Heating cooker

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker which achieves power saving of pre-heating processing.SOLUTION: A heating cooker 100 includes a heating chamber 1A, a heater 62, a detection part 41, and a control part 70. The heater 62 heats the inside of the heating chamber 1A. The detection part detects the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A. The control part 70 controls the heater 62. Then, the control part 70 executes practical heating processing and preheating processing. In the practical heating processing, food is heated and cooked according to the cooking condition set for cooking the food. In preheating processing, before and after the practical heating processing, the inside of the heating chamber 1A is continuously heated. Furthermore, in the preheating processing, the control part 70 controls the heater 62 so that the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A becomes the set temperature, based on the detection result of the detection part 41, and during execution of the preheating, changes the set temperature to a second preheating temperature that is lower than the first preheating temperature based on the predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking appliance.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a cooking appliance that heats and cooks food with a heater. In the cooking appliance of Patent Document 1, a preheating process is performed to heat the inside of the heating chamber without putting food in it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when a cooking appliance is used in a store or the like, preheating may be performed for a long time until a customer's order is received. In such a case, there is a risk that the power consumption required for the preheating process increases.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a cooking appliance that realizes power saving in the preheating process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cooking heater of the present disclosure includes a heating chamber, a heater, a detection unit, and a heating control unit. The heating chamber houses food inside. The heater heats the inside of the heating chamber. The detection unit detects the temperature inside the heating chamber. The heating control unit controls the heater. And the heating control unit executes the main heating process and the preheating process. In the main heating process, the food is cooked by heating according to the cooking conditions set for cooking the food. In the preheating process, before and after the main heating process, the inside of the heating chamber is continuously heated. Further, in the preheating process, the heating control unit controls the heater based on the detection result of the detection unit so that the temperature inside the heating chamber becomes a set temperature, and during the execution of the preheating process, the set temperature is changed to a second preheating temperature lower than the first preheating temperature based on a predetermined condition.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the cooking heater of the present disclosure, power saving in the preheating process can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cooking heater 100 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] (1) Hardware Configuration of Cooking Heater 100 With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cooking heater 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cooking heater 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1.

[0011] The cooking heater 100 cooks a heated object. The heated object is, for example, food. As shown in FIG. 1, the cooking heater 100 includes a heating chamber 1A, a housing 1, and an operation panel 17.

[0012] In the present embodiment, in a plan view, the side on which the operation panel 17 of the cooking heater 100 is arranged is defined as the front X1 (see FIG. 3), and the opposite side is defined as the rear X2. Also, when the cooking heater 100 is viewed from the front X1, the left side is defined as the left Y1, and the opposite side is defined as the right Y2. Further, in the vertical direction Z orthogonal to the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y of the cooking heater 100, the side on which the operation panel 17 is arranged is defined as the upper Z1, and the opposite side is defined as the lower Z2.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 1 houses a heating chamber 1A. The housing 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an opening at the front X1. The housing 1 is closed by a door 18. The door 18 is rotatably supported about a rotation axis whose left end Y1 extends in the vertical direction Z. The door 18 can open and close the heating chamber 1A. The housing 1 has an upper wall 11, a left wall 12, a right wall 13, a bottom wall 14, a front wall 15, and a rear wall 16.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a placement portion 182 is disposed inside the housing 1. An object to be heated is placed on the placement portion 182. Note that the placement portion 182 may not be disposed inside the housing 1.

[0015] The heating chamber 1A forms a storage space for an object to be heated inside the cooking appliance 100. Food, which is an object to be heated, is stored inside the heating chamber 1A.

[0016] The operation panel 17 receives input operations from the user. For example, the operation panel 17 receives input operations from the user regarding the cooking conditions of the main heating process. The cooking conditions include a cooking temperature and a cooking time. The operation panel 17 is disposed above Z1 and in front of X1 of the heating chamber 1A. The operation panel 17 is an example of an operation reception unit of the present invention.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 has, for example, a range heating mode, a grill heating mode, and an oven heating mode as cooking modes. The range heating mode is a mode in which an object to be heated is cooked mainly by radiating microwaves into the heating chamber 1A. The grill heating mode is a mode in which an object to be heated is cooked mainly using radiant heating. The oven heating mode is a mode in which an object to be heated is cooked mainly using convection heating. Note that the cooking appliance 100 does not necessarily have all the cooking modes. For example, the cooking appliance 100 may not include the range heating mode.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating chamber 1A has an upper wall 101, a left wall 102, a right wall 103, a bottom wall 104, and a rear wall 105. The heating chamber 1A has a first accommodation portion 10A inside.

