JP3785574B2 - Cooking device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cooking device for cooking, and more particularly to an improvement of a cooking device having a demo mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recent cookers are equipped with a microcomputer and the like, and it is possible to perform various cooking by setting various cooking conditions. However, the operation of the cooking device such as setting of cooking conditions has become complicated. Therefore, in order to promote sales, it is necessary to demonstrate this complicated operation at the store and explain it to the customer. In this demonstration operation, heating elements such as a rice cooker and a coil in a rice cooker, which is a cooking means, and a heater and a magnetron in a microwave oven are driven.
[0003]
In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-17134, cooking to shift to a demonstration mode, which is a control mode for demonstrating the cooking method without driving the cooking means by a special operation, in order to eliminate concerns about burns and the like during the demonstration operation at the time of sale. A vessel is shown. This special operation is completely unnecessary for the customer to purchase the cooker and use it at home, so it is generally not informed to the customer, and is not performed by the customer. However, the demo mode is canceled when the power is turned off due to the end of a day's store operation, etc. When the power is turned on again and the demonstration operation is performed in the same way, the above special operation must be re-inputted. End up.
[0004]
Therefore, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-33944, when a special operation is input in order to eliminate the troublesomeness, the fact that the input of the special operation has been made is stored in a non-volatile memory. Once the process has been switched to cooking, even if the power is turned off and then turned on, the presence or absence of a special operation is determined based on the storage in the non-volatile memory, and the cooking can be switched to the demo mode again without a special operation. A vessel is shown.
[0005]
In this way, the conventional cooking device eliminates the risk of burns by not operating the cooking means when the demo mode is set to be executed, and inputs the same operation as when actually cooking at the store. I was able to demonstrate. In addition, by storing in the non-volatile memory the presence or absence of special operation inputs that execute the demo mode, the demo mode can be easily executed when the power is turned off and then on again. It was very convenient for me because it saved me time and effort.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a cooking device that does not operate such cooking means and stores in the nonvolatile memory that the demo mode is being executed turns off the power and then enters the demo mode again when the power is turned on. Therefore, if you do not thoroughly deliver to the customer after canceling the demo mode, the demo mode will be executed at the customer who does not know the special operation to move to the demo mode and cancel, etc. A problem occurs. The only way to prevent this problem is to cancel demo mode by special operation, but only by the person who sells it, but as long as it is managed by human hands, it completely eliminates the mistake of selling without releasing it. There was no guarantee that could be obtained.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is troublesome for a person who sells the release of the demo mode to be thorough, and causes the inconvenience that the demo mode is not canceled at the customer site. An object of the present invention is to provide a cooking device that can eliminate the problem.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a cooking device according to the present invention includes a control means for controlling a cooking device, a cooking means for cooking a food, and information for performing cooking to the control means. Input means and display means for displaying the input information and the like,
The control means is a control mode in which the cooker repeatedly performs a demonstration, Until the release state is released and will not be executed again Continued Do Demo mode and Cooking process and Is stored, and the control means includes In the initial stage, the demo mode is executed, and the During demo mode Based on information from the input means When the cooking means is operated and the cooking process is executed, the demo mode is activated when a predetermined process of the cooking process is started or completed. Cancel Withdrawal Let The
[0009]
The cooker according to the present invention includes a control means for controlling the cooker, a cooking means for cooking a cooked food, an input means for inputting information for cooking to the control means, and the input Display means for displaying information, etc. temperature A detection means for detecting a state, wherein the control means stores a demonstration mode which is a control mode for causing the cooking device to perform a demonstration, and the control means receives a predetermined detection result from the detection means during the demonstration mode. It is characterized by leaving the demo mode when is obtained.
[0010]
The cooker according to the present invention includes a control means for controlling the cooker, a cooking means for cooking a cooked food, an input means for inputting information for cooking to the control means, and the input Display means for displaying information and the like, and the control means stores a cooking process and a demonstration mode which is a control mode for causing the cooker to perform a demonstration, and the control means is in the demonstration mode. When the cooking process is executed by operating the cooking means, the number of times the cooking process is completed is counted, and the demo mode is exited when the count reaches a predetermined number.
[0011]
In addition, when the cooking device in the present invention operates the cooking means during the demonstration mode in the cooking device, the display means confirms whether to operate the cooking means before starting cooking, A confirmation step for selecting whether or not to operate the cooking means by the input means is provided.
[0012]
The cooker according to the present invention includes backup power supply means for supplying electric power when there is no electric power to be supplied.
[0013]
In the cooking device according to the present invention, the cooking device is not operated when the cooking device is operated by the backup power supply device.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail using an embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown to the figure (a), in this embodiment, the rice cooker which is a typical cooker is mentioned as an example, and is demonstrated.
