JP7806952B2 - Rice washing and cooking equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rice washing and cooking device particularly suitable for commercial use.

Patent Document 1 discloses a rice washing and cooking device that is configured to carry out a series of processes from rice washing to rice cooking, and includes, from top to bottom, a rice storage device for storing rice, a rice washing device for washing rice, and a rice cooking device for cooking rice.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-192015

In commercial rice washing equipment, this makes it easier to visually understand the settings for rice cooking conditions. It also makes it possible to perform continuous rice washing and cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions.

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

The second invention is the rice washing and cooking device according to the first invention, characterized in that the operation area (s22') is provided with at least the items for cooking method, amount of rice cooked, and water addition, as well as a selection switch for selecting the type of these items or increasing or decreasing them.

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

This invention makes it easier to visually understand the settings for rice cooking conditions. It also allows for consecutive washed rice cooking operations under different rice cooking conditions.

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

Below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

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

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

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

Figure 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the rice supply device A and the rice washing tank A2. Note that the balloons in the figure show enlarged views to make it easier to understand the shape of each part.

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

The tank body a2 is made of metal and includes a cylindrical portion a10, a funnel-shaped portion a11 located below the cylindrical portion a10, and an upper drainage mechanism AO that drains water that overflows from the upper part of the tank body a2.

The upper drainage mechanism AO has an open-topped box-shaped overflow box a12 integrally formed on the upper outer surface of the cylindrical portion a10. One end of the flexible tubular drainage hose a13 is connected to the lower end of the overflow box a12, and the other end of the drainage hose a13 is connected to the drainage box a9.

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

One end of the water supply pipe a3 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) and the other end is connected to the jacket a5, allowing water to be supplied into the tank body a2 via the jacket a5. The water supply pipe a3 is also equipped with an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by the control unit C, allowing the amount of water supplied to the tank body a2 to be controlled.

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

The upper part of the jacket a5 is connected to the lower part of the tank body a2, and the lower part of the jacket a5 has a drop port a6 for dropping washed rice into the rice cooking device B.

The drop valve a7 moves up and down via a rod connected to a cam, driven by a drop valve motor m1 controlled by the control unit C, opening and closing the drop port a6 of the jacket a5. That is, when it moves up, the drop port a6 is blocked by the drop valve a7 and enters a closed state, and when it moves down, the drop port a6 is released and enters an open state.

The drain box a9 receives drainage water that flows in from the overflow box a12 through the drain hose a13 and directs it to the drain outlet a14 for discharge. The drain box a9 also communicates with the jacket a5 via a drain elbow and is equipped with a valve body inside that opens and closes this elbow. This makes it possible to drain water from the tank body a2 by flowing it into the drain box a9 through the jacket a5.

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

As shown in Figure 3, the floor panel a15 forming the bottom surface of the rice storage facility A1 is composed of a metal panel portion a16 made of metal and a resin panel portion a17 made of resin. The resin panel portion a17 is fitted into an opening a18 provided in the center of the metal panel portion a16 to support and secure it. The metal panel portion a16 is rigid and strong, while the resin panel portion a17 is lightweight, making it easy to handle during maintenance.

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

The hook a21 allows the rice washing tank A2 to be attached to the rice storage cabinet A1 by engaging the hook a20 provided on the tank main body a2. The hook a21 and hook a20 function as a means for attaching and detaching the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage cabinet A1. Multiple hooks a20 for attaching the tank main body a2 are provided on the tank main body a2 at equal intervals along its circumference. For example, three hooks a20 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion a10 of the tank main body a2, spaced 120 degrees apart along its circumference, and three hooks a21 are provided on the lid portion a19 corresponding to the positions of the hooks a20.

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

The second joint a23 has a convex cross-section and extends downward from the underside of the lid a19. It is integrally formed with the first joint a22 so as to protrude from the outer periphery of the first joint a22 in a roughly U-shaped cross-section, matching the shape of the upper part of the overflow box a12 of the tank body a2. As a result, the second joint a23 is configured to be tightly joined to the upper part of the overflow box a12 in a roughly U-shaped cross-section when viewed from above.