[0019] An intake port 106 and an outlet port 107 are formed in the rear wall 105. The intake port 106 is formed, for example, in the central portion of the rear wall 105. A plurality of outlet ports 107 are formed around the intake port 106. The outlet ports 107 are arranged, for example, in regions Y1 to the left, Y2 to the right, Z1 above, and Z2 below the intake port 106, respectively.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the cooking heater 100 has a duct 2. The duct 2 allows air to flow. The duct 2 communicates with the outside through an intake portion 211. The duct 2 allows the air that has entered from the outside through the intake portion 211 to flow into the interior of the cooking heater 100. The air that has entered the interior of the cooking heater 100 cools various electrical components that make up the cooking heater 100.

[0021] The duct 2 is formed between the housing 1 and the heating chamber 1A. The duct 2 has a first duct 21 and a second duct 22. The first duct 21 constitutes the upstream portion of the duct 2, and the second duct 22 constitutes the downstream portion of the duct 2.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the first duct 21 is located between the bottom wall 14 of the heating chamber 1A and the bottom wall 104 of the housing 1. An intake portion 211 for sucking air is arranged at the front-end portion X1 of the first duct 21. The first duct 21 extends along the front-rear direction X. The first duct 21 allows air to flow from the front X1 to the rear X2.

[0023] The second duct 22 is located between the rear wall 16 and the rear wall 105. An exhaust portion 221 for discharging air is arranged at the rear-end portion X2 of the second duct 22. The second duct 22 is connected to the rear-end portion X2 of the first duct 21. The second duct 22 extends along the vertical direction Z. The second duct 22 allows air to flow from the bottom Z2 to the top Z1. The air flowing through the second duct 22 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust portion 221.

[0024] The filter 3 filters dust contained in the air. The filter 3 is, for example, a rectangular non-woven fabric extending in the left-right direction Y. The filter 3 is arranged so as to block the intake portion 211. That is, the filter 3 is arranged at the intake portion 211 to filter the air.

[0025] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooking heater 100 will be further described. The cooking heater 100 includes a microwave supply unit 50, a convection unit 60, and a second fan 23.

[0026] The microwave supply unit 50 generates microwaves and supplies the microwaves to the heating chamber 1A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the microwave supply unit 50 includes an antenna 51, a waveguide 52, and a magnetron 53.

[0027] The antenna 51 stirs the microwaves. The antenna 51 radiates uniform microwaves toward the heating chamber 1A. A tray 54 is arranged above the antenna 51. The antenna 51 is housed in the first housing portion 10A.

[0028] The first housing portion 10A is arranged at the central portion of the bottom wall 104. The first housing portion 10A has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper portion. The opening above the first housing portion 10A in the Z1 direction is blocked by the tray 54. Considering the microwave permeability, the tray 54 is made of a ceramic material or a glass material.

[0029] The convection unit 60 circulates air inside the heating chamber 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the convection unit 60 includes a first fan 61, a heater 62, and a cover 63.

[0030] The cover 63 forms a second housing portion 10B between itself and the rear wall 105. The second housing portion 10B houses the first fan 61 and the heater 62. The cover 63 is fixed to the rear surface of the rear wall 105 in the X2 direction. A power supply portion 321 and a first drive portion 611 are arranged behind the cover 63 in the X2 direction.

[0031] The first fan 61 is a centrifugal fan. The first fan 61 sucks air from the suction port 106 and blows out air from the blowout port 107. The first fan 61 circulates the heated air in the heating chamber 1A.

[0032] The first drive unit 611 drives the first fan 61. As shown in FIG. 3, the driven first fan 61 sucks the air in the heating chamber 10 into the second housing portion 10B through the suction port 106. The driven first fan 61 blows out the air in the second housing portion 10B into the heating chamber 10 through the blowout port 107.

[0033] The heater 62 heats the interior of the heating chamber 1A. The heater 62 includes a first heater 62a disposed above the second housing portion 10B and a second heater 62b disposed below the second housing portion 10B. The energization unit 321 energizes the first heater 62a and the second heater 62b. The energized first heater 62a and second heater 62b heat the interior of the heating chamber 1A by heating the air in the second housing portion 10B.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the second fan 23 is disposed in the first duct 21. Specifically, the second fan 23 is located on the downstream side in the first duct 21 of the filter 3. The second fan 23 is driven by the second drive unit 231. The driven second fan 23 sucks external air from the intake portion 211. That is, the second fan 23 sucks air into the first duct 21 through the filter 3.

[0035] (2) Functional configuration of the cooking heater 100 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooking heater 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the cooking heater 100 further includes a control unit 70, a storage unit 71, an opening / closing sensor 72, a first timer 73, a second timer 74, a human sensor 40, and a detection unit 41.

