Induction heating cooker

Abstract

An induction heating cooking appliance has a top plate, a heating coil, a drive circuit that drives the heating coil, an arithmetic circuit that controls the drive circuit, and an input device that accepts an instruction to the arithmetic circuit. The input device accepts a setting of an automatic cooking procedure and a pot type selection that selects a pot type. The arithmetic circuit controls the drive circuit based on one heating sequence among a plurality of heating sequences corresponding to the automatic cooking procedure. In a case where the input device accepts the setting of the automatic cooking procedure, the arithmetic circuit selects one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences in accordance with a pot type selected at a time of a last execution of the automatic cooking procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to induction heating cookers. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, induction heating cookers with multiple automatic cooking cycles (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-65915) were known. When executing a set automatic cooking cycle, the aforementioned conventional induction heating cooker determined the type of pot placed on the top plate (hereinafter referred to as pot type) and changed the heating sequence accordingly.

[0003] In the case of induction cookers that do not have a pot-type detection function, users need to set the pot type. Even if a pot-type detection function is available, users still need to set the pot type if the detection is difficult.

[0004] In a scenario where the cooking process is automated by setting the pot type, the operation becomes cumbersome if the user has to set the pot type every time. Furthermore, if the settings are incorrect, the desired cooking performance cannot be achieved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an induction heating cooker that reduces the number of operations required by the user and improves operability.

[0006] The induction heating cooker disclosed herein comprises a main body and a top plate disposed on the upper surface of the main body. The main body has a heating coil disposed below the top plate and a drive circuit for driving the heating coil. The main body also has an arithmetic circuit for controlling the drive circuit and an input device for receiving instructions from the arithmetic circuit.

[0007] The input device accepts settings for the automatic cooking process and selection of the pot type. The calculation circuit controls the drive circuit based on one of multiple heating sequences corresponding to the set automatic cooking process.

[0008] When the input device receives the settings for the automatic cooking process, the calculation circuit selects a heating sequence from multiple heating sequences based on the pot type selected during the last execution of the automatic cooking process.

[0009] According to this disclosure, in an induction heating cooker, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced by referring to the settings from the last execution of a specific automatic cooking process, thereby improving operability. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2It is a block diagram showing the structure of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an operation panel of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A It is a graph showing an example of a heating sequence for a cast enamel pot.

[0014] Figure 4B It is a graph showing an example of a heating sequence for a stainless steel pot.

[0015] Figure 5 It is an example diagram showing the pot type and the number of combinations displayed on the display of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the pot type and the number of combinations displayed on the display of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the pot type and the number of combinations displayed on the display of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the rice cooking process in an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a block diagram showing the structure of an induction heating cooker according to another embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments related to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, descriptions of known matters and repetitive descriptions of the same or substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0021] (Embodiment)

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an induction heating cooker 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the induction heating cooker 1. The induction heating cooker 1 is configured to be used on a table and has a size and weight that can be carried by a user.

[0023] In Figure 2 a cooking container 2 such as a pot is placed on the induction heating cooker 1. The object to be cooked is placed in the cooking container 2. In the case of the rice cooking process described later, the object to be cooked is rice and water.

[0024] The following is basically based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The structure of the induction heating cooker 1 will be described. The induction heating cooker 1 disclosed herein stores the settings from the last execution of a specific automatic cooking process. By referring to these settings when setting the same automatic cooking process again, the induction heating cooker 1 can automatically display on the display the type of pot or similar item most likely to be used. Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 can reduce the number of operations required from the user and improve operability.

[0025] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the induction heating cooker 1 includes a top plate 3 and a main body 4. The main body 4 includes a heating coil 10, a thermistor 11, an operation panel 12, a calculation circuit 30, a storage device 31, and a drive circuit 32. The operation panel 12 is disposed on the front surface of the main body 4.

[0026] The top plate 3 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 4 such that the cooking container 2 can be placed on it. The top plate 3 is made of a material such as glass, which allows the magnetic field generated by the heating coil 10 to pass through.

[0027] The heating coil 10 is a heating element used for induction heating of the cooking container 2, and is disposed below the top plate 3. When a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 10, eddy currents are generated on the bottom surface of the cooking container 2 disposed on the top plate 3. Consequently, Joule heat is generated on the bottom surface of the cooking container 2. This heat heats the food being cooked contained in the cooking container 2.