As shown in Figure 3, the upper part of the tank body a2 that joins with the first joint a22 is formed with a concave cross section, and a first joint receiving part a27 is provided with a first packing part a26 made of an elastic material such as rubber that fits into the concave section. Similarly, the upper part of the tank body a2 that joins with the second joint a23 is formed with a concave cross section, and a second joint receiving part a29 is provided with a second packing part a28 made of an elastic material that fits into the concave section.

When the rice washing tank A2 is installed, the first joint portion a22 joins with the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second joint portion a23 joins with the second joint receiving portion a29, with the recesses and protrusions fitting together. Furthermore, the first gasket portion a26 comes into elastic contact with the first joint receiving portion a27, and the second gasket portion a28 comes into elastic contact with the second joint receiving portion a23. This effectively prevents gaps from forming between the rice storage container A1 and the rice washing tank A2, improving the airtightness of the rice washing tank A2. This effectively prevents water leakage, which could lead to a decrease in rice washing quality and contamination of the outside of the rice washing tank. Additionally, the vertical elastic force that separates the latched portion a21 and the hook a20 increases the latching force, improving the strength of the fixation of the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage container A1.

In addition, the underside of the lid portion a19 has a gentle inclination, like an inverted bowl, inside the first joint a22, so that the ceiling surface becomes lower as it moves outward from the rotation axis of the agitator a8. This improves drainage within the tank body a2 and improves hygiene.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the rice washing tank A2 and its surroundings shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 4, a ventilation hole a30 is provided in the plastic panel portion a17 above the overflow box a12, and a fan unit a31 capable of blowing air is provided above it, allowing the area around the overflow box a12 to be dried by the airflow. In addition, a floor panel lower cover a32 with a cutout that matches the shape of the upper part of the tank main body a2 is attached to the underside of the floor panel a15, making it easy to position the rice washing tank A2 when attaching or detaching it.

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

In addition, because the overflow box a12 has an open-top box shape, the interior of the overflow box a12 is exposed when the rice washing tank A2 is removed, resulting in excellent visibility and improved maintainability. Furthermore, by making the drain hose a13 detachable from the overflow box a12, the length of the overflow box a12 can be shortened, making maintenance even easier.

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

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

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

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

In detail, this supply position switching means AK pivots a roller a33, which rotates forward and reverse when driven by a roller motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit C, at the bottom of the rice storage cabinet A1, and a rail a34 is provided horizontally across the support frame unit k1 in the left-right direction. The rice supply device A is slidably supported on this rail a34, guiding the roller a33. As a result, when the roller a33 rotates, the rice supply device A can move left and right. In this way, the rice washing and cooking device 1 can switch the position of the rice supply device A left and right using the supply position switching means AK based on a control signal from the control unit C.

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

As shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C), the stand K is equipped with a rice cooker lifting means KU that can support and lift the rice cooker main body b1 by stepping on the pedal k4.

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

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

The rice cooking device lifting means also includes a first stopper k9 and a second stopper k10 that regulate the movement of the link member k7.

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

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

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

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

The measuring process (S1) involves operating the fixed-volume dispensing valve a1 in the rice storage tank A1 to discharge a predetermined set amount G1 of rice into the rice washing tank A2.

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

In the water addition process (S3), the drop port at the bottom of the jacket a4 in the rice washing tank A2 is closed, and a predetermined amount G2 of water required for soaking the rice in the rice cooking device B is stored in the rice washing tank A2. The drop port is then opened, and the water-adjusted rice is dropped from the rice washing tank A2 into the rice cooking device B.

In the soaking process (S4), the rice placed in the rice cooker B is soaked in the inner pot for a predetermined set time T2.

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

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

<8. Control Unit>
FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the control unit C of the rice washing and cooking apparatus 1.

The control unit C is configured with a CPU that performs arithmetic processing and memory that can read and write information necessary for arithmetic processing. The CPU operates in accordance with the various control programs stored in the memory, thereby realizing the various functions shown in each block.