[0015]
FIG. 1A shows a rice cooker 1 as a cooking device, which includes a main body 2 and a lid 3 that covers the upper portion of the main body 2, and a control panel 4 provided on the front side of the lid 3. This control panel 4 has a rice cooking key that gives instructions for starting rice cooking, a cancel / heat keeping key for canceling operation and a warming start key for stopping operation, a menu key for selecting and setting the rice cooking menu, and setting of reserved rice cooking An input button 5 as an input means constituted by a key switch such as a reservation key and a time key for performing the operation, a display window 6 constituted by a transparent member, and a current time display and the menu key are selected and set. It is composed of a liquid crystal display device 7 provided inside the display window 6 as display means for displaying input information such as menu contents, and an LED or the like for displaying information indicating that the device is operating by turning on / off. A lamp 8 is provided. A steam port 9 is disposed at the top of the lid 3.
[0016]
FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control board 10 provided with an input button 5, a liquid crystal display device 7, a lamp 8, and the like inside the control panel 4. Control means 11 such as a microcomputer is provided on the back surface.
[0017]
A cord reel 13 that accommodates a plug 12 for supplying power to the rice cooker 1 by being connected to an outlet is housed behind the main body 2. An inner hook 14 can be stored inside the main body 2, and when the inner hook 14 is stored and arranged inside the main body 2, a heating coil 15 is provided on the outer periphery and the lower portion thereof. Thus, when the heating coil 15 is operated, an eddy current can be generated in the inner hook 14 to heat it.
[0018]
In addition, a drive circuit board 16 for cooking by the heating coil 15 such as an inverter or a rectifier is provided below the control board 10, and the food to be cooked by the drive circuit configured on the heating coil 15 and the drive circuit board 16. A cooking means for cooking is configured. In this embodiment, a rechargeable battery 17 is provided as backup power supply means for supplying electric power when there is no electric power supplied to the cooking device in a part of the drive circuit board 16.
[0019]
The rice cooker 1 having such a configuration can put rice and water into the inner pot 14, make a rice cooking menu or reservation with the input button 5, start cooking and cook rice.
[0020]
A block diagram of such a rice cooker 1 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the control means 11 constituted by a microcomputer or the like has a read-only memory 18 in which a plurality of cooking processes are stored. The power supply means 19 includes a plug 12 and a cord reel 13 and the like, and supplies power from the AC power source to the rice cooker 1. The DC power conversion means 20 converts AC power supplied from the power supply means 19 into DC.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, a part of the power supplied from the power supply means 19 is configured to be supplied to the DC power conversion means 20. The DC power converted by the DC power conversion means 20 is a backup power supply means 17 comprising a rechargeable battery for supplying power when there is no power supplied from the power supply means 19 to the rice cooker 1, the control means 11, and a liquid crystal display. It is supplied to display means 21 for displaying input information, setting information, and the like comprising the device 7 and the lamp 8. For this reason, when the electric power from AC power supply is supplied to the rice cooker 1, not only the control means 11 and the display means 21 are operable, but also the backup power supply means 17 is charged with electric power. When the power from the AC power source is not supplied to the rice cooker 1, the power charged in the backup power source means 17 is supplied to the control means 11 and the display means 21 as indicated by a dotted line, and no power is supplied. But it is operational.
[0022]
Reference numeral 22 denotes a drive circuit composed of an inverter or the like, and the power from the power supply means 19 is also supplied to the drive circuit 22. Then, power is supplied to the heating coil 15 by the drive circuit 22. In the present embodiment, the cooking means 23 for cooking the cooked item is constituted by the drive circuit 22 and the heating coil 15.
[0023]
In the rice cooker 1 of the present embodiment, a demonstration mode, which is a control mode for the purpose of promoting sales to customers, is stored in the read-only memory 18 provided in the control means 11 described above. In this embodiment, the control means is configured to execute the demo mode in advance for all products after manufacture. Reference numeral 24 denotes a nonvolatile memory capable of reading recorded information, writing new information, and rewriting already written information. Whether or not the demo mode is canceled in the nonvolatile memory 24. Is to be recorded.
[0024]
Hereinafter, operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated with a flowchart.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the present embodiment. First, when power is supplied (started) from a state where the rice cooker 1 is started or used without power supply for a long time and the rechargeable battery 17 is not powered, first, in step S101, the non-volatile memory 24 shown in FIG. Check if release records remain. Note that the non-volatile memory 24 is in a state where there is no demonstration mode release record when S101 is executed for the first time. For this reason, step S103 is first executed.
[0025]
Also, if information indicating that the demo mode has been canceled is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 after the second use, step S102 is executed, and the current time as shown in FIG. The normal display is displayed.