[0028] The drive circuit 32 includes a smoothing circuit and an inverter circuit, which generates a high-frequency current based on a commercial power supply and supplies this high-frequency current to the heating coil 10. The arithmetic circuit 30 controls the heating process performed by the heating coil 10 by controlling the drive circuit 32.

[0029] The thermistor 11 is a temperature detection unit disposed on the lower surface of the top plate 3, which detects the temperature of the bottom surface of the cooking container 2 via the top plate 3. The temperature detection unit is not limited to the thermistor 11, and may also be a thermocouple or a non-contact temperature sensor. The thermistor 11 outputs the detected temperature information to the arithmetic circuit 30.

[0030] The control panel 12 includes a display 13 and input buttons 14. The display 13 shows information necessary for the user, such as the power on and off of the induction heating cooker 1 and the amount of heating by the heating coil 10.

[0031] Input button 14 is an input device for receiving instructions from the user to the induction heating cooker 1. Input button 14 can be either a button or a touch screen. The arithmetic circuit 30 receives the instructions from the user input via input button 14.

[0032] The user operates input button 14 to adjust, for example, the heating level. The user, via input button 14, sets an automatic cooking process to be executed from one of several automatic cooking processes and further sets necessary parameters. The processing circuit 30 selects a heating sequence to be executed from a set of predetermined heating sequences stored in the storage device 31 based on the settings. The processing circuit 30 reads the heating sequence from the storage device 31.

[0033] The arithmetic circuit 30 controls the drive circuit 32 according to the heating sequence to heat the cooking container 2. The heating sequence refers to the relationship between the heating amount and the heating time. In other words, the heating sequence refers to the time variation of the heating amount.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation panel 12. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the operation panel 12 has a start button 15, a process selection button 16, an adjustment button 17, a one-touch button 18, and a timer button 19, which serve as input buttons 14.

[0035] The adjustment buttons 17 include a first adjustment button 17A and a second adjustment button 17B. The one-touch buttons 18 include a high-heat button 18A and a low-heat button 18B. The user operates the start button 15 to indicate the start or stop of heating. Based on this indication, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the drive circuit 32 to start or stop supplying high-frequency current to the heating coil 10.

[0036] The user selects a pre-set automatic cooking process from among several available options by pressing button 16. Then, if the user presses start button 15, the processing circuit 30 reads the heating sequence corresponding to the set automatic cooking process from the storage device 31. Based on this heating sequence, the processing circuit 30 drives the heating coil 10 via the drive circuit 32.

[0037] Thus, the induction heating cooker 1 begins the set automatic cooking process. The automatic cooking process may include, for example, stewing, cooking rice, or frying.

[0038] If the user operates adjustment button 17, the arithmetic circuit 30, for example, causes the drive circuit 32 to adjust the heating output. Adjustment button 17 is used for setting selection. For example, if the user operates the first adjustment button 17A, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to display the next setting in a given order, or increments the displayed number by 1. If the user operates the second adjustment button 17B, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to display the previous setting in a given order, or decrements the displayed number by 1. If both the first adjustment button 17A and the second adjustment button 17B are operated, the arithmetic circuit 30 changes the display content of the display 13 accordingly with the operated button.

[0039] If the user operates the one-touch button 18, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the drive circuit 32 to drive the heating coil 10 to heat the cooking container 2 to a given amount of heat. For example, if the low heat button 18B is operated, the heat is adjusted to the minimum value, and if the high heat button 18A is operated, the heat is adjusted to the maximum value.

[0040] Timer button 19 is a button used to set the heating to stop after an arbitrarily set time. If timer button 19 is activated, the arithmetic circuit 30 stops heating after the set time.

[0041] If input button 14 is pressed, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to show information based on the control content selected by the press. This display allows the user to confirm the information they instructed the induction heating cooker 1.

[0042] The arithmetic circuit 30 is a control unit used to control the induction heating cooker 1. The arithmetic circuit 30 includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or MPU (micro-processing unit).

[0043] The arithmetic circuit 30 calls and executes the arithmetic program stored in the storage device 31. Thus, the arithmetic circuit 30 controls various processes, such as the heating process performed by the heating coil 10, the selection process performed by the input button 14, and the display process of information performed by the display 13. In this way, the hardware and software cooperate in the arithmetic circuit 30 to achieve the given function.

