Heating Regulator

Abstract

Apply a more appropriate temperature setting depending on the state of the lid (open or closed). [Solution] The cooking appliance comprises a container, a main body, a lid, a heating unit, a temperature detection unit, a lid opening / closing detection means, an operation unit, and a control unit. The cooking menu selectable on the operation unit includes a manual cooking menu in which the user can set the heating intensity. The control unit, when the cooking menu selected on the operation unit is a specific manual cooking menu and the heating intensity of the manual cooking menu is set to a first heating intensity, changes the set temperature based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, unlike when it is set to a second heating intensity lower than the first heating intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cooking appliance.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a cooking appliance that stores food in a container and cooks it by heating (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The cooking appliance of Patent Document 1 detects the temperature inside the container storing the food with a temperature sensor, and controls the driving of a heater or the like based on the detected temperature to cook the food. Depending on the cooking menu, there are some that can handle both cooking with the lid open and cooking with the lid closed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the temperature inside the container and the temperature of other parts of the cooking appliance change greatly depending on the open / closed state of the lid. It is desirable to apply a more appropriate set temperature according to the open / closed state of the lid and other conditions.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to solve the above problems and to apply a more appropriate set temperature according to the open / closed state of the lid and the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the heating cooker of this disclosure comprises a container for storing food ingredients, a main body for storing the container, a lid positioned above the container and capable of opening and closing, a heating unit for heating the container, a temperature detection unit for detecting temperature, a lid opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the lid, an operation unit for a user to select and operate a cooking menu, and a control unit that controls the heating unit with a predetermined set temperature as the target, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, according to the cooking menu selected by the operation unit, wherein the cooking menu selectable by the operation unit includes a manual cooking menu in which the user can set the heating intensity, and the control unit changes the set temperature based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means when the cooking menu selected by the operation unit is a specific manual cooking menu and the heating intensity of the manual cooking menu is set to a first heating intensity, unlike when it is set to a second heating intensity lower than the first heating intensity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a more appropriate set temperature can be applied depending on the open / closed state of the lid and the heating intensity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the heating appliance of the embodiment (with the lid closed) [Figure 2] Perspective view of the heating appliance of the embodiment (with the lid closed) [Figure 3] Perspective view of the heating appliance of the embodiment (with the lid open) [Figure 4A] Front view showing the inside of the lid of the embodiment [Figure 4B] Front view showing the inside of the main body of the embodiment [Figure 5] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the heating appliance of the embodiment (viewpoint of arrow AA in Figure 1) [Figure 6] Graph showing temperature changes during the heating process of manual cooking menus. [Figure 7] Table showing heater drive power according to heating intensity (applicable to each manual cooking menu) [Figure 8] Table showing set temperatures according to heating intensity (applicable to manual cooking menu A) [Figure 9] A table showing the set temperature according to the "heating intensity" and "lid open / closed state" (applicable to manual cooking menu B). [Figure 10] A table showing the set temperature according to the "heating intensity" and "lid open / closed state" (applicable to ingredient X in manual cooking menu C). [Figure 11] A table showing the set temperature according to the "heating intensity" and "lid open / closed state" (applicable to ingredient Y in manual cooking menu C). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cooking appliance is provided that includes a container for storing ingredients, a main body for storing the container, a lid positioned above the container and capable of opening and closing, a heating unit for heating the container, a temperature detection unit for detecting temperature, a lid opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the lid, an operation unit for a user to select and operate a cooking menu, and a control unit that controls the heating unit with a predetermined set temperature as the target, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, according to the cooking menu selected by the operation unit, wherein the cooking menu selectable by the operation unit includes a manual cooking menu in which the user can set the heating intensity, and the control unit changes the set temperature based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means when the cooking menu selected by the operation unit is a specific manual cooking menu and the heating intensity of the manual cooking menu is set to a first heating intensity, unlike when it is set to a second heating intensity lower than the first heating intensity.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the control unit provides a cooking appliance according to the first aspect, wherein when the heating intensity of a particular manual cooking menu is set to the second heating intensity, the control unit uses the same set temperature regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the heating intensity of the specific manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, when relatively lowering the set temperature based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, it is set to a temperature not lower than the set temperature when set to the second heating intensity, and there is provided a cooking heater according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the driving power of the heating unit when set to the first heating intensity is higher than the driving power of the heating unit when set to the second heating intensity, and there is provided a cooking heater according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the specific manual cooking menu includes a first manual cooking menu, and when the heating intensity of the first manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, the control unit changes the set temperature when the lid is closed to be lower than the set temperature when the lid is open based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, and there is provided a cooking heater according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first manual cooking menu includes at least one of a stir-frying cooking menu for stir-frying the food ingredients and a simmering cooking menu for simmering the food ingredients, and there is provided a cooking heater according to the fifth aspect.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control unit sets the set temperature when the lid is open for the first manual cooking menu to 150 degrees or higher, and there is provided a cooking heater according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the specific manual cooking menu includes a second manual cooking menu. When the heating intensity of the second manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, the control unit, based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, applies a first setting for making the set temperature when the lid is closed lower than the set temperature when the lid is open, or a second setting for making the set temperature when the lid is open lower than the set temperature when the lid is closed, to provide a cooking heater according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the control unit provides a cooking heater according to the eighth aspect, which switches between the first setting and the second setting according to the target food material of the second manual cooking menu.

