Cooking device

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker capable of reducing the possibility of generating abnormal noise.SOLUTION: A heating cooker (1) includes a stirring mechanism (33) configured to stir food in an inner pot (13), and a control unit (34) configured to control an operation of the stirring mechanism, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust a driving force of the stirring mechanism within a range not exceeding a first driving force upper limit value / a second driving force upper limit value so that a rotation speed of the stirring mechanism becomes a first target rotation speed / a second target rotation speed in a first cooking process / a second cooking process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking device for cooking food materials. [Background technology]

[0002] A cooking appliance that cooks food while stirring it is known in the art. The cooking appliance has a housing, a lid that opens and closes relative to the housing, an inner pot housed in the housing, and a stirring mechanism for stirring the food. The stirring mechanism has a stirring member that is rotatable relative to the lid, and by rotating the stirring member, the food inside the inner pot is stirred.

[0003] In such a cooking device, it is necessary to adjust the driving force of the stirring mechanism (the output of the drive unit that rotates the stirring member) according to the load of the stirring member on the ingredients. In Patent Document 1 listed below, the driving force of the stirring mechanism is adjusted so as to maintain the rotation speed of the stirring member at a target rotation speed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6018834 specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the cooking device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the driving force of the stirring mechanism is increased so that the rotation speed of the stirring member reaches a target rotation speed when stirring starts. However, if the ingredients are not sufficiently cooked and are relatively hard when stirring starts, the stirring member may not rotate even if the driving force of the stirring mechanism is increased. If the stirring member does not rotate even when the driving force of the stirring mechanism is increased, abnormal noise may be generated from the stirring mechanism, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a cooking device that can reduce the possibility of abnormal noise generation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, an inner pot housed in the housing, a heating unit that heats the inner pot, a stirring unit that stirs ingredients inside the inner pot, and a control unit that controls the operation of the stirring unit, wherein the control unit performs a first cooking process when the stirring unit starts stirring, and performs a second cooking process after the first cooking process, and in the first cooking process, sets a first target rotation speed and a first driving force upper limit value, and adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit within a range not exceeding the first driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the first target rotation speed, and in the second cooking process, sets a second target rotation speed greater than the first target rotation speed and a second driving force upper limit value greater than the first driving force upper limit value, and adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit within a range not exceeding the second driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the second target rotation speed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the possibility of abnormal noise occurring can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to a first embodiment with a lid closed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cooking device with the lid open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of the cooking device. [Figure 4] 4 is a graph showing an example of the drive force and rotation speed of the stirring mechanism of the cooking device over time. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of cooking control of the cooking device. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of control relating to stirring in each cooking step in the cooking control of the cooking appliance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention with the lid closed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cooking device shown in Fig. 1 with the lid open.

[0011] (Overview of cooking appliances) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooking device 1 includes a cooking device main body 11 (housing), a lid 12, and an inner pot 13.

[0012] (Cooking appliance body) The cooker body 11 includes an inner pot housing section 21, a heating section 22, and an inner pot temperature sensor 23.

[0013] The inner pot accommodating section 21 is a recess formed in the cooker body 11 and accommodates the inner pot 13. The heating section 22 heats the inner pot 13, i.e., the ingredients, accommodated in the inner pot accommodating section 21. The heating section 22 is formed, for example, from an induction heating coil, but is not limited to this and any conventionally known heating means can be used. The inner pot temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of the inner pot 13 (inner pot temperature). More specifically, the inner pot temperature sensor 23 is provided below the bottom of the inner pot 13. The inner pot temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of the bottom of the inner pot 13 as the inner pot temperature.

[0014] (lid) Lid body (lid) 12 is attached to cooker body 11 in an openable and closable manner, and opens and closes the opening of inner pot 13 housed in cooker body 11. Lid body 12 includes outer lid 31, inner lid 32, and stirring mechanism 33 (stirring unit).

[0015] The outer lid 31 is connected to the cooker body 11 via a hinge spring 31a. The inner lid 32 is detachably attached to the outer lid 31, and covers the inner pot 13 when the lid body 12 is in the closed state.

[0016] Inside the outer lid 31, a control unit (cooking control unit, function control unit) 34, a motor 35, and a speaker 36 are provided.