[0044] However, the arithmetic circuit 30 can also be dedicated hardware for implementing a given function. The arithmetic circuit 30 can also be implemented using various processors such as GPUs (graphics processing units), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), DSPs (digital signal processors), and ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

[0045] The arithmetic circuit 30 controls, for example, the magnitude and duration of the high-frequency current supplied to the heating coil 10, which has a frequency in the tens of kHz range. Thus, the arithmetic circuit 30 controls the heating amount and heating time. Based on the information input by the input button 14 and the temperature information from the thermistor 11, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the drive circuit 32 and the heating coil 10 to perform the heating process.

[0046] The arithmetic circuit 30 reads the heating sequence from the storage device 31 and controls the heating process based on the heating amount and heating time determined by the heating sequence. The arithmetic circuit 30 can also display the information input by the input button 14, such as the set automatic cooking process and heating amount, on the display 13.

[0047] Storage device 31 is a storage medium capable of storing various types of information. Storage device 31 may be composed of, for example, DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), flash memory, HDD (hard disc drive), SSD (solid state drive), or other storage devices, or combinations thereof.

[0048] As described above, storage device 31 stores programs for causing the arithmetic circuit 30 to perform various processes. Storage device 31 stores heating sequences for each of the multiple automatic cooking processes. Storage device 31 stores information selected by the user via input button 14.

[0049] This information includes, for example, the rice cooking process among several automatic cooking processes set by the user, as well as the pot type and the amount of rice to be cooked, which are then further input by the user.

[0050] In this embodiment, the amount of rice used for cooking can be set to 1 go (approximately 180 ml), 2 go (approximately 360 ml), or 3 go (approximately 540 ml). In the following description, the amount of rice to be cooked will be referred to as the "go number". That is, the go number is any one of 1 go, 2 go, or 3 go.

[0051] The storage device 31 can also store combination information of pot type and quantity, and can also store pot type and quantity separately.

[0052] For example, in the case of 6 combinations of 2 types of pots and 3 types of combinations, as described later, the storage device 31 can also define the combination information of pot types and combinations as 6 labels "A" to "F" and save them. The storage device 31 saves the numbers "1" and "2" corresponding to the 2 types of pots, and can also save the numbers "1" to "3" corresponding to the 3 types of combinations.

[0053] The induction heating cooker 1, as described above, has a rice cooking process as one of multiple automatic cooking processes. During the rice cooking process, if a pot type and quantity are selected, the arithmetic circuit 30 reads the heating sequence corresponding to the selected pot type and quantity combination information from the storage device 31. The arithmetic circuit 30 causes the drive circuit 32 to execute this heating sequence to cook the rice contained in the cooking container 2 mounted on the top plate 3.

[0054] The induction heating cooker 1 can use either cast enamel pots or stainless steel pots in its various automatic cooking processes. Both cast enamel pots and stainless steel pots have a given heat capacity based on their specific heat and mass. If compared at the same size, cast enamel pots are generally heavier than stainless steel pots, and therefore have a greater heat capacity.

[0055] Therefore, in the case of cast enamel pots, a higher heat is required to reach a certain temperature compared to stainless steel pots. However, pots with a large heat capacity have excellent heat retention. Therefore, once the temperature rises, cast enamel pots can maintain their temperature with a lower heat compared to stainless steel pots.

[0056] In the induction heating cooker 1, the cooking quantity can be selected during the rice cooking process. The selectable quantity is, for example, any number from 1 to 3. When cooking more rice, the arithmetic circuit 30 selects a heating sequence with higher heat output compared to cooking less rice. Thus, the arithmetic circuit 30 controls the drive circuit 32 by using a heating sequence corresponding to the pot type and quantity selected during the rice cooking process.

[0057] Figure 4A as well as Figure 4BThese are graphs showing the relationship between heating amount and heating time in heating processes performed using two different combinations of heating sequences for different pot types and quantities. Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the amount of heating, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0058] Figure 4A This is a graph showing the heating sequence (hereinafter referred to as "the first heating sequence") performed for a cast enamel pot with a quantity of 3. Figure 4B This is a graph showing the heating sequence (hereinafter referred to as "the second heating sequence") performed for a stainless steel pot with a quantity of 3.

