Cooking device and cooking system

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker and a heating cooking system with improved convenience when setting is made by a person.SOLUTION: A heating cooking system includes a heating cooker and a first communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus is capable of inputting and outputting information. The heating cooker includes a heating unit, a communication unit, a notification unit, and a control unit. The heating unit heats an object to be heated. The communication unit communicates with the first communication apparatus. The communication unit receives instructions on both or one of a heating time and heating power by the heating unit from the first communication apparatus. The notification unit notifies a user of setting of the heating unit received by the communication unit. The control unit controls the heating unit on the basis of, the instructions received by the communication unit from the first communication apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device and a cooking system that heat an object to be heated. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a cooking device that communicates with a remote communication device and transmits information indicating the end of cooking or information indicating an abnormality in cooking to the communication device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With such a cooking device, a user can check the cooking status even from a remote location via the communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-156116 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although the user can check the cooking state, the user needs to directly operate the cooking appliance to set the heating state based on the checked state. For this reason, it is desired to improve the convenience of setting the cooking appliance.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cooking appliance and a cooking system with improved convenience in setting up. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cooking device according to the present disclosure includes a heating unit that heats an object to be heated, a communication unit that communicates with a first communication device capable of inputting and outputting information, a control unit that controls the heating unit and the communication unit, and a notification unit that notifies the setting of the heating unit, wherein the communication unit receives instructions regarding both or one of a heating time and heat power by the heating unit from the first communication device, the notification unit notifies the setting of the heating unit received by the communication unit, and the control unit controls the heating unit based on the instructions received by the communication unit from the first communication device. the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, the control unit extends the heating time by the heating unit in accordance with the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device not to extend the heating time, and the control unit terminates acceptance of the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device in any of the following cases: when the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device not to extend the heating time, and when the communication unit does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the expiration of the heating time. It is something. Further, a cooking device according to the present disclosure includes a heating unit which heats an object to be heated, a communication unit which communicates with a first communication device capable of inputting and outputting information, a control unit which controls the heating unit and the communication unit, a notification unit which notifies the setting of the heating unit, and an operation unit which gives instructions regarding a heating time and a heating power by the heating unit, wherein the communication unit receives instructions regarding both or one of the heating time and the heating power by the heating unit from the first communication device, the notification unit notifies the setting of the heating unit received by the communication unit, and the control unit controls the communication unit to receive instructions regarding the heating time and the heating power by the heating unit from the first communication device. The heating unit is controlled based on the received instruction, the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, and the control unit extends the heating time by the heating unit in accordance with the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, and when the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device and an operation is performed from the operation unit indicating confirmation of the extension of the heating time, the control unit controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time in the extension instruction from the first communication device.

[0007] The cooking system according to the present disclosure is a cooking system having a cooking appliance that heats an object to be heated, a first communication device that accepts input of information and outputs information, and a notification unit that notifies the setting of the cooking appliance, wherein the cooking appliance comprises a communication unit that communicates with the first communication device, a heating unit that heats the object to be heated, and a control unit that controls the heating unit, the first communication device accepts input of instructions regarding both or one of a heating time and heat power by the heating unit and transmits the accepted instructions to the cooking appliance, the notification unit notifies the setting of the heating unit, and the control unit controls the heating unit based on the instructions received by the communication unit from the first communication device. the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, the control unit extends the heating time by the heating unit in accordance with the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device not to extend the heating time, and the control unit terminates acceptance of the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device in either of the following cases: the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device not to extend the heating time, and the control unit does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the expiration of the heating time. It is something. Further, a cooking system according to the present disclosure is a cooking system having a cooking appliance that heats an object to be heated, a first communication device that accepts input of information and outputs information, and a notification unit that notifies the setting of the cooking appliance, wherein the cooking appliance is provided with a communication unit that communicates with the first communication device, a heating unit that heats the object to be heated, a control unit that controls the heating unit, and an operation unit that issues instructions regarding a heating time and a heat power by the heating unit, and the first communication device accepts input of instructions regarding both or one of the heating time and the heat power by the heating unit, transmits the received instruction to the cooking appliance, and The notification unit notifies the setting of the heating unit, the control unit controls the heating unit based on the instructions received by the communication unit from the first communication device, the first communication device accepts the instructions regarding the heating time with increments equal to or smaller than the increments of the heating time settable by the operation unit and transmits the accepted instructions regarding the heating time to the heating cooker, and when the communication unit receives the instructions regarding the heating time from the first communication device, the control unit controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time based on the instructions from the first communication device received by the communication unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the cooking device and cooking system of the present disclosure, the communication unit receives instructions from the first communication device regarding both or either of the heating time and heat power of the heating unit. The control unit then controls the heating unit based on the instructions received by the communication unit from the first communication device. Thus, the user can remotely configure the cooking device by inputting instructions regarding both or either of the heating time and heat power into the first communication device. Thus, the convenience of the configuration is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a heat cooking system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a cooking device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of the cooking device in a direction along the XX direction in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an upper surface of the cooking device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a central operation display area in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a left operation display area in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a right operation display area in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a heating cooker according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a setting image for a cooking device displayed on a screen of a first communication device in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a heating power setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a timer setting screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the heat cooking system when the heat power of the heat cooker according to the first embodiment is remotely set. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the heat cooking system when the heating time of the heat cooker according to the first embodiment is set remotely. [Figure 15] 5 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the heat cooking system when setting an extension of the heating time of the heat cooker according to the first embodiment is performed remotely. [Figure 16]10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the heat cooking system when the heat power of the heat cooker according to the second embodiment is remotely set. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of a heat cooking system when a heating time of a heat cooker according to a second embodiment is remotely set. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the heat cooking system when setting an extension of the heating time of the heat cooker according to the second embodiment is performed remotely. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a cooking device and a cooking system according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the size relationships of the components in the following drawings may differ from the actual ones. Also, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back in the following drawings refer to the directions as seen by a user when the cooking device is installed.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a cooking system according to the first embodiment. The cooking system 100 according to the first embodiment has a cooking device 1, a first communication device 4, and a second communication device 5. The cooking device 1 heats an object to be heated. The first communication device 4 is a device capable of wired or wireless communication and capable of inputting and outputting information. The output of information refers to displaying information on a screen or outputting information by voice. The first communication device 4 is, for example, a terminal device such as a smart speaker, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. The second communication device 5 is, for example, a cloud server.

[0012] Each of the cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4 communicates with the second communication device 5 by wire or wirelessly. One or both of the cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4 may communicate with the second communication device 5 via a relay device such as a router. The cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4 communicate with each other via the second communication device 5.

[0013] The second communication device 5 converts the information received from the cooking appliance 1 into a format that can be output by the first communication device 4. The second communication device 5 also converts the information received from the first communication device 4 into a format that can be processed by the cooking appliance 1. In detail, the second communication device 5 converts the text information or audio information received from the first communication device 4 into control information for controlling the cooking appliance 1.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the cooking device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the cooking device in a direction along the XX direction in Fig. 2. The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment is a built-in type IH (Induction Heating) cooking heater that is incorporated into kitchen furniture 6 having a cooking counter on top. The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment has a main body 10 and a top plate 11 installed on the main body 10. The top plate 11 is exposed along the upper surface of the kitchen furniture 6 when the cooking device 1 is installed.

[0015] The top plate 11 is formed, for example, of a heat-resistant glass plate and a metal frame attached to the periphery of the glass plate. On the upper surface of the top plate 11, three heating regions 12 are provided: a left heating region 12L, a right heating region 12R, and a central heating region 12C.

[0016] The left heating area 12L, the right heating area 12R, and the central heating area 12C are areas where metal cooking containers such as pots or frying pans are placed. In the following, the cooking containers, the food to be cooked, and the heat-resistant containers used in cooking may be collectively referred to as the objects to be heated. At positions on the upper surface of the top plate 11 corresponding to the left heating area 12L, the right heating area 12R, and the central heating area 12C, respectively, guide marks for guiding the placement of the objects to be heated are provided by printing or the like.

[0017] Below the left heating region 12L, a left induction heating coil 13L shown in Fig. 3 is provided. Similarly, below the right heating region 12R, a right induction heating coil 13R is provided, and below the central heating region 12C, a central induction heating coil 13C is provided. Hereinafter, each of the left induction heating coil 13L, the right induction heating coil 13R, and the central induction heating coil 13C may be collectively referred to as the induction heating coil 13.

[0018] The induction heating coil 13 may be, for example, one obtained by twisting a bundle of copper or aluminum conductor wires having a wire diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and winding them into a spiral shape. Alternatively, for example, one obtained by winding about 1,000 to 1,500 copper or aluminum conductor wires having a wire diameter of about 0.05 mm. In addition, the induction heating coil 13 may include a conductor obtained by forming a flat conductive material into a ring shape.

[0019] The induction heating coil 13 generates a high-frequency magnetic field when a high-frequency current is supplied. As a result, the left induction heating coil 13L heats the left heating area 12L, the right induction heating coil 13R heats the right heating area 12R, and the center induction heating coil 13C heats the center heating area 12C. Therefore, the objects to be heated placed in the left heating area 12L, the right heating area 12R, and the center heating area 12C are heated. The driving circuit of the induction heating coil 13 is, for example, a high-frequency power supply circuit such as an inverter circuit. A heating device including the induction heating coil 13 and the driving circuit of the induction heating coil 13 is an example of a first heating unit 27 shown in FIG. 8 described later.

[0020] Cooking device 1 is provided with one or more first temperature sensors 14A at positions at a predetermined distance from induction heating coil 13 for detecting the temperature of top plate 11 or an object to be heated on top plate 11.

[0021] A heating chamber 15, which is a space for accommodating and heating an object to be heated, is formed inside the main body 10 of the cooking device 1. The periphery of the heating chamber 15 is formed by a metal wall such as stainless steel.

[0022] An opening that connects the outside to the inside of the heating chamber 15 is formed on the front surface of the main body 10, and a door 16 is provided to cover the opening. The door 16 is provided with a handle 17 for opening and closing. The user can open and close the door 16 via the handle 17.

[0023] The door 16 in the first embodiment is supported by the main body 10 so as to be rotatable via hinges, arms, etc. The door 16 opens horizontally forward with its lower end portion as the center of rotation. The door 16 may be opened by being pulled forward integrally with a support member that supports the object to be heated from below, for example, by a slide rail or the like.

[0024] The door 16 is provided with an open / close detector 18 for detecting whether the door 16 is open or closed. The open / close detector 18 includes, for example, a microswitch or an infrared sensor. A microwave oscillator 19 for heating an object to be heated housed in the heating chamber 15 is provided behind the heating chamber 15. The microwave oscillator 19 is configured using, for example, a magnetron, and heats the object to be heated in the heating chamber 15 by irradiating microwaves into the heating chamber 15. The microwave oscillator 19 is not limited to one using a magnetron, and there is no restriction on the principle and method of microwave oscillation. The drive circuit of the microwave oscillator 19 is, for example, a high-frequency power supply circuit such as an inverter circuit. A heating device including the microwave oscillator 19 and the drive circuit of the microwave oscillator 19 is an example of a second heating section 28 shown in FIG. 8 described later.

[0025] An upper radiant heat heating section 20A and a lower radiant heat heating section 20B are provided in the heating chamber 15. The upper radiant heat heating section 20A and the lower radiant heat heating section 20B are radiant electric heat sources such as a sheath heater, a mica heater, a carbon heater, a ceramic heater, an infrared heater, or a radiant heater.

[0026] The upper radiant heat heating section 20A is disposed on the outside or inside of the ceiling wall surface of the heating chamber 15, and heats the object to be heated from above by radiant heat. The lower radiant heat heating section 20B is disposed on the inside or outside of the bottom surface of the heating chamber 15, and heats the object to be heated from below by radiant heat. Hereinafter, the upper radiant heat heating section 20A and the lower radiant heat heating section 20B may be collectively referred to as the radiant heat heating section 20. A heating device including the radiant heat heating section 20 and a drive circuit for the radiant heat heating section 20, etc., is an example of a third heating section 29 shown in FIG. 8 described later.

