Cooking appliance and cooking system

Abstract

To provide a heating cooker and a heating cooking system equipped with a plurality of heating units (burner, heating chamber) and are highly convenient to users.SOLUTION: The control device of a heating cooker identifies a burner currently in heating operation when a timer operation unit is operated while heating operation is being executed in at least one of a plurality of burners, and displays the set time information of a timer-off function in at least one of individual display areas corresponding to the burner currently in heating operation. When the total number of burners currently in heating operation or heating chambers is two or more, the set time information of the timer-off function is sequentially displayed in an individual display area corresponding to each burner currently in heating operation, in one individual display area at a time, each time the timer operation unit is operated. The heating cooker displays set time information in one of the individual display areas, and is capable of starting a timekeeping operation upon receiving a timekeeping start directive and transmitting set time information to a communication terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 50

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking device having a plurality of heating units and a cooking system using the cooking device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] A typical built-in cooking appliance has multiple heating ports arranged on the top of the main body, which perform induction heating, and a grill chamber (also called an "oven chamber" or "heating chamber," but hereinafter referred to collectively as the "heating chamber") inside the main body, in which microwaves from a microwave heating source are introduced to cook food (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in order to improve convenience, a device that incorporates a timer function to automatically control the operation of the heating means has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-117570 A (Page 1, Figure 29) [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-58177 A (Page 1, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a cooking device with multiple heating means is convenient for users because it allows them to cook in two places at the same time, but the work of the user setting cooking conditions for each individual heating means becomes more complicated. In particular, when there are multiple upper heating sections (heating ports), a display section is provided for each heating section, and the user is required to input heating conditions such as heat power and the desired cooking mode, cooking menu, etc. while looking at the display section, which inevitably increases the number of confirmations and input operations for the user and makes the operation more complicated. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 2, it has been proposed to provide a single display unit and use that single display screen to centrally input control conditions (timer function setting times) common to multiple heating units. However, when using a display means having multiple display sections, it is necessary to devise a way to avoid misunderstandings or visual confusion regarding the correspondence between the individual heating sections or heating means that the user is interested in and the display area, display screen, etc. However, Patent Document 2 does not yet provide sufficient measures to address such issues.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a highly convenient cooking device and cooking system that can perform various cooking methods using multiple heating units by improving user operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cooking device according to the first disclosure includes: A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a timer operation unit that can select a timer function common to the heating unit; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with When the control device receives an input from the timer operation unit during a period in which a heating operation is being performed in at least one of the heating units, the control device displays set time information of the off timer function for each of the individual display areas within the range of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit that is performing the heating operation. death, In front of each of the individual display areas, within the width of the individual display area, there is arranged a common key for selecting at least two of the cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions, corresponding to each of the heating units. It is a composition.

[0008] The cooking device according to the second disclosure is A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can individually select the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; a timer operation unit that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating unit; a display unit that displays cooking information in the heating unit; a control device that controls a display operation of the display unit and a heating operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the display unit has an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units, When the timer operation unit is operated while a heating operation is being performed in at least two of the heating units, the control device sequentially displays set time information of the off timer function for each individual display area within the range of the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit that is performing the heating operation in response to the operation of the timer operation unit. death, In front of each of the individual display areas, within the width of the individual display area, there is arranged a common key for selecting at least two of the cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions, corresponding to each of the heating units. It is a composition.

[0009] The cooking device according to the third disclosure is A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a common operation unit for inputting common information to the heating unit; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with The common operation unit has a timer operation unit that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating port, and a time input unit that can input a set time for the off timer function, The control device (1) When the timer operation unit is operated, candidate time information for the off timer function is displayed in one of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit in heating operation, (2) receiving an input from the time input unit, changing the display of the candidate time information to display set time information; (3) The off timer function can be automatically started when a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the candidate time information or the set time information. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0010] The cooking system according to the fourth disclosure is a cooking device having an input operation unit, a display unit, a communication function, a timer operation unit for selecting an off timer function, and a plurality of heating units; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the display unit has a plurality of individual display areas corresponding to the heating units, The communication terminal (1) Displaying recipe data related to the food selected by the user on the terminal display unit; (2) When the recipe data displayed on the terminal display unit is selected to , the recipe data This information includes identification information that identifies the cooking menu. The display content of the display unit of the terminal is changed to a form in which the advance notice information is displayed, (3) an input key for transmitting the recipe data is displayed on the terminal display unit that displays the advance notice information; (4) When the input key is operated, The advance notice information of the recipe data; transmitting the recipe data to the cooking device; causing the cooking device to specify a cooking menu based on the advance notice information of the recipe data; The cooking device includes: The recipe data is acquired after the user confirms it by pressing a specific input key. The cooking device includes: When the timer operation unit is operated, set time information is displayed in one of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit that is performing a heating operation, and when a command to start a timing operation is received, the timing operation is started and the set time information is transmitted to the communication terminal; Features death, Upon receiving the set time information, the communication terminal starts counting down the time and notifies the user at a certain time before the set time expires. It is a composition.

