JP2010136865A

JP2010136865A - Rice cooker

Info

Publication number: JP2010136865A
Application number: JP2008315557A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Takanobu Kamioka; 孝暢上岡; Kazuaki Moriiwa; 和秋守岩; Toru Ogasawara; 透小笠原
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Home Appliance Co Ltd; Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Home Appliance Co Ltd; Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2008-12-11
Filing date: 2008-12-11
Publication date: 2010-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-11
Also published as: JP5197339B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rice cooker which stops rice cooking when a solenoid, which performs switching action of adjusting valves which opens/closes fluid passages communicating with air outside of an outer lid and inside of an inner pot, is abnormal and prevents incorrect rice cooking without pressure. <P>SOLUTION: A control means 20 passes driving current to a solenoid 10 which has a plunger 10a which is equipped in an outer lid 6 which opens/closes an opening of a rice cooker body 1 which contains an inner pot and makes a pressure-adjusting ball 14 which closes/opens fluid passages 6a, 9 which communicate with the inside of the inner pot and the outside movable when the rice cooking starts, a current value of the driving current detected by a driving current detecting means 21 and a reference value are compared, it is judged that the solenoid makes a normal operation, and rice is cooked through control of driving current to the solenoid and heating control of a heating means 2 when the current value is smaller than the reference value; then, it is judged that the solenoid makes an abnormal operation and supply of driving current to the solenoid is stopped, or heating control is not performed to the heating means when the current value is bigger than the reference value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、一般家庭或いは業務用に使用する炊飯器に係り、更に詳しくは電磁式による調圧弁の動作不具合時における故障を防ぐことを目的とするものに関する。 The present invention relates to a rice cooker used for general home use or business use, and more particularly, to a rice cooker intended to prevent failure at the time of malfunction of an electromagnetic pressure regulating valve.

従来、圧力式の炊飯器は内鍋内の温度を高めて外気よりも圧力を高めてよりおいしいご飯を炊くものであるが、外気と内釜内を連通する流体通路を備え、その流体通路を開閉して内釜内の圧力を調節する調整弁機構を設けている。 Conventionally, pressure-type rice cookers cook more delicious rice by raising the temperature in the inner pot and raising the pressure from the outside air, but have a fluid passage that communicates the outside air and the inside of the inner pot. An adjustment valve mechanism that opens and closes to adjust the pressure in the inner hook is provided.

その調整弁機構としては、流体通路の途中に設けた連通口を閉塞・開放するボール状の重りからなる弁体と、プランジャを軸方向に進退可能に配設したソレノイドと、そのソレノイド動作によって弁体への開閉動力を伝達する熱可塑性樹脂製の伝達部材からなるものが公知である。
また、流体通路は内釜及び内釜上面開口部を開閉自在に覆う蓋並びに蓋の内釜対面側に設けた内蓋と上面側に設けた蒸気口によって構成され、ボール状からなる弁体は内蓋の組立の際に構成されまた、ソレノイド及び関連動作部材は熱可塑性樹脂で形成された蓋下体の組立の際に構成されている（特許文献１参照）。 The adjusting valve mechanism includes a valve body made of a ball-like weight that closes and opens a communication port provided in the middle of the fluid passage, a solenoid in which a plunger can be moved back and forth in the axial direction, and a valve that operates by the solenoid operation. What consists of the transmission member made from a thermoplastic resin which transmits the opening / closing motive power to a body is well-known.
The fluid passage is composed of a lid that covers the inner hook and the upper opening of the inner hook so that it can be opened and closed, an inner lid provided on the side of the lid facing the inner hook, and a steam port provided on the upper surface side. It is configured when the inner lid is assembled, and the solenoid and the related operation member are configured when assembling the lower lid body made of thermoplastic resin (see Patent Document 1).

特許第３５１７３７８号公報（第１頁、図２）Japanese Patent No. 3517378 (first page, FIG. 2)

しかしながら、従来の圧力式の炊飯器は、その特性上、炊飯時の高温による内圧の増加によって外郭を形成する部材への圧力荷重が大きく、特に炊飯器本体の開口を開閉する開閉機構をもったものについては、圧力保持のための構造上の配慮を怠ると開閉機構の部分での圧力が突出して大きくなるため、重大な事故に繋がるおそれがある。
以上のことを踏まえつつ、構造面においては内釜内の内圧を常に受けている蓋下体のダメージが最も大きく、つまりは内圧により蓋が上方に押し上げられる力が発生し、高温にさらされるために熱可塑性樹脂製の蓋下体の変形が促進される。 However, the conventional pressure-type rice cooker has an open / close mechanism that opens and closes the opening of the rice cooker body, especially due to its characteristics that a large pressure load is applied to the member that forms the outer shell due to an increase in internal pressure due to high temperature during rice cooking. With regard to things, if neglecting structural considerations for maintaining pressure, the pressure at the opening and closing mechanism will protrude and increase, which may lead to a serious accident.
In view of the above, the damage to the lower lid body that is constantly receiving the internal pressure in the inner hook is the largest in terms of structure, that is, the internal pressure causes the lid to be pushed upwards and is exposed to high temperatures The deformation of the lower lid body made of thermoplastic resin is promoted.

そして、炊飯が終了すると圧力が抜け、徐々に温度が保温温度又は部屋内雰囲気温度へ向かって低下するため、圧力及び高温によって変形していた蓋下体も変形前の形状へ回復しつつあるが、これら一連の動作を毎日・毎回繰り返すうちに僅かながらの永久変形が蓄積される。
また、同じく樹脂で形成された伝達部材についても同様の傾向である。一方で、樹脂は特性上、季節や成形条件によって寸法バラつきや反り等の現象が生じるために可動や嵌合部品などは特に精度の高い寸法管理が要求されることも周知である。 And when rice cooking is finished, the pressure goes down and the temperature gradually decreases toward the heat retaining temperature or the room atmosphere temperature, so the lid body that was deformed by the pressure and high temperature is also recovering to the shape before deformation, As the series of operations is repeated every day and every time, a slight permanent deformation is accumulated.
In addition, the same tendency applies to a transmission member formed of resin. On the other hand, it is also well known that, due to the characteristics of resins, phenomena such as dimensional variations and warping occur depending on the season and molding conditions, and therefore, movable and fitting parts are required to have highly accurate dimensional management.

