Heating cooker and heating cooking system

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker and a heating cooking system which improve convenience when a user uses them by suppressing overflow of dew condensation water from a drip pan during heating cooking.SOLUTION: A heating cooker includes: a container storing objects to be cooked; a lid body openable / closable relative to an opening of the container; a heating apparatus heating the container; a drip pan holding dew condensation water in which vapor generated in the container is concentrated; an input part receiving input; and a controller controlling the heating apparatus on the basis of a cooking instruction. The cooking instruction includes a cooking menu inputted to the input part, a first condition inputted to the input part in correspondence with the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition. One of the first condition and the second condition is a heating time, and an upper limit value set as the second condition varies in accordance with value of the first condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance and a cooking system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known cooking devices that cook food at a heating temperature and heating time set by a user with the inside of the container sealed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooking device that includes a sealable cooking tank in which ingredients and cooking liquid are stored, a heating means for heating the cooking tank, and a decompression means for decompressing the inside of the cooking tank, and that controls the heating means so that the cooking tank is maintained at a predetermined cooking temperature in a decompressed state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-189883 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Typically, in a cooking device that regulates temperature or reduces pressure by sealing the inside of a container, steam generated during cooking operation is discharged to the outside of the container while maintaining the sealed structure inside the container. Generally, steam is guided to a dew receiver, and condensed water generated by condensing the steam is stored in the dew receiver. Also, condensed water generated by condensing steam generated during cooking operation is discharged from the container and guided to the dew receiver without returning to the container, and is stored in the dew receiver. However, when more steam than expected is generated during cooking operation and condensed water is generated, the condensed water may overflow from the dew receiver.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a cooking device and a cooking system that prevent condensation water from overflowing from a dew receiver during cooking operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The heating cooker of the present disclosure comprises a container for holding the food to be cooked, a lid that can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the container, a heating device for heating the container, a dew receiver for holding condensed water formed from steam generated in the container, an input unit for receiving input, and a control device for controlling the heating device based on cooking instructions, the cooking instructions including a cooking menu input to the input unit, a first condition input to the input unit corresponding to the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition, one of the first condition and the second condition being a heating time, and the upper limit value of the value set as the second condition differs depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition.

[0007] The cooking system of the present disclosure includes the cooking device described above, and an air conditioner that performs ventilation or temperature adjustment so that the room temperature of the space in which the cooking device is installed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold room temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the cooking device and cooking system of the present disclosure, the upper limit of the value of the second condition set after the first condition varies depending on the input cooking menu and the value of the corresponding first condition. This makes it possible to prevent condensation water from overflowing from the dew receiver during cooking. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cooking device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the cooking device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control related to acceptance of input of cooking instructions for the cooking device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control related to input and setting of cooking instructions for the cooking device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a heating and cooking system according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooking device and a cooking system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure includes all combinations of possible configurations among the configurations shown in the following embodiments. The cooking device shown in the drawings shows an example of an appliance to which the cooking device of the present disclosure is applied, and the appliance to which the present disclosure is applied is not limited by the cooking device shown in the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", etc.) are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding, but these are for explanation and do not limit the present disclosure. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification. In each drawing, the relative dimensional relationship or shape of each component may differ from the actual one.

[0011] Embodiment (Configuration of cooking device) Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cooking device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of the cooking device 100. The cooking device 100 heats a pan-shaped container 6 containing food to be cooked with a heating coil 3, thereby cooking the food.

[0012] The cooking device 100 comprises a main body 1, a pot-shaped container 6 housed within the main body 1, and an outer lid 10 and an inner lid 8 that cover the top of the container 6. The main body 1 is a housing that forms the outer shell of the cooking device 100, and houses the container 6, a heating coil 3, a container cover 2, a bottom temperature sensor 4, and a compression spring 5 inside.

[0013] The container 6 is made of a material containing a magnetic metal that generates heat by induction heating, and is cylindrical with an open top and a bottom. Food ingredients and seasonings to be cooked are stored inside the container 6. The container 6 is detachably attached to the container cover 2.

[0014] The container cover 2 is fixed to the inside of the main body 1. The container cover 2 supports the container 6 in the main body 1 by contacting at least a part of the container 6. The container cover 2 is made of a heat-resistant material, such as a metal or a synthetic resin.

[0015] The heating coil 3 is an example of a heating device for heating the container 6. The heating coil 3 is provided on the outside of the container cover 2, that is, on the opposite side of the container 6 across the container cover 2. The heating coil 3 is disposed in a position facing the bottom and the side surface close to the bottom of the container 6. The heating coil 3 is a heating coil for electromagnetic induction heating, and the coil is spirally wound and supplied with high-frequency current. When a current flows through the heating coil 3, an eddy current is generated in the container 6 made of a material to be induction heated by a magnetic flux generated by the current flowing through the heating coil 3, and the food to be cooked in the container 6 is heated by the Joule heat of the container 6 due to this eddy current. A flange portion 6a is provided on the edge of the upper end of the container 6. A user can hold the flange portion 6a of the container 6 and place the container 6 on the container cover 2.

[0016] The bottom temperature sensor 4 is an example of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the container 6. The bottom temperature sensor 4 in this embodiment is a thermistor, and detects the temperature of the container 6 by contacting the bottom of the container 6. The bottom temperature sensor 4 passes through a hole provided in the center of the bottom of the container cover 2 and contacts the bottom of the container 6. A compression spring 5 is provided below the bottom temperature sensor 4. The compression spring 5 urges the bottom temperature sensor 4 upward, pressing the bottom temperature sensor 4 against the bottom of the container 6.

[0017] The outer lid 10 and the inner lid 8 are lids that openably cover the open top of the container 6. The outer lid 10 is supported by the main body 1 with a hinge 7, and opens and closes the top of the container 6 by rotating up and down. Although not shown, the outer lid 10 is equipped with an opening button for opening the outer lid 10 and a latch portion for engaging the outer lid 10 to the main body 1. The latch portion is provided, for example, in the front of the main body 1. The outer lid 10 is biased in the opening direction by the hinge 7, and the outer lid 10 in the closed state is engaged with the main body 1 by the latch portion.

[0018] The inner lid 8 is attached to the underside of the outer lid 10. The inner lid 8 is made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. A lid gasket 9, which is a sealing material that ensures airtightness between the container 6 and the inner lid 8, is provided between the container 6 and the inner lid 8. The annular lid gasket 9 is attached to the peripheral edge of the inner lid 8. The lid gasket 9 seals the flange portion 6a of the container 6 and the inner wall surface of the container 6. When the outer lid 10 is closed, the lid gasket 9 of the inner lid 8 is pressed against the flange portion 6a of the container 6 to provide a hermetic seal.

[0019] The inner lid 8 is provided with a temperature sensor hole 41 which is an opening, and the outer lid 10 is provided with a lid temperature sensor 11. The temperature sensor hole 41 and the lid temperature sensor 11 face each other. The lid temperature sensor 11 measures the temperature inside the container 6 through the temperature sensor hole 41. A temperature sensor hole gasket 51 is provided to seal the gap between the temperature sensor hole 41 and the outer lid 10. The lid temperature sensor 11 is, for example, an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays inside the container 6.

[0020] A pressure detection hole 42 is provided in the inner lid 8, and a pressure detection unit 12 is provided in the outer lid 10. The pressure detection hole 42 and the pressure detection unit 12 face each other. The pressure detection unit 12 measures the pressure inside the container 6 through the pressure detection hole 42. A pressure detection hole packing 52 is provided to seal the gap between the pressure detection hole 42 and the outer lid 10.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner lid 8 is provided with a steam hole 43 and an air hole 44, which are openings, and the outer lid 10 is provided with an outer lid vent 13 and a cartridge 21. The outer lid vent 13 is provided so as to penetrate the outer lid 10 and the cartridge 21. A space is provided inside the cartridge 21. The space inside the cartridge 21 and the outside of the cooking device 100 are in communication with each other via the outer lid vent 13.

[0022] The cartridge 21 is provided with openings, namely, a steam hole communication port 21a, an air hole communication port 21b, a pump communication port 21c, and a condensation conduit communication port 21d. The steam hole 43 and the air hole 44 of the inner lid 8 are connected to the steam hole communication port 21a and the air hole communication port 21b of the cartridge 21, respectively.

[0023] The steam hole 43 of the inner lid 8 is an opening for discharging steam from within the container 6. The steam hole 43 is provided with a steam exhaust valve 30. The steam exhaust valve 30 is a valve that is normally closed and opens when the pressure within the container 6 exceeds a predetermined value. The steam exhaust valve 30 prevents the pressure within the container 6 from becoming excessively high. An example of when the steam exhaust valve 30 opens is when the container 6 is heated by energizing the heating coil 3, and a large amount of steam is generated from the food to be cooked, causing the pressure within the container 6 to become higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0024] The steam exhaust valve 30 is configured to close the steam hole 43 by, for example, the biasing force of a spring, and the pressure at which the steam is exhausted can be determined according to the spring constant. The pressure determined by the steam exhaust valve 30 is set lower than the pressure at which steam is exhausted from the lid packing 9 and other places, thereby preventing steam from escaping from unintended places. The steam exhaust valve 30 is configured to seal the container 6 when the pressure inside the container 6 becomes low. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the steam exhaust valve 30 blocks the steam hole 43. When a force equal to or greater than the set pressure is applied from inside the container 6 to the steam exhaust valve 30 in the state in which the steam hole 43 is blocked, the steam exhaust valve 30 is pushed up and opens the steam hole 43 of the inner lid 8. When the steam hole 43 is opened, a part of the steam inside the container 6 flows out of the container 6 from the steam hole 43.