[0027] The heating chamber 15 is provided with a second temperature sensor 14B for non-contact detection of the temperature of the object to be heated in the heating chamber 15. In the first embodiment, the non-contact second temperature sensor 14B is an infrared sensor. In the first embodiment, the second temperature sensor 14B is set to detect temperatures in the range of, for example, -20[°C] to 100[°C], and detects the heating degree of the object to be heated in real time, for example, in increments of 1[°C].

[0028] The heating chamber 15 is provided with one or more third temperature sensors 14C for detecting the atmospheric temperature in the heating chamber 15 or the wall surface temperature of the heating chamber 15. The one or more third temperature sensors 14C are installed, for example, on both or one of the bottom surface and the ceiling surface of the heating chamber 15. The third temperature sensor 14C in the first embodiment is a contact type thermistor sensor. The third temperature sensor 14C detects temperature by electrical resistance, and detects temperatures up to, for example, 250°C.

[0029] An exhaust port is formed in the rear portion of the top plate 11, and an exhaust port cover 21 is provided to cover the exhaust port. The exhaust port cover 21 is made of a punched metal having a plurality of through holes, a lattice-shaped metal member, or the like. The exhaust port cover 21 is configured to reduce airflow resistance, and the air inside the cooking device 1 flows to the outside of the cooking device 1 through the exhaust port cover 21. This allows the heat inside the cooking device 1 generated by each of the induction heating coil 13, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating section 20 to be transferred to the outside.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the upper surface of the cooking device according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, a heating operation unit 22 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the top plate 11 of the cooking device 1. The heating operation unit 22 includes a left operation unit 22L, a right operation unit 22R, and a central operation unit 22C. The left operation unit 22L accepts an instruction to heat the left heating region 12L. The right operation unit 22R accepts an instruction to heat the right heating region 12R. The central operation unit 22C accepts an instruction to heat the inside of the heating chamber 15 and the central heating region 12C.

[0031] A power supply operation unit 23 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the top plate 11. In the first embodiment, the power supply operation unit 23 is provided adjacent to the right operation unit 22R on the top plate 11. The power supply operation unit 23 receives an operation for switching the power supply of the cooking appliance 1 between on and off.

[0032] On the upper surface of the top plate 11 of the cooking device 1, a display unit 24 and a heating power display unit 25 are provided behind the heating operation unit 22 and the power operation unit 23. The display unit 24 includes a left display unit 24L, a right display unit 24R, and a central display unit 24C. The left display unit 24L, the right display unit 24R, and the central display unit 24C each have a liquid crystal screen. The heating power display unit 25 includes a left heating power display unit 25L and a right heating power display unit 25R. The left heating power display unit 25L and the right heating power display unit 25R will be described later. In the following, the area including the left operation unit 22L, the left display unit 24L, and the left heating power display unit 25L on the top plate 11 may be referred to as a left operation display area. Also, the area including the right operation unit 22R, the right display unit 24R, and the right heating power display unit 25R on the top plate 11 may be referred to as a right operation display area. Furthermore, the area on the top plate 11 that includes the central operation unit 22C and the central display unit 24C may be referred to as a central operation / display area.

[0033] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the central operation display area in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the central operation unit 22C in the first embodiment includes a function setting key 220C, a first central heat down key 221C, a first central heat up key 222C, a second central heat down key 223C, a second central heat up key 224C, a third central heat down key 225C, a third central heat up key 226C, a central heating start key 227C, and a central heating cancel key 228C on the top plate 11. Hereinafter, these keys in the central operation display area may be collectively referred to as a central key. The central key in the first embodiment is a capacitive touch sensor, but may be a push button using a mechanical switch.

[0034] The function setting key 220C accepts settings for the cooking appliance 1 from the user. The settings made by the function setting key 220C will be described later. The first central heat decrease key 221C accepts an instruction to decrease the degree of heating by the central induction heating coil 13C. The first central heat increase key 222C accepts an instruction to increase the degree of heating by the central induction heating coil 13C. Hereinafter, the degrees of heating will be collectively referred to as heating power.

[0035] The second central heat decrease key 223C is for receiving an instruction to decrease the heating power of the microwave oscillator 19. The second central heat increase key 224C is for receiving an instruction to increase the heating power of the microwave oscillator 19. The third central heat decrease key 225C is for receiving an instruction to decrease the heating power of the radiant heat heating unit 20. The third central heat increase key 226C is for receiving an instruction to increase the heating power of the radiant heat heating unit 20. The central heating start key 227C is for receiving an instruction to start heating by at least one of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20. The central heating cancel key 228C is for receiving an instruction to stop the heating by the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20 that was performing heating.

[0036] The central operation unit 22C is provided with a central operation light-emitting unit 26C. The central operation light-emitting unit 26 includes a first central operation light-emitting unit 260C, a second central operation light-emitting unit 261C, a third central operation light-emitting unit 262C, a fourth central operation light-emitting unit 263C, and a fifth central operation light-emitting unit 264C. Each of the first central operation light-emitting unit 260C to the fifth central operation light-emitting unit 264C has a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0037] The first central operation light emitting unit 260 is provided in correspondence with the function setting key 220C, and emits light in response to an input operation to the function setting key 220C. The second central operation light emitting unit 261 is provided in correspondence with the first central heat down key 221C and the first central heat up key 222C, and emits light in response to an input operation to the first central heat down key 221C and the first central heat up key 222C. The third central operation light emitting unit 262C is provided in correspondence with the second central heat down key 223C and the second central heat up key 224C, and emits light in response to an input operation to the second central heat down key 223C and the second central heat up key 224C.

[0038] The fourth central operation light emitting unit 263C is provided in correspondence with the third central heat down key 225C and the third central heat up key 226C, and lights up in response to input operations to the third central heat down key 225C and the third central heat up key 226C. The fifth central operation light emitting unit 264C is provided in correspondence with the central heating start key 227C and the central heating cancel key 228C, and lights up in response to input operations to the central heating start key 227C and the central heating cancel key 228C.

[0039] Central display unit 24C displays information indicating the operating status of cooking appliance 1 and warnings indicating abnormalities in cooking appliance 1. In detail, central display unit 24C displays on the screen information indicating which of first heating unit 27 to third heating unit 29 has been selected by the user via heating operation unit 22. Central display unit 24C also displays on the screen the operating status of each of first heating unit 27 to third heating unit 29 and warning information and the like relating to heating by first heating unit 27 to third heating unit 29.

[0040] The central display unit 24C may display different contents in each of a plurality of regions on the screen. The central display unit 24C illustrated in FIG. 5 has a first central display region 240C, a second central display region 241C, and a third central display region 242C on the screen. The central display unit 24C may display different contents in each of the first central display region 240C, the second central display region 241C, and the third central display region 242C. The central display unit 24C may display one content in two or more regions of the first central display region 240C, the second central display region 241C, and the third central display region 242.

[0041] When the function setting key 220C is touched or pressed, the central display unit 24C displays a function setting menu as follows. The function setting menu includes, as options, items such as a child lock setting for disabling input to the heating operation unit 22, a ventilation fan interlocking setting for interlocking the ventilation fan, an automatic cleaning notification function setting for the heating chamber 15 and the exhaust port cover 21, etc., a maximum power consumption setting, an audio setting for the voice guide, a volume setting for the voice guide, a notification setting for preventing forgetting to remove the object to be heated from the heating chamber 15, and settings related to the Home Energy Management System (HEMS). The above various settings are performed by operating the central operation unit 22C.

[0042] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the left operation display area in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the left operation unit 22L in the first embodiment includes a left cooking selection key 220L, a left heat down key 221L, a left heat up key 222L, a left timer key 223L, and a left start key 224L on the top plate 11. Hereinafter, these keys in the left operation display area may be collectively referred to as the left key. The left key in the first embodiment is a capacitive touch sensor, but may be a push button using a mechanical switch.

[0043] The left cooking selection key 220L is a key for selecting one of a plurality of cooking menus executed in the left heating region 12L. Each time the left cooking selection key 220L is touched or the left cooking selection key 220L is pressed, one of a plurality of cooking menus can be selected. The cooking menu includes, for example, items such as a water boiling setting, a stewing setting, a preheat cooking setting, and a deep-fried cooking setting as options. The heating time by the left induction heating coil 13L, or the heat or driving pattern of the left induction heating coil 13L, can be changed for each item in the cooking menu.

[0044] The left heat down key 221L accepts an instruction to decrease the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L. Each time the left heat down key 221L is touched or the left heat down key 221L is pressed, the heating power decreases by one step. The left heat up key 222L accepts an instruction to increase the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L. Each time the left heat up key 222L is touched or the left heat up key 222L is pressed, the heating power increases by one step. The heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L has nine steps ranging from a minimum rated heating power of, for example, 150 [W] to a maximum rated heating power of, for example, 3200 [W].

[0045] The left timer key 223L receives a timer setting for cooking in the left heating region 12L. The user can set the heating time by the left induction heating coil 13L by touching or pressing the left timer key 223L.

[0046] The left start key 224L is for starting or stopping cooking in the left heating region 12L. When the left induction heating coil 13L is not being driven, the left induction heating coil 13L is driven and the left heating region 12L is heated by touching the left start key 224L or pressing the left start key 224L. When the left induction heating coil 13L is being driven, the left induction heating coil 13L is stopped being driven and the heating operation for the left heating region 12L is stopped by touching the left start key 224L or pressing the left start key 224L.

[0047] In the first embodiment, when the left start key 224L is operated in a state in which the left induction heating coil 13L is not driven and the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L is not set, the cooking device 1 is on standby for heating by the left induction heating coil 13L. In this case, when the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L is set and the left start key 224L is operated again, the left induction heating coil 13L is driven to heat with the set heating power. In addition, instead of the left start key 224L, the cooking device 1 may be provided with a key that accepts an operation to instruct the left induction heating coil 13L to be on standby, separately from the left start key 224L. Hereinafter, the keys that accept an operation to instruct the left induction heating coil 13L to be on standby are collectively referred to as the left start key 224L.

[0048] Here, an example has been described in which after the heat power is set, heating is started by operating the keys again, but this is not limited to this, and heating may be started without operating the keys after the heat power is set.

[0049] The left operation unit 22L is provided with a left operation light-emitting unit 26L. The left operation light-emitting unit 26L includes a first left operation light-emitting unit 260L, a second left operation light-emitting unit 261L, a third left operation light-emitting unit 262L, and a fourth left operation light-emitting unit 263L. Each of the first left operation light-emitting unit 260L to the fourth left operation light-emitting unit 263L has a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0050] The first left operation light emitting unit 260L is provided in correspondence with the left start key 224L, and emits light in response to an input operation to the left start key 224L. The second left operation light emitting unit 261L is provided in correspondence with the left cooking selection key 220L, and emits light in response to an input operation to the left cooking selection key 220L. The third left operation light emitting unit 262L is provided in correspondence with the left heat down key 221L and the left heat up key 222L, and emits light in response to an input operation to the left heat down key 221L and the left heat up key 222L. The fourth left operation light emitting unit 263L is provided in correspondence with the left timer key 223L, and emits light in response to an input operation to the left timer key 223L.

[0051] The left display unit 24L displays information related to cooking in the left heating area 12L. Specifically, the left display unit 24L displays the timer setting time for cooking the object to be heated placed on the left heating area 12L, the elapsed time from the start of heating in the left heating area 12L, or the remaining time until the timer setting time ends. When preheat cooking in the left heating area 12L, for example, is selected, the left display unit 24L displays the default temperature or the current temperature of the left heating area 12L. The default temperature is preset and refers to the target temperature of the bottom surface of the object to be heated in the left heating area 12L. The default temperature can be changed within a range preset by the user.

[0052] The left heating power display unit 25L has a plurality of left heating power display light-emitting units 250L, which indicate the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L in stages. Each left heating power display light-emitting unit 250L includes a light-emitting element such as an LED. The cooking device 1 indicates the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L in stages by switching the lighting state of each left heating power display light-emitting unit 250L or by switching the lighting color of each left heating power display light-emitting unit 250L. The cooking device 1 lights up more left heating power display light-emitting units 250L, for example, from the left, depending on the magnitude of the heating power of the left induction heating coil 13L. Then, when the left heating area 12L is in a heat-retaining state by the left induction heating coil 13L, the leftmost one of the left heating power display light-emitting units 250L is turned on.