[0026]
On the other hand, if the information indicating that the demo mode is canceled is not recorded in the non-volatile memory 24, step S103 is executed, the demo mode is set, and the state displayed on the store etc. is assumed as shown in FIG. Run and display the demonstration. In addition, in an example of the display at the time of demonstration execution in the demonstration mode of the rice cooker 1 shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the current time display of the liquid crystal display device 7, it corresponds to the washing-free rice cooking that is a feature of the product. In order to appeal, the “no-wash rice” segment is repeatedly turned on for 0.5 seconds and turned off for 0.5 seconds from the menu display. By performing such a demonstration, it is possible to visually appeal the features of the product to customers who have visited the store.
[0027]
In the display example shown in FIG. 5, the lamp 8, which is one of the display means provided on the rice cooking button, repeats blinking similarly to the “no-wash rice” segment. By performing such a lamp display, it is possible to attract the product of the customer who has visited the store.
[0028]
When normal display or demonstration mode execution is started in steps S102 and S103, it is determined in subsequent step S104 whether the rice cooker 1 is supplied with power from an AC power source. If there is no power supply from the AC power supply, the process returns to step S101 and the demonstration is repeated. If there is power supply from the AC power supply, the process proceeds to step S105.
[0029]
Step S105 is a step of determining a key input from the input means 5. If no key is input for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S101 and the demonstration is repeated. If there is a key input, the process proceeds to step S106 even if the demonstration is being executed. Based on the key input, the necessary cooking process is read from the read-only memory 18, and if necessary, the cooking setting is performed in combination.
[0030]
In step S107, it is a step which determines whether there existed the key input which starts cooking. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is an input of a rice cooking key that means the start of cooking. If there is a start input, cooking based on the cooking setting in step S106 is started (step S108), and if there is no start input, the process returns to step S105 and waits for further key input.
[0031]
Here, the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment has three processes, a rice cooking process, an uneven | corrugated process, and a heat retention process, as a cooking process stored in the read-only memory 18, and each of these three processes is performed with rice cooking and unevenness. And cook rice by doing it with heat insulation. In addition, depending on the rice cooking process such as brown rice cooking, rice porridge cooking, washingless rice cooking, plain rice cooking, etc., and the choice menu of soft, normal, simmering etc. The read-only memory 18 stores all of the plurality of cooking processes. And the cooking process based on the cooking setting according to the rice cooking menu and selection menu which these users selected is started by step S108.
[0032]
In step S109, it is determined whether or not the predetermined process has been completed. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the unevenness process is completed among the three processes of the rice cooking process, the unevenness process, and the heat retention process.
[0033]
When it is determined in step S109 that the unevenness process is completed, the demo mode is canceled in step S111, and the fact that the demo mode is canceled is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 (step S112). As a result, the cooking process is terminated or canceled before all the cooking processes after the unevenness process are completed, and even when the process returns to step S101, the demonstration mode is not performed and the normal display is continued, and the demonstration mode is left. Will do.
[0034]
In step S109, when it is determined that the unevenness process is not finished, the process proceeds to step S110, and it is determined whether or not cancellation has been performed by inputting a cancel / heat retention key. If cancellation is made before the unevenness process ends, the process returns to step S101, and the demo mode is repeated again.
[0035]
In this embodiment, in the determination of the end of the predetermined process in step S109, an uneven process is used. This is because if the rice cooking key is pressed and the rice cooking process is started, such a situation is likely to occur during the display or demonstration at the store, and the demo mode is canceled at that time. This is because the effect of facilitating sales promotion arises. If the cooking process is progressing until the end of the uneven process, it can be considered that the customer has purchased the product and started using it at home, and the purpose of the present invention is to promote the sales. Can do.
[0036]
Also, when giving a demonstration to a customer at a storefront, it usually explains the operation such as the setting method until the start of cooking, and the operation until the start to start cooking is focused on. It becomes. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently show the demonstration to the customer by determining whether or not the cancellation has been made in step S110, and when the explanation is finished, the demo mode can be repeated again by inputting the key. .
[0037]
As described above, as the process of determining the end in order to cancel the demo mode, it is less likely to be performed at the storefront, and it is preferable to set a process that is always performed in a general household. By setting in this way, at the shop front, it is possible to appeal the features of the product, attract the attention of the customer, and obtain a sales promotion effect by demonstration. Further, since the customer purchases the product for the purpose of cooking, the demo mode is canceled by cooking, and the product can be used well in ordinary homes.
[0038]
Further, in this embodiment, when the rice cooker 1 is started or used for a long time without power supply and power is supplied (started) from a state where there is no power in the rechargeable battery 17, the release record of the demo mode is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24. It is configured to run demo mode if there is no record. That is, all the products are set to execute the demo mode in advance without inputting a special operation. For this reason, the trouble of performing the operation for executing the demo mode at the store is not required, and a troublesome operation can be omitted.
