Combined heating cooker and kitchen furniture

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker which comprises a plurality of heating sources, is capable of acquiring cooking condition data even from the outside and improves user convenience, and a heating cooking system.SOLUTION: A compound type heating cooker comprises: first heating means; second heating means which heats a cooked object in a heating chamber; an integrated control device which controls the heating means; and an input operation unit which receives user input. The integrated control device has: an interlocked cooking mode in which a cooking step 1 and a cooking step 2 are executed using two pieces of heating means; and an automatic cooking mode which automatically proceeds with the cooking steps in the heating chamber. Regarding one cooking menu of the interlocked cooking mode, the integrated control device reports a recommended cooking menu with which heating cooking can be performed in parallel with the cooking step 2 at any place where the cooking step 1 is executed based on information owned by the integrated control device per se or information acquired from the outside on a stage in the middle of the cooking step 1 or on a stage after ending the cooking step 1 and before starting the cooking step 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 107

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a combination heating cooker that heats a heated object such as a pot placed on a top plate, kitchen furniture such as a kitchen counter equipped with the same, a control program for the combination heating cooker, an operation management system for home appliances, and a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] Cooking appliances can be broadly divided into three types based on the environment in which they are used. One of these is the so-called "built-in type," which is installed inside kitchen furniture such as a kitchen counter. The second is the "freestanding type," which is placed in a designated location on kitchen furniture, like a gas stove (also called a "gas-burning table"). The third is the small, portable "tabletop type," which is placed in any desired location on a dining table, etc.

[0003] Many "built-in" cooking appliances are equipped with multiple heat sources and are popular for their ability to handle a variety of cooking methods. However, because they are installed inside kitchen furniture, the external dimensions must be designed to conform to the standards of general kitchen furniture, meaning there is significantly less freedom in design compared to "freestanding" or "tabletop" appliances, making it difficult to create a practical product.

[0004] A typical built-in cooking appliance is one that has a grill chamber (also called an "oven chamber" or "heating chamber," but hereinafter referred to collectively as "heating chamber") inside the main body that is heated by an induction heating source, and that introduces microwaves from a microwave heating source into the heating chamber, so as to expand the range of cooking options (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Appliances that have multiple heating sources with different heating principles like this are called "combined" cooking appliances.

[0005] It has also been proposed to heat and cook a single food by moving a cooking utensil such as a pot containing the food among multiple locations. By changing the heating location, the heating space (environment) changes, which has the advantage of being able to handle a variety of food (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4).

[0006] It has also been proposed to link a refrigerator-freezer as a first network home appliance and a cooker as a second network home appliance (see, for example, Patent Document 5).It has also been proposed to combine a refrigerator and a cooker, which includes a refrigerator that has a function of reporting temperature information and a cooker that has a function of inputting temperature information based on the temperature information of the refrigerator (see, for example, Patent Document 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-031202 A (Page 1, Figure 5) [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-207400 A (Page 5, Figure 9) [Patent Document 3] JP 2011-129529 A (Page 1, Figure 6) [Patent Document 4] JP 2011-96484 A (Page 1, Figure 14) [Patent Document 5] JP 2006-228097 A (page 4, Figure 1) [Patent Document 6] JP 2000-304433 A (page 4, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] As mentioned above, conventional built-in cooking appliances have been proposed that include an induction heating source, a radiant electric heater, and a microwave heating source as heating sources. However, in any of these appliances, when performing a single cooking operation, the multiple heating sources used must be coordinated.

[0009] As proposed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 above, when using multiple heat sources located far apart, it is necessary to take measures to prevent unintended heat sources from operating or stopping even if the user issues an incorrect operation command. If these measures are not taken sufficiently, it may cause user confusion and lead to cooking failure. In other words, it is necessary to overcome difficult technical issues, such as coordinating multiple heat sources and notifying or displaying the user of the coordination status of the heat sources in a timely manner.

[0010] Furthermore, when multiple heating sources are used, such as induction heating sources and radiant electric heaters (also called "electric heaters that emit radiant heat"), microwave heating sources, gas combustion burners, and other heating sources with different heating principles, the heating characteristics of each heating source are different. For example, microwave heating can heat the food or other cooked item itself from the inside at high speed, so it can be used for cooking purposes that cannot be achieved with heating sources such as gas burners, radiant electric heaters, and induction heating heaters, and is therefore expected to be used. However, if an input operation unit and a display unit are provided for each of the heating sources having such greatly different heating characteristics, there is a concern that the operability and convenience for the user will be impaired and speedy cooking will be hindered unless appropriate information is provided to the user in a timely manner when heating with each heating source alone and when cooking in the coordinated cooking mode in which the sequence is defined so that the heating sources are operated in a predetermined order as described above. There is also a concern that this may lead to cooking failure and damage the user's expectations.

[0011] Furthermore, conventionally, the cooking appliance has not been effectively linked to other home appliances such as a refrigerator-freezer, and therefore convenience has not been improved.

[0012] The first object of the present disclosure is to propose a heating cooker that can effectively utilize multiple heating sources, such as an induction heating source, a radiant electric heating source, and a microwave heating source, and to provide a highly convenient combined heating cooker that can be used for a wide variety of heating cooking methods by further improving user operability.

[0013] A second object of the present disclosure is to provide kitchen furniture equipped with a combined cooking device that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0014] A third object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer control program suitable for a combined heating cooker that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0015] Furthermore, a fourth object of the present disclosure is to provide an operation management system for home appliances that can be effectively linked with other home appliances such as refrigerator-freezers to improve convenience.

[0016] Furthermore, a fifth object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can be effectively linked with a cooking appliance to enhance convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The combined cooking device of the first disclosure relating to the first problem is: The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated at a first location, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked at a second location, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are performed using the first heating means and the second heating means, the integrated control device, with respect to one cooking menu MA in the linked cooking mode, notifies a recommended cooking menu MB that can be cooked in parallel with the cooking process 2 at either the first location or the second location used in the cooking process 1, based on information it holds or information it acquires from an external source, during the cooking process 1 or after the cooking process 1 has ended and before the cooking process 2 is started; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0018] The combined heating cooker of the second disclosure relating to the first problem is: The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated on a top plate, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked in a heating chamber, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are performed using the first heating means and the second heating means, and an automatic cooking mode in which the cooking steps are automatically performed in the heating chamber; the integrated control device, with respect to one cooking menu MA in the linked cooking mode, notifies the user of a recommended cooking menu MB that can be cooked in the heating chamber used in the cooking process 1 in parallel with the cooking process 2 based on information it holds or information it acquires from an external source, during the cooking process 1 or after the cooking process 1 is completed and before the cooking process 2 is started; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0019] The combined heating cooker of the third disclosure relating to the first problem comprises: The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated at a first location, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked at a second location, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which a cooking step 1, a pause period, and a cooking step 2 are sequentially executed; the integrated control device notifies the user of a recommended cooking menu MB that can be cooked in parallel with the cooking process 2 in either the first location or the second location used in the cooking process 1 based on food ingredient information of the refrigerator automatically acquired from an external source during the pause period, for one cooking menu MA in the linked cooking mode; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0020] The kitchen furniture of the fourth disclosure relating to the second problem is: An installation port is provided on the upper surface, and the combined heating cooker according to any one of the first, second, or third disclosures is installed in the installation port. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0021] A control program for a combined heating cooker according to the fifth disclosure relating to the third subject, The method is executed by a control computer that controls the first heating means and the second heating means of the cooking device, Step 1 of activating a display means when power is turned on; Step 2: displaying common information during standby on the display means; Step 3: determining one cooking mode selected by a user from the single cooking mode, the combined cooking mode, and the linked cooking mode; Step 4: before one cooking process in the cooking mode is completed, extracting ingredients that have a special relationship with the food to be cooked in the cooking mode from the inventory information of ingredients held in the refrigerator; Step 5: transmitting cooking execution data when one of the cooking modes is completed; It stipulates that The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0022] The sixth disclosure relating to the fourth problem provides an operation management system for home appliances, A cooking device equipped with three heating means with different heating principles; a refrigerator equipped with a storage compartment capable of refrigerating or freezing food; an information processing device that enables mutual communication between the cooking appliance and the refrigerator, The information processing device sequentially performs the following processes 1 to 3: The present invention relates to an operation management system for home appliances. (Process 1) Information on ingredients that can be cooked from among the ingredients stored in the refrigerator is collected from the refrigerator and stored in a storage device. (Process 2) When a request for the provision of the ingredient information is received from the cooking appliance, the ingredient information stored in the storage device is transmitted to the cooking appliance. (Process 3) Cooking execution data is acquired from the cooking appliance, and the cooking execution data is transmitted to the refrigerator.

[0023] The seventh disclosure relating to the fourth problem provides an operation management system for home appliances, A heating cooker, a refrigerator that has a storage compartment that can store food ingredients in a refrigerated or frozen state and that exchanges information with the cooking appliance; The cooking appliance transmits cooking notice data or cooking execution data to the refrigerator, When the refrigerator acquires the cooking notice data or the cooking execution data, the refrigerator performs a process of changing the control conditions of the storage compartment. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0024] The eighth disclosure relating to the fourth problem provides an operation management system for home appliances, A cooking device equipped with a communication function that can be connected to a network, a refrigerator having a storage compartment capable of storing food materials in a refrigerated or frozen state and capable of exchanging information with the cooking appliance; the cooking appliance has a function of acquiring recipe information via the network, and transmitting cooking notice data to the refrigerator when it is determined to execute the recipe information; When the refrigerator acquires the cooking notice data, the refrigerator performs a process of changing the control conditions of the storage compartment. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0025] The operation management system for home appliances according to the ninth disclosure related to the fourth problem is: A heating cooker, a refrigerator having a storage compartment capable of storing food in a refrigerated or frozen state; an information processing device capable of exchanging information with the cooking appliance and the refrigerator, The cooking device transmits cooking notice data or cooking execution data to the information processing device, When the information processing device acquires the cooking notice data or the cooking execution data, the information processing device issues a command to change the control condition of the storage compartment to the refrigerator. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0026] The operation management system for home appliances according to the tenth disclosure related to the fourth problem is: A cooking device with a communication function that can be connected to a network, a refrigerator having a storage compartment capable of storing food in a refrigerated or frozen state; an information processing device capable of exchanging information with the cooking appliance and the refrigerator, the cooking device has a function of acquiring recipe information via the network, and when it is determined to execute the recipe information, transmitting cooking notice data to the information processing device; When the information processing device acquires the cooking notice data, the information processing device issues a command to change the control condition of the storage compartment to the refrigerator. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0027] The refrigerator according to the eleventh disclosure regarding the fifth problem is A refrigerator equipped with a storage compartment capable of storing food in a refrigerated or frozen state and a display screen, the refrigerator transmits inventory information identifying the food ingredients stored in the storage compartment to the cooking appliance with which communication has been established in response to the search command; The refrigerator acquires cooking notice data or cooking execution data from the cooking appliance, When the refrigerator acquires the cooking notice data or the cooking execution data, the refrigerator performs a change process to change the control conditions of the storage compartment, The refrigerator displays the cooking notice data or the cooking execution data on the display screen. The configuration is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a highly convenient combination heating cooker that can handle a wide range of heating cooking methods by linking multiple heating means, kitchen furniture, a control program for the combination heating cooker, and an operation management system for home appliances, as well as a highly convenient refrigerator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication system between one house and the outside according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view 1 showing the configuration of a kitchen in one of the houses shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view 2 showing the configuration of the kitchen of one of the houses shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of home appliances and a home gateway in one house shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing the entire kitchen furniture in which a built-in type combination heating cooker according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state of kitchen furniture before the cooking device shown in FIG. 5 is installed. [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate stage of the work of incorporating the cooking device shown in FIG. 5 into kitchen furniture. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the dimensional relationship between the kitchen furniture and the cooking appliance in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing a part of the front of the kitchen furniture shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a perspective view of the kitchen furniture shown in FIG. 8 as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 12] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along line ZZ of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along line ZZ of FIG. 11, showing the flow of cooling air. [Figure 14]13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along the line WW of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along line YY of FIG. 11. [Figure 16] 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along line VV of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 5 taken along line XX of FIG. 12. [Figure 18] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the main part of the cooking device of FIG. 5 when it is installed in kitchen furniture. [Figure 19] 6 is a simplified plan view for explaining an input operation unit of the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 20] 6 is a plan view of the front part of the cooking device of FIG. 5 for explaining the arrangement of an input operation unit and various display units. FIG. [Figure 21] 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a central operating section and an integrated display section of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 22] 6 is an enlarged plan view of a right operating section and a right display section of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 23] 6 is an enlarged plan view of a left operating section and a left display section of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 24] 6 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the flow of cooling air inside the upper unit of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a simplified schematic diagram of the main components shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line SS in FIG. 24. [Figure 27] 26 is an enlarged view of the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 25, illustrating the flow of cooling air and the cooling principle. [Figure 28] 10 is a simplified perspective view illustrating the positional relationship between the cooling air from the outlet of the first cooling fan and the inverter circuit board. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 6 is a block diagram 1 showing main control-related parts of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 30] FIG. 6 is a block diagram 2 showing main control-related parts of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 31] FIG. 6 is a block diagram 3 showing main control-related parts of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 32] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the main cooling air passages of the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing details of an inverter circuit of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 34] 6 is a table showing the correspondence between the main (range grill) control menus and the display areas on the integrated display unit of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 35] 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the storage device of the integrated control device of the cooking device of FIG. 5 and the central operation unit. [Figure 36] 6 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the storage device of the integrated control device of the cooking device of FIG. 5 and the central operation unit. [Figure 37] 6 is a flowchart 1 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 38] 6 is a flowchart 2 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 39] 6 is a flowchart 3 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 40] 6 is a flowchart 4 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 41] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5 in time series. [Figure 42] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 2 for explaining the control operation of the cooking device of FIG. 5 in time series. [Figure 43] 6 is a table showing the correspondence between the cooling fans of the cooking device of FIG. 5 and the types of cooking. [Figure 44] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the control operation when deep-fry cooking (automatic), which is a type of induction heating cooking, is performed in the heating cooker of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 45] 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit immediately after the start of the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of the left operating part of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 47] FIG. 6 is a diagram 1 for explaining the operation of the left operating unit and the integrated display unit of the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 48] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit during combined cooking in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 49] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit during combined cooking in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 50] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit during combined cooking in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 51] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit during combined cooking in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 52] 6 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the integrated display unit and the central operation unit during combined cooking in the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 53] 6 is a plan view showing the relationship between the display operation of the integrated display unit and the central operation unit during coordinated cooking in the cooking appliance of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 54] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing input operations and steps when a cooperative cooking mode and a single cooking mode are performed. FIG. [Figure 55] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between cooking steps in a cooperative cooking mode and a single cooking mode. [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the cooking steps in the cooperative cooking mode and the independent cooking mode. [Figure 57] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing, in time series, the relationship between input operations and displays up to the transition between a combined cooking mode by a combined cooking mode and a cooperative cooking mode by a cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 58] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between various cooking steps and operations in the combined cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 59] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between various cooking steps and operations in the combined cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 60] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the relationship between various cooking steps and operations in the combined cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 61]6 is a flowchart showing an operation of informing about a cooking process in a cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 62] 6 is a flowchart 1 showing the control operation of the integrated control device in the cooking device of FIG. 5 until the cooking device transitions to the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 63] 61 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking steps and the notification action in the cooperative cooking mode of FIG. 60. FIG. [Figure 64] 6 is a flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the integrated control device in the cooking device of FIG. 5 until the cooking device transitions to the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 65] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing permission conditions and determination results before transitioning to a combined cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 66] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing permission conditions and determination results before transitioning to a combined cooking mode in the cooking device of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 67] 6 is a flowchart 1 showing the control operation of the integrated control device when the cooperative cooking mode is selected in the cooking appliance of FIG. 5. [Figure 68] 6 is a flowchart 2 showing the control operation of the integrated control device when the cooperative cooking mode is selected in the cooking appliance of FIG. 5. [Figure 69] 6 is a flowchart 3 showing the control operation of the integrated control device when the cooperative cooking mode is selected in the cooking appliance of FIG. 5. [Figure 70] 6 is a plan view 1 showing the control operations of the input operation unit and the display unit (integrated display unit and left display unit) when the cooperative cooking mode is selected in the cooking appliance of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 71] 6A and 6B are a plan view and an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the central operation unit and the display operation of the integrated display unit when the cooperative cooking mode is selected in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 72] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the types of combination cooking modes when the combination cooking mode is selected in the cooking device of FIG. 5. [Figure 73] 10 is a table showing the display contents of the first specific screen on the integrated display unit when the cooperative cooking mode is selected. [Figure 74] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display content of the display unit and the input operation unit when the cooperative cooking mode is selected. [Figure 75] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display content of the display unit and the input operation unit when the cooperative cooking mode is selected. [Figure 76] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display content of the display unit and the input operation unit when the cooperative cooking mode is selected. [Figure 77] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 78] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display content of the display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 79] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display content of the display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 80] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 81] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 82] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 83] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 84] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 85] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 86] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 87]FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 88] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram 9 showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 89] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 90] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 91] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 92] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "hamburger steak" in the cooperative cooking mode. [Figure 93] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "fried chicken" in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when "fried chicken" is selected in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 95] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when "fried chicken" is selected in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 96] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when "fried chicken" is selected in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 97] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when "fried chicken" is selected in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 98] 10 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the integrated control device when the cooperative cooking mode is selected. [Figure 99] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing, in chronological order, the exchange of information between the refrigerator and the cooker during cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 100]This is a system explanatory diagram 2 showing the exchange of information between the refrigerator, home gateway, and cooking appliance in the example shown in Figure 99. [Figure 101] FIG. 99 is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit when cooking "fried chicken" in the cooperative cooking mode in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 102] FIG. 99 is an explanatory diagram showing the display operation of the integrated display unit in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 103] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the display operation of the integrated display unit immediately after starting up the cooking appliance in the example shown in FIG. 99. [Figure 104] FIG. 99 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit immediately after starting up the cooking appliance in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 105] FIG. 99 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display operation of the integrated display unit immediately after starting up the cooking appliance in the example shown in FIG. [Figure 106] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the home gateway in the example shown in Figure 99. [Figure 107] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the integrated control device illustrating an example of using refrigerator inventory information. [Figure 108] 108 is an enlarged plan view 1 showing the periphery of the central operating section and integrated display section of the cooking appliance in the example of FIG. 107. [Figure 109] 108 is an enlarged plan view 2 showing the periphery of the central operating section and integrated display section of the cooking appliance in the example of FIG. 107. [Figure 110] 107 is an enlarged plan view 3 showing the central operation unit and the integrated display unit of the cooking appliance in the example of FIG. [Figure 111] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door is closed in the (built-in combined) cooking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 112] FIG. 112 is a perspective view showing the cooking device of FIG. 111 with the door open. [Figure 113] FIG. 112 is a perspective view of the upper unit of the cooking device of FIG. 111 with the top plate removed. [Figure 114] FIG. 112 is a perspective view of the upper unit of the cooking appliance of FIG. 111 with the top plate and IH coil removed. [Figure 115] FIG. 112 is a perspective view of the upper unit of the cooking appliance of FIG. 111 with the top plate, IH coil, and cover removed. [Figure 116] FIG. 112 is a reference perspective view showing the flow of cooling air in the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 117] FIG. 112 is a bottom (lower) view of the upper unit of the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 118] FIG. 112 is a block diagram for explaining the overall control function of the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 119] 112 is an enlarged plan view showing the input operation section and the integrated display section of the cooking device of FIG. 111. [Figure 120] FIG. 112 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the cooking steps in the cooperative cooking mode and the individual control menu in the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 121] 112 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display content of the integrated display unit and the input operation unit in the cooking device of FIG. 111 in the cooperative cooking mode. FIG. [Figure 122] 119, is an enlarged plan view 1 showing the central operating section and the integrated display section of the cooking appliance. FIG. [Figure 123] FIG. 119 is an enlarged plan view 2 showing the central operation unit and the integrated display unit of the cooking appliance in the example of FIG. [Figure 124] 10 is a table showing the correspondence between the cooling fans of the cooking appliance and the types of cooking to disclose the third embodiment. [Figure 125] 125 is a time chart 1 showing the timings at which the first to fourth cooling fans start and stop operating in the cooking device of FIG. 124. [Figure 126] 125 is a time chart 2 showing the timings at which the first to fourth cooling fans start and stop operating in the cooking device of FIG. 124. [Figure 127] 125 is a time chart 3 showing the timings at which the first to fourth cooling fans start and stop operating in the cooking device of FIG. 124. [Figure 128] 125 is a time chart 4 showing the timings at which the first to fourth cooling fans start and stop operating in the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 129] 125 is a time chart 5 showing a modified example of the operation start and end timings of the first to fourth cooling fans in the cooking device of FIG. [Figure 130] 125 is an enlarged plan view showing the periphery of the central operation unit and integrated display unit of the cooking appliance in the example of FIG. 124. [Figure 131] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the front part of the upper surface of a main body of a (built-in) combination heating cooker according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 132] 132 is an explanatory diagram showing, in time series, the exchange of information between the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 131 and an external information management device or the like. [Figure 133] FIG. 132 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the input operation of the cooperative operation unit and the display information of the integrated display unit and the left display unit in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 131. [Figure 134] FIG. 132 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the input operation of the cooperative operation unit and the display information of the integrated display unit and the left display unit in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 131. [Figure 135] FIG. 132 is an explanatory diagram of the cooking process in the cooperative cooking mode of the heating cooker in the example of FIG. 131. [Figure 136] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the overall control operation before cooking starts in a cooking device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 137] 137 is a flowchart for explaining the overall control operation after cooking starts in the cooking device of FIG. 136. [Figure 138] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main internal functions of an information processing terminal according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 139] FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 140] FIG. 138 is a diagram 2 for explaining the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 141] FIG. 138 is a diagram 3 for explaining the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 142]FIG. 138 is an explanatory diagram 4 of the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 143] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram 5 of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. 138. [Figure 144] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram 6 of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. 138. [Figure 145] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. [Figure 146] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. [Figure 147] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. [Figure 148] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the display operation of the information processing terminal of FIG. 138. [Figure 149] This shows a modified example of the fifth embodiment, and illustrates an operation management system for a cooking appliance 1 and a home electric appliance 400. [Figure 150] FIG. 149 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 151] FIG. 149 is a diagram 2 for explaining the display operation of the information processing terminal. [Figure 152] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of an integrated control device when an integrated cooking mode is selected in a cooking appliance, in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 153] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing, in chronological order, the exchange of information between the refrigerator and the cooking appliance in the cooking appliance of FIG. 152 during cooking in the cooperative cooking mode. [Fig. 154] This is a system explanatory diagram 2 showing the exchange of information between the refrigerator, home gateway, and cooking appliance in the example shown in Figure 152. [Figure 155] This is a flowchart showing the operational steps for changing the control conditions of the refrigerator in the example shown in Figure 152. [Figure 156] FIG. 156 is a system explanatory diagram 1 showing a modified example of the operation management system for home electric appliances shown in FIGS. 152 to 155. [Figure 157]FIG. 156 is a system explanatory diagram 2 showing a modified example of the operation management system for the home electric appliances shown in FIGS. 152 to 155. [Figure 158] This is a flowchart showing the process of changing the control conditions of the home gateway in the example shown in Figure 156. [Figure 159] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an operation management system for home electric appliances according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 160] FIG. 159 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing, in chronological order, the exchange of information between the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 159 and an external information processing network (first server, etc.). [Figure 161] FIG. 159 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing, in time series, information exchange between the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 159 and an external information processing network (first server 531, etc.). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] (definition) "Home appliance" 400 refers to an electrical appliance designed primarily for use in the home. Home appliance 400 includes induction cooking appliance 1, refrigerator 401, television receiver 402, air conditioner 403, air purifier 404, ventilator 405, electric rice cooker (electric rice cooker) 406, microwave oven 408, lighting fixture 409, and air purifier 410, which will be described later. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, "refrigerator" includes both a refrigerator-freezer with a built-in freezer (freezer compartment) and a freezer with only a freezing function.

[0031] The "device identification information" of home appliance 400 is unique information for identifying home appliance 400. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, such as a MAC address, the manufacturer name of home appliance 400, the type name (model name), the model number, and the serial number.

[0032] The "home gateway" 411 refers to an information collection device or information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 400 in one home and enables them to operate in cooperation with each other. In addition, the home gateway 411 also performs the operation of giving a command signal to one home appliance 400 or acquiring information (also called "data") from one home appliance 400. In the following description, the term "information processing device" 411 will be used consistently.

[0033] The home gateway 411 may have a power control function such as a peak cut function to manage the total power consumption of a household for all or some of the home appliances 400, in which case it may be called a "power control device" or "integrated management device."

[0034] The home gateway 411 has a function of acquiring information about the current status of the home appliance 400, such as whether the home appliance 400 is running, stopped, or in standby mode, from the home appliance 400 via wired or wireless signals. When wireless communication is used, the home gateway 411 connects to the target home appliance 400 using the appliance identification information.

[0035] Even if home gateway 411 functions as an "integrated management device" or a "power command device" for one home appliance 400 (e.g., induction cooking appliance 1), if it does not limit the power consumption of other home appliances (e.g., lighting fixture 409), it does not qualify as an "integrated management device" or a "power command device." For example, home gateway 411 may acquire operation information about lighting fixture 409, but may not have the function to regulate the power consumption of lighting fixture 409 itself so that the total power consumption, including the power consumption of other home appliances 400, does not exceed a specified upper limit for total power consumption. Therefore, home gateway 411 does not qualify as an integrated management device or a power command device from the perspective of lighting fixture 409.

[0036] Embodiment 1 1 to 110 disclose a first embodiment. In this first embodiment, a built-in combined (induction) heating cooker 1 is disclosed. In the following description, unless there is a particular contradiction, it will be simply referred to as a "heating cooker." In each drawing, the symbol RT indicates the right direction of the cooking appliance 1, LE indicates the left direction, FT indicates the front, and BK indicates the rear.

[0037] In this embodiment 1, the term "induction heating cooker" refers to a cooker having a heating unit based on the induction heating principle. If there are multiple heating units, some of them may use a heating source that uses a different method from the induction heating method, such as a radiant electric heat source.

[0038] In this first embodiment, a "combined cooking device" refers to a device that can cook food in one heating chamber using two types of heat sources. For example, a device that is equipped with an "induction heating source," which uses a different heating principle, in addition to a microwave heating source, falls under the category of a combined cooking device. For example, a device in which one heating chamber is heated by a radiant electric heat source such as a sheath heater or mica heater, and the interior of the heating chamber is also heated by microwaves, is a type of "combined cooking device."

[0039] In this embodiment 1, the "heating means (hereinafter referred to as "oven heating source")" of the heating chamber 113 may be either a heating source that heats the wall surface of the heating chamber 113 from the outside, or a heating source installed in the internal space of the heating chamber 113. Alternatively, a heat generating element that reaches a high temperature by induction heating may be disposed, and the heat generating element may heat the wall surface of the heating chamber 113 from the outside, or the air inside the heating chamber 113 may be heated.

[0040] For example, Japanese patent publication No. 2017-74305 proposes a heating cooker that has a cooking tray placed in a heating chamber (grill chamber) on which the food to be cooked is placed, a second heating body (induction heating coil) that heats the food from below, and a third heating body (induction heating coil) that heats the food from the side.

[0041] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-85996 proposes a configuration in which an electrical insulator is provided below a heating chamber, an induction heating coil (hereinafter referred to as "IH coil") is provided in the space below the electrical insulator, and a cooking plate placed on the IH heating coil is induction heated. The cooking plate is made of a material that can be induction heated, such as iron, stainless steel, a carbon material with a carbon content of 90% or more, or a ceramic material containing Si (silicon) or FeSi (ferrosilicon) as a conductive material.

