JPH0211110A - Microcomputer controlled electric pot - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To cause a user to easily know the water quantity of a hot water utilized in a container directly by providing a digital display, a water quantity detecting means to output a water quantity electric signal and a display control means to operate a utilizable remaining water quantity from the water quantity electric signal and to output it to the digital display. CONSTITUTION:A pot 1 is equipped with a digital display 9, a water quantity detecting means and a display control means. The electric signal to indicate the water quantity from the water quantity detecting means is supplied to a microcomputer, the display control means is provided, a utilizable remaining water quantity 9a is operated by the water quantity electric signal fetched from the water quantity detecting means, and it is numeric-value-outputted to the digital display 9. In such a way, in the microcomputer to execute the current flowing control of a heater, it is sufficient to add a processing step to execute a display control and to be equipped with the digital display 9, a cost cannot be made high, and the user can know the utilizable water quantity directly from an external part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle.

[Conventional technology]

Traditionally, hot water at the appropriate temperature was always available at hand.
An electric kettle that combines an electric water heater for boiling water and a thermos pot has been developed. This kind of electric pot has a heater,
Equipped with a temperature sensor and a microcomputer, the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the water in the container, and the microcomputer controls the energization of the heater to ensure that the temperature of the hot water is always maintained at a predetermined temperature. There is.

From the perspective of energy conservation, the container that holds hot water has a sealed structure with good insulation in order to keep it warm. Sudden heating can increase the internal pressure of the container, creating a dangerous situation, so do not turn the heater on. The energization control is controlled by a microcomputer so that the temperature rises appropriately.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In such an electric kettle that is a combination of an electric water heater and a heat-retaining pot, energization of the heater is controlled so that the water is kept warm after it is boiled by the electric water heater. The energization control of such heaters is performed by a microcomputer, and in order to control the energization of the heaters to achieve an appropriate temperature rise and prevent dry cooking, it detects the temperature of the water in the container and It is necessary to detect the amount of water inside.

For this reason, this type of microcomputer-controlled electric kettle is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of water and a water amount detection unit that detects the amount of water. According to
A microcomputer performs control operations.

In addition, for electric kettles whose internal container cannot be seen through, if the amount of water inside the container can be displayed externally, it will be easier to judge when to refill the electric kettle. Improved usability. For this reason, some microcomputer-controlled electric kettles are equipped with a water amount display function that allows external display of the amount of water in the container based on water amount data detected by a water amount detection unit.

With this type of water display, all that is needed is for the user to judge when to refill the electric kettle, so the water volume display is categorized to show the approximate amount of water. , 3/4 state, 1/2 state, 1/4 state, and water supply required state. In addition, regarding the temperature of hot water, since the user only needs to know whether or not hot water is available, there is no need to provide a special water volume indicator, and the temperature can be determined based on the operating status such as the keep-warm mode or boiling mode. It is indirectly displayed externally.

The way hot water in an electric kettle is used varies depending on the person and the purpose. For example, when using hot water to pour into a cup of ramen noodles or hot water for pouring drip coffee, it is desirable to use hot water at a high temperature immediately after boiling. For this reason, an electric kettle is provided with a reboiling switch, and by pressing the reboiling switch, the hot water in the electric kettle is reboiled, so that the hot water immediately after boiling can be used. Furthermore, when using hot water for brewing green tea, it is desirable to use hot water with a relatively low temperature. In this case, if the water in the electric kettle has just been boiled, let it cool down sufficiently before using it. If the water is not just boiling, let it cool down a bit before using. The degree to which this hot water is cooled varies depending on the temperature of the hot water in the electric kettle, so it would be easier to use if the user could directly know the temperature of the hot water in the electric kettle.

In this way, the temperature of hot water required by users varies depending on the purpose for which they are using hot water from an electric kettle. If it were possible to know the amount of hot water remaining in the pot, it would be even more convenient to use. for example.

When using hot water from an electric kettle to pour into cup ramen, if you can know how much hot water is left for how many cup ramen there is, you can decide whether to use it by simply re-boiling it or how much. Users can determine whether it is necessary to add more water before boiling again, making it easier for users to use.