[0036] The control unit 70 is a hardware circuit. The hardware circuit includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing the control program stored in the storage unit 71, the control unit 70 controls the power supply unit 321, the first drive unit 611, the second drive unit 231, the microwave supply unit 50, the operation panel 17, the storage unit 71, the open / close sensor 72, the first timer 73, the second timer 74, the human presence sensor 40, and the detection unit 41. The control unit 70 controls the heating process of the heater 62 by controlling the power supply to the power supply unit 321. The control unit 70 is an example of the heating control unit of the present invention.

[0037] The storage unit 71 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 71 stores a control program for controlling the operations of each part of the cooking heater 100. The storage unit 71 stores the information input by operating the operation panel 17.

[0038] The open / close sensor 72 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 18 in conjunction with the door 18. The open / close sensor 72 is provided around the door 18.

[0039] The human presence sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person near the cooking heater 100. For example, an ultrasonic sensor can be adopted for the human presence sensor 40.

[0040] The detection unit 41 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A. The control unit 70 performs feedback control with the set temperature as the target value using the value of the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A detected by the detection unit 41. That is, in the preheating process and the main heating process described later, the control unit 70 controls the heater 62 based on the detection result of the detection unit 41 so that the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A becomes the set temperature.

[0041] The first timer 73 measures the elapsed time since the timing when the cooking heater 100 last received an operation. For example, the first timer 73 measures time at the following timings under the control from the control unit 70. ·In response to the start of the preheating process, start measuring the elapsed time thereafter. ·In response to the operation panel 17 receiving an input operation from the user, reset the elapsed time count until then and newly start measuring the elapsed time thereafter. ·In response to the opening / closing sensor 72 detecting the opening / closing operation of the door 18, reset the elapsed time count until then and newly start measuring the elapsed time thereafter.

[0042] The second timer 74 measures the elapsed time from the timing when the presence of a person was last detected by the human presence sensor 40. For example, the second timer 74 measures time at the following timings under the control of the control unit 70. ·In response to the start of the preheating process, start measuring the elapsed time thereafter. ·In response to the human presence sensor 40 detecting a person around the cooking appliance 100, reset the elapsed time count until then, and in response to the subsequent non-detection of a person, newly start measuring the elapsed time thereafter.

[0043] (3) Outline of the processing of the cooking appliance 100 Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the outline of the processing of the cooking appliance 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the outline of the processing of a conventional cooking appliance 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the outline of the processing of the cooking appliance 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, in a conventional cooking appliance 100, preheating and main heating processes are performed. The preheating process is a process of preheating the interior after heating. The preheating process is a process of continuously heating the interior of the heating chamber 1A at the preheating temperature T P Thereafter. That is, the preheating process is mainly performed when no food is put into the heating chamber 1A. The preheating process is also performed after the previous main heating process and until the next main heating process starts.

[0045] Next, the main heating process is a process of cooking food according to the cooking conditions set by an input operation from the user at the preheating temperature TP a cooking temperature T higher than C This is a process of cooking food by heating at a temperature higher than the preheating temperature. That is, this heating process is mainly performed with the food placed in the heating chamber 1A. Generally, the cooking temperature is set higher than the preheating temperature.

[0046] By the way, in the conventional cooker 100, the preheating process is always performed when this heating process is not being carried out. Therefore, if the time during which cooking of the food is not performed continues, there is a possibility that the power required for the preheating process increases.

[0047] To solve this problem, in the cooker 100 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of preheating temperatures are set. Specifically, in the cooker 100, a first preheating temperature T P1 and a second preheating temperature T P2 are set. The plurality of preheating temperatures are changed according to the usage situation of the cooker 100.

[0048] That is, during the execution of the preheating process, the control unit 70 changes the set temperature to a second preheating temperature T P1 lower than the first preheating temperature T P2 based on a predetermined condition (change condition). Therefore, the set temperature in the preheating process can be changed according to the usage situation of the cooker 100, and power saving in the preheating process can be achieved.

[0049] The first preheating temperature T P1 is the set temperature applied at the start of the preheating process. The first preheating temperature T P1 can also be called the normal preheating temperature. That is, the first preheating temperature T P1 is the set temperature of the preheating process in a situation where the cooker 100 is used with a relatively high frequency of use.

[0050] The second preheating temperature T P2 is the preheating temperature applied when the usage situation of the cooker 100 satisfies the change condition. For the second preheating temperature T P2 a temperature lower than the first preheating temperature T P1 is set. The second preheating temperature T P2can also be called the standby preheating temperature. That is, the second preheating temperature T P2 is the set temperature applied to suppress the power consumption of the cooking appliance 100 in the standby state where the cooking appliance 100 has not been used for a while.