[0017] The control unit 34 is made up of a CPU and controls various operations in the cooking appliance 1, particularly the operation of cooking ingredients. The control unit 34 controls the heating unit 22, stirring mechanism 33, etc. based on programs and input data stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory), and causes the cooking appliance 1 to cook according to the selected dish. The location of the control unit 34 is not particularly limited, and it may be located in the cooking appliance main body 11, for example. The motor 35 rotates the stirring mechanism 33. The speaker 36 outputs audio to notify the user of information.

[0018] An operation display unit 37 for operation and display is provided on the top surface of the outer lid 31. The operation display unit 37 has a display unit 371, and various operation buttons 372 are provided around the display unit 371. The operation buttons 372 include various selection buttons, a start / confirm button, and a cancel button, as well as various buttons for issuing commands for various operations to the cooking appliance 1. The start / confirm button is an operation button for issuing commands to start cooking, including scheduled cooking.

[0019] The display unit 371 displays various information selected by the user in response to the user's operation on the operation button 372, etc.

[0020] A lid temperature sensor 26 is provided on the underside of outer lid 31. Lid temperature sensor 26 detects the temperature of the air in inner pot 13 (temperature inside the inner pot).

[0021] (mixing mechanism) Stirring mechanism 33 is driven to rotate by motor 35 and stirs the ingredients in inner pot 13 as needed during cooking. Stirring mechanism 33 is detachably attached to the inner lid 32 on the side facing inner pot 13, and has two stirring arms 331 and a rotor 332. Stirring arm 331 is attached to rotor 332 and is in a lying position (solid line) when stirring mechanism 33 is not in use, and is in an upright position (two-dot chain line) when stirring mechanism 33 is in use.

[0022] (Inner pot 13) The inner pot 13 is placed in the inner pot housing portion 21 of the cooker body 11. The inner pot 13 houses ingredients to be cooked (vegetables, meat, fish, seasonings, etc.) depending on the type of dish. The inner pot 13 is made of a highly heat-conductive material such as aluminum.

[0023] (Control device for cooking appliance) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in Figure 3, the control device of the cooking appliance 1 includes a control unit 34, to which the heating unit 22, inner pot temperature sensor 23, motor drive circuit 38, speaker drive circuit 39, operation display unit 37, timer unit 40, lid body temperature sensor 26, human presence sensor 27, rotation detection sensor 28, and memory unit 42 are connected.

[0024] Motor drive circuit 38 drives motor 35 under the control of control unit 34, and speaker drive circuit 39 drives speaker 36 under the control of control unit 34. Timekeeping unit 40 has a timer function and measures time. Human presence sensor 27 detects the presence of a person near cooking appliance 1, for example, by the person's movement within the detection range of human presence sensor 27. Rotation detection sensor 28 detects the rotation of motor 35. Control unit 34 measures the amount of rotation (rotation angle) of stirring mechanism 33 from the detection result of rotation detection sensor 28.

[0025] The storage unit 42 stores information (cooking menu) about the control content that the control unit 34 performs on the heating unit 22, the stirring mechanism 33, etc. for cooking each dish. The cooking menu may be downloaded from a server on the Internet or the like via a communication network.

[0026] The storage unit 42 also stores various setting information set by the operation buttons 372 and speech information indicating what should be spoken by the speaker 36 during cooking and the like.

[0027] The control unit 34 controls the operations of the heating unit 22, a motor drive circuit 38 that drives the motor 35, and a speaker drive circuit 39 that drives the speaker 36 in accordance with the control contents stored in the storage unit 42.

[0028] Specifically, control unit 34 controls each unit to perform cooking based on the cooking information stored in memory unit 42. In this case, control unit 34 controls the operation of heating unit 22 so that the temperature of the ingredients reaches a predetermined temperature defined in the cooking information.

[0029] The control unit 34 indirectly detects the temperature of the ingredients in the inner pot 13 based on the temperature of the inner pot 13 detected by the inner pot temperature sensor 23.

[0030] That is, the cooking appliance 1 stores data associating the temperature detected by the inner pot temperature sensor 23 with the temperature of the ingredients in the memory unit 42. The control unit 34 references the data and detects the temperature of the ingredients in the inner pot 13 from the temperature detected by the inner pot temperature sensor 23 and the heating time.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 34 determines that steam has been generated from the inner pot 13 (i.e., the water in the inner pot 13 has boiled) when the temperature detected by the lid temperature sensor 26 reaches or exceeds the first predetermined temperature. The lid temperature sensor 26 functions as a sensor that detects steam generated from the inner pot 13. The first predetermined temperature differs depending on factors such as the size of the cooker body 11. The first predetermined temperature is set to a higher value when the cooker body 11 is relatively large than when it is relatively small, and is a value below 100°C.

