Cooking system

Abstract

This cooking system provides notifications to users prompting them to clean their range hood at a more appropriate time. [Solution] The cooking system 1 includes a notification processing unit 101b that performs processing to notify the user that it is time to clean the range hood 20, and a prediction unit 101a that predicts when it is time to clean. The prediction unit 101a accumulates an index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood 20 based on a dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu set for the cooking unit (cooker unit, grill unit) in operation during the operating period of the range hood 20, and predicts when it is time to clean based on when the index value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The notification processing unit 101b performs processing to notify the user that it is time to clean based on the prediction unit 101a's prediction that it is time to clean.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking system including a cooking stove and a range hood for cooking.

Background Art

[0002] A range hood is disposed above a cooking stove, and steam, smoke, etc. generated during cooking are discharged outdoors. The range hood gradually gets dirty in response to the exhaust. In particular, dirt accumulates on the filter that is installed in a replaceable manner with respect to the range hood. Therefore, the user cleans the inside of the range hood at an appropriate time. When the dirt is severe, the user replaces the filter as appropriate.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below describes a high-frequency heating device with a range hood that notifies the necessity of cleaning or replacing the filter when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous cleaning of the range hood.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the degree of dirt on the range hood varies depending on the cooked food. Therefore, with the above configuration, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the range hood may not be very dirty, or the dirt on the range hood may be severe. It is difficult to say that the notification at such a timing is an effective notification for the user.

[0006] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooking system capable of notifying the user to clean the range hood at a more appropriate timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main aspect of the present invention relates to a cooking system comprising a stove capable of setting a cooking menu in at least one cooking unit, and a range hood capable of communicating with the stove. The cooking system according to this aspect comprises a notification processing unit that performs processing to notify the range hood of the time to clean, and a prediction unit that predicts the time to clean. The prediction unit, during the operation period of the range hood, accumulates an index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood based on a dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu set in the cooking unit during operation, and predicts the arrival of the time to clean based on the index value exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the notification processing unit performs the notification processing based on the prediction unit's prediction of the arrival of the time to clean.

[0008] According to the cooking system of this embodiment, an index value indicating the degree of soiling of the range hood is calculated based on a soiling coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu, so that the degree of soiling of the range hood, which differs for each cooking menu, can be reflected in the index value. Furthermore, since the time for cleaning the range hood is predicted based on when this index value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the timing of cleaning can be predicted more accurately, and the user can be notified to clean the range hood at a more appropriate time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the present invention provides a cooking system that can notify the user to clean the range hood at a more appropriate time.

[0010] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cooking system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stove according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the circuit blocks of a stove and range hood that constitute a cooking system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a flowchart showing the process for accumulating dirt index values ​​according to the embodiment. Figure 4(b) is a flowchart showing the process for notifying cleaning recommendations according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a time chart showing an example of the change in airflow of the range hood and the change in the soiling coefficient of the cooking area according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cooking system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0013] The cooking system 1 comprises a stovetop 10 and a range hood 20. The stovetop 10 and the range hood 20 can communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication. The range hood 20 is installed above the stovetop 10 and exhausts steam and smoke generated during cooking to the outside. The stovetop 10 can communicate with a mobile terminal device 30 located in the home H10 via a router 60. The mobile terminal device 30 can communicate with a server 50 via the router 60 and an external communication network 40.

[0014] The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone. The mobile terminal device 30 may also be other portable terminal devices such as a portable tablet terminal. The mobile terminal device 30 is equipped with a display input unit 31 consisting of a touch panel, and further equipped with an audio interface such as a microphone and a speaker. The external communication network 40 is, for example, the internet. The router 60 is a communication relay device for connecting each device present in the home H10 to the external communication network 40.

[0015] The stove 10 is a gas stove that burns gas fuel to heat the food to be cooked. The stove 10 has a stove section 11 (cooking section) on its top surface. Here, three stove sections 11 are arranged on the top surface of the stove 10. The stove section 11 includes a gas burner that burns gas as fuel and a support for installing a pot or the like.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stove 10 according to the embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the three stove sections 11 includes a mover 11a that is pushed down by the lower surface of the cooker when a cooker such as a pot is placed on the corresponding support. When these movers 11a descend, it is detected that a cooker has been placed on the support. Further, a temperature sensor 11b (thermistor) is built into the mover 11a, and the temperature of the lower surface of the cooker (the temperature of the food in the cooker) is detected by this temperature sensor 11b.