[0019] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the second manual cooking menu includes a boiling cooking menu for boiling down the food material, to provide a cooking heater according to the ninth aspect.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first heating intensity is the highest heating intensity among a plurality of selectable heating intensities, to provide a cooking heater according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when a third manual cooking menu different from the specific manual cooking menu is selected, the control unit uses the same set temperature at each heating intensity set by the operation unit regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, to provide a cooking heater according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the temperature detection unit is provided in the main body unit and detects the temperature of the container, to provide a cooking heater according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0023] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a heating appliance is provided according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the set temperature when the heating intensity of the specific manual cooking menu is set to a first intensity is 100 degrees or higher.

[0024] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the heating appliance relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations of the embodiments described below, but includes configurations based on similar technical ideas.

[0025] (Embodiment) First, a heating appliance according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0026] Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of the heating appliance 2 according to the embodiment, Figure 4A is a plan view showing the inside of the lid 10, Figure 4B is a plan view showing the inside of the main body 8, and Figure 5 is a view taken along arrow AA in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show the lid 10 in a closed state, and Figure 3 shows the lid 10 in an open state.

[0027] The heating appliance 2 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is a cooking appliance for heating and cooking food (not shown) as the object to be heated. The heating appliance 2 of this embodiment can be used as an automatic cooking appliance with a pre-programmed operation sequence for each cooking menu, and such a cooking appliance is also called an "auto cooker," "multi cooker," or "slow cooker." It should be noted that the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment can also be used for manual cooking without using the pre-programmed operation sequence.

[0028] When a user uses the heating appliance 2 as an automatic cooker, they place ingredients (not shown) in the cooking space S1 of the container 4 shown in Figure 3, and then operate the control unit 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to select a cooking menu and decide to proceed with heating. The heating appliance 2 then performs a heating process to heat the food according to a predetermined program, depending on the dish of the selected cooking menu (e.g., stir-fried vegetables, curry, jam).

[0029] The following describes the case in this embodiment where the heating appliance 2 is used as an automatic cooking appliance.

[0030] The heating appliance 2 of this embodiment has a "pressure cooking function" that cooks food in a pressurized state where the cooking space S1 is at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In the operation unit 6 shown in Figure 2, a pressure cooking menu and a non-pressure cooking menu can be selected. The operation unit 6 functions as a cooking menu selection unit for selecting a cooking menu. In addition to the pressure cooking function, a "reduced pressure cooking function" that cooks food in a reduced pressure state where the cooking space S1 is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure may also be selectable.

[0031] The cooking appliance 2 is not limited to having a pressure cooking function; it may also not have a pressure cooking function.

[0032] The heating appliance 2 shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a container 4 (Figures 3 and 5), a main body 8 that houses the container 4, and a lid 10.

[0033] Container 4 is a cylindrical container with an open top and a bottom. Container 4 forms a cooking space S1, and a stirring blade 5 is provided in the cooking space S1. The stirring blade 5 is an example of a stirring device for stirring the ingredients stored in container 4.

[0034] The main body 8 is a cylindrical member having a bottom with an open top. The main body 8 houses various components for operating the cooking appliance 2. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, a magnet 152 is built into the upper end of the main body 8 as a lid opening / closing detection means 150 for detecting the opening and closing of the lid 10. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a heater 9 as a heating unit for heating the container 4 and a temperature sensor 7 as a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the container 4 are built into the bottom side of the main body 8. The temperature sensor 7 shown in Figure 5 is located in the upper center of the main body 8 to detect the temperature of the bottom of the container 4. The temperature sensor 7 is shown in a simplified form in Figure 5.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the main body 8 pivotally supports the lid 10 so that it can rotate from a nearly horizontal position to a nearly vertical position (arrow R1). This allows the lid 10 to rotate in the vertical and depth directions.

[0036] The lid 10 is a component for opening and closing the main body 8 and the container 4. The lid 10 contains various components for operating the cooking appliance 2, including, for example, the control unit 11 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a simplified representation of the control unit 11.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the lid 10 is provided with a substrate 154 which serves as a lid opening / closing detection means 150 for detecting the open / closed state of the lid 10. The substrate 154 in this embodiment is a substrate on which a Hall element capable of detecting magnetic force is mounted, and is capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet 152 built into the main body 8 shown in Figure 4B. The substrate 154 transmits the result of the magnetic force detection by the Hall element to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 determines the open / closed state of the lid 10.