However, in conventional electric pots, although the amount of hot water contained in the container of the pot is displayed externally, this water amount is displayed in categories as mentioned above, and the amount of hot water contained in the container of the pot is displayed in categories, and the It was not possible to directly know the amount of water in the pot from the outside.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle that allows a user to easily know directly the amount of hot water available in the container of the electric kettle.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a container containing water, a heater that heats the container, a temperature sensor provided near the container, and a microcontroller that controls energization of the heater based on the output of the temperature sensor. A microcomputer-controlled electric kettle equipped with a computer includes a digital display that numerically displays data, a water amount detection means that detects the water amount in the container and outputs a water amount electric signal, and a water amount that detects the amount of remaining water that can be used from the water amount electric signal. and display control means for calculating and outputting the calculated value to a digital display.

[Effect]

According to the above-mentioned means, the microcomputer-controlled electric kettle is equipped with a digital display, a water amount detection means, and a display control means. A digital display is a display device structured to display data in numerical values, for example, a digital display device that displays numerical values in seven segments. The water amount detection means detects the amount of water contained in the container and outputs a water amount electric signal.

Further, the display control means calculates the amount of remaining water that can be used from the water amount electrical signal and outputs it to the digital display.

A microcomputer-controlled electric kettle is equipped with a container to hold water, a heater to heat the container, a temperature sensor installed near the container, and a microcomputer that controls energization of the heater based on the output of the temperature sensor. At times, the microcomputer always controls the energization of the heater based on the output of the temperature sensor. Here, in order to control heater energization, the output of the temperature sensor is always taken into the microcomputer. Further, in order to detect the dry cooking state and to display the water amount, an electric signal indicating the water amount from the water amount detection means is supplied to the microcomputer. For this reason, a display control means can be provided to calculate the amount of remaining water that can be used based on the water amount electric signal from the water amount detection means taken in, and to output the numerical value to the digital display. The amount of water can be displayed externally as a digital value.

In addition, a usage amount display switch is provided for instructing the usage amount display.1 The display control means calculates the available water amount from the water amount electric signal and outputs it to the digital display, and the usage amount display switch instructs the usage amount display. From the time when is given, the amount of water discharged from the container is calculated based on the water amount electrical signal and outputted to the digital display. In this case, the digital display displays the amount of hot water discharged from the pot.

In this way, the microcomputer-controlled electric kettle
When equipped with a water quantity display mechanism that can externally display the quantity of hot water in the pot, microcomputer-controlled electric pots are equipped with a microcomputer that controls heater energization, so when equipped with a water quantity detection unit, ,
There is no need for any special hardware; it is sufficient to add a processing step to control the display to the microcomputer that controls the energization of the heater, and to provide a digital display, so the cost is not high.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described using the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an electric kettle main body, 2 is a water boiling container for storing water, and 8 is an exterior case that houses the water boiling container 2 and the like.

Further, 4 is a heater, for example, a sheathed heater, a mica heater, or the like is used, and is disposed at the bottom of the water boiling container 2. Reference numeral 5 denotes a temperature sensor composed of a thermistor or the like provided in contact with the bottom of the water boiling container. 6 is a control unit incorporating a microcomputer, etc., and 7 is a front panel section provided on the front of the electric kettle. The front panel section 7 is provided with a reboiling switch, a water temperature display light emitting diode, a boiling operation display light emitting diode, a heat retention operation display light emitting diode, a heat retention temperature changeover switch, and the like. The reboiling switch provided on the front panel section 7 is a switch that is pressed when you want to boil the boiler again, such as when the boiler is in a warm state or when you add water. When the reboil switch is pressed, the electric kettle enters the reboil operation. The heat retention temperature changeover switch is a switch that changes the set temperature for the heat retention operation of the electric kettle to high temperature retention or low temperature retention. When switched to high temperature heat retention 1 For example, heat retention control is performed at a temperature of 95°C.