[0032] (Step-by-step increase control of rotation speed) The control unit 34 executes a first cooking process when the stirring mechanism 33 starts stirring, and executes a second cooking process after the first cooking process. The control unit 34 sets a first target rotation speed and a first drive force upper limit value in the first cooking process. The control unit 34 adjusts the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range not exceeding the first drive force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the first target rotation speed in the first cooking process. The control unit 34 also sets a second target rotation speed that is higher than the first target rotation speed and a second drive force upper limit value that is higher than the first drive force upper limit value in the second cooking process. The control unit 34 adjusts the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range not exceeding the second drive force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the second target rotation speed in the second cooking process.

[0033] The rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 refers to the amount of rotation of the stirring mechanism 33 per unit time. In the case of intermittent stirring, which is performed when the ingredients are relatively hard (contains a lot of solid matter), the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is the value obtained by multiplying the rotation angle of the stirring mechanism 33 per stirring by the number of stirrings per unit time. In the case of continuous stirring, which is performed when the ingredients are relatively soft (liquid), the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33.

[0034] That is, the control unit 34 sets a target rotation speed and adjusts the driving force (torque of the motor 35) of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the target rotation speed. When the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is equal to or lower than the target rotation speed, the control unit 34 increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33, and when the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 exceeds the target rotation speed, the control unit 34 decreases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33.

[0035] Then, the control unit 34 gradually increases the target rotation speed throughout the cooking process. Specifically, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed to a first target rotation speed in the first cooking step, and sets the target rotation speed to a second target rotation speed that is greater than the first target rotation speed in the second cooking step.

[0036] As a result, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes a relatively small first target rotation speed when the stirring mechanism 33 starts stirring. Therefore, the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 does not increase significantly when the stirring mechanism 33 starts stirring, and the possibility of abnormal noise occurring when the stirring mechanism 33 does not rotate due to the load from the ingredients is reduced. Furthermore, as the cooking process progresses, the load from the ingredients decreases, so the target rotation speed can be increased in stages, and the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism can be gradually increased. Therefore, stirring can be performed efficiently.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 34 sets a drive force upper limit value and adjusts the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 based on the target rotation speed described above within a range in which the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 does not exceed the drive force upper limit value. When the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the drive force upper limit value, the control unit 34 does not increase the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33 any further even if the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is equal to or lower than the target rotation speed. The drive force upper limit value is preferably set to a value that does not generate abnormal noise during stirring.

[0038] The control unit 34 gradually increases the driving force upper limit as the cooking process progresses. Specifically, the control unit 34 sets the driving force upper limit to a first driving force upper limit in the first cooking process, and sets the driving force upper limit to a second driving force upper limit that is greater than the first driving force upper limit in the second cooking process.

[0039] This allows the control unit 34 to more reliably prevent abnormal noise from occurring during stirring. Also, as the cooking process progresses and the load from the ingredients decreases, the drive force upper limit value can be increased in stages, gradually increasing the drive force of the stirring mechanism 33. This allows for efficient stirring.

[0040] Note that control unit 34 may execute the third cooking step after the second cooking step. In the third cooking step, control unit 34 sets a third target rotation speed that is higher than the second target rotation speed and a third drive force upper limit value that is higher than the second drive force upper limit value. In the third cooking step, control unit 34 adjusts the drive force of stirring mechanism 33 within a range that does not exceed the third drive force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of stirring mechanism 33 becomes the third target rotation speed. This makes it possible to set the target rotation speed and the drive force upper limit value to increase in three steps in response to the transition of ingredients from a state where they are barely cooked, to a state where they are starting to cook, and to a state where they are thoroughly cooked during cooking (see FIG. 4).

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 34 does not start stirring by the stirring mechanism 33 for at least one minute after cooking begins. For example, if the ingredients are relatively hard, the control unit 34 sets a waiting period of two minutes after cooking begins before stirring begins. This allows stirring to begin once the ingredients have softened to a certain extent, more reliably preventing abnormal noise from occurring during stirring. The waiting period is set appropriately depending on the cooking menu.