[0038] The lid 10 comprises an outer lid 12 and an inner lid 14. The outer lid 12 is a lid for opening and closing the top opening of the main body 8, and the inner lid 14 is a lid for sealing the top opening of the container 4. The inner lid 14 is detachably attached to the inside (bottom side) of the outer lid 12. Figure 3 shows the inner lid 14 detached from the outer lid 12, and Figure 4A shows the inner lid 14 attached to the outer lid 12.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the outer cover 12 is equipped with a vent 16 and a handle 201.

[0040] The vent 16 is an opening for venting the cooking space S1 of the container 4 to the outside. The vent 16 can be switched between a connected state, where it communicates with the cooking space S1, and a disconnected state, by a pressure reducing valve 26, which will be described later. In the connected state, the pressure in the cooking space S1 is atmospheric pressure. In the disconnected state, the cooking space S1 is sealed by the inner lid 14, and the pressure is independent of atmospheric pressure.

[0041] The handle 201 is a component used by the user to rotate to switch the locked / unlocked state of the lid 10. The handle 201 is rotated around a rotation axis Ax that extends in the thickness direction of the lid 10 (arrow R2). The thickness direction of the lid 10 is roughly aligned vertically when the lid 10 is closed (Figures 1 and 2), and roughly aligned horizontally when the lid 10 is open (Figure 3).

[0042] As shown in Figures 3 and 4A, the inner lid 14 has an inner lid body portion 20 and a packing 22.

[0043] The inner lid body portion 20 corresponds to the main body portion of the inner lid 14 and has a roughly disc-like shape. A packing 22 is attached to the outer circumference of the inner lid body portion 20. The packing 22 is a roughly annular member attached to the outer circumference of the inner lid body portion 20 and is made of an elastic material such as rubber. When the lid 10 is closed, the packing 22 comes into contact with the upper end portion 4A of the container 4 and seals the cooking space S1.

[0044] The inner lid body 20 is equipped with a safety valve 24 and a pressure reducing valve 26.

[0045] Both the safety valve 24 and the pressure reducing valve 26 are valves attached to the inner lid body 20 and are positioned to be exposed to the cooking space S1. As shown in Figure 5, a ventilation space S2 communicating with the vent 16 is provided on the upper side of the inner lid body 20. The safety valve 24 and the pressure reducing valve 26 operate to switch between a connected state and a disconnected state between the cooking space S1 and the ventilation space S2, respectively.

[0046] The safety valve 24 is a valve that operates spontaneously in response to an increase in pressure in the cooking space S1. The safety valve 24 is positioned to seal the cooking space S1 and moves from the sealed position to the open position when the pressure in the cooking space S1 rises above a predetermined pressure. The safety valve 24 prevents the cooking space S1 from becoming overpressurized.

[0047] The pressure reducing valve 26 is a valve that operates mainly under the control of the control unit 11. The pressure reducing valve 26 is movable between a sealing position that seals the cooking space S1 and an open position that opens to atmospheric pressure, and its position is controlled by the control unit 11. A valve drive unit 40 is provided above the pressure reducing valve 26, and the control unit 11 controls the position of the pressure reducing valve 26 by driving the valve drive unit 40. The pressure reducing valve 26 may also be called a "pressure release valve" or "pressure release valve".

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cooking appliance 2 is further provided with handles 50. The handles 50 are for the user to hold the cooking appliance 2 and are provided in pairs on the left and right sides. The handles 50 have a shape in which a portion of the upper end of the main body 8 and the lower end of the lid 10 each protrude horizontally.

[0049] The lid 10 of this embodiment is further provided with a pressure regulating valve for pressure cooking. The pressure regulating valve, like the safety valve 24, is positioned to seal the cooking space S1 and moves from the sealed position to the open position when the pressure in the cooking space S1 rises above a predetermined pressure (a pressure lower than the predetermined pressure of the safety valve 24). The pressure regulating valve is a valve that operates under normal use and has the function of maintaining the cooking space S1 under a pressurized state of 1 atm or more. Pressure cooking using the pressure regulating valve allows food to be heated to a high temperature of 100 degrees or more, which accelerates the cooking process and leads to a reduction in cooking time.

[0050] The cooking appliance 2 having the above configuration performs a predetermined heating and cooking process according to the cooking menu set on the operation unit 6. When performing the heating and cooking process, the cooking appliance 2 controls the operation of the heater 9 and other components, using the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 as the target temperature, according to the set temperature for each cooking menu.

[0051] An example of a heating and cooking process performed by the heating cooker 2 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0052] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change during the cooking process using the heating cooker 2 of this embodiment. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents "time," and the vertical axis represents "temperature" and "heater drive power." Heater drive power is the power value applied to drive the heater 9. In Figure 6, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 is shown by a solid line, the estimated temperature of the food is shown by a dotted line, and the heater drive power is shown by a bar graph.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 sets a predetermined set temperature Ts according to the selected cooking menu and then performs a heating process in which it continuously supplies power to the heater 9 to raise the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 toward the set temperature Ts. The heater drive power Ws is set to a predetermined power value according to the selected cooking menu. During the heating process, the container 4 is heated strongly, and the food contained in the container 4 is also heated strongly by receiving radiant heat from the heater 9 in addition to heat transfer from the container 4. During the heating process, both the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 (solid line) and the temperature of the food (dotted line) rise.