ここで、前述のような変形が蓄積されると最終的には、伝達部材の動作が悪くなり、弁体の開閉に不具合が生じ次に挙げる問題が生じる。
まず、弁体の開閉動作について述べると、弁体の閉じ動作が確実に行われないと、所定の圧力がかからなくなり圧力炊飯特有の粘りや弾力のある炊飯が出来なくなりおいしさが損なわれる。
また、逆に弁体の開き動作が確実に行われないと、釜内の圧力が抜けきれなくなって外圧との差が生じ、蓋を開けたときに釜内の熱せられたご飯が周囲に飛び散り火傷等の危険が生じる。 Here, when the deformation as described above is accumulated, the operation of the transmission member eventually deteriorates, and the opening and closing of the valve body becomes troubled, resulting in the following problems.
First, the opening / closing operation of the valve body will be described. If the valve body is not reliably closed, a predetermined pressure is not applied, and the stickiness and elasticity of rice cooked by pressure cooking cannot be performed, and the taste is impaired.
On the other hand, if the opening of the valve body is not performed reliably, the pressure inside the hook will not be able to be released, resulting in a difference from the external pressure, and the cooked rice in the pot will scatter around when the lid is opened. There is a risk of burns.

次に、ソレノイドについて述べると、弁体の開閉動作不具合によりソレノイドへ過電流が流れて発熱を起こし、ソレノイドのヒューズ切れや最悪は焼損といった故障へと繋がるため、本体側のマイコンで位相制御を組み込む等のマイコンのシステムを複雑にしなければならない。 Next, when discussing solenoids, overcurrent flows to the solenoid due to a malfunction in the opening and closing operation of the valve body, causing heat generation, leading to malfunctions such as the fuse being blown out or the worst being burned out. The microcomputer system must be complicated.

一方別の課題として、内蓋の取付け忘れによる誤使用炊飯も近年問題になっている。
そもそも従来は蓋内部一体にパッキンが設けられていたが、炊飯時のおねば付着等で清掃性の観点から、近年はパッキンと一体の内蓋が本体蓋に着脱自在に設けられる方式が主流になっている。
つまりは内蓋が取付けられていないと、結局は釜内部をシールするパッキンが無いことから内釜内の温度が上昇せず、正常な炊飯が出来なくなってしまう。
ところが、洗浄等で内蓋を外すことが常の上、次に炊飯するときに取り付けを忘れてしまう例が少なくない。 On the other hand, misuse rice cooking due to forgetting to attach the inner lid has also become a problem in recent years.
In the past, packing was provided integrally inside the lid, but from the viewpoint of cleanability due to sticking when cooking, etc., in recent years, a system in which the inner lid integrated with the packing is detachably attached to the main body lid has become the mainstream in recent years. It has become.
In other words, if the inner lid is not attached, there will be no packing for sealing the inside of the pot, so the temperature in the inner pot will not rise and normal cooking will not be possible.
However, after removing the inner lid for washing or the like, there are many cases in which attachment is forgotten when the next rice is cooked.

そこで、内蓋付け忘れ対策の一例として内蓋が無い時には蓋が閉まらない構造が公知として有るが、洗浄や乾燥等で内蓋が本体に取付けられていないときは本体の蓋を閉めることが出来ないために、埃進入等に配慮しなければならない。
また、他の一例としてはマイクロスイッチを用いて内蓋付け忘れを検知し、発熱体への電源入切を行うものも公知として有るが、マイクロスイッチ等のスイッチ構造体を設けるために、構造が複雑になりコストアップや大きさ・重量アップ等の問題があった。 Therefore, as an example of measures for forgetting to attach the inner lid, there is a known structure in which the lid is not closed when there is no inner lid. However, when the inner lid is not attached to the main body due to washing or drying, the main body lid can be closed. Therefore, it is necessary to consider dust entry.
In addition, as another example, there is a known one that detects forgetting to attach the inner lid using a micro switch and turns on / off the power to the heating element. However, in order to provide a switch structure such as a micro switch, the structure is There were problems such as increased costs and increased size and weight.

本発明はかかる課題を解決するためになされたもので、外気と内釜内を連通する流体通路を開閉する調圧弁体の開閉動作を行うソレノイド及び伝達部材の異常時には炊飯を中止して機器の損傷を最小限に食い止め、圧力がかからない誤炊飯を未然に防ぐことができる炊飯器を得ることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and when the solenoid and the transmission member for opening and closing the pressure regulating valve body that opens and closes the fluid passage communicating between the outside air and the inner pot are abnormal, the rice cooking is stopped and the equipment is An object of the present invention is to obtain a rice cooker that can prevent damage from being caused to a minimum and prevent erroneous cooking without pressure.