[0025] Between the steam hole 43 of the inner lid 8 and the steam hole communication port 21a of the cartridge 21, a steam path 61, which is a pipe, is provided. The container 6 and the cartridge 21 are communicated by the steam path 61. The cartridge 21 is provided downstream of the steam exhaust valve 30 in the steam flow direction. Between the steam hole 43 and the end of the steam path 61, a steam hole packing 53 is provided. The steam hole packing 53 seals the space between the steam hole 43 and the outer lid 10, suppressing leakage of steam flowing out from the steam hole 43. When the pressure inside the container 6 increases, the steam that pushes up the steam exhaust valve 30 and flows out from the steam hole 43 flows through the steam path 61 and into the cartridge 21 from the steam hole communication port 21a. The steam that flows into the inside of the cartridge 21 flows out from the outer lid vent 13 to the outside of the cooking device 100.

[0026] The air hole 44 of the inner lid 8 is an opening for taking in outside air into the container 6. Between the air hole 44 and the air hole communication port 21b of the cartridge 21, an air path 62, which is a pipe, is provided. The container 6 and the cartridge 21 are in communication with each other through the air path 62. Between the air hole 44 and the end of the air path 62, an air hole packing 54 is provided. The air hole packing 54 seals the gap between the air hole 44 and the outer lid 10, and suppresses leakage of outside air flowing into the air hole 44 and steam flowing out from the container 6. An air communication path opening / closing valve 31 is provided in the air path 62. In this embodiment, the air communication path opening / closing valve 31 has a latch-type valve body that can be switched between an open and closed state by energizing. The valve body of the air communication path opening / closing valve 31 is in an open state when energized in a closed state, and is in a closed state when energized in an open state. When the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is open, the outside air that flows into the cartridge 21 from the outer lid vent hole 13 flows through the atmosphere path 62 and into the container 6 from the atmosphere hole 44. When the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is open, steam generated in the container 6 flows from the atmosphere hole 44 into the atmosphere path 62 and into the cartridge 21 through the atmosphere hole communication port 21b. The steam that flows into the inside of the cartridge 21 flows out from the outer lid vent hole 13 to the outside of the cooking appliance 100. Although not shown, the atmosphere hole 44 is provided with a filter that suppresses the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0027] The inner lid 8 is provided with a pump hole 45 which is an opening, and the outer lid 10 is provided with a pressure reduction path switching valve 32, a pressure reduction pump 33, and a lid internal space communicating passage 14. The pump hole 45 is an opening for reducing the pressure inside the container 6.

[0028] The decompression pump 33 is a decompression device that reduces the pressure inside the container 6 by sucking air from inside the container 6. The decompression pump 33 is provided with a suction port 33a and a discharge port 33b. The suction port 33a of the decompression pump 33 is connected to a pump hole 45 via the decompression path switching valve 32.

[0029] The pressure reduction path switching valve 32 is provided with a first connection port 32a, a second connection port 32b, and a third connection port 32c. A suction path 64, which is a pipe, is provided between the first connection port 32a of the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 and the suction port 33a of the pressure reduction pump 33. The pressure reduction path switching valve 32 and the pressure reduction pump 33 are in communication with each other via the suction path 64.

[0030] A connection path 63, which is a tube, is provided between the second connection port 32b of the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 and the pump hole 45. The pressure reduction path switching valve 32 and the pump hole 45 are in communication with each other via the connection path 63. A pump hole packing 55 is provided between the pump hole 45 and an end of the connection path 63. The pump hole packing 55 seals the gap between the pump hole 45 and the outer lid 10, and suppresses leakage of air and steam from inside the container 6 that flows out from the pump hole 45. In addition, although not shown, the pump hole 45 is provided with a filter that suppresses the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0031] The third connection port 32c of the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 is connected to the lid internal space communication passage 14.

[0032] The pressure reduction path switching valve 32 has a valve body that selectively switches the connection destination of the connection path 63 between the lid intra-space communication passage 14 and the suction path 64. The pressure reduction path switching valve 32 switches the position of the valve body by energization, thereby connecting the suction path 64 to either the connection path 63 or the lid intra-space communication passage 14. When the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 connects the suction path 64 to the connection path 63, the pump hole 45 and the pressure reduction pump 33 communicate via the connection path 63, the pressure reduction path switching valve 32, and the suction path 64. Hereinafter, the state in which the pump hole 45 and the pressure reduction pump 33 communicate may be referred to as a pressure reduction path communication state. When the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 connects the suction path 64 to the lid intra-space communication passage 14, the lid intra-space communication passage 14 and the pressure reduction pump 33 communicate via the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 and the suction path 64. Hereinafter, the state in which the lid internal space communicating passage 14 and the decompression pump 33 are in communication may be referred to as a decompression path closed state. In this embodiment, the decompression path switching valve 32 is an electromagnetic valve, but it may be a mechanical valve that switches the communication state between the lid internal space communicating passage 14 and the connection path 63 in response to an operation of an operation unit (not shown). The decompression path switching valve 32 may also be a three-way valve.

[0033] A discharge path 65, which is a pipe, is provided between the discharge port 33b of the decompression pump 33 and the pump communication port 21c of the cartridge 21. The decompression pump 33 and the cartridge 21 are in communication with each other via the discharge path 65.

[0034] When the decompression pump 33 operates in a state where the decompression path switching valve 32 communicates the suction path 64 and the connection path 63, i.e., in a decompression path communication state, the air and steam in the container 6 are sucked into the decompression pump 33. The air and steam sucked into the decompression pump 33 flow into the discharge path 65 from the discharge port 33b. Then, they flow into the inside of the cartridge 21 through the pump communication port 21c of the cartridge 21. The air and steam that flow into the cartridge 21 flow out to the outside of the cooking device 100 through the outer lid vent 13. Note that even if the decompression pump 33 operates in a state where the decompression path switching valve 32 communicates the suction path 64 and the lid internal space communication path 14, i.e., in a decompression path closed state, the air and steam in the container 6 are not sucked into the decompression pump 33.

[0035] Steam generated in the container 6 may flow into the cartridge 21 through the steam hole communication port 21a, the air hole communication port 21b, and the pump communication port 21c, and may condense to become condensed water. Steam flowing out of the container 6 may condense and flow into the cartridge 21 as condensed water. For example, when the decompression pump 33 operates during cooking, low-temperature steam in the container 6 flows into the decompression pump 33 through the suction port 33a, and is pressurized in the decompression pump 33 to become condensed water. The condensed water generated in the decompression pump 33 flows into the discharge path 65 as if being pushed out by the air and steam, and flows into the cartridge 21 through the pump communication port 21c. The condensed water in the cartridge 21 flows out of the cartridge 21 through the condensation conduit communication port 21d.

[0036] The lower part of the cartridge 21 has a funnel shape with a portion inclined toward the condensation duct communication opening 21d, and the condensation duct communication opening 21d is provided in the lowest part of the cartridge 21. Therefore, the condensed water in the cartridge 21 easily flows out from the condensation duct communication opening 21d, and the condensed water is less likely to remain in the cartridge 21 after cooking is completed. Therefore, when the lid is opened after cooking is completed, the condensed water is prevented from flowing out from the outer lid vent 13 and other parts.

[0037] The condensation conduit 23 is connected to the condensation conduit communication port 21d. The condensation conduit 23 guides the condensation water flowing out from the condensation conduit communication port 21d to the dew receiver 22 described below. The condensation conduit 23 may be provided as a component separate from the cartridge 21, or may be formed integrally with the cartridge 21.

[0038] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the condensation conduit communication port 21d may be provided with a condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35 (see Fig. 3) that can be opened and closed electrically. When the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35 is open, the condensation water flows from the cartridge 21 into the condensation conduit 23. When the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35 is closed, the condensation water does not flow out from the cartridge 21 but is retained within the cartridge 21. Therefore, by closing the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35, the cartridge 21 can be used as a dew receiver separate from the dew receiver 22 described below.

[0039] The main body 1 is provided with a dew receiver 22 below the condensation conduit 23. An opening is provided on the top surface of the dew receiver 22. Therefore, when the cover is closed, the condensed water in the cartridge 21 flows into the dew receiver 22 through the condensation conduit communication port 21d and the condensation conduit 23. The condensed water condensed from steam generated during cooking is collected in the dew receiver 22. When the steam generated during cooking is condensed to condense water exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22, the condensed water overflows from the dew receiver 22. In order to prevent the overflow of the condensed water from the dew receiver 22, the capacity of the dew receiver 22 is preferably set to a capacity capable of accommodating the condensed water generated in at least one cooking session, and may be determined taking into consideration the condensed water generated when cooking is performed twice, for example.

[0040] The dew receiver 22 is provided with a water level sensor 24 that detects the water level within the dew receiver 22. The water level sensor 24 is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor that irradiates the water surface with ultrasonic waves and measures the water level based on the time difference with the reflected wave. The water level sensor 24 may also be a float-type level switch that uses buoyancy, a capacitance-type sensor that uses the change in capacitance that occurs between electrodes depending on the presence or absence of liquid, or an electrode-type sensor that uses the flow of current.

[0041] The main body 1 may be provided with a recess around the opening on the top surface of the dew receiver 22. Specifically, a recess may be provided in a part of the top surface of the main body 1, and the recess may be shaped to surround the opening of the dew receiver 22. In this case, the opening surface of the dew receiver 22 is located below the top surface of the main body 1. Since the opening of the dew receiver 22 is surrounded by the recess, condensation water overflowing from the dew receiver 22 is retained in the recess. This prevents the condensation water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22.

[0042] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the dew receiver 22 may be provided with a dew receiver evaporator 78 (see FIG. 3) that promotes evaporation of condensed water in the dew receiver 22. The dew receiver evaporator 78 evaporates and reduces the amount of condensed water in the dew receiver 22, lengthening the time until the dew receiver 22 overflows. Also, the total volume of condensed water that can be held in the dew receiver 22 during cooking becomes greater than the total volume of condensed water that can be held without the dew receiver evaporator 78. This makes it possible to prevent the dew receiver 22 from overflowing. Also, the number of times that the user must discard the condensed water in the dew receiver 22 can be reduced.