[0059] The first and second heating sequences are set such that the temperature of the food being cooked varies in the same way. Hereinafter, the temperature of the food being cooked in the enameled pot is considered to be the same as the temperature of the enameled pot, and the temperature of the food being cooked is referred to as the "temperature of the enameled pot". The temperature of the food being cooked in the stainless steel pot is also referred to as the "temperature of the stainless steel pot".

[0060] exist Figure 4A In this context, the period from time A1 to time B1 represents the first stage in which the temperature of the cast enamel pot rises from room temperature to a high temperature. Figure 4B In the above, the period from time A2 to time B2 is the first period during which the temperature of the stainless steel pot rises from room temperature to high temperature.

[0061] Because cast enamel pots have a higher heat capacity than stainless steel pots, a higher heat is required to heat a cast enamel pot compared to a stainless steel pot. Therefore, as... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, the heating sequence for cast enamel pots is set to be longer in the first period compared to the heating sequence for stainless steel pots.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first heating sequence, the amount of heating in the first period (i.e., the cumulative energy consumed in the first period) is set to be larger compared to the second heating sequence.

[0063] exist Figure 4A In the process, the period from time B1 to time C1 is the second period in which the temperature of the cast enamel pot is maintained at a high temperature. Figure 4B In the middle, the period from time B2 to time C2 is the second period for maintaining the temperature of the stainless steel pot.

[0064] Because cast enamel pots have a higher heat capacity than stainless steel pots, they are able to maintain their temperature more easily once it rises, unlike stainless steel pots. Therefore, as... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4BAs shown, in the first heating sequence, the second period ends much faster than in the second heating sequence. Thus, even when cooking the same amount of rice, the arithmetic circuit 30 uses a heating sequence appropriate to the pot type to control the heating process.

[0065] Therefore, users can properly cook rice by inputting the pot type and quantity via input button 14. The induction heating cooker 1 is configured to allow users to select both the pot type and quantity after selecting the rice cooking process.

[0066] Figures 5-7 This is an example of the content displayed on display 13 when both the pot type and the number of servings are selected simultaneously. During the rice cooking process of the induction heating cooker 1, the user can select any of the two pot types and any of the three servings, as described above.

[0067] Figure 5 (a) shows the display 13 when the power to the induction heating cooker 1 is turned on and the stewing process is selected once by pressing the operation process selection button 16. Figure 5 In (a), the triangle TR indicates "stewing".

[0068] Figure 5 (b) shows that Figure 5 In case (a), the display 13 sets the cooking process by selecting button 16 once through further operation procedures.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), “1-1” displayed on the display 13 indicates the pot type and number of rice cookers selected in the last executed cooking process. When the cooking process is executed for the first time, the display 13 displays the given pot type and number of rice cookers (e.g., “1-1”) as the initial settings.

[0070] Figure 6 This example illustrates the switching of the display on the monitor 13 corresponding to the operation of the adjustment button 17 regarding the selectable pot type and number of pots during the rice cooking process. Hereinafter, the cast enamel pot will be referred to as pot type 1, and the stainless steel pot as pot type 2. Pot type selection means selecting the pot type, and number of pots selection means selecting the number of pots.

[0071] Figure 6 (a) shows display 13 when the first pot type is selected by pot type selection and 1 set is selected by set selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "1-1".

[0072] Figure 6(b) shows display 13 when the first pot type is selected by pot type selection and the 2-combination pot type is selected by combination selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "1-2".

[0073] Figure 6 (c) shows display 13 when the first pot type is selected by pot type selection and the 3-combination is selected by combination selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "1-3".

[0074] Figure 6 (d) shows display 13 when the second pot type is selected by pot type selection and 1 set is selected by number selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "2-1".

[0075] Figure 6 (e) shows display 13 when the second pot type is selected by pot type selection and 2 sets are selected by number selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "2-2".

[0076] Figure 6 (f) shows display 13 when the second pot type is selected by pot type selection and the 3-combination is selected by combination selection. In this case, display 13 displays combination information such as "2-3".

[0077] When any of the above options "1-1" to "2-3" are displayed, if the user presses the start button 15, the arithmetic circuit 30 reads the heating sequence corresponding to the displayed pot type and quantity from the storage device 31. The arithmetic circuit 30 then controls the drive circuit 32 to start the heating process according to this heating sequence.