[0039]
In recent years, the display contents have become complicated due to the multi-functionality of the microcomputer, and a demonstration at the store is required to explain the display contents. Furthermore, the display content often includes a display expressing the characteristics (merits) of the cooker as a product. However, in conventional cookers, in many cases, the content of display is minimally necessary in a power failure state where power is not supplied from a power source. For example, a rice cooker or the like only displays the current time (“8:00” or the like). It was.
[0040]
If the control means for controlling the cooker has a demo mode as one of the control modes, use the displayed contents effectively and display the features of the product at the store for sales promotion to appeal to customers It is more useful to do. However, during the exhibition at the store, the power plug was rarely connected to an AC power source, and in many cases was unpowered. Therefore, during the exhibition, only the current time is displayed, and the features of the product are often not displayed, and it was often found that the built-in demo mode cannot be used effectively.
[0041]
However, in this embodiment, by providing the rechargeable battery 17 as a backup power source means, it is possible to perform a demonstration even if the power plug is not connected at the store, and thereby the product can be supplied without power supply. The feature can be appealed, the customer's attention can be drawn, and the sales promotion effect can be obtained.
[0042]
In addition, since the rechargeable battery 17 as a backup power supply means is charged when there is power supply, the battery is charged when the power plug is connected to an outlet to check the product before shipment from the factory. It is possible to eliminate the trouble of charging the rechargeable battery 17 at the store until the power is turned off.
[0043]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, cooking is not performed in the absence of power supply, and the power of the backup power supply means 17 is supplied only to the display means 21 and the control means 11. Power consumption can be minimized, and even if the power plug is not connected at the store, the demonstration time can be extended and a sales promotion effect can be obtained. Moreover, since the cooking means 23 is not unexpectedly driven in a state where the power plug is not connected, safety can be improved.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the end of the unevenness process is set as the determination target for canceling the demo mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an appropriate process can be set as the determination target. Further, the same effect can be obtained even if the demo mode is canceled at the start of an appropriate process as a determination target instead of the end of the predetermined process.
[0045]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the demo mode is canceled by determining the end or start of the process. However, for example, the control means 11 is a combination of the set cooking processes, for example, what number process and subsequent processes. In such a configuration, the demo mode canceling process is executed in the meantime, it is determined whether or not the demo mode canceling process has been performed, and the cancel record is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 when the demo mode canceling process is performed. Even if it exists, since the demo mode is canceled as a result of the start or end of the predetermined process, the same effect can be obtained. Moreover, the same effect is produced even if the time measurement is started from the start or completion of the predetermined cooking process and the demo mode is canceled when the predetermined time elapses. Furthermore, in this manner, in the form of releasing when a certain time has elapsed since the start of a certain cooking step, the time from the start of cooking is measured based on the input of the start key for starting cooking, and a predetermined time from the start of cooking is measured. Even if the demo mode is canceled when time elapses, the same effect is obtained.
[0046]
As described above, in this embodiment, the demonstration is generally performed during a standby state in which cooking is not performed. Therefore, the appeal of the feature of the product to the customer at the store etc. and the sales promotion effect can be achieved. The problem is that cooking is not possible even if the demo mode is executed under the condition of the customer who purchased the product because it is fully configured and configured so that it can be cooked even in the demo mode. Will not be generated, and the demo mode will be canceled by further cooking.Therefore, once cooking is performed, the demonstration will not be performed in a standby state where cooking is not performed under the customer's condition. It is possible to adopt a configuration such as shifting to a normal control mode that results in a zero state.
Moreover, although the rice cooker was mentioned as an example and demonstrated as a cooking device in this embodiment, this invention is not limited to this.
[0047]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
The cooker in the present embodiment has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.
[0048]
First, in the present embodiment, instead of a rechargeable battery, a lithium battery, which is a normal primary battery, is used as the backup power supply means 17 that supplies power when there is no power supplied to the cooking device shown in FIG. It has been. Therefore, even when power is supplied from the power supply means 19, the power is not supplied from the DC power conversion means 20 to the backup power supply means 17.
[0049]
Further, in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, a memory 24 is used that can read recorded information, write new information, and rewrite already written information, but is not a nonvolatile memory. A normal RAM is used.
[0050]
Even in such a configuration, when the demo mode is canceled, the record of setting / cancellation of the demo mode is left in the RAM 24, and this record is kept from the lithium battery 17 even if power is not supplied. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to save the trouble of charging and the like, and the primary battery is generally cheaper than the secondary battery, and the RAM is generally cheaper than the non-volatile memory. Can be lowered.