[0018] Furthermore, the stove 10 has a grill section 12 at the center of the main body. Grill burners are provided vertically in the grill section 12, and grill cooking is performed by the combustion of the grill burners. The grill section 12 can be opened and closed by a door on the front surface of the stove 10.

[0019] In the grill section 12 as well, a mover that is pushed down by the lower surface of the grill plate when the grill plate is placed is arranged, and a temperature sensor (thermistor) is built into this mover. However, the method of detecting the temperature of the food placed on the grill plate is not limited to this, and for example, a method of predicting the temperature of the food from the detected temperature of a temperature sensor arranged in the grill compartment may be used.

[0020] On the right and left sides of the grill section 12, there are provided three operation knobs 13a for the stove section 11 and an operation knob 14a for the grill section 12, respectively. The three operation knobs 13a on the right side are associated with the three stove sections 11 arranged on the top surface. The operation knobs 13a and 14a protrude from the front surface of the stove 10 when pushed in from a flush state with respect to the front surface of the stove 10, and are locked in a flush state with respect to the front surface of the stove 10 when pushed in again from this state.

[0021] When the operation knob 13a is pushed in and protrudes from a flush state with respect to the front surface of the stove 10, the corresponding stove section 11 is ignited at a predetermined heating power. Thereafter, when the operation knob 13a is rotated, the heating power of the stove section 11 is adjusted. When the operation knob 13a is pushed in from the protruding position, the stove section 11 is turned off. For the operation knob 14a, ignition, turning off, and heating power adjustment of the grill section 12 are performed by the same operation.

[0022] Below the three operation knobs 13a, a kangaroo pocket type operation panel 13b is arranged. On the operation panel 13b, a plurality of operation keys for inputting predetermined settings related to the stove section 11 are arranged. Also, below the operation knob 14a, a kangaroo pocket type operation panel 14b is arranged. On the operation panel 14b, a plurality of operation keys for inputting predetermined settings related to the grill section 12 are arranged.

[0023] Above the three operation knobs 13a, a power switch 15 is arranged. The power switch 15 is a switch for turning on the power to the stove 10. The user can switch the power of the stove 10 on and off by operating the power switch 15.

[0024] Returning to Figure 1, the server 50 stores cooking information for each cooking menu, corresponding to the cooking menu for that menu. The cooking information includes recipe information such as the ingredients and quantities needed to make the dish. The cooking information also includes information (operation information) such as the appropriate temperature range for the food being cooked and the heating time within that temperature range. In addition, the cooking information for cooking menus that can be automatically cooked includes cooking control information for controlling the stove 10 for automatic cooking. This cooking control information includes information such as the temperature range, heating time, and heating level during the period from the start to the end of cooking.

[0025] Furthermore, each cooking menu is associated with a dirt coefficient that indicates the degree of soiling of the range hood 20 caused by that cooking menu. For example, if the cooking menu type is "deep-fried food," the dirt coefficient is set to "3," if the cooking menu type is "stir-fried food," the dirt coefficient is set to "2," and if the cooking menu type is "simmered food," the dirt coefficient is set to "1."

[0026] The automatic cooking menu can also be set using the operation panels 13b and 14b in Figure 2. For example, operation panel 13b includes an operation button for setting the "rice cooking" menu, and operation panel 14b includes an operation button for setting the "grilled fish" menu. For example, the "rice cooking" menu (operation button) is set to a dirt coefficient of "1", and the "grilled fish" menu (operation button) is set to a dirt coefficient of "2". These dirt coefficients are pre-stored in the memory unit 102 of the stove 10 (see Figure 3).

[0027] Figure 3 shows the circuit blocks of the stove 10 and range hood 20 that make up the cooking system 1.

[0028] The stove 10 comprises a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, an operation unit 103, a drive unit 104, a detection unit 105, a communication unit 106, and a notification unit 107.