[0054] When the detected temperature reaches the set temperature Ts, the control unit 11 performs a temperature control process that controls the ON / OFF state of the heater 9 to maintain the detected temperature at the set temperature Ts. The heater drive power Ws is set to, for example, the same power value as in the heating process. After starting the temperature control process, the temperature control process ends when a predetermined set time is reached. This completes the heating and cooking process, which includes the heating process and the temperature control process.

[0055] The example shown in Figure 6 illustrates the case of a "manual cooking menu" in which the user can set various heating conditions. In the manual cooking menu, in addition to the "set time," which is the duration of the temperature control process, the "heating intensity" (heating setting), which is an indicator of the intensity at which the food is heated, can also be set. In this embodiment, three levels of heating intensity, "strong," "medium," and "weak," can be selected on the control unit 6.

[0056] When one cooking menu is selected from several types of manual cooking menus, and one heating intensity is selected from several heating intensities, the control unit 11 determines the heater drive power Ws and set temperature Ts to be used in the heating cooking process according to the selected cooking menu and heating intensity.

[0057] Figure 7 is a table showing the heater drive power Ws according to the heating intensity selected for the manual cooking menu.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 7, when the heating intensity is "high," the heater drive power Ws is set to W1; when the heating intensity is "medium," the heater drive power Ws is set to W2; and when the heating intensity is "low," the heater drive power Ws is set to W3. Here, W1 > W2 > W3.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, the heater drive power Ws is set to increase as the selected heating intensity increases. The table shown in Figure 7 applies to multiple types of manual cooking menus, and the specific power values ​​may differ for each cooking menu. Note that it is not limited to the case where W1 > W2 > W3, but may also be W1 ≥ W2 ≥ W3. Note that the heater drive power Ws is the average drive power per unit time.

[0060] Figure 8 is a table showing the set temperature Ts according to the selected heating intensity for the manual cooking menu. The table shown in Figure 8 applies to a specific manual cooking menu (referred to as "Manual Cooking Menu A") among several types of manual cooking menus.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 8, when the heating intensity is "high," the set temperature Ts is set to T1; when the heating intensity is "medium," the set temperature Ts is set to T2; and when the heating intensity is "low," the set temperature Ts is set to T3. Here, T1 > T2 > T3.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the higher the selected heating intensity, the higher the set temperature Ts is set to be. Manual cooking menu A in this embodiment includes, for example, "simmering" for simmering ingredients and "normal heating" for normal heating / extended heating of ingredients.

[0063] Stewing can only be performed with the lid 10 closed (lid closed state). On the other hand, normal heating can be performed both with the lid 10 closed and with the lid 10 open (lid open state).

[0064] Comparing cooking with the lid closed and cooking with the lid open, the internal temperature of the container 4 tends to be higher when the lid is closed, and consequently, the temperature of other parts of the cooking device 2 (e.g., the handle 50) also tends to be higher. Among the various manual cooking menus, for cooking menus with particularly high set temperatures Ts, the entire cooking device 2 becomes hot when cooking with the lid closed, which can cause the handle 50, which is likely to be touched by the user, to become excessively hot. To prevent this, for manual cooking menus with particularly high set temperatures Ts (referred to as manual cooking menu B), the cooking device 2 of this embodiment applies the table of set temperatures Ts shown in Figure 9 instead of the table of set temperatures Ts shown in Figure 8.

[0065] Figure 9 is a table showing the set temperature Ts according to the heating intensity and the open / closed state of the lid 10, for application to manual cooking menu B.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 9, when the heating intensity is set to the highest level, "strong," different set temperatures Ts are applied based on the open / closed state of the lid 10. Specifically, set temperature T4 is applied when the lid is open, and set temperature T5 is applied when the lid is closed. Here, T4 > T5. That is, the set temperature Ts is changed so that the set temperature T5 when the lid is closed is relatively lower than the set temperature T4 when the lid is open.

[0067] By changing the set temperature Ts in this way, if the highest heating intensity is set for manual cooking menu B, which has a higher set temperature Ts compared to other cooking menus, setting the set temperature Ts with the lid closed relatively lower can prevent the temperature of parts that the user is likely to touch, such as the handle 50, from becoming excessively high. This improves safety.

[0068] When the heating intensity is set to "medium" or "low," the same set temperatures T6 and T7 are applied, regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed. When the heating intensity is set to "medium" or "low," the set temperatures T6 and T7 are low, so the handle 50, etc., will not become excessively hot even when the lid is closed. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the set temperature Ts depending on whether the lid 10 is open or closed.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 9, T4 > T5 ≥ T6 > T7.