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

The various operation buttons s2 include pseudo buttons, tabs, etc. that are displayed as a UI (user interface) on the display unit s1, which is made up of a touch panel LCD of the operation unit S, and the control unit C is able to acquire operation information of the various operation buttons s2. The various operation buttons s2 include operation areas s21, s22, s23, s24, etc., which will be described later (see Figure 10), and these are displayed on the display unit s along with the necessary information in response to an output signal from the control unit C.

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

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

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

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

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

The rice cooking condition setting unit c1 also has the function of setting the rice cooking mode for the rice washing and cooking device 1. Here, the rice cooking mode refers to a mode that determines the control method used when washing and cooking rice in the rice washing and cooking device 1 (for example, the method for selecting the rice cooking position and the number of times to wash and cook rice). The rice washing and cooking device 1 of this embodiment has three modes: "normal mode," "continuous mode," and "different cooking mode." Details of each rice cooking mode will be described later.

The cooking mode is set by the cooking condition setting unit c1 accepting operation of the various operation buttons s2 on the operation unit S and allowing the user to select the desired cooking mode. Additionally, setting information for the selected cooking mode (e.g., the number of times rice is washed and cooked) is stored in the setting information storage unit c5 as continuous mode setting data Dr and separate cooking mode setting data Dt. The continuous mode setting data Dr and separate cooking mode setting data Dt will be described later.

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

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

The rice cooking reservation execution unit c4 has the function of causing the rice washing and cooking processing unit c3 to start processing related to rice washing and cooking based on the rice cooking reservation data Dy stored in the rice washing process memory unit c6 (described below). It also has the function of managing the rice washing and cooking process for each rice cooking device B.

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

The timing unit c6 has a timing circuit that has the function of obtaining information about the current date and time using this timing circuit.

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

The "Setting No." is a primary key for uniquely identifying the set cooking conditions. Furthermore, in the rice washing and cooking process, the process is generally carried out in ascending order of the setting No. The "Setting No." can be selected using the operation area s21 shown in FIG. 10. For example, selecting "Memory 1" in operation area s21 allows you to set the cooking condition with a "Setting No." of 1. Note that, in this embodiment, 10 cooking conditions can be set, but this is not limited to this.

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

The "water addition" is set to a value between +5 and -5, for example, and based on this value, the amount of water G2 needed to soak the rice is increased or decreased in the water addition step (S3) (see Figure 7).

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

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

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

"Ignition" can be set to, for example, automatic or manual. If it is set to automatic, heating of the inner pot of rice cooker B will begin automatically using the induction cooker IH during the rice cooking process (S5). If it is set to manual, heating will begin via a specified operation by the user.

For example, an arbitrary value (minutes) is preset for "soaking," and based on this value, the set time T4 for the soaking process in the rice cooking step (S5) is determined, which steams the cooked rice to a specified level and ensures a uniform condition inside the inner pot of rice cooker B. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, if "porridge" is selected in the "cooking method" item, the set time T4 for the soaking process is set to 0 (minutes).

In the settings screen shown in Figure 10, the "Cooking method" item is input and set in operation area s22, the "Amount of rice cooked" item is input and set in operation area s24, and the "Water amount," "Soaking," "Ignition," and "Steaming" items are input and set in operation area s24.

Here, we will explain the three modes of the washed-rice cooking device 1: "normal mode," "multiple cooking mode," and "continuous mode." "Normal mode" is a mode in which rice is cooked using one of the multiple cooking conditions set as described above with rice cooking device B set at left cooking position L2 or right cooking position R2. The user operates the operating unit S to determine the cooking conditions to be executed and the cooking position of rice cooking device B each time.

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

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

These "normal mode," "different cooking mode," and "continuous mode" can be switched by operating the operating unit S, allowing the rice washing and cooking device 1 to handle a variety of rice cooking methods.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When rice cooker B is set to the rice cooking position, control unit C executes the weighing process through the rice washing process (steps S106 to S107), and when the rice washing process is complete, it moves rice supply device A to the rice cooking position (right-side rice cooking position L2 when X = 1) using supply position switching means AK (step S108).