[0029] The control unit 101 is equipped with a microcomputer and controls each part of the stove 10 according to a program stored in the memory unit 102. The memory unit 102 is equipped with memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0030] The control unit 103 includes the control knobs 13a and 14a shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the control keys located on the control panels 13b and 14b. The drive unit 104 includes an igniter for performing combustion operations in the three stovetop units 11 and the grill unit 12, a main gas solenoid valve, a flow control valve for adjusting the gas volume, a stepping motor for driving these solenoid valves, and a drive circuit. The detection unit 105 includes the temperature sensor 11b shown in Figure 2, and various sensors such as multiple thermocouples for detecting ignition in the three stovetop units 11 and the grill unit 12, respectively.

[0031] The communication unit 106 performs wireless communication with the router 60 and the communication unit 206 of the range hood 20 in response to control from the control unit 101. The notification unit 107 is equipped with notification means such as a speaker, lamp, and 8-segment display element, and provides predetermined notifications to the user in response to control from the control unit 101.

[0032] In this embodiment, the functions of the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b are assigned to the control unit 101 by a program stored in the memory unit 102. The prediction unit 101a predicts when it is time to clean the range hood 20. Based on the prediction unit 101a's prediction that it is time to clean the range hood 20, the notification processing unit 101b executes a process to notify the user of the time to clean. The functions of the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 4(a), (b) and 5.

[0033] The range hood 20 comprises a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, an operation unit 203, a drive unit 204, a detection unit 205, a communication unit 206, and a notification unit 207.

[0034] The control unit 201 is equipped with a microcomputer and controls each part of the range hood 20 according to a program stored in the memory unit 202. The memory unit 202 is equipped with memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0035] The operation unit 203 includes an operation button for switching the airflow of the range hood 20. The drive unit 204 includes a fan and motor for sending steam, smoke, etc., generated during cooking to the outside. The detection unit 205 includes a sensor for detecting the liquid level in the oil reservoir located in the range hood 20. The communication unit 206 communicates wirelessly with the communication unit 106 of the stove 10 in response to control from the control unit 201. The notification unit 207 is equipped with notification means such as a speaker, lamp, and 8-segment display element, and provides predetermined notifications to the user in response to control from the control unit 201.

[0036] The mobile terminal device 30 stores an application program for cooking control that has been downloaded from the server 50. Upon activating this application program, the mobile terminal device 30 receives a specified cooking menu from the user via the display input unit 31. Once the user has entered a cooking menu, the mobile terminal device 30 accesses the server 50 via the external communication network 40 and obtains cooking information and a soiling coefficient related to the cooking menu specified by the user. The mobile terminal device 30 stores the obtained cooking information and soiling coefficient for that cooking menu.

[0037] If the specified cooking menu is one that can be automatically cooked, the portable terminal device 30 sets which cooking unit (cooker unit 11, grill unit 12) will perform the automatic cooking. If there are multiple cooking units capable of automatic cooking, the portable terminal device 30 asks the user via the display input unit 31 which cooking unit to use for the cooking menu, and sets the cooking unit specified by the user as the cooking unit for automatic cooking.

[0038] The mobile terminal device 30 extracts cooking control information from the cooking menu information obtained from the server 50, and transmits the extracted cooking control information and the identification information of the cooking unit set as described above to the stove 10. At the same time, the mobile terminal device 30 also transmits the dirt coefficient associated with the cooking menu to the stove 10. Subsequently, the mobile terminal device 30 displays the recipe information included in the cooking information on the display input unit 31. The user prepares the contents in the cooking appliance based on the recipe information, and then sets the cooking appliance in the corresponding cooking unit.

[0039] When the control unit 101 of the stove 10 detects, via the movable element 11a, that food has been placed in the cooking section, it controls the cooking section according to the received cooking control information to perform cooking according to the cooking menu specified by the user. The control unit 101 also sets the received dirt coefficient in the cooking section and uses this dirt coefficient to calculate the index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood 20, as described later.

[0040] If the cooking menu specified by the user is not one that can be automatically cooked, the mobile terminal device 30 displays a reception screen on the display input unit 31 for the user to input which cooking unit (cooker unit 11, grill unit 12) will be used to cook that menu. The user then specifies the cooking unit to be used to cook that menu on this reception screen. As a result, the mobile terminal device 30 displays the recipe information included in the cooking information obtained from the server 50 on the display input unit 31.