[0043] The dew receiver evaporator 78 is, for example, a heater that heats the dew receiver 22 to increase the temperature of the condensed water in the dew receiver 22 and promote the evaporation of the condensed water. The heater is provided so that heat is transmitted to the dew receiver 22. The dew receiver evaporator 78 may also be an oscillator that applies ultrasonic vibrations to the condensed water in the dew receiver 22 to promote the evaporation of the condensed water. In this case, the oscillator is provided so that vibrations are transmitted to the dew receiver 22. When the dew receiver evaporator 78 is a heater or an oscillator, it may be provided in contact with the dew receiver 22. Note that promoting the evaporation of condensed water by ultrasonic vibrations can provide a greater energy-saving effect than promoting the evaporation of condensed water by heat.

[0044] Moreover, the dew receiver evaporator 78 may be a heating device that heats the container 6, and the heating device heats the dew receiver 22. In this embodiment, for example, the dew receiver 22 is made of a material that generates heat by induction heating, and the dew receiver 22 is disposed at a position where it interlinks with the magnetic flux generated around the heating coil 3, whereby the dew receiver 22 generates heat and promotes evaporation of the condensed water.

[0045] Furthermore, when the heating coil 3 is used as the dew receiver evaporator 78, it is preferable that the distance between the heating coil 3 and the dew receiver 22 is short. For this reason, although not shown, the dew receiver 22 may be located close to the heating coil 3. For example, in FIG. 1, the dew receiver 22 may extend downward to the same height as the heating coil 3.

[0046] Also, the dew receiver evaporator 78 may be a depressurizing pump 33. In this case, the depressurizing pump 33 and the dew receiver 22 are connected via a communication passage. The depressurizing pump 33 may be capable of individually lowering the pressure inside the container 6 and the pressure inside the dew receiver 22. By lowering the pressure inside the dew receiver 22 with the depressurizing pump 33, evaporation of the dew water inside the dew receiver 22 is promoted. Also, in addition to using the depressurizing pump 33 as the dew receiver evaporator 78, a means for heating the dew receiver 22 or a vibrator may be used as the dew receiver evaporator 78.

[0047] The main body 1 is provided with an operation unit 15. The operation unit 15 accepts instruction inputs from a user regarding cooking, such as a cooking menu, heating time, heat, operating time of the vacuum pump 33, and heating temperature. The operation unit 15 is an example of an input unit that accepts cooking instructions from a user to the cooking appliance 100. The operation unit 15 is configured with, for example, a hardware button or a touch panel. The operation unit 15 can also accept settings regarding starting and canceling cooking, the type of ingredients, or the cooking method.

[0048] The main body 1 is provided with a display unit 16. The display unit 16 displays notifications to the user of the cooking device 100 and the progress of cooking. The display unit 16 also displays the contents of settings input to the operation unit 15. The display unit 16 is an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of information about the cooking device 100. The display unit 16 is composed of a liquid crystal screen, a light-emitting element, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) screen.

[0049] 1 shows an example in which the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 are provided on the main body 1, but the positions of the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 are not limited to the illustrated example. Either or both of the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 may be provided on the outer lid 10.

[0050] The control device 70 is provided inside the cooking device 100. The control device 70 controls the entire cooking device 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the control device 70 in the embodiment. The control device 70 can be configured by a processor 74, a memory 75, an input interface circuit 76, an output interface circuit 77, and the like, which are connected to each other by a bus 73, for example. The processor 74 can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The memory 75 can be, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The functions of the control device 70 can be realized by the processor 74 reading and executing various programs and data stored in the memory 75. The control by the control device 70 can be realized by the processor 74 via the input interface circuit 76 and the output interface circuit 77.

[0051] The functions of the control device 70 may be obtained by cooperation between software and hardware as described above, or may be obtained by dedicated hardware. For example, all or part of the control device 70 may be configured by hardware such as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control device 70 also has a timer circuit that counts the elapsed time from the start of timing.

[0052] 3 is a functional block diagram of a cooking device 100 according to an embodiment. The cooking device 100 includes a control device 70 and an inverter 71. The cooking device 100 may further include a communication unit 72.

[0053] The inverter 71 converts the alternating current supplied from the commercial power supply 300 into a high-frequency current and supplies it to the heating coil 3 .

[0054] The communication unit 72 is configured using a communication interface circuit. The cooking appliance 100 may be connected to a network 80 via the communication unit 72. When the cooking appliance 100 is connected to the network 80, a communication terminal such as a smartphone can realize the functions of either or both of the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16. In other words, a communication terminal such as a smartphone is an example of an input unit and a notification unit, and is an input unit of the cooking appliance 100 when it accepts an operation input to the operation unit 15, and is a notification unit of the cooking appliance 100 when it displays the same as the display unit 16.

[0055] The control device 70 controls the pressure reduction pump 33, the pressure reduction path switching valve 32, the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31, the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35, the dew receiving / evaporating device 78, the operation unit 15, the display unit 16, the communication unit 72, and the inverter 71 based on inputs from the bottom temperature sensor 4, the lid temperature sensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, the water level sensor 24, a temperature detection device 79 described later, the operation unit 15, and the communication unit 72. For example, the control device 70 controls the heating operation and heating time by the heating coil 3, and the operation of the pressure reduction pump 33 based on cooking instructions input from the operation unit 15. The control device 70 may also control the heating operation of the heating coil 3, the opening / closing operation of the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 and the pressure reduction path switching valve 32, and the operation of the pressure reduction pump 33 based on the detection results of the bottom temperature sensor 4, the lid temperature sensor 11, the pressure detection unit 12, the water level sensor 24, and the temperature detection device 79.

[0056] When adjusting the amount of heating of the container 6, i.e., the strength of the heating power of the heating coil 3, the control device 70 controls the inverter 71 to control the frequency of the high-frequency current supplied to the heating coil 3. Alternatively, the control device 70 may control the amount of heating of the container 6 by intermittently operating the inverter 71. The control device 70 controls the heating power of the heating coil 3 so that the temperature of the container 6 detected by the bottom temperature sensor 4 becomes the heating temperature input to the input section.

[0057] (Cooking operation of cooking appliance) The cooking device 100 executes cooking operation by the control device 70 based on cooking instructions. The control device 70 starts cooking when an instruction to start cooking is inputted to the operation unit 15. When the instruction to start cooking is inputted, it is assumed that food to be cooked such as meat, fish, vegetables, seasonings, water, etc. is contained in the container 6, the lid is in a closed state, and input of cooking instructions to the operation unit 15 has been completed. The cooking instructions include cooking menus, and the cooking menus include a normal pressure cooking menu in which heating is performed under normal pressure inside the container 6, and a reduced pressure cooking menu in which heating is performed under reduced pressure inside the container 6 by driving the reduced pressure pump 33.

[0058] When cooking begins, the control device 70 switches the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 to a pressure reduction path communication state. Therefore, the pressure reduction pump 33 communicates with the inside of the container 6 through the pump hole 45. The control device 70 also closes the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31. Therefore, the inside of the container 6 is sealed. Furthermore, the control device 70 drives the pressure reduction pump 33. The pressure reduction pump 33 sucks air and steam from the inside of the container 6 through the connection path 63 and the suction path 64. The air and steam sucked into the pressure reduction pump 33 flow into the cartridge 21 through the discharge path 65 and flows out of the cooking device 100 from the outer lid vent hole 13.

[0059] The control device 70 judges whether the pressure in the container 6 has been reduced based on the value detected by the pressure detection unit 12. When the control device 70 judges that the pressure in the container 6 has been reduced, it opens the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31. In addition, the control device 70 switches the pressure reduction path switching valve 32 to close the pressure reduction path. When the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is opened, the atmosphere hole 44 and the outer lid vent hole 13 are in communication with each other via the cartridge 21, and outside air flows into the container 6, which is in a low pressure state, via the atmosphere path 62. As a result, the pressure in the container 6 is increased to a normal pressure state, that is, to an atmospheric pressure state. In the following description, the process from the start of cooking to the reduction of pressure in the container 6 and then to the return to atmospheric pressure is referred to as a sealing confirmation process.

[0060] After the sealing confirmation step, the control device 70 starts the supply of electricity to the heating coil 3 and starts the temperature maintenance step. The control device 70 controls the output of the heating coil 3 until the value detected by the bottom temperature sensor 4 reaches a predetermined temperature. In the reduced pressure cooking menu, the predetermined temperature is, for example, a temperature that is -5 degrees below the heating temperature, and is a temperature that is set and stored in advance in anticipation of overshoot due to heating. In the normal pressure cooking menu, the predetermined temperature is 100 degrees. When the value detected by the bottom temperature sensor 4 reaches the predetermined temperature, the control device 70 transitions to the temperature maintenance step.

[0061] In the temperature maintenance process for the reduced pressure cooking menu, the control device 70 closes the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 and switches the reduced pressure path switching valve 32 to the reduced pressure path communication state. As a result, the pressure inside the container 6 gradually decreases, and when the temperature-regulated inside the container 6 approaches the saturated steam pressure, the food to be cooked boils and the container 6 becomes filled with steam at less than 100 degrees.

[0062] In the temperature maintenance step, since the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is in a closed state, the food to be cooked is heated with the inside of the container 6 sealed. When the food to be cooked is heated and steam is generated, the pressure inside the container 6 increases. In the temperature maintenance step, when the temperature of the container 6 is regulated by the heating temperature, the pressure inside the container 6 does not become significantly higher than the saturated vapor pressure, and the temperature and pressure inside the container 6 are balanced near the saturated temperature and saturated vapor pressure.

[0063] In the temperature maintaining step, the control device 70 starts counting the time when the lid temperature sensor 11 detects the boiling of the food in the container 6, and continues the temperature maintaining step until the heating time has elapsed. The control device 70 determines whether the container 6 is maintained at the set heating temperature based on the value detected by the bottom temperature sensor 4, and controls the inverter 71. When the heating time has elapsed and cooking has ended, the control device 70 opens the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31. In addition, the cooking device 100 may be configured to include a vacuum release button, and when a user presses the vacuum release button, the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 may be opened. When the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is opened, the atmosphere hole 44 and the outer lid vent hole 13 are in communication with each other via the cartridge 21, and outside air flows into the container 6, which is in a low pressure state, via the atmosphere path 62. As a result, the pressure inside the container 6 is increased to a normal pressure state, that is, to a state of atmospheric pressure. In addition, the control device 70 makes it possible to open the lid body by pressing the opening button of the outer lid 10.