[0053] 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the right operation display area in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the right operation unit 22R in the first embodiment includes a right cooking selection key 220R, a right heat down key 221R, a right heat up key 222R, a right timer key 223R, and a right start key 224R on the top plate 11. Hereinafter, these keys in the right operation display area may be collectively referred to as the right key. The right key in the first embodiment is a capacitive touch sensor, but may be a push button using a mechanical switch.

[0054] The right cooking selection key 220R is a key for selecting one of a plurality of cooking menus executed in the right heating region 12R. Each time the right cooking selection key 220R is touched or the right cooking selection key 220R is pressed, one of a plurality of cooking menus can be selected. The cooking menu includes, for example, items such as a water boiling setting, a stewing setting, a preheat cooking setting, and a deep-fried cooking setting as options. The heating time by the right induction heating coil 13R, or the heat or driving pattern of the right induction heating coil 13R, can be changed for each item in the cooking menu.

[0055] The right heat down key 221R accepts an instruction to decrease the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R. Each time the right heat down key 221R is touched or the right heat down key 221R is pressed, the heating power decreases by one step. The right heat up key 222R accepts an instruction to increase the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R. Each time the right heat up key 222R is touched or the right heat up key 222R is pressed, the heating power increases by one step. The heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R has nine steps ranging from a minimum rated heating power of, for example, 150 [W] to a maximum rated heating power of, for example, 3200 [W].

[0056] The right timer key 223R accepts timer settings for cooking in the right heating region 12R. The user can set the heating time by the right induction heating coil 13R by touching or pressing the right timer key 223R.

[0057] The right start key 224R is for starting or stopping cooking in the right heating region 12R. When the right induction heating coil 13R is not being driven, the right induction heating coil 13R is driven and the right heating region 12R is heated by touching the right start key 224R or pressing the right start key 224R. When the right induction heating coil 13R is being driven, the right induction heating coil 13R is stopped being driven and the heating operation for the right heating region 12R is stopped by touching the right start key 224R or pressing the right start key 224R.

[0058] In the first embodiment, when the right induction heating coil 13R is not driven and the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R is not set and the right start key 224R is operated, the cooking device 1 is put into standby for heating by the right induction heating coil 13R. In this case, when the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R is set and the right start key 224R is operated again, the right induction heating coil 13R is driven to heat with the set heating power. In addition, instead of the right start key 224R, the cooking device 1 may be provided with a key that accepts an operation to instruct the right induction heating coil 13R to be in standby, separately from the right start key 224R. Hereinafter, the keys that accept an operation to instruct the right induction heating coil 13R to be in standby are collectively referred to as the right start key 224R.

[0059] The right operation unit 22R is provided with a right operation light-emitting unit 26R. The right operation light-emitting unit 26R includes a first right operation light-emitting unit 260R, a second right operation light-emitting unit 261R, a third right operation light-emitting unit 262R, and a fourth right operation light-emitting unit 263R. Each of the first right operation light-emitting unit 260R to the fourth right operation light-emitting unit 263R has a light-emitting element such as an LED.

[0060] The first right operation light emitting unit 260R is provided in correspondence with the right start key 224R, and emits light in response to an input operation to the right start key 224R. The second right operation light emitting unit 261R is provided in correspondence with the right cooking selection key 220R, and emits light in response to an input operation to the right cooking selection key 220R. The third right operation light emitting unit 262R is provided in correspondence with the right heat down key 221R and the right heat up key 222R, and emits light in response to an input operation to the right heat down key 221R and the right heat up key 222R. The fourth right operation light emitting unit 263R is provided in correspondence with the right timer key 223R, and emits light in response to an input operation to the right timer key 223R.

[0061] The right display unit 24R displays information about cooking in the right heating region 12R. Specifically, the right display unit 24R displays the timer setting time for cooking an object to be heated placed on the right heating region 12R, the elapsed time from the start of heating in the right heating region 12R, or the remaining time until the timer setting time ends, etc.

[0062] The right heating power display unit 25R has a plurality of right heating power display light-emitting units 250R, which indicate the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R in stages. Each right heating power display light-emitting unit 250R includes a light-emitting element such as an LED. The cooking device 1 indicates the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R in stages by switching the lighting state of each right heating power display light-emitting unit 250R or by switching the lighting color of each right heating power display light-emitting unit 250R. The cooking device 1 lights up more right heating power display light-emitting units 250R, for example, from the left, depending on the magnitude of the heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R. Then, when the right heating region 12R is in a heat-retaining state by the right induction heating coil 13R, the leftmost right heating power display light-emitting unit 250R is turned on.

[0063] 7, in the first embodiment, a power operation unit 23 is provided in the right display operation area on the top plate 11. The power operation unit 23 includes a power button 230 provided at a position adjacent to the right operation unit 15R on the top plate 11. The power button 230 in the first embodiment is a mechanical button that accepts an operation when pressed.

[0064] When the power button 230 is pressed for several seconds, for example, while the cooking appliance 1 is in a power-off state, the cooking appliance 1 is turned on. When the power button 230 is pressed for several seconds, for example, while the cooking appliance 1 is in a power-on state, the cooking appliance 1 is turned off. The power operation unit 23 is provided with a power light-emitting unit 231. The power light-emitting unit 231 has a light-emitting element, for example, an LED. The power light-emitting unit 231 is provided in association with the power button 230, and emits light in response to an operation on the power button 230.

[0065] 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the cooking device according to embodiment 1. The cooking device 1 includes a first heating section 27, a second heating section 28, a third heating section 29, an open / close detection section 18, a heating operation section 22, a temperature sensor group 14, a power operation section 23, a notification section 30, a communication section 31, and a control section 32.

[0066] The configurations and functions of the first heating section 27 to the third heating section 29 are as described above. In addition to the above, the second heating section 28 may be, for example, a steam generator that supplies high-temperature superheated steam to the heating chamber 15. In addition to the above, the third heating section 29 may have a plurality of heating sources having different heating principles, such as a combination of an electric heater and a gas burner. The third heating section 29 may include an induction heating source that heats the heating chamber 15, or may include a steam generator that supplies superheated steam. The third heating section 29 may be a heat-generating member that becomes hot by induction heating and is disposed inside or outside the heating chamber, and the wall surface of the heating chamber 15 may be heated by this heat-generating member.

[0067] The configurations and functions of the open / close detection unit 18 and the heating operation unit 22 are as described above. The temperature sensor group 14 includes one or more first temperature sensors 14A, the second temperature sensor 14B, and one or more third temperature sensors 14C described above.

[0068] The power operation unit 23 includes the power button 230 and the like described above as well as a power switch 232. The power switch 232 is for switching the power on and off. When the power of the cooking appliance 1 is off, the power switch 232 switches so that power is supplied from the power circuit 233 to the control unit 32 by pressing the power button 230. When the power of the cooking appliance 1 is on, the power switch 232 switches so that power supply from the power circuit 233 to the control unit 32 is cut off by pressing the power button 230.

[0069] The notification unit 30 has the above-mentioned display unit 24 and heating power display unit 25, and an audio output unit 33. The audio output unit 33 outputs, by audio, information indicating the operating status of the cooking appliance 1, information related to cooking, etc. The communication unit 31 is configured using a communication interface circuit, and communicates with the second communication device 5 and with the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5.

[0070] The control unit 32 controls the first heating unit 27 to the third heating unit 29, the notification unit 30, and the communication unit 31. The control unit 32 is, for example, an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as a control circuit that controls each of these units are mounted. The control unit 32 controls any of the first heating unit 27 to the third heating unit 29, the notification unit 30, and the communication unit 31 based on the detection result by the temperature sensor group 14, the detection result by the open / close detection unit 18, an instruction input to the heating operation unit 22, information received by the communication unit 31, or the like.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the drive circuit of the left induction heating coil 13L based on the operation of the left operation unit 22L and the temperature of the left heating area 12L detected by the first temperature sensor 14A. Similarly, the control unit 32 controls the drive circuit of the right induction heating coil 13R based on the operation of the right operation unit 22R and the detection result of the first temperature sensor 14A. The control unit 32 also controls the drive circuit of the central induction heating coil 13C based on the operation of the central operation unit 22C and the detection result of the first temperature sensor 14A. The control unit 32 controls the drive circuits of both or one of the second heating unit 28 and the third heating unit 29 based on the operation of the central operation unit 22C and the detection results of the second temperature sensor 14B and the third temperature sensor 14C. The control unit 32 controls the left display unit 24L and the left heating power display unit 25L based on the operation of the left operation unit 22L. Similarly, the control unit 32 controls the right display unit 24R and the right heating power display unit 25R based on the operation of the right operation unit 22R. Furthermore, the control unit 32 controls the central display unit 24C based on the detection result of the open / close detection unit 18. The control unit 32 also controls the central display unit 24C based on the operation of at least one of the left operation unit 22L, the right operation unit 22R, and the central operation unit 22C.

[0072] The control unit 32 stores control data such as various programs and parameters used to control the cooking device 1, and data displayed by the notification unit 30. The control unit 32 has a timekeeping function, and when a timer is set for heating by the left induction heating coil 13L or the right induction heating coil 13R, that is, when the heating time is set by the timer, the control unit 32 measures the remaining time of the heating time. When the remaining time becomes 0, the control unit 32 controls the drive circuit to stop heating by the left induction heating coil 13L or the right induction heating coil 13R for which the timer was set. When a timer is set for heating by the left induction heating coil 13L, the control unit 32 displays the remaining time on the left display unit 24L. Note that the control unit 32 displays the heating time set on the left display unit 24L at the time of setting the timer for the left induction heating coil 13L. Similarly, when a timer is set for heating by the right induction heating coil 13R, the control unit 32 displays the remaining time on the right display unit 24R. At the time when the timer for the right induction heating coil 13R is set, the control unit 32 causes the right display unit 24R to display the set heating time.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit timer information to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5 when the timer is set. Here, the timer information refers to information corresponding to the remaining time of the heating time set by the timer. The timer information in the first embodiment indicates the remaining time before the expiration of the heating time, and indicates the expiration of the heating time when the heating time expires. The timer information may be information that notifies the expiration of the heating time, for example, 2 minutes before, when the remaining time of the heating time is a predetermined notice time, for example, 10 [seconds] to 2 [minutes]. In this way, a user who is away from the cooking appliance 1 for another purpose can be prompted to return to the cooking appliance 1.

[0074] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 when the communication unit 31 receives information from the first communication device 4 instructing the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 before the expiration of the heating time set by the timer. Furthermore, the control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 when the heating time expires. The control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 during the advance notice time. Additionally, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 periodically.

[0075] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating at least one of the heating state by the left induction heating coil 13L or the heating state by the right induction heating coil 13R, in addition to the timer information, to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. Hereinafter, the information indicating the heating state may be referred to as heating state information. The heating state information is, for example, information indicating the heating power or information indicating the detection result by the first temperature sensor 14A. The detection result by the first temperature sensor 14A corresponds to the temperature of the heated object. The control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the heating state information to the first communication device 4 when the communication unit 31 receives information instructing the transmission of the heating state information from the first communication device 4. Hereinafter, the information instructing the transmission of both or one of the timer information and the heating state information may be referred to as transmission instruction information. The control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to periodically transmit the heating state information to the first communication device 4.

[0076] When the first communication device 4 according to the first embodiment receives timer information, it outputs the timer information. This allows the user of the cooking appliance 1 to recognize the state of the timer set in the cooking appliance 1 even when the user is away from the cooking appliance 1. That is, when the heating time has expired, the user can recognize the expiration of the heating time from the timer information output by the first communication device 4. Also, when the heating time has not expired, the user can recognize the remaining time from the timer information output by the first communication device 4. In this case, when the remaining time is the advance notice time, the user can predict the expiration of the heating time from the timer information output by the first communication device 4.