[0041] In parallel with this, the portable terminal device 30 transmits to the stove 10 the identification information of the cooking unit specified by the user, along with the dirt coefficient associated with the cooking menu. As described above, this dirt coefficient is used to calculate an index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood 20.

[0042] The user prepares the contents of the cooking device based on the recipe information displayed on the display input unit 31 of the mobile terminal device 30, and sets the cooking device in the cooking section they have designated. Then, the user adjusts the heating level of the cooking section and manages the heating time according to the recipe information to cook the dish they have designated.

[0043] By the way, the range hood 20 gradually becomes dirty as it exhausts steam and smoke generated during cooking. The degree to which the range hood 20 gets dirty varies depending on the cooking menu. For example, if the cooking menu is deep-frying, the range hood 20 will get quite dirty. On the other hand, if the cooking menu is simmering, the range hood 20 will get less dirty. Therefore, even if the user is notified at predetermined intervals to clean the range hood 20, the notification may not necessarily be given at the appropriate time. For example, if simmering is done frequently during the period between the last notification and the predetermined time elapsed, the range hood 20 may not yet be dirty enough to require cleaning at the next notification.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, the timing of the notification prompting cleaning of the range hood 20 is controlled by the cooking menu performed by the user on the stove 10 while the range hood 20 is operating. This control will be explained below.

[0045] Figure 4(a) is a flowchart showing the process of accumulating the dirt index value performed by the control unit 101 of the stove 10.

[0046] The process shown in Figure 4(a) is performed by the control unit 101 of the stove 10 using the function of the prediction unit 101a. In the following explanation, we will assume that the control unit 101 performs the process shown in Figure 4(a).

[0047] When the control unit 201 of the range hood 20 starts exhaust operation, it transmits a signal to the cooktop 10 via the communication unit 206 to indicate this. Upon receiving this signal, the cooktop 10 determines that the range hood 20 has started operation (S101: YES). In response, the control unit 101 sets a dirt coefficient for the cooking unit currently being used for cooking among the four cooking units (three cooktop units 11 and a grill unit 12) (S102).

[0048] As described above, the dirtiness coefficient is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 30 to the stove 10.

[0049] In other words, when a user performs an operation on the portable terminal device 30 to have the stove 10 execute a cooking menu that allows for automatic cooking, the portable terminal device 30 transmits to the stove 10 the cooking control information for the cooking menu obtained from the server 50, the identification information of the cooking unit used for automatic cooking, and the dirt coefficient received from the server 50 and associated with the cooking menu.

[0050] In this case, following this reception, the control unit 101 of the stove 10 sets the dirt coefficient received from the server 50 on the cooking unit in response to initiating operation of the cooking unit according to the cooking control information. Also, if the range hood 20 is not operating at the time of this reception, the control unit 101 sends a signal to the range hood 20 to start operating it. Thus, in step S102, the dirt coefficient is set for the cooking unit used for automatic cooking. As described above, the dirt coefficient changes depending on the type of cooking menu targeted for automatic cooking (deep-frying, stir-frying, simmering, etc.). However, it is not limited to this, and the dirt coefficient may be individually linked to each cooking menu according to the content of the cooking, such as the amount of oil used for cooking and the heat level.

[0051] Furthermore, when a user performs an operation on the portable terminal device 30 to obtain a cooking menu from the server 50 that cannot be automatically cooked and to have the stove 10 execute it, the portable terminal device 30 transmits to the stove 10, as described above, the identification information of the cooking unit selected by the user to execute the cooking menu, along with the dirt coefficient associated with the cooking menu obtained from the server 50. In this case as well, following this reception, the control unit 101 of the stove 10 sets the dirt coefficient received from the server 50 to the cooking unit in response to initiating operation based on the cooking control information.

[0052] Furthermore, when the user operates the operation panels 13b and 14b in Figure 2 to perform automatic cooking, the control unit 101 reads the dirt coefficient associated with the automatic cooking to be performed from the storage unit 102 and sets the read dirt coefficient to the cooking unit that is the target of the automatic cooking.