本発明に係る炊飯器は、内釜と、該内釜を収容する炊飯器本体と、該炊飯器本体に設けられ、前記内釜を加熱する加熱手段と、前記炊飯器本体に開閉可能に取り付けられ、該炊飯器本体の開口部を閉塞する外蓋と、該外蓋に設けられ、前記内釜内と外部とを連通する流体通路を閉塞又は開放する調圧弁と、該調圧弁を可動させるプランジャを有するソレノイドと、前記加熱手段と前記ソレノイドとを駆動制御する制御手段とを有する炊飯器において、前記ソレノイドに流れる駆動電流を検出する駆動電流検出手段を備え、前記制御手段は、前記駆動電流検出手段が炊飯開始時に検出した前記ソレノイドの駆動電流に基づいて前記ソレノイドが正常動作したか、異常動作したかを判定し、前記ソレノイドが正常動作したと判定したときは前記ソレノイドへの駆動電流の制御と共に前記加熱手段を加熱制御して炊飯を行い、前記ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したときは前記ソレノイドへの駆動電流の通電を停止または前記加熱手段に対する加熱制御を行わないようにしたものである。 The rice cooker according to the present invention is provided with an inner pot, a rice cooker main body that accommodates the inner pot, a heating unit that is provided in the rice cooker main body, and that heats the inner pot, and is attached to the rice cooker main body so as to be opened and closed An outer lid that closes the opening of the rice cooker body, a pressure regulating valve that is provided on the outer lid and that closes or opens a fluid passage that communicates the inside and outside of the inner pot, and the pressure regulating valve is movable A rice cooker having a solenoid having a plunger, and a control means for driving and controlling the heating means and the solenoid, comprising a drive current detection means for detecting a drive current flowing through the solenoid, wherein the control means comprises the drive current Based on the drive current of the solenoid detected at the start of rice cooking by the detection means, it is determined whether the solenoid is operating normally or abnormally. When it is determined that the solenoid is operating normally, the The heating means is heated together with the control of the drive current to the noid to cook rice, and when it is determined that the solenoid has operated abnormally, the drive current to the solenoid is stopped or the heating means is heated. It is something that is not.

本発明に係る炊飯器によれば、内釜を収容する炊飯器本体の開口部を開閉する外蓋６に設けられ、内釜内と外部とを連通する流体通路を閉塞又は開放する調圧弁を可動させるプランジャを有するソレノイドに、制御手段は炊飯開始時に駆動電流を流し、駆動電流検出手段が検出したソレノイドに流れる駆動電流に基づいて前記ソレノイドが正常動作したか、異常動作したかを判定し、ソレノイドが正常動作したと判定したときはソレノイドへの駆動電流の制御と共に加熱手段を加熱制御して炊飯を行い、ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したときはソレノイドへの駆動電流の通電を停止または加熱手段に対する加熱制御を行わないようにしたので、炊飯開始時における調圧弁の弁動作の不具合等に基づくソレノイドの異常動作が分かり、それに伴い加熱手段に対する加熱制御を行わず、圧力かからない誤炊飯を未然に防ぐことができる。また、ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したときはソレノイドへの駆動電流の通電を停止するので、ソレノイドについては過電流が流れて発熱を起こし、ソレノイドのヒューズ切れや最悪は焼損といった故障を防ぐこともできるという効果を有する。 According to the rice cooker according to the present invention, the pressure regulating valve that is provided on the outer lid 6 that opens and closes the opening of the rice cooker main body that houses the inner pot, and closes or opens the fluid passage that communicates the inside and outside of the inner pot. The control means causes a drive current to flow at the start of rice cooking to the solenoid having the plunger to be moved, and determines whether the solenoid has operated normally or abnormally based on the drive current flowing through the solenoid detected by the drive current detection means, When it is determined that the solenoid is operating normally, the heating means is heated and controlled while controlling the drive current to the solenoid.When it is determined that the solenoid is operating abnormally, energization of the drive current to the solenoid is stopped or heated. Since the heating control for the means is not performed, the abnormal operation of the solenoid based on the malfunction of the valve operation of the pressure regulating valve at the start of rice cooking can be understood. Without heating control for with the heating means, it is possible to prevent erroneous cooking not applied pressure. In addition, when it is determined that the solenoid is operating abnormally, the drive current is not supplied to the solenoid, so an overcurrent flows through the solenoid and heat is generated, preventing malfunctions such as the solenoid being blown out or the worst being burned out. It has the effect of being able to.

実施の形態１．
図１は本発明の実施の形態１の炊飯器を示す斜視図、図２は同炊飯器の上蓋の断面図、図３は炊飯器の電気的構成を表すブロック図、図４は同炊飯器の炊飯工程におけるソレノイドの異常を示すフローチャート、図５は同炊飯器のソレノイドの正常動作時と動作不具合時における電流波形図である。なお、図１は理解を容易にするため、上蓋の一部を切欠している。
図１及び図２に示すように、炊飯器本体１は内部に着脱可能に内釜（図示省略）を備えている。その内釜は炊飯器本体１の内部に設けられた誘導コイルである加熱手段２によって加熱される。
その炊飯器本体１の上部手前側に操作パネル３が設けられている。その操作パネル３には炊き上がり状態等を表示する液晶表示の表示手段４と、炊飯キー５ａや切り・保温キー５ｂ等のキー入力手段５が設けられている。 Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a perspective view showing a rice cooker according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper lid of the rice cooker, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the rice cooker, and FIG. 4 is the rice cooker. The flowchart which shows abnormality of the solenoid in the rice cooking process of FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is the electric current waveform figure at the time of the normal operation of the solenoid of the rice cooker, and the time of malfunctioning. In FIG. 1, a part of the upper lid is notched for easy understanding.
As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2, the rice cooker main body 1 is equipped with the inner pot (illustration omitted) so that attachment or detachment is possible inside. The inner pot is heated by heating means 2 which is an induction coil provided inside the rice cooker body 1.
An operation panel 3 is provided on the upper front side of the rice cooker body 1. The operation panel 3 is provided with a liquid crystal display display means 4 for displaying the cooked state and the like, and key input means 5 such as a rice cooking key 5a and a cut / heat keeping key 5b.

その炊飯器本体１にはその開口部を覆う上蓋６が開閉自在に取り付けられている。その上蓋６の下面側には蓋下体７が設けられており、その蓋下体７の外面側に内蓋８が着脱自在に取り付けられている。
また、蓋下体７の内面側にソレノイド１０及びソレノイド１０のプランジャ１０ａに取り付けられた方形枠状の伝達部材１１と調圧室１２が設けられている。
その伝達部材１１は一端側中央部分がプランジャ１０ａの先端と連結しており、両端側がソレノイド１０の両側に平行に延び、他端側がソレノイド１０の端部より延出している。 An upper lid 6 covering the opening is attached to the rice cooker body 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. A lid lower body 7 is provided on the lower surface side of the upper lid 6, and an inner lid 8 is detachably attached to the outer surface side of the lid lower body 7.
In addition, a rectangular frame-shaped transmission member 11 and a pressure regulating chamber 12 attached to the solenoid 10 and the plunger 10 a of the solenoid 10 are provided on the inner surface side of the lid lower body 7.
The transmission member 11 has a central portion at one end connected to the tip of the plunger 10 a, both ends extending in parallel to both sides of the solenoid 10, and the other end extending from the end of the solenoid 10.