[0077] When the first communication device 4 according to the first embodiment receives the heating state information, it outputs the heating state information. As a result, when either the left induction heating coil 13L or the right induction heating coil 13R performs a heating operation, the user of the cooking device 1 can remotely recognize the heating state by either of the induction heating coils 13. That is, when the left induction heating coil 13L performs a heating operation, the user can recognize the heating power by the left induction heating coil 13L or the temperature of the heated object in the left heating region 12L by the heating state information output by the first communication device 4. And, when the right induction heating coil 13R performs a heating operation, the user can recognize the heating power by the right induction heating coil 13R or the temperature of the heated object in the right heating region 12R by the heating state information output by the first communication device 4. Here, the user may want to remotely perform further settings on the cooking device 1 based on the information output by the first communication device 4.

[0078] Conventionally, a user could not perform setting operations on the cooking appliance 1 via the first communication device 4. For example, even if a user could know the remaining time of the heating time set by a timer via the first communication device 4, the user could not extend the heating time. The cooking system 100 according to the first embodiment enables setting operations on the cooking appliance 1 using the first communication device 4, improving usability. The cooking appliance 1 and the cooking system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0079] In addition, the cooking system 100 according to the first embodiment is assumed to be capable of remotely setting the heating time and heating power by the left induction heating coil 13L and the right induction heating coil 13R, but the cooking system 100 may be capable of remotely setting only one of the heating time and the heating power. The cooking system 100 may be capable of remotely setting both or one of the heating time and heating power by any of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20. When the cooking system 100 is capable of remotely setting both or one of the heating time and heating power by any of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20, the central heating start key 227C may receive an operation to instruct the standby of heating by any of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20. Alternatively, the central operation unit 22C may have a central standby key that accepts an operation to instruct standby for heating by any one of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20. The cooking device 1 may be provided with a central timer key on the central operation unit 22C that accepts a timer instruction for heating by any one of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20.

[0080] Hereinafter, a component that performs the heating process and can remotely set both or either of the heating time and the heating power will be referred to as a heating unit. The left induction heating coil 13L and the right induction heating coil 13R are examples of the heating unit. Also, a component included in the heating cooker 1 that accepts the setting of both or either of the heating time and the heating power by the heating unit will be referred to as an operation unit. The left operation unit 22L and the right operation unit 22R are examples of the operation unit.

[0081] In the following, with reference to Fig. 7, a case where the heating time and heating power of the right induction heating coil 13R are remotely set will be described as an example. In addition, in the following, a case where a smart speaker is used as the first communication device 4 will be described as an example. Note that application software for setting the cooking appliance 1 is installed in the smart speaker.

[0082] After pressing the power button 230, by touching the right start key 224R or pressing the right start key 224R, the control unit 32 enters a state in which it accepts remote settings of both or one of the heating time and heating power by the right induction heating coil 13R. The control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has entered a state in which it accepts remote settings of both or one of the heating time and heating power by the right induction heating coil 13R by operating the right start key 224R to the first communication device 4. Hereinafter, the state of the cooking appliance 1 in which it accepts remote settings of both or one of the heating time and heating power by the heating unit may be referred to as a remote standby state.

[0083] The cooking system 100 performs the following process when the cooker 1 is in a remote standby state that accepts remote settings of both or either of the heating time and heating power by the right induction heating coil 13R. The control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction for either the heating power or the heating time by the right induction heating coil 13R to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. The first communication device 4 outputs content inquiring about either the heating power or the heating time by the right induction heating coil 13R in response to the received request information. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction for either the heating power or the heating time by the right induction heating coil 13R by voice from the user. For example, if the request information requests an instruction about the heating power, the first communication device 4 outputs a voice such as "How much heating power do you want?". Then, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction by voice from the user, such as "heat power 7". The first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooker 1 via the second communication device 5. The control unit 32 performs settings according to the received instructions.

[0084] The control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction on the other of the heating power and the heating time of the right induction heating coil 13R to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. The first communication device 4 outputs content inquiring about the other of the heating power and the heating time of the right induction heating coil 13R in response to the received request information. For example, if the request information requests an instruction on the heating time, the first communication device 4 outputs a voice such as "Do you want to set the timer?". Then, the first communication device 4 accepts a voice instruction such as "set" from the user. The first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1 via the second communication device 5. When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to set the timer, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information inquiring about the heating time to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5.

[0085] When the first communication device 4 receives request information inquiring about the heating time from the cooking appliance 1, it outputs a voice such as "How long would you like the heating time?". Then, the first communication device 4 accepts a voice instruction from the user, such as "7 minutes". The first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1 via the second communication device 5. The control unit 32 performs settings according to the received instruction.

[0086] In addition, instead of transmitting request information requesting an instruction as to whether a timer is needed and causing the communication unit 31 to transmit request information inquiring about the heating time when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to set the timer, the control unit 32 may cause the communication unit 31 to transmit request information inquiring about the heating time when the operation of the right timer key 223R is used as a trigger.

[0087] As described above, by enabling remote settings of the cooking appliance 1, the user does not need to be in front of the cooking appliance 1 to set the cooking appliance 1. Therefore, the user can set the cooking appliance 1 while minimizing interruptions to the work that he or she was doing. And, since the user does not need to perform the setting work in front of the cooking appliance 1, the time required for the work in front of the cooking appliance 1 can be shortened.

[0088] In the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction regarding the heating power, the control unit 32 controls the drive circuit so that the right induction heating coil 13R performs heating at the heating power indicated by the instruction, triggered by an operation on the right start key 224R. As a result, the right induction heating coil 13R starts heating. Also, in the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction regarding the heating time, the control unit 32 starts counting down the heating time indicated by the instruction, triggered by an operation on the right timer key 223R. In this way, since the cooking device 1 starts heating with an operation on the operation unit as a trigger, the user needs to be in front of the cooking device 1 in order to make the cooking device 1 start heating. Then, when making the cooking device 1 start heating, the user can check whether the object to be heated is properly placed on the cooking device 1 or whether anything other than the object to be heated is placed on the cooking device 1. Therefore, safety is guaranteed when the cooking device 1 is heating.

[0089] In the first embodiment, when the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 is longer than the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the right operation unit 22R, the control unit 32 invalidates the instruction. That is, the control unit 32 does not perform control according to the instruction. Similarly, when the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 is shorter than the lower limit of the heating time accepted by the right operation unit 22R, the control unit 32 invalidates the instruction.

[0090] In the first embodiment, when the firepower in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 is greater than the upper limit of the firepower that can be accepted by the right operation unit 22R, the control unit 32 invalidates the instruction. Similarly, when the firepower in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 is less than the lower limit of the firepower that can be accepted by the right operation unit 22R, the control unit 32 invalidates the instruction.

[0091] When the control unit 32 invalidates an instruction regarding the heating time received by the communication unit 31, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction regarding the heating time again to the first communication device 4. When the control unit 32 invalidates an instruction regarding the heating power received by the communication unit 31, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction regarding the heating power again to the first communication device 4. In this case, the first communication device 4 outputs request information requesting an instruction regarding both or one of the heating time and the heating power again. Furthermore, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that the content of the instruction received by the cooking appliance 1 was inappropriate and invalidated to the first communication device 4 together with the request information or prior to the request information. In this case, the first communication device 4 outputs information indicating that the content of the instruction was inappropriate and invalidated.

[0092] Instead of the control unit 32, the first communication device 4 may invalidate an instruction for a heating time that is not within the range of the lower limit or more and the upper limit or less, by using installed application software or the like. When the first communication device 4 invalidates an instruction for a heating time, it may output information again to ask the user for the heating time. The first communication device 4 may invalidate an instruction for a heating power that is not within the range of the lower limit or more and the upper limit or less, by using installed application software or the like. When the first communication device 4 invalidates an instruction for a heating power, it may output information again to ask the user for the heating time.

[0093] The heating cooker 1 of embodiment 1 is capable of performing heating for a heating time whose increment is equal to or smaller than the heating time increment accepted by the right operation unit 22R by receiving instructions for the heating time whose increment is equal to or smaller than the heating time increment accepted by the right operation unit 22R from the first communication device 4.

[0094] When the heating time set by the timer expires, the control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction as to whether or not the heating time needs to be extended to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. The control unit 32 may transmit timer information indicating the expiration of the heating time together with the request information requesting an instruction as to whether or not the heating time needs to be extended.

[0095] When the first communication device 4 receives request information requesting an instruction as to whether or not to extend the heating time, it outputs a voice saying, for example, "The timer has finished. Do you want to extend it?" The first communication device 4 accepts a voice instruction, for example, "Extend it," from the user. The first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1 via the second communication device 5. When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to extend the heating time, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information inquiring about the heating time to be extended to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5.

[0096] When the first communication device 4 receives request information inquiring about the heating time to be extended, it outputs a voice such as "How long would you like the heating time to be?". Then, the first communication device 4 accepts a voice instruction from the user, such as "3 minutes." The first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1 via the second communication device 5. The control unit 32 performs settings according to the received instruction.

[0097] When the control unit 32 in the first embodiment receives an instruction to extend the heating time, the control unit 32 resumes heating by the right induction heating coil 13R, triggered by the operation of the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R. That is, the extension of the heating time is confirmed by the operation of the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R. The operation of the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R is an example of an operation indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time. When the extension of the heating time is confirmed, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5.

[0098] After the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R is operated, the control unit 32 starts counting down the heating time indicated by the received instruction, and controls the drive circuit so that the right induction heating coil 13R performs heating during the heating time. In this way, even if the user transmits an instruction regarding the setting contents to the cooking device 1 from a remote location, the user must operate the cooking device 1 to start the operation based on the instruction, so safety can be maintained. In addition, the user can check the state of the heated object placed on the cooking device 1 before causing the cooking device 1 to perform processing according to the setting contents, so that excessive heating processing that causes the heated object to fall apart or be overcooked can be reduced.

[0099] The right operation unit 22R in the first embodiment can accept a change instruction to extend the heating time before accepting an operation indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time. When the right operation unit 22R accepts such a change instruction, the control unit 32 controls the drive circuit of the right induction heating coil 13R based on the change instruction. This allows the user to check the state of the object to be heated placed in the right heating area 12R and reset the heating time according to the state of the object to be heated.

[0100] When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to extend the heating time, the control unit 32 may control the communication unit 31 to transmit request information inquiring about the heating power in addition to the heating time to be extended to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. In this case, the first communication device 4 outputs a voice such as "What heating power would you like?" to accept an instruction about the heating power from the user and transmits the instruction to the cooking appliance 1. Then, the control unit 32 causes the right induction heating coil 13R to resume heating at the heating power based on the instruction, triggered by the operation of the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R.

[0101] The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment accepts an instruction to extend the heating time when the set heating time expires. This reduces the possibility that the user will misinterpret the total heating time. However, the cooking device 1 may also accept an instruction to extend the heating time before the heating time expires.

[0102] When the communication unit 31 does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the expiration of the heating time, the control unit 32 ends the reception of the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. In addition, when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction not to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4, such as when the user inputs "do not extend" to the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 ends the reception of the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. As a result, the heating operation by the right induction heating coil 13R is stopped after the expiration of the heating time until an operation to instruct heating is performed on the right operation unit 22R. When the control unit 32 ends the reception of the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that the reception of the instruction to extend the heating time has ended to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. The cooking appliance 1 may be configured to accept an instruction to extend the heating time from the heating operation unit 22 after finishing accepting the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. Alternatively, the cooking appliance 1 may be configured to finish accepting the instruction to extend the heating time from the heating operation unit 22 when finishing accepting the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4.

[0103] The above describes the remote setting of the heating time and heating power by the right induction heating coil 13R, but the same applies to the remote setting of the heating time and heating power by the left induction heating coil 13L. Also, if the heating time and heating power of any of the central induction heating coil 13C, microwave oscillator 19, and radiant heat heating unit 20 can be remotely set, the remote setting of the heating time and heating power of any of them is the same as that of the right induction heating coil 13R.