[0051] The change conditions for the set temperature in the preheating process include, for example, the following. Condition 1: When the cooking appliance 100 is not operated for a certain period of time or more Condition 2: When there is no person around the cooking appliance 100 for a certain period of time or more

[0052] In this embodiment, Condition 1 and Condition 2 are set as or conditions. That is, when either condition is satisfied, the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking appliance 100 satisfies the change conditions. Note that a plurality of change conditions may be set as and conditions. In this case, the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking appliance 100 satisfies the change conditions when all of the plurality of change conditions are satisfied.

[0053] Here, Condition 1 will be described in detail. When following Condition 1, during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature T P1 , when the elapsed time until the cooking appliance 100 is operated by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold value (the first time threshold value), the set temperature is changed from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 . In other words, the control unit 70 detects that the cooking appliance 100 has not been used for a certain period of time and lowers the set temperature in the preheating process. Therefore, in a situation where the cooking appliance 100 has not been used for a while, the power required for the preheating process can be reduced.

[0054] The elapsed time at this time is measured by the first timer 73. Note that the value of the first time threshold value can be arbitrarily set. Here, the operation on the cooking appliance 100 in Condition 1 includes any of the following. Operation 1) Input operation from the user to the operation panel 17 Operation 2) Opening and closing operation of the door 18 by the user

[0055] That is, when following Condition 1 regarding Operation 1, the control unit 70, during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature T P1 , when the elapsed time from the start of the preheating process until the operation panel 17 accepts an input operation exceeds the first time threshold value, changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 . Thus, in a situation where no operation has been performed on the operation panel 17 for a while, the power required for the preheating process can be reduced.

[0056] On the other hand, when following Condition 1 regarding Operation 2, the control unit 70, during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature T P1 , when the elapsed time from the start of the preheating process until the door 18 is opened and closed exceeds the first time threshold value, changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 .

[0057] Also, as shown in the lower figure of FIG. 6, when the control unit 70 is performing the preheating process at the second preheating temperature T P2 , if the usage status of the heating cooker 100 no longer satisfies Condition 1, the set temperature in the preheating process is changed again from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 .

[0058] Specifically, the control unit 70, in response to the user operating either the operation panel 17 or the door 18, changes the set temperature in the preheating process from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 . This is because, due to the operation on the heating cooker 100, it no longer corresponds to a state where the heating cooker 100 has not been operated for a certain period of time or more.

[0059] Note that the determination for returning the set temperature in the preheating process from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 may be performed at a fixed cycle or in response to the occurrence of a corresponding event (such as an operation of the operation panel 17 by the user).

[0060] Next, condition 2 will be described in detail. Condition 2 is determined using the sensing result regarding the presence of people around the cooking appliance 100 by the human sensor 40. The control unit 70 sets the set temperature to the first preheating temperature T P1 when, during the execution of the preheating process at, the elapsed time from the start of the preheating process until the presence of a person is detected by the human sensor 40 exceeds the second time threshold, the set temperature is changed from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 .

[0061] That is, since there is no person around the cooking appliance 100, the control unit 70 assumes that the cooking appliance 100 has not been used for a certain period of time and lowers the set temperature in the preheating process. Therefore, in a situation where there is no person around the cooking appliance 100 for a while, the power required for the preheating process can be reduced.

[0062] Note that the value of the second time threshold can be arbitrarily set. The first time threshold and the second time threshold may be the same value, or one may be larger than the other.

[0063] Also, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6, when the control unit 70 is performing the preheating process at the second preheating temperature T P2 and the usage status of the cooking appliance 100 no longer satisfies condition 2, the control unit 70 changes the set temperature in the preheating process from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 .

[0064] Specifically, in response to the detection of the presence of a person around the cooking appliance 100 by the human sensor 40, the control unit 70 changes the set temperature in the preheating process from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 . This is because when the human sensor 40 detects the presence of a person, it no longer corresponds to a state where there is no person around the cooking appliance 100 for a certain period of time or more.

[0065] Note that the set temperature in the preheating process is set to the second preheating temperature TP2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 The determination when returning to may be performed at a fixed cycle or in response to the occurrence of a corresponding event (detection of a person by the human sensor 40).

[0066] That is, the control unit 70 continuously determines whether the usage status of the cooking heater 100 satisfies the change condition during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature T P1 When the control unit 70 determines that the change condition is satisfied, the set temperature of the preheating process is changed from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 Furthermore, when the control unit 70 determines that the change condition is not satisfied thereafter, the set temperature of the preheating process is changed from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 to change.

[0067] In this way, by continuously changing the set temperature in the preheating process by the control unit 70, the preheating process can be performed at an appropriate set temperature according to the usage status of the cooking heater 100. The processing flow of such a cooking heater 100 will be described in detail below.