そのソレノイド１０のプランジャ１０ａは上蓋６の前後方向に対して可動自在に設けられている。そして、ソレノイド１０と伝達部材１１との間にコイルスプリング１０ｂが介装され、そのコイルスプリング１０ｂによってプランジャ１０ａがソレノイド１０から飛び出すように常時付勢されている。
また、調圧室１２は上蓋６内の上蓋連通路６ａを介して上蓋６の上面に設けられた蒸気吹出穴６ｂと連通している。
その調圧室１２の伝達部材１１側に形成された開放穴１２ａには開放穴１２ａを閉塞するように弁パッキン１３が取り付けられ、その弁パッキン１３にソレノイド１０のプランジャ１０ａに取り付けられた伝達部材１１の一端側が当接している。 The plunger 10 a of the solenoid 10 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the upper lid 6. A coil spring 10b is interposed between the solenoid 10 and the transmission member 11, and the plunger 10a is constantly urged by the coil spring 10b so as to jump out of the solenoid 10.
Further, the pressure regulating chamber 12 communicates with a steam blowing hole 6 b provided on the upper surface of the upper lid 6 through an upper lid communication passage 6 a in the upper lid 6.
A valve packing 13 is attached to the open hole 12a formed on the transmission member 11 side of the pressure regulating chamber 12 so as to close the open hole 12a, and the transmission member attached to the plunger 10a of the solenoid 10 to the valve packing 13 11 is in contact with one end side.

内蓋８の略中央部には内釜と上蓋６内を連通させる内蓋連通路９が設けられ、その内蓋連通路９の内部側に連通孔９ａが形成されており、その連通孔９ａは調圧弁である調圧ボール１４によって開閉される。
さらに、その内蓋連通路９の内部側には調圧ボール１４を内包する弁体室１５が設けられている。その弁体室１５の左右に穴１５ａ、１５ｂが設けられている。
そして、内蓋８が蓋下体７の外面側に取り付けられたときに、その弁体室１５は蓋下体７の調圧室１２内に配設される。
以上の構成において、ソレノイド１０のプランジャ１０ａの動きを伝達部材４を介して調圧室１２内に配設された弁体室１５内の調圧ボール１４を動かして内釜内の圧力をコントロールする。
さらに、内蓋８の前後方向の後端を蓋下体７の後端に設けた内蓋引掛り部７ａに引掛け、内蓋８の前後方向の先端を蓋下体７の先端に摺動可能に設けた内蓋ストッパ１６の係止爪１５ａに引掛けることにより、内蓋８を蓋下体７に着脱可能に取り付けている。なお、内蓋ストッパ１６はバネ１７により引掛り方向に付勢されている。 An inner lid communication passage 9 for communicating the inner hook and the inside of the upper lid 6 is provided at a substantially central portion of the inner lid 8, and a communication hole 9a is formed on the inner side of the inner lid communication passage 9, and the communication hole 9a Is opened and closed by a pressure adjusting ball 14 which is a pressure adjusting valve.
Further, a valve body chamber 15 containing a pressure adjusting ball 14 is provided inside the inner lid communication passage 9. Holes 15 a and 15 b are provided on the left and right sides of the valve body chamber 15.
When the inner lid 8 is attached to the outer surface side of the lid lower body 7, the valve body chamber 15 is disposed in the pressure regulating chamber 12 of the lid lower body 7.
In the above configuration, the pressure of the inner pot is controlled by moving the pressure adjusting ball 14 in the valve body chamber 15 disposed in the pressure adjusting chamber 12 via the transmission member 4 for the movement of the plunger 10a of the solenoid 10. .
Further, the rear end of the inner lid 8 in the front-rear direction is hooked on an inner lid hooking portion 7 a provided at the rear end of the lower lid body 7 so that the front end in the front-rear direction of the inner lid 8 can slide on the front end of the lower lid body 7. The inner lid 8 is detachably attached to the lid lower body 7 by being hooked on the locking claw 15 a of the provided inner lid stopper 16. The inner lid stopper 16 is urged in the hooking direction by a spring 17.

次に、この実施の形態１の炊飯器の電気的構成について図３のブロック図に基づいて説明する。
図３に示す制御手段２０はマイコンからなり、予め格納されたプログラムに従って炊飯から保温の各工程を実施する。その制御手段２０は炊飯器本体１内に配設された制御回路（図示省略）に設けられている。
制御手段２０には、加熱手段である誘導コイルである加熱手段２と、キー入力手段５と、表示手段４と、ソレノイド１０と、ソレノイド１０の電流を検出する駆動電流検出手段２１と、異常を報知する異常報知手段２２とが接続されている。
この実施の形態１の異常報知手段２２は警告ブザーとして異常音を発生して報知するようにしているが、異常状態を表示するようにしてもよい。 Next, the electrical configuration of the rice cooker of the first embodiment will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.
The control means 20 shown in FIG. 3 consists of a microcomputer, and implements each process from rice cooking to heat insulation according to the program stored beforehand. The control means 20 is provided in a control circuit (not shown) provided in the rice cooker body 1.
The control means 20 includes a heating means 2 that is an induction coil that is a heating means, a key input means 5, a display means 4, a solenoid 10, a drive current detection means 21 that detects the current of the solenoid 10, and an abnormality. An abnormality notifying means 22 for notifying is connected.
The abnormality notifying means 22 of the first embodiment generates and notifies an abnormal sound as a warning buzzer, but may display an abnormal state.