[0064] In the temperature maintenance process for reduced pressure cooking menus, the pressure inside the container 6 is reduced to the saturated vapor pressure of the heating temperature and boiled, which promotes convection and heats the food evenly, improving its taste. In addition, the space inside the container 6 is filled with steam below 100 degrees, which makes it easier to heat even the parts exposed from the broth, and a uniform finish can be achieved even with a small amount of broth. The generation of bubbles due to boiling also promotes mixing of seasonings and oils, improving the texture and taste. Note that the processing of the control device 70 from the start of cooking to the end of cooking is not limited to the above, and the above description is one example.

[0065] Next, the temperature maintaining process of the normal pressure cooking menu will be described. The temperature maintaining process of the normal pressure cooking menu is performed with the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 in the open state and the reduced pressure path in the closed state. Therefore, if the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31 is in the closed state after the sealing confirmation process, the control device 70 opens the atmosphere communication path opening / closing valve 31. Also, if the reduced pressure path is in the open state after the sealing confirmation process, the control device 70 switches the reduced pressure path switching valve 32 to the reduced pressure path closed state. In this way, the food to be cooked in the container 6 is heated at atmospheric pressure, and the generated steam can be made to flow out from the atmosphere path 62 and the lid inner space communication path 14 as well.

[0066] In the temperature maintenance process of the normal pressure cooking menu, the control device 70 also starts counting time when the lid temperature sensor 11 detects boiling of the food in the container 6, and continues the temperature maintenance process until the heating time has elapsed. The control device 70 controls the inverter 71 according to the set heat. After the heating time has elapsed, the control device 70 causes the display unit 16 to notify the completion of cooking. The control device 70 also brings the outer lid 10 into a state in which the lid can be opened by pressing the opening button.

[0067] (Setting cooking instructions for cooking appliances) The cooking instructions set in the cooking device 100 before cooking begins and cooking based on the cooking instructions will be further described. The cooking instructions include a cooking menu input to the operation unit 15, a first condition corresponding to the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition. The first condition is input to the operation unit 15 by the user, while the second condition is input to the operation unit 15 or is automatically set by the control device 70 based on the first condition.

[0068] In the normal pressure cooking menu, one of the first condition and the second condition is the heating time, and the other is the heating power or the heating temperature. Here, the heating power is the input power to the heating coil 3 per unit time, and may be set to a numerical value such as 200W, 400W, or 600W, or may be set in a relative expression such as "strong" or "weak". In the present disclosure, even when information expressed in words such as "strong" or "weak" is input, the heating power is expressed as a "value". The heating temperature is the target temperature of the container 6. The heating time is the time for the heating coil 3 to heat the container 6. The control device 70 drives the inverter 71 at a timing according to a control sequence corresponding to the input cooking menu, and controls the heating by the heating coil 3 based on the values ​​of the set first condition and second condition.

[0069] In the reduced pressure cooking menu, one of the first condition and the second condition is the heating time, and the other is the heat power of the container 6, the heating temperature, or the drive time of the reduced pressure pump 33. The control device 70 drives the inverter 71 and the reduced pressure pump 33 at a timing according to a control sequence corresponding to the input cooking menu, and controls the heating by the heating coil 3 and the reduced pressure pump 33 based on the set values ​​of the first condition and the second condition.

[0070] Here, the amount of steam generated during cooking of the normal pressure cooking menu and the reduced pressure cooking menu varies depending on the heating time and the heating power or temperature. The longer the heating time, the greater the amount of steam. The higher the heating power or heating temperature, the greater the amount of steam. In addition to the above, the amount of steam generated during cooking of the reduced pressure cooking menu also varies depending on the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33. In the reduced pressure cooking menu, the longer the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33, the lower the pressure in the container 6, the lower the boiling temperature, and the more steam is generated. In this embodiment, in order to prevent condensation water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22, the upper limit of the value that can be input as the second condition is changed according to the value of the first condition input to the operation unit 15, thereby adjusting the amount of steam generated during cooking.

[0071] Below, the operation of the heating cooker 100 will be explained for the cases where the value of the second condition is manually set by inputting it into the operation unit 15 and where it is automatically set by the control device 70, and for the cases where the normal pressure cooking menu and the reduced pressure cooking menu are selected.

[0072] (If the value of the second condition is set manually) Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control related to acceptance of cooking instruction input of cooking device 100 according to an embodiment. In the example described in Fig. 4, values ​​are input to operation unit 15 for the first condition and the second condition, and control device 70 sets the input values ​​as the values ​​of the first condition and the second condition. The first condition is the heating power, heating temperature, or driving time of pressure reduction pump 33, and the second condition is the heating time. Depending on the value of the first condition, the upper limit of the value that can be input to the second condition is adjusted.

[0073] (Step S1) The control device 70 accepts a cooking menu input to the operation unit 15. The input cooking menu is one of the normal pressure cooking menus or one of the reduced pressure cooking menus.

[0074] (Step S2) The control device 70 accepts the input of the value of the first condition corresponding to the cooking menu, and proceeds to step S3. If a range of values ​​that can be set as the first condition is determined for each input cooking menu, the control device 70 may accept only the input of the settable value. For example, if a certain cooking menu has conditions such as an appropriate heating time range of 1 minute to 120 minutes and an appropriate heating temperature range of 60 degrees to 95 degrees, the control device 70 accepts the input of the value of the first condition within these ranges. The range of values ​​that can be input as the first condition may be displayed on the display unit 16, which makes it easier for the user to input.

[0075] Also, the cooking menu and the first condition may be input in a paired state. In this case, step S1 and step S2 are executed simultaneously. Specifically, for example, by selecting one of the items in which the name of the cooking menu and the heating power, which is the first condition, are paired on the operation unit 15, such as "normal pressure cooking menu strong" and "normal pressure cooking menu weak", the cooking menu and the heating power can be input simultaneously. In addition, in the case of a reduced pressure cooking menu, for example, by selecting one of the items in which the name of the cooking menu and the first condition are paired on the operation unit 15, such as "reduced pressure cooking menu 60 degrees" and "reduced pressure cooking menu 90 minutes", the cooking menu and the first condition can be input simultaneously.

[0076] (Step S3) The control device 70 judges whether the value of the first condition input by the user in step S2 satisfies the selection condition of the second input mode. Depending on the result of this judgment, one of a plurality of input modes having different upper limit values ​​that can be input as the value of the second condition is selected. In this embodiment, the first input mode and the second input mode are provided as the input modes of the second condition.

[0077] Here, the input mode will be further explained. The input mode specifies the range of the value of the second condition when the control device 70 accepts the value of the second condition at the operation unit 15. The second input mode is an input mode that accepts the input of the value of the second condition only in a range of values ​​that reduces the amount of heat per unit time compared to the first input mode. As described above, the amount of steam generated during cooking varies depending on the heating time, heating temperature, and heating power in both the reduced pressure cooking menu and the normal pressure cooking menu, and further varies depending on the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33 in the reduced pressure cooking menu. The longer the heating time, the more the amount of steam generated increases. Also, the greater the heating power, the more the amount of steam generated per unit time increases. Also, the higher the heating temperature, the stronger the boiling is maintained, and the more the amount of steam generated per unit time increases. Furthermore, in the case of the reduced pressure cooking menu, the longer the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33, the more the amount of steam generated increases. When the amount of steam generated during cooking increases, the amount of condensed water that condenses and flows into the dew receiver 22 increases. Therefore, when a large amount of steam is generated during cooking, the condensed water is more likely to overflow from the dew receiver 22. In the cooking device 100, by providing a plurality of input modes for inputting the value of the second condition, the value of the heating time is limited as the second condition, and a large amount of steam is suppressed from being generated during cooking. In this disclosure, the generation of condensed water exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22 may be expressed as "the generation of steam exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22."

[0078] The control device 70 selects the first input mode or the second input mode according to the value of the first condition, thereby restricting the upper limit value that can be input as the value of the second condition. More specifically, when the selection condition that the value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, i.e., steam is likely to be generated, is satisfied, the control device 70 accepts the input of the value of the second condition in a range equal to or less than the upper limit value of the second input mode. When the selection condition is not satisfied, i.e., when the value of the first condition is less than the threshold value, the control device 70 accepts the input of the value of the second condition in the first input mode, whose upper limit value is a value greater than the upper limit value of the second input mode. The upper limit value of the second condition in the second input mode is a value at which the amount of heat per unit time is smaller than the upper limit value of the second condition in the first input mode. Note that there may be multiple threshold values ​​of the first condition that are selection conditions, and in this case, there may be three or more input modes. For example, suppose that the threshold values ​​of the value of the first condition are a first threshold value and a second threshold value in descending order. In this case, if the value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the input of the value of the second condition to the operation unit 15 is accepted in the first input mode; if the value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the second input mode; and if the value is less than the second threshold, the third input mode.

[0079] If the value of the first condition satisfies the selection condition for the second input mode (step S3: YES), the control device 70 proceeds to step S4, and if the selection condition is not satisfied (step S3: NO), the control device 70 proceeds to step S5.

[0080] (Step S4) The control device 70 accepts the value of the second condition in the second input mode. That is, the operation unit 15 accepts only values ​​less than the upper limit value that can be input in the second input mode as the value of the second condition. After the process of step S4, the control device 70 ends the input control of cooking instructions.

[0081] (Step S5) The control device 70 accepts the value of the second condition in the first input mode. That is, the operation unit 15 accepts only values ​​less than the upper limit that can be input in the first input mode as the value of the second condition. After the process of step S5, the control device 70 ends the input control of cooking instructions.