When switching to low-temperature heat retention 1, for example, heat retention control is performed at a temperature of 80°C. Further, 8 is a nose tip panel section provided on the nose tip cover. The nose panel section 8 is provided with a digital display that numerically displays the amount of hot water in the container of the electric kettle.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a nose panel portion of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, 1 is the electric pot body;
7 is a front panel portion, and 8 is a nose tip panel portion. Also, 9
is a digital display, which has a structure that displays numbers in 7 segments. 9a is a light emitting diode for displaying the remaining amount display mode, and 9b is a light emitting diode for displaying the removal amount display mode. Further, 10 is a usage amount display switch. When the remaining amount display mode display light emitting diode 9a is lit, it indicates that the digital display 9 is in the remaining amount display mode, and the removal amount display mode light emitting diode 9 is lit.
When b is lit, it indicates that the digital display 9 is in the removal amount display mode. Normally, the digital display 9 is in the remaining amount display mode, and the remaining amount display mode display light emitting diode 9a lights up to display the remaining amount of hot water in the electric kettle container as numerical data. has been done. When the usage amount display switch 10 is pressed, the digital display 9 goes into the output amount display mode, the output amount display mode display light emitting diode 9b lights up, and when hot water is discharged from the electric kettle, the removed hot water is displayed. The amount of water is displayed as numerical data.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a control unit using a microcomputer. In FIG. 3, numeral 9 denotes a digital display, which has a structure that displays numbers in seven segments. 9a is a light emitting diode for displaying the remaining amount display mode, and 9b is a light emitting diode for displaying the removal amount display mode. Further, 10 is a usage amount display switch. 11 is a heat retention temperature selector switch, 12
13 is a reboiling switch, 13 is a temperature sensor unit composed of a thermistor, etc., 14 is a water amount detection unit, and 15 is a microcomputer, which has a processing unit CPU, memory RAM, program memory ROM, and analog/digital conversion function inside. Input port.

Multiple input ports that accept keyswitch input.

It has a built-in output port that outputs control output signals. Reference numeral 16 designates a buzzer 17 for notifying an abnormal state such as a dry cooking state, a temperature display unit, and 18 a heater energization control unit. By controlling the pulse width applied to the heater energization control unit 18, the heating power of the heater is controlled.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer-controlled electric kettle configured as described above will be explained.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are flowcharts showing processing operations of the microcomputer that involve display control operations on a digital display. First, explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 4a.

When the power is turned on, the microcomputer performs initialization processing in step 21.

In this initialization process, various internal registers of the microcomputer are reset. Next, the process proceeds to step 22, where temperature data from the temperature sensor is read. In the next step 23, processing is performed to convert the read temperature data into temperature display data in order to display it on the temperature display unit. For example, here, a conversion is performed to determine the number of light emitting diodes lit to indicate the temperature, and in the next step 24, temperature display data is sent to the temperature display unit. The temperature display unit displays the temperature of hot water in five zones: boiling temperature, coffee temperature, drinking temperature, green tea temperature, and unusable temperature.

Next, in step 25, the microcomputer reads water amount data from the water amount detection unit. and,
In step 26, water amount display control is performed. In this water amount display control, arithmetic processing is performed to create water amount display data of the available remaining water amount, for example, from the read water amount data, and the water amount data is numerically displayed on the water amount display unit. In addition, in this water volume display control process, the display control of the amount of water discharged from the electric kettle is also performed according to instructions from the usage volume display switch. (This process will be described later with reference to FIG. 4b).

Next, in step 27, a temperature abnormality determination process is performed to determine whether the temperature data is within the normal range, and if the temperature is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step 28.

In step 28, a water amount abnormality determination process is performed to determine whether or not the water amount data is within the normal range. If the water amount is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step 29, where heater energization control is performed. This heater energization control is performed by sending a control signal to the heater energization control unit, which energizes the heater with high heating power while the water temperature is low, and reduces the heating power as the water temperature rises. Perform processing to send to. In this heater energization control, in order to display the state of energization control, in the heat retention heating control, a lighting control signal for the heat retention display light emitting diode is sent out, and in the boiling heating control, a lighting control signal for the boiling display light emitting diode is sent out. I do. Further, when the temperature of the hot water approaches the boiling temperature, a control signal for controlling boiling heating is sent to the heater energization unit. When the boiling heating control is completed, the heat retention heating control is performed. The heat retention heating control in this case also includes control to de-energize the heater. Such heater energization control may be energization control in which a normal heater is simply turned on and off using a switch such as a relay. When the process of transmitting a control signal for controlling heater energization in step 3o is completed, the process returns to step 22, and the process from step 22 is repeated again.