次に、本発明の実施の形態１の炊飯器の炊飯工程の動作について図４のフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
炊飯器本体１に米を入れた内釜をセットし、操作パネル３の炊飯スイッチ５ａを押すと炊飯が開始される（ステップＳ１）。炊飯が開始されると、制御手段２０は最初にソレノイド１０に駆動電流を流す（ステップＳ２）。
ソレノイド１０の正常動作時には、図５の（ａ）に示すように、ソレノイド１０に流す駆動電流は例えば４秒のフル通電で８０ｍＡの電流が流れた後に位相制御領域に入ると１２ｍＡの電流が流れ、振幅が小さくなるが、ソレノイド１０の動作不具合による異常動作時には、図５の（ｂ）に示すように２２ｍＡの電流が流れ、振幅が小さくなりきれていない。
このように、ソレノイド１０の動作不具合による異常動作時にソレノイド１０に流す駆動電流が正常動作時よりも大きくなるのは、伝達部材１１やプランジャ１０ａ等の不具合からソレノイド１０に過電流が流れるためである。そして、ソレノイド１０に過電流が流れると、発熱を起こし、ソレノイド１０のヒューズ切れや最悪は焼損を起こすことになる。
そこで、この振幅の違い、即ち電流値の違いからマイコンであるが制御手段２０がソレノイド１０が正常動作したか、異常動作したかを判定する。
このように制御手段２０がソレノイド１０に駆動電流を流し、その駆動電流を駆動電流検出手段２１が検出する。そして、制御手段２０では、駆動電流検出手段２１が検出した電流値と予め設定された例えば１７ｍＡの基準値とを比較し、その電流値が基準値より小さい場合にはソレノイド１０が正常動作したと判定し、その電流値が基準値より大きい場合にはソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定する。
制御手段２０がソレノイド１０が正常動作したと判定した場合は加熱手段２を駆動して炊飯工程を実施し（ステップＳ３、Ｓ４）、制御手段２０がソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定した場合は加熱手段２を駆動せず、炊飯工程は実施されずに、異常報知手段２２である警告ブザーを鳴らして異常を使用者に報知する（ステップＳ３、Ｓ５）。
そして、炊飯工程の実施後や、異常を使用者に報知した後にはソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電は停止される（ステップＳ６）。 Next, operation | movement of the rice cooking process of the rice cooker of Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIG.
When the inner pot with rice is set in the rice cooker body 1 and the rice cooker switch 5a on the operation panel 3 is pressed, rice cooking is started (step S1). When rice cooking is started, the control means 20 first supplies a drive current to the solenoid 10 (step S2).
During normal operation of the solenoid 10, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the drive current that flows through the solenoid 10 is, for example, when a current of 80 mA flows by full energization for 4 seconds and then enters the phase control region, a current of 12 mA flows. Although the amplitude is small, during an abnormal operation due to malfunction of the solenoid 10, a current of 22 mA flows as shown in FIG.
As described above, the reason why the drive current that flows through the solenoid 10 during an abnormal operation due to the malfunction of the solenoid 10 is larger than that during the normal operation is that an overcurrent flows through the solenoid 10 due to a malfunction of the transmission member 11 and the plunger 10a. . When an overcurrent flows through the solenoid 10, heat is generated, and the fuse of the solenoid 10 is burned out or, at worst, burns out.
Therefore, from this difference in amplitude, that is, the difference in current value, the control means 20 determines whether the solenoid 10 has operated normally or abnormally.
In this way, the control means 20 causes the drive current to flow through the solenoid 10, and the drive current detection means 21 detects the drive current. Then, the control means 20 compares the current value detected by the drive current detection means 21 with a preset reference value of, for example, 17 mA, and if the current value is smaller than the reference value, the solenoid 10 is normally operated. If the current value is larger than the reference value, it is determined that the solenoid 10 has operated abnormally.
When the control means 20 determines that the solenoid 10 has operated normally, the heating means 2 is driven to perform the rice cooking process (steps S3 and S4), and when the control means 20 determines that the solenoid 10 has operated abnormally, heating is performed. The means 2 is not driven, the rice cooking process is not performed, and a warning buzzer that is the abnormality notifying means 22 is sounded to notify the user of the abnormality (steps S3 and S5).
And after implementation of a rice cooking process or after notifying a user of abnormality, energization of drive current to solenoid 10 is stopped (Step S6).