[0042] The control unit 34 may not start stirring the stirring mechanism 33 while it detects that a person is nearby after cooking has started (while the human presence sensor 27 is detecting a person). The control unit 34 starts stirring the stirring mechanism 33 when the human presence sensor 27 no longer detects a person after cooking has started. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable even if an abnormal noise occurs during stirring. The control unit 34 controls the heating unit 22 to stop or reduce the output of the heating unit 22 when the temperature detected by the inner pot temperature sensor 23 reaches a predetermined temperature. Therefore, there is no problem if the timing at which people leave the vicinity of the cooking appliance 1 is delayed and stirring is not started during that time.

[0043] (Load determination) The control unit 34 measures the rotation speed (hereinafter referred to as the initial rotation speed) of the stirring mechanism 33 in the first cooking step relative to a predetermined driving force (for example, a first driving force upper limit value). If the initial rotation speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 34 determines that the load from the ingredients is relatively small, and if the initial rotation speed is less than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 34 determines that the load from the ingredients is relatively large. Based on the determination result, the control unit 34 determines the time until the first cooking step is completed and the target rotation speeds for the second cooking step and onward.

[0044] Specifically, the control unit 34 sets the time until the first cooking step is completed when the initial rotation speed is below a predetermined threshold to be longer than the time until the first cooking step is completed when the initial rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. That is, the control unit 34 lengthens the time until the target rotation speed is increased when the load from the ingredients is relatively large compared to when the load from the ingredients is relatively small. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent abnormal noises from occurring during stirring by extending the time until stirring is resumed when the load is relatively large (e.g., when the ingredients are large or hard). On the other hand, it is possible to shorten the cooking time by shortening the time until stirring is resumed when the load is relatively small (e.g., when the ingredients are small or soft).

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 34 sets the second target rotation speed when the initial rotation speed is below a predetermined threshold to be equal to or greater than the second target rotation speed when the initial rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. That is, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed for the second cooking step and subsequent steps higher when the load from the ingredients is relatively large than when the load from the ingredients is relatively small. As a result, by setting the target rotation speed relatively large when the load is relatively large, the ingredients can be heated efficiently. In other words, even if the ingredients are large or hard, the ingredients can be sufficiently cooked. On the other hand, by setting the target rotation speed relatively small when the load is relatively small, the cooking time can be shortened.

[0046] (Drive force and rotation speed over time) Fig. 4 is a graph showing an example of the drive force and rotation speed of stirring mechanism 33 over time when control unit 34 performs the stepwise increase control of the rotation speed described above. In Fig. 4, graph G1 shows the set value of the target rotation speed, graph G2 shows the set value of the drive force upper limit, graph G3 shows the rotation speed of stirring mechanism 33 over time, and graph G4 shows the drive force of stirring mechanism 33 over time.

[0047] 4, the control unit 34 executes a standby step P0 in which the stirring mechanism 33 does not start stirring for a predetermined standby period after the start of cooking. When the predetermined standby period ends, the control unit 34 starts a first cooking step P1. That is, the control unit 34 starts stirring by the stirring mechanism 33.

[0048] In the first cooking step P1, the ingredients are barely cooked, making it difficult for the stirring mechanism 33 to rotate. Therefore, increasing the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 may cause abnormal noise. Therefore, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed and driving force upper limit to a relatively low first target rotation speed and first driving force upper limit, respectively.

[0049] The control unit 34 gradually increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the first target rotation speed. In the first cooking step P1, the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the first driving force upper limit before the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the first target rotation speed. After the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the first driving force upper limit, the control unit 34 does not further increase the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 even if the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 does not reach the first target rotation speed. Therefore, after the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the first driving force upper limit, the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is maintained at a value lower than the first target rotation speed.

[0050] In the second cooking step P2, the ingredients begin to boil, and the stirring mechanism 33 will continue to rotate to a certain extent even if the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 is increased. On the other hand, if the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 is increased too much, abnormal noise may occur. Therefore, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed and the driving force upper limit to a second target rotation speed that is greater than the first target rotation speed and a second driving force upper limit that is greater than the first driving force upper limit, respectively.

[0051] The control unit 34 gradually increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the second target rotation speed. In the second cooking step P2, the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the second driving force upper limit before the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the second target rotation speed. After the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the second driving force upper limit, the control unit 34 does not further increase the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 even if the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 does not reach the second target rotation speed. Note that, because the ingredients begin to cook, the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 gradually increases at a value lower than the second target rotation speed even after the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the second driving force upper limit.