[0011] The cooking device according to the fifth disclosure is A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a timer operation unit that can centrally select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of each of the heating units; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with the control device has a function of executing one cooking menu selected by a user from a plurality of cooking menus, when the timer operation unit is operated while at least one of the heating units is performing a heating operation for one of the cooking menus, the control unit determines whether or not to apply the off-timer function to the cooking menu, and if so, displays set time information of the off-timer function in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit currently performing the cooking menu; This is a configuration characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooking device that can handle a wide variety of cooking methods using multiple heating sections, and that contributes to improving the efficiency of input operations and reducing the input load on the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a cooking system including a cooking device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooking system, in perspective view, showing the installation state of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are a plan view and a front view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line XX. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), and right operation unit of the cooking appliance shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing input operation steps of the central operation unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] 7 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the transition of the display operation in the right heating power display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right firepower display unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 17] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of cooking modes that can be selected by the central operation unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) when the central heating port of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1 is used. [Figure 19] 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and the continuation of the input operation when the central heating port shown in FIG. 18 is used. [Figure 20] An explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) when selecting one cooking mode (fillet) using the heating chamber (grill chamber) of the heating cooker shown in Figure 1. [Figure 21] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an input operation for starting a heating operation in a cooking mode using the heating chamber (grill chamber) shown in FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of inputting heat power in a cooking mode using the heating chamber (grill chamber) shown in FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 23] An explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit and central operating unit (rear operating unit and front operating unit) when using the heating chamber (grill chamber) of the heating cooker shown in Figure 1 and selecting another cooking mode (oven heating). [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation for inputting the set temperature in one cooking mode (oven heating) shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of cooking modes using the heating chamber (grill chamber) that can be selected by the central operation unit of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 26] 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation at the time of starting up the cooking device shown in FIG. [Figure 27] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of all types of cooperative cooking modes and cooking processes of the cooking device shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 28]4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control device when a cooperative cooking mode is executed in the cooking appliance shown in FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 31] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 32] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 33] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in the linked cooking mode. [Figure 34] 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in chronological order when one piece of recipe data is acquired from an external communication terminal in the case of the collaborative cooking mode. [Figure 35] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in collaborative cooking mode using recipe data obtained from an external source in embodiment 1. [Figure 36] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heat display unit when cooking in collaborative cooking mode using recipe data obtained from an external source in embodiment 1. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of operations from receiving advance notice information about recipe data transmitted from an external communication terminal or the like to transmitting selection information. [Figure 38] 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance for acquiring recipe data CD from the outside. [Figure 39] 4 is a flowchart showing main operational steps of the communication terminal according to the first embodiment from the start of a cooking menu search function. [Figure 40] 40 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking device after receiving data from the communication terminal shown in FIG. 39. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the cooking device after receiving data from the communication terminal. [Figure 42] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the relationship between the recipe data display screen and cooking steps of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 39. [Figure 46] 1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in the cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 47] 10 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal and the cooking appliance in the cooking system of the first embodiment. [Figure 48] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the display contents of the integrated display unit corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch is turned on in the cooking device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 49] 5 is an explanatory operation diagram showing a recipe data reception process of the integrated display unit in the cooking device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 50] Explanatory diagram 1 showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit and right heat output display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 51]Explanatory diagram 2 showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit and right heat output display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 52] Explanatory diagram 3 showing the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit and right heat output display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 53] Explanatory diagram 4 shows the display status and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit), right operation unit and right heat output display unit when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating steps of the control operation of the control device when the timer function (off timer function) is used. [Figure 55] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device when the timer function (off timer function) and the external notification mode are used. [Figure 56] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between input operations and display areas in chronological order when selecting the off timer function and the simple timer function. [Figure 58] FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram 2 illustrating the relationship between the recipe data display screen and cooking steps of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 39. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. [Figure 60] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) of the cooking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 61] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) of the cooking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 62]61 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring recipe data for the cooperative cooking mode from an external device in the cooking device shown in FIG. 60. [Figure 63] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit and central operation unit when cooking using recipe data acquired from an external device in a cooperative cooking mode in the cooking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 64] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit, central operation unit, right operation unit, and right heating power display unit when cooking in a cooperative cooking mode in a heating cooker according to a third embodiment. [Figure 65] 65 is a schematic diagram showing the display of the integrated display unit and the operation of the dial-type input unit when cooking in the cooperative cooking mode in the cooking appliance of FIG. 64. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is an explanatory diagram of operation steps showing a modified example of the operation shown in FIG. 65. [Figure 67] 10 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the control device when the timer functions (off timer function and simple timer function) are used in the cooking device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 68] 68 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) of the control device shown in FIG. 67. [Figure 69] 68 is a flowchart 3 showing the operation of the timer function (off timer function and simple timer function) of the control device shown in FIG. 67. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The cooking device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating directions (e.g., "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," "rear," etc.) are used to facilitate understanding, but these are for explanatory purposes only. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following description, a composite cooking device equipped with a plurality of types of heating means will also be simply referred to as a "cooking device." In the following explanation, the phrase "an object to be heated placed on the top plate" means both a case where an object to be heated, such as a pot, is placed directly on the upper surface of the top plate 3 (described later) and heated (by the first heating means HM1), and a case where an object to be heated is placed on a support member, such as a trivet, arranged above the top plate, as in a gas burner, etc. In other words, the first heating means HM1 is not limited to induction heating means.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the "second heating means" HM2 refers to a heat source for heating food placed inside the heating chamber 6, which will be described later. It may also be one that uses radiant heat or steam. In the first embodiment, a microwave heating source is provided as the second heating means HM2. The microwave heating source uses a magnetron, but there is no limitation on the microwave oscillation principle or method, and it may also be a microwave oscillator using a semiconductor element. Furthermore, multiple heating sources may be provided.