[0042] Furthermore, as a typical example of an induction heating method using a heat-generating component that becomes hot, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-071695 discloses a method in which a high-frequency current is supplied to an IH coil to generate a high-frequency magnetic flux in the IH coil, and this high-frequency magnetic flux is linked to a heater disposed in the heating chamber, causing an induced current to flow through the heater, and the food in the heating chamber is heated and cooked by Joule heat generated by the electrical resistance of the heater itself.

[0043] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-247048 proposes placing an electrically closed-circuit heater inside a heating chamber, linking this heater with high-frequency magnetic flux generated from an IH coil disposed outside the heating chamber, causing the heater to heat up and radiate heat into the heating chamber. Note that the heater here forms an electrically closed circuit and is made by bending a round bar or pipe made of stainless steel, high-nickel alloy, or the like into a predetermined shape and joining both ends together by welding, brazing, or the like to form an endless shape.

[0044] A typical example of the "IH coil" referred to in this first embodiment is one formed by bundling about 30 thin copper or aluminum wires of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, twisting several of these bundles together, and winding them into a spiral (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-79580). Alternatively, there is also one formed by winding about 1,000 to 1,500 wires of about 0.05 mm.

[0045] Another patent document, JP 2018-32551 A, proposes an induction heating cooker that uses a ring-shaped conductor made of a flat conductive material as an IH coil. All of these forms correspond to the "IH coil," which is the main part of the induction heating source.

[0046] In this embodiment 1, "coordinated cooking" refers to cooking performed using two types of heating sources that heat one item (including food, meat, vegetables, etc.) in different locations and whose heating operation conditions can be set independently.

[0047] The "coordinated cooking" refers to the use of multiple heating sources at different times. For example, in the process of completing a single cooking step, after microwave heating and preheating, the food is moved to another location and then heated by the IH coil 17L (described later) to complete the cooking. This is a type of "coordinated cooking."

[0048] Cooperative cooking has been proposed in the form of a built-in cooking device in Japanese Patent Nos. 5833699 and 5500944.

[0049] (Overall configuration and home appliance operation management system) First, the operation management system for home appliances will be described. In Figure 1, HA represents one house. Although not actually shown, the inside of the house HA is divided into multiple living spaces by walls and doors, and one of these living spaces, the kitchen KT (see FIG. 2), is equipped with home appliances 400 such as a refrigerator 401, an induction cooker 1, a microwave oven 408, and an electric rice cooker 406, as well as kitchen furniture 2. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the living space may also include other rooms such as a "living room" and a "bathroom," as well as rooms with toilets. Other rooms may also be included in the living space.

[0050] All living spaces are supplied with power of, for example, 200 V from a commercial power supply EP of an electric power company located outside the house. The power is drawn into the house HA via a watt-hour meter 414.

[0051] Reference numeral 415 denotes a power line (main line) connected to a 200V commercial power supply EP via a breaker BK. A television receiver (hereinafter referred to as "TV receiver") 402 capable of receiving various broadcasts, an air conditioner 403, a lighting fixture 409, an induction heating cooker 1, a microwave oven 408, an electric rice cooker 406, a home gateway 411, and an environment detection unit 413 are connected to this power line 415.

[0052] The home gateway 410, the environment detection unit 413, the TV receiver 402, the air conditioner 403, the cooking appliance 1, the refrigerator 401, and the lighting fixture 409 are always connected to the power line 415 via predetermined power cords. Note that there is more than one lighting fixture 409, but the other ones are not shown in the figure.

[0053] Next, FIG. 1 will be explained. 416 is a wide area communications network (sometimes referred to as a "communications network" or "Internet"). This wide area communication network 416 is connected to the home gateway 411 via a router (not shown).

[0054] Reference numeral 417 denotes an external server that transmits useful information to the home gateway 411 and the information processing terminal device 418. For example, it may be a server installed by an external organization such as an earthquake information provider in a specific region or an electric power company, or it may be a server provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1. This external server may be a distributed processing server known as a "cloud server." It is known that there are three types of "cloud computing" that uses cloud servers: "IaaS," "PaaS," and "SaaS."

[0055] The home gateway 411 can receive various content distribution services from an external server 417. This content includes CDs containing various cooking recipe information (text and images).

[0056] Although not shown, the environment sensor of the environment detection unit 413 may be provided with an additional temperature sensor and humidity sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity outside the house.

[0057] Furthermore, external server 417 functions as an information providing means for home appliance 400. In other words, external server 417 may be installed by an organization such as a manufacturer, a dealer, a repairer, or an information service provider of home appliance 400, either alone or jointly by two or more organizations, and provides various services related to home appliance 400 to users via wide area communication network 416.

[0058] The external server 417 may also be what is generally called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as "Web server"). A Web server refers to a service program that provides HTML and object (image, etc.) display information to a Web browser on the information processing device (client) software "receiving the information," such as various information processing terminals (information communication terminals) 418 and home gateways 410, in accordance with HTTP (a protocol used to exchange data such as HTML documents and images between Web servers and Web browsers), and a server computer on which the service operates.

[0059] The external server 417 stores and memorizes control application software that enables remote control of the home gateway 411 from the house HA or a remote location. The remote control can be realized by accessing the external server 417 and downloading (reading) the control application software from an information processing terminal 418, which will be described in detail later, such as a device called a smartphone.

[0060] The information processing terminal 418 can be easily carried by a user and used for making calls and communicating data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or anywhere on the go. It is a device that can download information from an outdoor information provider site via the wide area communication network 416, send and receive e-mail, and transmit remote control signals, but it can also be a device that cannot make calls, and such portable communication devices are collectively called the information processing terminal 418. A small portable personal computer is also a type of information processing terminal 418.

[0061] The information processing terminal 418 in the first embodiment has a function of transmitting and receiving signals through short-range communication while being located within a few centimeters of (or may be in contact with) the input / output unit of each home electric appliance 400. Note that this short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0062] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the home appliance 400 including the induction cooking appliance 1 and the refrigerator 401. On the other hand, it is also possible to send control data (also called "control command") from the information processing terminal 418 to the NFC storage unit of the home appliance 400, and control the home appliance 400 in accordance with the control command.

[0063] In this embodiment 1, direct remote control of home appliances 400 from information processing terminal 418 is not possible. Some home appliances 400, such as cooking appliance 1, generate high heat, so remote control via the Internet, which is used by many people from outside house 413, is not adopted. Instead, all home appliances 400 can be controlled via home gateway 411 as an integrated information processing device.

[0064] As is clear from the above description, the home gateway 411 in this first embodiment refers to an information processing device that relays information between two or more home appliances 400 in one home and causes them to operate in cooperation with each other. In addition to this, the home gateway 411 also performs an operation of giving a command signal to one home appliance 400 or acquiring information (also called data) from one home appliance 400.

[0065] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a range hood 422 (described later) and a ceiling-mounted air cleaner 404 are installed in the kitchen KT in the house HA.

[0066] Reference numeral 413A denotes a sensor unit of the environment detection unit 413 of the home gateway 411. Although not shown in Fig. 1, this sensor unit 413A has an environment sensor 453 (see Fig. 4) and a human presence sensor 452 (see Fig. 4) that detects the presence of a person (by infrared rays or ultrasonic waves). The environment detection unit 413 will be described in detail later.

[0067] The "environmental information" refers to three types of information: atmospheric temperature information in the space (kitchen KT) where the cooker 1 and refrigerator 401 are used, dust scattering amount information, and light intensity information. The dust scattering amount information is the result of measuring the amount of dust (including pollen) present in the air.

[0068] Examples of "use of environmental information" include the following: (1) If the temperature is high, the keep-warm function of the electric rice cooker 406 is operated continuously after the rice cooking process is completed. Also, the target refrigeration temperature and target freezing temperature of the refrigerator 401 are increased above the standard values. (2) When the humidity is high, the air conditioner 403 is operated in "dehumidification mode" or "cooling mode," or the ventilation device 405 is started. Alternatively, if the air conditioner 403 is in operation, its operating conditions (such as the target room temperature) are changed. (3) If fine dust particles are floating in the air, operate the air purifier 404 or start the operation of the ventilation device 405. (4) When the amount of pollen in the air is high, the air purifier 404 starts operating. (5) When the amount of light (amount of visible light) is low, the lighting fixture 409 is turned on.

[0069] A "resident" refers to a person who resides in one house HA shown in FIG. 1. Residents include blood relatives such as parents and children, brothers and sisters. When a resident uses a home appliance 400, the resident is called a "user."

[0070] "Home" means a single house HA managed by a specific manager, and may also include an apartment complex with multiple rooms and occupied by multiple families. In other words, even in such an apartment complex, if the commercial power upper limit is centrally managed by a single power cut-off device (such as a single breaker BK or multiple power cut-off devices), just like in the case of a single house HA, it is considered to be a home in this context.

[0071] "Power limit information on the home appliance side" refers to information about some signal related to power consumption that the home appliance 400 receives from the home gateway 411. This "power limit information on the home appliance side" includes information about transmission commands such as the power reduction request signal AS1 and the power reduction command signal AS2, which will be described later. This information includes information indicating the time when the signal was received (year, month, and time in seconds) and the meaning of the signal. For example, information about a power reduction command signal AS2 for the cooking appliance 1 at a certain point in time such as "Reception time: August 1, 2021, 17:00, reduce the instantaneous maximum power consumption by 2%."

[0072] The power limit information on the home appliance side, for example in the case of the cooking appliance 1, is stored in chronological order in the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC (described later), and is not erased even when the main power switch 98 is turned on or off. Turning the main power switch 98 on and off is considered one cooking session, and at least several sessions are stored and retained. Any sessions exceeding this number are automatically erased in sequence.

[0073] Next, we will explain Figure 2. 2 shows an example of the configuration of hardware to which the cooking appliance 1 and the home appliance operation management system of the present embodiment 1 are applied. The following description will be given taking the kitchen KT as an example of one living space.

[0074] Kitchen KT to which Embodiment 1 is applied is equipped with an air purifier 404 installed on ceiling surface (horizontal wall surface) 420, a refrigerator 401 equipped with multiple freezer compartments 401A with different freezing temperatures and a refrigerator compartment 401B, a microwave oven 408, a built-in (induction) cooking appliance 1 installed in kitchen furniture 2, a range hood (a type of ventilation device 405) 422 installed directly above cooking appliance 1, and a home gateway 411. Note that electric rice cooker 406, air conditioner 403, and lighting fixture 409 described in FIG. 1 are not shown in the figure.

[0075] The refrigerator 401 has a "storage compartment" for storing ingredients (hereinafter referred to as "ingredients") for food (including natural foods and processed foods). The storage compartment 401H may be divided into specific compartments such as a "vegetable compartment" and a "compartment dedicated to meat and fish" depending on the type of ingredients.

[0076] In this embodiment 1, for convenience of explanation, at least two types of storage compartments 401H are provided: freezing compartment 401A and refrigeration compartment 401B, which is a space independent from freezing compartment 401A. The temperatures (freezing temperature and refrigeration temperature) of the internal spaces of storage compartment 401H may hereinafter be collectively referred to as "internal temperature."

[0077] The multiple freezer compartments 401A in the refrigerator 401 are configured so that a freezer compartment with a freezing temperature (temperature range) appropriate for frozen foods (including processed foods) and fresh ingredients (meat, fish, etc.) can be selected, for example, -18°C±2°C, -10°C, or -2°C.

[0078] In addition, the freezing temperature and freezing temperature range affect the maturation of fresh food ingredients (e.g., beef) when stored for a long period of time, so even in the same freezer compartment, the freezing temperature and freezing temperature range can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of food ingredient.

[0079] As mentioned above, there are a plurality of types of temperature inside the storage compartment. For example, a compartment set to a temperature close to the freezing point (freezing temperature) is called a "chilled compartment." The volumes and shapes of the multiple storage compartments 401H are different, with the refrigeration compartment 401B being the largest. In addition, to further divide the inside of the storage compartment 401H into multiple compartments, partitions and lids (or doors) may be provided to increase the independent storage space.

[0080] Refrigerator 401 includes, as a cooling device (not shown), an electric compressor 401C, refrigerant piping (not shown), a cool air circulation fan (not shown), a damper (shutter) (not shown) for controlling the inflow of cool air into storage compartment 401H, and the like, in order to configure a refrigeration cycle. The temperature inside the refrigerator can be controlled by changing the operating frequency of the electric compressor or by changing the air volume of the cool air circulation fan.

[0081] Refrigerator 401 has a display unit (display screen) 401D at the top center of the front face (front surface) of its door (not shown). Inside the housing of refrigerator 401 are a storage device 401M such as a semiconductor memory and a control device 401U mainly consisting of a microcomputer. The control device 401U issues command signals to a drive circuit (inverter circuit, not shown) for electric compressor 401M, the cool air circulation fan (not shown), the damper (not shown), etc. The control device 401U has a control program (not shown) for controlling the operation of refrigerator 401 as a whole.

[0082] 401T is a wireless communication unit installed inside the casing of the refrigerator 401 or on the ceiling outside the casing, and is controlled by the control device 401U. The wireless communication unit 401T can wirelessly communicate with the communication unit 446 (see FIG. 4) of the home gateway 411.

[0083] Due to the above configuration, refrigerator 401 can communicate wirelessly with cooking appliance 1 via home gateway 411 and can also connect to network 416, so that it can obtain various information and data (including "cooking execution data" described later) of cooking appliance 1. Furthermore, refrigerator 401 can also send and receive data to and from information processing terminal 418 via wireless communication.

[0084] When a Peltier element is used as the cooling device of storage room 401H, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be adjusted by adjusting the power supplied to the Peltier element. Refrigerator 401 may also use both electric compressor 401C and a Peltier element.

[0085] Furthermore, a weight sensor (not shown) may be placed in storage compartment 401H to measure the weight of specific food ingredients (e.g., eggs, milk, butter, etc.). The weight sensor measures the weight periodically, and the data is preferably collected by control device 401U of refrigerator 401. Such weight data can be part of the inventory data of refrigerator 401, and is used when home gateway 411, which is a type of information processing device, queries the inventory data.

[0086] The management database held by memory unit 401M of control device 401U of refrigerator 401 contains the internal temperature (standard value, adjustable temperature range, and minimum adjustable temperature range) of each storage compartment 401H, its volume, and identification information such as the type and name of the main food ingredient. For example, information such as the standard internal temperature of storage compartment A being -10°C, the ability to adjust the temperature in 20 steps from -5°C to -15°C, and its volume being 30 liters may be stored. In addition, data on the maximum internal dimensions of storage compartment 401H may be stored. This is used to determine whether solid items such as pots can be stored in the compartment. Refrigerator 401 can provide all of this data to the outside when responding to an inventory data inquiry from home gateway 411. In other words, home gateway 411 can also obtain various data on storage compartment 401H as needed.

[0087] The range hood 422 has an exhaust port 423 penetrating the ceiling surface 420, and one end of a duct 424 communicating with the outdoors is connected to the exhaust port 423. Reference numeral 425 denotes a hood whose entire underside is open as an intake port 425A, and inside this hood is installed an exhaust electric fan 426. Note that this range hood 422 is fixed to the ceiling surface 420, but a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0088] The operating status of range hood 422 is constantly transmitted to central control unit 447 (described in detail later) of home gateway 411. For this reason, range hood 422 is provided with a transmitter (not shown) and a receiver (not shown) inside that transmit various types of operating information, such as the start and stop of exhaust operation and the intensity of operation (exhaust capacity), between home gateway 411 and range hood 422. For example, the transmitter and receiver are integrated in hardware and provided as communication unit 427. This communication unit 427 transmits and receives information with home gateway 411 via wireless communication or infrared communication.

[0089] When electric fan 426 is driven to rotate, it draws in air from intake port 425A of range hood 422, sucking in cooking odors and smoke, and exhausts the air to the outside of house HA through duct 424. Range hood 422 receives an operation signal such as an infrared signal from cooker 1 and starts exhaust operation. This will be explained later.

[0090] 2, arrow FF1 indicates an airflow rising from the cooking appliance 1. FF2 indicates an exhaust airflow from the duct 424. FF3 indicates an airflow moving laterally near the ceiling surface 420. FF4 indicates an airflow blown out from the air purifier 404.

[0091] A heat sensor (thermoelectromotive element) may be arranged in range hood 422 facing the direction of cooker 1. According to this configuration, range hood 422 itself detects the start of cooker 1 operation and controls the operation of electric fan 426.

[0092] The ceiling-embedded air purifier 404 is installed in a manner that it is embedded in a ceiling surface 420. A box-shaped main body 428 of the air purifier 404 is provided with a blower fan 429 and a filter 430 inside.

[0093] Reference numeral 431 denotes an air guide plate, which covers the entire lower part of air purifier 404. Reference numeral 432 denotes an intake port formed at one end (the side closer to range hood 422) by air guide plate 431. Reference numeral 433 denotes an air outlet formed at the end opposite to intake port 432 by air guide plate 431.

[0094] The blower fan 429 draws dirty air from the kitchen through an intake port 432, passes the purified air through a filter 430, and discharges the purified air from the outlet port 433 toward the bottom of the kitchen KT. In this way, dust and odors in the air are removed, and the air in the room is purified.

[0095] Reference numeral 434 denotes an odor sensor for air purifier 404, and is placed facing the entrance of air inlet 432. This detects odors in the air taken into air purifier 404 during operation, and determines the level of air pollution. Note that the position of odor sensor 434 does not make a significant difference in its effectiveness regardless of where it is placed, as long as it is in the air path on the air inlet 432 side and before filter 430.

[0096] The detection results of the odor sensor 434 are determined as odor intensity by an odor detection unit (not shown) disposed inside the main body 428 of the air purifier 404, and the determination results are transmitted as needed to the environment detection unit 413 of the home gateway 411. For this reason, the air purifier 404 is provided with a transmission unit (not shown) and a reception unit (not shown) that transmit various information, such as the start and stop of air purification operation and the determination results of odor intensity, to and from the home gateway 411. For example, the transmission unit and reception unit are integrated in hardware and provided as a communication unit 435. The communication unit 435 transmits and receives information to and from the home gateway 411 via wireless communication or infrared communication.

[0097] Air purifier 421 can detect odors when air purifier 404 is in operation and when an odor generated somewhere in kitchen KT reaches air purifier 404 from that location.

[0098] This air purifier 404 is generally configured to include one or more (multiple layers) filters 430 with fine air passages to capture dust, pollen, etc. in the air. Therefore, when cooking appliance 1 filters oily smoke generated during cooking with cooking oil, oil particles adhere to the surface of filter 430 and combine to form an oil film. This oil film reduces the filtering performance of filter 430. In other words, the amount of air passing through filter 430 decreases, leading to a situation in which the air purification ability of air purifier 404 decreases. Therefore, an idea has already been proposed to avoid operating air purifier 404 as much as possible when the exhaust gas generated by cooking contains oily smoke generated by cooking with oil (for example, Patent Document JP 2016-95126 A).

[0099] In Fig. 2, refrigerator 401 is depicted as being installed near the right side of kitchen furniture 2, but in an actual situation, it may be installed in a location different from that shown in Fig. 2. Also, not only one refrigerator 401 but multiple refrigerators 401 may be used.

[0100] Reference numeral 412 denotes a main body case that forms the outer shell of home gateway 411. Main body case 412 is fixed to a vertical wall surface 436 of the kitchen at a height that allows the resident to check input operations and displays.

[0101] Reference numeral 445 denotes an alarm device fixed to the vertical wall surface 436 near the main body case 412, which will be described in detail later. Reference numeral 2D denotes a water supply port 2D for a water supply installed in the kitchen furniture 2.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cooking appliance 1 and the range hood 422. In Fig. 3, 440 is a temperature monitoring device for the cooking appliance 1. In this first embodiment, this temperature monitoring device is configured as one component of the range hood 422 in terms of hardware. However, it may also be configured as one component of the home gateway 411 in terms of hardware.

[0103] The temperature monitoring device 440 includes a temperature detection unit 441 and a communication unit 442. The temperature detection unit 441 includes an infrared sensor (not shown), a thermal imaging camera (not shown), and a temperature determination circuit 443.

[0104] 2, even though the temperature monitoring device 440 is a hardware component of the range hood 422, it is always powered on regardless of the exhaust operation of the range hood 422. In other words, the temperature monitoring device 440 is always monitoring the temperature even when the range hood 422 is not in exhaust operation.

[0105] The temperature detection unit 441 divides the entire area of ​​the top plate 15 (described later) into at least 64 areas (8 vertical×8 horizontal) (hereinafter referred to as “detection areas”) and detects the temperature of each area.

[0106] The detection area includes an induction heating section 17H of the cooking appliance 1, which will be described later. The temperature monitoring device 440 repeatedly measures the temperature of the detection area monitored by the temperature detection unit 441 at predetermined time intervals not only while the range hood 421 is in operation but also while it is not in operation.

[0107] The temperature monitoring device 440 transmits the monitored temperature information from the communication unit 442 to the home gateway 411. In addition to transmitting to the home gateway 411, a configuration may be adopted in which the monitored temperature information is transmitted directly to the cooking appliance 1. Furthermore, the temperature measurement interval for obtaining the temperature monitoring information is not a fixed time (for example, every 5 seconds), but is shortened in areas where the temperature is high.

[0108] The temperature monitoring device 440 detects that the light receiving unit 444 of the range hood 421 has received an infrared signal from the infrared transmitting unit 48 of the cooking appliance 1, and begins acquiring temperature information when the range hood 421 starts operating.

[0109] The temperature monitoring device 440 continues the temperature acquisition operation even after the range hood 421 receives an infrared signal (from the infrared transmitter 48) indicating the end of operation of the cooking appliance 1. Then, acquisition of temperature information continues at a predetermined time interval until the estimated temperature of the entire area of ​​the top plate 15 falls below a predetermined temperature (for example, 40°C). Note that once the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature, the interval of the temperature measurement operation slows down. Note that when the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature, the monitoring operation as described above may be temporarily terminated, but the temperature monitoring operation is restarted at least at the start of operation of the cooking appliance 1.

[0110] As will be explained in detail later, cooking appliance 1 is installed in kitchen furniture 2. Reference numeral 113 denotes a heating chamber formed inside cooking appliance 1, and reference numeral 114 denotes a door that covers front opening 113A of heating chamber 113 in an openable and closable manner.

[0111] Cooking device 1 has a top plate 15 covering the upper surface thereof on which an object to be heated N is placed, and is induction heated by IH coil 17. 16S is a bottom wall surface that divides the interior of cooking device 1 into two spaces, upper and lower.

[0112] CK is an installation space above the bottom wall surface 16S, in which the IH coil 17 is housed.

[0113] Next, Fig. 4 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between home gateway 411, home appliance 400, and temperature monitoring device 440. Among home appliance 400, cooking appliance 1 and microwave oven 408 are subject to power consumption control from home gateway 411. For this reason, home gateway 411 also functions as a power command device for cooker 1 and microwave oven 408, but this has been explained previously and will not be explained in detail here. Although not shown in Fig. 4, air conditioner 403 is also a device subject to power consumption control.

[0114] The power amount control unit 448 has a function of constantly acquiring information on the amount of power used by the target home appliances (e.g., the cooking appliance 1 and the microwave oven 408) and limiting the power consumption of the target home appliances 400 so as not to exceed a preset total power amount, and is already known as a HEMS (home energy management system). When the power amount control unit 448 acquires information indicating a power reduction request or a power reduction instruction from the outside via the communication unit 446, it performs an operation to reduce the power consumption of the target home appliances (e.g., the cooking appliance 1, the microwave oven 408, and the air conditioner 403) in accordance with a predetermined priority order.

[0115] 4, home gateway 411 includes environment detection unit 413, which incorporates human detection unit 413H that receives the detection output of human detection sensor 452. Integrated environment detection unit 413 also receives detection results in a predetermined format from a pollen sensor (not shown) and a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity of the kitchen. 453 is an environment sensor that measures the temperature, humidity, etc. of kitchen KT.

[0116] The human presence sensor 452 is used to detect the presence of people in the kitchen KT, particularly in the area in front of the cooking appliance 1 and the door (not shown) of the refrigerator 401, so one or more sensors are used.

[0117] For example, if the distance between the front of the cooking appliance 1 and the door of the refrigerator 401 is short, the human detection sensor 452 is installed on the ceiling surface 420 of the kitchen KT, etc., facing the space between the front of the cooking appliance 1 and the refrigerator 401.

[0118] Furthermore, if there is a small distance between the front of the cooker 1 and the door of the refrigerator 401, one human detection sensor 452 is installed on the ceiling surface 420 of the kitchen KT, etc., facing the space in front of the cooker 1. The other human detection sensor 453 should be installed on the ceiling surface 420 of the kitchen KT, etc., facing the space in front of the refrigerator 401 door.

[0119] A human detection sensor 452 may be attached to the lower end of the hood 425 of the range hood 422 to detect the presence of a user in front of the cooking appliance 1. As described above, the locations where the human sensors 452 and 453 are installed may be determined appropriately taking into consideration the relative positions of the refrigerator 401 and the cooker 1 and the detection capabilities of the human sensors.

[0120] The human detection sensor 452 functions as one sensor of the environment detection unit 413, but it may also function as one sensor of an in-home detection device (not shown) for detecting the presence of a person inside the house HA, i.e., in the kitchen KT, etc. In that case, information from an unlocking sensor that detects the unlocking of the front door (entrance) of the house HA may also be used by the in-home detection device. This can improve the accuracy of the process of determining whether the person is at home or away.

[0121] The input unit 449 can set various functions of the home gateway 411 by operating touch input keys formed on the liquid crystal display screen. One of the functions is to identify the home appliance 400 for which an upper limit on power consumption is to be set, and then to set the upper limit on power consumption, the time period during which the appliance can be used, etc. For example, the user can input the maximum power consumption of the cooking appliance 1 as, for example, 4800W or 5400W.

[0122] The input unit 449 has the function of inputting data by operating the touch input keys formed on the LCD display screen, as well as the function of inputting data by voice, and various desired functions can be input by resident's voice being directed into a microphone unit (not shown).

[0123] An alarm device 445 issues an alarm to the occupants by means of sound or light. The central control unit 447 receives measurement data from the environment detection unit 413 and monitoring data from the temperature monitoring device 440, and transmits an alarm instruction signal to the alarm device 445. Note that since the alarm device 445 is not subject to control by the power amount control unit 448, power is not restricted or cut off due to changes in the power consumption of the home appliance 400.

[0124] In FIG. 4, home gateway 411 further includes a communication unit (receiving unit / transmitting unit) 446, a central control unit 447, and a storage device 450. The communication unit 446 is a communication unit that can individually communicate with the home electric appliances 400 such as the cooking appliance 1 and the refrigerator 401 by wireless communication or infrared communication.

[0125] 4, storage device 450 is a device that records a relatively large amount of information, such as operation history information of home gateway 411, history information of daily power control of home appliance 400, and daily "environment information" acquired by environment detection unit 413. Storage device 450 is, for example, various types of semiconductor memory or a HDD.

[0126] The central control unit 447 includes a microcomputer, which is the core of information processing, and a ROM and RAM, in which computer programs that define various operations are stored.

[0127] In Fig. 4, 416 is a wide area communication network (Internet) that performs wireless communication with the communication unit (receiver / transmitter). Although Fig. 4 shows only one communication unit 446, a communication unit (receiver / transmitter) for home appliance 400 and a communication unit for wide area communication network (Internet) 416 may be provided separately. Also, a separate NFC (near field wireless communication) communication unit may be provided so that information can be directly exchanged via wireless communication with NFC provided in information processing terminal 418.

[0128] A schedule management unit 451 has a calendar function and can store event schedule information for at least one month (maximum 31 days).

[0129] The schedule management function itself has already been proposed in many patent documents. In this embodiment 1, the input unit 449 can be used to register the scheduled date and scheduled start time (or time period) of an event (e.g., shopping, going out, etc.) for each resident.