[0104] The above describes remote setting of the cooking appliance 1, taking as an example a case where the first communication device 4 is a smart speaker. Below, a description will be given of remote setting of the cooking appliance 1 when the first communication device 4 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Note that application software for setting the cooking appliance 1 is installed on the smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a setting image of a cooking device displayed on the screen of the first communication device in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the setting image of the cooking device 1 displayed on the screen of the first communication device 4 may be referred to as a setting screen. The first communication device 4 accepts an operation such as a tap on the area 40 in which each of "left", "center", "right", "heat setting", and "timer setting" shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Here, "left" shown in FIG. 9 refers to the left induction heating coil 13L, and when an operation such as a tap is performed on the left setting area 40L, which is the area 40 in which the content "left" is displayed, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction for setting the heating by the left induction heating coil 13L. "Right" shown in FIG. 9 refers to the right induction heating coil 13R, and when an operation is performed on the right setting area 40R, which is the area 40 in which the content "right" is displayed, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction for setting the heating by the right induction heating coil 13R. Similarly, "center" in FIG. 9 refers to the central induction heating coil 13C, and when an operation is performed on the central setting area 40C, which is the area 40 in which the content "center" is displayed, the first communication device 4 accepts a setting instruction regarding heating by the central induction heating coil 13C. Note that "center" in FIG. 9 may indicate either the microwave oscillator 19 or the radiant heat heating unit 20 in addition to the central induction heating coil 13C. In this case, when an operation is performed on the central setting area 40C, the first communication device 4 accepts a setting instruction regarding heating by either the microwave oscillator 19 or the radiant heat heating unit 20. Note that, when the heating by the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20 cannot be remotely set, the setting screen does not need to include the central setting area 40C.

[0106] When remote setting is possible for heating by two or more of the central induction heating coil 13C, the microwave oscillator 19, and the radiant heat heating unit 20, the first communication device 4 may enable selection of one of the two or more heating units that can be remotely set by operating the heating unit selection area 40S, which is the area 40 in which the content "heating unit selection" is indicated. In this case, the first communication device 4 may display an area including information indicating the two or more heating units as a choice, triggered by an operation on the heating unit selection area 40S. The first communication device 4 may accept an instruction for the heating unit to be set by operating one of the areas including information indicating the two or more heating units. In addition, the first communication device 4 may accept an instruction to set the left induction heating coil 13L or the right induction heating coil 13R, etc., by operating the heating unit selection area 40S. In this case, the left setting area 40L, the central setting area 40C, and the right setting area 40R on the setting screen may be displayed by operating the heating unit selection area 40S. Alternatively, in addition to the left setting area 40L, central setting area 40C, and right setting area 40R on the setting screen, an area for selecting the left induction heating coil 13L, right induction heating coil 13R, etc. may be displayed on the screen of the first communication device 4 by operating the heating unit selection area 40S.

[0107] When an operation is performed on the heating power setting area 40F, which is the area 40 showing the content "heating power setting" shown in Fig. 9, the first communication device 4 displays a setting screen for accepting the setting of the heating power of the heating unit that performs heating by remote setting. Hereinafter, the setting screen for accepting the setting of the heating power may be referred to as the heating power setting screen.

[0108] When an operation is performed on the timer setting area 40T, which is the area 40 showing the content "Timer setting" shown in Fig. 9, the first communication device 4 displays a setting screen for accepting the setting of the heating time by the heating unit that performs heating by remote setting. Hereinafter, the setting screen for accepting the setting of the heating time may be referred to as a timer setting screen.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a heating power setting screen in the first embodiment. The heating power setting screen shown in FIG. 10 includes a heating power decrease mark 41D and a heating power increase mark 41U. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to decrease the heating power by an operation such as tapping on the heating power decrease mark 41D. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to increase the heating power by an operation on the heating power increase mark 41U. The heating power to be set in the heating unit is shown in the heating power display area 42 on the heating power setting screen. In FIG. 10, "5" is shown as the heating power to be set in the heating unit. The heating power value displayed in the heating power display area 42 decreases by an operation on the heating power decrease mark 41D. Also, the heating power value displayed in the heating power display area 42 increases by an operation on the heating power increase mark 41U. In the first embodiment, the heating power displayed in the heating power display area 42 has an upper limit and a lower limit, the upper limit being equal to the upper limit of the heating power accepted by the operation unit, and the lower limit being equal to the lower limit of the heating power accepted by the operation unit. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to set the value displayed in the heating power display area 42 at the time of the operation on the heating power display area 42 as the heating power. When an operation such as a tap is performed on the heating power display area 42 in the state shown in FIG. 10, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to set the heating power to 5.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a timer setting screen in the first embodiment. The timer setting screen shown in FIG. 11 includes a heating time reduction mark 43D and a heating time increase mark 43U. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to shorten the heating time by an operation such as tapping on the heating time reduction mark 43. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to lengthen the heating time by an operation on the heating time increase mark 43U. Note that in the first embodiment, the heating time can be changed in increments of 10 [seconds] to 1 [minute] up to 15 [minutes] by an operation on the heating time reduction mark 43D and the heating time increase mark 43U, in increments of 5 to 10 [minutes] up to 15 to 30 [minutes], and in increments of 10 to 15 [minutes] up to 30 to 90 [minutes]. However, the increments of the change in the heating time are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the time range in which the increments of the change in the heating time change are changed is not limited to those described above.

[0111] The heating time display area 44 on the timer setting screen shows the heating time to be set in the heating unit. In FIG. 11, "10 minutes" is shown as the heating time to be set in the heating unit. By operating the heating time reduction mark 43D, the heating time displayed in the heating time display area 44 is shortened by the above-mentioned interval. Also, by operating the heating time increase mark 43U, the heating time displayed in the heating time display area 44 is lengthened by the above-mentioned interval. In the first embodiment, the heating time displayed in the heating time display area 44 has an upper limit and a lower limit, and the upper limit is equal to the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit, and the lower limit is equal to the lower limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to set the time displayed in the heating time display area 44 at the time of operation on the heating time display area 44 as the heating time by the heating unit. When an operation such as a tap is performed on the heating time display area 44 in the state shown in FIG. 11, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to set the heating time to 10 [minutes].

[0112] In addition to input via the images shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the first communication device 4 may be one that accepts input of numerical values. The first communication device 4 may be one that accepts instructions regarding the heating power and the heating time by accepting input of numerical values ​​indicating each of the heating power and the heating time. In this case, the first communication device 4 invalidates the accepted instruction regarding the heating power when the heating power indicated by the input numerical value is outside the range of heating power accepted by the operation unit. Furthermore, the first communication device 4 invalidates the input instruction regarding the heating time when the input heating time is longer than the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit, and invalidates the input instruction regarding the heating time when the input heating time is shorter than the lower limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit.

[0113] The above describes the settings made to the cooking appliance 1 via the setting screen displayed on the first communication device 4 when the first communication device 4 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like. However, the first communication device 4 which is a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like may also operate like the smart speaker described above, and the settings of the cooking appliance 1 may also be made by voice as described above.

[0114] Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the control unit 32 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit in the first embodiment. The control unit 32 can be configured, for example, by a processor 35, a memory 36, an input interface circuit 37, an output interface circuit 38, and the like, which are connected to each other by a bus 34. Examples of the processor 35 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Examples of the memory 36 include a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The functions of the control unit 32 can be realized by the processor 35 reading and executing various programs and data stored in the memory 36. The following functions of the control unit 32 can be realized by the processor 35 via the input interface circuit 37. The functions are a function of acquiring detection results from the temperature sensor group 14 and the open / close detection unit 18, a function of acquiring instructions from the communication unit 31, and a function of acquiring instructions via the heating operation unit 22. The function of the control unit 32 to control the first heating unit 27 to the third heating unit 29, the notification unit 30, and the communication unit 31 can be realized by the processor 35 via the output interface circuit 38. Note that all or a part of the functions of the control unit 32 described above may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0115] Hereinafter, the remote setting process for the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the heat power of the cooking device according to the first embodiment is remotely set. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the heating time of the cooking device according to the first embodiment is remotely set. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the extension of the heating time of the cooking device according to the first embodiment is remotely set. Note that in the process flow exemplified in Figs. 13 to 15 below, the cooking device 1 transmits request information, timer information, heating state information, and the like to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. Also, the first communication device 4 transmits various instructions, including transmission instruction information, to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. Also, the output by the first communication device 4 in the following process means audio output or display.

[0116] In step S1 of FIG. 13, the cooking device 1 receives an instruction to remotely set the heat power of the heating unit of the cooking device 1. Specifically, the cooking device 1 receives an instruction to remotely set the heat power by operating the operation unit of the cooking device 1, such as the left start key 224L or the right start key 224R, or by receiving an instruction from the first communication device 4, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this case, the instruction from the first communication device 4 includes information specifying the heating unit selected by operating the left setting area 40L or the right setting area 40R. When the control unit 32 of the cooking device 1 receives information specifying the left induction heating coil 13L, the control unit 32 may cause the first left operation light-emitting unit 260L to emit light in the same way as when the left start key 224L is operated. When the control unit 32 receives information specifying the right induction heating coil 13R, the control unit 32 may cause the first right operation light-emitting unit 260R to emit light in the same way as when the right start key 224R is operated.

[0117] In step S2, the cooking appliance 1 transmits request information about heating power to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction about heating power to the first communication device 4. Then, the communication unit 31 transmits the request information to the first communication device 4 in accordance with the control of the control unit 32. The first communication device 4 receives the request information.

[0118] In step S3, the first communication device 4 outputs the received request information. In step S4, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction regarding the heating power. In step S5, the first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1. The communication unit 31 of the cooking appliance 1 receives the instruction. The control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 of the cooking appliance 1 to display or output the heating power in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 as a sound. In this case, when the selected heating unit is the left induction heating coil 13L, the control unit 32 may control the left display unit 24L to display the heating power in the instruction. Alternatively, when the selected heating unit is the right induction heating coil 13R, the control unit 32 may control the right display unit 24R to display the heating power in the instruction.

[0119] In step S6, the control unit 32 sets the heating power in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 as the heating power by the heating unit. In step S7, the control unit 32 judges whether the operation unit of the heating cooker 1 has received an operation to instruct the start of heating during the period from when the heating power of the heating unit is set in step S6 until a predetermined fixed waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, the control unit 32 judges whether the left start key 224L, the right start key 224R, etc. have been operated before the fixed waiting time has elapsed. If the operation unit has not received an operation to instruct the start of heating before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S7: NO), in step S8, the control unit 32 ends the acceptance of the instruction regarding the heating power. At this time, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify information indicating that the acceptance of the instruction regarding the heating power has ended.

[0120] In step S9, the cooking appliance 1 transmits information indicating that it has finished accepting instructions regarding the heat to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that it has finished accepting instructions regarding the heat to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the information to the first communication device 4 under the control of the control unit 32. Then, the first communication device 4 receives information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting instructions regarding the heat. In step S10, the first communication device 4 outputs information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting instructions regarding the heat. After the process of step S10, the process of remotely setting the heat in the cooking system 100 ends. Note that after the process of step S8, the cooking system 100 may end the process for remotely setting the heat without performing the processes of steps S9 to S10.

[0121] If the operation unit receives an operation to start heating before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S7: YES), in step S11, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating at the heat power set by the control unit 32 in step S6. The heating unit starts heating at the heat power according to the control of the control unit 32. After the process of step S11, the heating cooking system 100 ends the process for remotely setting the heat power.

[0122] When the cooking appliance 1 receives information specifying the heating power together with information specifying the heating unit from the first communication device 4, which is a smartphone, a tablet terminal or the like, in step S1, the cooking appliance 1 proceeds to the process in step S6.

[0123] The process shown in FIG. 14 is executed after the process shown in FIG. 13. In step S21, the cooking appliance 1 receives an instruction to set the timer. In detail, the cooking appliance 1 receives an instruction to set the timer by operating an operation unit such as the left timer key 223L or the right timer key 223R of the cooking appliance 1. Alternatively, the cooking appliance 1 may receive an instruction to set the timer from the first communication device 4. When the left induction heating coil 13L of the cooking appliance 1 is selected and the communication unit 31 of the cooking appliance 1 receives an instruction to set the timer from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 of the cooking appliance 1 may cause the fourth left operation light-emitting unit 263L of the cooking appliance 1 to emit light in the same manner as when the left timer key 223L is operated. When the right induction heating coil 13R of the cooking appliance 1 is selected and the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to set a timer from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 may cause the fourth right operation light-emitting unit 263R of the cooking appliance 1 to emit light, in the same way as when the right timer key 223R is operated.