[0052] In the third cooking step P3, the ingredients are sufficiently cooked, making it easier for the stirring mechanism 33 to rotate. Therefore, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed and the drive force upper limit value to a third target rotation speed that is greater than the second target rotation speed and a third drive force upper limit value that is greater than the second drive force upper limit value, respectively.

[0053] The control unit 34 gradually increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the third target rotation speed. In the third cooking step P3, the load from the ingredients is reduced, so a small driving force is required to achieve the third target rotation speed. Therefore, the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the third target rotation speed while the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 is within a range equal to or less than the third driving force upper limit value. After the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 reaches the third target rotation speed, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 remains at the third target rotation speed. In other words, the control unit 34 increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 when the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is equal to or less than the third target rotation speed, and decreases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 when the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 exceeds the third target rotation speed.

[0054] (Operation of cooking device 1) 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of cooking control of the cooking appliance 1. An example of the operation of the cooking appliance 1 that performs the stepwise increase control of the rotation speed and the load determination described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0055] First, the control unit 34 starts cooking when the user inputs a signal to start cooking (S1). That is, heating by the heating unit 22 is started. Next, the control unit 34 determines whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the start of cooking (S2). When the predetermined waiting time has elapsed (YES in S2), the control unit 34 starts the first cooking step (S3). That is, stirring by the stirring mechanism 33 is started. The predetermined waiting time is set in advance in the cooking menu and is, for example, 0 minutes or 2 minutes. If the predetermined waiting time is 0 minutes, the control unit 34 starts cooking and simultaneously starts stirring by the stirring mechanism 33. In S3, the control unit 34 sets a first target rotation speed R1 and a first drive force upper limit value.

[0056] Next, the control unit 34 performs stirring based on the first cooking step (S4). Specifically, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range not exceeding the first driving force upper limit so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the first target rotation speed R1.

[0057] Next, the control unit 34 determines whether the load from the ingredients is relatively small or large. That is, the control unit 34 measures the initial rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 (S5). The control unit 34 determines whether the initial rotation speed is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold (S6). If the initial rotation speed is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold (YES in S6), the control unit 34 determines that the load from the ingredients is relatively small, and proceeds to S7. If the initial rotation speed is smaller than the predetermined threshold (NO in S6), the control unit 34 determines that the load from the ingredients is relatively large, and proceeds to S13.

[0058] If it is determined in S6 that the load from the ingredients is relatively small, the control unit 34 determines that the condition for completing the first cooking step has been met after a first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the load determination, and starts the second cooking step (S7). In S7, the control unit 34 sets a second target rotation speed R21 that is greater than the first target rotation speed R1 and a second drive force upper limit that is greater than the first drive force upper limit.

[0059] Next, the control unit 34 performs stirring based on the second cooking step (S8). Specifically, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range not exceeding the second driving force upper limit so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the second target rotation speed R21.

[0060] Next, control unit 34 determines whether the completion conditions for the second cooking process have been met. In this embodiment, control unit 34 determines whether the integrated rotation value, which is the integrated value of the number of rotations during the second cooking process, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value N21 (S9). If the integrated rotation value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value N21 (YES in S9), control unit 34 determines that the completion conditions for the second cooking process have been met and starts a third cooking process (S10). In S10, control unit 34 sets a third target rotation speed R31 that is greater than second target rotation speed R21 and a third drive force upper limit that is greater than the second drive force upper limit. Note that control unit 34 may determine that the completion conditions for the second cooking process have been met after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the second cooking process, or may determine that the completion conditions for the second cooking process have been met when inner pot temperature sensor 23 (or lid temperature sensor 26) detects a temperature equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature.

[0061] Next, the control unit 34 performs stirring based on the third cooking step (S11). Specifically, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range not exceeding the third driving force upper limit so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the third target rotation speed R31.

[0062] Next, the control unit 34 determines whether the completion condition for the third cooking process is met. In this embodiment, the control unit 34 determines whether the integrated rotation value in the third cooking process is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value N31 (S12). If the integrated rotation value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value N31 (YES in S12), the control unit 34 determines that the completion condition for the third cooking process is met, and ends the stepwise increase control of the rotation speed.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that the load from the ingredients is relatively large, the control unit 34 executes S13 to S18 instead of S7 to S12 described above. In S13, in contrast to S7, the control unit 34 extends the time until the first cooking step is completed from the first predetermined time T1 to the second predetermined time T2. In other words, when the load from the ingredients is relatively large, the control unit 34 extends the time until the target rotation speed is increased compared to when the load from the ingredients is relatively small.