[0130] If event information is stored in the schedule management unit 451, a notification will be issued from the schedule management unit 451 at the stored date and time. The notification may be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the input unit 449 or notified by a voice synthesizer (not shown). Alternatively, the notification may be sent to the information processing terminal 418 carried by the resident.

[0131] When the home electric appliance 400 such as the cooking appliance 1 is activated, a notification may be made based on the event information registered by the schedule management unit 451.

[0132] (Overview of cooking appliances) Next, the cooking device 1 of the present embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. In Fig. 5, cooking appliance 1 is a cooking appliance incorporated into kitchen furniture (including furniture called a system kitchen) 2. 2A is an installation port formed in kitchen furniture 2. Cooking appliance 1 is supplied with AC power at a voltage of 200V and a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz from a commercial power source 99, as will be described later.

[0133] As shown in Figs. 5 and 19, the cooking device 1 has two induction heating units, one on the left and one on the right. In FIG. 19, CL1 indicates a center line passing through the center point of the left and right sides of the upper unit 100 in the front-rear direction, and AL indicates the range of the top plate 15 exposed on the upper surface of the upper unit 100.

[0134] In FIG. 19, 17HR is a right heating section (corresponding to the "first heating section") provided in the range to the right of the center line CL1, and induction heating can be performed directly above this. 17HL is a left heating section (corresponding to the "second heating section") provided in the range to the left of the center line CL1, and induction heating can be performed directly above this. In this way, this cooking device 1 is a cooking device provided with two "heating ports" (two ports) on the upper surface of the top plate 15.

[0135] Alternatively, a third induction heating unit may be provided between the right heating unit 17HR and the left heating unit 17HL so as to straddle the left-right center line CL1, thereby forming a three-burner cooking device. Alternatively, one of the IH coils 17L, 17R (described in detail below) constituting the right heating unit 17HR or the left heating unit 17HL may be replaced with a radiant electric heat source such as a radiant heater or an infrared heater. In the following description, when referring to the "induction heating unit", the reference symbol 17H is used.

[0136] 1 and 19, circular position marks 17LS and 17RS are provided on the upper surface of the top plate 15 to indicate the desired position for placing an object to be heated N (see FIG. 3), such as a metal pot or plate (grilling pan). The position marks 17LS and 17RS are printed on the upper surface of the top plate 15.

[0137] By looking at the position marks 17LS and 17RS, the user of the cooking appliance 1 can recognize that there are two induction heating units 17H, one on the left and one on the right. The user can also recognize that there are two induction heating units, one on the left and one on the right, by the voice guidance of the voice synthesizer 95, which will be described later.

[0138] Directly below the position marks 17LS and 17RS are installed IH coils (induction heating coils) 17L and 17R, which will be described later. The position marks 17LS and 17RS do not need to be circular, and may be, for example, a figure, a symbol such as "+", or letters that indicate only the center point of the desired position where the object to be heated N is placed.

[0139] The position marks 17LS and 17RS are circular marks indicating approximate positions that can be inductively heated by the IH coils 17L and 17R, and are therefore drawn with a diameter slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the IH coils 17L and 17R.

[0140] In this first embodiment, when the IH coils 17L and 17R are collectively referred to as IH coils, the reference symbol 17 is used. Therefore, when referring to the "IH coil" 17, it may refer to both the left IH coil 17L and the right IH coil 17R, or it may refer to either one of them.

[0141] In this first embodiment, the "induction heating source" 9 refers to a configuration including the IH coil 17 and inverter circuits 81R and 81L, which will be described later.

[0142] (Basics of Heat Source and Control Menu) The cooking device 1 of this embodiment 1 is provided with three types of heating means with different heating principles. That is, the first heating means is an induction heating source 9, the second heating means is a microwave heating source 189, and the third heating means is an oven heating source 188.

[0143] The three heating means can be used as follows: (1) The induction heating source 9, the oven heating source 188, and the microwave heating source 189 can be energized independently of each other, so that each heating means can be used independently for cooking (this type of heating control menu is called an "independent control menu"). An operating pattern that implements this is the "independent cooking mode."

[0144] (2) By using the induction heating source 9, the oven heating source 188, and the microwave heating source 189 in combination, one cooking can be performed using two or more different locations. This is the "cooperative control menu" described later, and the operating pattern that implements this is the "cooperative cooking mode."

[0145] (3) A single cooking can be performed by using both the oven heating source 188 and the microwave heating source 189 in combination. This is the "composite heating control menu" described below. Hereinafter, the "composite heating control menu" will be referred to as the "composite cooking menu." The operating pattern for implementing this composite cooking menu is the "composite cooking mode." Note that the "operating pattern" referred to here includes cases where the oven heating source 188 and the microwave heating source 189 are operated in series, simultaneously, or with a time lag.

[0146] (4) The induction heating source 9 has dedicated input operation units. Specifically, it is a right operation unit 40R and a left operation unit 40L. By operating the right operation unit 40R and the left operation unit 40L, it is possible to start the induction heating operation, set the heating conditions (heat power, etc.), and stop the induction heating operation. (5) The oven heating source 188 and the microwave heating source 189 do not have their own dedicated input operation units. They share the central operation unit 40M.

[0147] (6) There is no superiority or inferiority between the single cooking mode using any one of the induction heating source 9, oven heating source 188, and microwave heating source 189 and the linked cooking mode and combined cooking mode. The rule is that the cooking with the heating source that was started first takes priority. For example, even if you try to select the linked cooking mode using the induction heating source 9, if the induction heating source 9 is already in a single heating operation for another cooking, you cannot use that induction heating source 9 in the linked cooking mode. Ultimately, the heat sources available in the linked cooking mode are restricted.

[0148] (7) With regard to input operations, there is no superiority or inferiority between single heating cooking using any one of the induction heating source 9, oven heating source 188, and microwave heating source 189 and the linked cooking mode or combined cooking mode. Therefore, for example, if you attempt to set the linked cooking mode and leave input halfway through without switching to the linked cooking mode (for example, if you do not input anything for 30 seconds), the input up to that point will be automatically canceled. Also, if you input for the single cooking mode from the right operating unit 40R of the induction heating source 9 during this time, you can proceed to induction heating cooking.

[0149] In this embodiment 1, "automatic cooking mode" or "automatic cooking" using heating chamber 113 refers to a control menu in which the heating operation is automatically stopped using microwave heating source 189, unless otherwise contradicted. It also refers to a control menu in which the heating operation is automatically stopped using oven heating source 188. An "automatic cooking mode" or "automatic cooking" as used here also refers to a menu in which the user sets control conditions such as heating time and heating temperature before the heating operation starts, and is only responsible for stopping the heating operation after it has started.

[0150] Unless otherwise stated, "automatic cooking mode" or "automatic cooking" using the induction heating source 9 refers to a control menu in which the heating operation stops automatically when induction heating is performed above the top plate 15 using the induction heating source 9. In other words, the "automatic cooking mode" or "automatic cooking" referred to here also refers to a menu in which the user sets the control conditions such as heating time, heat, and heating temperature before starting the heating operation, and is only responsible for stopping the heating operation after it has started.

[0151] (Kitchen furniture 2) As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the cooking appliance 1 is supported by being placed on the upper surface 2P of the rim of the installation opening 2A. In this first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the kitchen furniture 2 is provided with a water tank 2CP that can temporarily store water coming out of a water supply opening 2D. 2B is a front opening formed in a predetermined position of the kitchen furniture 2. This front opening 2B is for exposing its front components (a door 114 and a front cover 112, which will be described later) to the front when the cooking appliance 1 is installed.

[0152] If the sizes of the front opening 2B and the installation opening 2A of the kitchen furniture 2 are standard, they are usually pre-formed to standard dimensions because standardization is being promoted by the industry. This will be explained in detail later.

[0153] A typical method for assembling the cooking appliance 1 into the kitchen furniture 2 is as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an intermediate stage of the work of assembling the cooking appliance 1 into the kitchen furniture 2. As shown in Figure 7, the cooking appliance 1 is placed into the installation opening 2A while tilting it so that the front side (nearby side) of the cooking appliance 1 is facing downwards, and then the rear side of the cooking appliance 1 is lowered as shown by the solid arrow BD, so that the cooking appliance 1 is placed on the periphery of the installation opening 2A of the kitchen furniture 2.

[0154] After this, the screws are tightened, and the fixing brackets (not shown) attached to the rear periphery of the lower unit 100 (described later) are moved (rotated) so that the fixing brackets are pressed firmly against the kitchen furniture 2, completing the installation. Note that this type of installation method is already widely adopted, so a detailed explanation of the structure will be omitted.

[0155] As shown in Figure 7, the main body 110 of the cooking appliance 1 is formed by joining and integrating the upper unit 100 and the lower unit 200, which are stacked one on top of the other, and is shipped from the manufacturer in this integrated form. Therefore, during the assembly work shown in Figure 7, only the upper unit 100 is fixed (directly) to the kitchen furniture 2 with the screws. By removing the fixing brackets (not shown), the entire cooking appliance 1 can be removed from the kitchen furniture 2. This allows subsequent inspection and repair to be performed outside the kitchen furniture 2. When only the upper unit 100 is referred to as the "main body," it is distinguished by adding the reference numeral 10.

[0156] In this embodiment 1, the "main body case" HC is a general term for the upper case 16 that forms the outer shell of the upper unit 100 and the lower case 101 that forms the outer shell of the lower unit 200. The upper case 16 and the lower case 101 may be configured as an integrated case (housing).

[0157] The installation opening 2A formed in the kitchen furniture 2 has a rectangular planar shape as shown in Fig. 6. However, the four corners are arc-shaped. The installation opening 2A has a width W1 of 560 mm to 564 mm, and a front-rear dimension D1 of 460 mm to 464 mm.

[0158] 5 and 6, 3 and 4 are surface materials that form the surface of the kitchen furniture 2. When the cooking appliance 1 is installed in the kitchen furniture 2, 5 and 6 are surface materials that are adjacent to both the left and right sides of the cooking appliance 1. When the cooking appliance 1 is installed in the kitchen furniture 2, the front surfaces of these surface materials 3 to 6 are substantially flush with the front surface of the cooking appliance 1. In other words, when the cooking appliance 1 is installed, the user can be given the impression that the surface materials 3 to 6 and the cooking appliance 1 are on a uniform flat surface.

[0159] In Fig. 7, reference numeral 8 denotes a wall that divides the interior of the kitchen furniture 2 into multiple rooms above and below, and the lower part of this wall is often used as a storage space for kitchen utensils, food, etc. Note that illustration of the wall 8 is omitted in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the wall 8 may be installed inside the kitchen furniture 2 so as to be detachable.

[0160] With the above-described configuration, when the cooking appliance 1 is incorporated into the kitchen furniture 2, the entire front surface of the kitchen furniture 2 presents a substantially flat surface. When a user looks at the kitchen furniture 2, the front surface is designed so that it can be recognized as having a clean, unified design.

[0161] The kitchen furniture 2 and the cooking appliance 1 do not have to be designed by the same manufacturer; kitchen furniture is often manufactured and sold by kitchen furniture or housing equipment manufacturers, while cooking appliances 1 are often manufactured and sold by home appliance manufacturers.

[0162] 5 and 6, reference numeral 7 denotes a frame line printed on the front surface of the surface materials 3 to 5, and does not form physical irregularities on the front surface of the surface materials 3 to 5. Note that a thin, glossy metallic decorative plate or tape may be attached to indicate the presence of the frame line 7 and create a sense of luxury. Conversely, the frame line 7 may be omitted.

[0163] The four types of surface materials 3 to 6 may be the same. Furthermore, these surface materials 3 to 6 do not have to move back and forth like doors or drawers. For example, they may always be fixed on the surface of the kitchen furniture 2 and not move at all.

[0164] If the four types of surface materials 3 to 6 are unified in terms of the color and surface form (pattern, presence or absence of gloss, unevenness, etc.) of their front surfaces, the sense of unified design of the kitchen furniture 2 will be enhanced. For example, if the entire front surface of surface material 4 is unified in a single color or wood grain pattern, the front surface of surface material 3 can also be unified in the same single color or wood grain design.

[0165] Next, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 will be described. Fig. 8 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the dimensional relationship between the kitchen furniture 2 and the cooking appliance 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the front of the kitchen furniture 2 shown in Fig. 8.

[0166] In Japan, the standardization (commonization) of housing parts and materials for kitchen furniture2 etc. is being promoted by the Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) as well as the Council for the Promotion of Standardization of Long-Term Use Housing Materials (abbreviated as Nagajukyo).

[0167] According to the "Long-Term Use Component Standards for IH Cooking Heaters (Built-in)" established by the Nagajukyo Association, the conditions that the countertop (kitchen furniture 2) on which the IH cooking heater is to be installed must meet are as follows: (1) The dimensions of the installation opening 2A are: width W1 560mm to 564mm, and front-to-back dimension D1 460mm to 464mm. (2) The height dimension C1 of the front downward slope 2F must be 40 mm or less. (3) The depth (front-to-back direction) dimension D3 of the front downward slope 2F must be 45 mm or less. (4) The ceiling depth (front-to-back direction) dimension D2 of the 2nd floor of the front-down slope section must be 58 mm to 70 mm.

[0168] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned "Long-Term Use Component Standards," the external dimensions of built-in IH cooking heaters (induction heating cookers) are specified as follows: (1) The height dimension H2 from the bottom of the top plate to the bottom of the front panel must be 215mm to 223mm.

[0169] The cooking device 1 of the present disclosure is designed to satisfy the various constraints described above. 8, A1 is the dimension of the top plate 15 (described later) in the front-rear direction, which is 510 mm. A2 is the maximum dimension in the front-rear direction from the front of the front cover 112 that covers the front surface of the main body 110 to the rearmost part of the main body 110, which is 498 mm. A3 is the dimension in the front-rear direction from the inclined portion 111 formed at the rear of the main body 110 to the front surface of the front cover 112, which is 451 mm.

[0170] The front cover 112 is formed by integral molding of plastic or metal. The front cover 112 is formed symmetrically, and has several protruding mounting legs 112P formed on the rear side where it is attached (see FIG. 18). The mounting legs 112P are inserted into a plurality of elongated fitting holes (not shown) formed in the front plate 102 of the lower case 101, and are slid slightly downward so that the mounting legs 112P engage with the fitting holes. In this state, the front cover 112 is fixed to the lower case 101 by a fixing device (not shown). This fixation prevents the front cover 112 from moving upward, and so the front cover 112 remains attached to the lower case 101.

[0171] In Figure 8, 113 is a heating chamber, which will be described later, and is formed inside the lower unit 200. An opening 113A (see Figure 15) is formed in the front of the heating chamber 113, through which cooking utensils such as a frying pan or food to be cooked can be put in and taken out. Opening 113A is covered by a door 114 which can be opened and closed freely.

[0172] The front surface of door 114 is designed to be flush with the front surface of front cover 112. Door 114 is supported rotatably relative to main body 110 by two hinges 176 (see FIG. 12) and two arms 116 (not shown) arranged on the left and right so that its front surface is flush with the front surface of front cover 112 except for handle portion 115. Therefore, door 114 functions as a "front-opening" door that opens forward with hinge 176 at its lower end as the fulcrum (center of rotation).

[0173] The front cover 112 is attached to the front of the cooking appliance 1 by a professional such as a retailer or installer after the cooking appliance 1 has been installed in the kitchen furniture 2. The door 114 is attached when the cooking appliance 1 is shipped from the factory, and cannot be removed later by anyone other than a professional, i.e., a household user. This is to reliably prevent microwave leakage from inside the heating chamber 113.

[0174] 8, H1 is the maximum height of the cooking appliance 1. That is, it is the dimension from the upper surface of the top plate 15 to the bottom surface of the lower unit 200, and is 227 mm.

[0175] In Fig. 8, H2 is the height dimension from the lower end of the top plate 15 to the lower end of the front cover 112, and is 215 mm to 223 mm. H3 is the dimension from the upper end to the lower end of the front cover 112 or the door 114, and is set to 171 mm. H4 is the dimension in the height direction of the top plate 15, and is 11 mm. Note that by setting these dimensional relationships, when the cooking appliance 1 is installed, a front gap 302 (see Fig. 12), which will be described later, is ensured below the lower surface of the door 114 and the lower surface of the front cover 112.

[0176] Next, we will explain Figure 10. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the kitchen furniture shown in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 10, 2G denotes steps formed at both left and right corners of the front opening 2B. These steps are the parts that face closely to the front cover 112 of the lower unit 200, which will be described later. W2 denotes the maximum width dimension of the installation space formed directly below the installation opening 2A. This maximum width dimension W2 is approximately 560 mm.

[0177] Next, the configuration of the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the cooking appliance 1 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line ZZ in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line ZZ in FIG. 11, showing the flow of cooling air. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line WW in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line YY in FIG. 11. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line VV in FIG. 12. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance 1 taken along line XX in FIG. 12. FIG. 18 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the right main part of the cooking appliance 1 when installed in kitchen furniture 2. FIG. 19 is a simplified plan view illustrating the input operation unit 40 of the cooking appliance 1. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the front part of the cooking appliance 1 illustrating the arrangement of the input operation unit 40 and various display units. Fig. 21 is an enlarged plan view showing the central operation unit 40M and integrated display unit 30 of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 22 is an enlarged plan view of the right operation unit 40R and right display unit 31R of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 23 is an enlarged plan view of the left operation unit 40L and left display unit 31L of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 24 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the flow of cooling air inside the upper unit 100 of the cooking appliance 1.

[0178] (Upper unit 100) In this first embodiment, the upper unit 100 alone functions as the cooking appliance 1. For this reason, a commercial (AC) power supply 99 is supplied only to the upper unit 100. However, a power cord 106 (not shown) for directly connecting to the commercial power supply 99 via a plug 106A (not shown) is drawn from the lower unit 200 to the outside of the cooking appliance 1.

[0179] The upper unit 100 is composed of a box-shaped upper case (upper housing) 16 that forms the outer shell of the main body 10, a metal frame-shaped reinforcing plate (support frame) 22 (see FIG. 12) fixed to the top of the upper case, and a top plate 15 made of heat-resistant tempered glass or crystallized glass that is attached to the top surface of the reinforcing plate 22 so as to cover almost the entire upper surface except for the rear portion. In other words, the main body 10 of the upper unit 100 is equipped with the upper case 16 and the top plate 15 that form the outer shell.

[0180] The upper case 16 is formed by pressing a single thin metal plate such as a zinc steel plate, or by joining a plurality of thin metal plates together by spot welding, screws, or the like, into a box shape. In the first embodiment, the upper case 16 is made by bending the peripheral portion of a single sheet of metal vertically, as will be described later, to integrally form a bottom wall (bottom wall surface) 16S, a rear wall 16B, a front vertical wall 16F, and (left and right) side vertical walls 16L, 16R. The bottom wall 16S also serves as a "partition wall," as will be described later.

[0181] The upper case 16 may be formed in other ways. For example, a single metal plate may be pressed to form a "body" having three surfaces: a bottom wall (bottom wall surface) 16S, a rear wall 16B, and a front vertical wall 16F. Separately, two side vertical walls 16L and 16R may be formed individually. These two side vertical walls 16L and 16R are then attached to the ends of the "body" with screws, spot welding, or the like, to form a box-like shape with an open top.

[0182] The top plate 15 is formed in a flat plate shape with a substantially uniform overall thickness, and its entire lower surface is covered with a painted surface that is opaque to visible light, so that functional components below the top plate 15, such as the IH coil 17, cannot be seen from above the top plate 15.

[0183] The IH coil 17R on the right has a donut-shaped flat surface. The maximum heating power of this IH coil 17R is 3200 W. The maximum external dimension (diameter) is 168 mm.

[0184] The left IH coil 17L also has a doughnut shape. The maximum heating power of this IH coil 17L is 3200W. The maximum outer dimension (diameter) is 168mm. Note that the diameter may be increased to approximately 180mm to accommodate heated objects such as large pots and frying pans. Figure 11 shows a case where the diameter of the left IH coil 17L is larger than that of the right IH coil 17R.

[0185] In Figure 12, 18 is a long opening formed horizontally at the rear of the upper case 16, 19 is an exhaust cover installed above this opening, and has shutters or multiple through holes to ensure ventilation. 20 is an exhaust port formed between the exhaust cover 19 and the opening 18.

[0186] 12 and 14, as mentioned above, reference numeral 22 denotes a metal reinforcing plate fixed to the upper rear end of the upper case 16. This reinforcing plate 22 has a length equal to the width of the rear edge of the upper case 16.

[0187] Reference numeral 21 denotes a metal decorative frame fixed to the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 22. This decorative frame protrudes rearward from the upper case 16 and is longer than the width of the upper case 16. In other words, when viewed from above, it appears to surround the rear and both left and right sides of the exhaust cover 19 (see Figure 11).

[0188] 11, 12 and 14, reference numeral 25 denotes a metal decorative frame, which is installed to protect the left and right end faces and the front end face of the top plate 15 from external impacts as shown in FIG. 11.

[0189] Reference numeral 26 denotes a ring-shaped cushioning material made of a highly elastic material, such as silicone rubber, which is attached to the entire periphery of the underside of the decorative frames 21, 25. This allows the upper unit 100 to be placed on the kitchen furniture 2 via this cushioning material 26. Note that a single decorative frame 25 may be designed to surround three portions (sides) of the top plate 15, namely the left and right end faces and the front end face, or four portions (four surrounding sides) including the rear end face.

[0190] (Integrated display unit 30 and left and right display units 30L and 30R) 11 and 19, the integrated display unit 30 is disposed in the front portion of the top plate 15 and below the center portion on the left and right sides. The left and right display sections 31L and 31R are respectively provided on the left and right lower front portions of the top plate 15.

[0191] The integrated display unit 30 is a display means used in a cooperative cooking mode and a combined cooking mode, which will be described later, that is, during microwave cooking and oven cooking.

[0192] The integrated display section 30 alternatively displays a first specific screen 30SP (see FIG. 53) used in the cooperative cooking mode and a second specific screen 30SC (see FIG. 51) used in the combined cooking mode.

[0193] The integrated display unit 30 and the left and right display units 31L, 31R are mainly composed of liquid crystal display screens (not shown), and are installed on a horizontal operation board 41 installed in the left-right direction. The underside of the top plate 15 does not have a painted surface that blocks visible light as described above, corresponding to the position directly above the integrated display unit 30 and the left and right display units 31L, 31R. Therefore, the displayed contents of the integrated display unit 30 and the left and right display units 31L, 31R can be seen from above the top plate 15.

[0194] The integrated display unit 30 displays information and warnings common to the cooker 1. For example, it displays the selection result of the three types of heat sources of the cooker 1, and caution and warning information indicating the operating status of those heat sources. That is, the integrated display unit 30 is called the integrated display unit 30 because it may display information related to the three heat sources, namely, the induction heating source 17, an oven heating source 188 (described later), and a microwave heating source 189.

[0195] The integrated display unit 30 also has the function of displaying the names of various cooking methods corresponding to the "cooperative cooking mode" described later, as well as their control conditions.

[0196] Furthermore, the integrated display unit 30 also has a function of displaying "stock information" of the refrigerator 401, which will be described later.

[0197] (Right side display section 31R, left side display section 31L) The left display unit 31L displays information related to the operation of the left IH coil 17L. For example, as will be described later, when timer cooking is set, the time can be set in one-minute increments and the set time can be displayed. It also displays the time elapsed since the heating operation started and the "remaining time" until the timer set time expires. Furthermore, when preheat cooking is selected, the automatically set temperature (default temperature) and the current temperature are displayed. Note that the "remaining time" is displayed as 9 minutes 59 seconds when there are less than 10 minutes remaining, and the remaining time is displayed in one-second increments.

[0198] Similarly, the right display unit 31R displays information related to the operation of the right IH coil 17R. Similar to the left display unit 31L, the right display unit 31R basically displays information related to various control conditions such as the timer setting time, preheating temperature, and elapsed time for the right IH coil 17R.

[0199] (Input operation unit 40) 19, reference numeral 40 denotes an input operation unit. This input operation unit 40 is disposed horizontally along the front edge of the top plate 15. The input operation unit 40 is disposed on the upper surface of an operation board 41 which is elongated horizontally and installed in a strip shape.

[0200] Various electronic components are mounted on the operation board 41. The operation board 41 is made of a plastic material with excellent electrical insulation properties. Behind the operation board 41 of the upper unit 100 is a central operation board 32 supported by a holder 50. An integrated control device MC, which will be described later, is mounted on the back side of the central operation board 32.

[0201] A flat auxiliary support plate (not shown) is installed below the operation board 41 so as to overlap with and face the operation board 41 with a gap between them. In other words, it has a two-layer (two sheets) structure with a gap between them, allowing as many electrical components and circuits as possible to be mounted.

[0202] F2 is a second air passage through which cooling air flows from the second cooling fan 61 described later, and is formed by the space between the cover 70 described later and the front vertical wall 16F located in front of the upper case 16 (see Figures 12 and 24).

[0203] In Fig. 12, 16B denotes a rear vertical wall of the upper case 16. A lower case 101 and the upper case 16, which will be described later, are integrated with screws 51 at a plurality of locations.

[0204] 12, rear vertical wall 16B of upper case 16 and the upper end of lower case 101 closely face each other within a range of about 20 mm to 30 mm, and the facing portions are fastened and fixed by the screws 51. In addition to these screws 51, screws 51F (not shown) are also provided to fasten the facing portions of upper case 16 and lower case 101 together, and upper case 16 and lower case 101 are joined at multiple points.

[0205] Reference numeral 16BX denotes a horizontally bent portion formed by bending the upper end of the rear vertical wall 16B further rearward BK. This horizontally bent portion 16BX and a flange 16A (see FIG. 14) described later are positioned on the same horizontal line.

[0206] Due to the above configuration, when the kitchen furniture 2 supports heavy objects, both the upper case 16 and the lower case 101, the flange 16A and the horizontally bent portion 16BX may cooperate to function as a portion that firmly supports such loads. In other words, a structure is realized in which the flange 16A, which is made by bending a metal plate in a series to increase its mechanical strength, and the horizontally bent portion 16BX support the upper case 16 itself, and as a result, also reliably support the lower case 101. In this embodiment 1, the horizontally bent portion 16BX does not directly contact the top surface of the kitchen furniture 2, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0207] 12, 104 denotes a cavity that is large in both depth and area. This cavity 104 is the space from the lower surface of bottom wall (bottom surface) 16S of upper case 16 to the upper surface of bottom plate 101U at the rear of lower unit 200, which will be described later. BH denotes the depth (vertical direction) dimension of cavity 104.

[0208] 12, this embodiment 1 has a flat upper case 16 (forming the outer shell of the main body 10) whose opening on the top surface is closed by the top plate 15. When the upper case 16 is placed on a lower case 101 (described later), a bottom wall 16S of the upper case 16 also serves as the ceiling surface of the lower case 101.

[0209] As described with reference to FIG. 12, the cavity 104 is the space where the distance between the bottom wall 16S of the upper case 16 and the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101 is the largest. In the cavity 104, a waveguide 123 constituting a part of a microwave heating device 120 (described later) is disposed behind the heating chamber 113 and extends in the left-right direction. Further behind the waveguide 123, a housing case C154 for a power supply circuit board 127 on which circuit components for supplying power to the microwave heating control unit 130 are mounted is arranged long in the left-right direction.

[0210] The microwave heating control unit 130 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and is mounted on the power supply circuit board 127 inside the case C 154. In other words, the power supply circuit board 127 stored inside the case C also serves as a control board on which the microwave heating control unit 130 is mounted. Although such a control board and power supply circuit board 127 may be provided separately, in this first embodiment they are integrated to minimize the installation space.

[0211] 12, 101T denotes a front horizontal wall made of a metal plate provided on the front side of the lower case 101. This front horizontal wall 101T is formed by bending the upper end of the front plate 101F (see FIG. 15) of the lower case 101 backward.