[0053] Furthermore, if the user initiates cooking on any of the cooktops of the stove 10 without performing an operation on the mobile terminal device 30 or the operation panels 13b and 14b to set the dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu, for example, if the user initiates cooking on any of the cooktops of the stove 10 arbitrarily without obtaining a cooking menu from the server 50 and without setting automatic cooking by operating the operation panels 13b and 14b in Figure 2, then the cooktop performing the cooking will not have the dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu set as described above. In this case, the control unit 101 of the stove 10 will set a predetermined dirt coefficient for that cooktop.

[0054] Here, the predetermined soiling coefficient may be set to approximately the midpoint of the set of soiling coefficients corresponding to the cooking menu, or to a value that falls within the range between the midpoint and the maximum value. The predetermined soiling coefficient may also be set to the maximum value or slightly less than the maximum value of the set of soiling coefficients corresponding to the cooking menu.

[0055] Furthermore, the commencement of a cooking operation in the cooking unit is detected, for example, by the descent of the movable element 11a of the stove unit 11 and the movable element of the grill unit 12.

[0056] The control unit 101 sets a dirt coefficient for the cooking unit (burner unit 11, grill unit 12) in operation, and then accumulates an index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood 20 based on the set dirt coefficient. For example, for each cooking unit in operation, the control unit 101 calculates the accumulated value ΔV of the following formula at a constant period ΔT (for example, about 0.01 to 0.1 seconds), and adds all of the calculated accumulated values ​​ΔV for each cooking unit to the index value immediately before the period ΔT to calculate the index value.

[0057] ΔV = (coefficient of dirt in the cooking area) × (airflow of the range hood) ... (1) The control unit 101 repeatedly executes steps S102 and S103 until the operation of the range hood 20 is completed (S104: NO). During this time, when the operation of the cooking unit is completed and then restarted, the control unit 101 sets the dirt coefficient for the cooking unit in the same manner as above in response to the restart of operation. After that, when the operation of the range hood 20 is completed (S104: YES), the control unit 101 completes the process shown in Figure 4(a) and restarts the process from step S101.

[0058] Figure 5 is a time chart showing an example of changes in the airflow of the range hood 20 and the soiling coefficient of the cooking area.

[0059] The range hood 20 operates at a predetermined airflow rate in response to an operation command from the stove 10, and then the airflow rate can be switched by the user via the control panel 203 of the range hood 20. For example, the airflow rate can be switched between three levels: high, medium, and low. In the example in Figure 5, airflow rates "3," "2," and "1" are assigned to high, medium, and low. However, this is not limited to this; for example, the actual airflow rates for high, medium, and low could each be 3 m³. 3 / min, 2.5m 3 / min, 2m 3If the value is / min, then values ​​"3", "2.5", and "2" may be assigned to high, medium, and low, respectively, depending on the actual airflow.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 5, the range hood 20 is operating from time t1 to t8. The airflow of the range hood 20 changes from "3" to "2", then to "1", and then the range hood 20 stops operating. The cooking unit operates during the periods from time t2 to t4 and from time t5 to t7, and is inactive from time t4 to t5.

[0061] In this case, during the period from time t2 to t3, an integrated value ΔV = 3 × 3 = 9 is calculated for each period ΔT; during the period from time t3 to t4, an integrated value ΔV = 3 × 2 = 6 is calculated for each period ΔT; during the period from time t5 to t6, an integrated value ΔV = 2 × 2 = 4 is calculated for each period ΔT; and during the period from time t6 to t7, an integrated value ΔV = 2 × 1 = 2 is calculated for each period ΔT.

[0062] In this way, the cumulative value ΔV calculated at each period ΔT is sequentially added to the index value at the start of operation of the range hood 20. Similarly, for other cooking units operating during the operation period of the range hood 20 (times t1 to t8), the cumulative value ΔV is calculated at each period ΔT, and the calculated cumulative value ΔV is sequentially added to the index value at the start of operation of the range hood 20. In this way, the index value gradually increases during the operation period of the range hood 20, and then, when the operation of the range hood 20 ends, the index value at the end point is obtained.

[0063] Figure 4(b) is a flowchart showing the cleaning recommendation notification process performed by the control unit 101 of the stove 10.