[0068] (4) Processing flow of the cooking heater 100 The processing flow of the cooking heater 100 will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 7, the processing flow of the preheating process will be described.

[0069] (4-1) Processing flow of the preheating process FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the preheating process of the cooking heater 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 70 starts the preheating process (step S101) in response to, for example, an ON operation of the power supply. Specifically, the control unit 70 controls the heater 62 to heat the inside of the heating chamber 1A with the first preheating temperature T P1 as the set temperature.

[0070] When the preheating process starts, the control unit 70 starts timing (step S102). The control unit 70 starts the first timer 73 to start timing the elapsed time (TimeA) until the cooking appliance 100 is operated. Also, the control unit 70 starts the second timer 74 to start timing the elapsed time (TimeB) until the next detection of the presence of a person.

[0071] After that, the control unit 70 determines whether there is an instruction to start the main heating process (step S103). Specifically, when the control unit 70 receives an instruction operation for the main heating process in the state of performing the preheating process (Yes in step S103), it performs the main heating process shown in FIG. 8 (see connector A). Details of the main heating process will be described later.

[0072] On the other hand, when the control unit 70 does not receive an instruction operation for the main heating process in the state of performing the preheating process (No in step S103), it determines whether it is necessary to change the set temperature in the preheating process (step S104). That is, it determines whether it is necessary to change the set temperature in the preheating process from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 . The determination of whether a change is necessary is periodically performed at a preset frequency.

[0073] In the determination of whether a change is necessary (step S104), the control unit 70 determines whether the usage status of the cooking appliance 100 satisfies the change condition. Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the elapsed time (TimeA) measured by the first timer 73 exceeds the first time threshold. Also, the control unit 70 determines whether the elapsed time (TimeB) measured by the second timer 74 exceeds the second time threshold.

[0074] And when the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking appliance 100 satisfies the change condition (Yes in step S105), it changes the set temperature in the preheating process from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2Change to (Step S106). That is, when the cooking heater 100 meets either Condition 1 or Condition 2, the control unit 70 changes the set temperature in the preheating process from the first preheating temperature T P1 to the second preheating temperature T P2 .

[0075] On the other hand, in the determination of whether change is necessary (Step S104), when the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking heater 100 does not meet the change condition (No in Step S105), it returns to the process of Step S103.

[0076] After changing the set temperature in the preheating process of Step S106, the control unit 70 determines whether there is an instruction for main heating (Step S107). Specifically, when the control unit 70 receives an instruction operation for the main heating process while continuing the preheating process at the second preheating temperature T P2 (Yes in Step S107), it performs the main heating process shown in FIG. 8 (refer to Connector A). Details of the main heating process will be described later.

[0077] On the other hand, when the control unit 70 does not receive an instruction operation for the main heating process while continuing the preheating process at the second preheating temperature T P2 (No in Step S107), it determines whether it is necessary to change the set temperature in the preheating process (Step S108). That is, it determines whether it is necessary to change the set temperature in the preheating process from the second preheating temperature T P2 back to the first preheating temperature T P1 . The determination of whether change is necessary is periodically performed at a preset frequency. Note that the determination of whether change is necessary may be performed triggered by the occurrence of an event related to the change condition.

[0078] In the determination of whether change is necessary (Step S108), the control unit 70 determines whether the usage status of the cooking heater 100 meets the change condition. Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the elapsed time (TimeA) measured by the first timer 73 exceeds the first time threshold. Also, the control unit 70 determines whether the elapsed time (TimeB) measured by the second timer 74 exceeds the second time threshold.

[0079] Thereafter, when the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking heater 100 does not satisfy the change condition regarding the set temperature (No in step S109), the set temperature in the preheating process is changed from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 (step S110).

[0080] That is, when the cooking heater 100 no longer satisfies both condition 1 and condition 2, the control unit 70 changes the set temperature in the preheating process to return from the second preheating temperature T P2 to the first preheating temperature T P1 . For example, this corresponds to the case where a person is detected near the cooking heater 100 or the cooking heater 100 receives some operation from the user.

[0081] After the control unit 70 returns the set temperature in the preheating process to the first preheating temperature T P2 from the second preheating temperature T P1 , it starts timing again (step S111). At this time, first, the control unit 70 resets the two elapsed times (TimeA, TimeB) measured by the first timer 73 and the second timer 74 respectively.

[0082] Thereafter, the control unit 70 restarts the first timer 73 to start measuring the elapsed time (TimeA) after the cooking heater 100 was last operated. Also, the control unit 70 restarts the second timer 74 to start measuring the elapsed time (TimeB) until the next timing when a person's presence is detected. Thereafter, the control unit 70 returns to the determination process in step S103.