[0078] For example, if the cooking process is set and the display 13 shows "1-1", and the first adjustment button 17A is operated, the calculation circuit 30 will... Figure 6 As shown in (b), the display 13 displays "1-2". Furthermore, if the first adjustment button 17A is activated, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to display... Figure 6 The pot type and number shown in (c).

[0079] Thus, each time the first adjustment button 17A is operated, the arithmetic circuit 30 repeatedly switches the display of the display 13 in the order of "1-1", "1-2", "1-3", "2-1", "2-2", "2-3", "1-1". Corresponding to the display of the display 13, the arithmetic circuit 30 switches the pot type and the number of pots by forward pushing.

[0080] The arithmetic circuit 30 repeatedly switches the display of the display 13 in the sequence "2-3", "2-2", "2-1", "1-3", "1-2", "1-1", "2-3" each time the second adjustment button 17B is operated. That is, if the second adjustment button 17B is operated, the arithmetic circuit 30 switches the display of the display 13 by pushing forward in the opposite direction compared to the case of the first adjustment button 17A, i.e., by pushing backward.

[0081] If in Figure 6 If the start button 15 is pressed in any of the states (a) to (f), the arithmetic circuit 30 will start the heating process by heating the sequence corresponding to the displayed pot type and number. Figure 7 Display 13 is shown in this case.

[0082] For example, if the start button 15 is pressed while the display 13 shows "1-2", the arithmetic circuit 30 starts the cooking process by heating the rice according to the heating sequence corresponding to the first pot type and the 2 portions of rice.

[0083] exist Figure 7 The display on the monitor 13 shows "0:40", indicating that cooking will end in approximately 40 minutes. The arithmetic circuit 30 stores this setting in the storage device 31 as the setting from the last cooking cycle. Thus, the arithmetic circuit 30 can read this setting from the storage device 31 and display it on the monitor 13 when the next cooking cycle is executed.

[0084] This structure reduces the number of times input button 14 needs to be pressed during the rice cooking process compared to selecting the pot type and quantity separately. As a result, users can start the rice cooking process more easily.

[0085] As described above, the induction heating cooker 1 can store information about the type of pot and the quantity of rice selected during the cooking process (hereinafter referred to as selection information). If a cooking process is set, the arithmetic circuit 30 can refer to the selection information to determine the type of pot and the quantity of rice displayed on the display 13.

[0086] The arithmetic circuit 30 reads the latest selection information from the storage device 31, for example, and displays the selection information on the display 13. The latest selection information refers to the last selected pot type and quantity.

[0087] The arithmetic circuit 30 can also read the selection information that has been selected the most times from the selection information stored in the storage device 31, and display the selection information on the display 13. Hereinafter, the number of times each selection information has been selected will be referred to as the selection number.

[0088] The arithmetic circuit 30 also has the function of measuring the number of selections. The arithmetic circuit 30 receives information related to the operation of the input button 14 from the operation panel 12, and measures the number of selections based on this information. Thus, the arithmetic circuit 30 identifies the selection information that has been selected the most times. The arithmetic circuit 30 then causes the storage device 31 to store the number of selections.

[0089] The arithmetic circuit 30 can also read desired settings information set by the user, which differs from the selection information described above, from the storage device 31, and display these settings on the display 13. The desired settings information are the pot type and quantity preset by the user.

[0090] If the desired setting information is stored in the storage device 31, the arithmetic circuit 30 may also read the desired setting information without reading the selection information and display it on the display 13.

[0091] Even if the desired setting information is stored in the storage device 31, the arithmetic circuit 30 can first read the selection information from the storage device 31 and display it on the display 13. In this case, for example, if the user presses a given key, the arithmetic circuit 30 reads the desired setting information from the storage device 31 and displays it on the display 13. The given key is, for example, one of the input keys 14 provided on the operation panel 12.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the rice cooking process in this embodiment. If a rice cooking process is set, the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to show the status of the set rice cooking process (step S10).

[0093] The arithmetic circuit 30 checks whether the selection information (selected pot type and quantity) from the last execution exists in the storage device 31 (step S20). If the selection information from the last execution exists (if yes in step S20), the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to display the selection information (step S30).