[0064] Furthermore, in S13, in comparison with S7, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed to a second target rotation speed R22 that is equal to or higher than the second target rotation speed R21. That is, when the load from the ingredients is relatively large, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed higher than when the load from the ingredients is relatively small. In S14, the control unit 34 performs stirring based on the setting value set in S13.

[0065] Furthermore, in S15, in comparison with S9, the control unit 34 sets the threshold for the integrated rotation value to a predetermined threshold N22 that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold N21. In other words, when the load from the ingredients is relatively large, the integrated rotation value in the second cooking step is set to be larger than when the load from the ingredients is relatively small.

[0066] Similarly, in S16, in comparison with S10, the control unit 34 sets the target rotation speed to a third target rotation speed R32 that is equal to or greater than the third target rotation speed R31. In S17, the control unit 34 executes stirring based on the set value set in S16. In S18, in comparison with S12, the control unit 34 sets the threshold for the integrated rotation value to a predetermined threshold value N32 that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value N31.

[0067] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control related to stirring in each cooking step in the cooking control of the cooking appliance 1. The control related to stirring in each cooking step shown in S4, S8, S11, S14, and S17 in Fig. 5 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6.

[0068] First, the control unit 34 starts a cooking process (first cooking process, second cooking process or third cooking process) (S21). Here, the control unit 34 sets a target rotation speed and a driving force upper limit value.

[0069] Next, the control unit 34 determines whether the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is equal to or less than the target rotation speed (S22). If the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is greater than the target rotation speed (NO in S22), the control unit 34 reduces the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 by a predetermined amount (S24). Then, the process proceeds to S26. If the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 is equal to or less than the target rotation speed (YES in S22), the control unit 34 determines whether the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 has reached a driving force upper limit value (S23). If the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 has not reached the driving force upper limit value (NO in S23), the control unit 34 increases the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 by a predetermined amount (S25). Then, the process proceeds to S26. If the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 has reached the driving force upper limit value (YES in S23), the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 remains unchanged and the process proceeds to S26.

[0070] In S26, the control unit 34 determines whether the cooking process completion conditions are met. If the cooking process completion conditions are met (YES in S26), the control unit 34 ends the cooking process. If the cooking process completion conditions are not met (NO in S26), the control unit 34 returns to S22.

[0071] This allows the control unit 34 to adjust the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 within a range that does not exceed the driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes the target rotation speed.

[0072] (Action and effect) According to the above configuration, the control unit 34 adjusts the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 so that the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism 33 becomes a relatively small first target rotation speed when the stirring mechanism 33 starts stirring. Therefore, the driving force of the stirring mechanism 33 does not increase significantly when the stirring mechanism 33 starts stirring, and the possibility of abnormal noise occurring when the stirring mechanism 33 does not rotate due to the load from the ingredients is reduced. Furthermore, as the cooking process progresses, the load from the ingredients decreases, so the target rotation speed can be increased in stages, gradually increasing the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism. Therefore, stirring can be performed efficiently.

[0073] [Software implementation example] The functions of the cooking device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 34).

[0074] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0075] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0076] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0077] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0078] 〔summary〕 A cooking device according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a housing, an inner pot housed in the housing, a heating unit for heating the inner pot, a stirring unit for stirring ingredients inside the inner pot, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the stirring unit, wherein the control unit executes a first cooking step when the stirring unit starts stirring, and executes a second cooking step after the first cooking step, and in the first cooking step, sets a first target rotation speed and a first driving force upper limit value, and adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit within a range not exceeding the first driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the first target rotation speed, and in the second cooking step, sets a second target rotation speed greater than the first target rotation speed and a second driving force upper limit value greater than the first driving force upper limit value, and adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit within a range not exceeding the second driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the second target rotation speed.

[0079] According to the above configuration, when the stirring unit starts stirring, the control unit adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit is a relatively small first target rotation speed. Therefore, the driving force of the stirring unit does not increase significantly when the stirring unit starts stirring, reducing the possibility of abnormal noise occurring when the stirring unit does not rotate due to the load from the ingredients. Furthermore, as the cooking process progresses, the target rotation speed can be increased in stages in response to the decrease in the load from the ingredients, gradually increasing the rotation speed of the stirring unit. Therefore, stirring can be performed efficiently.