この実施の形態１では、内釜を収容する炊飯器本体１の開口部を開閉する外蓋６に設けられ、内釜内と外部とを連通する流体通路のうちの内蓋連通路９の連通孔９ａを閉塞又は開放する調圧ボール１４を可動させるプランジャ１０ａを有するソレノイド１０に、制御手段２０は炊飯開始時に駆動電流を流し、駆動電流検出手段２１が検出したソレノイド１０に流れる駆動電流の電流値と基準値とを比較し、その電流値が基準値より小さいときにはソレノイド１０が正常動作したと判定し、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の制御と共に加熱手段２を加熱制御して炊飯を行い、その電流値が基準値より大きいときにソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定したときには、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止すると共に加熱手段２に対する加熱制御を行わず、異常報知手段２２を動作させて異常報知を行うようにしたので、炊飯開始時における調圧ボール１４の弁動作の不具合等に基づくソレノイド１０の異常動作が分かり、それに伴いソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止すると共に加熱手段２に対する加熱制御を行わないため、圧力がかからない誤炊飯を未然に防ぐことができ、異常報知手段２２による異常報知により使用者も調圧ボール１４の弁動作の不具合等を知ることができ、さらにソレノイド１０については過電流が流れて発熱を起こし、ソレノイド１０のヒューズ切れや最悪は焼損といった故障を防ぐこともできる。
なお、実施の形態１では、ソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定したときは、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止すると共に加熱手段２に対する加熱制御を行わない例を示したが、図８に示すように、図４のステップＳ５の実行後、ステップＳ４を実行し、異常報知を行うとともに加熱手段２に対する加熱制御は行うが、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止するようにしてもよい。また、図９に示すように、図４のステップＳ６を削除し、異常報知を行って加熱手段２に対する加熱制御は行わないが、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を継続するようにしてもよい。 In this Embodiment 1, it is provided in the outer cover 6 which opens and closes the opening part of the rice cooker main body 1 which accommodates an inner pot, and communication of the inner cover communication path 9 of the fluid passages which connect the inside of an inner pot and the exterior is carried out. The control means 20 sends a drive current to the solenoid 10 having the plunger 10a for moving the pressure adjusting ball 14 that closes or opens the hole 9a at the start of cooking rice, and the current of the drive current flowing through the solenoid 10 detected by the drive current detection means 21. When the current value is smaller than the reference value, it is determined that the solenoid 10 has operated normally, and the heating means 2 is controlled to be heated together with the control of the drive current to the solenoid 10 to cook rice. When it is determined that the solenoid 10 has operated abnormally when the current value is larger than the reference value, energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 is stopped and the heating means 2 is controlled. Since the abnormality notification means 22 is operated to perform the abnormality notification, the abnormal operation of the solenoid 10 based on the malfunction of the valve operation of the pressure adjusting ball 14 at the start of cooking rice is known, and accordingly the solenoid 10 is notified. In addition, the heating means 2 is not energized and the heating means 2 is not controlled, so that it is possible to prevent erroneous rice cooking that does not apply pressure. It is possible to know the malfunction of the operation, etc., and further, overcurrent flows through the solenoid 10 to cause heat generation, and it is possible to prevent a malfunction such as a blown fuse of the solenoid 10 or, at worst, burnout.
In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the solenoid 10 has abnormally operated, the example in which the energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 is stopped and the heating control for the heating unit 2 is not performed is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, after step S5 in FIG. 4 is executed, step S4 is executed to notify the abnormality and to control the heating means 2, but the energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 may be stopped. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9, step S6 of FIG. 4 is deleted, abnormality notification is performed and heating control for the heating means 2 is not performed, but energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 may be continued. .

実施の形態２．
図６は本発明の実施の形態２の炊飯器を示す斜視図、図７は同炊飯器の上蓋の断面図である。なお、図６は理解を容易にするため、上蓋の一部を切欠している。
この実施の形態２において、実施の形態１と同様の構成は同一符号を付して重複した構成の説明を省略する。
この実施の形態２は、実施の形態１と内蓋ストッパ１６の構成が異なるものである。
この実施の形態２の内蓋ストッパ１６は、係止爪１６ａの他に、その上面内側に蓋下体７を貫通して突出する伝達部材ストッパ１６ｂを設けたものである。 Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a rice cooker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper lid of the rice cooker. In FIG. 6, a part of the upper lid is cut away for easy understanding.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the overlapping components is omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the inner lid stopper 16.
The inner lid stopper 16 of the second embodiment is provided with a transmission member stopper 16b protruding through the lower lid body 7 inside the upper surface in addition to the locking claw 16a.

この実施の形態２における内蓋ストッパ１６の動作について説明する。
内蓋８の上蓋６に対する未装着時には、内蓋ストッパ１６がバネ１７によって内蓋引掛け方向に付勢された位置にあり、内蓋ストッパ１６の伝達部材ストッパ１６ｂに伝達部材１１におけるソレノイド１０の端部より延出する他端側が当接するため、伝達部材１１が動くことが阻止されるように構成されている。
このように内蓋ストッパ１６がバネ１７によって内蓋引掛け方向に付勢された位置にある状態で、炊飯器本体１の炊飯キー５ａを入れると、炊飯開始となってソレノイド１０に駆動電流が流れ、プランジャ１０ａがソレノイド１０内に引き込まれようとするが、プランジャ１０ａの先端と連結されている伝達部材１１の動きが内蓋ストッパ１６の伝達部材ストッパ１６ｂによって阻止されるため、プランジャ１０ａの動きがロックされると共に調圧ボール１４が動かず弁動作の不具合が生じる。 The operation of the inner lid stopper 16 in the second embodiment will be described.
When the inner lid 8 is not attached to the upper lid 6, the inner lid stopper 16 is in a position biased by the spring 17 in the direction of hooking the inner lid, and the transmission member stopper 16 b of the inner lid stopper 16 is connected to the solenoid 10 in the transmission member 11. Since the other end side extending from the end portion comes into contact, the transmission member 11 is configured to be prevented from moving.
When the rice cooking key 5a of the rice cooker body 1 is put in a state where the inner lid stopper 16 is biased in the direction of hooking the inner lid by the spring 17, the rice cooking is started and the drive current is supplied to the solenoid 10. The plunger 10a is about to be drawn into the solenoid 10 due to the flow, but the movement of the transmission member 11 connected to the tip of the plunger 10a is blocked by the transmission member stopper 16b of the inner lid stopper 16, so the movement of the plunger 10a. Is locked and the pressure adjusting ball 14 does not move, causing a malfunction of the valve operation.

