27 is disposed inside the rice cooker main body 16, the rice cooker main body is affected by the pot 18, the pot heating coil 20 for heating the pan 18, and the heat-generating components attached to the control means 22. There has been a problem that the temperature near the room temperature detecting means 27 inside 16 increases and a temperature higher than room temperature is detected.
[0008]
Similarly, when the room temperature detecting means 27 is arranged below the rice cooker main body 16, rice is cooked in an environment where the distance between the rice cooker main body 16 and the floor is short, for example, when rice is cooked on a carpet. When the rice cooker main body 16 is installed in a narrow space and cooks rice, the convection of air below the rice cooker main body 16 is limited, and the pot 18 and the pan heating coil 20 for heating the pan 18 and the control means are controlled. The temperature near the room temperature detecting means 27 rises due to the influence of a heat-generating component attached to the device 22, and the temperature higher than the room temperature is detected.
[0009]
Since there is a high possibility that the room temperature cannot be correctly adjusted by the room temperature detecting means 27, the heat retention course selected in the heat preservation step is also set to a high degree of heating so as to prevent rot due to the error considering the room temperature error. I was For example, when the amount of cooked rice is large, if the detection error of the room temperature is large, there is a possibility that the rice rots.
[0010]
However, in actual use, if the amount of cooked rice and the remaining amount of rice are not the same, the amount of rice may be too high. Further, if the temperature was kept for a long time in this state, the deterioration of the rice proceeded, causing yellowing of the rice and generation of a heat retention odor.
[0011]
The first object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to improve the accuracy of detecting a room temperature by means of a room temperature detecting means, to select a heat insulation course according to the room temperature in a heat insulation step, and to improve the heat insulation performance of rice. And
[0012]
It is a second object of the present invention to recognize the amount of rice after cooking and select a heat-retention course suitable for the amount of rice in the heat-retention step, thereby improving the heat-retaining performance of the rice.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, a pot is detachably stored in a rice cooker main body, an upper opening of the rice cooker main body is openably and closably covered by a lid, and the lid detects room temperature. Room temperature detection means is provided, and the control means controls the rice cooking step such as the pre-cooking step, the cooking step, the rice drying step, and the warming step, and the control means detects the room temperature detection means at the end of the pre-cooking step. Based on the obtained room temperature, either a low-temperature heat-keeping course or a high-temperature heat-hold course is selected in the heat-holding step.
[0014]
As a result, the accuracy of detecting the room temperature by the room temperature detecting means can be improved, a heat insulation course corresponding to the room temperature can be selected in the heat insulation step, and the heat insulation performance of rice can be improved.
[0015]
Further, in order to achieve the second object, a pot is detachably housed in the rice cooker main body, the upper opening of the rice cooker main body is openably and closably covered by a lid, and the lid detects the room temperature. Means, and the control means controls the rice cooking step such as the pre-cooking step, the cooking step, the rice drying step and the warming step, and the control means detects the temperature of the pot detected when the temperature drops after cooking. In the heat-retention step, either the low-temperature heat-retention course or the high-temperature heat-retention course is selected based on the temperature drop time from the first set temperature to the second set temperature.