[0051]
Moreover, the operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment also becomes a different structure. The flowchart of the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment is shown in FIG. In the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment, step S201 is always executed, and the demonstration mode is set. In step S202, it is determined whether there is power feeding.
[0052]
If there is no power supply in step S202, the process proceeds to step S203, and it is determined from the record in the RAM 24 whether the current mode is the demo mode. If it is in the demo mode, the process proceeds to step S204 and the demonstration as shown in FIG. 5 is executed and displayed. If it is not in the demo mode, the current state as shown in FIG. The normal display that displays the time is performed.
[0053]
On the other hand, if there is power supply in step S202, the process proceeds to step S206, and the normal display for displaying the current time as shown in FIG. I do.
[0054]
Step S207 is a step of determining key input from the input means 5. If no key is input for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S202. If there is a key input, the process moves to step S208, and the necessary cooking process is read from the read-only memory 18 based on the key input, and if necessary, the cooking setting is performed in combination.
[0055]
Step S209 is a step of determining whether or not there is a key input for starting cooking. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is an input of a rice cooking key that means the start of cooking. If there is a start input, cooking based on the cooking setting in step S208 is started (step S210), and if there is no start input, the process returns to step S207 to wait for further key input.
[0056]
Then, when it is determined in step S211 that the predetermined process is completed, and in this embodiment, the uneven process is completed as in the first embodiment, the demonstration mode is canceled in step S213, and the demonstration mode is canceled. It records in RAM24 (step S214). As a result, the cooking process is terminated or canceled before all the cooking processes after the unevenness process are completed, and the demonstration mode is not performed and the normal display is continued even after returning to step S202, and the demonstration mode is exited. Will do.
[0057]
In step S211, when it is determined that the unevenness process is not finished, the process proceeds to step S212, and it is determined whether or not cancellation has been performed by inputting a cancel / heat retention key. If cancellation is made before the end of the unevenness process, the process returns to step S202, and if the rice cooker 1 is not supplied with power from the power supply means 19, the demonstration mode is repeated.
[0058]
As described above, in this embodiment, the demonstration mode is being set, and power is supplied to the display means 21 from the lithium battery, which is the primary battery of the backup power supply means 17, only when there is no power supply from the power supply means 19, and the display of the demonstration is performed. Is done. For this reason, even if it is a cooker such as a rice cooker that is generally in a non-powered state at stores etc., it is possible to appeal the features of the product or attract customers' attention by demonstration, and obtain a sales promotion effect I can do it.
[0059]
Also in this embodiment, it is not necessary to input a special operation in order to execute the demo mode, and all products are set to execute the demo mode in advance. For this reason, the trouble of performing the operation for executing the demo mode at the store is not required, and a troublesome operation can be omitted.
[0060]
Further, when power is supplied from the power supply means 19, normal display is performed even in the demo mode. At home, cooking appliances such as rice cookers will always be plugged in when used, and will be used in a powered state, so demonstrations are held when trying to cook under the purchase of a customer It is possible to prevent the user from noticing, being confused by the operation, and misidentifying it as a malfunction. When a predetermined process is performed during actual cooking, the demo mode is canceled, and thereafter, normal display is performed without power supply from the power supply means 19, and thereafter, the display is used without any abnormality. It becomes possible. Also, when power is supplied from the power supply means 19 at the store, the normal display is displayed even in the demo mode, but the same operation and demonstration as usual can be performed without any problem, even if cooking is started. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of heating by inputting a set-up.
[0061]
Thus, a rice cooker having a configuration different from that of the first embodiment as in the present embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0062]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
The cooker in the present embodiment has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the detection means for detecting the state of the food is provided, and the demonstration mode of step S109 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. This is a different point of judgment.
[0063]
The schematic sectional drawing of the rice cooker 1 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, a temperature sensor 25 that contacts the center of the bottom of the inner hook 14 is provided as detection means for detecting the temperature of the contents inside the inner hook 14 from the temperature of the inner hook 14. .
[0064]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the rice cooker of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the detection signal of the detection means 25 is transmitted to the control means 11, and the control means 11 is configured to control the entire rice cooker 1 based on the detection signal.
[0065]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the present embodiment. In the figure, those corresponding to the same steps as in FIG. The rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment releases the demo mode depending on whether a predetermined state is detected by the detection means 25 as a determination criterion for releasing the demo mode in step S309. In the present embodiment, the demo mode is canceled and the demo mode is released when the boiling of water inside the inner pot 14 is detected by the temperature sensor 25 serving as the detection means in step S309.
[0066]
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not boiling is detected in the predetermined state detection in step S309. This is because if it is set to a temperature that is close to room temperature, such as when the temperature is detected at 30 degrees as a predetermined state, such a thing can be sufficiently during the display at the store or during the demonstration. This is because the mode is canceled and the effect of sales promotion is reduced. When the water in the inner pot 14 boils, it can be considered that the customer has purchased the product and started using it at home, and the object of the present invention, which is for sales promotion, can be achieved.