[0212] Reference numeral 198 denotes a connecting support fitting formed from a metal plate, and includes a horizontal portion 198H and a vertical portion 198V. The horizontal portion 198H is fixed to the front horizontal wall 101T of the lower case 101.

[0213] One or both of the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 are box-shaped and made of thin metal plates, and by fastening the screws 51 and 51F, the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 form a single, sturdy box-shaped structure.

[0214] In this embodiment 1, the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 are tightly fitted together as follows. That is, the vertical and horizontal dimensions (maximum internal vertical and horizontal dimensions) of the top opening of the lower case 101 are designed to be the same as the maximum width dimension D5 (not shown) in the front-rear direction and the maximum width dimension W4 (not shown) in the left-right direction of the upper case 16. Alternatively, they are only 0.2 mm larger (at most) than the maximum dimension D5 in the front-rear direction and the maximum dimension W4 in the left-right direction of the top opening of the lower case 101.

[0215] When a small force is applied outward to the upper ends of the left and right vertical walls 101L, 101R or the rear wall (rear vertical wall) 101B, the top opening of the lower case 101 widens slightly, allowing the upper case 16 to fit tightly (snugly) inside it.

[0216] The term "fitted" in this embodiment 1 does not necessarily refer to a state of tight fitting, as in the above-described embodiment 1. The outer dimensions of the upper case 16, which is inserted inside, may differ by up to about 1 mm from the inner dimensions (front-to-back and left-to-right directions) of the outer lower case 101, and they do not have to be tightly attached as a whole. Even if there is such a slight difference in dimensions, the main body case HC can be made strong by fixing with screws 51 or the like.

[0217] Since the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 form a single strong box-shaped structure, the support structure for the door 114 described below can also be realized firmly, which is beneficial for preventing microwave leakage from the door 114 portion.

[0218] In particular, the top plate 15 of the upper unit 100 is supported on the top surface of the kitchen furniture 2 and bears the entire load of the lower unit 200, so it is important to have a structure that prevents the entire upper case 16 and lower case 101 from warping or deforming. Note that, since the cushions 26 are attached to the entire periphery of the lower surfaces of the decorative frames 21 and 25, it is the cushion material 26 that actually comes into contact with the top surface of the kitchen lower part 2.

[0219] In FIG. 12, 80 is an inverter circuit board, which is installed in the center of the upper case 16 . The inverter circuit board 80 has a rectangular planar shape that is long in the left-right direction. The inverter circuit board 80 has a length W16 of 316 mm and a length (width) W7 in the front-rear direction of 195 mm (see FIG. 25).

[0220] This type of inverter circuit board is constructed using various electronic components, such as semiconductor integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, and transistors, which are fixed to an insulating substrate and interconnected with copper foil. Because this process is complex and intricate, it is currently mass-produced using automated assembly machines. This places various constraints on the shape and size of the board, and even for use in this type of cooking appliance, circuit boards are typically square or rectangular. Therefore, to accommodate this type of inverter circuit board in the limited space inside the upper unit 100, some ingenuity is required to avoid interference or overlap with surrounding components. Furthermore, increasing the number of inverter circuits requires an increased number of components, which inevitably increases the area of ​​the inverter circuit board.

[0221] The inverter circuit 81 mounted on the inverter circuit board 80 is composed of an inverter circuit 81L that supplies high frequency power to the left IH coil 17L, and an inverter circuit 81R that supplies high frequency power to the right IH coil 17R. These will be described later with reference to Figures 29, 30, and 33.

[0222] A total of four aluminum heat sinks (heat dissipation sinks) 82 are attached to the upper surface of the inverter circuit board 80. The heat sinks 82 are shown in Figures 12, 15, and 26. That is, two heat dissipation fins 82FN are arranged in two rows facing each other and are placed close to each other, approximately several mm to 10 mm apart.

[0223] 27, GP2 is a gap formed when the heat dissipation fins 82FN of two heat sinks 82 face each other. The size (front-rear width) of this gap is the same across the entire left-right direction of the two front and rear rows of heat sinks 82. For example, it is 8 mm. To distinguish it from the (second) gap GP12 described below, this gap GP2 may be called the "first gap."

[0224] 12 and 26, power control switching elements 83 that constitute part of the inverter circuits 81L, 81R are attached to the inclined surfaces on the opposing sides of the heat sink (heat dissipation sink) 82. Therefore, the heat generated during operation of the switching elements 83 can be cooled by the cooling airflows RF1, RF2 that pass around the heat dissipation fins 82FN.

[0225] The power control switching elements 83 are, for example, IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors). The power control switching elements 83 on one side of the inverter circuit 81L are attached to the rear side of the heat sink 82 which has two rows, front and rear, and the power control switching elements 83 on the other side of the inverter circuit 81R are attached to the front side of the heat sink 82 which has two rows, front and rear. However, they may also be attached to the opposite side.

[0226] 12 and 26, reference numeral 70 denotes a cover formed integrally from a thin metal plate or plastic material that covers the entire upper part of the inverter circuit board 80. Both left and right ends of this cover 70 are open, and as shown in Fig. 24, the left end face of the cover 70 forms an inlet FI for cooling airs RF1 and RF2, which will be described later, and the right end face of the cover 70 forms an outlet FO for the cooling airs RF1 and RF2.

[0227] The cover 70 is positioned so as to secure a certain gap GP11 (linear distance of about 1 mm to a maximum of several mm) between the cover 70 and the underside of the coil base 17C that supports the IH coils 17L and 17R (see FIG. 26).

[0228] In this first embodiment, the gap GP11 is 2 mm. This ensures a space of at least 5 mm between the lower surfaces of the IH coils 17L, 17R and the upper surface of the cover 70. This space has the effect of mitigating the magnetic influence of the IH coils 17L, 17R on the cover 70 and facilitating the flow of cooling air between the cover 70 and the lower surfaces of the IH coils 17L, 17R.

[0229] The cover 70 is sized to ensure a certain gap GP12 with the uppermost surface of the inverter circuit board 80. In this first embodiment, GP12 is 20 mm. To distinguish it from the (first) gap GP2, this gap GP12 may be called a "second gap."

[0230] In Fig. 26, H5 is the height dimension of the cover 70. H5 is 27 mm. H6 is the height dimension from the bottom surface 16S of the upper case (upper housing) 16, and is 28 mm. H7 is the height dimension from the bottom surface 16S, and is 31 mm. Note that 71 is a support plate, which will be explained later. An insulating sheet or a magnetic shielding sheet (such as a thin aluminum plate) may be placed between the top surface of this support plate 71 and the cover 70 or the inverter circuit board 80.

[0231] In Figure 26, H9 is the maximum height dimension of the IH coil installation space CK. In other words, it is the linear distance from the lower surface of the top plate 15 to the bottom wall surface of the upper case 16. In this embodiment 1, this height dimension is 44 mm or 44.5 mm. Note that the maximum height dimension H10 of the side wall surface of the upper case 16 described in Figures 16 and 17 is 40 mm. The reason this height dimension H10 and the maximum height dimension H9 of the IH coil installation space CK do not match is because the top plate 15 is installed above the horizontal flange 16A, etc.

[0232] Since the cover 70 is located directly below the IH coil 17L and is in close proximity to it, if a magnetic shielding effect is desired for the cover 70, it is recommended that the cover 70 be made of a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum. If the cover 70 is made of iron or magnetic stainless steel, there is a concern that the cover 71 will be heated by leakage magnetic flux and rise in temperature, so in that case it is recommended that the top surface of the cover 71 be covered with a non-magnetic metal. For example, measures such as stacking aluminum sheets or attaching aluminum tape can be used.

[0233] If the cover 70 is made of metal, it is even better to electrically connect it to the upper case 16. For example, the metal screws (not shown) for attaching the cover 70 should reach directly into the screw holes in the cover 70.

[0234] Since upper case 16 is connected to lower case 101 (described later) with metal screws or the like, it is also electrically connected to an earth terminal (not shown) provided on lower case 101, and noise is absorbed by the earth. In this way, the magnetic shielding effect of cover 70 can be expected to provide a noise shielding effect for the various electrical components mounted on inverter circuit board 80.

[0235] Furthermore, if the cover 70 is injection molded from a plastic material, the cross-sectional shape of the cover 70 can be determined relatively freely. This has the advantage that the flow (direction) of the cooling air RF1 flowing through the first air passage F1 can also be adjusted. For example, a ribbed airflow direction plate or the like may be formed integrally on the underside of the cover 70 so that more of the cooling air RF1 flows toward a specific portion of the heat sink 82.

[0236] Next, the cover 70 will be described in more detail. In FIG. 26, FH is the height dimension of all the heat sinks 82 (82F, 82B), which is 20 mm. A gap GP12 of about 21 mm is secured between the top surface of inverter circuit board 80 and the ceiling surface of cover 70, and the height of this gap GP12 also becomes the height of the first air passage F1.

[0237] The gap GP13 between the upper surface of the ceiling of cover 70 and the lower surface of top plate 15 is about 13 mm. A series of hanging walls 70B are formed below both front and rear edges of cover 70.

[0238] The distance between the pair of front and rear hanging walls 70B, i.e., the dimension W9 of the space in the front-to-rear direction (see FIG. 26), is 205 mm. The lower end surfaces of hanging walls 70B abut against the upper surface of support plate 71, and even if there is a small gap between them, this does not hinder the cooling air guiding effect.

[0239] 26, GP16 is a gap formed between the upper surface of the heat dissipation fin 82FN of the heat sink 82 and the ceiling surface of the cover 70. This gap GP16 is, for example, about 1 mm.

[0240] With the above configuration, the first air passage F1 is formed between the gaps GP12 and GP16 formed inside the cover 70 and the heat dissipation fins 82FN. 26, W7 is the width of the inverter circuit board 80 in the front-rear direction, which is 195 mm, and W9 is the distance between opposing hanging walls 70B (the dimension of the space in the front-rear direction), which is 205 mm.

[0241] 25, W10 indicates the distance from the right end face of the cover 70, i.e., the exit-side end face, to the side vertical wall 16R of the upper case 16. This distance W10 is approximately 110 mm, and since there is a space of this distance, this space is used to place the power supply circuit board 55.

[0242] 25, 70A is a front cutout formed on the left edge, i.e., the inlet end, of the cover 70. This front cutout 70A is for guiding a portion of the cooling air from the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 to the outside just in front of the cover 70. A plurality of front cutout portions 70A may be formed.

[0243] In Figure 25, GP14 indicates the gap between the first cooling fan 60 and the left end face of the cover 70. This gap GP14 is approximately 40 mm. Note that a gap GP15 (not shown) may also be provided between the second cooling fan 61 on the front side and the left end face of the cover 70. In Figure 25, this gap GP15 is very small and is therefore not shown.

[0244] 25, XB indicates the point where the partition wall 11 intersects with a "blowout line" FL1 that passes through the center point of the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 and is perpendicular to the tip end surface of the air outlet 60A. The air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to a center line CL5 that crosses the center points of the two IH coils 17L, 17R in the left-right direction. Note that the air outlet 60A may be inclined with respect to a line that crosses the partition wall 11 (corresponding to the reference line BL in FIG. 27) instead of the center line CL5 that crosses the center points of the IH coils 17L, 17R in the left-right direction.

[0245] XF indicates the point (intersection) where an "air outlet line" FL2, which passes through the center point of the air outlet 61A of the second cooling fan 61 and is perpendicular to the tip surface of the air outlet 61A, intersects with the partition wall 11. These intersections XB and XF will be described in detail later with reference to Fig. 27. Note that the air outlet lines FL1 and FL2 are imaginary straight lines provided for the convenience of explaining the first embodiment, and the cooling air does not actually flow along these air outlet lines FL1 and FL2.

[0246] The air outlet 61A of the second cooling fan 61 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the center line CL5. The installation distance W14 between the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 measured at the center point is 150 mm.

[0247] 27, the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 and the heat sink 82 (82B) are separated by a linear distance (shortest distance) LD1, which is approximately 110 mm. The air outlet 61A of the second cooling fan 61 is spaced apart from the heat sink 82 (82F) by a linear distance (shortest distance) LD2, which is approximately 100 mm.

[0248] With the above configuration, the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 is directed toward the first heat sink 82F and the second heat sink 82B from behind the first cooling fan 60, across a line (reference line) BL that passes through the center of the gap GP2, and is oblique (at an angle θ1) with respect to the line (reference line) BL.

[0249] Conversely, the air outlet 61A of the second cooling fan 61 is inclined (at an angle θ2) from the front side of the straight line (reference line) BL, with the straight line (reference line) BL in between. The magnitude relationship between the angles θ1 and θ2 is "θ1>θ2", but they may be equal.

[0250] 27, in this first embodiment, the two intersections XB and XF are not at the same position. They vary depending on the positions of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 and the directions of the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 and the air outlet 61A of the second cooling fan 61.

[0251] 28, the heat sinks 82 include heat sinks 82F on the front FR side, 82F1 and 82F2. The heat sinks 82B on the rear BK side, 82B1 and 82B2. When viewed from the front side of the cooking appliance 1, of the two rows of heat sinks 82, the heat sink on the front left side may be referred to as the "first front heat sink" 82F1, and the heat sink installed a little distance away on the front right side may be referred to as the "second front heat sink" 82F2.

[0252] Similarly, as shown in Figure 28, of the two rows of heat sinks 82, the heat sink on the rear left side may be called the "first rear heat sink" 82B1, and the heat sink installed a little distance away on the rear right side may be called the "second rear heat sink" 82B2.

[0253] In Figure 26, reference numeral 11 denotes a partition wall that is integrally formed so as to protrude downward from the ceiling surface of cover 70. If cover 70 is injection molded from a plastic material, it can be formed integrally as described above, but a plate-like member separate from cover 70 may also be used, in which case it will be referred to as partition member 11. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, it will be referred to collectively as "partition wall" 11.

[0254] The front and back surfaces (rear surface) of this partition wall 11 are flat along its entire length from the right end to the left end. This is to minimize the airflow resistance of the cooling airflows RF1 and RF2 flowing through the first airflow path F1. The thickness of the partition wall is approximately 2.0 mm. The partition wall 11 is preferably made of a material with high electrical insulation (for example, a plastic material). Note that the partition wall 11 is not shown in Figures 12, 13 and 15.

[0255] 24 and 25, D6 is the maximum width dimension in the front-rear direction that determines the size of the internal space of the upper case 16. This dimension D6 is determined by the distance between a partition plate 52 (described later) and the front vertical wall 16F (see FIG. 12). GP1 is a gap formed continuously in the horizontal direction behind the partition plate 52.

[0256] 24 and 25, D7 is the distance between the rear vertical wall 16B of the upper case 16 and a partition plate 52 (described later), which determines the size of the gap GP1 (see FIG. 9). W8 is the maximum dimension in the left-right direction (width) that determines the size of the internal space of the upper case 16.

[0257] The two IH coils 17L and 17R are supported from below by a part called a coil base 17C (see Figure 12), which is made of heat-resistant plastic. The coil base 17C may be provided individually for the two IH coils 17L and 17R, or may be formed as a single structure common to the two IH coils 17L and 17R.

[0258] The coil base 17C is placed directly on the upper surface of the cover 70 and fixed to the cover 70 with fasteners such as screws. Alternatively, an elastic body such as a compression spring is interposed between the coil base 17C and the upper surface of the cover 70, so that the coil base 17C is supported in a manner that it is constantly pushed up toward the top plate 15. A detailed description of these support structures will be omitted. In either case, the distance (distance) between the IH coils 17L, 17R and the rear surface (lower surface) of the top plate 15 does not change over a long period of time.

[0259] Due to the above configuration, during induction heating cooking, the distance between the IH coils 17L, 17R and the cooking container (object N to be heated) placed on the top plate 15 remains constant. As a result, it is possible to suppress changes in the high-frequency voltage and high-frequency current generated in the inverter circuits 81L, 81R that supply high-frequency current to the IH coils 17L, 17R, and to stabilize induction heating performance.

[0260] The IH coils 17L and 17R are located above a first horizontal plane HP1 that coincides with the upper surface of the inverter circuit board 80. In other words, they exist on a second horizontal plane HP2 (see FIG. 15).

[0261] The cover 70 is in a position where it does not contact either the coil base 17C disposed below the IH coils 17L, 17R or the heat sink 82.

[0262] The cover 70 is fixed so as to be in close contact with the upper surface of a flat support plate 71 that is larger than the planar shape of the cover 70. A first air passage F1 that is long in the left-right direction is defined and formed between the inverter circuit board 80 and the cover 70, as shown in Figures 24 and 25. The support plate 71 is made of an insulating material, such as heat-resistant plastic.

[0263] 12 and 15, reference numeral 102 denotes a metal exhaust duct through which the exhaust air from the lower unit 200 is guided. An outlet-side end portion 102E of this exhaust duct 102 passes through a gap GP1 formed between a partition plate 52 (described later) and a rear vertical wall 16B of the upper case 16 (see FIG. 13). In other words, the exhaust duct 102 passes vertically through the gap GP1 like a chimney.

[0264] In FIG. 14, 16A denotes horizontal flanges formed by bending the upper ends of the side vertical walls 16L and 16R of the upper case 16 outward at a right angle. Reference numeral 101A denotes horizontal flanges formed by bending outward at a right angle continuously from the upper end portions of side vertical walls 101L and 101R of a lower case 101, which will be described later.

[0265] The upper case 16 and the lower case 101 are arranged such that the flange 16A overlaps the flange 101A. In this overlapping state, the side wall surfaces of the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 are fixed together with the screws 51 (see FIG. 12) described above. Therefore, the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 form a strong, integrated structure through fixation with the screws 51 and the tight contact between the flanges 16A and 101A. In other words, the total weight of the upper case 16 is supported by the top surface of the flange 101A of the lower case 101, so even if the upper case 16 and the lower case 101 are formed from thin metal plates, they can form a box-shaped structure with sufficient mechanical strength when integrated.

[0266] The means for fixing the flanges 16A and 101A in an overlapping state may not be the screws 51, but may be other fastening means such as bolts and nuts. The flanges 16A and 101A do not come into contact with the top surface of the kitchen furniture 2. Because the flanges 16A and 101A are made of a hard material (metal), there is a concern that they may damage the kitchen furniture 2. Furthermore, if the flanges 16A and 101A come into contact with the kitchen furniture 2, the cushioning material 26 cannot be installed in a compressed state. If the cushioning material 26 is not in a tight contact state, there is a concern that its effectiveness in preventing the intrusion of water, etc. may be impaired.

[0267] Next, the gap between the main body case HC, which is the outer shell (housing) of the cooking appliance 1, and the kitchen furniture 2 will be described. In Fig. 8 and Figs. 12 to 15, 311 denotes a lower gap formed between the kitchen furniture 2 and the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101 that constitutes the outer shell of the main body case HC, and has a size of about 10 mm.

[0268] 301R is a right gap formed between the right side vertical wall 101R of the lower case 101 and the kitchen furniture 2, and has a size of about 5 mm. Reference numeral 301L denotes a left gap formed between the left side vertical wall 101L of the lower case 101 and the kitchen furniture 2, and has a size of about 5 mm.

[0269] Reference numeral 302 denotes a front gap formed between the underside of the door 114 or the underside of the hinge portion 176 and the kitchen furniture 2 when the door 114 is closed, and is about 10 mm in size. Note that the position of the underside of the front cover 112 is also aligned with the position of the underside of the door 114 on the horizontal plane, so that a gap of the same size as the front gap 302 is also secured below the front cover 112.

[0270] The size of the front gap 302 changes depending on whether the door 114 is open or closed, but it is sufficient that the size (for example, about 5 mm to 10 mm) is secured so that outside air can be sucked in when the door 114 is closed, as shown in Fig. 12. In the following description, "outside air" refers to air that exists outside the cooking appliance 1, and does not refer to outdoor air.

[0271] The lower gap 311, the right gap 301R, the left gap 301L, and the front gap 302 are interconnected. Therefore, when the cooking appliance 1 starts operating and outside air is drawn in through the front gap 302, the drawn outside air is appropriately distributed to the lower gap 311, the right gap 301R, and the left gap 301L. Note that gap 303 described in FIG. 18 also communicates with each of the gaps 311, the right gap 301R, the left gap 301L, and the front gap 302.

[0272] Next, FIG. 18 will be described. W3 is the maximum width dimension at the front of the cooking appliance 1. This width dimension W3 is larger than the maximum width dimension W2 (560 mm) of the installation space for the kitchen furniture 2, and is, for example, 595 mm. 303 is a gap formed between the inner surface of the right wall surface material (hereinafter referred to as the "right side surface") on the right side of the installation space for the kitchen furniture 2 and the right end surface of the front cover 112. This gap is ensured so that the cooking appliance 1 does not collide with the kitchen furniture 2 when it is installed. The size may be about 1 to 2 mm.

[0273] A gap similar to gap 303 is also formed between left front cover 112 and the inner surface of the left wall surface material (hereinafter referred to as the "left side surface") present on the left side of the installation space of kitchen furniture 2. Note that the size of gap 303 on the left and right may differ slightly depending on the installation of cooking appliance 1. Also, depending on the type of kitchen furniture 2, an elastic sealing material (cushioning material) may be placed on step portion 2G (see Figure 10), and the cooking appliance may be installed in a state where gap 303 is almost completely blocked, but even in such a state, there is no problem with the internal cooling function of this cooking appliance 1.

[0274] As shown in Figure 18, the front cover 112 extends outward beyond the right-side gap 301R and the left-side gap 301L. Therefore, when the cooking appliance 1 is installed, the two left and right front covers 112 cover the front sides of the right-side gap 301R and the left-side gap 301L. Therefore, when the user looks at the kitchen furniture 2 from the front side, they do not get the impression that there is a large gap between the cooking appliance 1 and the kitchen furniture 2. Furthermore, when the cooking appliance 1 is installed, the right-side gap 301R and the left-side gap 301L are secured, so that outside air can be reliably introduced into the upper air passage AH ​​of the upper unit 100 and the lower air passage UH of the lower unit 200, which will be described later.

[0275] In Fig. 18, WS is the width dimension of door 114 facing front plate 101F of lower case 101. This width dimension is necessary for door 114 and lower case 101 to be in close contact with each other to prevent microwave leakage, and also for forming choke chambers 194 (described later) at positions on the front, rear, left and right sides of opening 113A (see Fig. 11).

[0276] (1st cooling fan 60, 2nd cooling fan 61) 24, a first cooling fan 60 (upper cooling fan) and a second cooling fan 61 are installed near a side vertical wall 16L on the left side of the upper case 16. Rotation shafts 60T (not shown) at the centers of the rotors (not shown) of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 extend in the vertical (perpendicular) direction, and the rotors rotate on one horizontal plane (first horizontal plane HP1).

[0277] Centrifugal fans (blowers) are used for the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61. This is because it takes into consideration the high static pressure and the large ventilation resistance in a space with a high packaging density. Generally, centrifugal fans include those with a single intake port and a blowing (discharging) direction in all radial directions. However, the fan in this embodiment 1 is a type with only one blowing direction.

[0278] In FIG. 24, 60A denotes an air outlet formed integrally with a fan case 60C of the first cooling fan 60, and 61A denotes an air outlet formed integrally with a fan case 61C of the second cooling fan 61.

[0279] The air outlets 60A, 61A are directed toward the inverter circuit board 80. That is, the two air outlets 60A, 61A are both located above a common first horizontal plane (HP1) and directed to the right. Note that the "first horizontal plane" HP1 in this first embodiment refers to the upper surface of the inverter circuit board 80.

[0280] The holder 50 shown in Fig. 12 is made of an insulating material, such as a plastic material. The holder 50 is sized to fit the entire input operation unit 40, the integrated display unit 30, the right display unit 31R, and the left display unit 31L, and is provided in a strip-like shape extending in the left-right direction. The central operation board 32 is attached to the underside of the holder 50 with a small gap between them.

[0281] The first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 have the exact same structure, shape, and rated specifications, and are assumed to operate at the same rotational speed during normal induction heating operation. However, in the first embodiment, the IH control unit 90 varies the rotational speed to change the airflow rate. For example, the rotational speed may be increased to improve the cooling effect and increase the airflow rate when the driving power applied to the IH coils 17L and 17R is increased to increase the heating capacity, or when a higher temperature than normal is detected in the integrated display unit 30 or the input operation unit 40. Furthermore, the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 may be operated at different rotational speeds as a measure against "whining noise," as described below.

[0282] Rated specifications include, for example, rated voltage, operating voltage range, rated current, rated rotation speed, maximum airflow, maximum static pressure, sound pressure level, etc. The rotation speed can be changed by changing the applied voltage or the voltage application time (on-duty time) within the operating voltage range. In contrast to this, the present embodiment 1 employs a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control method, which changes the duty cycle of the pulse width (ratio of H and L pulse widths) according to the magnitude of the input signal (DC level) to control the motor of the first cooling fan 60. This PWM control is also employed for the second cooling fan 61.

[0283] The first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 are configured such that the rotor blades (not shown) are surrounded by fan cases 60C and 61C, and a circular intake port (not shown) is provided on the underside of the fan case.

[0284] Directly below the intake ports (not shown) of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61, there are ventilation holes 64 (see FIGS. 14 and 16) consisting of a number of round or elliptical holes. These ventilation holes 64 are formed in the bottom wall surface of the lower case 16. These ventilation holes 64 communicate with a ventilation hole 164 formed in the left side wall surface of the lower case 101, which will be described later. Therefore, the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 can directly introduce outside air from outside the lower case 101 through these ventilation holes 164.

[0285] In Figure 14, 165 is a recess (intake duct) that is provided to directly connect the vent hole 64 to the vent hole 164 of the lower case 101. This recess 165 is recessed from the left side by a certain depth (dimension) DP1. This dimension DP1 is 99 mm.

[0286] 14, the vertical center point of the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60, the vertical center point of the heat sink 82, and the vertical center point of an electrical component 85 mounted on the upper surface of a power supply circuit board 55 (described later) are all located on a horizontal line HL1. In other words, the cooling air RF1 blown out from the air outlet 60A of the first cooling fan 60 travels straight to the right and reaches the heat sink 82 and the electrical component 85. The horizontal plane defined by this horizontal line HL1 is above the first horizontal plane HP1.

[0287] 14, AC power is supplied to the power supply circuit board 55 from a commercial AC power supply 99 via a filter circuit board 54, which will be described later. Then, AC is converted into DC in this power supply circuit board 55. For this purpose, electrical components 85, such as a diode for converting AC into DC and a transformer 57 (not shown), are mounted on the power supply circuit board 55.

[0288] If the temperature of heat sink 82 of inverter circuit board 80 rises abnormally, IH control unit 90, which controls induction heating cooking, reduces the amount of heat generated by IH coils 17L, 17R. In addition to this operation, the airflow rate per unit time of first cooling fan 60 may be temporarily increased. The temperature of heat sink 82 is detected by contact-type temperature sensors TS8, TS9 (see FIG. 24), such as thermistors, fixed in close contact with the surface of heat sink 82.

[0289] If the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 are made to have the exact same structure, shape, and rated specifications, procurement costs during manufacturing can be reduced. When cooling fans of the same specifications are arranged in parallel and operated, there is a high possibility of a humming noise occurring. For this reason, in this first embodiment, as a measure to prevent the humming noise, the rotation speeds of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 are controlled to be different values ​​within the range in which the humming noise is likely to occur. In other words, they are not always operated at different rotation speeds.

[0290] In Figure 24, 52 is a metal partition plate that extends laterally at the rear of upper case 16 and is fixed to upper case 16. This partition plate 52 is a vertically extending wall that divides the internal space of upper case 16 into front and rear sections. Note that "dividing" here does not mean a strict shielding that completely blocks airflow. It is sufficient if the partition plate 52 can to some extent prevent the cooling air from the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 from flowing rearward beyond the upper end face of partition plate 52.