[0064] In the flowchart of Figure 4(b), the process in step S201 is performed by the control unit 101 of the stove 10 using the function of the prediction unit 101a, and the process in step S202 is performed by the control unit 101 of the stove 10 using the function of the notification processing unit 101b. In the following explanation, we will assume that the control unit 101 performs the process shown in Figure 4(b).

[0065] The process shown in Figure 4(b) is performed in parallel with the process shown in Figure 4(a). The control unit 101 determines whether the dirt index value exceeds a predetermined threshold (S201). Here, the threshold is set so that when the index value reaches the threshold, it is time for the range hood 20 to clean, based on the verification of the relationship between the index value and the range hood 20.

[0066] When the indicator value exceeds the threshold (S201: YES), the control unit 101 executes a process to notify that it is time to clean the range hood 20 (S202).

[0067] In step S202, the control unit 101 may, for example, cause the notification unit 107 to output a voice message informing that it is time to clean the range hood 20. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may send a notification to the mobile terminal device 30 to output a voice message or message screen informing that it is time to clean the range hood 20. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may send a signal to the range hood 20 to output a voice message via the notification unit 207 informing that it is time to clean the range hood 20.

[0068] Subsequently, the control unit 101 determines whether the user has completed cleaning the range hood 20 (S203). Completion of cleaning is determined, for example, when the user operates the cleaning completion button displayed by the application program described above upon completion of cleaning the range hood 20, and the control unit 101 of the stove 10 receives a cleaning completion notification transmitted from the mobile terminal device 30 in response. Alternatively, it is determined when the user operates the cleaning completion button included in the operation unit 203 of the range hood 20 upon completion of cleaning, and the control unit 101 of the stove 10 receives a cleaning completion signal transmitted from the range hood 20 in response. In addition, the operation unit 103 of the stove 10 may include an operation button that is operated when cleaning the range hood 20 is complete.

[0069] When the cleaning of the range hood 20 is determined to be complete (S203: YES), the control unit 101 resets the dirt index value to 0 (S204). As a result, the control unit 101 terminates the process shown in Figure 4(b).

[0070] Furthermore, the notification process in step S202 may be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals until the determination in step S203 is YES. This allows the user to more reliably know that cleaning is recommended for the range hood 20.

[0071] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to the embodiment, the following effects may be achieved.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the cooking system 1 includes an notification processing unit 101b that performs processing to notify the user that it is time to clean the range hood 20, and a prediction unit 101a that predicts when it is time to clean the range hood 20. As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the control unit 101 (prediction unit 101a) calculates an index value indicating the degree of dirtiness of the range hood 20 based on a dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu set for the cooking unit (cooker unit 11, grill unit 12) in operation during the period when the range hood 20 is running (S101:YES) (S102, S103), and predicts when it is time to clean based on the index value exceeding a predetermined threshold (S201:YES), and the control unit 101 (notification processing unit 101b) performs processing to notify the user that it is time to clean based on the prediction unit 101a predicting when it is time to clean (S201:YES).

[0073] With this configuration, an index value indicating the degree of soiling of the range hood 20 is calculated based on a soiling coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu, so that the degree of soiling of the range hood 20, which differs for each cooking menu, can be reflected in the index value. Furthermore, since the time for cleaning the range hood 20 is predicted based on when this index value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the timing for cleaning can be predicted more accurately, and the user can be notified to clean the range hood 20 at a more appropriate time.

[0074] In the processes of steps S102 and S103 in Figure 4(a), the control unit 101 (prediction unit 101a) calculates an index value based on a predetermined dirt coefficient if, during the operation period of the range hood 20, a dirt coefficient corresponding to a cooking menu is not set for the cooking unit (cooker unit 11, grill unit 12) in operation.

[0075] With this configuration, even if it is not possible to set a soiling coefficient corresponding to a cooking menu for the cooking unit operating during the range hood 20's operating period, an index value can be accumulated using a predetermined soiling coefficient. This allows for accurate prediction of when cleaning is needed.