Next, control unit C controls rice supply device A to supply washed rice to rice cooker B, which then performs the soaking process (step S109). From then on, although not shown, control unit C sequentially performs the soaking process through the rice cooking process in rice cooker B, which has started the soaking process, independently of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14. After the rice cooking process is completed, the user can replace the rice cooker B with a new rice cooker B, and once the rice cooker B is set on stand K, the next soaking process can be performed.

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

Next, the control unit C references the values set in the "Number of times rice is cooked (left)" and "Number of times rice is cooked (right)" items in the separate cooking mode setting data Dt, and determines whether the number of times rice is cooked in both the left and right cooking positions has reached the specified number, indicating that rice cooking has been completed (step S111).

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

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

11. Continuous Mode Processing
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the control unit C in the continuous mode.

Control unit C first assigns 1 to variable X, which manages the setting number of rice cooking conditions to be executed, and assigns 0 to variable N, which manages the number of times rice cooking is executed by rice cooker B (step S201).

Control unit C acquires the rice cooking conditions for setting number (X) (step S202) and determines whether rice cooker B is set to either the left rice cooking position L2 or the right rice cooking position R2 (step S203).

If rice cooker B is set to either left cooking position L2 or right cooking position R2, control unit C determines the rice cooking position with setting number (X) (for example, if left cooking position L2 has not been set and right cooking position R2 has been set, it determines right cooking position R2 as the rice cooking position) (step S204), then executes the weighing process through the rice washing process (steps S205 to S206), and once the rice washing process is complete, it moves rice supply device A to the rice cooking position determined in step S204 using supply position switching means AK. Note that if rice cooker B is set to left cooking position L2 or right cooking position R2 in step S204, the rice cooking position with setting number (X) is determined based on a predetermined priority order (for example, giving priority to the right).

Next, control unit C supplies washed rice from rice supply device A to rice cooker B, and rice cooker B performs the soaking process (step S208). From then on, although not shown, control unit C sequentially performs the soaking process through the rice cooking process in rice cooker B, which has started the soaking process, independently of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15. Note that, as with the processing in the multiple cooking mode, once the rice cooker B has completed the rice cooking process, it can be replaced by a new rice cooker B by the user, and once rice cooker B is set on stand K, the next soaking process can be performed.

After executing the immersion process in step S208, control unit C counts the number of times it has been executed. That is, it increments variable N by 1.

Next, the control unit C references the value set in the "Number of Cooking Times (Total)" field in the continuous mode setting data Dr and determines whether the number of cooking times has reached the specified number, i.e., whether cooking has been completed (step S210).

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

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

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

<13. Another embodiment of the rice washing tank detachable structure>
In Figure 3, a hook a20 provided on the rice washing tank A2 is hooked onto the hooking portion a21, which is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the side, to attach the rice washing tank A2 to the rice storage cabinet A1. However, the hooking portion a21 and the hook a20 can also be configured as follows.

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

As shown in Figure 18(A), the hooked portion a21' according to another embodiment is provided on the underside of the metal panel portion a16, and is bifurcated in front view so that the upper portion of the T-rod a37 can be hooked thereon. As shown in Figure 18(B), the hooked portion a21' is generally L-shaped in side view.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, for the separate cooking mode, it is possible to set one cooking condition for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2, and furthermore, to set the number of cooking times for which rice washing is performed for each of the left cooking position L2 and the right cooking position R2.

Furthermore, in the continuous mode and the multiple cooking mode, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, once one wash and cook cycle is completed, the setting number is incremented by 1 (step S112, step S211, etc.) and the cooking conditions for the next setting number are executed. However, it is also possible to configure the number of executions to be set for each setting number. For example, once the cooking conditions for setting number 1 have been executed three times, the setting number may be incremented by 1 and the cooking conditions for setting number 2 may be executed.