[0291] An upper air passage AH, which will be described later, refers to an air passage within the upper unit 100 that extends from the air vent 64 to the partition plate 52. The exhaust duct 102 from the lower unit 200 is present in the gap GP1 formed behind the partition plate 52. For this reason, a lower air passage UH, which will be described later, does not pass through the upper passage AH, but is structured to substantially communicate with the outside of the cooking appliance 1.

[0292] 24, 52A is an exhaust window formed in the left half of the partition plate 52, and 53 is an exhaust port plate installed to cover the front side of the exhaust window 52A, with a large number of through holes 53A formed therein so that cooling air can pass through toward the exhaust window 52A of the partition plate 52. The cooling air that has passed through this exhaust window 52A is released into the space outside the cooking appliance 1 via the exhaust cover 19.

[0293] In Figure 24, LF is the exhaust port dimension indicating the range (width dimension) to the left of the partition plate 12, which will be described later, for the exhaust air exhausted from the installation space CK of the IH coils 17L, 17R. This exhaust port dimension is determined by the formation range of the through holes 53A and the width dimension of the exhaust window 52A. When the width dimension of the exhaust window 52A is narrower than the formation range of the through holes 53A (the form shown in Figure 24), the exhaust range LF is determined by the width dimension of the exhaust window 52A. The width dimension of the right exhaust window 52B and the formation range of the through holes 53B are equivalent.

[0294] In Figure 24, reference numeral 54 denotes a filter circuit board located in the right corner of the rear of upper case 16. This filter circuit board removes noise from the power supply from commercial power source 99 and supplies it to the output terminal side, and conversely, prevents noise from flowing (backflowing) to the commercial power supply at the input terminal side, and is equipped with electrical components (not shown) such as resistors, inductors (choke coils), line-to-line capacitors, relays, and current fuses. The end of a power cable (not shown) connected to commercial power source 99 via a plug is connected to filter circuit board 54 via the inside of lower unit 200, which will be described later.

[0295] The power supply circuit board 55 is located on the opposite side (right side) of the inverter circuit board 80 from the first cooling fan 60. In other words, the power supply circuit board 55 is located on the right side of the outlet FO of the first air passage F1 formed between the inverter circuit board 80 and the cover 70, and is therefore cooled by the cooling air immediately after it leaves the first air passage F1.

[0296] In FIG. 24, CL3 is a center line passing through the center point of the left IH coil 17L in the front-rear direction, and CL4 is a center line passing through the center point of the right IH coil 17R in the front-rear direction. CL5 is a center line that crosses the center points of the two IH coils 17L, 17R in the left-right direction. CL2 is a center line that passes through the rotation centers of the rotor blades (not shown) of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 in the front-rear direction. As is clear from Fig. 24, the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 are aligned on a straight line in the front-rear direction.

[0297] 24, RF1 indicates the cooling air blown out from the first cooling fan 60. RF2 indicates the cooling air blown out from the second cooling fan 61.

[0298] RF3 denotes the cooling air after it has exited from outlet FO of first air passage F1. RF4 denotes the cooling air after it has passed through second air passage F2. Note that the cooling air RF3 after it has exited from outlet FO and the cooling air RF4 after it has passed through second air passage F2 partially merge along the way. In other words, the cooling air RF3 and the cooling air RF4 merge before they reach through hole 53A of exhaust port plate 53.

[0299] 24, GP1 is a gap formed between the partition plate 52 and the rear vertical wall 16B of the upper case 16. The width of this gap GP1 in the front-rear direction is about 30 mm to 50 mm.

[0300] 24 and 25, 12 is a partition plate, which is installed vertically in the gap GP1 formed behind the partition plate 52. 13 is also a partition plate, which is installed vertically in the gap GP1 formed behind the partition plate 52.

[0301] The gap GP1 formed behind the partition plate 52 is divided into left and right spaces by the partition plate 12. On the left side of the partition plate 12, an exhaust duct 102 extends vertically from below. Also, on the right side of the partition plate 12, an end portion (exhaust port) of an exhaust duct 307 (not shown) that discharges air after cooling the magnetron 122 of the lower unit 200 may be disposed. However, in this first embodiment, such an exhaust duct 307 (not shown) is not disposed.

[0302] 24 and 25, reference numeral 14 denotes a vertically installed plate-like or rib-shaped (protruding) partition wall. This partition wall 14 is formed integrally with or fixed to the upper surface of a support plate 29 (not shown) installed so as to overlap the bottom wall surface 16S of the upper case 16.

[0303] The support plate 29 (not shown) is made of an electrically insulating plastic material, like the support plate 71 . The partition wall 14 is formed from the rear of the cover 70 to the front of the partition plate 52. However, the partition wall 14 does not extend vertically to a position where it contacts the lower surface of the top plate 15. In other words, although the partition wall 14 extends close to the lower surface of the top plate 15, the partition wall 14 does not completely divide the space behind the cover 70 into two, left and right sections.

[0304] As shown in Figure 25, a portion of the cooling air RF4 that is guided mainly via the first air passage F1 to the right side of the cover 70 is divided into two cooling air flows RF4L and RF4L by the partition wall 14 and guided toward the exhaust windows 52A and 52B.

[0305] As shown in Figure 25, a portion of the cooling air RF4 that is guided mainly via the first air passage F1 to the right side of the cover 70 can be divided into two cooling air flows RF4L and RF4L by the partition wall 14 and guided toward the exhaust windows 52A and 52B.

[0306] With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 24, the cooling airflows RF4L and RF4R are exhausted from the installation space CK of the IH coils 17L and 17R through the exhaust windows 52A and 52B. 24 and 25, the cooling air discharged from the right side of the partition wall 14 is indicated as RF4R, and the cooling air discharged from the left side of the partition wall 14 is indicated as RF4L. When these two cooling airs are to be collectively referred to, the symbol RF4 will be used in the following description.

[0307] (Detailed configuration of input operation unit 40) Next, returning to FIGS. 19 and 20, the main parts of the input operation unit 40 will be described. In Figures 19 and 20, 40 is an input operation section formed on the front upper surface of the top plate 15, and as will be described below, various input keys are arranged in a horizontal line, which enable input by utilizing changes in capacitance when the user lightly touches them with a finger or the like.

[0308] The input operation unit 40 includes three units: a right operation unit 40R, a central operation unit 40M, and a left operation unit 40L. 98 denotes an operation button or operation key (touch input type) of a main power switch 97 that can supply and cut off commercial power 99, which will be described later. This operation button or operation key 98 is located adjacent to the right end of the right operation unit 40R. The following description will be given on the assumption that this operation button or operation key 98 is within the range of the input operation unit 40 (see FIG. 19).

[0309] The right operation unit 40R is sometimes called an "individual operation unit" because it is used to perform input operations only for the induction heating source 9. Similarly, the left operation unit 40L is sometimes called an "individual operation unit." In contrast, the central operation unit 40M is sometimes called a "common operation unit" because it is used in common by both the microwave heating source 189 and the oven heating source 188. This "common operation unit" also includes a "cooperative operation unit" 40MC for executing the cooperative cooking mode, which will be described later. These will be described in detail in FIG. 21.

[0310] The main power switch 97 is attached to the filter board 54 of the upper unit 100 as shown in Figures 24 and 25. Commercial power 99 is supplied to the power supply circuit board 55, the inverter circuit 81, and the power supply circuit section of the lower unit 200 (not shown in Figure 25).

[0311] 20 and 22, a total of five touch-type input keys 43R1 to 43R4, 44R are arranged on the right operation unit 40R. These input keys 43R1 to 43R4, 44R are assigned one or more input functions as described below.

[0312] 43R1 is an input key for selecting heating by the right heating unit 17HR. It can also stop the operation of the right IH coil 17R that has started heating. Therefore, when pressed once, it performs the function of selecting the right heating unit 17HR, and when pressed once again, it has the function of instantly issuing a command to stop the heating operation. In this way, each time this input key 43R1 is touched, the content of the command to the IH control unit 90, which will be described later, automatically changes.

[0313] The input key 43R1 may be called a third selection means. That is, the input key 43L1 and the input key 43R1 are means for issuing a command to start a heating operation in the "single (heating) cooking" mode, which uses either the right heating section 17HR or the left heating section 17HL of the induction heating source 9.

[0314] 43R2 and 43R3 are a pair of input keys for specifying the heating power (power consumption) during induction heating. Of the two input keys 43R2, touching the left input key 43R2 reduces the heat level by one level each time. For example, if the heat level is 3200W (rated maximum heat level: heat level 9), touching this input key 43R2 once will reduce the heat level to 2500W (heat level: 8).

[0315] Each time you touch the input key 42R3 on the right, the heat level increases by one level. For example, if the heat level is 2500W (heat level 8), touching this input key 42R3 once will select 3200W (rated maximum heat level: heat level 9).

[0316] 43R4 is an input key for selecting the timer cooking control menu. Timer cooking is a control method in which the user sets the cooking time and induction heating is performed only for the set time. For example, if 10 minutes is specified and timer cooking is started, a predetermined display will be displayed on the right display unit 31R when 10 minutes have elapsed, and the voice synthesizer 95, which will be described later, will also automatically notify the user by voice that cooking is complete. Induction heating will automatically stop when the set time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed, but the induction heating time can be extended by performing an extension operation before the set time has elapsed.

[0317] In this first embodiment, the display units such as the integrated display unit 30 and the right display unit 31R, and the voice synthesizer 95 may be collectively referred to as an "announcement unit" AN.

[0318] Reference numeral 44R is a touch-type input key for selecting a "control menu" for induction heating cooking, and each touch operation allows one to be selected from multiple control menus. In this induction heating cooking, a "control menu" refers to the control mode of the induction heating source 9, or in other words, the type of control, such as "boiling water," "boiling," or "frying (automatic cooking)," as shown in FIG. 38. In other words, "boiling water," "stewing," "frying," etc., have different operating times for the IH coil 17R, different heating power, different operating patterns for changing the heating power, etc.

[0319] The "control menu" for the right heating unit 17HR is different from the name of the final food or ingredient that is obtained by induction heating. For example, "hamburger steak" and "tempura" are names of food, not "control menu" as used here. In other words, the "control menu" can be said to be a comprehensive expression of the type of heating, cooking method, conditions, etc., until the cooking is complete. The control menu for the induction heating source 9 may be called an "IH control menu" to distinguish it from control menus for other heating sources.

[0320] Next, the left operation section 40L will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 23. The left operation section 40L is provided with a total of five touch-type input keys 43L1 to 43L4 and 44L.

[0321] 43L1 is an input key for selecting cooking using the left heating unit 17HL. After the heating operation of the left IH coil 17L has started, the operation can be stopped at any time. That is, when pressed once, the function of selecting the left heating unit 17HL is performed, and when pressed again once after induction heating has started, the heating operation can be stopped instantly. The input key 43L1 may be called a third selection means.

[0322] Similar to the input keys 43R2 to 43R3 of the right operation unit 40R, 43L2 and 43L3 are a pair of input keys for specifying the heating power (power consumption) of the left heating unit 17HL. Similar to the input keys 43R2 and 43R3 of the right operation unit 40R, each time these keys are touched, a specific heating power level one level higher or one level lower can be selected from the data table of specified heating power values.

[0323] An input key 43L4 is used to select timer cooking. Like the input key 43R4 on the right operation unit 40R, this input key 43L4 can be used to specify the induction heating cooking time. When timer cooking ends, the end of timer cooking is displayed on the left display unit 31L, just like the input key 43R4, and is also notified by the voice synthesizer 95.

[0324] 44L is a touch-type input key that can be used to select a "control menu" for induction heating cooking. As with the input key 44R on the right operation unit 40R, one control menu can be selected from multiple "control menus." Note that the control menus that can be selected with the left input key 44L are exactly the same as the control menus that can be selected with the right input key 44R.

[0325] As is clear from FIGS. 20 and 23, the total of five touch-type input keys 43L1 to 43L4, 44L arranged on this left operation section 40L are aligned in a straight line in the left-right direction.

[0326] 20 and 21, a total of ten touch-type input keys are arranged on the central operation unit 40M, and one or more input functions are assigned to these input keys. The following explains the 10 touch input keys.

[0327] The input key 43KP located at the far left is used to set various operations, displays, etc. of the entire cooking appliance 1 as desired by the user.

[0328] When the input key 43KP is pressed, the integrated control device MC, which will be described later, switches to a "function mode" and displays the following "function setting menu" on the display screen 30D of the integrated display unit 30. (1) Child lock setting (setting to disable operation of various input keys) (2) Ventilation fan interlocking mode setting (3) Cleaning guide setting (automatic notification function setting for cleaning the heating chamber 113 and exhaust cover 19) (4) Peak cut setting (maximum power consumption can be selected from one of four levels: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, or 4000W) (5) Audio guide settings (6) Audio guide volume setting (7) Setting to prevent forgetting to remove food, cooking utensils, etc. from the heating chamber 113 (whether or not to issue an alarm on the voice synthesizer 95 and the integrated display unit 30) (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage limit function of the home power control device) (9) Timer cooking time unit setting (change from 1 minute to 5 or 30 minutes) (10) Switching between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode (11) Setting the type (range) of inventory information to be acquired from the refrigerator 401

[0329] The beginner mode is an optional function for users who are unfamiliar with using the cooking appliance 1, and when the beginner mode is set, the voice guidance in the voice synthesizer 95 becomes more detailed and clear. Also, the voice guidance for input operations in the input operation unit 40 increases, and the amount of display information on the display screen 30D of the integrated display unit 30 increases.

[0330] When the beginner mode is set, particularly when cooking in the cooperative cooking mode, the amount of reference information (including additional information 331, which will be described later) displayed on the display screen 30D of the integrated display unit 30 increases in cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, or the content of the voice guidance in the voice synthesizer 95 increases. This enhances the function of supporting the user's input operations.

[0331] The type (range) of inventory information acquired from the refrigerator 401 may be limited to only frozen foods or only food ingredients that can be heated by the microwave heating source 189, for example.

[0332] By pressing input key 43KP to switch the display screen of integrated display unit 30 to "function mode," and then operating touch-type input keys 43M1 to 43M3 (described later) located on central operation unit 40M, it is possible to individually change the 11 individual functions defined in the "function setting menu" of cooking appliance 1.

[0333] The input function of input key 43KP is disabled so as not to switch the function mode when the control mode or control conditions (temperature, heat, time, etc.) of microwave heating source 189 or oven heating source 188 are being selected on integrated display unit 30. Therefore, light-emitting unit 27M1 corresponding to input key 43KP does not emit light while the control mode or control conditions are being set (see FIG. 21).

[0334] For example, let us consider the setting of the peak cut value of the cooking appliance 1. Even if the default value at the time of shipment from the manufacturer is 5400W, it can be set to any of 5000W, 4800W, or 4000W when installed in the user's home. In this way, the functions of the cooking appliance 1 can be changed to suit the user's wishes and the usage environment (the power situation of the home where it is installed). When such a peak cut value is set, the setting result is stored in the integrated control device MC or the power control unit 72, and is used to determine whether or not to allow use of the linked cooking mode when the user selects the linked cooking mode, as described below.

[0335] 21, the range of the central operation unit 40M includes an area called a shared operation unit or RG operation unit 40M2 that is used in common by both the microwave heating source 189 and the oven heating source 188. The range of the central operation unit 40M is the area surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. On the other hand, the area of ​​the central operation section 40M excluding the input keys 43KP is a cooperative operation section 40MC for executing a cooperative cooking mode, which will be described later.

[0336] In the following description, the "individual operation unit" 40M2 may be referred to as "second operation unit" 40M2 because it also serves as an input operation unit for the microwave heating source 189 (second heating means).

[0337] Reference numeral 43MC denotes an input key for selecting a cooperative cooking mode, which is arranged at the left end of the cooperative operation unit 40MC and is made up of a touch key. This input key 43MC is illuminated from below by a light-emitting diode (LED) or the like, so that the user can easily see the words "Cooperative Cooking" and the associated graphic. However, this input key 43MC is only visible while the cooperative cooking mode is active. In other words, once all cooking steps in the cooperative cooking mode have been completed, the LED stops illuminating, indicating that the cooperative cooking mode is not active. The input key 43MC may be called a "first input key."

[0338] 43M1 is an input key for selecting cooking in the heating chamber 113 using the oven heating source 188 and the microwave heating source 189. A combined cooking mode using both the oven heating source 188 and the microwave heating source 189 can also be selected. In other words, this input key 43M1 is an input means (input key) for selecting the "combined cooking mode." Note that when input key 43M1 is operated, cooking using only microwave heating or oven heating can also be performed by executing the "combined cooking mode," as will be described later.

[0339] When the input key 43M1 is operated, the integrated display unit 30 switches to a special display screen configuration. That is, a second specific screen 30SC used for the combined cooking mode is displayed. This will be described later with reference to Figures 48 to 52.

[0340] Furthermore, when the input key 43MC is operated, the integrated display unit 30 displays a special display screen so that the cooperative cooking mode can be executed. That is, the integrated display unit 30 switches to a configuration in which a first specific screen 30SP is displayed. This will be described later with reference to Figs. 53 and 70 to 97.

[0341] The display screen 30D of the integrated display unit 30 is a single LCD display screen in terms of hardware, but as shown in Figure 21, it is divided into up to three display areas 30L, 30M, and 30R by the display unit drive circuit 63.

[0342] Of the three display areas, display area 30L located on the left side will hereinafter be referred to as the "first area." Display area 30M located in the center will hereinafter be referred to as the "second area." Display area 30R located on the right side will hereinafter be referred to as the "third area." Note that methods for dividing a single display screen into multiple areas and displaying them in this manner have been proposed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5425171 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-172940, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0343] 43M1 are a pair of left and right input keys for switching the screen displayed in the first area 30L of the display screen 30D after operating the input key 43MC. The information to be displayed in the first area 30L is selected by the display unit drive circuit 63 in accordance with the display program of the integrated control device MC.

[0344] Next, a state in which the input key 43M1 is operated and individual names indicating "combined cooking mode" and "single cooking mode" are displayed on the integrated display section 30 will be described. In the following description, the "combined cooking mode," the "single cooking mode" in which the heating means is driven independently, and the "cooperative cooking mode" described below will be collectively referred to as the "control menu."

[0345] Of the two input keys 43M1 arranged side by side, when the left input key 43M1 is operated, the display screen in the first area 30L moves forward, and the display screen switches so that the information displayed on the rear side is displayed in the center of the front and rear. In other words, when the left input key 43M1 is operated once, a desired piece of display information (for example, a name identifying one of the control menus) can be selected from a group of display information such as "control menus" stored in the integrated control device MC. Note that the display screen itself does not actually move forward; it merely appears to move forward visually.

[0346] Conversely, when the right input key 43M1 is operated once, the display screen in the first area 30L moves backward, and the display screen switches so that different information is instead displayed in the center of the front and rear of the first display area. In other words, even if the right input key 43M1 is operated, one of the "display information group" defined in the display program of the integrated control device MC is selected, but the selection direction (selection order) of the displayed information is reversed.

[0347] In this way, by operating either the right input key 43M1 or the left input key 43M1, the user can display desired information from the display information group in the center of the first area 30L.

[0348] Reference numerals 43M2 denote a pair of input keys for switching between screens displayed in the second area 30M of the display screen 30D. By operating any one of the input keys 43M2, the display information in the second area 30M can be switched sequentially one by one, similar to the input key 43M1.

[0349] Reference numerals 43M3 denote a pair of input keys for switching between screens displayed in the third area 30R of the display screen 30D. By operating any one of the input keys 43M3, the display information in the third area 30R can be switched sequentially one by one, similar to the input key 43M1.

[0350] 43MS is a touch-type input key that can be used to command the start of microwave cooking and oven cooking using the heating chamber 113. It also serves as an input key that can be used to command a transition to the combined cooking mode. The 45MT has a touch-sensitive input key that can be used to stop microwave and oven heating operations, and also serves as an input key that can issue a command to cancel the transition to the combined cooking mode.

[0351] When the operation key 98 of the main power switch is pressed to start cooking, for example, the five touch-type input keys 43R1 to 43R4, 44R in the right operation unit 40R do not always need to have an input function.

[0352] Similarly, on the left operation unit 40L, the five touch-type input keys 43L1 to 43L4, 44L do not always need to have an input function. The same is true for the central operation unit 40M. To avoid unnecessary input, such as when the user touches an input key without realizing it, the integrated control device MC temporarily disables the input functions of the other input keys immediately after starting up the cooking appliance 1, and does not accept input, except for input keys that require input depending on the cooking condition input process, the progress of cooking, etc.

[0353] Therefore, in order to indicate that the input function of each input key is valid, light emitting display units 27R, 27L, and 27M are provided for each of the three operation units 40R, 40L, and 40M, as shown in FIGS.

[0354] 20 and 22, in the right operation unit 40R, individual light emitting units 27R1 to 27R4 are arranged immediately behind the five touch-type input keys 43R1 to 43R4 and 44R. Since the input keys 43R2 and 43R3 form a pair, they share one individual light emitting unit 27R2.

[0355] The individual light-emitting units 27R1 to 27R4 each have one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged below the right operation unit 40R, and the individual light-emitting units 27R1 to 27R4 are controlled by a display unit drive circuit 63 to turn on and off, or to change the color of the light emitted.

[0356] For example, before an input key 43R1 (see FIG. 22) of the right operation unit 40R (individual operation unit for the right heating unit 17HR) is operated, the individual light-emitting unit 27R1 immediately adjacent to and behind the input key 43R1 emits blue light, indicating that the unit is ready to accept an operation input.

[0357] When a user operates an input key 43R1 and the integrated control device MC accepts the input, the individual light-emitting unit 27R1 emits light in a unified color (red) to indicate to the user that the operation has been accepted. This display control is performed by the display unit drive circuit 63 based on a command from the integrated control device MC. Note that instead of emitting light in a single color, the light color may change, for example, from blue to red, to indicate that the operation has been accepted by the user. This also applies to the individual light-emitting units 27M1 to 27M6 and 27L1 to 27L4, which will be described later.

[0358] Note that the individual light-emitting unit 27R1 adjacent to and immediately behind the input key 43R1 may not emit light before the input key 43R1 is operated, but may start emitting light when the operation is accepted and continue emitting light. Alternatively, the individual light-emitting unit 27R1 may emit light in advance (before the operation) to indicate that the operation input is possible, without indicating that the operation input has been accepted. Furthermore, the individual light-emitting unit 27R1 may flash when the operation input is possible and waiting for input, and then change to continuous light when the operation input is accepted.

[0359] 20 and 23, in the left operation unit 40L, individual light-emitting units 27L1 to 27L4 are arranged immediately behind the five touch-type input keys 43L1 to 43L4 and 44L. Since the input keys 43L2 and 43L3 form a pair, they share one individual light-emitting unit 27L4.

[0360] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the central operation unit 40M as well, individual light emitting units 27M1 to 27M6 are arranged immediately behind the ten touch input keys 43KP, 43MC, 43M1 to 43M3, 43MS, and 43MT.

[0361] When input key 43MS is pressed and induction heating begins, the input keys (43M1, 43M2, etc.) on central operation unit 40M become inoperable. However, the input function of input key 43MT remains valid. Therefore, the heating operation in the linked cooking mode can be stopped at any time, and the linked cooking mode can be canceled.

[0362] The input key 43MT can be used to cancel the input of the control menu or the cooperative cooking mode. For example, if a cooking process in the cooperative cooking mode has started, pressing the input key 43MT cancels the cooperative cooking mode setting midway through, and as will be described later, the left heating unit 17HL that has been used in the cooperative cooking mode is immediately released from its occupied state. Therefore, after this cancellation, input of the single cooking mode using the left heating unit 17HL can be started for other cooking. The input key 43MT may be called a "second input key."

[0363] If the input key 43MT is operated before the cooking process starts after the linked cooking mode or combined cooking mode has been displayed on the integrated display unit 30 by operating the input key 43M1 or the input key 43MC, all previous input settings will be canceled. Therefore, if you want to display the linked cooking mode, you will need to operate the input key 43MC again.

[0364] The individual light-emitting units 27M1-27M6 each have one or more light-emitting diodes arranged below the central operation unit 40M, and the individual light-emitting units 27M1-27M6 are controlled to light up and turn off in a unified light color by a display unit drive circuit 63 (see FIG. 30). Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the light blinks when operational input is possible and waiting for input, and changes to continuous light when operational input is accepted.

[0365] As shown in Fig. 21, a pair of input keys 43M1 share one individual light-emitting unit 27M3. Two input keys 43M2 and 43M3 also share one individual light-emitting unit 27M4 and one individual light-emitting unit 27M5, since they also form a pair. In the following description, when the individual light-emitting units in the central operation unit 40M are collectively referred to, the symbol 27M is used.

[0366] As shown in FIG. 22, an individual light emitting unit 27R5 is also arranged immediately behind the operation key (or operation button) 98 of the main power switch 97 located adjacent to the right end of the right operation unit 40R.

[0367] It is desirable to standardize the light emission patterns (continuous emission, flashing, light emission color, etc.) of the above-described light emitting display units 27R, 27L, 27M across the three operation units to avoid unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding by the user. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the light emission patterns of the light emitting display units 27R, 27L, 27M are standardized across the right operation unit 40R, left operation unit 40L, and central operation unit 40M.

[0368] One method for indicating the validity of each input key's input function is to illuminate the operating section of the input key itself. However, this requires locating an illuminating section directly below the operating section of the input key and manufacturing the operating section from a light-transmitting material. This poses structural and cost challenges, as does the need to ensure the sensitivity of the operating section. Therefore, in this first embodiment, the illuminating display units 27R, 27L, and 27M are positioned adjacent to the operating sections of the input keys, as described above. "Adjacent" here refers to a positional relationship between the two that is close enough to the user's perspective, such as the relationship between the input key 43R1 and the illuminating display unit 27R, so that the one-to-one relationship is instantly apparent. This does not apply, for example, to cases where the input key 43R1 and the illuminating display unit 27R are separated by a structure such as a wall that protrudes upward relative to the surface of the input key 43R1. However, because the input key 43MC is particularly important for indicating the collaborative cooking mode, it is illuminated from below.

[0369] In FIG. 20, heat level indicators 67L and 67R are provided at the rear of the right operating unit 40R and the left operating unit 40L to indicate the heat level during induction cooking. These heat power indicators 67L, 67R indicate the heat power level of the right heating section 17HR and the left heating section 17HL by emitting light (red). The nine levels are indicated by light, ranging from the minimum rated heat power (heat power level 1: 150W) to the maximum rated heat power (heat power level 9: 3200W).

[0370] The heat level indicators 67L, 67R are configured with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) installed in the space below the right operating unit 40R and the left operating unit 40L. The color of the light may be changed depending on the heat level. In this embodiment 1, for example, heat levels 1 and 2 are configured as follows: (1) (Minimum) Heat level 1: 1 red light, remaining 8 blue lights (2) Heat level 2: 2 lights are red, the remaining 7 lights are blue In addition, at the left end of the heat power display units 67L and 67R, there is a keep-warm display unit 67H that lights up an LED to indicate when the appliance is operated in the "keep-warm mode" (see "display screen 3A" in Figure 47), which heats the heated object at a heat power lower than the minimum heat power level 1.

[0371] The left display section 31L displays the heating power level value of the left heating section 17HL using the numbers 1 to 9. "1" is displayed when the heating power level is the minimum 1, and "9" is displayed when the heating power level is the maximum 9. The heating power display on this left display section 31L matches the heating power level displayed by the heating power display section 67L, and is displayed at the same time.

[0372] Also, the right display section 31R displays the heating power level value of the right heating section 17HR using the numbers 1 to 9. The display conditions are exactly the same as those in the left display section 31L.

[0373] 20, the three light-emitting display units 27L, 27M, and 27R and the two heat power display units 67L and 67R are aligned in a straight line in the left-right direction. Moreover, the three light-emitting display units 27L, 27M, and 27R and the two heat power display units 67L and 67R are aligned in a straight line in the left-right direction.