[0083] On the other hand, in the determination of whether change is necessary (step S108), when the control unit 70 determines that the usage status of the cooking heater 100 satisfies the change condition regarding the set temperature (Yes in step S109), it returns to the determination process in step S107. That is, this corresponds to the case where the cooking heater 100 still does not receive any operation and no person is detected near the cooking heater 100.

[0084] At this time, the set temperature in the preheating process is maintained at the second preheating temperature T P2 . Then, until the instruction operation of this heating process is received or the power-off operation is received, the preheating process by the control unit 70 continues.

[0085] (4-2) Processing flow of this heating process Next, the main heating process performed after the preheating process will be described. As described above, the cooking heater 100 performs the preheating process at a plurality of preheating temperatures. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when starting this heating process, when the first preheating temperature T P1 close to the cooking temperature in this heating process is set, and when the second preheating temperature T P2 far from the cooking temperature is set.

[0086] And in the cooking heater 100 according to this embodiment, when starting this heating process, if the temperature of the heating chamber 1A is lower than a predetermined threshold value (temperature threshold value), heating correction is performed. Regarding the temperature threshold value, a temperature equal to or higher than the first preheating temperature T P1 and equal to or lower than the second preheating temperature T P2 is set. By performing the heating correction, the influence of the low temperature of the heating chamber 1A when starting this heating process can be suppressed.

[0087] Two heating corrections described below are set in the cooking heater 100 for this heating process. And the control unit 70 selects and executes one of the heating corrections based on the cooking conditions input from the user in the start operation of this heating condition. · Cooking time correction · Heater output correction Therefore, the cooking heater 100 can select an appropriate correction for this heating process according to the content of cooking.

[0088] First, cooking time correction is a process of correcting the cooking time included in the cooking conditions input from the user. Specifically, when starting this heat treatment, considering that the temperature of the heating chamber 1A is low, the actual cooking time is increased with respect to the cooking time specified by the user. Thereby, the influence of the low temperature of the heating chamber 1A at the start of this heat treatment on this heat treatment can be suppressed. Cooking time correction is a correction process suitable for cooking at a relatively high temperature, such as meat cooking.

[0089] Next, the heater 62 output correction is a correction performed on the output of the heater 62 that heats the inside of the heating chamber 1A toward the cooking temperature included in the cooking conditions input from the user. Specifically, when starting this heat treatment, considering that the temperature of the heating chamber 1A is low, the output of the heater 62 when heating to the cooking temperature specified by the user is increased compared to the output of the normal heater 62. Thereby, the influence of the low temperature of the heating chamber 1A at the start of this heat treatment on this heat treatment can be suppressed. The heater 62 output correction is a correction process suitable for cooking at a relatively low temperature, such as pizza cooking.

[0090] And in the cooking heater 100 according to this embodiment, a condition for performing cooking time correction (cooking time correction condition) is set in advance. The cooking time correction condition is that the cooking temperature included in the cooking conditions is the temperature corresponding to the maximum output of the heater 62. That is, in the case of foods that require cooking at a high temperature and performing correction of this heat treatment, the control unit 70 selects cooking time correction. For this reason, cooking time correction can be automatically selected for cooking at a high temperature suitable for cooking time correction. Such this heat treatment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing this heat treatment of the cooking heater 100. As shown in FIG. 8, in response to receiving an instruction operation for this heat treatment, the control unit 70 starts this heating. At this time, the control unit 70 first determines the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A (step S201).

[0092] In the temperature determination within the heating chamber 1A, when the temperature within the heating chamber 1A is not lower than the temperature threshold (No in step S202), the control unit 70 starts the main heating process without correction (step S203). The transition of the set temperature in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the temperature change in the main heating process without correction. In this explanation, as cooking conditions, the cooking time X and the cooking temperature T C are assumed to be input from the user. As shown in FIG. 9, at the start of the main heating process, the temperature within the heating chamber 1A is the first preheating temperature T P1 and when it is equal to or higher than the temperature threshold, the control unit 70 performs the main heating process based on the cooking time X and the cooking temperature T C input from the user.

[0094] In this case, the cooking time X specified by the user includes the following two times. · Cooking preparation time X1 · Cooking execution time X2

[0095] The cooking preparation time X1 refers to the time required for heating by the heater 62 from the temperature within the heating chamber 1A when the main heating process is started until the specified cooking temperature T C is reached. The cooking preparation time X1 depends on the output of the heater 62 and is the time required for preparation until cooking.

[0096] The cooking execution time X2 refers to the time during which actual heating (cooking) of the food is performed at the cooking temperature T C set as the main heating process. The cooking execution time X2 depends on the type of food to be heated and is the time required for cooking the food.