On the other hand, in step 27, the temperature abnormality determination process, step 2
In step 8, when it is determined that the temperature is abnormal or the water amount is abnormal, the process proceeds to step 30, where a process of forcibly turning off the heater energization is performed. In the next step 31, a buzzer is turned on to issue an alarm, and in the next step 32, for example.

An abnormality display is performed by lighting up all the light emitting diodes, and the process is terminated.

In this way, in the control processing of the microcomputer here, in the case of normal normal operation, temperature data is read from the temperature sensor and converted, the temperature of the hot water is displayed on the temperature display unit, and the water volume data is read from the water volume detection unit. In the reading and water amount display control processing, the processing of converting into display data, displaying it as numerical data on a digital display, and controlling heater energization is repeatedly performed. As a result, in this microcomputer-controlled electric pot, the temperature and amount of hot water in the pot container are always displayed. The display of the temperature of the hot water and the amount of hot water is always repeated during the process steps of controlling the heater's energization.

FIG. 4b is a flowchart showing the water amount display control process for controlling the display on the digital display. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 4b. In this water amount display control process, first, in step 33.

The process calculates the available water amount data to be displayed from the read water amount data. In other words, this process calculates the amount of water in the electric kettle container, such as the amount of water remaining at the bottom of the container and the amount of water remaining in the discharge pipe. The amount of remaining water that will eventually become unable to be discharged from the electric kettle container by the air bellows pump is calculated by subtracting the water amount data from the read water amount data as available water amount data.
This usable water amount data may be calculated by, for example, simply setting the unusable remaining water amount to 5% and multiplying it by 0.95. Next, in step 34, the calculated water amount data is displayed and output on the digital display, and in the next step 35, a process is performed to determine whether or not the usage amount display switch is on. If not, the water amount display control subroutine process ends and the process returns to the main routine process of FIG. 4a. Therefore, in this case, processing is performed to convert the water amount data read from the water amount detection unit into available water amount,
The process performs display output on the digital display, exits from this subroutine process, and performs the heater energization control process in the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 35 that the usage amount display switch is on, the process proceeds to step 37, where processing for switching the display mode to the output amount display mode is performed. Specifically, this process is a process of lighting up a light-emitting diode indicating the extraction amount display mode.

Next, in step 38, the water amount data is read from the water amount detection unit and set in the A register.
At step 9, the C register and D register are reset. Next, in step 40, the data in the C register is displayed on the digital display. As a result, the 7-segment display of the digital display displays ro, o QJ, and preparations for displaying the amount of discharged from the electric kettle are completed.Next, step 41
In step 42, it is determined whether or not hot water has actually been discharged, and when it is determined that hot water has been discharged, it is determined in step 42 whether 5 seconds have elapsed since the start of discharge. After 5 seconds have elapsed, a sufficient amount of water has been discharged to be effectively displayed on the digital display, so the process proceeds to the next step 43 for displaying the discharge amount. The waiting time of 5 seconds in step 42 is determined by the minimum water amount digit that can be displayed on the digital display. Here, this waiting time is set to 5 seconds. In the next step 43, again.

Read the water amount data from the water amount detection unit and set it in the B register. Next, in step 44, the water amount data stored in the B register is subtracted from the water amount data stored in the A register, and the result is set in the C register. Next, in step 45, the data in the D register holding the display data of the previous extraction amount is compared with the calculated data in the C register, and it is confirmed that the display data of the extraction amount has increased. . If it is confirmed that the display data of the amount taken out of the C register calculated in the process of step 45 has increased, a process of displaying the data of the C register on the digital display is performed in step 46.

As a result, the 7-segment display of the digital display displays the amount of water discharged from the electric kettle after 5 seconds have elapsed. Next, in step 47, it is determined whether the usage amount display switch is off. If the usage amount display switch is not off, the display control of the taken out amount continues, so in step 48, the C register is set to hold the displayed taken out amount display data as the previous taken out amount display data for the next time. data is stored in the D register. Next, in step 49, it is determined whether or not hot water has actually been discharged, and if it is determined that hot water has been discharged, in step 50, it is determined whether 5 seconds have elapsed since the start of discharge.