[0374] In this way, the three light-emitting display units 27L, 27M, 27R and the two heat power display units 67L, 67R are aligned in a straight line in the left-right direction behind the three input operation units 40L, 40M, 40R, providing good operability and visibility. Furthermore, the integrated display unit 30 and the left and right display units 31L, 31R are also aligned in a straight line in the horizontal direction, providing a design that provides good overall operability and visibility from the perspective of a user operating the cooking appliance 1 while standing in front of it.

[0375] In FIG. 20, 68 is a heat source display unit disposed behind the integrated display unit 30. Since multiple heat sources are used with the central operation unit 40M, the heat source display unit 68 displays the heat source that is actually operating with the light of an LED.

[0376] The heating source display unit 68 is composed of three display units, as shown in Fig. 21. The leftmost display unit 68L indicates that a microwave heating source 189 is in use, and the word "range" is displayed in letters near the front, making it easy to see that microwave heating is being used.

[0377] The central display 68M is a display that indicates when "grill cooking" is being performed using either or both of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B in the heating chamber 113. "Grill" is written on the front side so that it is easy to understand that grill cooking is being performed.

[0378] The rightmost display section 68R is a display section that indicates when "oven cooking" is being performed in the heating chamber 113 using either or both of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B.

[0379] Unlike grill cooking, "oven cooking" involves detecting the temperature inside heating chamber 113 and reflecting (feeding back) the temperature in power control of upper heater 163A and lower heater 163B. These will be described in detail later.

[0380] 20 and 21, reference numeral 69 denotes a high temperature display unit provided immediately behind the heat source display unit 68. This high temperature display unit 69 illuminates an LED light-emitting unit based on a command from the integrated control device MC to indicate that the temperature monitoring target part is at a high temperature. The integrated control device MC issues a command to display a high temperature based on temperature information from a temperature detection circuit 93 that receives temperature detection signals from various temperature sensors and a heating chamber control unit 159, as will be described later.

[0381] The high temperature indicator 69 is not shown in FIG. The high temperature display unit 69 has three temperature monitoring target areas: the left heating unit 17HL, the heating chamber 113, and the right heating unit 17HR, and displays the status of each of these temperature monitoring target areas individually. Therefore, for example, after induction heating cooking using the left heating unit 17HL, the high temperature display unit 69 can notify the user that the area from the center to the left side of the top plate 15 corresponding to the left heating unit 17HL has become hot, thereby alerting the user.

[0382] In order to shorten the period during which the high temperature display unit 69 displays a high temperature as short as possible, for example, if the temperature of the top plate 15 is still high immediately after one induction heating cooking session is completed, the IH control unit 90 continues to operate the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61, and uses outside air to cool the internal space of the upper unit 100, i.e., the upper space 300A.

[0383] Returning to FIG. Reference numeral 47A denotes a touch-type input key for issuing an Internet connection command to the integrated control device MC for wireless communication. Each time input key 47A is pressed, a wireless connection is established with the home gateway 411, and information from the outside can be obtained via the home gateway 411.

[0384] Windows 46L and 46R transmit infrared signals, which serve as command signals for starting operation, to an externally installed ventilation device 405 (range hood 422). An infrared transmitter 48 (see FIGS. 29 and 30) is installed below these windows. In practice, these windows 46L and 46R are covered with an inconspicuous surface sheet so that they cannot be seen from above the top plate 15. Naturally, this sheet is made of a material that allows infrared signals to pass through.

[0385] While performing cooking step 1 in the linked cooking mode, detailed inventory information for refrigerator 401 can be manually displayed temporarily on integrated display unit 30 by pressing input key 47A. Specific inventory information is automatically displayed for a certain period of time in all or part of first area 30L to third area 30R of integrated display unit 30. In this case, the inventory information may include, for example, the name of the frozen food (e.g., "rice" or "gyoza") and its quantity (one serving, 200g weight, etc.).

[0386] While cooking step 1 in the cooperative cooking mode is being performed, the cooking appliance 1 automatically acquires inventory information at a predetermined timing regardless of the operation of the input key 47A. This will be described later with reference to Figures 98 and 99.

[0387] 19, 49 is a wireless communication unit (communication module) that includes an antenna (not shown) and a transmitting / receiving circuit (not shown) that receive radio waves from the outside and transmit radio waves or infrared signals to the outside. This wireless communication unit 49 is installed below the right end of the display board 41, with a small gap between it and the bottom wall surface 16S of the upper case 16. The reason for this gap is that if the wireless communication unit 49 is placed too close to the bottom wall surface 16S of the upper case 16, there is a concern that the radio wave reception sensitivity may decrease.

[0388] When installed in the kitchen furniture 2, the top surface of the cooking appliance 1 is exposed above the kitchen furniture 2. Therefore, the input operation unit 40 can also be operated from above, and exhaust air from the outlet side end portion 102E of the exhaust duct 102 (see FIG. 15) can also be released above the kitchen furniture 2.

[0389] (Control means of upper unit 100) Next, the control means of the upper unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31, some components are omitted, and the filter circuit of the filter circuit board 54 is not shown.

[0390] Figure 29 shows the control means of the upper unit 100 and the control means of the lower unit 200. In Figure 31, only the main control means in Figure 29 are extracted, and the transmission and reception of control command signals, power supply relationships, etc. are indicated by arrows.

[0391] In Fig. 30, 97 is a main power switch that is opened and closed by the user, and is connected to a 200V commercial power supply 99 via a power cord and power plug (not shown). 91 is a power supply circuit to which electrical energy is supplied via the main power switch 97, and 92 is a DC power supply conversion unit that converts AC power from the commercial power supply into DC. This power supply circuit 91 is mounted on the power supply circuit board 55 (see Fig. 25).

[0392] 29 and 30, MC is an integrated control device that functions as a main controller or a host computer. This integrated control device MC is a control device that is mainly composed of a microcomputer. This integrated control device MC is supplied with a predetermined constant voltage current from the power supply circuit 91.

[0393] As described above, the integrated control device MC is located on the underside of the central operation board 32 (shown in a dashed frame in Figures 24 and 25). However, it may also be located on the back (bottom) side of the operation board 41. In either case, the integrated control device MC is built into the upper unit 100 and is not provided in the lower unit 200.

[0394] The integrated control device MC is composed of four parts: an input section, an output section, a memory section, and a CPU (arithmetic and control section), and the memory section pre-stores (stores) a power control program for the three heat sources. Apart from the memory section (ROM, RAM) of the microcomputer, the integrated control device MC also includes a large-capacity storage device (main memory) MM for recording abnormality monitoring information. The power control program for the three heat sources may be stored in this storage device MM.

[0395] Reference numeral 90 denotes an IH control unit that controls induction heating and is composed mainly of a microcomputer. This IH control unit 90 pre-stores (stores) current control programs corresponding to various control menus during induction heating. It also has a built-in storage device (not shown) that records abnormality monitoring information.

[0396] A second IH control unit 90A (not shown) may be responsible for some of the functions of the IH control unit 90. For example, a microcomputer may be mounted on the inverter circuit board 80, and the microcomputer may be responsible for input and output control of the inverter circuits 81L and 81R.

[0397] During all cooking operations, such as induction cooking and microwave cooking, the integrated control device MC centrally monitors for any electrical abnormalities.

[0398] In Fig. 30, 96 is a clock circuit also known as a real-time clock, which is powered by a dedicated power source (built-in battery) BT1 separate from the power supply circuit 91 connected to the main power switch 97 and is designed to operate over a long period of time. This may be, for example, a radio-controlled clock, which will always notify the current date and accurate time down to the second when requested by the integrated control device MC, and is set to the correct date and time during the manufacturing process of this cooking appliance 1.

[0399] Even if the main power of the cooking appliance 1 is turned off and then turned on again, the time information of the clock circuit 96 is not affected, and the clock circuit 96 has the function of always transmitting the latest correct time to the integrated control device MC. Therefore, the abnormality monitoring information recorded in the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC is always recorded and saved with the correct time. Note that the clock circuit 96 may be omitted, and the timekeeping function may be stored in the integrated control device MC.

[0400] In Fig. 30, 72 is a power control unit (also called a "demand control unit"). This power control unit 72 has a function of analyzing a command signal for induction heating or microwave heating from the integrated control device MC, and monitoring the total power consumption of the cooking device 1 so that it does not exceed a specified value or an upper limit set individually by the user, and also has a function of automatically limiting the heating power (power consumption) during induction heating, microwave heating, and oven heating so that the total power consumption does not exceed the specified value or an arbitrary set value.

[0401] Generally, a "demand control device" or "demand control device" refers to a device that controls the value of demand (power demand). It automatically checks power usage and issues an alarm if it is about to exceed a set value. If automatic shutdown of devices that can be shut off is set, the device itself will automatically shut off the electrical devices that can be shut off as set. After that, it is known to automatically restore the electrical devices after a certain period of time has passed, and is said to be extremely effective in managing the power contract with the power company in each household.

[0402] The power control unit 72 of this embodiment 1 is provided to provide the cooking appliance 1 with the above-mentioned power consumption suppression function. The power control unit 72 may be provided as a control function in the integrated control device MC without providing special hardware, and may be realized by incorporating a control program for demand into the integrated control device MC from the beginning or by adding it later.

[0403] The power control unit 72 of this first embodiment can set the maximum power consumption of the entire cooking appliance 1 to one of the four levels as described above by operating the function setting input key 43KP. This setting can be made by simultaneously pressing multiple specific keys in the input operation unit 40 while viewing the values ​​of the four levels displayed on the integrated display unit 30. Such a simple setting method is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 6012780.

[0404] As explained in Figures 20 and 21, when input key 43KP of central operation unit 40M is pressed, integrated control device MC switches to "function mode", and display screen 30D of integrated display unit 30 displays a display that allows "peak cut value setting" and "HEMS registration setting", so that the above-mentioned function for suppressing total power consumption of cooking appliance 1 can be easily added or the function can be changed or canceled. In determining the "permission conditions" described later, data on the upper limit value of maximum power consumption (total power consumption) set in this power control unit 72 is used.

[0405] Reference numeral 73 denotes a signal transmission unit provided to transmit various control signals between the upper unit 100 and the lower unit 200. For example, this corresponds to a signal line and connector that can transmit signals via a wire. Alternatively, it may be, for example, an infrared communication unit that can send and receive signals wirelessly. The signal transmission unit 73 is also provided between the integrated control device MC and the IH control unit 90.

[0406] The IH control unit 90 receives temperature information from a temperature detection circuit 93 and monitors whether or not the main parts of the upper unit 100 are at an abnormally high temperature. For example, the central operation unit 40M is provided with electronic components and semiconductor components corresponding to the various input keys 43M1 to 43M3, 43MS, 43MT, etc., and since these components are relatively sensitive to heat, they are monitored by the temperature detection circuit 93 to ensure that they do not exceed a predetermined temperature (for example, 60°C).

[0407] When the measured temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the IH control unit 90 determines that the appliance is in a "pre-abnormal state." The pre-abnormal state is limited to when the detected temperature is in the range of 60°C to 65°C. If the temperature exceeds 65°C, the danger level increases and the IH control unit 90 recognizes the appliance as being in a true abnormal state.

[0408] In this preliminary abnormality state, induction heating operation is not immediately stopped, but rather the power of the induction heating is reduced. However, if the temperature exceeds 65°C, the IH control unit 90 determines that an abnormality has occurred and immediately stops induction heating operation. Specifically, for example, if the IH coil being driven is the right-side IH coil 17R, the power supply to the inverter circuit 81R that supplies high-frequency power to that IH coil 17R is cut off. Then, operation of the induction heating circuit 94R, which includes the IH coil 17R and the resonant capacitor, is stopped. Note that 94L is the induction heating circuit for the left-side IH coil 17L.

[0409] The above-described abnormal preliminary state may be improved by maintaining the heating power of induction heating and increasing the airflow capacity of the motor 61M of the second cooling fan 61 that cools the IH coil installation space CK of the upper unit 100. Furthermore, this may be used in combination with measures to reduce the heating power of induction heating.

[0410] Then, (abnormality monitoring) information showing electrical and physical changes (for example, the temperature of the integrated display unit 30) in the main parts during induction heating at least during the period from such an abnormality pre-state to an emergency stop is stored in the memory device 90R of the IH control unit 90.

[0411] In the above-mentioned abnormal preliminary state, the induction heating operation does not immediately stop, and the blowing capacity of the motor 61M of the second cooling fan 61 is not increased (the rotation speed of the rotor blades is not changed), but the heating power of the IH coils 17L and 17R may be forcibly reduced to improve the situation.

[0412] The abnormality monitoring information stored in the storage device of the IH control unit 90 is acquired from the time a start command is received from the integrated control device MC until cooking is normally completed. Therefore, the "IH control menu" (for example, "boil water," "stew," "fry," etc. in the case of the left operation unit 40L) and information on the heat power of induction heating are also recorded in chronological order. If an emergency stop occurs midway due to an abnormal condition, the abnormality monitoring information and information identifying the IH control menu up to that point will be saved in chronological order in the storage device 90R.

[0413] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, in order to monitor the operation of the cooking appliance 1 over a wider range and acquire data, after the main power switch 97 is turned on, the integrated control device MC acquires monitoring information relating to all cooking states on the upper unit 100 and lower unit 200 sides. The integrated control device MC acquires monitoring information on the presence or absence of abnormalities from the heating chamber control unit 159 and microwave heating control unit 130 via the signal transmission unit 73.

[0414] The inverter circuit board 80 is equipped with one inverter circuit 81R dedicated to the right IH coil 17R and one inverter circuit 81L dedicated to the left IH coil 17L.

[0415] These two inverter circuits 81L and 81R are driven independently of each other by the IH control unit 90. When these inverter circuits are referred to collectively, the reference numeral "81" is used.

[0416] The two inverter circuits 81L and 81R will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

[0417] 29 and 30, 95 is a voice synthesizer that synthesizes electronically created voices. This voice synthesizer 95 notifies the user by voice from a speaker 95S, such as guidance for input operations and notification of abnormalities. The voice synthesizer 95 is a part that constitutes a notification unit AN (see FIG. 29).

[0418] The temperature detection circuit 93 is connected to at least seven temperature sensors TS3 to TS9. Specifically, the temperature sensors TS3 to TS9 are used to detect the temperature of the top plate 15, the ambient temperature of the IH coil installation space CK, the temperature of the heat sink 82 of the inverter circuit board 80, the temperature of the integrated display unit 30, etc. The temperature detection circuit 93 receives temperature detection information from each of the temperature sensors TS3 to TS9 and sends the temperature detection results to the IH control unit 90.

[0419] The temperature sensors TS3 to TS9 may be either non-contact type such as an infrared sensor or contact type such as a thermistor, and they may be used alone or in combination.

[0420] Of the temperature sensors TS3 to TS9, two temperature sensors TS5 and TS6 are non-contact sensors such as infrared sensors. These two temperature sensors TS5 and TS6 are respectively placed in the gaps at the centers of the IH coils 17L and 17R, as shown in Fig. 19, and receive infrared signals from the direction of the top plate 15. In other words, this allows for non-contact measurement of the bottom temperature of the object N to be heated, such as a metal pot or frying pan containing the food to be cooked.

[0421] Of the temperature sensors TS3 to TS9, two temperature sensors TS3 and TS4 use thermistors as contact sensors. These temperature sensors TS3 and TS4 are in direct contact with the underside of the top plate 15 or in contact with the underside of the top plate 15 via a thermally conductive intervening object. This allows the temperature of the top plate 15 to be measured.

[0422] Of the temperature sensors TS3 to TS9, one temperature sensor TS7 (see FIG. 19) uses a thermistor as a contact sensor and is installed on the upper surface of the holder 50. It detects the ambient temperature of the integrated display unit 30 and the input operation unit 40. The other two temperature sensors TS8 and TS9 also use thermistors and are attached to the upper surface of the heat sink 82 as described above.

[0423] The lower unit 200 also has at least two temperature sensors TS1 and TS2 for detecting the temperature of the interior space of the lower unit 200, but details will be described later.

[0424] 29 and 30, 62 is a cooling fan drive circuit that controls the drive power of drive motors 60M, 61M for the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61. In other words, the control by the cooling fan drive circuit 62 changes the air blowing capacities of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61 in multiple stages independently of each other.

[0425] In FIG. 30, 63 is a display section drive circuit, which can control the operations of the integrated display section 30, the left display section 31L, and the right display section 31R, and has the function of displaying necessary information. The display unit drive circuit 63 may be configured by a dedicated microcomputer. The control program (software) that performs the functions of this display unit drive circuit 63 may be incorporated into the integrated control device MC. The display unit drive circuit 63 is mounted on the upper surface of the operation board 41 (see Figures 24 and 25).

[0426] In Figure 30, 84 is a vibration sensor that detects shaking when an earthquake occurs. If it detects a seismic intensity (acceleration) or greater, it sends a vibration detection signal to the integrated control device MC. Upon receiving the signal, the integrated control device MC determines that an earthquake has occurred and instantly cuts off the power to all heating means in use.

[0427] 29 and 30, 49 is a wireless communication unit, also shown in FIG. 19, which receives commands from the integrated control device MC to transmit information. It also receives commands from the integrated control device MC to acquire information from the outside. For example, it receives a "peak cut signal" that reduces total power consumption.

[0428] (Lower unit 200) Next, the lower unit 200 will be described. 12 to 17, reference numeral 101 denotes a lower case (lower housing) that constitutes the outer shell of the main body 110 of the lower unit 200. This lower case 101 is formed by pressing a single thin metal plate such as a zinc steel plate, or by joining a plurality of thin metal plates together by spot welding, screws, etc. In the first embodiment, as will be described below, it is made up of three thin metal plates.

[0429] Reference numeral 101H denotes a body portion that constitutes three faces (vertical faces) of the rear and left and right portions of lower case 101, and 101U denotes a flat bottom plate that completely closes the bottom opening of body portion 101U. Reference numeral 101C denotes an inclined portion, which is a wall surface that inclines forward as it goes downward so that cooking appliance 1 does not hit installation opening 2A of kitchen furniture 2 when installed in kitchen furniture 2.

[0430] Reference numeral 101F denotes a front plate that constitutes the front surface of lower case 101, and is a single flat plate as a whole. When door 114 is closed, the rear surface of door 114 comes into close contact with the front surface of front plate 101F, preventing microwaves from leaking from the gap between front plate 101F and door 114. Reference numeral 101B denotes a rear wall surface (rear vertical wall) that rises vertically continuous from the upper end of inclined portion 101C of lower case 101.

[0431] The lower unit 200 is equipped with two independent heat sources. One of them is a microwave heating source 189 of the microwave heating device 120. The other is an oven heating source 188 of the oven heating device 140. The oven heating source 188 heats the heating chamber (oven compartment) 113 from the outside of its wall, but it may also be located inside the heating chamber 113 and heat the food to be cooked directly. In the following explanation, unless there is a particular contradiction, it will be explained on the assumption that "microwave heating source 189" does not include "inverter circuit board 121," which will be described later.

[0432] 12, 13 and 15 show the main parts of a microwave heating device 120. Starting from the front, they are installed in the following order: An inverter circuit board 121 (see FIG. 14) on which an inverter circuit 121A (see FIG. 30) is mounted is arranged on the frontmost side.

[0433] Behind this inverter circuit board 121, there are arranged a magnetron 122 which serves as a microwave generating source, and a waveguide 123 which surrounds an oscillator 122A of the magnetron 122.

[0434] Furthermore, behind the waveguide 123, an antenna case 124 connected to the waveguide 123 and an antenna 125 inside the antenna case are arranged. A motor 126 is disposed behind the antenna case 124 to rotate or turn the antenna 125 during microwave heating (see FIG. 15).

[0435] In FIG. 13, reference numeral 127 denotes a power supply circuit board that supplies microwave heating output and power to the magnetron 122, and is equipped with a power supply circuit section 120P (not shown) that receives commercial power from the filter circuit 54, and a microwave heating control section 130, which will be described later.

[0436] 12 and 13, reference numeral 128 denotes a third cooling fan (lower cooling fan), which is disposed directly below a box-shaped case A150 that houses the inverter circuit board 121. The entire bottom surface of the case A150 is open. In other words, the case A150 has a box-like shape with no bottom surface.

[0437] Reference numeral 129 denotes a fourth cooling fan (lower cooling fan), which is disposed directly below a box-shaped case B151 on which a heat dissipation section 122H of the magnetron 122 is placed. Several heat dissipation fins are formed in parallel on the heat dissipation section 122H so that cooling air from the fourth cooling fan 129 can pass through. The case B151 is box-shaped with an open lower surface and no bottom.

[0438] The case A150 constitutes one of the inlet ends of the lower air passage UH. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the case A150 has a vertical portion 308 extending vertically away from the side wall surface of the heating chamber 113 at a position directly above the intake port 152F. The inverter circuit board 121 for the microwave heating source 188 is housed vertically in the vertical portion 308 .

[0439] The third cooling fan 128 and the fourth cooling fan 129 are, for example, axial fans, and are supported by the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101 so that the rotation axis at the center of the rotor blade is in the vertical (perpendicular) direction.

[0440] As described above, the entire bottom surface of the case A150 and the case B151 is open, and the third cooling fan 128 and the fourth cooling fan 129 are arranged so as to lie on the inside of the opening.

[0441] 12, airflow direction vanes 199 are provided in two rows inside the case A150 and are formed integrally or separately on the inside of the case A150. These airflow direction vanes 199 are installed to efficiently direct the cooling air from the third cooling fan 128 toward the inverter circuit board 121 and two communication ports 138A and 138B, which will be described later.

[0442] 12 and 13, 152F is an air intake port on the front side, and is formed in the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101. This air intake port is composed of a number of small circular through-holes, or rectangular or elliptical through-holes. This air intake port 152F is for the third cooling fan 128.

[0443] 12 and 13, 152B is an air intake port on the rear side, and is formed in the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101. This air intake port is composed of a number of small circular through-holes, or rectangular or elliptical through-holes. This air intake port 152B is for the fourth cooling fan 129.

[0444] As shown in Figure 14, the ventilation hole (first air intake) 164 that introduces outside air for cooling the induction heating source 9 into the interior of the upper unit 100 and the second air intakes 152B and 152F that introduce outside air for cooling the microwave heating source 189 into the interior of the lower unit 200 are arranged on opposite sides of the heating chamber 113.

[0445] In other words, when the cooking appliance 1 is viewed from the front side, the second air intakes 152B and 152F are located on the right side of the heating chamber 113, and conversely, the air vent (first air intake) 164 and the air vent 64 are located on the left side.

[0446] In FIG. 13, 153 is a duct installed above the heat dissipation section 122H, which guides the cooling air RF6 from the fourth cooling fan 129 that has passed through the heat dissipation section 122H downstream as shown in FIG. 16.

[0447] 12 and 13, 154 is a case C, which hermetically houses the power supply circuit board 127 and the microwave heating control unit 130. This case C 154 is made of a plastic material that is highly electrically insulating.

[0448] The case C154 is composed of a rear lid 154A and a front container- or box-shaped main body 154B, which are stacked together. The lid 154A covers a large opening formed on the front side of the main body 154B from behind.

[0449] Case C154 has main body 154B on the front side, on which power supply circuit board 127 and a board (not shown) on which microwave heating control unit 130 are attached. During maintenance and inspection, lid 154A can be opened to allow various inspections and repairs of power supply circuit board 127 and microwave heating control unit 130 inside.

[0450] This case C154 is installed as far away as possible from the back surface of the heating chamber 113 so as not to be affected by heat from the heating chamber 113. It is also installed away from the bottom plate 101U so that electrical insulation will not be impaired even if liquid such as water or cooking liquid seeps into the inside of the lower case 101 from the upper unit 100 side.

[0451] As described with reference to FIG. 12, the cavity 104 is the space where the distance between the bottom wall 16S of the upper case 16 and the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101 is the largest. In the cavity 104, a waveguide 123 that forms part of the microwave heating device 120 is arranged long in the left-right direction behind the heating chamber 113, and behind the waveguide 123, the case C154 is arranged long in the left-right direction.

[0452] 12, the front horizontal wall 101T made of a metal plate provided on the front side of the lower case 101 is formed by bending backward the upper end of the front plate 101F of the lower case 101. The support bracket 198 on the lower case 101 side is fixed to the upper case 16.

[0453] In Figures 12 and 13, 131 denotes a door open / close detection mechanism provided as a measure against radio wave leakage during microwave heating. To ensure the safety of microwave heating devices, it is legally required to install a door open / close detection mechanism 131. Representative door open / close detection mechanisms 131 of this type are known from patent documents such as Japanese Patent No. 4372099 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-214147.

[0454] According to the above-mentioned patent document, the door opening / closing detection mechanism 131 is proposed to incorporate three types of switches: a latch switch, a door switch, and a monitor switch, and to detect the opening / closing of the door with a time lag by linking these switches to the opening and closing of the door.

[0455] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-214147 proposes that a first interlock switch and a second interlock switch are used to open and close the power supply to the inverter circuit, and that a monitor switch be provided to turn off a fuse inserted in the power supply circuit when the first interlock switch experiences a short-circuit failure.

[0456] 12 and 13 show the main parts of the door open / close detection mechanism 131 employed in the first embodiment. In these figures, 132A is a latch switch and 132B is a door switch. A monitor switch 133 (not shown) is also provided to cut off the power supply to the inverter circuit 121A mounted on the inverter circuit board 121 if either or both of the latch switch 132A and the door switch 132B do not open due to an abnormality.

[0457] The latch switch 132A is pressed by a protruding pin 134 fixed to the door 114 side, and a built-in contact is opened or closed. The door switch 132B is pressed by a protruding pin 135 fixed to the door 114 side, and a built-in contact is opened or closed.

[0458] In FIG. 12, 136A is a linking rod that transmits the movement of the door 114 to the latch switch 132A, and is biased toward the door by a compression spring so that it always returns to the door side. Reference numeral 136B denotes a linkage rod that transmits the movement of the door 114 to the door switch 132B, and is biased toward the door by a compression spring so that it always returns to the door side.

[0459] In Figure 12, reference numeral 137 denotes a support plate to which the latch switch 132A, door switch 132B, monitor switch 133 (not shown), interlocking rods 136A and 136B, etc. are all attached. This support plate 137 is fixed to the lower case 101 with a plurality of screws. The door open / close detection mechanism 131 is configured around the various switches thus mounted on the support plate 137.

[0460] If variations occur in the mounting positions of the latch switch 132A and the door switch 132B during the manufacturing process, there is a concern that the timing at which each switch is activated may deviate from the specified value. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, a closure detection unit 139 (see FIG. 30) for the door 114, which will be described later, is attached to the support plate 137, and the entire support plate 137 is made removable. Specifically, as described above, the lower case 101 is firmly fixed to the support plate 137 with a plurality of screws. During manufacturing or after-sales service, the operation of the closure detection unit 139 can be checked, adjusted, replaced, etc.

[0461] 12 and 14, 138A denotes a communication port formed in the upper part of the case A150 that houses the inverter circuit board 121, and 138B denotes a communication port formed in the middle part between the top and bottom of the case A150.

[0462] As shown in FIG. 14, the communication port 138A guides a part of the cooling air RF5 from the third cooling fan 128 to a space 141, which will be described later.

[0463] As shown in FIG. 14, the communication port 138B guides a portion of the cooling air RF5 from the third cooling fan 128 into a space 142, which will be described later, and is used to cool an infrared temperature sensor 160, which will be described later.

[0464] The temperature sensor 160 is mainly composed of a hollow sensor case, a sensor substrate housed inside the sensor case, one or more infrared detection elements mounted on the surface of the sensor substrate, and a lens attached and fixed to the sensor case facing the infrared detection elements.