[0097] Then, from the start of the main heating process, at time t1 after the cooking preparation time X1 has elapsed, the temperature within the heating chamber 1A reaches the cooking temperature T C . That is, time t1 becomes the start time of the cooking execution time X2. After that, the control unit 70 maintains the cooking temperature T within the heating chamber 1A until the cooking execution time X2 has elapsed.C Maintain it, and at time t2 after the cooking execution time X2 has elapsed from time t1, the cooking is completed. That is, time t2 becomes the end time of the cooking time X and the cooking execution time X2. Thus, the uncorrected main heat treatment shown in step S203 of FIG. 8 is completed.

[0098] Next, in the temperature determination in the heating chamber 1A shown in step S201 of FIG. 8, when the temperature in the heating chamber 1A is lower than a predetermined temperature threshold (Yes in step S202), the control unit 70 starts the main heat treatment with correction. At this time, the control unit 70 selects the correction content (step S204). In the selection process of the correction content, based on the cooking conditions set by the user input operation as the main heat treatment, the control unit 70 automatically selects the correction content.

[0099] In the selection process of the correction content shown in step S204 of FIG. 8, when the cooking conditions set by the user satisfy the cooking time correction condition (Yes in step S205), the control unit 70 starts the main heat treatment by cooking time correction (step S206).

[0100] Specifically, when the cooking temperature T set by the user C is the temperature corresponding to the maximum output of the heater 62, the control unit 70 starts the main heat treatment by cooking time correction. The transition of the set temperature in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the temperature change in the main heat treatment by cooking time correction. In this explanation, assume that the cooking time X and the cooking temperature T C are input by the user as the cooking conditions. Also, in the illustrated example, the temperature in the heating chamber 1A at the start of the main heat treatment is the second preheating temperature T P2 which is lower than the temperature threshold.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 10, when performing this heat treatment with cooking time correction, the control unit 70 increases the cooking time X input from the user and performs this heat treatment. The control unit 70 heats the inside of the heating chamber 1A to the cooking temperature T C up to.

[0103] At this time, when compared with the above-described main heat treatment of FIG. 9, since the starting temperature is lower, the cooking preparation time Y1 becomes longer than the cooking preparation time X1 shown in FIG. 9. Thereafter, at time t4, the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A reaches the cooking temperature T C . The control unit 70 maintains the cooking temperature T inside the heating chamber 1A until the cooking execution time X2 elapses, and at time t5 after the cooking execution time X2 has elapsed from time t4, the cooking ends. That is, time t5 is the cooking execution time X2 and the end time of this heat treatment in this process. C

[0104] Here, the total cooking time Y is the sum of the cooking preparation time Y1 and the cooking execution time X2. Since the cooking preparation time Y1 is longer than the cooking preparation time X1 shown in FIG. 9, the total cooking time Y is longer than the cooking time X. That is, the cooking heater 100 corrects the cooking time by increasing it in consideration of the time required for the cooking preparation time with respect to the cooking time X input from the user.

[0105] On the other hand, in the selection process of the correction content shown in step S204 of FIG. 8, when the cooking conditions set by the input operation from the user do not satisfy the cooking time correction conditions (No in step S205), the control unit 70 starts the main heat treatment by correcting the heater 62 output (step S207).

[0106] Specifically, when the cooking temperature set by the user is lower than the temperature corresponding to the maximum output of the heater 62, the control unit 70 starts the main heat treatment by correcting the heater 62 output. The temperature change in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the temperature change in this heat treatment by correcting the output of the heater 62. In this explanation, as cooking conditions, the cooking time X and the cooking temperature t C2 are assumed to be input from the user. Note that the cooking temperature t C2 is lower than the cooking temperature t C shown in FIG. 10. Also, at the start of this heat treatment, the inside of the heating chamber 1A is at the second preheating temperature T P2 .

[0108] As shown in FIG. 11, when starting this heat treatment by correcting the output of the heater 62, the control unit 70 increases the output of the heater 62 to perform this heat treatment. In the illustrated example, the control unit 70 heats the inside of the heating chamber 1A to the cooking temperature t C2 .

[0109] At this time, when compared with the above-described heat treatment in FIG. 9, since the starting temperature is low, the rising width of the temperature inside the heating chamber 1A is large. Therefore, the control unit 70 increases the output of the heater 62 so that the cooking preparation time X1 does not become long. As a result, the cooking execution time X2 starts at time t1 without extending the cooking preparation time X1. After that, the control unit 70 maintains the cooking temperature t C2 inside the heating chamber 1A until the cooking execution time X2 elapses, and cooking ends at time t2 after the cooking execution time X2 has elapsed from time t1.