[0076] <Example of changes> In the above embodiment, the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b are located on the stove 10, but the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b may also be located on the range hood 20. In this case, the dirt coefficient is transmitted from the stove 10 to the range hood 20. Alternatively, if the range hood 20 is responsible for notifying when it is time to clean, the prediction unit 101a may be located on the stove 10 and the notification processing unit 101b may be located on the range hood 20. In this case, the control unit 101 of the stove 10 transmits a signal to the range hood 20 indicating that the determination in step S201 of Figure 4(a) is YES, and the control unit 201 of the range hood 20 can then have the notification unit 207 execute the cleaning notification in response to receiving this signal.

[0077] Furthermore, the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b may be located in the portable terminal device 30 or in the server 50. In this case, the information necessary to execute the process shown in Figure 4(a) is transmitted from the stove 10 to the portable terminal device 30 or the server 50. If the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b are located in the portable terminal device 30, the notification of cleaning time only needs to be output by the portable terminal device 30. If the prediction unit 101a and the notification processing unit 101b are located in the server 50, the notification of cleaning time can be made by the portable terminal device 30 in response to a notification from the server 50. In these cases, the cooking system 1 further includes the portable terminal device 30 or the server 50.

[0078] Furthermore, the soiling coefficient is not limited to three levels (1, 2, and 3), but may be set more finely.

[0079] Furthermore, the index value may be calculated using a calculation formula other than the above formula (1). For example, the cumulative value ΔV for each period ΔT may be calculated using a calculation formula obtained by further multiplying the right-hand side of formula (1) by the period ΔT. Alternatively, the cumulative value ΔV for each period ΔT may be calculated by fixing (airflow of range hood 20) in the above formula (1) to a predetermined value, regardless of the airflow of the range hood 20. However, in order to more accurately determine when it is time to clean the range hood 20, it is preferable to consider the airflow of the range hood 20 as in the above formula (1). If the formula for calculating the index value is changed from formula (1), the threshold value will also be changed accordingly.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stove 10 was capable of automatic cooking based on automatic cooking control information from the portable terminal device 30. However, the stove 10 does not necessarily have to be capable of such automatic cooking; for example, it may be capable of automatic cooking only by operating the control panel 13b. In this case as well, the dirt index value is accumulated according to the cooking menu to which automatic cooking is applied, and the time for cleaning is predicted, so that the user can be notified to clean the range hood 20 at a more appropriate time.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if a cooking menu that cannot be automatically cooked is selected from the cooking menus acquired from the server 50, the user is asked to input which cooking unit to use for this cooking menu. However, this step is not necessarily required, and the cooking system 1 may be configured so that the user uses any cooking unit to perform this cooking menu. In this case, the stove 10 cannot set a dirt coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu for the cooking unit that performs this cooking, so in step S102 of Figure 4(a), it is sufficient to set a predetermined dirt coefficient for this cooking unit.

[0082] Furthermore, although the stove 10 was a gas stove in the above embodiment, the stove 10 may be configured to heat food using a method other than gas combustion. For example, the stove 10 may be an induction heating stove (IH stove) that generates heat in metal cooking utensils (pots, kettles, etc.) by an electric current flowing through a coil.

[0083] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Cooking System 10 stovetops 11. Stove section (Cooking section) 12. Grill section (cooking section) 20 Range Hood 30 Mobile terminal devices 101 Control Unit 101a Prediction Unit 101b Notification Processing Unit

Claims

1. A cooking system comprising a stove capable of setting a cooking menu in at least one cooking section, and a range hood capable of communicating with the stove, An notification processing unit that performs processing to notify the user that it is time to clean the range hood, The system includes a prediction unit that predicts the timing of the cleaning, The prediction unit, during the operation period of the range hood, accumulates an index value indicating the degree of soiling of the range hood based on the soiling coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu set in the cooking unit during operation, and predicts the arrival of the cleaning time based on the index value exceeding a predetermined threshold. The notification processing unit executes the notification process based on the prediction unit's prediction that the cleaning time has arrived. A cooking system characterized by the following features.

2. In the cooking system described in claim 1, The prediction unit, during the operation period of the range hood, if the soiling coefficient corresponding to the cooking menu is not set for the cooking unit in operation, accumulates the index value based on a predetermined soiling coefficient. A cooking system characterized by the following features.

Images