[0465] Temperature sensors 160 may be provided at multiple locations in heating chamber 113 to enable temperature detection over a wide range, or temperature sensors 160 may not be fixed in direction but may be automatically swung within a certain angular range to detect temperatures over a wide angle. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-54250 proposes the use of multiple temperature sensors.

[0466] 14, reference numeral 161 denotes a detection window facing the temperature sensor 160, and a gap may be formed between the detection window and the outer circumferential surface of the temperature sensor 160 to allow cooling air to pass through. In the first embodiment, a gap of about several mm is formed.

[0467] 14 and 15, reference numeral 162 denotes a cooking dish made of porcelain or heat-resistant plastic. This cooking dish 162 is formed to have an outer dimension that allows it to be taken out and put in through front opening 113A of heating chamber 113.

[0468] In Fig. 14, HV is the effective height dimension from the top surface of cooking dish 162 to the ceiling surface of heating chamber 113. In Fig. 15, HX is the maximum height dimension from the top surface of cooking dish 162 to the ceiling surface of recess 113T formed in the center of heating chamber 113.

[0469] In this embodiment 1, the effective height HV is 94 mm, and the maximum height HX is 100 mm. This is just one example, and the present disclosure is not limited to these dimensional configurations.

[0470] In Figure 14, WH is the inner width dimension of heating chamber 113. Heating chamber 113 is formed with this inner width dimension up to front opening 113A, so it can also be said to be the opening dimension that determines whether food to be cooked or cooking utensils such as a frying pan can be inserted. This inner width dimension WH is 310 mm.

[0471] In Figure 15, WB is the depth dimension of heating chamber 113. Like the width dimension WH (see Figure 14), this dimension determines whether or not food to be cooked, cooking dish 162, frying pan, and other cooking utensils can be inserted. This depth dimension WB is approximately 310 mm.

[0472] The oven heat source 188 includes a heater 163 . The heater 163 is an electric radiation heater that heats the heating chamber 113 from the outside, and is, for example, a sheath heater. Alternatively, it is a mica heater in which a heater wire is wound around the entire support plate made of thin mica.

[0473] The heater 163 is composed of two heaters, an upper heater 163 A and a lower heater 163 B. The power supply to these two heaters 163 A and 163 B is controlled independently of each other. 163A is an upper heater fixed in close contact with or close to the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 113, and 163B is a lower heater fixed in close contact with or close to the bottom surface of the heating chamber 113.

[0474] The upper heater 163A has multiple levels of heat power selectable within a range from a maximum heat power of 1000 W to a minimum heat power of 50 W. The lower heater also has multiple levels of heat power selectable within a range from a maximum heat power of 1000 W to a minimum heat power of 50 W.

[0475] In FIG. 14, 166R denotes a right partition plate that is installed vertically so as to form a gap GP5R between itself and the right wall surface of the heating chamber 113, and is made of a thin metal plate. Reference numeral 166L denotes a left partition plate that is installed vertically so as to form a gap GP5L between itself and the left wall surface of the heating chamber 113, and is made of a thin metal plate. A heat insulating material (not shown) is inserted into the gaps GP5L and GP5R on the left and right sides of the heating chamber 113 to suppress heat conduction (heat radiation) from the heating chamber 113.

[0476] An upper heat shield plate 167 covers the entire upper part of the upper heater 163A, and is made of a thin metal plate or heat-resistant plastic. GP6 is a gap formed between the upper heat shield plate 167 and the upper heater 163A, and is several millimeters to 10 mm in size. This gap GP6 is an airtight space so that there is no air circulation with the outside. The peripheral edge of the upper heat shield plate 167 is fixed in close contact with the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 113, with the upper edges of the right partition plate 166R and the left partition plate 166L sandwiched therebetween.

[0477] Reference numeral 168 denotes a lower heat shield plate having a vertical cross-sectional shape that is vertically symmetrical to the upper heat shield plate 167. This lower heat shield plate covers the entire lower part of the lower heater 163B, and is made of a thin metal plate or heat-resistant plastic.

[0478] GP7 is a gap formed between the lower heat shield plate 168 and the lower heater 163B, and is several millimeters to 10 mm in size. This gap is an airtight space to prevent air from circulating with the outside. The peripheral edge of the lower heat shield plate 168 is fixed in close contact with the bottom wall surface of the heating chamber 113, with the lower edges of the right partition plate 166R and the left partition plate 166L sandwiched therebetween.

[0479] Reference numeral 169 denotes an upper case that is placed on the periphery of the upper heat shield plate 167 so as to cover the entire upper part of the upper heat shield plate 167. Reference numeral 170 denotes a lower case that is placed on the periphery of the lower heat shield plate 168 so as to cover the entire lower part of the lower heat shield plate 168.

[0480] As shown in Fig. 14, the upper case 169 and the lower case 170 have a vertically symmetrical cross section and are made of a thin metal plate or heat-resistant plastic. GP8 is a gap formed between the upper case 169 and the upper heat shield plate 167, and is about several mm to 10 mm in size. This gap GP8 is an airtight space so that there is no air circulation between it and the outside.

[0481] GP9 is a gap, the size of which is about several mm to 10 mm, formed between the lower case 170 and the lower heat shield plate 168. This gap GP9 is also an airtight space so that there is no air circulation.

[0482] A sheet or plate-shaped heat insulating material 175A (not shown) is placed in the gap GP6, and a sheet or plate-shaped heat insulating material 175B (not shown) is placed in the gap GP8.

[0483] A sheet or plate-shaped heat insulating material 175C (not shown) is placed in the gap GP7. Similarly, a sheet or plate-shaped heat insulating material 175D (not shown) is placed in GP9. Each of these heat insulating materials 175A to 175D can be further improved in heat insulating performance by forming multiple layers of heat insulating materials 175A to 175D in a stacked configuration rather than a single layer structure. The planar size (length and width dimensions) of each of the heat insulating materials 175A to 175D is at least larger than the installation area of ​​the upper heater 163 and the lower heater 163B, respectively.

[0484] 14, reference numeral 171 denotes a partition plate that defines a passage 172 through which cooling air RF5 flows above the upper case 169. A communication port 173 is opened at the top of the rear wall surface of the partition plate 171, and the inlet end of the exhaust duct 102 is connected to this communication port 173.

[0485] In Fig. 15, reference numeral 174 denotes a communication port formed in the rear part of the ceiling surface of heating chamber 113, and the inlet part of exhaust duct 102 is connected to this communication port 174. Reference numeral 102E denotes an end part which serves as the final outlet for cooling air.

[0486] As shown in FIG. 15, the exhaust duct 102 has two independent internal passages 102A and 102B at the top and bottom, and the cooling air RF5 that has cooled the inverter circuit board 121 flows through the upper internal passage 102A. Further, cooling air RF6 that has been introduced into the heating chamber 113 and has been heated flows through the other internal passage 102B.

[0487] As will be explained in detail in Figure 32, the exhaust duct 102 is the part where an internal passage (internal route) 102A that passes through the outside of the heating chamber 113 and an internal passage (internal route) 102B that passes through the inside of the heating chamber 113 join together.

[0488] The outlet for cooling air RF5, which has a narrowed opening area of ​​the air passage, increases the wind speed of the cooling air RF5. As a result, the cooling air RF6 is attracted by the cooling air RF5 near the outlet. Due to this action, the gas inside the heating chamber 113 is sucked into the internal passage 102B. As a result, both of the two cooling air currents RF5 and RF6 are efficiently discharged from the exhaust port 20 to the outside of the cooking appliance 1. Instead of adopting such an induction structure, a system in which the cooling air currents are joined at an upstream stage before entering the exhaust duct 102 may be adopted.

[0489] 15, reference numeral 180 denotes a large power feed port formed on rear wall (rear wall surface) 113B of heating chamber 113, and reference numeral 181 denotes a cover that closes power feed port 180 from the outside, and is formed in a plate shape from heat-resistant plastic or heat-resistant glass that allows microwaves to pass through. Cover 181 is fixed to the outside of rear wall (rear wall surface) 113B.

[0490] Cover 181 is in close contact with rear wall (rear wall surface) 113B. The antenna case 124 is fixed to rear wall 113B of the heating chamber 113 so as to cover the entire rear side of cover 181. Cover 181 is inserted inside the front opening of antenna case 124, as shown in FIG.

[0491] 15, reference numeral 123 denotes a waveguide connected to the rear side of the cover 181. The motor 126 for driving the antenna is fixed to the rear side of the waveguide 123 via a heat-resistant sealant 184.

[0492] Reference numeral 126A denotes a rotation shaft of antenna drive motor 126, and is installed horizontally in the front-to-rear direction. Antenna 125 is fixed to the free end (front end) of rotation shaft 126A. Note that rotation shaft 126A is made of plastic or ceramic material, but only a certain area from the antenna 125 side may be made of metal, and the area from there to antenna drive motor 126 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and insulation, such as plastic or ceramic.

[0493] In FIG. 15, reference numeral 185 denotes a radio wave sealed chamber formed with a predetermined dimension around the rotating shaft 126A. This radio wave sealed chamber has a so-called choke chamber structure. Furthermore, for more effective microwave leakage prevention, a radio wave absorber (not shown) may be disposed closer to the antenna drive motor 126 than the choke structure to prevent microwave leakage from around the rotating shaft 126A. Note that choke structures in microwave heating devices are described in Japanese patent documents, such as JP 2011-174669 A, JP 2010-255978 A, and JP 63-172828 A (which use a quarter-wavelength choke chamber and a radio wave absorber in combination), and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0494] In Figure 15, LA indicates the dimension from the rear wall (rear wall surface) 113B of the heating chamber 113 as the starting point to the very end of the antenna drive motor 126. Hereinafter, this dimension will be referred to as the "protrusion dimension." While it would be desirable to reduce this protrusion dimension LA, in reality, as mentioned above, the dimensions of the antenna case 124 and the radio wave sealed chamber 185 are also necessary, and there is a limit to how small the external dimensions of the antenna drive motor 126 can be. This protrusion dimension LA is 70 mm.

[0495] 15, GP10 is the gap between the back surface of the antenna drive motor 126 and the inclined portion 101C of the lower case 101, and is 69 mm at the upper end of the motor 126, while the gap between the lower end and the lower case 101C is approximately 53 mm. It is dimensionally impossible to place the case C154 in this gap GP10. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the case C154 is positioned rightwardly from directly behind (behind) the antenna drive motor 126. This makes it possible to incorporate the microwave heating device 120 into the narrow space behind the heating chamber 113.

[0496] (Door 114) Next, the internal structure of the door 114 will be described. In Figure 15, reference numeral 190 denotes a metal or plastic frame that constitutes the outer shell of door 114, and is shaped like a picture frame when viewed from the front. Reference numeral 192 denotes an inner frame that is made of a metal plate. An opening that serves as an observation window 192W is formed in the center of this inner frame 192.

[0497] Reference numeral 191 denotes a cover whose outer edge is fixed between the inner frame 192 and the frame 190 so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 192, and is made of transparent heat-resistant plastic or glass so that the heating chamber 113 can be seen through.

[0498] Reference numeral 193 denotes an inner seal frame in which numerous small holes of a size that does not allow microwaves to pass through are formed in the portion corresponding to the observation window 192W. This inner seal frame is formed entirely by pressing a thin metal plate, and a choke chamber 194 with an entrance (slit) on the heating chamber 113 side is formed on the outer periphery.

[0499] Reference numeral 195 denotes a seal plate made of a thin metal plate. The outer peripheral edge of this seal plate 195 is continuously bent toward the inner seal frame 193 as shown in Figure 15. The choke chamber 194 is a space surrounded by the outer peripheral edge of this seal plate 195 and the inner seal frame 193.

[0500] When door 114 is completely closed, both the outer peripheral edge of seal plate 195 and inner seal frame 193 are in contact with the surface of front plate 101F of lower case 101. Therefore, microwaves supplied into heating chamber 113 do not leak out from door 114 and opening 113A on the front surface of heating chamber 113.

[0501] Reference numeral 196 denotes a transparent sealing plate made of heat-resistant glass that is provided on the inside of a portion of inner frame 192 that corresponds to observation window 192W. Reference numeral 197 denotes a metal upper shielding plate that is provided along the upper surface of door 114 and has a width dimension at least equal to that of door 114. Upper shielding plate 197 is provided in the shape of a canopy close to the upper surface of door 114, and is fixed to lower case 101 with fixings such as metal screws so as to be electrically connected to lower case 101.

[0502] The door 114 has its lower portion supported by a hinge 176 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) on the lower case 101, so that the door 114 can be opened to a horizontal position by pulling the handle 115 toward you. In the initial stage of such opening, there is a concern that a gap may momentarily form at the overlapping portion between door 114 and lower case 101, causing a portion of the microwaves to leak out. However, in this embodiment 1, the upper shielding plate 197 can suppress such unnecessary leakage of microwaves above door 114.

[0503] As explained in Fig. 5, it is recommended that the height dimension C1 of the front slanting portion 2F of the kitchen furniture 2 be 40 mm or less. In view of this, in Figs. 16 and 17, H10 is the height dimension from the bottom wall surface 16S of the upper case 16 to the underside of the flange 16A. In this first embodiment, it is set to 40 mm.

[0504] As described above, the height dimension C1 of the front downward slope portion 2F of the kitchen furniture 2 and the height dimension H10 below the flange 16A of the upper case 16 are the same (40 mm), so when installed on the kitchen furniture 2, the upper case 16 does not protrude below the front downward slope portion 2F. This makes the space below the upper case 16 larger than before, which is also advantageous when installing a lower case 101, as will be described below.

[0505] 17, reference numeral 201 denotes an inlet formed in the front part of the right wall surface of heating chamber 113, and is formed of a number of through holes with an aperture diameter that prevents microwave leakage. The reason for providing this inlet 201 in the front part of the right wall surface of heating chamber 113 is to supply part of the cooling air RF6 to the vicinity of the inside of door 114 and to prevent fogging of inspection window 192W of door 114. The cooling air RF6 that has cooled the heat dissipation portion 122H of the magnetron 122 is guided to the inlet 201 by the gap GP5R.

[0506] The temperature sensor 160 is located upstream of the inlet 201 in the flow of the cooling air RF6, and since a portion of the cooling air RF6 is blown into the heating chamber 113 at the temperature sensor 160, the amount of cooling air RF6 that reaches the inlet 201 is small. However, the purpose of introducing air through the inlet 201 is to "prevent fogging" of the seal plate 196 on the inside of the door 114, and a small amount of air does not pose any problems. It is not necessary to adopt the method of supplying air through the narrow gap around the temperature sensor 160.

[0507] (Control means of lower unit 200) Next, the various control means in the lower unit 200 will be described in detail with reference again to the block diagram shown in FIG. In Figure 30, the microwave heating control unit 130 controls the power supplied to the inverter circuit 121A of the inverter circuit board 121, the magnetron 122, the antenna drive motor 126, and the two cooling fans 128 and 129, and controls the start and stop of their operations, operating conditions, etc.

[0508] The power supply circuit of this microwave heating control unit 130 is prepared separately from the power supply circuit 91 mounted on the power supply circuit board 55, and is a dedicated circuit for the microwave heating device 120. Note that power may be supplied from the power supply circuit 91.

[0509] The power supply circuit of the microwave heating control unit 130 is mounted on a power supply circuit board 127 (see FIG. 12). Various electrical components (diodes, etc.) that convert AC power into DC are mounted on this power supply circuit board 127 and are housed in a sealed state in a case C154.

[0510] When the microwave heating control unit 130 receives a command signal from the power control unit 72, it operates in accordance with the command signal to reduce the total power consumption of the microwave heating device 120, and has the function of transmitting a command signal to the inverter circuit 121A to reduce the output of the magnetron 122.

[0511] The microwave heating control unit 130 is equipped with a temperature sensor TS1 that detects the temperature of the heat radiating unit 122H of the magnetron 122. If the temperature of the heat radiating unit 122H of the magnetron 122 is still higher than a specified value even after microwave cooking is completed, a command signal is sent to the fourth cooling fan 129 to cause the fourth cooling fan 129 to continue operating until the temperature drops. Note that cooling fan drive circuits for the third cooling fan 128 and the fourth cooling fan 129 are not shown in Figure 30.

[0512] Reference numeral 139 denotes a closure detection unit for the door 114. This closure detection unit 139 electrically detects the open / closed state of one or more of the latch switch 132A, the second door switch 132B, and the monitor switch 133 by the current or open / close signal flowing through each circuit. In other words, it is a detection unit that corresponds to the operation of the door open / close detection mechanism 131 described above.

[0513] The circuit board that constitutes this closure detection unit 139 is attached to the support plate 137, so it is possible to inspect it by removing the support plate 137 or by measuring it while it is installed, to check whether it is operating normally (see Figure 12).

[0514] 158 is a non-contact temperature measurement unit (infrared temperature measurement unit) that detects the temperature of food, cooking utensils, etc. placed in the heating chamber 113, and is composed of the temperature sensor 160 and a circuit (not shown) that analyzes the measurement signal from this temperature sensor and converts it into temperature information.

[0515] Heating chamber control unit 159 controls the power supplied to upper heater 163A and lower heater 163B, and controls the start and stop of their operation, operating conditions (heating power, i.e., heat generation amount), etc. The control circuit of this heating chamber control unit 159 is mounted on power supply circuit board 127 (see FIG. 13).

[0516] When the heating chamber control unit 159 receives a command signal from the power control unit 72, it operates in accordance with the command signal to reduce the total power consumption of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B, and has the function of transmitting a command signal to reduce the output of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163. Note that in order to reduce the output of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163, the power supply rate per unit time is changed to change the effective heating power.

[0517] (Drive circuit of induction heating source 9) Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the drive circuit for the IH coils 17L and 17R of the cooking appliance 1. For simplicity of explanation, an example of a circuit showing only one IH coil 17R will be described in Fig. 33.

[0518] In the cooking appliance 1, high frequency power is supplied to each of the IH coils 17L and 17R by the drive circuit 74, whereby induction heating operation is performed. Each IH coil is provided with a drive circuit 74. Fig. 33 shows an example of the configuration of the drive circuit 74 for the right IH coil 17R. The drive circuit for the left IH coil 17L may be the same as or different from that for the right IH coil 17R.

[0519] As shown in FIG. 33, the drive circuit 74 includes a DC power supply circuit 75, an inverter circuit 81R, a resonant capacitor 76, an input current detection unit 77a, and an output current detection unit 77b. The current detection data from the input current detection unit 77 a and the output current detection unit 77 b is sent to the IH control unit 90 .

[0520] Input current detection unit 77a detects the current input from AC power supply 99 to DC power supply circuit 22, i.e., the current input to drive circuit 74, and outputs a voltage signal indicating the detected value, i.e., the input current value, to IH control unit 90. 99 is a commercial AC power supply.

[0521] The DC power supply circuit 75 includes a diode bridge 78a, a reactor 78b, and a smoothing capacitor 78c, and converts an AC voltage input from an AC power supply 99 into a DC voltage, which is output to the inverter circuit 81R.

[0522] The inverter circuit 81R is a so-called half-bridge inverter in which IGBTs 79a and 79b serving as the switching elements 83 are connected in series to the output of the DC power supply circuit 75. In the inverter circuit 81R, diodes 79c and 79d serving as flywheel diodes are connected in parallel with the IGBTs 79a and 79b, respectively. The inverter 81R converts the DC power output from the DC power supply circuit 75 into AC power with a high frequency of about 20 kHz to 80 kHz, so-called high frequency power, and supplies it to a resonant circuit made up of the IH coil 17R and the resonant capacitor .

[0523] The resonant circuit including the resonant capacitor 76 has a resonant frequency that depends on the inductance of the IH coil 17R, the capacitance of the resonant capacitor 76, and the like.

[0524] With this configuration, a high-frequency current of several tens of amperes flows through the IH coil 17R, and the high-frequency magnetic flux generated by the flowing high-frequency current inductively heats the object to be heated N on the top plate 15 directly above the IH coil 17R.

[0525] The IGBTs 79a and 79b are made of, for example, a silicon-based semiconductor, but may also be made of a wide band gap semiconductor such as silicon carbide or gallium nitride-based material.

[0526] The power control switching element 83 described in FIG. 12 corresponds to the IGBTs 79a and 79b in FIG. By using a wide bandgap semiconductor for this IGBT, the conduction loss of the switching element can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the switching frequency, i.e., the drive frequency, is set to a high frequency, i.e., even when switching is performed at high speed, heat dissipation is improved. Therefore, the heat dissipation fins of the heat sink 82 to which the switching elements (IGBTs) 79a and 79b are attached can be made smaller, thereby realizing a smaller and less costly drive unit.

[0527] The output current detection unit 77b is connected to a resonant circuit consisting of the IH coil 17R and a resonant capacitor 76. The output current detection unit 77b detects, for example, the current flowing through the IH coil 17R, i.e., the current output from the drive circuit 74, and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the detected value to the IH control unit 90. While a half-bridge inverter has been described in this configuration, the circuit that drives the IH coil 17R may also be a full-bridge inverter. Furthermore, although the circuit described in FIG. 33 is a current-resonant type, a voltage-resonant type may also be used.

[0528] As explained in FIG. 19, the wireless communication unit 49 is a wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with the home gateway 411, which comprehensively manages the power consumption and operation information of the home electric appliances 400 in the home, and is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

[0529] The wireless communication unit 49 is connected to the integrated control device MC via communication wiring. However, the longer the wiring, the more susceptible it is to noise. Therefore, it is desirable to place the wireless communication unit 49 and the integrated control device MC close to each other and shorten the wiring connecting the wireless communication unit 49 and the integrated control device MC.

[0530] Considering the influence of noise as described above, in this embodiment 1, the wireless communication unit 49 is installed at the right end of the input operation unit 40. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 49 is installed at the right end of the operation board 41. Also, the integrated control device MC is installed at the center of the input operation unit 40 (see FIG. 19).

[0531] (Cooling air path) Next, the configuration of the cooling air passage will be described. 12, the inside of the main body case HC of the cooking appliance 1 of the first embodiment is installed in kitchen furniture 2 and is divided into two spaces, an upper space 300A and a lower space 300B formed below the bottom surface 16S of the metal upper case 16. In other words, the bottom surface functions as a "partition wall" 16S, dividing the inside of the main body case HC into two spaces, an upper space and an lower space.

[0532] The upper air passage AH, which guides cooling air to the IH coils 17L, 17R housed in the upper space 300A and the inverter circuit board 80 for the IH coils, introduces outside air from outside the lower case 101 through the ventilation hole 64 that penetrates the partition wall 16S.

[0533] On the other hand, a lower air passage UH for guiding cooling air for the microwave heater 120 is formed in the lower space 300B. A heat dissipation section 122H of the microwave heater 120 is disposed in the lower air passage UH. The heat dissipation section 122H is cooled by air introduced from a second air intake 152B formed in the right end of the bottom surface of the lower case 101. The inverter circuit board 121 of the microwave heater 120 is cooled by air introduced from a second air intake 152F formed in the right end of the bottom surface of the lower case 101.

[0534] The cooling air that flows through the upper air passage AH ​​and the cooling air that flows through the lower air passage UH do not merge along the way. The cooling air inside the upper unit 100 is exhausted into the gap GP1 located behind the partition plate 52, and is released to the outside of the cooking appliance 1 through the exhaust port 20.

[0535] On the other hand, the cooling air from the lower unit 200 passes through the exhaust duct 102 extending vertically in the same gap GP1, and is finally discharged to the outside of the cooking appliance 1 from the exhaust port 20.

[0536] Next, the overall path of the cooling air passage will be described with reference to FIG. As is clear from FIG. 32, air in the space outside the cooking appliance 1 (outside air) passes through the inside of the main body case HC of the cooking appliance 1 via two paths.

[0537] First path: A path that runs from the vent hole 164 formed on the left side of the lower case 101, through the vent hole 64 on the bottom of the upper case 16, through the first cooling fan 60 to cool the inverter circuit board 80 and the IH coils 17L and 17R, and to the exhaust port 20. In Figure 32, this is referred to as the "upper air path" AH. Second path: Outside air is drawn in through two air intakes 152F, 152B formed at the right end of the bottom plate 101U of the lower case 101. One of the air intakes cools the inverter circuit board 121 via the third cooling fan 128. The other air cools the heat dissipation section 122H of the magnetron 122 via the fourth cooling fan 129. Although there are thus two second paths, they ultimately enter the common exhaust duct 102 and reach the exhaust port 20. In FIG. 32, this is referred to as the "lower air path" UH.

[0538] As described above, in this embodiment 1, the interior of the main body case HC is divided by the bottom surface 16S of the metal upper case 16 into two spaces: an upper space 300A and a lower space 300B formed below the partition wall, each of which has independent air passages (upper air passage AH ​​and lower air passage UH), and each of which has its own dedicated cooling fan 60, 128, 129. The upper unit 100 also includes a second cooling fan 61 which cooperates with the first cooling fan 60 to cool the interior of the upper unit 100 .

[0539] (Central control menu and cooking menu) Next, the selectable control menu displayed on the integrated display unit 30 by the central operation unit 40M will be described with reference to FIG.

[0540] As mentioned above, the "control menu" that can be selected using the left operating unit 40L and the right operating unit 40R that use the induction heating source 9 includes, for example, boiling water, boiling, frying (automatic cooking), etc., as shown in Figure 38. However, there are 11 types of control menus that can be selected by the central operation unit 40M (excluding the case of the linked cooking mode, which will be described later), as shown in Figure 34. These 11 types of control menus are sometimes collectively referred to as the "control menu group" of the central operation unit 40M. The commands for executing these control menu groups are called "control menu programs," and are stored in the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC.

[0541] The "control menu" selectable by central operation unit 40M is not classified by the names of the final cooking results obtained by heating with microwave heating source 189 or oven heating source 188, or the names of ingredients. In other words, the names of foods or cooking results (for example, "hamburger steak" or "tempura") cannot be selected on the "control menu." The number or collection of specific cooking options that can be achieved with one control menu is called a "cooking menu." For example, the cooking options in the linked cooking mode include "hamburger steak" and "paella."

[0542] The "control menu" selected on the central operation unit 40M can be said to be a broad classification based on the type, method, and conditions of heating until the cooking is completed, and therefore the names of the control menus are conceptual and general, such as "warming" or "oven (cooking)."

[0543] The control menus selected by this central operation unit 40M include a control menu called a "range grill control menu" or "RG control menu" that uses the microwave heating source 189 and the oven heating source 188. The control menus selected by this central operation unit 40M also include an "integrated cooking mode," which will be described later.

[0544] The RG control menu and the "linked cooking mode" (to be described later) are fundamentally different. The RG control menu and the combined cooking mode (to be described later) are also different. These will be explained in detail later.

[0545] The control menu that can be selected by the central operation unit 40M will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 34. The control menu shown in Fig. 34 is not the control menu for the "linked control mode."

[0546] In Figure 34, the "left display area" refers to the first area (display area) 30L of the integrated display unit 30. Similarly, the "center display area" refers to the second area 30M, and similarly, the "right display area" refers to the third area 30R.

[0547] When the input key 43MC of the central operation unit 40M is operated, the control menu "Warm" in the left display area of ​​Fig. 34 is always displayed first in the first area 30L of the integrated display unit 30. This is because the RG control menu "Warm" is set as the default.

[0548] As is clear from the "left display area" in Fig. 34, in addition to "warm," there are a total of 11 RG control menus, including "microwave manual," "pre-boil leafy vegetables," "RG cooking," "grill," and "oven." However, the "center heater" listed at the bottom of the "left display area" in Fig. 34 is not supported by the upper unit 100, and is therefore not actually displayed.

[0549] The "RG control menu" is a control pattern that uses microwave heating (range) and oven (heating chamber 113). Note that control menus such as "range" and "range (manual)" are control patterns that use microwaves, and will be explained in detail later.