After 5 seconds have elapsed, sufficient water has been discharged to effectively display on the digital display, so step 43
Return to step 43, perform the process from step 43, read the water amount data from the water amount detection unit again, set it in the B register, and then discharge water from the electric kettle based on the read water amount data (data in the B register). The amount of water taken out is displayed.

In this way, while the usage display switch is on, the processes from step 43 to step 50 are repeated, and the water amount data is read from the water amount detection unit every 5 seconds, and the water amount data of the amount taken out is is calculated, updated, and displayed on the digital display.

On the other hand, in the process of step 45, the water amount data of the current extraction amount is compared with the water amount data of the previous extraction amount, and if it is determined that the current extraction amount has not increased, step 51
In step 51, it is determined whether 5 minutes have elapsed. If 5 minutes have not passed, step 52
After 5 seconds have elapsed, the process returns to step 43, and the processing from step 43 is performed.The water amount data is read from the water amount detection unit again and set in the B register, and the electric power is Calculating the amount of water discharged from the pot (step 44),
Determine whether the amount taken out has increased. This step 51
~52. The processing from step 43 to step 45 is repeated until 5 minutes have elapsed, and the process waits for the 5 minutes to elapse. For example, if the pouring of hot water from the electric kettle is temporarily interrupted, this series of processes is performed, and when the pouring of hot water is resumed, the process returns to the normal routine.

Such steps 51-52. When 5 minutes have elapsed in the processing from step 43 to step 45, in this case, it is determined that pouring from the electric kettle has finished, so proceed to step 53, end the usage amount display mode, and enter the remaining amount display mode. The display changes to , and the processing of this subroutine ends. Further, if it is determined in the process of step 47 that the usage amount display switch is turned off, the usage amount display mode is ended, the process proceeds to step 53, the display is switched to the remaining amount display mode, and this subroutine is executed. Finish the process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and arrangement position of essential parts of a water level sensor of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, 2 is a container for boiling water, 6 is a control unit, 54 is a water level sensor, and 55
5 is a communication pipe connected to the container 2, 56 is a discharge pipe for discharging water from the container 2, and 57 is water contained in the container. As illustrated, the water level sensor 54 is provided in a communication pipe 55 provided separately from the discharge pipe 56. The water level sensor 54 includes an insulating tube 54a made of an insulating material such as glass, and an insulating tube 54a made of an insulating material such as glass.
a first electrode 54b wrapped with aluminum foil around the outer periphery of the insulating tube 54b, a metal tube 54c that is electrically connected to the water 57 contained in the insulating tube 54a and serving as a 2'N pole;
It is composed of a first ffi pole 54b on the outer periphery of 4a and an insulating peripheral wall 54d between a metal tube 54c. This insulating peripheral wall 54d is electrically insulated from the first electrode 54b and the metal tube 54.
This is to electrically insulate and maintain both c and c.
For example, a rubber tube is used. This water level sensor 5
The operating principle of No. 4 is that the electrically conductive water 57 contained in the insulating tube 54a and the metal tube 54C causes the opposing region where the first electrode and the second electrode electrically oppose each other to form a water level sensor section with a communicating tube structure. This method takes advantage of the fact that capacitance changes depending on the water level. By providing this water level sensor 54 in the part of the communication pipe 55, the liquid level of the water 57 in the container 2 and the water level of the water level sensor become equal, and the difference in capacitance according to the water level of this water level sensor 54 is detected electrically. Each electrode of the water level sensor 54 is connected to the control unit 6 and input to the microphone computer via the water level detection unit (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the position where the water level sensor 54 is installed is as follows:
In order to accurately detect the amount discharged from the electric kettle, the water level sensor is installed in a separate communication pipe 55 so that the liquid level can be stably detected depending on the amount of water. . This means that if a water level sensor is installed on the discharge pipe 5 that takes out water from the container 2, then when hot water is taken out of the electric kettle, while the hot water is coming out of the electric kettle,
Since the level of water in the discharge pipe 56 rises, a process is performed to dynamically detect and display the amount of hot water taken out every 5 seconds (Fig. 4b) during that time, so that the hot water can be accurately measured. It becomes impossible to detect the amount of water taken out. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the electric bot is provided with a hot water output amount display mode, the water level sensor is provided in a separate communicating pipe. Note that the process of detecting and displaying the amount of hot water taken out through program processing is not configured to dynamically display the amount taken out during the hot water removal operation, but rather when the amount of hot water taken out from the electric kettle starts and ends. If we process it as a difference between two points in time.