[0016]
As a result, the amount of rice can be recognized after the rice is cooked, and a heat-retention course suitable for the amount of rice can be selected in the heat-retention step, and the heat-retaining performance of the rice can be improved.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that the rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a lid that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, Room temperature detecting means provided on the lid to detect room temperature, and control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a heat retaining step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, a steaming step, etc., wherein the control means terminates the pre-cooking step At this time, based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means, a low-temperature warming course or a high-temperature warming course is selected in the warming step, and is most affected by the heating element inside the rice cooker main body. At the end of the pre-cooking step, which is a step before supplying current to the lid heating means, which is a heating element of the lid, and which is not easily affected by the heating element inside the rice cooker body, while providing the room temperature detecting means on the hard lid. By detecting the room temperature, It is possible to improve the room temperature detection accuracy by means, and from this, it is possible to select a heat insulation course without considering the room temperature error in the heat insulation process, prevent deterioration of heat insulation performance due to excessive heating of rice, At the same time, excessive power consumption can be prevented.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a lid body that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, and the lid body Room temperature detection means for detecting the room temperature provided, and control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a warming step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, and a steaming step, and the control means detects the room temperature before starting rice cooking. Based on the room temperature detected by the means, it is designed to select either the low-temperature heat retention course or the high-temperature heat retention course in the heat retention process, and to the lid that is least affected by the heating element inside the rice cooker main body Along with the provision of the room temperature detection means, by detecting the room temperature before the start of rice cooking, which is before the heating element attached to the rice cooker body generates heat, it is possible to detect a room temperature closer to the original room temperature, and the room temperature detection means Improve room temperature detection accuracy From this, it is possible to select a heat insulation course without considering the error of the room temperature in the heat insulation process, prevent deterioration of heat insulation performance due to excessive heating of rice, and prevent excessive power consumption at the same time can do.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 3 is a rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a lid body that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, and a temperature of the pot. And a control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a warming step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, and a steaming step, wherein the control means detects when the temperature drops after cooking the rice. In the heat preservation step, one of a low temperature preservation course and a high temperature preservation course is selected based on a temperature drop time in which the temperature of the first temperature drops from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, and after the rice is cooked. The amount of rice can be recognized, and a heat insulation course suitable for the amount can be selected in the heat insulation process, so that the heat insulation performance of the rice can be improved, and at the same time, excessive power consumption can be prevented.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 3, further comprising a room temperature detecting unit provided on the lid to detect room temperature, wherein the control unit is configured to perform control based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting unit. The setting of the temperature drop time is made variable, and based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means, a heat insulation course can be selected in accordance with the room temperature and the amount of rice in the heat insulation process, and the heat insulation performance of rice Can be improved.
[0021]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second and fourth aspects of the invention, the lid is formed of a metal member, and the room temperature detecting means is in contact with the metal member. Detection accuracy can be improved.
[0022]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, fourth, and fifth aspects of the invention, the room temperature detecting means is disposed on the outer upper surface of the lid, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the room temperature detecting means. can do.
[0023]
【Example】
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the rice cooker main body 1 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having an open upper surface, and a protection frame 2 serving as a pot storage portion is provided inside the rice cooker main body 1. A pot 3 having a water level line drawn on the inner peripheral surface is detachably disposed in the protection frame 2. The pan temperature detecting means 4 detects the temperature of the pan 3 and is disposed so as to be in contact with the pan 3. A pot heating coil 5 for heating the pot 3 is provided outside the protection frame 2, and a pot side heating coil 6 is provided outside the side face of the pot 3.
[0025]
The control means 7 comprises a microcomputer or the like, controls operations of the pot heating coil 5, the pot side heating coil 6, the lid heating coil 10 and the like, and performs a rice cooking process such as a pre-cooking process, a cooking process, a steaming process, and the like. It is configured to control the warming process.
[0026]
A lid 8 is attached to the upper part of the rice cooker body 1 so as to be openable and closable, a lid heating plate 9 is provided at a lower part of the lid 8, and a lid heating coil 10 for heating the lid heating plate 9 and steam are provided above the lid heating plate 9. Is provided with a steam discharge hole 11 for discharging water. The room temperature detecting means 12 detects the room temperature and is provided inside the lid 8. In addition, the pot heating coil 5, the pot side heating coil 6, and the lid heating coil 10 may be a pot heating heater, a pot side heating heater, and a lid heating heater, respectively.
[0027]
Here, the control means 7 selects either the low-temperature heat-keeping course or the high-temperature heat-maintenance course in the heat-keeping step based on the room temperature detected by the room-temperature detecting means 12 at the end of the pre-cooking step.
[0028]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. As described above, in order to select one of the low-temperature heat-preserving course and the high-temperature heat-preservation course in the heat preservation step based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means 12, it is necessary to improve the detection accuracy of the room temperature detection means 12. .
[0029]
To this end, as shown in FIG. 1, by disposing the room temperature detecting means 12 on the lid 8, the heat generated in the pot heating coil 5, the pot side heating coil 6, and the control means 7 inside the rice cooker main body 1. It is possible to keep a sufficient distance from the components, and it is possible to prevent the temperature near the room temperature detecting means 12 inside the lid 8 from rising due to the effect of the heating element inside the rice cooker main body 1.
[0030]
On the other hand, a lid heating coil 10, which is a heating element, is also provided inside the lid 8, and when a current is supplied to the lid heating coil 10 to generate heat, the temperature near the room temperature detecting means 12 inside the lid 8 is increased. When the room temperature is detected at this timing, a temperature higher than the room temperature may be detected. In order to avoid this problem, it is necessary to set the timing for detecting the room temperature so as not to be affected by the heat generated by the lid heating coil 10.