[0094] If the selection information from the previous execution is not available (in the case of "no" in step S20), the arithmetic circuit 30 causes the display 13 to show the given pot type and the given quantity (step S40).

[0095] Next, the arithmetic circuit 30 determines whether the selection information has been determined (step S50).

[0096] If the selection information is not determined (in the case of "No" in step S50), and the adjustment button 17 is operated, then as follows: Figure 6As shown, the arithmetic circuit 30 switches the combination of pot type and sum displayed on the display 13 to the next combination or the previous combination (step S70). After that, the arithmetic circuit 30 determines again whether the selection information has been determined (step S50).

[0097] If the selection information is determined (in the case of "yes" in step S50), the arithmetic circuit 30 saves the selected selection information in the storage device 31 (step S60). For example, if the start button 15 is operated, the arithmetic circuit 30 determines that the pot type and quantity displayed on the display 13 have been selected as the selection information, and confirms the selection information.

[0098] If the selection information is determined, the arithmetic circuit 30 reads the heating sequence corresponding to the pot type and quantity from the storage device 31 and starts the heating process in the heating sequence (step S80).

[0099] In the above embodiment, the arithmetic circuit 30 saves the pot type and quantity displayed on the display 13 as selection information in the storage device 31 only when the start button 15 is operated. However, for example, the arithmetic circuit 30 may also save the pot type and quantity displayed on the display 13 as selection information in the storage device 31 each time the adjustment button 17 is operated, and update the latest selection information.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the user selects the pot type and quantity. However, for example, the quantity can be predetermined, and only the pot type is selected by the user.

[0101] For example, an induction heating cooker may also include a weight sensor within the main body 4 capable of measuring the weight of the cooking container 2 placed on the top plate 3 and the food being cooked. In this case, the calculation circuit 30 uses the weight measured by the weight sensor instead of the composite number. The storage device 31 only needs to store the pot type.

[0102] With this structure, after setting the cooking process, the user can execute the automatic cooking process by simply selecting the pot type, making it easier to use the induction heating cooker 1.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the induction heating cooker 1 has a storage device 31 within the main body 4. However, in another embodiment, the induction heating cooker 1 may not have a storage device 31 within the main body 4.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an induction heating cooker 1 according to another embodiment. Figure 9As shown, the main body 4 replaces the storage device 31 and includes a communication circuit 33. In this case, the communication circuit 33 communicates with the storage device 34 on the network, retrieves information from the storage device 34, and stores the information in the storage device 34.

[0105] The network storage device 34 is a storage device that any computer and any server device can access via the communication circuit 33 through the arithmetic circuit 30.

[0106] The communication circuit 33 is an interface device that sends information to and receives information from the computing circuit 30 via wired or wireless means. The interface device can also perform communication conforming to wired communication standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus; registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). The interface device can also perform communication conforming to wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and portable telephone lines.

[0107] The arithmetic circuit 30 can save the selection information chosen by the user to the storage device 34 on the network via the communication circuit 33. If a cooking process is set, the arithmetic circuit 30 can obtain the selection information from the storage device 34 on the network via the communication circuit 33.

[0108] The arithmetic circuit 30 can acquire heating sequences and other data stored in the storage device 34 on the network via the communication circuit 33. The arithmetic circuit 30 can also store the user-selected desired pot type settings in the storage device 34 on the network via the communication circuit 33, or retrieve user-selected desired pot type settings from the storage device 34. The desired pot type settings, for example, refer to information about the preferred pot type.

[0109] In addition, in the records Figure 1 In the induction heating cooker 1, the arithmetic circuit 30 can also save the setting information of the desired pot type selected by the user in the storage device 31, or retrieve the information from the storage device 31.

[0110] (Summary of Implementation Methods)

[0111] The induction heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment has the following structure.

[0112] (First Method) The induction heating cooker 1 of this method includes a main body 4 and a top plate 3 mounted on the upper surface of the main body 4. The main body 4 has a heating coil 10 disposed below the top plate 3 and a drive circuit 32 for driving the heating coil 10. The main body 4 also has an arithmetic circuit 30 for controlling the drive circuit 32 and an input device (input button 14) for receiving instructions from the arithmetic circuit 30.