[0110] Here, the total cooking time X is the sum of the cooking preparation time X1 and the cooking execution time X2, and is the same time as the process in FIG. 9. That is, the heating cooker 100 performs correction to suppress an increase in the cooking time by increasing the output of the heater 62 that heats the inside of the heating chamber 1A toward the cooking temperature t C2 input from the user.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof. The drawings schematically show each component mainly for easy understanding, and the thickness, length, number, etc. of each illustrated component are different from the actual ones for convenience of drawing preparation. Further, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present invention.

[0112] (5) Modification In this embodiment, as the set temperature in the preheating treatment, the first preheating temperature T P1 and the second preheating temperature T P2 are used, but this is not the only case. The control unit 70 may change three or more preheating temperatures based on the change conditions.

[0113] In this embodiment, as the change conditions for changing the set temperature in the preheating treatment, Condition 1 and Condition 2 have been described, but this is not the only case. The heating cooker 100 may adopt other change conditions related to the usage situation. Further, the heating cooker 100 may adopt only one of Condition 1 and Condition 2 described above.

[0114] In this embodiment, as the temperature threshold in the main heating treatment, a configuration in which the temperature between the first preheating temperature T P1 and the second preheating temperature T P2 is set is shown, but this is not the only case. Any temperature can be set as the temperature threshold.

[0115] In this embodiment, as the cooking time correction condition, it has been described that the cooking temperature included in the cooking conditions is the temperature corresponding to the maximum output of the heater 62. However, this is not the limit. When the heating cooker 100 corrects this heat treatment, the determination condition for whether to perform cooking time correction or heater 62 output correction can be arbitrarily set with respect to the cooking conditions input from the user. Further, an instruction operation regarding whether to perform cooking time correction or heater 62 output correction may be received from the user.

[0116] In this embodiment, as the correction in this heat treatment, cooking time correction and heater 62 output correction have been described. However, this is not the limit. For example, the control unit 70 may perform cooking temperature correction that increases the cooking temperature specified by the user as the correction in this heat treatment.

[0117] In this embodiment, at the timing of starting the preheating process, a configuration is provided to start counting the elapsed time. However, this is not the limit. The timing for starting to count the elapsed time can be arbitrarily set.

Industrial Applicability

[0118] The present invention can be used in the field of heating cookers.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1 Housing 1A Heating Chamber 18 Door 40 Human Sensor 41 Detection Unit 62 Heater 70 Control Unit (Heating Control Unit) 72 Open / Close Sensor 73 First Timer 74 Second Timer

Claims

1. A heating chamber for containing food therein, a heater for heating the interior of the heating chamber, a detection unit for detecting the temperature inside the heating chamber, a heating control unit for controlling the heater and comprising, wherein the heating control unit performs a main heating process for heating and cooking the food according to cooking conditions set for cooking the food, and a preheating process for continuously heating the interior of the heating chamber before and after the main heating process and executes, wherein in the preheating process, the heating control unit controls the heater based on the detection result of the detection unit so that the temperature inside the heating chamber reaches a set temperature, and during the execution of the preheating process, changes the set temperature to a second preheating temperature lower than a first preheating temperature based on a predetermined condition, a cooking heater.

2. further comprising a timer for measuring an elapsed time, wherein when the elapsed time until the cooking heater is operated by a user during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature exceeds a threshold value, the heating control unit changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature to the second preheating temperature, the cooking heater according to claim 1.

3. further comprising an operation reception unit for receiving an input operation regarding the main heating process by a user, wherein when the elapsed time until the operation reception unit receives the input operation during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature exceeds a threshold value, the heating control unit changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature to the second preheating temperature, the cooking heater according to claim 2.

4. a human presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person near the cooking heater, a timer for measuring an elapsed time and further comprising, wherein when the elapsed time until the presence of a person is detected by the human presence sensor during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature exceeds a threshold value, the heating control unit changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature to the second preheating temperature, the cooking heater according to claim 2.

5. wherein during the execution of the preheating process at the first preheating temperature, the heating control unit continuously determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, changes the set temperature from the first preheating temperature to the second preheating temperature, and then when it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, changes the set temperature from the second preheating temperature to the first preheating temperature, the cooking heater according to claim 1.

6. The heating control unit, when performing the main heating process, increases the cooking time included in the cooking conditions if the temperature inside the heating chamber does not exceed a threshold value. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The heating control unit, when performing the main heating process, increases the output of the heater at the start of the main heating process if the temperature inside the heating chamber does not exceed a threshold value. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The heating control unit, when performing the main heating process, selects and executes one of a cooking time correction for increasing the cooking time included in the cooking conditions or a heater output correction for increasing the output of the heater at the start of the main heating process, based on the cooking conditions. The cooking heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The heating control unit selects the cooking time correction when the cooking temperature included in the cooking conditions is the temperature corresponding to the maximum output of the heater. The cooking heater according to claim 8.

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