[0067]
In addition, when performing demonstrations to customers at the store, it usually explains operations such as the setting method until the start of cooking, and focuses on the operations until the start to start cooking. Become. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently show the demonstration to the customer by determining whether or not the cancellation has been made in step S310, and when the explanation is finished, the demo mode can be repeated again by inputting the discount key. .
[0068]
In this way, in order to cancel the demo mode, the predetermined state to be detected is less likely to be detected at a storefront, and it is preferable to set a state to be detected at ordinary households. By setting in this way, at the shop front, it is possible to appeal the features of the product, attract the attention of the customer, and obtain a sales promotion effect by demonstration. Further, since the customer purchases the product for the purpose of cooking, the demo mode is canceled by cooking, and the product can be used well in ordinary homes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the boiling state of the water in the inner pot 14 is detected as a predetermined state as a reference for canceling the demonstration mode, but the present invention is not limited to this and is set to a timing such as a dry-up detection time point. You may do it.
[0069]
Thus, even if it is configured to cancel the demo mode when a predetermined state is detected, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment. Further, the same effect can be obtained even when the time measurement is started from when the predetermined state is detected and the demo mode is canceled when the predetermined time elapses. In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0070]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
The cooker in the present embodiment has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that it is determined in step S109 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 whether or not the entire process of the series of cooking steps has been completed, and between S109 and S111. A step for recording and determining the number of times of completion of all strokes is provided.
[0071]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the present embodiment. In the figure, those corresponding to the same steps as in FIG. In step S409, the rice cooker 1 of the present embodiment determines whether or not a series of all the steps of the set cooking process has been completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S410 where it is determined whether or not a discount key has been input. If completed, the process proceeds to step S413.
[0072]
In step S413, the number of end times N is counted. That is, in this step, the number of end times is sequentially added to N, which is set to the initial value 0. In the present embodiment, this N value is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 with an initial value of 0. Then, the number of times of completion recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 is updated to a value increased by 1 each time the entire process is completed.
[0073]
In the subsequent step 414, it is determined whether or not the number of end times N recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 is a predetermined number X. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number X is set to 5 times. In other words, when the entire process is completed five times, the demo mode is canceled in S411, the demo mode is released, and the release record is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 in step S412.
[0074]
Thus, even if it is configured to count the number of times a series of cooking steps have been completed and cancel the demo mode when the predetermined count is reached and to leave the demo mode, the above-described first embodiment Similar effects can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the number of times that a series of cooking steps is completed is counted, but the number of times that a predetermined step is performed in the series of cooking steps is counted, and when the count reaches a predetermined count, the demo mode is set. The same effect can be obtained even if it is configured to cancel and cancel the demo mode. In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0075]
Embodiment 5. FIG.
The cooker in the present embodiment is another embodiment of the fourth embodiment. The difference from the fourth embodiment is that the operation flow shown in FIG. 10 is different. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment in FIG. 11 is described. In the figure, those corresponding to the same steps as in FIG.
[0076]
The rice cooker 1 according to the present embodiment executes step S514 after the start, and determines the number of times that a series of cooking steps recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 is completed. When the end count N recorded in the non-volatile memory 24 is greater than the predetermined count X, in this embodiment, the normal display in step S502 is performed when it is greater than 5 times, and the demo display in step S503 is performed when it is less.
[0077]
In this way, even if the configuration is such that the number of times that a series of cooking steps have been completed is counted and the predetermined number of counts is reached, the demo mode is not entered without canceling the demo mode. It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the number of times that a series of cooking steps has been completed is counted. However, as in the above-described fourth embodiment, the number of times a predetermined step is performed in the series of cooking steps is counted. Even if it is configured to leave the demo mode when the count is reached, the same effect can be obtained. In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0078]
Embodiment 6 FIG.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the cooking unit 23 is driven as it is when the cooking is started based on the cooking setting set by the input unit 5. The configuration may be such that a demonstration performance can be performed without operating. Such a cooker will be described.
[0079]
The cooker in the present embodiment is another embodiment of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the operation flow shown in FIG. 3 is different. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment in FIG. 12 is described. In the figure, those corresponding to the same steps as in FIG.
[0080]
In step S606 and step S607, the rice cooker 1 of the present embodiment determines whether it is currently in the demo mode (step S613), and if it is in the demo mode, before driving the cooking means 23, Step S614 for executing a confirmation process for confirming whether or not to drive the cooking means 23 is provided. In step S614 in which this confirmation step is executed, a display as shown in FIG. 13 is made on the liquid crystal display device 7 of the display means 21.