[0113] The input device accepts settings for the automatic cooking process and selection of the pot type. The calculation circuit 30 controls the drive circuit 32 based on one of multiple heating sequences corresponding to the set automatic cooking process.

[0114] When the input device receives the setting of the automatic cooking process, the calculation circuit 30 selects a heating sequence from multiple heating sequences based on the pot type selected when the automatic cooking process was last executed.

[0115] Therefore, in the induction heating cooker 1 of this method, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced by referring to the pot type selected during the last operation. As a result, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily perform automatic cooking.

[0116] (Second Method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the first method, the automatic cooking process is a rice cooking process. When the rice cooking process is set, the input device further accepts a selection of a cooking quantity. The rice cooking process includes multiple heating sequences associated with the pot type and the cooking quantity. The arithmetic circuit 30 selects one heating sequence from the multiple heating sequences based on the pot type and cooking quantity selected during the last execution of the rice cooking process.

[0117] Therefore, in this induction heating cooker 1, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced by referring to the pot type and number of pots selected during the last operation. As a result, this induction heating cooker 1 can easily perform automatic cooking based on the rice cooking process.

[0118] (Third Method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the first method, the automatic cooking process is a rice cooking process. When the rice cooking process is set, the input device further accepts a selection of a combination of ingredients. The rice cooking process includes multiple heating sequences associated with the combination information of the pot type and the combination of ingredients. The arithmetic circuit 30 selects one heating sequence from the multiple heating sequences based on the combination information of the pot type and the combination of ingredients selected during the last execution of the rice cooking process.

[0119] Therefore, in the induction heating cooker 1 of this method, by referring to the pot type and number of pots selected during the last operation, the number of operations performed by the user can be reduced. As a result, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily perform automatic cooking based on the rice cooking process.

[0120] (Fourth method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the second or third method, the main body 4 also has a display 13 that displays combination information of pot type and number of pots and an input button 14 for switching the display of combination information by forward or reverse push.

[0121] Therefore, in this induction heating cooker 1, the type and number of pots can be easily selected. As a result, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced, improving operability.

[0122] (Fifth Method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the first method, the pot type selection is either a first pot type (cast enamel pot) or a second pot type (stainless steel pot). The induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily perform automatic cooking by using an appropriate sequence for the cast enamel pot or the stainless steel pot.

[0123] (Sixth Method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the fifth method, the calculation circuit 30 measures the number of selections for each of the first and second pot types. When the input device receives a setting for an automatic cooking process, the calculation circuit 30 selects one heating sequence from multiple heating sequences based on the number of selections.

[0124] Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can identify which of the first and second pot types is selected more frequently. As a result, automatic cooking can be easily performed by using an appropriate heating sequence for the pot type that is selected more frequently.

[0125] (Seventh Method) In the induction heating cooker of the first method, the main body 4 further includes a storage device 31 for storing the pot type selected by pot type selection. The storage device 31 stores the pot type selected when the set automatic cooking process was last executed. The arithmetic circuit 30 reads the pot type selected when the automatic cooking process was last executed from the storage device 31, and selects a heating sequence from multiple heating sequences based on the pot type.

[0126] Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily select the pot type. As a result, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced.

[0127] (Eighth Method) In the induction heating cooker of the first method, the main body 4 also includes a communication circuit 33 for communicating with a storage device 34 on a network. The arithmetic circuit 30 obtains, via the communication circuit 33, the pot type selected during the last execution of the set automatic cooking process stored in the storage device 34. Based on the pot type, the arithmetic circuit 30 selects a heating sequence from multiple heating sequences.

[0128] Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can achieve the same effect by using a storage device 34 on a network that can be accessed via a communication circuit 33.

[0129] (Ninth Method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the seventh or eighth method, the storage device 31 or storage device 34 can store setting information of the desired pot type. When the storage device 31 or storage device 34 stores the setting information of the desired pot type, if the input device receives the setting of the automatic cooking process, the arithmetic circuit 30 can also preferentially refer to the setting information of the desired pot type stored in the storage device 31 or storage device 34.

[0130] The desired pot type setting information refers to, for example, information about a preferred pot type. This preferred pot type information can also be registered in storage device 31 or storage device 34. In this case, if the cooking process is set as an automatic cooking process, the arithmetic circuit 30 will preferentially refer to the preferred pot type information.