[0031]
FIG. 2 shows an outline of the rice cooking process controlled by the control means 7, and the rice cooking process is roughly divided into three steps of a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, and a steaming step. The heating coil 10 is not supplying current and is not generating heat. As shown in FIG. 2A, by detecting the room temperature at this timing, it is possible to detect a room temperature close to the original room temperature without being affected by the heat generated by the lid heating coil 10. Thus, the detection accuracy of the room temperature to be detected can be improved. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the timing of detecting the room temperature may be before the start of rice cooking in which the heating element attached to the rice cooker main body 1 does not generate any heat.
[0032]
By arranging the room temperature detecting means 12 on the lid 8 as described above and detecting the room temperature at the end of the pre-cooking step or before starting the rice cooking, it is possible to detect a room temperature closer to the original room temperature, Room temperature detection accuracy can be improved. Thus, it is possible to select a heat retention course according to the room temperature and the remaining amount of rice at the time of heat retention, and it is possible to improve the heat retention performance of rice.
[0033]
Next, an operation of selecting either the low-temperature heat-keeping course or the high-temperature heat-keep course in the heat-holding step based on the room temperature detected by the room-temperature detecting means 12 will be described.
[0034]
Now, when the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is 5 ° C. <t <30 ° C., even if the amount of cooked rice is large, it is possible to sterilize rice with a rice temperature of 75 ° C. or more and 15 minutes or more according to the experimental results. Since the required rice temperature can be secured, it is judged that there is no possibility of the rice being putrefactive, and a low-temperature keeping course is selected. Here, in the low-temperature keeping course, the on-duty of the pot heating coil 5, the pot side heating coil 6, the lid heating coil 10 and the like becomes small so that the temperature of the pot 3 becomes 70 ° C. or less in all the steps of the heat retaining step. Control.
[0035]
When the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is t <5 ° C., even if the amount of cooked rice is large, the rice temperature required for rice sterilization of 75 ° C. or more and 15 minutes or more is obtained from the experimental results. Since it cannot be secured, it is judged that there is a possibility that the rice will rot, and a high-temperature insulation course is selected. Here, in the high-temperature keeping course, the on-duty of the pot heating coil 5, the pot side heating coil 6, the lid heating coil 10 and the like becomes large so that the temperature of the pot 3 becomes about 73 ° C. in all the steps of the heat retaining step. Control.
[0036]
If the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is t> 30 ° C., a high-temperature heat-preserving course is selected in order to take measures against putrefaction of rice which may occur during the heat keeping after the continuous rice cooking.
[0037]
That is, when rice is cooked continuously, the temperature in the vicinity of the room temperature detecting means 12 is already higher than the room temperature before the start of the second or subsequent rice cooking, so that the original room temperature cannot be detected. For this reason, when the actual room temperature is low, for example, 5 ° C. or less, it may not be possible to prevent the rot of rice. Therefore, when the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is t> 30 ° C. Choose a high-temperature insulation course, all to prevent rice rot.
[0038]
Thus, by providing the room temperature detecting means 12 on the lid 8 and detecting the room temperature at the end of the pre-cooking step or before the start of rice cooking, the accuracy of detecting the room temperature by the room temperature detecting means 12 can be improved. In this way, it is possible to select a heat retention course without considering an error in room temperature, to prevent deterioration of heat retention performance due to excessive heating of rice, and to prevent excessive power consumption at the same time.
[0039]
(Example 2)
The control means 7 shown in FIG. 1 controls the temperature of the pot 3 detected by the pot temperature detecting means 4 when the temperature drops after cooking rice, based on the temperature drop time when the temperature drops from the first set temperature t0 to the second set temperature t1. In the warming step, either the low-temperature warming course or the high-temperature warming course is selected, and the setting of the temperature descent time is made variable based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means 12. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0040]
The operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When the warming process is started in step 30, if the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 in step 31 is 5 ° C <t <30 ° C, the rot of rice is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. It is determined that there is no possibility that the low-temperature keeping course is selected in step 32.
[0041]
Next, in step 33, the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 is input to the control means 7, and in step 34, when the temperature of the pan 3 falls below the first set temperature t0, the flow proceeds to step 35. The timer of the control means 7 is started to measure the time, and the time is measured in step 36. When the temperature of the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 falls below the second set temperature t1 at step 37, the time measurement is stopped at step 38.