[0082] The process of steps S2 to S5 will be described by applying it to a specific example. First, a case where the first condition is heating power and the second condition is heating time will be described. This applies to both normal pressure cooking menus and reduced pressure cooking menus. The selection condition for the second input mode is that the value of the first condition is 400 W or more. If the heating amount input in step S2 is 300 W, the selection condition for the second input mode is not met in step S3, so the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the first input mode. For example, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition in the first input mode is 120 minutes. On the other hand, if the heating amount is 500 W, the selection condition is met, so the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the second input mode. In other words, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition is, for example, 60 minutes, which is lower than the upper limit value in the first input mode. In addition, if the heating amount is input as "high" or "low" instead of a numerical value, if "low" is input in step S2, it is determined that the selection condition is not met, and the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the first input mode. On the other hand, if "strong" is input in step S2, it is determined that the selection condition is met, and the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the second input mode.

[0083] Next, a case where the first condition is the heating temperature and the second condition is the heating time will be described. This applies to both normal pressure cooking menus and reduced pressure cooking menus. The selection condition for the second input mode is that the value of the first condition is 60 degrees or more. If the heating temperature input in step S2 is 50 degrees, the selection condition is not met in step S3, so the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the first input mode. For example, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition in the first input mode is 120 minutes. On the other hand, if the heating temperature is 90 degrees, the selection condition is met, so the heating time value of the second condition is accepted in the second input mode. For example, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition in the second input mode is 60 minutes.

[0084] Next, a case where the first condition is the driving time of the decompression pump 33 and the second condition is the heating time will be described. This is applied to a reduced pressure cooking menu. The selection condition for the second input mode is that the value of the first condition is 5 minutes or more. If the driving time of the decompression pump 33 input in step S2 is 3 minutes, the condition is not met in step S3, so the value of the heating time of the second condition is accepted in the first input mode. For example, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition in the first input mode is 120 minutes. On the other hand, if the driving time of the decompression pump 33 is 7 minutes, the selection condition is met, so the value of the heating time of the second condition is accepted in the second input mode. For example, the upper limit of the time that can be input as the heating time of the second condition in the second input mode is 60 minutes.

[0085] (When the value of the second condition is set automatically) Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of control relating to input and setting of cooking instructions of the cooking cooker 100 according to the embodiment. With reference to Fig. 5, an operation example will be described in which the control device 70 automatically sets the heating time or heating temperature set by the value of the second condition based on the cooking menu and the values ​​input in the first condition. The first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is the heating temperature, the heating power, or the driving time of the decompression pump 33. Here, the processes of steps S11 and S12 are the same as the processes of steps S1 and S2 in Fig. 4, respectively, and therefore steps S13 and after will be described.

[0086] (Step S13) The control device 70 judges whether the value of the first condition input by the user in step S12 satisfies the selection condition of the second setting mode. Depending on the result of this judgment, the control device 70 selects one of a plurality of setting modes in which different values ​​are set as the value of the second condition. In this embodiment, a first setting mode and a second setting mode are provided as the setting modes of the second condition.

[0087] Here, the setting mode will be further explained. In the setting mode, the control device 70 specifies the value to be set for the second condition. In the second setting mode, the value of the second condition is set so that the amount of heat per unit time is smaller than when the value of the second condition is set in the first setting mode. As described above, the value of the first condition affects the amount of steam generated during cooking, and in step S13, it is determined whether or not the selection condition that the value of the first condition is equal to or greater than a threshold value, i.e., steam is likely to be generated, is satisfied.

[0088] If the value of the first condition satisfies the selection condition for the second setting mode (step S13: YES), the control device 70 proceeds to step S14, and if the selection condition is not satisfied (step S13: NO), the control device 70 proceeds to step S15.

[0089] (Step S14) The control device 70 sets the second condition to a value determined in the second setting mode.

[0090] (Step S15) The control device 70 sets the second condition to a value determined in the first setting mode.

[0091] The process of steps S12 to S15 will be described by applying it to a specific example. First, a case where the first condition is the heating time and the second condition is the heating temperature will be described. This applies to both normal pressure cooking menus and reduced pressure cooking menus. If the first condition, the heating time, does not meet the selection condition of being equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 60 minutes), the second condition sets the heating temperature to a value determined in the first setting mode (e.g., 100 degrees). If the first condition, the heating time, meets the selection condition, the heating temperature is set to a value determined in the second setting mode (e.g., 80 degrees).

[0092] Next, a case where the first condition is heating time and the second condition is heating power will be described. This applies to both normal pressure cooking menus and reduced pressure cooking menus. If the first condition, heating time, does not meet the selection condition of being equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 60 minutes), the second condition is set to a value determined in the first setting mode (e.g., 500 W) as the heating power. If the first condition, heating time, meets the selection condition, the second condition is set to a value determined in the second setting mode (e.g., 300 W) as the heating power.

[0093] Next, a case will be described where the first condition is the heating time and the second condition is the drive time of the decompression pump 33. This is applied to a reduced pressure cooking menu. If the first condition, that is, the heating time, does not meet the selection condition of being equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 60 minutes), then the second condition is set to a value determined in the first setting mode (e.g., 5 minutes) as the drive time of the decompression pump 33. If the first condition, that is, the heating time, meets the selection condition, then the value determined in the second setting mode (e.g., 3 minutes) is set as the drive time of the decompression pump 33.

[0094] In this way, by automatically setting the value of the second condition according to the value of the first condition, the combination of the heating time as the first condition and the heating temperature, heating power or drive time of the vacuum pump 33 as the second condition becomes an appropriate combination that suppresses the amount of steam according to the cooking menu. This avoids a combination of the first condition (i.e., heating time) and the second condition that generates steam exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22 during cooking. In addition, since cooking is performed with an appropriate combination of the first condition (i.e., heating time) and the second condition according to the cooking menu, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the food is overheated and a situation in which cooking ends due to insufficient heating of the food.

[0095] (Detection by temperature detection device) The amount of condensed water generated from steam generated during cooking increases as the temperature of the cooking device 100 itself decreases. For example, in winter, when the room temperature of the place where the cooking device 100 is installed drops, the temperature of the cooking device 100 itself drops. As a result, even if the combination of cooking menu, heating temperature, heating amount, and heating time is the same, the amount of condensed water generated during cooking may be greater than in summer. For this reason, the cooking device 100 may further include a temperature detection device 79 (see FIG. 3) that detects the ambient temperature. The temperature detection device 79 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor.

[0096] The control device 70 judges whether the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detection device 79 is a predetermined threshold ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature, even if the value of the first condition does not satisfy the selection condition in step S3 of FIG. 4 (step S3: NO), the control device 70 performs the process of step S4 instead of the process of step S5. That is, when the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature, the control device 70 accepts the value of the second condition in the second input mode regardless of the value of the first condition. Also, when the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature, even if the value of the first condition does not satisfy the selection condition in step S13 of FIG. 5 (step S13: NO), the control device 70 performs the process of step S14 instead of the process of step S15. That is, when the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature, the control device 70 sets the value of the second condition in the second setting mode regardless of the value of the first condition. In the reduced pressure cooking menu, when the first condition is the heating time, the heating temperature is kept low, and when the first condition is the heating temperature, the heating time is kept short, thereby reducing the amount of condensation water generated during cooking. In the normal pressure cooking menu, the heating time is kept short, thereby reducing the amount of condensation water generated during cooking.

[0097] In addition, the control device 70 may shorten the drive time of the decompression pump 33 when the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature when the reduced pressure cooking menu is executed. In the case where the value detected by the temperature detection device 79 is less than the threshold ambient temperature, even if the value of the first condition does not satisfy the selection condition in step S3 of FIG. 4 (step S3: NO), the control device 70 sets the drive time of the decompression pump 33 to the drive time of the decompression pump 33 in the second input mode. In the case where the value detected by the temperature detection device 79 is less than the threshold ambient temperature, even if the value of the first condition does not satisfy the selection condition in step S13 of FIG. 5 (step S13: NO), the control device 70 sets the drive time of the decompression pump 33 to the drive time of the decompression pump 33 in the second input mode. By shortening the drive time of the decompression pump 33 during cooking, the amount of condensation water generated during cooking can be suppressed.

[0098] (Detection by water level sensor) When the water level in the dew receiver 22 detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the control device 70 changes the heating temperature or the amount of heat to suppress the amount of steam generated. The control device 70 can derive the remaining capacity of the dew receiver 22 from the water level in the dew receiver 22. Furthermore, based on the remaining capacity of the dew receiver 22, the control device 70 can estimate the predicted time until the dew receiver 22 overflows if cooking continues to be performed at the heating temperature or amount of heat input or set at the start of cooking. If the time until the predicted time is shorter than the time remaining until the end of the heating time, there is a possibility that the dew receiver 22 will overflow during cooking. However, by reducing the heating temperature or amount of heat, the amount of steam generated is reduced, and the time until the dew receiver 22 overflows can be extended.

[0099] For example, in the reduced pressure menu, when the heating temperature set exceeds the threshold heating temperature, the control device 70 may change the heating temperature to the threshold heating temperature. Also, in the case where the heating temperature set is less than the threshold heating temperature, the control device 70 may change the heating temperature to a lower value. Alternatively, the control device 70 may derive a value of the heating temperature at which the dew receiver 22 does not overflow, and change the heating temperature to the derived value, so that cooking can be continued until the end of the heating time. Also, in the normal pressure menu, when the heating amount set exceeds the threshold heating amount, the control device 70 may change the heating amount to the threshold heating amount. Also, in the case where the heating amount set is less than the threshold heating amount, the control device 70 may change the heating amount to a smaller value. Alternatively, the control device 70 may derive a value of the heating amount at which the dew receiver 22 does not overflow, and change the heating amount to the derived value, so that cooking can be continued until the end of the heating time.

[0100] Furthermore, the control device 70 may suppress the amount of steam generation by changing the heating time when the water level in the dew receiver 22 detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level. In the reduced pressure menu, the control device 70 may shorten the heating time so that cooking can be continued at the set heating temperature. For example, the control device 70 may change the heating time to the threshold heating time when the heating time exceeds the threshold heating time. In addition, the control device 70 may change the heating time to a shorter value when the heating time is less than the threshold heating time. Alternatively, the control device 70 may derive a value of the heating time at which the dew receiver 22 does not overflow even if cooking is continued at the set heating temperature, and change the heating time to the derived value. In addition, in the normal pressure menu, the control device 70 may shorten the heating time so that cooking can be continued at the set amount of heat. For example, the control device 70 may change the heating time to the threshold heating time when the heating time exceeds the threshold heating time. In addition, the control device 70 may change the heating time to a shorter value when the heating time is less than the threshold heating time. Alternatively, the control device 70 may derive a heating time value that will not cause the dew tray 22 to overflow even if cooking is continued with the set amount of heat, and change the heating time to the derived value.