[0081]
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display for confirming whether or not the cooking unit 23 is operated on the display unit 21 before cooking is started. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, when cooking is actually performed, the rice cooking key is displayed once, and when performing the demonstration, the rice cooking key is pressed for a long time.
[0082]
For this reason, in step S615, it is determined whether or not the rice cooking key is pressed once to start. If it is started, the process proceeds to step S608 to start cooking. If the start has not been made, the process proceeds to step S616, where it is determined whether or not the rice demonstration key has been pressed and the demonstration demonstration has been started.
[0083]
If the demonstration demonstration has been started in step S616, the process proceeds to step S617, and based on the cooking settings performed in step S606, the normal time series of the cooking process 23 is performed without driving the cooking means 23. A short-time demo will be performed. If the demonstration demonstration is not started in step S616, the process returns to S605 to wait for key input.
[0084]
With such a configuration, even if the power plug 12 is displayed at the store with the power plug 12 connected to the power source, it is confirmed whether or not the cooking means is to be driven during the demonstration mode setting, and the cooking means 23 is disabled. Since it is prevented from being driven as necessary, safety is improved. In particular, there are a relatively large number of cases where the power plug 12 is connected to the power source and displayed at the store, such as in the microwave oven, and safety can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to demonstrate and experience almost the same operation as when a customer actually performs cooking, and to display a display state during cooking.
[0085]
With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, and it is possible to further promote sales at stores. In addition, since the customer purchases the product and starts using it at home, the configuration leaves the demo mode. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the problem that the unnecessary demo mode is being executed at home.
[0086]
In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, although the modification of Embodiment 1 was illustrated as embodiment provided with a confirmation process, it is good also as what incorporates a confirmation process in other embodiment etc., and this invention is limited only to embodiment disclosed here. It is not a thing.
[0087]
Embodiment 7 FIG.
In each of the above-described embodiments, when the cooker is initially activated, the demo mode is executed as it is without performing a predetermined operation for shifting to the demo mode. A configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined operation is input to shift to the demo mode, or a predetermined operation is input to leave the demo mode. Such a cooker will be described.
[0088]
The cooker in the present embodiment is another embodiment of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the operation flow shown in FIG. 3 is different. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the rice cooker 1 in this embodiment is described in FIG. 14, FIG. In the figure, those corresponding to the same steps as in FIG. Moreover, the alphabets A, B, and C described in the drawings of FIGS. 14 and 15 are connected to the same alphabets of FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0089]
The rice cooker 1 of this embodiment is provided with step S713 for determining whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed between step S705 and step S706. Since it is unlikely that the setting / canceling operation of the demo mode in step S713 is used in the customer use stage, the operation is a complicated operation using a plurality of keys constituting the input means 5. For example, you can press three keys, the rice cooking key, the rush key and the hour key at the same time for 3 seconds, or press the rice cooking key for 2 seconds, then press the cancel / heat key for 2 seconds, The operation is like pressing the hour key twice in time with “Okayu”. In this embodiment, after pressing the rice cooking key for 2 seconds, press the cancel / heat key for 2 seconds, use the menu key to set the menu to “Okayu”, and finally press the hour key twice to enter demo mode. When the three keys of the rice cooking key, the rush key, and the hour key are simultaneously pressed for 3 seconds, the demo mode is canceled.
[0090]
If it is determined in step S713 that an operation that is not normally performed is input, it is determined in step S714 whether or not the setting operation is for shifting to the demo mode. Here, when it is determined that the setting operation is to shift to the demo mode as described above, the process proceeds to step S716, and recording related to setting / cancellation of the demo mode recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 is performed. Is changed to that the demo mode has been set, or the demo mode release record is deleted. Then, the process proceeds to step S701 to shift to the demo mode.
[0091]
If it is determined in step S714 that it is not a setting operation for shifting to the demo mode as described above, the process proceeds to step S715, and it is determined whether or not it is a canceling operation for canceling the demo mode. Determined. Here, if it is determined that the operation is to cancel the demo mode as described above, the process proceeds to S711, the demo mode is canceled, and the demo mode recorded in the nonvolatile memory 24 in step S712. Rewrite the record related to setting / cancellation to the fact that the demo mode has been cancelled, or record the demo mode cancel. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S701 to shift to the normal mode.
[0092]
In step S715, if it is determined that the operation is not a cancel operation for canceling the demo mode as described above, the process returns to step S705, and it is determined whether or not the key has been input thereafter.
[0093]
As described above, if the demo mode can be set / released by a predetermined operation, the demo mode can be set / released in accordance with the state in which the product is used, thereby improving usability.