Furthermore, while there are two rice cooking positions, left cooking position L2 and right cooking position R2, this is not limited to this. For example, the rice cooker B can be configured to be set in three positions on the stand K (left, middle, and right), and the rice supply device A can be configured to supply rice in three positions accordingly. In this case, just as in the two-position case, the "differential cooking mode" can determine the rice cooking position of the rice cooker B according to the "cooking method" item in the rice cooking condition setting data Ds. For example, the left and middle cooking positions can be used for standard cooking, and the right cooking position can be used for porridge. Furthermore, in "continuous mode," for example, in step S204 of Figure 15, the rice cooker B set in the left, middle, or right position can be sequentially selected as the rice cooking position, allowing for more efficient rice cooking. The same applies when there are more than three rice cooking positions.

1 Rice washing and cooking device A Rice supply device A1 Rice storage A2 Rice washing tank a1 Fixed quantity dispensing valve a2 Tank body a3 Water supply pipe a4 Air supply pipe a5 Jacket a6 Drop port a7 Drop valve a8 Stirring member a9 Drain box a10 Cylindrical part a11 Funnel-shaped part a12 Overflow box a13 Drain hose a14 Drain port a15 Floor panel a16 Metal panel part a17 Resin panel part a18 Opening a19 Lid part a20 Hook a21 Hooked part a22 First joint part a23 Second joint part a24 Notch a25 Communication port a26 First packing part a27 First joint receiving part a28 Second packing part a29 Second joint receiving part a30 Vent a31 Fan device a32 Floor panel lower cover a33 Roller a34 Rail a35 Handle a36 Mounting portion a37 T-rod AK Supply position switching means AO Upper drain mechanism B Rice cooking device
b1 Rice cooker main body b2 Lid body b3 Lid opening/closing mechanism b4 Handle C Control unit c1 Rice cooking condition setting unit c2 Rice cooking reservation setting unit c3 Rice washing and cooking processing unit c4 Rice cooking reservation execution unit c5 Setting information memory unit c6 Timer unit IH Induction cooker K Stand k1 Support frame unit k2 Placement stand k3 Drawer k4 Pedal k5 Lifting support member k6 Guide member k7 Link member k8 Elastic spring k9 First stopper k10 Second stopper S Operation unit s1 Display unit s2 Various operation buttons m1 Drop valve motor m2 Stirring member motor

Claims (3)

The rice supplying device is an integrated unit of a rice storage (A1) for storing rice and a rice washing tank (A2) for washing rice, and a rice cooking device (B).
A rice washing and cooking device configured to be able to perform a series of rice washing and cooking processes,
The rice washing and cooking device includes a supply position switching means for switching the rice supply position of the rice supply device in accordance with a plurality of rice cooking positions;
The rice cooker includes a setting information storage unit that can store a plurality of rice cooking conditions, and the rice cooking conditions include at least information on how to cook rice using the rice cooker.
It is configured to be able to simultaneously execute multiple sets of rice washing and cooking processes under different cooking conditions.
At that time, for each type of cooking method included in the cooking conditions stored in the setting information storage unit, one cooking position from among a plurality of cooking positions is assigned and the rice cooking process is carried out by the rice cooking device, and even after the completion of one cooking process, the rice cooking position once assigned is maintained, so that the rice cooking position is determined according to the type of cooking method,
It has a setting screen for setting the rice cooking conditions,
The setting screen has a plurality of tabs (s21') and an operation area (s22') for setting each rice cooking condition for each tab (s21').
The rice washing and cooking device is characterized in that rice cooking operations are performed successively under each of the rice cooking conditions of the plurality of tabs (s21') that have been set. The rice washing and cooking device of claim 1, characterized in that the operation area (s22') is provided with at least the items for cooking method, amount of rice cooked, and water addition, as well as a selection switch for selecting the type of these items and increasing or decreasing them. The rice washing and cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is possible to select the rice cooking conditions of any tab from multiple tabs (s21') and set the number of rice cooking operations as desired.