[0070] As can be seen from the relationship T5≧T6, the set temperature T5 with the lid closed when the heating intensity is set to "high" is set to a temperature at or above the set temperature T6 when the heating intensity is set to "medium". Even when the set temperature T5 with the lid closed is set to be relatively lower than the set temperature T4 when the lid is open when the heating intensity is set to "high", by setting it so that it does not fall below the set temperature T6 when the heating intensity is "medium", a reversal of the set temperatures is prevented, and heating can be performed at the heating intensity intended by the user.

[0071] Even if the set temperatures T5 and T6 are set to the same temperature, there is a difference in the heater drive power Ws shown in the table in Figure 7. Therefore, the "high" heating intensity can heat the food more strongly than the "medium" heating intensity, thus ensuring a difference in heating intensity.

[0072] The manual cooking menu B of this embodiment includes "stir-fry cooking" for stir-frying ingredients. In the case of stir-fry cooking, for example, the set temperature T4 is 190 degrees, the set temperature T5 is 170 degrees, the set temperature T6 is 150 degrees, and the set temperature T7 is 130 degrees. When the heating intensity is set to "high", the heater drive power Ws is, for example, 1280W regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed.

[0073] In the case of stir-frying, the initial set temperature Ts is high when the heating intensity is set to "high." Therefore, when cooking with the lid closed, the temperature inside the container 4 rises, and not only the ingredients in contact with the surface of the container 4 but also the ingredients not in contact with the container 4 are efficiently heated. As a result, even if the set temperature Ts is relatively lowered, the same results as when cooking with the lid open can be ensured. Cooking with the lid closed can be expected to have an energy-saving effect, and oil splattering can be prevented when stir-frying. Although the state inside the container 4 cannot be seen when cooking with the lid closed, there is a stirring function by the stirring blade 5 and a temperature control function, and cooking is completed automatically after the start command is given, so the user can do other tasks after adding the ingredients.

[0074] As in the example above, the handle 50 tends to become excessively hot when cooking with the lid closed, not only when the set temperature T4 is 190 degrees, but also when the set temperature is 150 degrees or higher. Therefore, if the set temperature T4 with the lid open is set to 150 degrees or higher, the same effect can be achieved by changing the set temperature T5 with the lid closed to a relatively lower value, similar to the table in Figure 9.

[0075] Furthermore, for manual cooking menu C, which is different from manual cooking menu B described above, the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment determines the set temperature Ts using a table different from the one shown in Figure 9.

[0076] Figures 10 and 11 are tables showing the set temperature Ts according to the heating intensity and the open / closed state of the lid 10, respectively, for application to manual cooking menu C.

[0077] Figure 10 shows a table applicable when the target ingredient for manual cooking menu C is ingredient X, and Figure 11 shows a table applicable when the target ingredient for manual cooking menu C is ingredient Y, which is different from ingredient X.

[0078] The manual cooking menu C of this embodiment is a simmering menu for reducing ingredients. In the case of a simmering menu, the set temperature Ts when the heating intensity is "strong" is relatively high, and the target ingredients may be ingredients X (e.g., curry) that contain a lot of moisture including starch and fat, or ingredients Y (e.g., jam) that have high viscosity.

[0079] In the case of food ingredient X, which has low viscosity and contains a lot of water, if the cooking temperature Ts is set to a high temperature and the lid is closed, the water will boil and a film will form on the surface, making it likely to boil over and spill out of container 4. On the other hand, in the case of food ingredient Y, which has high viscosity, if the cooking temperature Ts is set to a high temperature and the lid is open, food ingredient Y is likely to splatter out.

[0080] Depending on the characteristics of ingredients X and Y, the system uses two tables: the first setting shown in Figure 10 and the second setting shown in Figure 11. Ingredients X and Y can be selected in conjunction with the manual cooking menu C selected on the control unit 6.

[0081] In the table shown in Figure 10, which applies to ingredient X, when the heating intensity is "high," the set temperature T8 is applied when the lid is open, and the set temperature T9 is applied when the lid is closed. Here, T8 > T9, and the set temperature Ts is changed so that the set temperature T9 when the lid is closed is relatively lower than the set temperature T8 when the lid is open.

[0082] By changing the set temperature Ts in this way, it is possible to prevent food X from boiling over when cooking with the lid closed, especially when the heating intensity is set to "high".

[0083] When the heating intensity is set to "medium" or "low," the same set temperatures T10 and T11 are applied, regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed. When the heating intensity is set to "medium" or "low," the set temperatures T10 and T11 are low, so even with the lid closed, the temperature inside the container 4 does not become excessively hot, and spillage of the food X is unlikely. In the example shown in Figure 10, T8 > T9 ≥ T10 > T11.

[0084] In the case of simmering, for example, the set temperature T8 is 110 degrees, the set temperature T9 is 105 degrees, the set temperature T10 is 100 degrees, and the set temperature T11 is 95 degrees. When the heating intensity is set to "high", the heater drive power Ws is, for example, 880W regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed.