The discharge pipe 56 that takes out water from the container 2 may be provided with a water level sensor. The explanation of the example in this case is
This will be explained later.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the digital display that displays the temperature of the hot water is provided at the nose of the electric kettle body, but this digital display may also be provided on the front panel of the electric kettle body. An example of this is shown in Figure 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the front panel portion of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, on the front panel section 60,
A digital display 61 is provided to display the amount of water. At the bottom of the digital display 61, a remaining amount display mode display light emitting diode 61a, a removal amount display mode display light emitting diode Blb, and a usage amount display switch 62 are provided to indicate the display mode of the digital display 61. .

In FIG. 6, 63 is a boiling indicator light emitting diode indicating the boiling operating state, 64 is a warming indicator light emitting diode indicating the warming operating state, and 65 is a reboiling switch.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the front panel section 60 is provided with a digital display 61 that displays the amount of water.

The temperature indicator is configured to be provided separately, for example, on the nose panel of an electric kettle, but this digital indicator 61 may also be configured to double as a temperature indicator that displays the temperature. good. In this case, in order to indicate that the numerical data displayed by the digital display 61 is hot water temperature data, a temperature display state mode display light emitting diode is further provided to indicate the display mode, and an instruction to switch to temperature display or water volume display is provided. The configuration further includes a water amount/temperature display changeover switch that outputs water.

In a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle having such a configuration, the user can display the temperature of the hot water or the amount of water on the digital display by operating the water amount/temperature display changeover switch.

Furthermore, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and arrangement position of essential parts of a water level sensor of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, 2 is a container for boiling water, 6 is a control unit, 74 is a water level sensor, 76 is a discharge pipe that discharges water from the container 2, and 77 is water contained in the container. As shown in the figure, the discharge pipe 76 is used as a communication pipe, and the water level sensor 74 is connected to the discharge pipe 76.
Provided at the bottom of the The water level sensor 74 is electrically connected to an insulating tube 74a made of an insulating material such as glass, a first electrode 74b wrapped with aluminum foil around the outer periphery of the insulating tube 74a, and water contained inside the insulating tube 74a. The water level sensor is made up of a metal tube 74c which serves as a second electrode and an insulating peripheral wall 74d between the first electrode 74b on the outer periphery of the insulating tube 74a and the metal tube 54c. It is similar to The insulating peripheral wall 74d is for electrically insulating and maintaining rain noise between the first electrode 74b and the metal tube 74c, and is made of, for example, a rubber tube. The principle of operation of this water level sensor 74 is that a first
This method takes advantage of the fact that the facing area where the electrode and the second electrode electrically face each other changes depending on the water level of the water level sensor section having a communicating tube structure, and also takes advantage of the fact that the capacitance changes depending on the water level. This water level sensor 74 is provided at the lower part of the discharge pipe 76. Since the discharge pipe 76 acts as a communication pipe, the liquid level of the water 77 in the container 2 and the water level of the water level sensor 74 become equal, and the capacitance increases according to the water level of the water level sensor 74. Differences are detected electrically. Each electrode of the water level sensor 74 is connected to the control unit 6 and input to the microphone computer via the water amount detection unit.

In this embodiment, the water level sensor 74 is provided in the discharge pipe 76, and a communication pipe solely for providing the water level sensor 74 is not provided. In this case, in the output amount display mode that displays the amount of hot water taken out from the electric kettle, the amount of water taken out while hot water is being taken out cannot be dynamically displayed, but it is detected after the hot water is taken out. As shown in the display control, the water level sensor 74 is installed at the discharge pipe 56 that takes out water from the container 2, so that the water level sensor 74 is installed at the discharge pipe 56 that takes out water from the container 2. Sometimes, while hot water is coming out of the electric kettle,
Since the water level in the discharge surface 56 rises, it is not possible to detect and display the amount of hot water to be taken out during that time (dynamically, for example, every 5 seconds). Since it is sufficient to display the amount of water after the hot water has been taken out, in this embodiment, the amount of water taken out is displayed after the hot water has been taken out. In this case, the process of detecting and displaying the amount of hot water taken out by the program processing is not changed to dynamically display the amount taken out in the middle of the hot water taking operation, but when the hot water starts being taken out from the electric kettle and when the hot water is taken out. Processing is performed such that the difference between the two points at the end is determined.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a microcomputer-controlled electric pot, the usable remaining water amount in the electric pot is digitally displayed as numerical data on the digital display, so that it can be used easily. The person can easily know the amount of hot water in the electric kettle. In this way, the amount of water remaining in the pot is displayed as a concrete numerical value, so you can know in advance how much hot water you will need when using it. For example, you can see at a glance how much hot water to pour into cup ramen for how many people.