[0101] When the water level in the dew receiver 22 detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the control device 70 may cause the display unit 16 to notify that the water level in the dew receiver 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold water level. In addition, the control device 70 may also cause the display unit 16 to notify information that prompts the user to change at least one of the values ​​of the first condition and the second condition input to the operation unit 15 to a value smaller than the input value and input the changed value to the operation unit 15. The control device 70 may also control the operation unit 15 to accept input of values ​​smaller than the values ​​already input for the heating temperature, heating time, and heating amount already input to the operation unit 15.

[0102] In addition, in the case of the decompression menu, the control device 70 may notify the display unit 16 that the water level in the dew receiver 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold water level, and may notify the operation unit 15 to input which of the heating time or heating temperature to be reduced. In this case, the control device 70 may derive and set a new value for either the heating time or heating temperature selected to be reduced so that the dew receiver 22 does not overflow. Specifically, when the operation unit 15 selects to reduce the heating time, the control device 70 derives a heating time value at which the dew receiver 22 does not overflow even if cooking is continued at the set heating temperature, and changes the heating time to the derived value. Alternatively, when the operation unit 15 selects to reduce the heating temperature, the control device 70 derives a heating temperature value at which the dew receiver 22 does not overflow so that cooking can be continued until the heating time ends, and changes the heating temperature to the derived value.

[0103] Furthermore, in the case of the normal pressure menu, when the control device 70 notifies the display unit 16 that the water level in the dew receiver 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold water level, the control device 70 may notify the operation unit 15 to input which of the heating time or the heating amount to be reduced. In this case, the control device 70 may derive and set a new value for either the heating time or the heating amount selected to be reduced so that the dew receiver 22 does not overflow. Specifically, when the operation unit 15 selects to reduce the heating time value, the control device 70 derives a heating time value that will not cause the dew receiver 22 to overflow even if cooking is continued with the set heating amount, and changes the heating time to the derived value. Alternatively, when the operation unit 15 selects to reduce the heating amount value, the control device 70 derives a heating amount value that will not cause the dew receiver 22 to overflow so that cooking can be continued until the heating time ends, and changes the heating amount to the derived value.

[0104] Furthermore, when the water level in the dew receiver 22 detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or higher than the threshold water level and a reduced pressure cooking menu is being executed, the control device 70 may reduce the amount of steam generated by shortening the drive time of the reduced pressure pump 33. For example, when the user inputs a drive time of the reduced pressure pump 33 when inputting a cooking instruction, the control device 70 may display information on the display unit 16 urging the user to change the drive time of the reduced pressure pump 33 to a smaller value and input the smaller value to the operation unit 15. In this case, the control device 70 may control the operation unit 15 so that a value less than the set drive time of the reduced pressure pump 33 can be input as a new drive time.

[0105] Alternatively, the control device 70 may cause the display unit 16 to notify that the water level in the dew receiver 22 is equal to or higher than the threshold water level, and may cause the operation unit 15 to input which of the heating time, heating temperature, or drive time of the decompression pump 33 to be reduced. When the operation unit 15 selects to reduce the value of the drive time of the decompression pump 33, the control device 70 derives a value of the drive time of the decompression pump 33 at which the dew receiver 22 will not overflow even if cooking is continued at the set heating time and heating temperature, and changes the drive time of the decompression pump 33 to the derived value. Furthermore, when two items of the heating time, heating temperature, and drive time of the decompression pump 33 are selected to be reduced, the control device 70 derives new values ​​for the two selected items so that the dew receiver 22 will not overflow, and changes the values ​​of the two selected items to the derived values. Note that the control device 70 may control the operation unit 15 so that it is not possible to select to reduce all of the values ​​of the heating time, heating temperature, and decompression pump 33.

[0106] (Operation of the condensation pipe opening and closing valve) When the value detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold condensation conduit water level, the control device 70 can close the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35. In this way, even if condensation water flows into the cartridge 21 or occurs in the cartridge 21 during cooking, the condensation water does not flow out of the cartridge 21, so that the water level of the dew receiver 22 can be prevented from rising. When the water level of the dew receiver 22 is equal to or greater than the threshold condensation conduit water level, the control device 70 derives an expected amount of condensation water that will be generated before the heating time ends. When the control device 70 determines that the dew receiver 22 will overflow before the heating time ends based on the remaining capacity of the dew receiver 22 and the expected amount of condensation water, it may determine whether the expected amount of condensation water can be held in the cartridge 21. Then, when the control device 70 determines that the expected amount of condensation water can be held in the cartridge 21, it may close the condensation conduit opening / closing valve 35 and cause the cartridge 21 to function as a second dew receiver. In addition, when the cartridge 21 is made to function as a second dew receiver, when the lid is opened after cooking is completed, the condensed water held in the cartridge 21 flows out from the outer lid vent 13 and the gap in the lid. For this reason, the control device 70 may cause the display unit 16 to display information urging the user to remove the cartridge 21 and discard the condensed water in the cartridge 21 before opening the lid.

[0107] (Operation of the dew receiving evaporator) The control device 70 operates the dew-receiving / evaporating device 78 when the value detected by the water level sensor 24 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level. The control device 70 may temporarily change the set heating temperature or heating amount value according to the amount of moisture change in the dew receiver 22, i.e., the water level change, detected by the water level sensor 24 while the dew-receiving / evaporating device 78 is in operation. For example, when the heating coil 3 is used as the dew-receiving / evaporating device 78, increasing the heating temperature or heating amount of the container 6 also increases the amount of steam generated. For this reason, the control device 70 controls the frequency of the high-frequency current supplied to the heating coil 3 within a range in which the amount of steam generated does not increase.

[0108] Furthermore, when the decompression pump 33 is used as the dew-receiving evaporation device 78, if the decompression pump 33 reduces the pressure not only in the dew receiver 22 but also in the container 6, the amount of steam generated in the container 6 increases. Therefore, when driving the decompression pump 33 as the dew-receiving evaporation device 78, the control device 70 may control the decompression pump 33 and the heating coil 3 so that the generation of steam in the container 6 does not increase due to the driving of the decompression pump 33.

[0109] The control device 70 may operate the dew receiver / evaporator 78 in a finishing step at the end of cooking, regardless of the value detected by the water level sensor 24. The finishing step refers to a state in which steam generation in the container 6 has settled down. By operating the dew receiver / evaporator 78, the amount of condensed water in the dew receiver 22 is reduced. Therefore, when the condensed water in the dew receiver 22 is discarded after cooking is completed, the condensed water is prevented from spilling out of the dew receiver 22.

[0110] (Heat cooking system) Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a cooking system 200 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the cooking device 100 is connected to a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller 81, a ventilation fan 201, an air conditioner 202, and a room temperature sensor 203 via a network 80, which is, for example, a home network. In the present disclosure, a configuration in which the cooking device 100 is connected to other devices via the network 80 is referred to as a cooking system 200. The cooking device 100 may be connected to devices other than the HEMS controller 81, the ventilation fan 201, the air conditioner 202, and the room temperature sensor 203 via the network 80.

[0111] The cooking appliance 100 may directly exchange information with other devices via the network 80, or may indirectly exchange information with other devices via the HEMS controller 81. The control device 70 controls the communication unit 72 (see FIG. 3) to exchange information between the cooking appliance 100 and the network 80.

[0112] In the cooking system 200, the cooker 100 can receive cooking instructions from an external device via the network 80. The control device 70 receives cooking instructions not from the operation unit 15 but from the communication unit 72. For example, the control device 70 downloads a predetermined recipe for automatically performing cooking from an external device via the network 80 and performs cooking according to the recipe. The recipe includes a cooking menu, and a heating time and a heating temperature or amount of heat corresponding to the cooking menu. If the cooking menu is a reduced pressure cooking menu, the recipe also includes the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33. The heating time, heating temperature, amount of heat, and driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33 determined by the recipe are a combination of values ​​that prevent the dew receiver 22 from overflowing. Therefore, the control device 70 performs cooking according to the recipe, thereby preventing the dew receiver 22 from overflowing.

[0113] In the cooking system 200, the ventilation fan 201 may be operated when the dew receiving and evaporating device 78 is operating in the cooker 100. The ventilation fan 201 is provided in a location where the air in the space in which the cooker 100 is installed can be ventilated. For example, when the control device 70 of the cooker 100 operates the dew receiving and evaporating device 78, it is preferable that the control device 70 transmits an instruction to the HEMS controller 81 or the ventilation fan 201 to operate the ventilation fan 201.

[0114] In addition, in the cooking system 200, when the room temperature of the space in which the cooking appliance 100 is installed is less than a predetermined threshold room temperature, the air conditioner 202 may be operated to raise the room temperature. In this case, the room temperature of the space in which the cooking appliance 100 is installed is detected by the temperature detection device 79 of the cooking appliance 100 or the room temperature sensor 203 provided in the cooking system 200. The room temperature sensor 203 may be provided in the cooking appliance 100 or the air conditioner 202 as long as it can detect the room temperature of the space in which the cooking appliance 100 is installed. For example, the value detected by the room temperature sensor 203 may be transmitted to the cooking appliance 100 or the HEMS controller 81, and the device that receives the value detected by the room temperature sensor 203 may determine whether the value is less than the threshold room temperature and transmit an instruction to the air conditioner 202 to raise the room temperature. The value detected by the room temperature sensor 203 may also be transmitted to the air conditioner 202. In this case, the air conditioner 202 determines whether the room temperature is below the threshold room temperature, and if the room temperature is below the threshold room temperature, operates to make the room temperature equal to or higher than the threshold room temperature. Note that in this disclosure, the ventilator fan 201 and the air conditioner 202 may be collectively referred to as an air conditioner.