従って、ソレノイド１０に流れる駆動電流の電流値が大きくなり、制御手段２０は、駆動電流検出手段２１が検出したソレノイド１０に流れる駆動電流の電流値と基準値とを比較し、その電流値が基準値より大きいためにソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定し、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止すると共に加熱手段２に対する加熱制御を行わず、異常報知手段２２を動作させて異常報知を行う。
その結果、最終的には内蓋８を取付けない状態での誤炊飯を防ぐことができる。
なお、実施の形態２においても、ソレノイド１０が異常動作したと判定したときには、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止すると共に加熱手段２に対する加熱制御を行わない例を示したが。実施の形態１で説明したのと同様に、図８に示すように、図４のステップＳ５の実行後、ステップＳ４を実行し、異常報知を行うとともに加熱手段２に対する加熱制御は行うが、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を停止するようにしてもよい。また、図９に示すように、図４のステップＳ６を削除し、異常報知を行って加熱手段２に対する加熱制御は行わないが、ソレノイド１０への駆動電流の通電を継続するようにしてもよい。 Therefore, the current value of the drive current flowing through the solenoid 10 increases, and the control means 20 compares the current value of the drive current flowing through the solenoid 10 detected by the drive current detection means 21 with the reference value, and the current value is the reference value. Since it is larger than the value, it is determined that the solenoid 10 has operated abnormally, the energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 is stopped, the heating control to the heating unit 2 is not performed, and the abnormality notification unit 22 is operated to notify the abnormality.
As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous rice cooking without the inner lid 8 being finally attached.
In the second embodiment as well, when it is determined that the solenoid 10 has operated abnormally, the drive current is not supplied to the solenoid 10 and the heating means 2 is not controlled. As described in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, after step S5 in FIG. 4 is executed, step S4 is executed to notify the abnormality and perform heating control on the heating means 2, but the solenoid The energization of the drive current to 10 may be stopped. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, step S6 of FIG. 4 is deleted, abnormality notification is performed and heating control for the heating means 2 is not performed, but energization of the drive current to the solenoid 10 may be continued. .

なお、内蓋８を上蓋６に対して装着する場合は、内蓋８の前後方向の後端を蓋下体７の後端に設けた内蓋引掛り部７ａに引掛け、蓋ストッパ１６をバネ１７による内蓋引掛け方向の付勢力に抗してその反対方向に指で摺動させ、内蓋８の前後方向の先端を蓋下体７の下面に当接させ、しかる後に指を蓋ストッパ１６から離して蓋ストッパ１６をバネ１７による内蓋引掛け方向に摺動させ、内蓋８の前後方向の先端を内蓋ストッパ１６の係止爪１５ａに引掛けることにより、内蓋８を蓋下体７に着脱可能に取り付けている。 When the inner lid 8 is attached to the upper lid 6, the rear end of the inner lid 8 in the front-rear direction is hooked on the inner lid hooking portion 7 a provided at the rear end of the lid lower body 7, and the lid stopper 16 is spring-loaded. 17 is slid with a finger in the opposite direction against the urging force of the inner lid hooking direction by 17, the front and rear ends of the inner lid 8 are brought into contact with the lower surface of the lid lower body 7, and then the finger is moved to the lid stopper 16. The cover lid 16 is moved away from the cover 17 in the direction of hooking the inner cover by the spring 17, and the front and rear ends of the inner cover 8 are hooked on the locking claws 15 a of the cover stopper 16, so 7 is detachably attached.

なお、上記実施の形態１、２では、駆動電流検出手段２１によりソレノイド１０に流れる駆動電流の電流値を検出しているが、電流波形検出手段によってソレノイド１０に流れる駆動電流の電流値を検出するようにしてもよいことは勿論である。 In the first and second embodiments, the current value of the drive current flowing through the solenoid 10 is detected by the drive current detection unit 21, but the current value of the drive current flowing through the solenoid 10 is detected by the current waveform detection unit. Of course, you may do it.

本発明の実施の形態１の炊飯器を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the rice cooker of Embodiment 1 of this invention. 同炊飯器の上蓋の断面図。Sectional drawing of the upper cover of the rice cooker. 炊飯器の電気的構成を表すブロック図。The block diagram showing the electric constitution of a rice cooker. 同炊飯器の炊飯工程におけるソレノイドの異常を示すフローチャート。The flowchart which shows abnormality of the solenoid in the rice cooking process of the rice cooker. 同炊飯器のソレノイドの正常動作時と動作不具合時における電流波形図。The current waveform figure at the time of the normal operation and malfunction of the solenoid of the rice cooker. 本発明の実施の形態２の炊飯器を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the rice cooker of Embodiment 2 of this invention. 同炊飯器の上蓋の断面図。Sectional drawing of the upper cover of the rice cooker. 同炊飯器の炊飯工程におけるソレノイドの異常を示すフローチャート。The flowchart which shows abnormality of the solenoid in the rice cooking process of the rice cooker. 同炊飯器の炊飯工程におけるソレノイドの異常を示すフローチャート。The flowchart which shows abnormality of the solenoid in the rice cooking process of the rice cooker.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１炊飯器本体、２加熱手段、３操作パネル、４表示手段、５キー入力手段、５ａ炊飯キー、５ｂ切り・保温キー、６上蓋、６ａ上蓋連通路、６ｂ蒸気吹出口、７蓋下体、８内蓋、９内蓋連通路、９ａ連通孔、１０ソレノイド、１０ａプランジャ、１０ｂコイルスプリング、１１伝達部材、１２調圧室、１２ａ開放穴、１３弁パッキン、１４調圧ボール（調圧弁）、１５弁体室、１５ａ穴、１５ｂ穴、２０マイコン（制御手段）、２１駆動電流検出手段、２２異常報知手段。 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rice cooker main body, 2 Heating means, 3 Operation panel, 4 Display means, 5 Key input means, 5a Rice cooking key, 5b Cutting and heat retention key, 6 Upper lid, 6a Upper lid communication path, 6b Steam outlet, 7 Lower lid body, 8 Inner lid, 9 Inner lid communication passage, 9a communication hole, 10 solenoid, 10a plunger, 10b coil spring, 11 transmission member, 12 pressure regulating chamber, 12a open hole, 13 valve packing, 14 pressure regulating ball (pressure regulating valve), 15 Valve body chamber, 15a hole, 15b hole, 20 microcomputer (control means), 21 drive current detection means, 22 abnormality notification means.