If you don't have enough hot water, you can easily find out how much water you need to add to get the required amount of hot water.

In addition, by operating the usage amount display switch, you can display the amount of water discharged from the electric kettle, so the amount of water used is displayed digitally, so you can pour hot water while keeping track of the amount of water used. You can pour hot water accurately and conveniently use hot water from an electric kettle.

The present invention has been specifically explained above based on examples, but
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit thereof.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, in a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle, the amount of usable remaining water contained in the electric kettle is displayed as numerical data on a digital display, so that it can be used easily. A person can surely and easily know the amount of hot water in an electric kettle, and can conveniently use the hot water in the electric kettle.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a microcomputer-controlled electric pot according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the nose panel of the microcomputer-controlled electric pot according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a control unit using a microcomputer, and FIGS. 5 is a flowchart showing a user's processing operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and arrangement position of the main parts of a water level sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the front surface of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and arrangement position of a main part of a water level sensor of a microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1... Electric pot body, 2... Water boiling container,
3...Exterior case, 4...Heater, 5...Temperature sensor. 6... Control unit, 7... Front panel section, 8...
・Nose tip panel section, 9...Digital display, 9a...
・Remaining amount display mode display light emitting diode, 9b... Removal amount display mode display light emitting diode, 10... Usage amount display switch, 11... Warming temperature changeover switch, 12.
...Reboiling switch, 13...Temperature sensor unit,
14... Water amount detection unit, 15... Microcomputer, Engineering 6... Buzzer, 17... Temperature display unit, 18... Heater energization control unit, 54.74.
...Water level sensor, 55...Communication pipe, 56°76...
Discharge pipe, 57.77... Water, 60... Front panel section, 61... Digital indicator, 61a... Remaining amount display mode display light emitting diode, 61b... Output amount display mode display light emitting diode , 62... Usage amount display switch, 63... Boiling indicator light emitting diode, 64... Heat retention indicator light emitting diode, 65... Re-boiling switch.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A container to hold water, a heater to heat the container,
A microcomputer-controlled electric kettle including a temperature sensor provided near the container and a microcomputer that controls energization of the heater based on the output of the temperature sensor, a digital display that numerically displays data, and a digital display that displays the amount of water in the container. A microcomputer-controlled electric pot characterized by comprising a water amount detection means for detecting the water amount and outputting an electric water amount signal, and a display control means for calculating the amount of remaining water that can be used from the water amount electric signal and outputting it to a digital display. . (2) a container to hold water and a heater to heat the container;
A microcomputer-controlled electric kettle including a temperature sensor provided near the container and a microcomputer that controls energization of the heater based on the output of the temperature sensor, a digital display that displays data numerically, and an amount of water in the container. a water amount detection means that detects the water amount and outputs a water amount electric signal; a usage amount display switch that instructs to display the amount of water used; and a water amount display switch that instructs to display the amount of water used; A microcomputer control device characterized by comprising display control means for calculating the amount of water discharged from a container based on a water amount electric signal and outputting the calculated amount to a digital display from the time when an instruction to display the usage amount is given by a display switch. Electric pot. (3) The microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital display is a digital display that displays numbers in 7 segments. (4) The microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the digital display is installed in the nose cover portion of the electric kettle main body. (5) The microcomputer-controlled electric kettle according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the digital display is installed on the front panel of the electric kettle main body. (6) The water amount detection means is a water amount detection unit in which a water level sensor is provided in a communication pipe of the container provided separately from a discharge pipe for discharging hot water from the container. Microcomputer controlled electric kettle.