[0124] In step S21, the cooking appliance 1 transmits request information inquiring about the heating time to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the request information inquiring about the heating time to the first communication device 4. Then, the communication unit 31 transmits the request information to the first communication device 4 in accordance with the control of the control unit 32. The first communication device 4 receives the request information.

[0125] In step S23, the first communication device 4 outputs the received request information. In step S24, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction regarding the heating time. In step S25, the first communication device 4 transmits the accepted instruction to the cooking appliance 1. The communication unit 31 receives the instruction. The control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 of the cooking appliance 1 to display or output by voice the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit 31. In this case, when the selected heating unit is the left induction heating coil 13L, the control unit 32 may control the left display unit 24L of the cooking appliance 1 to display the heating time in the instruction. Alternatively, when the selected heating unit is the right induction heating coil 13R, the control unit 32 may control the right display unit 24R of the cooking appliance 1 to display the heating time in the instruction.

[0126] In step S26, the control unit 32 sets the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit 31 as the heating time by the heating unit. In step S27, the control unit 32 judges whether the operation unit of the cooking device 1 has received an operation to instruct the start of a countdown of the heating time from when the control unit 32 sets the heating time in step S26 until the fixed waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, the control unit 32 judges whether an operation has been performed on the left timer key 223L or the right timer key 223R of the cooking device 1 before the fixed waiting time has elapsed. If the operation unit has not received an operation to instruct the start of a countdown of the heating time before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S27: NO), in step S28, the control unit 32 ends the acceptance of the instruction regarding the heating time. At this time, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify information indicating that the acceptance of the instruction regarding the heating time has been ended.

[0127] In step S29, the cooking appliance 1 transmits information indicating that it has finished accepting instructions regarding the heating time to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that it has finished accepting instructions regarding the heating time to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the information to the first communication device 4 under the control of the control unit 32. Then, the first communication device 4 receives information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting instructions regarding the heating time. In step S30, the first communication device 4 outputs information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting instructions regarding the heating time. After the process of step S30, the process of remotely setting the heating time in the cooking system 100 ends. Note that, after the process of step S28, the cooking system 100 may end the process for remotely setting the heating time without performing the processes of steps S29 to S30.

[0128] If the operation unit receives an operation to start counting down the heating time before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S27: YES), in step S31, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time set in step S26. After the process of step S31, the heating and cooking system 100 ends the process for remotely setting the heating time.

[0129] In the first embodiment, the process of step S21 and the subsequent steps are performed after the process of step S11 shown in FIG. 13, but the process of step S21 and the subsequent steps may be performed after step S6. In this case, in step S27, the control unit 32 may determine whether the operation unit such as the left timer key 223L or the left start key 224L, or the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R, has accepted an operation before the fixed waiting time has elapsed. In this case, if the left timer key 223L or the left start key 224L, or the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R, etc. has accepted an operation before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S27: YES), in step S31, the control unit 32 causes the heating unit to start heating with the heating power set in step S6. Then, in step S31, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time set in step S26. If the left timer key 223L or the left start key 224L, or the right timer key 223R or the right start key 224R, etc. does not accept any operation before the fixed waiting time has elapsed (step S27: NO), the cooking system 100 performs the process of step S28.

[0130] In step S21, when the cooking device 1 receives an instruction for setting the timer and an instruction for the heating time from the first communication device 4, which is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, the process proceeds to step S26. In addition, in step S1, when the cooking device 1 receives information specifying the heating time together with information specifying the heating unit and the heating power, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0131] The process shown in FIG. 15 is executed after the process shown in FIG. 14. In step S40, the control unit 32 of the cooking appliance 1 judges whether a predetermined event has occurred. The event may be that the communication unit 31 of the cooking appliance 1 receives, from the first communication device 4, transmission instruction information instructing the communication unit 31 to transmit timer information corresponding to the remaining time of the heating time set by the timer. Alternatively, the remaining time of the timer set in the cooking appliance 1 is the advance notice time. In addition, the event may be that the timer has expired. If the predetermined event has not occurred (step S40: NO), the cooking appliance 1 returns the process to step S40. If the predetermined event has occurred (step S40: YES), in step S41, the control unit 32 judges whether the event that has occurred is the expiration of the timer. If the event that has occurred is the expiration of the timer (step S41: YES), in step S45 described later, the cooking appliance 1 transmits to the first communication device 4 timer information indicating the expiration of the heating time and request information inquiring whether or not the heating time needs to be extended, i.e., whether or not the timer needs to be reset. If the event that has occurred is not the expiration of the timer (step S41: NO), in step S42, the cooking appliance 1 transmits the timer information to the first communication device 4 based on the transmission instruction information. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the timer information to the first communication device 4 based on the transmission instruction information, and the communication unit 31 transmits the timer information to the first communication device 4 in accordance with the control of the control unit 32. The first communication device 4 receives the timer information. The control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 of the cooking appliance 1 to notify the first communication device 4 of the timer information transmitted by the communication unit 31.

[0132] The transmission instruction information may include an instruction to transmit heating status information indicating the heating status of the heating unit of the cooking appliance 1. In this case, in step S42, the cooking appliance 1 transmits the heating status information to the first communication device 4. The control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify the heating status information transmitted by the communication unit 31 to the first communication device 4. The first communication device 4 that receives the heating status information outputs the heating status information.

[0133] In step S43, the first communication device 4 outputs timer information. In step S44, the control unit 32 determines whether the heating time has expired. If the heating time has not expired (step S44: NO), the cooking device 1 returns the process to step S40. If the heating time has expired (step S44: YES), in step S45, the cooking device 1 transmits to the first communication device 4 timer information indicating the expiration of the heating time and request information inquiring whether the heating time needs to be extended, i.e., whether the timer needs to be reset. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit to the first communication device 4 timer information indicating the expiration of the heating time and request information inquiring whether the timer needs to be reset. The first communication device 4 receives the timer information and the request information in response to the control from the control unit 32. In step S45, the cooking device 1 may transmit request information requesting an instruction regarding heat power to the first communication device 4.

[0134] In step S46, the first communication device 4 outputs the timer information and request information received in step S45. In step S47, the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to reset the timer. In step S47, the first communication device 4 may accept an instruction indicating the length of the heating time to be extended together with the instruction to reset the timer. In step S48, the first communication device 4 transmits the instruction to reset the timer to the cooking appliance 1.

[0135] If the first communication device 4 receives an instruction indicating the length of the extended heating time in step S47, the first communication device 4 transmits an instruction indicating the length of the extended heating time to the cooking device 1 together with an instruction to reset the timer in step S48. If the first communication device 4 receives an instruction to reset the timer in step S47 but does not receive an instruction regarding the length of the extended heating time, the first communication device 4 transmits an instruction to reset the timer to the cooking device 1 in step S48. Then, the first communication device 4 receives request information from the cooking device 1 inquiring about the extension of the heating time. Furthermore, the first communication device 4 receives an instruction regarding the extension of the heating time from the user and transmits the instruction regarding the extension of the heating time to the cooking device 1.

[0136] In step S47, the first communication device 4 may receive an instruction regarding the heating power at the same time as the instruction regarding the timer. In this case, the first communication device 4 transmits the instruction regarding the heating power to the cooking appliance 1 in step S48.

[0137] In step S49, the control unit 32 determines whether the communication unit 31 has received an instruction to reset the timer from the first communication device 4 during the period from when the cooking appliance 1 transmitted request information inquiring about whether the timer needs to be reset in step S45 until the instruction waiting time has elapsed. If the communication unit 31 has not received an instruction to reset the timer before the instruction waiting time has elapsed (step S49: NO), the control unit 32 ends the acceptance of the instruction to extend the heating time in step S50. At this time, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify information indicating that the acceptance of the instruction to extend the heating time has ended.

[0138] In step S51, the cooking appliance 1 transmits information indicating that it has finished accepting the instruction to extend the heating time to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit information indicating that it has finished accepting the instruction to extend the heating time to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the information to the first communication device 4 under the control of the control unit 32. Then, the first communication device 4 receives information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting the instruction to extend the heating time. In step S52, the first communication device 4 outputs information indicating that the cooking appliance 1 has finished accepting the instruction to extend the heating time. After the process of step S52, the process for remotely setting the extension of the heating time in the cooking system 100 is terminated. Note that, after the process of step S50, the cooking system 100 may terminate the process for remotely setting the extension of the heating time without performing the processes of steps S51 to S52.

[0139] When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to reset the timer before the instruction waiting time has elapsed (step S49: YES), the control unit 32 resets the timer in step S53. In this case, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify that the timer has been reset. Specifically, when the left induction heating coil 13L is selected as the heating unit, the control unit 32 may cause the fourth left operation light-emitting unit 263L in the heating cooker 1 to emit light. Note that when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to reset the timer in step S49, it is assumed that the communication unit 31 has received an instruction to extend the heating time at the same time as the instruction to reset the timer, or before or after the instruction to reset the timer.

[0140] In step S49, if the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to reset the timer and an instruction on the length of the extended heating time before the instruction waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 32 extends the heating time by the heating unit by the heating time in the instruction in step S53. If the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to reset the timer before the instruction waiting time has elapsed and receives an instruction on the length of the extended heating time before and after receiving the instruction to reset the timer, the control unit 32 also extends the heating time by the heating unit by the heating time in the instruction in step S53. In this case, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify the extended heating time. Specifically, when the left induction heating coil 13L is selected as the heating unit, the control unit 32 may cause the left display unit 24L of the heating cooker 1 to display the extended heating time.

[0141] If the communication unit 31 receives an instruction for the heating power together with an instruction for resetting the timer before the instruction waiting time has elapsed in step S49, the control unit 32 sets the heating power of the heating unit to the instructed heating power in step S53. If the communication unit 31 receives an instruction for resetting the timer before the instruction waiting time has elapsed and receives an instruction for the heating power before or after receiving the instruction for resetting the timer, the control unit 32 also sets the heating power of the heating unit to the instructed heating power in step S53. In this case, the control unit 32 may control the notification unit 30 to notify the set heating power. Specifically, when the left induction heating coil 13L is selected as the heating unit, the control unit 32 may cause the left display unit 24L to display the set heating power.

[0142] In step S54, the control unit 32 judges whether the operation unit of the cooking appliance 1 has received an operation for confirming the resetting of the timer during the period from when the timer was reset in step S53 until the confirmation waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, the control unit 32 judges whether the left timer key 223L or the right timer key 223R, etc., of the cooking appliance 1 has been operated before the confirmation waiting time has elapsed. If the operation unit has not received an operation for confirming the resetting of the timer before the confirmation waiting time has elapsed (step S54: NO), the cooking system 100 ends the process for remotely executing the setting of an extension of the heating time after the processes of steps S50 to S52 or after the process of step S50.

[0143] If the operation unit accepts an operation for resetting the timer before the confirmed waiting time has elapsed (step S54: YES), in step S55, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating for the extended heating time.

[0144] If the communication unit 31 has not received an instruction regarding the heat power after step S48 and before step S54, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit in step S55 to heat the food with the same heat power as the heat power before it is determined in step S44 that the heating time has expired. On the other hand, if the communication unit 31 receives an instruction regarding the heat power after step S48 and before step S54, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit in step S55 to heat the food with the heat power in the instruction received by the communication unit 31. After the process of step S55, the heating time extension process by the heating cooking system 100 ends.

[0145] If the operation unit receives a change instruction to change the instruction from the first communication device 4 instead of an operation for confirming the resetting of the timer during the confirmation waiting time in step S54, the cooking device 1 operates based on the change instruction. After the operation by the cooking device 1, the cooking system 100 ends the process for extending the heating time.

[0146] The processes of steps S40 to S43 in FIG. 15 may be omitted as necessary depending on the settings of the cooking appliance 1, for example, when the user only wants to be notified of the expiration of the heating time.

[0147] In the above description, the notification unit 30 is provided in the cooking appliance 1 as an example, but the cooking system 100 may include a notification unit in the first communication device 4, and the notification may be made from the first communication device 4. Notification may also be made from both the cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4.