Claims

内釜と、
該内釜を収容する炊飯器本体と、
該炊飯器本体に設けられ、前記内釜を加熱する加熱手段と、
前記炊飯器本体に開閉可能に取り付けられ、該炊飯器本体の開口部を閉塞する外蓋と、
該外蓋に設けられ、前記内釜内と外部とを連通する流体通路を閉塞又は開放する調圧弁と、
該調圧弁を可動させるプランジャを有するソレノイドと、
前記加熱手段と前記ソレノイドとを駆動制御する制御手段とを有する炊飯器において、
前記ソレノイドに流れる駆動電流を検出する駆動電流検出手段を備え、
前記制御手段は、前記駆動電流検出手段が炊飯開始時に検出した前記ソレノイドの駆動電流に基づいて前記ソレノイドが正常動作したか、異常動作したかを判定し、
前記ソレノイドが正常動作したと判定したときは前記ソレノイドへの駆動電流の制御と共に前記加熱手段を加熱制御して炊飯を行い、
前記ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したときは前記加熱手段に対する加熱制御を行わないことを特徴とする炊飯器。 An inner pot,
A rice cooker body containing the inner pot;
A heating means provided in the rice cooker body for heating the inner pot;
An outer lid attached to the rice cooker body so as to be openable and closable, and closing an opening of the rice cooker body;
A pressure regulating valve provided in the outer lid, for closing or opening a fluid passage communicating the inside and the outside of the inner pot;
A solenoid having a plunger for moving the pressure regulating valve;
In the rice cooker having control means for driving and controlling the heating means and the solenoid,
Drive current detection means for detecting the drive current flowing through the solenoid;
The control means determines whether the solenoid has operated normally or abnormally based on the driving current of the solenoid detected at the start of rice cooking by the driving current detection means,
When it is determined that the solenoid has operated normally, the heating means is heated together with the control of the drive current to the solenoid to cook rice,
When it determines with the said solenoid having operated abnormally, the heating control with respect to the said heating means is not performed, The rice cooker characterized by the above-mentioned.

内釜と、
該内釜を収容する炊飯器本体と、
該炊飯器本体に設けられ、前記内釜を加熱する加熱手段と、
前記炊飯器本体に開閉可能に取り付けられ、該炊飯器本体の開口部を閉塞する外蓋と、
該外蓋に設けられ、前記内釜内と外部とを連通する流体通路を閉塞又は開放する調圧弁と、
該調圧弁を可動させるプランジャを有するソレノイドと、
前記加熱手段と前記ソレノイドとを駆動制御する制御手段とを有する炊飯器において、
前記ソレノイドに流れる駆動電流を検出する駆動電流検出手段を備え、
前記制御手段は、前記駆動電流検出手段が炊飯開始時に検出した前記ソレノイドの駆動電流に基づいて前記ソレノイドが正常動作したか、異常動作したかを判定し、
前記ソレノイドが正常動作したと判定したときは前記ソレノイドへの駆動電流の制御と共に前記加熱手段を加熱制御して炊飯を行い、
前記ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したときは前記ソレノイドへの駆動電流の通電を停止することを特徴とする炊飯器。 An inner pot,
A rice cooker body containing the inner pot;
A heating means provided in the rice cooker body for heating the inner pot;
An outer lid attached to the rice cooker body so as to be openable and closable, and closing an opening of the rice cooker body;
A pressure regulating valve provided in the outer lid, for closing or opening a fluid passage communicating the inside and the outside of the inner pot;
A solenoid having a plunger for moving the pressure regulating valve;
In the rice cooker having control means for driving and controlling the heating means and the solenoid,
Drive current detection means for detecting the drive current flowing through the solenoid;
The control means determines whether the solenoid has operated normally or abnormally based on the driving current of the solenoid detected at the start of rice cooking by the driving current detection means,
When it is determined that the solenoid has operated normally, the heating means is heated together with the control of the drive current to the solenoid to cook rice,
When it determines with the said solenoid having operated abnormally, electricity supply of the drive current to the said solenoid is stopped.

前記制御手段は前記駆動電流検出手段が炊飯開始時に検出した前記ソレノイドの駆動電流の電流値と基準値とを比較し、その電流値が基準値より小さいときに前記ソレノイドが正常動作したと判定し、その電流値が基準値より大きいときには前記ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定することを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載の炊飯器。 The control means compares the current value of the solenoid drive current detected by the drive current detection means at the start of rice cooking with a reference value, and determines that the solenoid operates normally when the current value is smaller than the reference value. 3. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein when the current value is larger than a reference value, it is determined that the solenoid operates abnormally.

異常報知を行う異常報知手段を備え、
前記制御手段は前記ソレノイドが異常動作したと判定したとき、前記異常報知手段を動作させることを特徴とする請求項１乃至３のいずれかに記載の炊飯器。 An abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification is provided,
4. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein when the control means determines that the solenoid has operated abnormally, the abnormality notification means is operated. 5.

前記外蓋の下面に蓋下体を設け、該蓋下体の後端に設けられた内蓋引掛り部に内蓋の後端を引掛け、前記蓋下体の先端に摺動可能に設けられ、付勢手段により引掛り方向に常時付勢されている内蓋ストッパーの係止爪に前記内蓋の先端を係止させて前記蓋下体に前記内蓋を着脱自在に取り付けるようにしたことを特徴とする請求項１乃至３のいずれかに記載の炊飯器。 A lower lid is provided on the lower surface of the outer lid, the rear end of the inner lid is hooked on the inner lid hooking portion provided at the rear end of the lower lid, and is provided slidably on the front end of the lower lid. The inner lid is detachably attached to the lid lower body by locking the tip of the inner lid to the latching claw of the inner lid stopper that is constantly biased in the hooking direction by the biasing means. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

前記プランジャの先端に一端が取り付けられ、他端が前記ソレノイドの後端部から突出し、前記調圧弁と接離する伝達部材を備え、
前記内蓋ストッパーに前記内蓋未装着時に前記伝達部材の後端と当接する伝達部材ストッパーを設けたことを特徴とする請求項５記載の炊飯器。 One end is attached to the tip of the plunger, the other end protrudes from the rear end of the solenoid, and includes a transmission member that contacts and separates from the pressure regulating valve,
The rice cooker according to claim 5, wherein the inner lid stopper is provided with a transmission member stopper that comes into contact with a rear end of the transmission member when the inner lid is not attached.