[0115] The effects of the cooking device 100 and cooking system 200 according to the embodiment will be described below. The cooking device 100 according to the embodiment includes a container 6 for accommodating food to be cooked, a lid body that can be opened and closed with respect to the opening of the container 6, a heating device for heating the container, a dew receiver 22 for holding condensed water formed by condensation of steam generated in the container 6, an input unit for receiving input, and a control device 70 for controlling the heating device based on cooking instructions. The cooking instructions include a cooking menu input to the input unit, a first condition input to the input unit corresponding to the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition. One of the first condition and the second condition is a heating time, and the upper limit value of the value set as the second condition differs depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition. Here, the lid body has an inner lid 8 and an outer lid 10, the heating coil 3 is an example of a heating device, and the operation unit 15 is an example of an input unit.

[0116] According to the cooking device 100 of the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the value of the second condition set after the first condition varies depending on the input cooking menu and the value of the first condition corresponding thereto. This makes it possible to prevent condensation water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22 during cooking. Specifically, for example, by setting the value of the second condition so as to suppress the amount of steam generation in combination with the value of the first condition depending on the magnitude of the input value of the first condition, even if steam flowing out from the container 6 during cooking is condensed and becomes condensation water, it can be held in the dew receiver 22.

[0117] In one aspect of the embodiment, the first condition is heating time, and the second condition is heating power or heating temperature, and the control device 70 has a first setting mode and a second setting mode, which has a different value from the first setting mode, as setting modes for setting the value of the second condition. The control device 70 selects the first setting mode when the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, and selects the second setting mode when the input value of the first condition is equal to or larger than the threshold value. When the second setting mode is selected, the control device 70 sets the value of the second condition so that the amount of heat per unit time is smaller than when the first setting mode is selected.

[0118] When the value of the first condition is equal to or greater than a threshold value, i.e., when the amount of steam generated under the first condition is large, the value of the second condition can be set to reduce the amount of heat per unit time, thereby suppressing the amount of steam generated during cooking.

[0119] In this embodiment, the device further includes a decompression pump 33 that is controlled by the control device to decompress the inside of the container. When the input cooking menu is a decompression cooking menu including a step of driving the decompression pump 33, the first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is the driving time for driving the decompression pump 33. The control device 70 has a first setting mode and a second setting mode, the magnitude of which is different from that of the first setting mode, as setting modes for setting the value of the second condition, and selects the first setting mode when the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, and selects the second setting mode when the input value of the first condition is equal to or larger than the threshold value. When the second setting mode is selected, the value of the second condition is set to be smaller than when the first setting mode is selected.

[0120] In this way, when the value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, i.e., when the amount of steam generated due to the first condition is large, the amount of steam generated during cooking can be suppressed by setting the drive time of the pressure reduction pump 33 to a smaller value.

[0121] In another aspect of this embodiment, the first condition includes heat or temperature, the second condition is heating time, the input unit accepts input of the value of the second condition, and the control device sets the value input into the input unit as the value of the second condition, and the upper limit value of the value of the second condition accepted by the input unit differs depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu.

[0122] In this embodiment, the upper limit value accepted by the input unit as the value of the second condition is made different between the first input mode and the second input mode depending on the value of the first condition. If the value of the first condition is large and the value of the second condition is also large, for example, cooking is performed with a long heating time and high heat, and the amount of steam generated increases, which may cause condensation water to overflow from the dew receiver 22. In this embodiment, when the value of the first condition is large, the control device 70 selects the second input mode to adjust the upper limit value of the value of the second condition so that it does not become large. Since the upper limit value of the value of the second condition is adjusted depending on the value of the first condition, cooking can be prevented from being performed under a combination of the first condition and the second condition that may generate steam exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22 during cooking.

[0123] Furthermore, the cooking device 100 of this embodiment includes a decompression pump 33 that is controlled by the control device 70 to reduce the pressure inside the container 60, and when the input cooking menu is a decompression cooking menu including a step of driving the decompression pump 33, the first condition is the drive time for driving the decompression pump, and the second condition is the heating time. The input unit receives an input of the value of the second condition, and the upper limit value of the second condition received by the input unit differs depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu.

[0124] According to this embodiment, for example, in the case where the first condition is that the driving time of the pressure reducing pump 33 is long and steam is likely to be generated, the amount of steam generated during cooking can be suppressed by reducing the upper limit value of the heating time that can be input as the second condition.

[0125] The upper limit of the value of the second condition that can be input in the first input mode is smaller than the upper limit of the value of the second condition that can be input in the second input mode. In the reduced pressure cooking menu, by accepting the upper limit of the value of the second condition in the first input mode, cooking is performed with a combination of heating time and heating temperature that is unlikely to generate steam exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22. However, even with such a combination of heating time and heating temperature, the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33 may be extended, which may generate steam exceeding the capacity of the dew receiver 22 during cooking. Therefore, the control device 70 reduces the amount of steam generated during cooking by shortening the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33 when the first input mode is selected compared to the driving time of the reduced pressure pump 33 when the second input mode is selected.

[0126] Moreover, the cooking device 100 according to the embodiment includes a temperature detector 79 for detecting the ambient temperature. When the detected ambient temperature is below a predetermined threshold ambient temperature, the control device 70 may set the upper limit of the heating time, which is the second condition received by the input unit, to the same value regardless of the value of the first condition. That is, when the ambient temperature is below the threshold ambient temperature, the upper limit of the heating time input by the user is set to a constant value. In this case, the constant value is a value that can prevent the overflow of condensation water from the dew receiver 22 even if the value of the first condition is a value that generates a large amount of steam. If the upper limit of the heating time as the second condition is different depending on the ambient temperature, the user may be confused, but by setting the upper limit to the same value, the user's confusion can be reduced.

[0127] Moreover, the cooking device 100 according to the embodiment includes a temperature detector 79 for detecting the ambient temperature. When the detected ambient temperature is less than a predetermined threshold ambient temperature, the control device 70 selects the second setting mode for setting the second condition, regardless of the value of the first condition. In the cooking device 100, the lower the temperature of the cooking device 100 itself, the greater the amount of steam generated during cooking that condenses into condensed water. When the ambient temperature is less than the threshold ambient temperature, the control device 70 according to the embodiment accepts the upper limit value of the value of the second condition in the second input mode. Since the upper limit value of the value of the second condition that can be input in the second input mode is smaller than the upper limit value of the value of the second condition that can be input in the first input mode, as a result, the upper limit of the heating time, heating temperature, or heating amount is limited. This makes it possible to suppress the amount of steam generated during cooking.

[0128] Moreover, the cooking device 100 of this embodiment further includes a water level sensor 24 that detects the water level in the dew receiver 22. When the water level detected after the start of heating by the heating device is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the control device 70 changes at least one of the values ​​of the set first condition and second condition to a smaller value. In this way, the amount of steam generated during cooking due to the value of the first condition or the second condition is suppressed, and this makes it possible to suppress the overflow of condensed water from the dew receiver 22.

[0129] Moreover, the cooking device 100 according to the embodiment further includes a notification unit that notifies information. When the detected water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the notification unit may notify that the water level is equal to or higher than the threshold water level, and may also notify information that prompts the user to change at least one of the values ​​of the first condition and the second condition inputted to the input unit to a value smaller than the input value and input it to the input unit. Here, the display unit 16 is an example of the notification unit. In this configuration, in response to the information notified to the notification unit, the user can input a new smaller value for at least one of the values ​​of the heating time, the heating temperature, the heating power, and the driving time of the decompression pump 33 that were inputted as the first condition and the second condition before cooking is executed, thereby reducing at least one of the set values. This reduces the amount of steam generated, and the overflow of condensation water from the dew receiver 22 can be suppressed.

[0130] Moreover, the cooking appliance 100 according to the embodiment further includes a dew receiver-evaporator 78 that promotes evaporation of condensed water in the dew receiver 22. The dew receiver-evaporator 78 operates when the detected water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level. The operation of the dew receiver-evaporator 78 promotes evaporation of the condensed water in the dew receiver 22, thereby reducing the amount of condensed water in the dew receiver 22. This makes it possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22 during cooking.

[0131] Moreover, the decompression pump 33 in the embodiment is configured to reduce the pressure inside the container 6 and the inside of the dew receiver 22. The decompression pump 33 operates when the dew receiver evaporator 78 is operated. The operation of the decompression pump 33 reduces the pressure inside the dew receiver 22, promoting the evaporation of condensed water. The simultaneous operation of the dew receiver evaporator 78 and the decompression pump 33 reduces the amount of condensed water in the dew receiver 22, making it possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22 during cooking.

[0132] Moreover, the cooking system 200 according to the embodiment includes the cooking appliance 100 equipped with the dew receiver-evaporator 78, and the ventilator fan 201 that operates when the dew receiver-evaporator 78 is operating. The operation of the ventilator fan 201 when the dew receiver-evaporator 78 is operating promotes evaporation of the condensed water in the dew receiver 22, and reduces the amount of condensed water in the dew receiver 22. This makes it possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing from the dew receiver 22 while the cooking appliance 100 is performing cooking.

[0133] Moreover, the cooking system 200 according to the embodiment includes the cooking device 100 and an air conditioner that performs ventilation or temperature adjustment so that the room temperature of the space in which the cooking device 100 is installed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold room temperature. Here, the ventilator 201 is an example of an air conditioner that performs ventilation, and the air conditioner 202 is an example of an air conditioner that performs temperature adjustment. When the room temperature of the space in which the cooking device 100 is installed becomes lower than the threshold room temperature, the temperature of the cooking device 100 itself decreases, and the amount of condensation water generated during cooking increases. For this reason, the air conditioner operates so that the room temperature of the space in which the cooking device 100 is installed becomes equal to or higher than the threshold room temperature, thereby increasing the temperature of the cooking device 100 itself, and suppressing the amount of condensation water generated during cooking by the cooking device 100. As a result, it is possible to suppress the overflow of condensation water from the dew receiver 22 during cooking by the cooking device 100.