[0148] The effects of the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a heating unit, a communication unit 31, and a control unit 32. The heating unit heats an object to be heated. The communication unit 31 communicates with a first communication device 4 capable of inputting and outputting information. The communication unit 31 receives instructions from the first communication device 4 regarding both or one of the heating time and heating power by the heating unit. The control unit 32 controls the heating unit based on the instructions received by the communication unit 31 from the first communication device 4. This allows the cooking device 1 to remotely set both or one of the heating time and heating power. Therefore, the cooking device 1 improves convenience.

[0149] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit both or either of the timer information and the heating state information to the first communication device 4. The timer information is information corresponding to the remaining time of the heating time at the present time in the instruction from the first communication device 4. The heating state information indicates the heating state corresponding to the heat power in the instruction from the first communication device 4. This allows the user to remotely check both or either of the remaining time of the heating time set in the heating cooker 1 and the heating state by the heating unit. Therefore, the user can remotely infer the state of the heated object from both or either of the remaining time and the heating state. In addition, the user can remotely check whether the heating time has expired or not.

[0150] In the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 receives transmission instruction information from the first communication device 4 instructing the communication unit 31 to transmit both or either of the timer information and the heating status information from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit both or either of the timer information and the heating status information to the first communication device 4 in response to the transmission instruction information. This allows the user to check the remaining time on the timer and both or either of the heating status at a desired timing using the first communication device 4. Therefore, the cooking appliance 1 improves convenience. In addition, the communication volume can be reduced compared to the case where the communication unit 31 transmits both or either of the timer information and the heating status information to the first communication device 4 at any time.

[0151] When the heating time instructed by the first communication device 4 has expired, the control unit 32 in the first embodiment controls the communication unit 31 to transmit timer information indicating the expiration of the heating time to the first communication device 4. This enables the user to recognize that the heating time has expired.

[0152] The heating status information in the first embodiment indicates the heating power instructed by the first communication device 4, or the temperature of the heated object by the heating power instructed. By transmitting the heating status information from the cooking appliance 1 to the first communication device 4, the user can remotely estimate the state of the heated object.

[0153] The communication unit 31 in the first embodiment receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. The control unit 32 extends the heating time by the heating unit according to the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. This allows the user to remotely set the extension of the heating time. Therefore, the cooking appliance 1 improves convenience.

[0154] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment extends the heating time by the heating unit according to the instruction to extend the heating time received by the communication unit 31 after the heating time has expired. This allows the user to remotely set the extension of the heating time when the heating time has expired. This improves convenience. In addition, since the cooking device 1 extends the heating time according to the instruction received after the heating time has expired, the user can easily check the total time the object to be heated is heated. This makes the cooking device 1 easy to use for the user.

[0155] In the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the expiration of the heating time, the control unit 32 stops accepting an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. As a result, the cooking device 1 limits the acceptance of an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4 to within the instruction waiting time, so that even if the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction that is not intended by the user, the possibility of the instruction being reflected can be reduced. Therefore, the cooking device 1 is easy to use and ensures safety.

[0156] The communication unit 31 in the first embodiment receives an instruction not to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction not to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 stops accepting the instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4. This allows the user to remotely issue an instruction not to extend the heating time to the cooking appliance 1. This improves convenience.

[0157] The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment further includes an operation unit that receives instructions regarding both or either of the heating time and the heating power by the heating unit, thereby allowing the user to directly input instructions to the cooking device 1.

[0158] In the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4 and the operation unit receives an operation indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time in the extension instruction from the first communication device 4. This allows the user to remotely set the extension of the heating time, improving convenience, but requires direct operation on the heating cooker 1 to start heating. Therefore, when the user performs an operation indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time on the operation unit, the user can check the state of the heated object and can also check whether anything other than the heated object is placed on the heating unit. This improves safety. In addition, excessive heating processing that causes the heated object to fall apart or be overcooked is reduced.

[0159] In the first embodiment, when the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device 4, if the operation unit receives an instruction to change the instruction to extend the heating time before the operation indicating the confirmation of the extension of the heating time is received, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit based on the instruction to change. This allows the user to check the state of the object to be heated and, if the setting contents such as the length of the extended heating time are inappropriate, to reset the heating time according to the state of the object to be heated.

[0160] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment invalidates the instruction from the first communication device 4 when the heating time in the instruction from the first communication device 4 is longer than the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. Also, the control unit 32 invalidates the instruction from the first communication device 4 when the heating time in the instruction from the first communication device 4 is shorter than the lower limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. This allows the cooking device 1 to suppress the execution of a process based on content that cannot be set in the main body 10 of the cooking device 1.

[0161] The control unit 32 in the first embodiment invalidates the instruction from the first communication device 4 when the heating power in the instruction from the first communication device 4 is greater than the upper limit of heating power accepted by the operation unit, and invalidates the instruction from the first communication device 4 when the heating power in the instruction from the first communication device 4 is less than the lower limit of heating power accepted by the operation unit. This allows the cooking device 1 to suppress the execution of a process based on content that cannot be set in the main body 10 of the cooking device 1.

[0162] The communication unit 31 in the first embodiment receives from the first communication device 4 an instruction for a heating time with an increment equal to or smaller than the increment of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction for the heating time from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 controls the heating unit to perform heating for the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit 31. This allows the user to flexibly set the cooking appliance 1 via the first communication device 4. This improves the usability of the cooking appliance 1.

[0163] The first communication device 4 in the first embodiment accepts an instruction for a heating time that is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. This allows the cooking device 1 to suppress the execution of a process based on content that cannot be set in the main body 10.

[0164] In the first embodiment, the first communication device 4 invalidates the instruction input to the first communication device 4 when the heating time in the instruction input to the first communication device 4 is longer than the upper limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. The first communication device 4 invalidates the instruction input to the first communication device 4 when the heating time in the instruction input to the first communication device 4 is shorter than the lower limit of the heating time accepted by the operation unit. This allows the heating cooking system 100 to prevent instructions of contents that cannot be set in the main body 10 from being transmitted from the first communication device 4 to the heating cooker 1. Therefore, unnecessary communication is reduced, and the execution of processing of the heating cooker 1 based on contents that cannot be set in the main body 10 can be suppressed.

[0165] The first communication device 4 in the first embodiment accepts an instruction for a heating power that is equal to or higher than the lower limit and equal to or lower than the upper limit of the heating power that the operation unit accepts. This allows the cooking device 1 to suppress the execution of a process based on the content that cannot be set in the main body 10.

[0166] In the first embodiment, the first communication device 4 invalidates the instruction input to the first communication device 4 when the heating power in the instruction input to the first communication device 4 is greater than the upper limit of heating power accepted by the operation unit. Also, the first communication device 4 invalidates the instruction input to the first communication device 4 when the heating power in the instruction input to the first communication device 4 is less than the lower limit of heating power accepted by the operation unit. This allows the heating cooking system 100 to prevent instructions of contents that cannot be set in the main body 10 from being transmitted from the first communication device 4 to the heating cooker 1. Therefore, unnecessary communication is reduced, and the execution of processing of the heating cooker 1 based on contents that cannot be set in the main body 10 can be suppressed.

[0167] Embodiment 2 The cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment allows the user to remotely set both or either of the heating power and the heating time by using the first communication device 4. Furthermore, the cooking device 1 according to the first embodiment requires the user to operate an operation unit such as the left timer key 223L, the right timer key 223R, the left start key 224L, or the right start key 224R when starting heating based on the settings.

[0168] The cooking device 1 in the second embodiment allows remote setting of both or either of the heat power and the heating time, as in the first embodiment, but unlike the first embodiment, does not require operation of the operation unit when starting heating based on the set contents. The cooking device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment and the same functions as those in the first embodiment will not be described unless there are special circumstances.

[0169] When the communication unit 31 receives instructions regarding both or either of the heating time and heating power from the first communication device 4, the control unit 32 in embodiment 2 controls the heating unit based on the instructions from the first communication device 4 even if no operation is performed on the operation unit.

[0170] Specifically, after transmitting an instruction regarding the heat power to the cooking appliance 1, if the first communication device 4 receives an operation from the user instructing the start of heating, the first communication device 4 transmits the instruction to the cooking appliance 1. If the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to start heating from the first communication device 4 before the fixed waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 32 causes the heating unit to start heating. Note that the first communication device 4 may receive a voice input instructing the start of heating as an operation instructing the start of heating. Alternatively, the first communication device 4 may receive a character input or a tap operation instructing the start of heating via the setting screen or the like.

[0171] After transmitting the instruction regarding the heating time to the cooking appliance 1, when the first communication device 4 receives an operation from the user instructing to start a countdown of the heating time, the control device 32 transmits the instruction to the cooking appliance 1. When the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time from the first communication device 4 during the period from when the communication unit 31 sets the heating time received from the first communication device 4 until the confirmed waiting time has elapsed, the control unit 32 starts the countdown of the heating time and causes the heating unit to perform a heating process for the heating time.

[0172] After transmitting the instruction for extending the heating time to the cooking appliance 1, if the first communication device 4 receives an operation from the user to instruct the cooking appliance 1 to resume heating, the first communication device 4 transmits the instruction to the cooking appliance 1. If the communication unit 31 receives an instruction to resume heating from the first communication device 4 before the determined waiting time has elapsed since the timer was reset, the control unit 32 causes the heating unit to resume heating and causes the heating unit to perform heating for the extended heating time.

[0173] Hereinafter, the remote setting process for the cooking device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 18. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the heat power of the cooking device according to the second embodiment is remotely set. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the heating time of the cooking device according to the second embodiment is remotely set. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the cooking system when the extension of the heating time of the cooking device according to the second embodiment is remotely set. Note that in the process flow exemplified in Figs. 16 to 18 below, the cooking device 1 transmits request information, timer information, heating state information, and the like to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. Also, the first communication device 4 transmits various instructions, including transmission instruction information, to the first communication device 4 via the second communication device 5. Also, the output by the first communication device 4 in the following process means audio output or display.

[0174] The processes of steps S61 to S66 in Fig. 16 are the same as steps S1 to S6 in Fig. 13. In step S67, the cooking appliance 1 transmits request information requesting an instruction to start heating to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 of the cooking appliance 1 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit the request information requesting an instruction to start heating to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the request information to the first communication device 4. The first communication device 4 receives the request information.

[0175] In step S68, the first communication device 4 outputs the request information received in step S67. Then, the first communication device 4 waits for input of an instruction to start heating from the user. In step S69, the first communication device 4 determines whether an instruction to start heating has been input from the user. If an instruction to start heating has been input (step S69: YES), in step S70, the first communication device 4 transmits an instruction to start heating to the cooking appliance 1. Note that the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to start heating from the user by voice input, character input, operation via a screen, or the like. If an instruction to start heating has not been input (step S69: NO), a timeout occurs and the process proceeds to step S71. The process from step S71 onwards is the same as the process from step S7 onwards in FIG. 13.

[0176] Note that, instead of the cooking appliance 1 transmitting request information requesting an instruction to start heating to the first communication device 4 in step S67 and the first communication device 4 outputting the request information in step S68, the cooking system 100 may perform the following process. That is, the first communication device 4 may perform an output prompting an instruction to start heating.

[0177] The processing of steps S81 to S86 in Fig. 17 is the same as steps S21 to S26 in Fig. 14. In step S87, the cooking appliance 1 transmits request information requesting an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 of the cooking appliance 1 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the request information to the first communication device 4. The first communication device 4 receives the request information.

[0178] In step S88, the first communication device 4 outputs the request information received in step S87. Then, the first communication device 4 waits for an input of an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time from the user. In step S89, the first communication device 4 determines whether an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time has been input from the user. If an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time has been input (step S89: YES), in step S90, the first communication device 4 transmits an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time to the cooking appliance 1. The first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time from the user by voice input, character input, or operation via a screen. If an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time has not been input (step S89: NO), a timeout occurs and the process proceeds to step S91. The process from step S91 onwards is the same as the process from step S27 onwards in FIG. 14.