[0042]
In step 39, if the temperature drop time during which the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 drops from the first set temperature t0 to the second set temperature t1 is longer than a predetermined set time X minutes, It is determined that the remaining amount of rice is large, and a high-temperature keeping course is selected in step 40. If the time is shorter than the set time X minutes, it is determined that the remaining amount of rice is small, and a low-temperature keeping course is selected in step 41.
[0043]
Next, in Step 31, if the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is not 5 ° C. <t <30 ° C., it is determined that there is a possibility that the rice will rot, as in the first embodiment. In step 42, a high-temperature keeping course is selected.
[0044]
Next, in step 43, the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 is input to the control means 7, and in step 44, when the temperature of the pan 3 falls below the first set temperature t0, the flow proceeds to step 45. Then, the timer of the control means 7 is started, and the time is measured in step 46. When the temperature of the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 falls below the second set temperature t1 at step 47, the time measurement is stopped at step 48.
[0045]
In step 49, if the temperature drop time during which the temperature of the pan 3 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 4 drops from the first set temperature t0 to the second set temperature t1 is longer than a predetermined set time X1 minute, It is determined that the remaining amount of rice is large, and a high-temperature keeping course is selected in step 40. If the time is shorter than the set time X1 minute, it is determined that the remaining amount of rice is small, and a low-temperature heat-preserving course is selected in step 41.
[0046]
Here, if the room temperature t detected by the room temperature detecting means 12 is not 5 ° C. <t <30 ° C., it is determined that there is a possibility that the rice has rotted. And room temperature t is set to be longer than set time X when 5 ° C <t <30 ° C (X1> X).
[0047]
In this way, when the amount of rice decreases during warming, or when an inappropriate warming course is selected due to erroneous detection of room temperature, etc., the warming course can be changed again to avoid the risk of rice rot. Therefore, the heat retention performance can be improved, and at the same time, excessive power consumption can be prevented.
[0048]
Note that the settings of the first set temperature t0, the second set temperature t1, and the set times X1 and X differ depending on the configuration of the rice cooker, and thus are appropriately set.
[0049]
(Example 3)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The overall configuration of the rice cooker is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4, the lid 8a is formed of a metal member, and the room temperature detecting means 12 is disposed so as to be in contact with the metal member forming the lid 8a. Other configurations are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, including the overall configuration of the rice cooker, and are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0051]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. Since the metal member has better thermal responsiveness than the resin member, when the lid 8a is formed of a metal member and the room temperature detecting means 12 is brought into contact with the lid 8a, the temperature becomes closer to the original room temperature. Can be detected.
[0052]
As a result, the accuracy of detecting the room temperature by the room temperature detecting means 12 can be improved, and a heat insulation course can be selected in consideration of the room temperature and the remaining amount of the rice. As a result, deterioration of the heat insulation performance due to excessive heating of the rice can be prevented. It is possible to prevent power consumption at the same time.
[0053]
(Example 4)
As shown in FIG. 5, the room temperature detecting means 12 is provided on the upper outer surface of the lid 8b. Other configurations are the same as those of the first or second embodiment, including the overall configuration of the rice cooker, and are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0054]
The operation of the above configuration will be described. By arranging the room temperature detecting means 12 on the upper outer surface of the lid 8b, the room temperature detecting means 12 can directly contact the outside air, and can detect a temperature closer to the original room temperature.
[0055]
As a result, the detection accuracy of the room temperature by the room temperature detecting means 12 can be improved, and a heat insulation course can be selected in consideration of the room temperature and the remaining amount of the rice. It is possible to prevent power consumption at the same time.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, the rice cooker main body, the pan removably stored in the rice cooker main body, and the upper opening of the rice cooker main body can be freely opened and closed. A cover, a room temperature detecting means provided on the cover to detect a room temperature, and a control means for controlling a rice cooking step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, a rice drying step and a heat retaining step, and the control means Based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means at the end of the pre-cooking step, based on the room temperature to select one of the low-temperature warming course, high-temperature warming course in the warming step, the heating element inside the rice cooker body This is a step before providing current to the lid heating means, which is the heating element of the lid, while providing the room temperature detection means on the lid that is least susceptible to influence, and before it is not easily affected by the heating element inside the rice cooker main body. Detect the room temperature at the end of the cooking process. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting the room temperature by the room temperature detecting means, and thus, it is possible to select a heat insulation course without considering a room temperature error in the heat insulation process, and deterioration of the heat insulation performance due to excessive heating of rice. Can be prevented, and at the same time, excessive power consumption can be prevented.