[0134] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0135] (Appendix 1) A container for accommodating food to be cooked; A lid that can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the container; A heating device for heating the container; a dew receiver for holding condensed water formed by condensation of steam generated in the container; An input unit that accepts input; A control device that controls the heating device based on a cooking instruction; Equipped with the cooking instructions include a cooking menu input to the input unit, a first condition input to the input unit corresponding to the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition, One of the first condition and the second condition is a heating time, The upper limit of the value set as the second condition varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition. Heating cooker. (Appendix 2) The first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is a heating power or a heating temperature, the control device has, as a setting mode for setting the value of the second condition, a first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the magnitude of the value is different from that of the first setting mode, When the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, the first setting mode is selected; When the input value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the second setting mode is selected; When the second setting mode is selected, the value of the second condition is set so that the amount of heat per unit time is smaller than when the first setting mode is selected. 2. A heating cooker as described in appended claim 1. (Appendix 3) A pressure reducing pump is further provided to reduce the pressure inside the container under the control of the control device. When the input cooking menu is a reduced pressure cooking menu including a step of driving the reduced pressure pump, the first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is a drive time for driving the decompression pump, the control device has, as a setting mode for setting the value of the second condition, a first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the magnitude of the value is different from that of the first setting mode, When the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, the first setting mode is selected; When the input value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the second setting mode is selected; When the second setting mode is selected, the value of the second condition is set to be smaller than that when the first setting mode is selected. 2. A heating cooker as described in appended claim 1. (Appendix 4) The first condition includes heating power or temperature, and the second condition is the heating time, the input unit receives an input of a value of the second condition, and the control device sets the value input to the input unit as the value of the second condition, The upper limit of the value of the second condition accepted by the input unit varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu. 2. A heating cooker as described in appended claim 1. (Appendix 5) the input unit has a first input mode and a second input mode as input modes for receiving an input of the value of the second condition, the upper limit value of the value of the second condition accepted in the second input mode is smaller than the upper limit value of the value of the second condition accepted in the first input mode, Either the first input mode or the second input mode is selected depending on the value of the first condition. 5. A heating cooker as described in appended claim 4. (Appendix 6) A pressure reducing pump is further provided to reduce the pressure inside the container under the control of the control device. When the input cooking menu is a reduced pressure cooking menu including a step of driving the reduced pressure pump, the first condition is a driving time for driving the decompression pump, and the second condition is a heating time, The input unit accepts an input of a value of the second condition, The upper limit value of the second condition accepted by the input unit varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu. 2. A heating cooker as described in appended claim 1. (Appendix 7) Further comprising a temperature detector for detecting an ambient temperature; When the detected ambient temperature is less than a predetermined threshold ambient temperature, the control device sets the upper limit value of the second condition received by the input unit to the same value regardless of the value of the first condition. A cooking device according to any one of claims 4 to 6. (Appendix 8) Further comprising a temperature detector for detecting an ambient temperature; The control device executes the second setting mode regardless of the value of the first condition when the sensed ambient temperature is less than a predetermined threshold ambient temperature. 4. The cooking device according to claim 2 or 3. (Appendix 9) Further comprising a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the dew receiver; When the water level detected after the heating device starts heating is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the control device changes at least one of the first and second conditions to a smaller value. A cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) A water level sensor that detects the water level in the dew receiver; A notification unit that notifies information; Further equipped with When the water level detected after the heating device starts heating is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the notification unit notifies the user of information that prompts the user to change at least one of the first condition and the second condition to a smaller value and input the changed value into the input unit. A cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) A water level sensor that detects the water level in the dew receiver; a dew receiving evaporation device for accelerating evaporation of the condensation water in the dew receiving device; Further equipped with The dew receiving and evaporating device operates when the detected water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level. A cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) The decompression pump is configured to reduce pressure in the interior of the container and in the dew receiver, The decompression pump operates when the dew receiving and evaporating device operates. A cooking device according to claim 11 which is dependent on claim 3 or claim 6. (Appendix 13) A cooking device according to claim 11 or 12, a ventilation fan that operates when the dew receiving and evaporating device is operating; Equipped with Heating and cooking system. (Appendix 14) A cooking device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, an air conditioner that performs ventilation or temperature adjustment so that the room temperature of the space in which the cooking appliance is installed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold room temperature; Equipped with Heating and cooking system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 main body, 2 container cover, 3 heating coil, 4 bottom temperature sensor, 5 compression spring, 6 container, 6a flange portion, 7 hinge, 8 inner lid, 9 lid gasket, 10 outer lid, 11 lid temperature sensor, 12 pressure detection portion, 13 outer lid vent, 14 lid inner space communication passage, 15 operation portion, 16 display portion, 21 cartridge, 21a steam vent communication port, 21b atmospheric vent communication port, 21c pump communication port, 21d condensation duct communication port, 22 dew receiver, 23 condensation duct, 24 water level sensor, 30 steam exhaust valve, 31 atmospheric communication path opening / closing valve, 32 pressure reduction path switching valve, 32a first connection port, 32b second connection port, 32c third connection port, 33 pressure reduction pump, 33a suction port, 33b discharge port, 35 Condensation conduit opening / closing valve, 41 temperature sensor hole, 42 pressure detection hole, 43 steam hole, 44 atmosphere hole, 45 pump hole, 51 temperature sensor hole packing, 52 pressure detection hole packing, 53 steam hole packing, 54 atmosphere hole packing, 55 pump hole packing, 61 steam path, 62 atmosphere path, 63 connection path, 64 suction path, 65 discharge path, 70 control device, 71 inverter, 72 communication unit, 73 bus, 74 processor, 75 memory, 76 input interface circuit, 77 output interface circuit, 78 dew receiving evaporator, 79 temperature detection device, 80 network, 81 HEMS controller, 100 cooking appliance, 200 cooking system, 201 ventilation fan, 202 air conditioner, 203 room temperature sensor, 300 commercial power source.

Claims

1. A container for accommodating food to be cooked; A lid that can be opened and closed relative to the opening of the container; A heating device for heating the container; a dew receiver for holding condensed water formed by condensation of steam generated in the container; An input unit that accepts input; A control device that controls the heating device based on a cooking instruction; Equipped with the cooking instruction includes a cooking menu input to the input unit, a first condition input to the input unit corresponding to the cooking menu, and a second condition set after the first condition, One of the first condition and the second condition is a heating time, The upper limit of the value set as the second condition varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition. Heating cooker.

2. The first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is a heating power or a heating temperature, the control device has, as setting modes for setting the value of the second condition, a first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the magnitude of the value is different from that in the first setting mode, When the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, the first setting mode is selected; When the input value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the second setting mode is selected; When the second setting mode is selected, the value of the second condition is set so that the amount of heat per unit time is smaller than that when the first setting mode is selected. The cooking device according to claim 1.

3. A pressure reducing pump is further provided to reduce the pressure inside the container under the control of the control device. When the input cooking menu is a reduced pressure cooking menu including a step of driving the reduced pressure pump, the first condition is the heating time, and the second condition is a drive time for driving the decompression pump, the control device has, as setting modes for setting the value of the second condition, a first setting mode and a second setting mode in which the magnitude of the value is different from that in the first setting mode, When the input value of the first condition is smaller than a threshold value, the first setting mode is selected; When the input value of the first condition is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the second setting mode is selected; When the second setting mode is selected, the value of the second condition is set to be smaller than that when the first setting mode is selected. The cooking device according to claim 1.

4. The first condition includes heating power or temperature, and the second condition is the heating time, the input unit receives an input of a value of the second condition, and the control device sets the value input to the input unit as the value of the second condition, The upper limit of the value of the second condition accepted by the input unit varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu. The cooking device according to claim 1.

5. the input unit has a first input mode and a second input mode as input modes for receiving an input of the value of the second condition, the upper limit value of the value of the second condition accepted in the second input mode is smaller than the upper limit value of the value of the second condition accepted in the first input mode, Either the first input mode or the second input mode is selected depending on the value of the first condition. The cooking device according to claim 4.

6. A pressure reducing pump is further provided to reduce the pressure inside the container under the control of the control device. When the input cooking menu is a reduced pressure cooking menu including a step of driving the reduced pressure pump, the first condition is a driving time for driving the decompression pump, and the second condition is a heating time, The input unit accepts an input of a value of the second condition, The upper limit value of the second condition accepted by the input unit varies depending on the magnitude of the value of the first condition input corresponding to the cooking menu. The cooking device according to claim 1.

7. Further comprising a temperature detector for detecting an ambient temperature; When the detected ambient temperature is less than a predetermined threshold ambient temperature, the control device sets the upper limit value of the second condition received by the input unit to the same value regardless of the value of the first condition. The cooking device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. Further comprising a temperature detector for detecting an ambient temperature; The controller executes the second setting mode regardless of the value of the first condition when the sensed ambient temperature is less than a predetermined threshold ambient temperature. The cooking device according to claim 2 or 3.

9. Further comprising a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the dew receiver; When the water level detected after the heating device starts heating is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the control device changes at least one of the first and second conditions to a smaller value. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A water level sensor that detects the water level in the dew receiver; A notification unit that notifies information; Further equipped with When the water level detected after the start of heating by the heating device is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level, the notification unit notifies information that prompts the user to change at least one of the values ​​of the first condition and the second condition to a smaller value and input the changed value into the input unit. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. A water level sensor that detects the water level in the dew receiver; a dew receiving evaporation device for accelerating evaporation of the condensation water in the dew receiving device; Further equipped with The dew receiving and evaporating device operates when the detected water level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold water level. The cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The decompression pump is configured to reduce pressure in the interior of the container and in the dew receiver, The decompression pump operates when the dew receiving and evaporating device operates. A cooking device according to claim 11 dependent on claim 3.

13. The cooking device according to claim 11, a ventilation fan that operates when the dew receiving and evaporating device is operating; Equipped with Heating and cooking system.

14. A cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an air conditioner that performs ventilation or temperature adjustment so that the room temperature of the space in which the cooking appliance is installed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold room temperature; Equipped with Heating and cooking system.

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