[0085] In the table shown in Figure 11, which applies to ingredient Y, when the heating intensity is "high," the set temperature T12 is applied when the lid is open, and the set temperature T13 is applied when the lid is closed. Here, T13 > T12, and unlike the table shown in Figure 10, the set temperature Ts is changed so that the set temperature T12 when the lid is open is relatively lower than the set temperature T13 when the lid is closed.

[0086] By changing the set temperature Ts in this way, it is possible to prevent food Y from splattering when cooking with the lid open, especially when the heating intensity is set to "high".

[0087] When the heating intensity is set to "medium" or "low," the same set temperatures T14 and T15 are applied, regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed, as shown in the table in Figure 10. In the example shown in Figure 11, T13 > T12 ≥ T14 > T15.

[0088] In the case of simmering, for example, the set temperature T12 is 105 degrees, the set temperature T13 is 110 degrees, the set temperature T14 is 100 degrees, and the set temperature T15 is 95 degrees. When the heating intensity is set to "high", the heater drive power Ws is, for example, 1000W regardless of whether the lid 10 is open or closed.

[0089] As described above, in the case of simmering, when the heating intensity is set to "high," the set temperatures T8, T9, T12, and T13 are all 100 degrees or higher. When the set temperature is 100 degrees or higher, ingredients X are likely to boil over when cooking with the lid closed, and ingredients Y are likely to splatter when cooking with the lid open. However, by changing the set temperature Ts as shown in Figures 10 and 11, these situations can be prevented.

[0090] As described above, for the various manual cooking menus, the appropriate setting temperature Ts can be applied to each by using the tables of setting temperatures Ts shown in Figures 8 to 11, depending on the specifications of each cooking menu and the ingredients being cooked. In particular, for manual cooking menus B and C, which support both closed and open lid cooking, when the heating intensity is set to the highest level "strong," changing the setting temperature Ts according to the open or closed state of the lid 10 prevents the handle 50 from becoming excessively hot and prevents ingredients X and Y from boiling over or splashing.

[0091] (Effects / Actions) As described above, the heating cooker 2 of this embodiment includes a container 4 for storing ingredients, a main body 8 for housing the container 4, a lid 10 positioned above the container 4 and capable of opening and closing, a heater 9 (heating unit) for heating the container 4, a temperature sensor 7 (temperature detection unit) for detecting temperature, a lid opening / closing detection means 150 for detecting the opening and closing of the lid 10, an operation unit 6 for the user to select and operate a cooking menu, and a control unit 11 that controls the heater 9 with a predetermined set temperature Ts as the target, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 7 according to the cooking menu selected by the operation unit 6. The cooking menu selectable by the operation unit 6 includes a manual cooking menu in which the user can set the heating intensity. When the cooking menu selected by the operation unit 6 is a specific manual cooking menu B or C, and the heating intensity of the manual cooking menu B or C is set to a first heating intensity (e.g., "strong"), the control unit 11 changes the set temperature Ts based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means 150, unlike when it is set to a second heating intensity lower than the first heating intensity (e.g., "medium" or "weak").

[0092] With this type of cooking appliance 2, a more appropriate set temperature Ts can be applied depending on the open / closed state of the lid 10 and the heating intensity. For example, when cooking with the lid closed, if a specific part of the cooking appliance 2 (such as the handle 50) becomes excessively hot, or if the inside of the container 4 becomes too hot, causing the food X to boil over, the set temperature Ts when the lid is closed (e.g., T5, T9) may be changed to be lower than the set temperature Ts when the lid is open (e.g., T4, T8). Also, if splattering is likely to occur when cooking with the lid open with a highly viscous food Y such as jam, the set temperature Ts when the lid is open (e.g., T12) may be changed to be lower than the set temperature Ts when the lid is closed (e.g., T13).

[0093] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, when the heating intensity of specific manual cooking menus B and C is set to a second heating intensity (e.g., "medium" and "low"), the control unit 11 uses the same set temperature Ts (e.g., T6, T7, T10, T11, T14, T15) regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means 150. With such a heating appliance 2, when the heating intensity of manual cooking menus B and C is set to a second heating intensity that is lower than the first heating intensity, the handle 50 of the heating appliance 2, etc., is less likely to become excessively hot, and spills and splashes of ingredients X and Y are less likely to occur. For this reason, by using the same set temperature Ts regardless of the opening / closing state of the lid 10, the ingredients can be heated to the desired heating intensity intended by the user.

[0094] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, when the heating intensity of a specific manual cooking menu B or C is set to a first heating intensity (e.g., "high"), the control unit 11 sets the set temperature Ts relatively lower based on the open / closed state of the lid 10, setting it to a temperature (e.g., T5, T9, T12) that is higher than the set temperature Ts (e.g., T6, T10, T14) when it is set to a second heating intensity (e.g., "medium", "low"). With such a heating appliance 2, even when the set temperature Ts of the first heating intensity is set relatively lower, by setting it to a temperature higher than the set temperature Ts of the second heating intensity, it is possible to perform heating processing according to the difference in heating intensity without causing a reversal of the set temperature Ts.