[0131] Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily select the pot type. As a result, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced.

[0132] (10th method) In the induction heating cooker 1 of the 7th or 8th method, the storage device 31 is capable of storing setting information for the desired pot type. The input device is configured to accept the selection of the desired pot type. Alternatively, the input device may accept the setting of the automatic cooking process, and further, upon receiving the selection of the desired pot type, the arithmetic circuit 30 preferentially refers to the setting information for the desired pot type stored in the storage device 31 or the storage device 34.

[0133] The desired pot type setting information refers to, for example, information about a preferred pot type. This preferred pot type information can also be registered in storage device 31 or storage device 34. In this case, if a cooking process is set as an automatic cooking process and a pot type is further selected, the arithmetic circuit 30 will preferentially refer to the preferred pot type information.

[0134] Therefore, the induction heating cooker 1 of this method can easily select the pot type. As a result, the number of operations required by the user can be reduced.

[0135] (Method 11) In any of Methods 1 to 10, the induction heating cooker 1 is configured on a table for use.

[0136] According to this disclosure, in induction heating cookers, operability is improved by reducing the number of operations required by the user, particularly by referring to settings entered during the previous cooking process based on an automatic cooking procedure. This disclosure is suitable for application in the field of induction heating cookers.

Claims

1. An induction heating cooker, comprising: Main body; and A top plate is disposed on the upper surface of the main body. The subject has: A heating coil is disposed below the top plate; The driving circuit is configured to drive the heating coil; The operational circuit is configured to control the drive circuit; and The input device is configured to receive instructions to the arithmetic circuit. The input device is configured to accept settings for the automatic cooking process and selection of the pot type. The computing circuit is configured to control the drive circuit based on one of a plurality of heating sequences corresponding to the automatic cooking process. When the input device receives the setting of the automatic cooking process, the arithmetic circuit is configured to select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences based on the pot type selected during the last execution of the automatic cooking process.

2. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic cooking process is a rice cooking process. The input device is configured to, after the rice cooking process has been set, further accept the selection of a composite number. The cooking process includes multiple heating sequences associated with the pot type and the number of pots. The computing circuit is configured to select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences based on the pot type and the number of combinations selected during the last execution of the cooking process.

3. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The automatic cooking process is a rice cooking process. The input device is configured to, after the rice cooking process has been set, further accept the selection of a composite number. The rice cooking process includes multiple heating sequences associated with the combination information of the pot type and the number of ingredients. The computing circuit is configured to select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences based on the combination information of the pot type and the number of combinations selected during the last execution of the cooking process.

4. The induction heating cooker according to claim 3, wherein, The subject also possesses: The display is configured to show the combination information of the pot type and the quantity; and Input keys are used to switch the display of the combined information by pushing forward or backward.

5. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The pot type is selected as either the first pot type or the second pot type.

6. The induction heating cooker according to claim 5, wherein, The computing circuit is configured to measure the number of selections for each of the first and second pot types. When the input device receives the setting of the automatic cooking process, the calculation circuit is configured to select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences according to the number of selections.

7. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The main body also includes: a storage device for storing the pot type selected by the pot type selection. The storage device stores the pot type selected during the last execution of the automatic cooking process. The computing circuit is configured to read the pot type selected during the last execution of the automatic cooking process from the storage device, and select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences based on the pot type.

8. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein, The main body also includes: a communication circuit configured to communicate with a storage device on a network. The computing circuit is configured to obtain, via the communication circuit, the pot type selected during the last execution of the automatic cooking process stored in the storage device, and select one heating sequence from the plurality of heating sequences based on the pot type.

9. The induction heating cooker according to claim 7 or 8, The storage device can store the setting information of the desired pot type. If the storage device stores the setting information for the desired pot type, and the input device receives the setting for the automatic cooking process, the calculation circuit will preferentially refer to the setting information for the desired pot type stored in the storage device.

10. The induction heating cooker according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The storage device can store the setting information of the desired pot type. The input device is configured to accept the selection of the desired pot type. When the input device receives the setting of the automatic cooking process and further receives the selection of the desired pot type, the calculation circuit preferentially refers to the setting information of the desired pot type stored in the storage device.

11. The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The induction heating cooker is for tabletop use.

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