[0057]
According to the invention described in claim 2, the rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, and a lid body that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, Room temperature detecting means provided on the lid to detect room temperature, and a control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a warming step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, and a steaming step, and the control means is provided before starting rice cooking. Based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means, a low-temperature heat-preserving course or a high-temperature heat-preservation course is selected in the heat preservation step, so that the lid is hardly affected by the heating element inside the rice cooker main body. Room temperature detection means is provided on the body, and by detecting the room temperature before the start of rice cooking, which is before the heating element attached to the rice cooker generates heat, it is possible to detect a room temperature closer to the original room temperature, and to detect room temperature Room temperature detection accuracy by means From this, it is possible to select a heat insulation course without considering room temperature errors in the heat insulation process, prevent deterioration of heat insulation performance due to excessive heating of rice, and at the same time reduce excess power consumption. Can be prevented.
[0058]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, a rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, and a lid that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the pot, and a control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a warming step such as a pre-cooking step, a cooking step, and a steaming step, and the control means reduces the temperature after cooking the rice. Based on the temperature drop time when the temperature of the pot detected at the time drops from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, either the low-temperature heat-keeping course or the high-temperature heat-keep course is selected in the heat-holding step. After cooking rice, the amount of rice can be recognized, and a heat insulation course suitable for that amount can be selected in the heat insulation process, thereby improving the heat insulation performance of rice and, at the same time, preventing excessive power consumption. .
[0059]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a room temperature detecting unit provided on the lid to detect a room temperature, and the control unit sets the temperature drop time based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting unit. Since it is made variable, it is possible to select a heat retention course according to the room temperature and the amount of rice in the heat retention step based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means, and it is possible to improve the heat retention performance of rice.
[0060]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the lid is formed of a metal member and the room temperature detecting means is in contact with the metal member, the detection accuracy of the room temperature detecting means can be improved.
[0061]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the room temperature detecting means is provided on the outer upper surface of the lid, the detection accuracy of the room temperature detecting means can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rice cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main part of an example of a rice cook process of the rice cooker. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main part of a rice cooker warming process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a lid of a rice cooker according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of a lid of a rice cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a conventional rice cooker.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rice cooker main body 3 Pot 7 Control means 8 Lid 12 Room temperature detection means

Claims

A rice cooker main body, a pot removably housed in the rice cooker main body, a lid that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, and room temperature detecting means provided on the lid to detect room temperature. Control means for controlling a rice cooking step such as a pre-cooking step, a cook-up step, a steaming step and a warming step, wherein the control means is based on a room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting means at the end of the pre-cooking step. A rice cooker that selects either a low-temperature heat-preservation course or a high-temperature heat-preservation course in the heat preservation process.

A rice cooker main body, a pot removably housed in the rice cooker main body, a lid that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, and room temperature detecting means provided on the lid to detect room temperature. , A pre-cooking step, a cooking step, a control means for controlling the rice cooking step and the heat retaining step such as a rice roasting step, the control means based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection means before the start of rice cooking A rice cooker in which one of a low-temperature warming course and a high-temperature warming course is selected in the warming process.

A rice cooker main body, a pot removably stored in the rice cooker main body, a lid body that opens and closes an upper opening of the rice cooker main body, a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the pan, A cooking step, a cooking step, a control means for controlling a rice cooking step and a warming step such as a rice roasting step, wherein the control means adjusts the temperature of the pot detected when the temperature drops after cooking from the first set temperature. A rice cooker in which one of a low-temperature keeping course and a high-temperature keeping course is selected in the warming step based on a temperature drop time that falls to a second set temperature.

4. The rice cooker according to claim 3, further comprising: a room temperature detecting unit provided on the lid for detecting a room temperature, wherein the control unit changes the setting of the temperature dropping time based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature detecting unit.

5. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the lid is formed of a metal member, and the room temperature detecting unit is in contact with the metal member. 6.

The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, wherein the room temperature detecting means is disposed on an outer upper surface of the lid.