[0095] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the drive power W1 of the heater 9 when set to the first heating intensity (e.g., "high") is higher than the drive powers W2 and W3 of the heater 9 when set to the second heating intensity (e.g., "medium" or "low"). With such a heating appliance 2, because there is a difference in the drive power Ws, even if the set temperature Ts is set relatively lower at the first heating intensity to approach the set temperature Ts of the second heating intensity, the heating process can be performed while maintaining a difference between the first and second heating intensity.

[0096] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, a specific manual cooking menu includes a first manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menus B and C), and when the heating intensity of the first manual cooking menu is set to a first heating intensity (for example, "high"), the control unit 11 changes the set temperatures T5 and T9 when the lid is closed to be lower than the set temperatures T4 and T8 when the lid is open, based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means 150. With such a heating appliance 2, it is possible to prevent parts of the heating appliance 2, such as the handle 50, from becoming excessively hot or food X from boiling over when cooking with the lid closed.

[0097] Furthermore, in the cooking appliance 2 of this embodiment, the first manual cooking menu includes a stir-frying menu (manual cooking menu B) for stir-frying ingredients and a simmering menu (manual cooking menu C) for simmering ingredients. With such a cooking appliance 2, in the case of the stir-frying menu, the set temperature Ts is set to a higher temperature (for example, 190 degrees) compared to other cooking menus, so the handle 50 of the cooking appliance tends to become hot when cooking with the lid closed. Also, in the case of simmering, since ingredients X containing starch and oil and a lot of moisture are heated at a high temperature with the lid closed, boil-overs are likely to occur. For this reason, in the case of the stir-frying menu and the simmering menu, by changing the set temperatures T5 and T9 when the lid is closed to be lower than the set temperatures T4 and T8 when the lid is open, an appropriate set temperature Ts can be set according to the open / closed state of the lid 10.

[0098] Furthermore, the first manual cooking menu does not necessarily have to include both a stir-frying menu and a simmering menu; it may include at least one of them. It may also include other cooking menus different from the stir-frying and simmering menus.

[0099] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 sets the set temperature T4 when the lid is opened for the first manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menu B) to 150 degrees or higher (for example, 190 degrees). With such a heating appliance 2, when the set temperature Ts (for example, set temperature T4) is high, such as in a stir-fry cooking menu, the set temperature T5 when the lid is closed is lower than the set temperature T4 when the lid is opened, thereby preventing parts such as the handle 50 from becoming excessively hot.

[0100] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, a specific manual cooking menu includes a second manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menu C), and the control unit 11, when the heating intensity of the second manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity (for example, "high"), applies a first setting, which lowers the set temperature T9 when the lid is closed to the set temperature T8 when the lid is open, or a second setting, which lowers the set temperature T12 when the lid is open to the set temperature T13 when the lid is closed, based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means 150. With such a heating appliance 2, the first setting and the second setting can be switched according to various conditions.

[0101] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 11 switches between the first setting and the second setting depending on the target ingredient of the second manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menu C). With such a heating appliance 2, when cooking ingredients X that contain a lot of moisture, including starch and oil, boil-overs are likely to occur when cooking with the lid closed, while when cooking ingredients Y that have high viscosity, such as jam, splattering is likely to occur when cooking with the lid open. By switching between the first setting and the second setting according to the characteristics of ingredients X and Y, an appropriate setting temperature Ts can be applied according to the target ingredient.

[0102] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the second manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menu C) includes a simmering menu for simmering ingredients X and Y. With such a heating appliance 2, since the target ingredients in simmering cooking include curry and jam, by switching between the first and second settings according to the type of ingredients, an appropriate setting temperature Ts according to the target ingredients can be applied.

[0103] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the first heating intensity (e.g., "high") is the highest heating intensity among a plurality of selectable heating intensities (e.g., "high", "medium", "low"). With such a heating appliance 2, when the highest heating intensity is set, certain parts such as the handle 50 may become excessively hot, and food is likely to boil over or splatter. In such situations, a more appropriate setting temperature Ts can be applied by changing the set temperature Ts according to the open / closed state of the lid 10.

[0104] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, when a third manual cooking menu (for example, manual cooking menu A) different from specific manual cooking menus B and C is selected, the control unit 11 uses the same set temperatures T1, T2, and T3 for each heating intensity set in the operation unit 6 (for example, "high", "medium", and "low"), regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means 150. With such a heating appliance 2, even for manual cooking menus that support both lid-closed and lid-open cooking, control can be performed without changing the set temperature Ts according to the open / closed state of the lid 10.