[0179] Note that, instead of the cooking appliance 1 transmitting request information requesting an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time to the first communication device 4 in step S87 and the first communication device 4 outputting the request information in step S88, the cooking system 100 may perform the following process. That is, the first communication device 4 may perform an output prompting an instruction to start a countdown of the heating time.

[0180] The processing of steps S100 to S113 in Fig. 18 is the same as steps S40 to S53 in Fig. 15. In step S114, the cooking appliance 1 transmits request information requesting an instruction to restart heating to the first communication device 4. In detail, the control unit 32 of the cooking appliance 1 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit request information requesting an instruction to restart heating to the first communication device 4, and the communication unit 31 transmits the request information to the first communication device 4. The first communication device 4 receives the request information.

[0181] In step S115, the first communication device 4 outputs the request information received in step S114. Then, the first communication device 4 waits for input of an instruction to resume heating from the user. In step S116, the first communication device 4 determines whether an instruction to resume heating has been input from the user. If an instruction to resume heating has been input (step S116: YES), in step S117, the first communication device 4 transmits an instruction to resume heating to the cooking appliance 1. Note that the first communication device 4 accepts an instruction to resume heating from the user by voice input, character input, operation via a screen, or the like. If an instruction to resume heating has not been input (step S116: NO), a timeout occurs and the process proceeds to step S118. The process from step S118 onwards is the same as the process from step S54 onwards in FIG. 15.

[0182] Note that, instead of the cooking appliance 1 transmitting request information requesting an instruction to restart heating to the first communication device 4 in step S114 and the first communication device 4 outputting the request information in step S115, the cooking system 100 may perform the following process. That is, the first communication device 4 may output a command to restart heating.

[0183] In the second embodiment, any one of the processes of steps S67 to S74, the processes of steps S87 to S94, and the processes of steps S114 to S118 may be omitted. When the processes of steps S67 to S74 are omitted, the cooking system 100 performs the process of step S75 after step S66. When the processes of steps S87 to S94 are omitted, the cooking system 100 performs the process of step S95 after step S86. When the processes of steps S114 to S118 are omitted, the cooking system 100 performs the process of step S119 after step S113.

[0184] According to the cooking device 1 and cooking system 100 of the first embodiment, the user can remotely set the cooking device 1 and can also remotely operate the cooking device 1 to execute a desired heating process. This further improves convenience.

[0185] In the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, an example has been described in which the cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4 communicate via the second communication device 5, but this is not limited to this, and the cooking appliance 1 and the first communication device 4 may also communicate directly.

[0186] Although the embodiments have been described above, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments and include a range of conceivable equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 1 Cooking device, 4 First communication device, 5 Second communication device, 6 Kitchen furniture, 10 Main body, 11 Top plate, 12 Heating area, 12C Central heating area, 12L Left heating area, 12R Right heating area, 13 Induction heating coil, 13C Central induction heating coil, 13L Left induction heating coil, 13R Right induction heating coil, 14 Temperature sensor group, 14A First temperature sensor, 14B Second temperature sensor, 14C Third temperature sensor, 15 Heating chamber, 15R Right operation unit, 16 Door, 17 Handle, 18 Opening / closing detection unit, 19 Microwave oscillator, 20 Radiant heat heating unit, 20A Upper radiant heat heating unit, 20B Lower radiant heat heating unit, 21 Exhaust port cover, 22 Heating operation unit, 22C Central operation unit, 22L Left operation unit, 22R Right operation unit, 23 power operation section, 24 display section, 24C central display section, 24L left display section, 24R right display section, 25 heat power display section, 25L left heat power display section, 25R right heat power display section, 26C central operation light-emitting section, 26L left operation light-emitting section, 26R right operation light-emitting section, 27 first heating section, 28 second heating section, 29 third heating section, 30 alarm section, 31 communication section, 32 control section, 33 audio output section, 34 bus, 35 processor, 36 memory, 37 input interface circuit, 38 output interface circuit, 40 area, 40C central setting area, 40F heat power setting area, 40L left setting area, 40R right setting area, 40S heating section selection area, 40T timer setting area, 41D heat power decrease mark, 41U heat power increase mark, 42 Heat power display area, 43 Heat time reduction mark, 43D Heat time reduction mark, 43U Heat time increase mark, 44 Heat time display area, 100 Heat cooking system, 220C Function setting key, 220L Left cooking selection key, 220R Right cooking selection key, 221C 1st center heat down key, 221L Left heat down key, 221R Right heat down key, 222C 1st center heat up key, 222L Left heat up key, 222R Right heat up key, 223C 2nd center heat down key, 223L Left timer key, 223R Right timer key, 224 Left start key, 224C 2nd center heat up key, 224L Left start key, 224R Right start key, 225C 3rd center heat down key, 226C 3rd center heat up key, 227C Center heating start key, 228C Central heating cancel key, 230 Power button, 231 Power light emitting part, 232Power switch, 233 power circuit, 240C first central display area, 241C second central display area, 242C third central display area, 250L left flame power display light-emitting section, 250R right flame power display light-emitting section, 260 first central operation light-emitting section, 260C first central operation light-emitting section, 260L first left operation light-emitting section, 260R first right operation light-emitting section, 261 second central operation light-emitting section, 261C second central operation light-emitting section, 261L second left operation light-emitting section, 261R second right operation light-emitting section, 262C third central operation light-emitting section, 262L third left operation light-emitting section, 262R third right operation light-emitting section, 263C fourth central operation light-emitting section, 263L fourth left operation light-emitting section, 263R fourth right operation light-emitting section, 264C fifth central operation light-emitting section.

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats the object to be heated; A communication unit that communicates with a first communication device capable of inputting and outputting information; A control unit that controls the heating unit and the communication unit; A notification unit that notifies the setting of the heating unit; Equipped with The communication unit is receiving an instruction regarding both or one of a heating time and a heating power by the heating unit from the first communication device; The notification unit is notifying the setting of the heating unit received by the communication unit; The control unit is the communication unit controls the heating unit based on the instruction received from the first communication device; The communication unit is receiving an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is extending the heating time by the heating unit according to an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The communication unit is receiving an instruction not to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is A heating cooker that stops accepting instructions to extend the heating time from the first communication device if either the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device to not extend the heating time, or if the communication unit does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the heating time has expired.

2. A heating unit that heats the object to be heated; A communication unit that communicates with a first communication device capable of inputting and outputting information; A control unit that controls the heating unit and the communication unit; A notification unit that notifies the setting of the heating unit; An operation unit that instructs the heating time and heating power of the heating unit; Equipped with The communication unit is receiving an instruction regarding both or one of a heating time and a heating power by the heating unit from the first communication device; The notification unit is notifying the setting of the heating unit received by the communication unit; The control unit is the communication unit controls the heating unit based on the instruction received from the first communication device; The communication unit is receiving an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is extending the heating time by the heating unit according to an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is A heating cooker that, when the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device and an operation is performed from the operation unit indicating confirmation of the extension of the heating time, controls the heating unit to heat for the heating time in the extension instruction from the first communication device.

3. The control unit is The heating cooker according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the communication unit is controlled to transmit to the first communication device both or one of timer information, which is information corresponding to the current remaining time of the heating time in the instruction, and heating status information indicating the heating status corresponding to the heat power in the instruction.

4. The control unit is The heating cooker of claim 3, wherein when the communication unit receives transmission instruction information from the first communication device instructing the transmission of both or one of the timer information and the heating status information, the communication unit is controlled to transmit both or one of the timer information and the heating status information to the first communication device in accordance with the transmission instruction information.

5. The control unit is The heating cooker of claim 2, wherein when the communication unit receives an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device, if an instruction to change the instruction to extend the heating time is received before an operation indicating confirmation of the extension of the heating time is performed from the operation unit, the heating unit is controlled based on the change instruction.

6. The control unit is A heating cooker as described in any one of claim 2, claim 3 dependent on claim 2, claim 4 dependent on claim 3 dependent on claim 2, and claim 5, wherein if the heating time in the instruction from the first communication device is longer than an upper limit of the heating time settable by the operation unit, the instruction from the first communication device is invalidated, and if the heating time in the instruction from the first communication device is shorter than a lower limit of the heating time settable by the operation unit, the instruction from the first communication device is invalidated.

7. The control unit is When the heating power in the instruction from the first communication device is greater than an upper limit of the heating power that can be set by the operation unit, the instruction from the first communication device is invalidated; A heating cooker as described in any one of claims 2, claim 3 dependent on claim 2, claim 4 dependent on claim 3 dependent on claim 2, claim 5, and claim 6, wherein if the heating power in the instruction from the first communication device is shorter than the lower limit of the heating power that can be set by the operating unit, the instruction from the first communication device is invalidated.

8. The communication unit is receiving from the first communication device the instruction regarding the heating time having an increment equal to or smaller than an increment of the heating time that can be set by the operation unit; The control unit is A heating cooker as described in any one of claims 2, claim 3 dependent on claim 2, claim 4 dependent on claim 3 dependent on claim 2, claim 5, claim 6, and claim 7, wherein, when the communication unit receives the instruction regarding the heating time from the first communication device, the heating unit is controlled to heat for the heating time in the instruction received by the communication unit.

9. A cooking device that heats an object to be heated; a first communication device that receives input of information and outputs information; A notification unit that notifies the setting of the cooking appliance; A cooking system having: The cooking device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the first communication device; A heating unit that heats the object to be heated; A control unit that controls the heating unit; Equipped with The first communication device is Accepting an input of an instruction regarding both or one of a heating time and a heating power by the heating unit, and transmitting the accepted instruction to the cooking device; The notification unit is Informing the setting of the heating unit; The control unit is the communication unit controls the heating unit based on the instruction received from the first communication device; The communication unit is receiving an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is extending the heating time by the heating unit according to an instruction to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The communication unit is receiving an instruction not to extend the heating time from the first communication device; The control unit is A heating cooking system that stops accepting instructions to extend the heating time from the first communication device either when the communication unit receives an instruction from the first communication device to not extend the heating time, or when the communication unit does not receive an instruction to extend the heating time for a predetermined instruction waiting time after the heating time has expired.

10. A cooking device that heats an object to be heated; a first communication device that receives input of information and outputs information; A notification unit that notifies the setting of the cooking appliance; A cooking system having: The cooking device includes: A communication unit that communicates with the first communication device; A heating unit that heats the object to be heated; A control unit that controls the heating unit; An operation unit that instructs the heating time and heating power of the heating unit; Equipped with The first communication device is Accepting an input of an instruction regarding both or one of a heating time and a heating power by the heating unit, and transmitting the accepted instruction to the cooking device; The notification unit is Informing the setting of the heating unit; The control unit is the communication unit controls the heating unit based on the instruction received from the first communication device; The first communication device is receiving an instruction for the heating time having an increment equal to or smaller than an increment of the heating time that can be set by the operation unit, and transmitting the received instruction for the heating time to the cooking device; The control unit is A heating cooking system in which, when the communication unit receives the instruction regarding the heating time from the first communication device, the heating unit is controlled to heat for the heating time based on the instruction from the first communication device received by the communication unit.

11. The cooking device includes: Transmitting to the first communication device both or one of timer information, which is information corresponding to the current remaining time of the heating time in the instruction, and heating status information, which indicates a heating status corresponding to the heating power in the instruction; The first communication device is The heating and cooking system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the timer information is received, the timer information is output, and when the heating status information is received, the heating status information is output.

12. The first communication device is A heating cooking system as described in claim 11 dependent on claim 10, wherein if the heating time in the instruction input to the first communication device is longer than an upper limit of the heating time that can be set by the operation unit, the instruction input to the first communication device is invalidated, and if the heating time in the instruction input to the first communication device is shorter than a lower limit of the heating time that can be set by the operation unit, the instruction input to the first communication device is invalidated.

13. The first communication device is A heating cooking system as described in any one of claims 10, 11 dependent on claim 10, and claim 12, wherein if the heating power in the instruction input to the first communication device is greater than the upper limit of the heating power that can be set by the operation unit, the instruction input to the first communication device is invalidated, and if the heating power in the instruction input to the first communication device is less than the lower limit of the heating power that can be set by the operation unit, the instruction input to the first communication device is invalidated.

Images