[0094]
In addition, even during the demo mode where the demo mode is set, cooking can be performed and the demo mode can be canceled by cooking, so customers can purchase products and use them at home. When starting, it is possible to leave the demo mode without inputting the release operation for canceling the demo mode, and it is possible to eliminate the problem that the demo mode that is unnecessary at home is being executed forever. For this reason, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a transition is made to a normal control mode in which standby power is in a zero state, which has recently been attracting attention.
[0095]
Furthermore, even if the demo mode is automatically canceled during the store display, or if the demo mode release operation is accidentally entered, by entering the demo mode setting operation again, Since it is possible to shift to the demo mode, demonstrations that contribute to sales promotion can be extended.
[0096]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above, and it is possible to achieve the effects as described above. In the present embodiment, a rice cooker has been described as an example of a cooker, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, in the present embodiment, the modification of the first embodiment is illustrated, but the demonstration mode may be set / released by a predetermined operation in another embodiment or the like, and the present invention is disclosed in the embodiment disclosed herein. It is not restricted only to the form.
[0097]
In the present embodiment, both predetermined operations for setting and canceling the demo mode are provided at the same time. However, a configuration including only one of these may be used. For example, even in a configuration that only has a demo mode setting operation, the demo mode can be set according to the state of use of the product, so the usability is improved and the demo is automatically performed during the store display. Even if you leave the mode or accidentally cancel the demo mode, you can enter the demo mode by entering the demo mode setting operation again. As a result, safety can be improved and demonstrations that contribute to sales promotion can be extended. Further, even in a configuration having only the operation for canceling the demo mode, the demo mode can be canceled in accordance with the state of use of the product, so that the usability can be improved.
[0098]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the cooking device of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of canceling the demo mode and the fact that the customer mode continues without canceling the demo mode.
[0099]
In addition, when operating the cooking means during the demo mode, the display means confirms whether or not to operate the cooking means before starting cooking, and whether or not the cooking means is operated by the input means. Safety can be improved by providing a confirmation step for selecting.
[0100]
In addition, by providing backup power supply means to supply power when there is no power to be supplied, a demonstration can be performed even in a non-powered state where the power plug is not connected, and a sales promotion effect can be achieved. Can be improved.
[0101]
In addition, when the cooking device is operated by the backup power supply means, the consumption of the backup power supply can be minimized by not operating the cooking means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of rice cooker 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a control panel diagram showing an example of a normal display of the rice cooker 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a control panel diagram showing an example of display during execution of a demonstration mode of the rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rice cooker 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a rice cooker 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of rice cooker 1 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in Embodiment 4. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display for confirming whether or not cooking means 23 is operated on display means 21 before cooking is started in the cooking device of the sixth embodiment.
14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in Embodiment 7. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the rice cooker 1 in the seventh embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rice cooker (cooker), 5 Input button (input means), 7 Liquid crystal display device, 8 lamps, 11 Control means, 15 Heating coil, 21 Display means, 22 Drive circuit, 23 Cooking means, 25 Temperature sensor (detection means) ).

Claims (6)

Control means for controlling the cooking device, cooking means for cooking the food, input means for inputting information for cooking to the control means, and display means for displaying the input information and the like Prepared,
The control means is a control mode that repeatedly causes the cooking device to perform a demonstration, and stores a demonstration mode that continues until it is released and does not execute again, and a cooking process ,
The control means executes the demo mode in an initial stage, and operates the cooking means based on information from the input means during the demo mode to execute the cooking process. cooker, wherein Rukoto is disengaged as the process starts or completes releasing the demo mode. Control means for controlling the cooking device; cooking means for cooking the cooked food; input means for inputting information for cooking to the control means; display means for displaying the input information and the like; It has a detection means for detecting the temperature state of the food,
The control means stores a demo mode which is a control mode for causing the cooker to perform a demo,
The cooker according to claim 1, wherein the control unit leaves the demo mode when a predetermined detection result is obtained from the detection unit during the demo mode. Control means for controlling the cooking device, cooking means for cooking the food, input means for inputting information for cooking to the control means, and display means for displaying the input information and the like Prepared,
The control means stores a cooking process and a demonstration mode which is a control mode for causing the cooking device to perform a demonstration.
The control means counts how many times the cooking process has been completed when the cooking means is operated during the demonstration mode to execute the cooking process, and when the count reaches a predetermined number of times, A cooking device characterized by detachment.   When operating the cooking means during the demonstration mode in the cooking device, the display means confirms whether or not to operate the cooking means before starting cooking, and the cooking means is operated by the input means. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a confirmation step for selecting whether or not is provided.   The cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooker is provided with backup power supply means for supplying electric power when no electric power is supplied.   The cooking device according to claim 5, wherein the cooking device is not operated when the cooking device is operated by the backup power source device.

Images