[0105] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, the temperature sensor 7 is provided in the main body 8 and detects the temperature of the container 4. With such a heating appliance 2, by detecting the temperature of the container 4, the temperature of the food stored in the container 4 can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0106] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 2 of this embodiment, when the heating intensity of specific manual cooking menus B and C is set to the first intensity (for example, "high"), the set temperatures T4, T5, T8, T9, T12, and 13 are 100 degrees or higher. With such a heating appliance 2, since cooking is performed at high temperatures, problems (such as boiling over, splashing, and overheating of the handle 50) are likely to occur depending on the type of cooking menu and the ingredients being cooked. However, by changing the set temperature Ts according to the open / closed state of the lid 10, each of these problems can be solved.

[0107] Although the invention of this disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described, the invention of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the above embodiments, the case in which the heating intensity is in three stages, "strong," "medium," and "weak," was described, but the invention is not limited to this case, and any two or more stages may be used.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that the set temperature Ts is changed according to the open / closed state of the lid 10 only when the heating intensity is "strong," and the set temperature Ts is not changed when the heating intensity is "medium" or "weak." However, the embodiment is not limited to this case. For example, the set temperature Ts may be changed in the case of "medium" as well as "strong," or the set temperature Ts may be changed for multiple heating intensities.

[0109] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case where the temperature sensor 7 measures the temperature at the bottom of the container 4, it is not limited to this case, and the temperature may be measured at any position on the container 4. For example, a temperature sensor attached to the lid 10 may be used as the temperature detection unit to measure the temperature at the top of the container 4.

[0110] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case in which the heater drive power Ws is not changed according to the open / closed state of the lid 10, it is not limited to this case. The heater drive power Ws may also be changed in accordance with the change in the set temperature Ts. In this case, the heater drive power Ws may also be changed to a relatively lower value in accordance with the relatively lower set temperature Ts.

[0111] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Furthermore, variations in combinations and sequences of elements in each embodiment can be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0112] By appropriately combining any of the various modifications of the above embodiment, the effects of each can be achieved. [Industrial applicability]

[0113] This disclosure is applicable to any cooking appliance used for heating and cooking food. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 2 Cooker 4 containers 6 Control section 7. Temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 8 Main body 9. Heater (heating section) 10 Lid 11 Control Unit 150 Lid opening / closing detection means Ts set temperature Ws Heater drive power

Claims

1. A container for storing food ingredients, The main body that houses the aforementioned container, A lid that is positioned above the container and can be opened and closed, A heating unit for heating the aforementioned container, A temperature detection unit that detects temperature, A lid opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the lid, A control panel for the user to select and operate cooking menus, The system includes a control unit that controls the heating unit with a predetermined set temperature as the target, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, according to the cooking menu selected by the operation unit, The cooking menus selectable on the aforementioned control panel include manual cooking menus in which the user can set the heating intensity. The control unit, when the cooking menu selected by the operation unit is a specific manual cooking menu and the heating intensity of the manual cooking menu is set to a first heating intensity, changes the set temperature based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, unlike when it is set to a second heating intensity lower than the first heating intensity.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses the same set temperature regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means when the heating intensity of the specific manual cooking menu is set to the second heating intensity.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein when the heating intensity of a particular manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, the control unit sets the set temperature relatively lower based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, to a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature when the second heating intensity is set.

4. The heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the driving power of the heating unit when set to the first heating intensity is higher than the driving power of the heating unit when set to the second heating intensity.

5. The aforementioned specific manual cooking menu includes a first manual cooking menu, The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein, when the heating intensity of the first manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, the control unit changes the set temperature when the lid is closed to a lower temperature than the set temperature when the lid is open, based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means.

6. The heating appliance according to claim 5, wherein the first manual cooking menu includes at least one of a stir-frying menu for stir-frying the ingredients and a simmering menu for simmering the ingredients.

7. The heating appliance according to claim 5, wherein the control unit sets the set temperature when the lid is opened for the first manual cooking menu to 150 degrees or higher.

8. The aforementioned specific manual cooking menu includes a second manual cooking menu, The heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein, when the heating intensity of the second manual cooking menu is set to the first heating intensity, the control unit applies, based on the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means, a first setting that lowers the set temperature when the lid is closed compared to the set temperature when the lid is open, or a second setting that lowers the set temperature when the lid is open compared to the set temperature when the lid is closed.

9. The control unit switches between the first setting and the second setting according to the target ingredients of the second manual cooking menu, as described in claim 8.

10. The heating appliance according to claim 8, wherein the second manual cooking menu includes a simmering menu for simmering the ingredients.

11. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first heating intensity is the highest heating intensity among a plurality of selectable heating intensities.

12. The heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein when a third manual cooking menu different from the specific manual cooking menu is selected, the control unit uses the same set temperature at each heating intensity set on the operation unit, regardless of the detection result of the lid opening / closing detection means.

13. The heating appliance according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing unit is provided in the main body and detects the temperature of the container.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the set temperature when the heating intensity of the specified manual cooking menu is set to a first intensity is 100 degrees or higher.

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