[0080] A heating cooker according to aspect 2 of the present invention is, in the above-mentioned aspect 1, such that the control unit executes a third cooking step after the second cooking step, and in the third cooking step, sets a third target rotation speed greater than the second target rotation speed and a third driving force upper limit value greater than the second driving force upper limit value, and adjusts the driving force of the stirring unit within a range not exceeding the third driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the third target rotation speed.

[0081] According to the above configuration, the target rotation speed and the upper limit value of the driving force can be set to increase in three steps in response to the transition of the ingredients from a state where they are barely cooked, to a state where they are just starting to cook, to a state where they are fully cooked, during cooking.

[0082] In a heating cooker according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, the control unit may determine whether the rotation speed of the stirring unit in response to a predetermined driving force in the first cooking step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and set the time until completion of the first cooking step when the rotation speed is less than the predetermined threshold to be longer than the time until completion of the first cooking step when the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0083] According to the above configuration, when the load is relatively heavy, the time before stirring is increased to more reliably prevent abnormal noises from occurring during stirring, whereas when the load is relatively light, the time before stirring is decreased to shorten the cooking time.

[0084] In a heating cooker according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 3, the control unit may determine whether the rotation speed of the stirring unit in the first cooking process relative to a predetermined driving force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and set the second target rotation speed when the rotation speed is less than the predetermined threshold to be equal to or greater than the second target rotation speed when the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0085] According to the above configuration, when the load is relatively large, the target rotation speed is set relatively high, thereby enabling the food to be heated efficiently. In other words, even if the food is large or hard, the food can be cooked thoroughly. On the other hand, when the load is relatively small, the target rotation speed is set relatively low, thereby enabling the cooking time to be shortened.

[0086] A cooking device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit does not start stirring in the stirring unit for at least one minute after cooking starts.

[0087] According to the above configuration, stirring starts when the ingredients have softened to a certain extent, so that it is possible to more reliably avoid the generation of abnormal noises during stirring.

[0088] In a cooking device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in aspects 1 to 4 above, the control unit may not start stirring in the stirring unit while detecting that a person is nearby after cooking has started.

[0089] According to the above configuration, even if an abnormal noise occurs, there is no one nearby, so it is possible to more reliably avoid causing discomfort to the user.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Cooker 11 Cooking appliance body (casing) 13 Inner pot 21 Inner pot housing 22 Heating section 33 Stirring mechanism (stirring section) 34 Control Unit

Claims

1. The housing and an inner pot accommodated in the housing; A heating unit that heats the inner pot; A stirring unit that stirs ingredients inside the inner pot; A control unit that controls the operation of the stirring unit, The control unit A first cooking step is performed when the stirring unit starts stirring, and a second cooking step is performed after the first cooking step, In the first cooking step, a first target rotation speed and a first drive force upper limit value are set, and the drive force of the stirring unit is adjusted within a range not exceeding the first drive force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the first target rotation speed; In the second cooking step, a second target rotation speed greater than the first target rotation speed and a second driving force upper limit value greater than the first driving force upper limit value are set, and the driving force of the stirring unit is adjusted within a range not exceeding the second driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the second target rotation speed.

2. The control unit A third cooking step is carried out after the second cooking step, 2. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein in the third cooking step, a third target rotation speed greater than the second target rotation speed and a third driving force upper limit value greater than the second driving force upper limit value are set, and the driving force of the stirring unit is adjusted within a range not exceeding the third driving force upper limit value so that the rotation speed of the stirring unit becomes the third target rotation speed.

3. The control unit determining whether the rotation speed of the stirring unit relative to a predetermined driving force in the first cooking step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the time until completion of the first cooking step when the rotation speed is less than a predetermined threshold is set to be longer than the time until completion of the first cooking step when the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

4. The control unit determining whether the rotation speed of the stirring unit relative to a predetermined driving force in the first cooking step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; The cooking device according to claim 1 , wherein the second target rotation speed when the rotation speed is less than a predetermined threshold is set to be equal to or greater than the second target rotation speed when the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

5. The cooking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit does not start stirring in the stirring unit for at least one minute after cooking starts.

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