[0550] The "center heater" corresponds to the case where another induction heating unit (center induction heating unit) is added between the right heating unit 17HR and the left heating unit 17HL in the upper unit 100, and therefore, strictly speaking, it is neither a range nor a grill. Also, "RG" is an abbreviation for range grill. Here, "range" refers to cooking using a microwave heating source 189. "Grill" refers to cooking using an oven heating source 188.

[0551] The first area of ​​Figure 34 displays a total of 11 options, including "warm" and "grill," all of which are "RG control menus." However, "combined cooking," which uses two or more heating sources, is "RG cooking" or "RG manual," etc. "warm" uses only the microwave heating source 9, so it is not a combined cooking menu. It also does not fall under the category of linked cooking menus.

[0552] The contents written in the "Central Display Area" in Figure 34 indicate the contents displayed in the second area (display area) 30M of the integrated display unit 30. The contents of the default settings for the "Central Display Area" are listed in the column to the right of the "Central Display Area."

[0553] The contents written in the "Right Display Area" in Figure 34 indicate the contents displayed in the third area (display area) 30R of the integrated display unit 30. The default settings for the "Right Display Area" are listed in the column to the right of the "Right Display Area." Blank spaces mean that nothing is displayed.

[0554] The RG control menu database is created according to the above rules. For this reason, (1) When the input key 43MC of the central operation unit 40M is operated, the integrated display unit 30 displays the first specific screen 30SP described below, and displays guidance information 30P that serves as a reference for transitioning to the collaborative cooking mode. (2) When the input key 43M1 of the central operation unit 40M is operated, the composite cooking mode (RG control menu group) is selected, and the first area 30L displays one of the control menu items, "Warm," as a default display, the second area 30M displays "80°C" indicating the temperature condition, and the third area 30R displays no control conditions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third area 30R displays the aforementioned guidance information 30P, which is useful for cooking with heat. These will be explained later with reference to FIG. 48, etc.

[0555] When the user operates input key 43M1 to display one RG control menu in the center of the first area, the "control conditions" (temperature, heat, time, etc.) corresponding to one RG control menu from the 11 types of menus shown in Figure 34 are simultaneously displayed in the second area 30M and the third area 30R.

[0556] If the selected RG control menu belongs to the "combined cooking mode" such as "RG cooking," when the user subsequently operates the input key 43MS to command the start of the heating operation, the mode shifts to the "combined cooking mode" using both the microwave heating source 189 and the oven heating source 188, and the heating operation is started. The collaborative cooking mode will be explained later.

[0557] The specific contents of the RG control menu group shown in FIG. 34, detailed data such as control conditions and additional information, and display programs are stored in the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC. Below is an overview of the main RG control menus.

[0558] (1) Warm: This is one of the "single (heating) control menus" that heats food using the microwave heating source 189. This "warm" mode is also suitable for reheating food. The default setting is "80°C," so microwave irradiation will automatically stop once the food has heated to 80°C. Note that "80°C" is the target temperature, and this temperature can be adjusted by the user before heating begins. As shown in Figure 34, the temperature can be set in 5°C increments within the range of 0°C to 90°C. For heating frozen foods, the temperature can be set in 2°C increments within the range of -10°C to 0°C. The microwave heating output is fixed at 500W.

[0559] (2) Manual microwave: This refers to heating food using a microwave heating source 189, but the heating time is set. The microwave heating output can also be selected from three levels: 500W, 200W, and 100W. The default heating time is one minute, but at 500W output, it can be set between 10 seconds and 15 minutes. This “manual microwave” is also one type of “single (heating) control menu.” In other words, the RG control menu shown in Fig. 25 also includes a single control menu for the microwave heating source 189.

[0560] (3) Leafy vegetable parboiling: This is suitable for boiling food, particularly vegetables whose leaves are edible, such as spinach and Chinese cabbage, using the microwave heating source 189. The microwave heating output value is not displayed, and the second area shows "Standard" as the default display. The non-contact temperature measurement unit (infrared temperature measurement unit) 158 measures the temperature rise and automatically stops heating. This "leafy vegetable parboiling" is also a type of "single (heating) control menu."

[0561] (4) Parboiling root vegetables: This is suitable for boiling food using the microwave heating source 189, particularly root vegetables such as potatoes, whose roots and rhizomes are edible. The microwave heating output value is not displayed, and "Standard" is displayed as the default display in the second area. Note that the heat value is predetermined on the cooking appliance 1 side, so when adjusting the heat, it is necessary to change (select) the "Standard" default display in the second area to "Weak" or "Strong", etc. This "pre-boiling leafy vegetables" is also a type of "single (heat) controlled menu."

[0562] (5) Meat thawing: This is an RG control menu suitable for thawing various frozen meats. Since the food is heated using microwave heating source 189, this is a type of "single (heating) control menu." (6) RG cooking: This is suitable for cooking using the heating chamber 113, and involves combining microwave heating and oven heating to cook food. In other words, this is a type of pure "combined cooking" menu. There are three types of patterns: one in which microwave heating is performed first, and the food is heated to a certain extent before being heated by upper heater 163A or lower heater 163B; one in which heating is performed in the reverse order; and one in which microwave heating and heater heating are performed simultaneously. The heating power value (watts) during microwave heating is not displayed, and the user can select the heating intensity by looking at the display in second area 30M and selecting either "weak" or "strong," etc.

[0563] (7) RG Re-cooking: This is suitable for reheating cooked food using the heating chamber 113. This is also a type of pure "combined cooking" menu. The microwave heating source 189 and the oven heating source 188 are used in combination. (8) RG manual: This is suitable for cooking using the heating chamber 113, and combines microwave heating and oven heating for cooking. There are three types of RG manual: microwave heating is performed first, and the food is heated to a certain extent, and then heated by the upper heater 163A or the lower heater 163B; heating in the reverse order; and microwave heating and heater heating are performed simultaneously. This is also a type of pure "combined cooking" menu.

[0564] (9) Grill: This uses the heating chamber 113 to heat food, and either or both of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B are used as the heat source. As mentioned above, the temperature of the heating chamber 113 is not managed, nor is there any control to detect a rise in food temperature and stop the heating operation. The heating power of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B is determined in advance by the heating chamber control unit 159 on the cooking appliance 1 side. A typical example of cooking this is grilled fish. Incidentally, the rated heating power of the upper heater 163A is 1000W, and the rated heating power of the lower heater 163B is also 1000W. This is one type of "single (heating) control menu."

[0565] (10) Oven: This oven heats food using the heating chamber 113, and uses one or both of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B as the heat source. The temperature of the heating chamber 113 is measured by the temperature measurement unit 158, and the heating chamber control unit 159 controls the power supply so that the set target temperature is reached. As shown in FIG. 25, the default temperature is 180°C, and the user can change this target temperature if necessary. As explained in the "Grill" section, the rated power of the upper heater 163A is 1000W, and the rated power of the lower heater 163B is also 1000W. The power supply rates for the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B are controlled by the heating chamber control unit 159, thereby controlling the heat output of these two heaters 163A and 163B. This is one type of "individual (heating) control menu."

[0566] Fig. 35 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC and the central operation unit 40M. Fig. 36 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the memory device MM of the integrated control device MC and the central operation unit 40M.

[0567] Data indicating the individual menu names (e.g., "warm," "manual microwave," etc.) of the total of 10 "composite cooking modes (RG control menus)" that can be displayed in the first area 30L of the integrated display unit 30 is stored in the first layer of the memory device MM.

[0568] Data indicating the "control conditions" (for example, "microwave output value", "power application time", etc.) that can be displayed in the second area 30M of the integrated display section 30 is stored in the second layer of the memory device MM.

[0569] Data indicating the "control conditions" (e.g., "heating time for grill cooking") that can be displayed in the third area 30R of the integrated display unit 30, and reference information 30P are stored in the third layer of the memory device MM.

[0570] (Cooperative cooking mode) Next, the "combined cooking mode" will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in the figure, inside the memory device MM, data for the first specific screen 30SP that is displayed when the input key 43MC is operated, and control data and operation programs for the "collaborative cooking mode" that are subsequently read out when the input key 43M1 is operated (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "collaborative operation programs") are stored in a memory area separate from the RG control menu.

[0571] Here, the "cooperative cooking mode" data and the "cooperative operation program" include information specifying the multiple heating sources used to cook each individual food (e.g., hamburger steak), various control conditions (heat power, standard heating temperature, etc.), control parameters, cooking process information, etc. In other words, these are necessary for the microcomputer to execute the control procedures of the internal processing circuits and processors that realize each function of the integrated control device MC.

[0572] When one of the cooperative cooking modes is specified, the available heating sources and the order in which they will operate are automatically determined. For example, for "hamburger steak," which is one of the cooperative cooking menu items that can be cooked in the cooperative control mode, there is no need to first select either the right heating element 17HR or the left heating element 17HL. First, the first specified screen 30SP is displayed on the display means 30, and the user can then select, for example, the right heating element 17HR to switch to the cooperative cooking mode.

[0573] The first specific screen 30SP is displayed with a setting indicating that the left heating unit 17HL is to be used. The user can set the right heating unit 17HR to be used without using the left heating unit 17HL in advance. However, there are cases where such a setting is not possible. In addition, in the case where the right heating section 17HR is used in cooking step 1 and the subsequent cooking step 2 involves heating with the oven heat source 188 in the heating chamber 113, information on the series of cooking steps is stored in the memory device MM.

[0574] In addition, additional information 331 that serves as a reference for transitioning to the collaborative cooking mode, such as information on the cooking process described below, information on the heating source to be used, control conditions (preheating completion temperature, etc.), guidance information and instruction information that prompts the user to input information to proceed to the next cooking process, etc., are stored in correspondence with each collaborative cooking mode.

[0575] In the following explanation, if preheating is required, this is called the "preheating process" up to the set (target) temperature, and the process of actually heating the food to be cooked after the set temperature is reached and contributing to cooking is called "cooking process 1" or "cooking process 2." For example, in induction heating, the "cooking process" begins when the user places the food to be cooked on the food N that has already been heated to the desired temperature after the preheating process has been completed and the heating actually begins.

[0576] (Operation of the cooking appliance) Next, an outline of the operation of the cooking device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described mainly with reference to FIGS.

[0577] Fig. 37 is a flowchart illustrating the overall control operation before cooking begins in the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 38 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation during induction heating cooking in the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 39 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation when microwave heating is performed during induction heating cooking in the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the control operation of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 43 is a table showing the correspondence between the cooling fan of the cooking appliance 1 and the type of cooking.

[0578] Referring to FIG. The basic operation program from power-on to the start of cooking preparation is stored in the memory device MM inside the integrated control device MC. In the built-in type cooking appliance 1, the power plug 106A (not shown) is always connected to the commercial (AC) power supply 99 from the time the kitchen furniture 2 is installed, so the user turns on the power by pressing the operation button 98 (see Figures 20 and 30) of the main power switch 97 (step ST1 in Figure 37).

[0579] A predetermined low power supply voltage is supplied to the integrated control device MC via the DC power conversion unit 92 in the power supply circuit board 55, and the integrated control device MC is started up. The integrated control device MC starts diagnosing itself for any abnormalities using its own control program.

[0580] Then, the IH control unit 90, which centrally controls the induction heating source 9, the heating chamber control unit 159, and the microwave heating control unit 130 are checked for any abnormalities.

[0581] A total of seven temperature sensors TS3 to TS9 are connected to the temperature detection circuit 93 of the upper unit 100 in order to detect the temperature of the top plate 15, the temperatures of the inverter circuits 81L and 81R, the temperature near the integrated display unit 30, etc., and the temperatures detected by these temperature sensors are transmitted to the temperature detection circuit 93. This allows the IH control unit 90 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality (ST2).

[0582] Furthermore, the heating chamber control unit 159 and the microwave heating control unit 130 can also acquire the detected temperatures from the temperature sensors TS1 and TS2 and determine whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0583] In step ST2, it is stated that "startup information is sent to the outside", which means that wireless communication unit 49 notifies home gateway 411 in kitchen KT of the start of operation of cooking appliance 1. This will be explained later.

[0584] The IH control unit 90 collects temperature information from the main components built into the upper unit 100, and performs abnormal heating determination processing as abnormality monitoring control before cooking begins. For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor TS7 is higher than the heat-resistant temperature (e.g., 70°C) of electronic elements such as the liquid crystal display screen 30D in the integrated display unit 30, the IH control unit 90 determines that the temperature is abnormally high. Then, it notifies the integrated control device MC of the abnormality and performs processing such as displaying or notifying that operation cannot be started. Note that this processing may be performed by the integrated control device MC.

[0585] If no abnormality is found, the IH control unit 90 sends a signal to the integrated control device MC. This causes the integrated display unit 30 to start up and display a message that "there is no abnormality, so cooking can begin" (ST3). The display screen at this initial stage will be explained later with reference to FIG. 45. At the same time, the voice synthesizer 95 notifies the user by voice the same content as that displayed on the integrated display unit 30 (ST3).

[0586] In step ST3, the wireless communication unit 49 accesses the home gateway 411 and acquires information useful for health management, such as a control menu and a recipe information CD, within the range previously set by the user. For example, information that the user of the cooking appliance 1 previously sent to the home gateway 411 via the Internet 416 using an information processing terminal 418 or the like can also be acquired when the integrated display unit 30 is started up.

[0587] When the cooking appliance 1 acquires any information, it is preferable to notify the user by turning on a dedicated warning information lamp (not shown) provided near the input operation unit 40 of the upper unit 100. Note that the inventory information of the refrigerator 401 is not acquired at this point.

[0588] At this point, inventory information for the refrigerator 401 is not acquired. However, as shown in Figures 98 and 99, an inventory inquiry signal RQ1 is sent to the home gateway 411 at this point.

[0589] Next, after the abnormality determination is completed as described above, the integrated control device MC issues a notification and voice guidance to prompt the user to select a heating means using the integrated display unit 30 and the voice synthesizer 95 (ST4).

[0590] Then, it is determined whether or not the input key 43M1 has not been operated and individual cooking has been selected using the individual operation unit, left operation unit 40L or right operation unit 40R (STC).

[0591] If neither the input key 43M1 nor the input key 43MC is selected within a certain grace period (e.g., 30 seconds), it is determined that neither the linked cooking mode nor the combined cooking mode has been selected.If the user operates at least one of the left operation unit 40L or the right operation unit 40R immediately after step ST4 or within the grace period, it is determined that only the heat source of the upper unit 100, i.e., the IH coils 17L and 17R, has been selected ("Yes" in step ST6).

[0592] On the other hand, if the input key 43MC is operated in step STC, the process proceeds to step STR1 of the cooperative cooking mode. The cooperative cooking mode step STR1 will be described in detail later with reference to Figs. 53 to 98, etc.

[0593] If step ST6 is "Yes" as described above, the process proceeds to the next step ST10. The subsequent control steps for induction heating will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0594] On the other hand, if a heat source for the lower unit 200 is selected in step ST5, the integrated control device MC proceeds to step ST8 for selecting a menu of the two heat sources provided in the lower unit 200. Note that this step ST5 is performed when the central operation unit 40M (input key 43M1) is operated.

[0595] In step ST8, as shown in Fig. 37, three types of menus (ST9A to ST9D) are sequentially displayed in a specific order on the integrated display unit 30. These three types of menus are a total of 10 control menus (see Fig. 34) displayed in the first area 30L.

[0596] The menu displayed at step ST8 in FIG. 37 is based on the assumption that the heat source of the lower unit 200 is to be used, and the following three types of control menus are displayed. (1) A cooking menu (ST9A) that uses at least one of the upper heater 163A and the lower heater 163B. This corresponds to "grill" or "oven" in the control menu shown in FIG. (2) In addition to the above (1), a control menu (ST9B) that also uses the microwave heating device 120. This corresponds to "RG cooking" in the control menu shown in FIG. (3) A control menu (ST9C) that uses only the microwave heating device 120. This corresponds to "manual microwave cooking" and "pre-boil leafy vegetables" in the control menu shown in FIG. Here, the "cooperative cooking mode" is not displayed.

[0597] If it is determined midway through the process that the cooperative cooking mode is preferable, the user can proceed to step STR1 in Fig. 64 by operating the input key 43MC of the central operation unit 40M. In other words, the user can proceed to the cooperative cooking mode.

[0598] FIG. 38 shows the operation steps of the integrated control device MC after the step (ST11) in which the induction heating menu is selected.

[0599] Next, the control operation during induction heating will be described with reference to FIG. The following description will be given using an example in which the right heating unit 17HR is used. When the input key 43R1 on the right side is touched, the IH control unit 90 determines that the user has issued a command to start the heating preparation operation.

[0600] It is estimated whether an object to be heated (such as a metal pot or frying pan) N is placed above the IH coil 17R, or whether the bottom area of ​​the object to be heated is larger than a predetermined value, and this estimation result is transmitted to the IH control unit 90, which determines whether the heating process should be suitable for a pot with a standard diameter or a pot with a large diameter (step MS1). If the pot is suitable but has a large diameter, or is not suitable for heating, it will be treated differently from the standard pot.

[0601] Upon receiving the command from the IH control unit 90, the integrated control device MC displays a message on the display screen 30D of the integrated display unit 30 prompting the user to select an "IH control menu" for the desired cooking (MS2).

[0602] When the user selects and inputs the "IH control menu," heat level, cooking time, etc., using the right operation unit 40R (MS3), full-scale induction heating operation begins in the right heating unit 17HR (MS4). The "IH control menu" displayed on the integrated display unit 30 is seven items: "High-speed heating," "Deep frying," "Boiling water," "Preheating," "Rice cooking," "Boiling," and "Boiling water + Keep warm." However, to simplify operability, the "Function settings" described above may be set so that some or all of the seven IH control menus cannot be selected.

[0603] When the user selects one of these seven IH control menus, the control conditions corresponding to that IH control menu are automatically selected by a built-in program in the IH control unit 90, and the amount of current (heat power) and current duration for the IH coil 17R are set. Depending on the IH control menu, a message prompting the user to set the desired heat power, current duration, etc. is displayed on the display unit (MS5). Note that the operating program for the control conditions corresponding to the IH control menu may be stored in the integrated control device MC, rather than in the IH control unit 90.

[0604] Unless the user operates input key 43R1 again to stop use within a certain time (for example, 15 or 30 seconds) after the above display is displayed, after that time has elapsed, the IH control unit 90 will drive inverter circuit 81R of induction heating circuit 94R and start induction heating (MS6). Note that the input function of input key 43R1 changes each time it is touched, and it can be used to command the start or stop of heating operation.

[0605] The "large diameter pot" is basically the same as steps MS1 to MS7 above, but some of the seven IH control menus shown in step MS3 of Figure 38 cannot be selected as an IH control menu. The "high-speed heating menu" can only be used to heat a "normal pot" or a "large diameter pot" using the IH coil 17L on the left. In this first embodiment, a small pot refers to a pot with a bottom diameter of less than 10 cm, and is detected as unsuitable for induction heating and cannot be induction heated.

[0606] Next, the integrated power control operation when two or more different types of heating sources are used simultaneously, such as induction heating and microwave heating, will be described with reference to Figures 39 and 40. Note that the examples described in Figures 39 and 40 are not for the "integrated cooking mode" described above.

[0607] The example shown in Fig. 39 is a case where a user attempts to perform microwave heating using heating chamber 113 of lower unit 200 while induction heating cooking is being performed previously in upper unit 100. Note that even when oven cooking, grill cooking, or the like is performed using both or either upper heater 163A and lower heater 163B during induction heating cooking, the basic total power control (for the entire cooking appliance 1) as described in Fig. 39 is performed by integrated control device MC and power control unit 72. In this case, the combined cooking mode must be selected using the central operation unit 40M.

[0608] When a user wishes to perform microwave heating using the heating chamber 113 of the lower unit 200, he or she must first turn on the main power switch 97 and select the heating source for the lower unit 200 using the central operation unit 40M of the input operation unit 40. However, the easiest way to do this is to simply open the door 114. In other words, in this first embodiment, if the upper unit 100 is operating (the main power switch 97 is ON), cooking can be started directly using the lower unit 200. Therefore, there is no need to turn on the main power switch 97 as in the upper unit 100.

[0609] When the door 114 is opened, as explained in the main part of the door opening / closing detection mechanism 131, there are latch switch 132A and door switch 132B which are opened and closed depending on whether the door 114 is opened or closed. Therefore, when the main power switch 97 is turned on, the integrated control device MC can detect (by the function of the door opening / closing detection mechanism 131) that both or either of the latch switch 132A and door switch 132B are opened.

[0610] 39, when a signal indicating that the door 114 of the heating chamber 113 has been opened is received (step S1), the integrated control device MC provides voice guidance to the user (step S2). The content of the voice guidance may be, for example, "To start heating, select microwave heating and press the start button."

[0611] The default setting for microwave heating is a target temperature of 80°C, so even if you close the door 114 and start heating, it will automatically stop when it detects that the temperature of the food to be cooked has reached 80°C. To change the temperature to 80°C (for example, to 75°C), simply change the temperature conditions and then press the input key 43MS (see Figure 21).

[0612] When the user selects, for example, "Microwave manual" from the composite cooking menu using input key 43M1 and then issues the command "Start heating" using input key 43MS on central operation unit 40M, the integrated control device MC uses a power consumption value known in advance that reflects the power consumption of the third cooling fan 128, fourth cooling fan 129, etc. in addition to the rated power consumption value determined by magnetron 122, and determines in step S3 whether the total power regulation value is exceeded.

[0613] For example, the integrated control device MC holds data on the heat value of the induction heating cooking that has already started and the power consumption of the first cooling fan 60 and the second cooling fan 61, so it can calculate the total power consumption of the upper unit 100 and the microwave heating device 120. Note that the integrated control device MC may also predict the maximum power consumption using power consumption data of the inverter circuit 81, etc., when the input key 43M1 of the central operation unit 40M is operated.

[0614] If step S3 is "Yes," it is necessary to reduce the output of the operating IH coil 17R or reduce the heat of the microwave heating. In step S3, the priority of the induction heating cooking at that time is determined based on the induction heating control menu and the cooking process. For example, if rice cooking (especially the "boiling process") is being performed in the upper unit 100, the rice cooking (boiling process) is given priority, and the heat of the heating source of the upper unit 100 is not reduced.

[0615] Furthermore, when "frying" is being performed in the upper unit 100, the heating power is automatically increased to prevent the temperature of the cooking oil from dropping excessively as ingredients are added, etc., so even in such cases, the heating power of the heating source of the upper unit 100 is not reduced.

[0616] If it is determined in step S5 that induction heating has priority, then in order to reduce the power consumption of microwave heating, if the rated microwave output is 500 W (power consumption is 900 W), the power consumption is temporarily reduced to, for example, 300 W. The user is then notified that such a restriction has been imposed. This notification is made by the integrated display unit 30 and the voice synthesizer 95 (S6).

[0617] Then, the integrated control device MC issues a command signal to the microwave heating control unit 130 to start microwave heating at low power (S7). The microwave heating control unit 130 has ...

Claims

1. The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated at a first location, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked at a second location, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which a cooking step 1 and a cooking step 2 are performed using the first heating means and the second heating means, the integrated control device notifies, with respect to one cooking menu MA in the cooperative cooking mode, a recommended cooking menu MB that can be cooked in parallel with the cooking process 2 in either the first location or the second location used in the cooking process 1, based on information held by the integrated control device itself or information acquired from an external source, during a middle stage of the cooking process 1 or after the cooking process 1 is completed and before the cooking process 2 is started; A combined heating and cooking device characterized by the above.

2. The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated on a top plate, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked in a heating chamber, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which a cooking step 1 and a cooking step 2 are performed using the first heating means and the second heating means, and an automatic cooking mode in which the cooking steps are automatically performed in the heating chamber; the integrated control device notifies, with respect to one cooking menu MA of the linked cooking mode, of a recommended cooking menu MB that can be heated and cooked in the heating chamber used in the cooking process 1 in parallel with the cooking process 2, based on information held by the integrated control device itself or information acquired from an external source, during a middle stage of the cooking process 1 or at a stage after the cooking process 1 is completed and before the cooking process 2 is started; A combined heating and cooking device characterized by the above.

3. the integrated control device generates the recommended cooking menu (MB) based on ingredient information acquired from an external source; 2. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1,

4. The recommended cooking menu MB includes at least one of information specifying ingredients to be used in cooking and information indicating the temperature or storage state of the ingredients; 3. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

5. When the cooking of the cooking menu MA has progressed to the cooking step 2, the cooking step of the recommended cooking menu MB can be started and ended regardless of the progress of the cooking step 2; 4. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

6. For the recommended cooking menu MB, data on nutritional components or food components is notified.

5. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

7. Between the cooking step 1 and the cooking step 2, there is a transition period during which no heating operation is performed, which is started by a command 1 from a user and then ended by a command 2 from the user; 3. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

8. The recommended cooking menu MB is notified during the transition period.

8. The composite heating cooker according to claim 7,

9. the integrated control device automatically proceeds with the cooking process 1, and during the transition period, starts the cooking process 2 upon receiving the command 2, and automatically proceeds with the cooking process 2; 9. The composite type cooking device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that

10. the integrated control device detects a progress degree of the cooking process 1 or the cooking process 2, and notifies at least one of first reference information regarding the cooking process 1 or second reference information regarding the cooking process 2; 5. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

11. A notification unit having a display screen, a first specific screen displaying information on the cooking process 1 and the cooking process 2 during execution of the cooperative cooking mode on the display screen; The recommended cooking menu MB is displayed on the first specific screen; The combined heating and cooking device according to claim 10,

12. The integrated control device determines whether the active cooperative cooking mode is a specific cooperative cooking mode, and if the active cooperative cooking mode is the specific cooperative cooking mode, notifies the user of a cooking menu related to the food being cooked as the recommended cooking menu (MB); 5. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

13. The integrated control device transmits cooking notice data or cooking execution data to an external device.

5. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

14. Further comprising a wireless communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external device, The integrated control device acquires recipe information from an external device via the wireless communication unit, the integrated control device transmits cooking notice data from the wireless communication unit, the cooking notice data indicating that cooking based on the recipe information is to be started; 5. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating cooker is a heater.

15. An input operation unit that accepts an input operation by a user is further included, The recommended cooking menu MB is displayed on the first specific screen when a specific input is made through the input operation unit; The composite heating and cooking device according to claim 11 .

16. An input operation unit that receives an input command from a user, The input operation unit has a plurality of touch-type input keys, the input operation unit issues a command to switch a voice input mode in response to a touch time of at least one of the plurality of touch-type input keys; the integrated control device changes to a voice input mode when the switching command is received; 3. The composite heating cooker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

17. The cooking apparatus has a first heating means for heating an object to be heated at a first location, a second heating means for cooking an object to be cooked at a second location, and an integrated control device for controlling these heating means, the integrated control device has an integrated cooking mode in which a cooking process 1, a pause period, and a cooking process 2 are sequentially performed; the integrated control device notifies, for one cooking menu MA in the linked cooking mode, a recommended cooking menu MB that can be cooked by heating in parallel with a cooking step 2 of the cooking menu MA in either the first location or the second location used in the cooking step 1 based on food ingredient information of the refrigerator automatically acquired from an external source during the pause period; A combined heating and cooking device characterized by the above.

18. The recommended cooking menu MB includes at least one of information specifying ingredients to be used in cooking and information indicating the temperature or storage state of the ingredients; The composite heating and cooking device according to claim 17,

19. The cooking of the recommended cooking menu MB can be started and ended independently of the cooking step 2 of the cooking menu MA; The composite type heating cooker according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that

20. For the recommended cooking menu MB, data on nutritional components or food components is notified. The composite heating cooker according to any one of claims 17 to 19,

21. the first heating means heats an object to be heated placed on a top plate, The second heating means heats and cooks food in a closed heating chamber; The composite heating cooker according to any one of claims 17 to 19,

22. An installation port is provided on an upper surface, and the composite heating cooker according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 17 is installed in the installation port; Kitchen furniture characterized by:

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