[0017] In this embodiment 1, the term "third heating means" HM3 is used to indicate the difference between the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2, but does not imply a superiority or inferiority relationship. In addition, in embodiment 1, a heat source using a radiant electric heat source (sheath heater, mica heater, carbon heater, ceramic heater, infrared heater, radiant heater, etc.) is used, but a heat source that generates heat in other forms or methods may also be used.

[0018] The third heating means HM3 is capable of cooking in one heating chamber 6. It may be configured to use a combination of multiple heating sources with different heating principles, such as a heating source composed of an electric heater and a gas combustor (burner). An induction heating source may also be used as the heating source for heating the heating chamber 6. A steam generator (boiler) (not shown) that supplies high-temperature steam (such as superheated steam) may also be used.

[0019] Furthermore, the third heating means HM3 may be either a heat source that heats the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside, or a heat source that is installed in the internal space of the heating chamber 6 and heats the atmosphere in the internal space to a high temperature. Alternatively, a heat-generating member that is heated to a high temperature by induction heating may be placed in the heating chamber, and this heat-generating member may heat the wall surface of the heating chamber 6 from the outside. Furthermore, a heat source may be provided outside the heating chamber 6, and high-temperature air may be supplied into the heating chamber 6.

[0020] A typical example of the induction heating coil (IH coil) referred to in this first embodiment is one formed by bundling about 30 thin copper or aluminum wires of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, twisting several of these bundles together, and winding them into a spiral. Another example is one formed by winding about 1,000 to 1,500 wires of about 0.05 mm. Another proposal is to form it as a ring-shaped conductor made of a flat conductive material. All of these forms correspond to the "IH coil" that is the main part of the first heating means HM1 (induction heating source).

[0021] In the following description, the term "cooking mode" refers to a classification of cooking modes broadly categorized based on the number of heating means, and in this embodiment, there are three cooking modes. That is, there are three types of cooking modes: a cooperative cooking mode KM1, a combined cooking mode KM2, and a single cooking mode KM3 (to be described later) (these three are collectively referred to as "main cooking modes"). In the following description, the term "sub-cooking mode" refers to a sub-category within each of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the composite cooking mode KM2, and the single cooking mode KM3, and is a name categorized by the control mode for actually driving the first to third heating means HM1 to HM3. For example, "heating" and "keeping warm" that belong to the single cooking mode KM3 (using only induction heating or microwave heating) are types of sub-cooking modes. Details will be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 27. In the following description, unless otherwise confused, the "cooking mode" includes both the main cooking mode and the sub-cooking mode.

[0022] In the following explanation, "cooperative cooking" refers to cooking using two or more heat sources that heat one food item (including food, meat, vegetables, etc.) in different locations and whose heating operation conditions can be set independently. This cooking mode is called "cooperative cooking mode" KM1.

[0023] The "coordinated cooking" mentioned above refers to the use of multiple heating means with a time lag. For example, in the process of completing a single cooking step, after preheating with a microwave heating source, the food to be cooked is moved to another location, and then heated with an induction coil at the new location to complete the cooking, which is a type of "coordinated cooking" as defined here.

[0024] Another type of "cooperative cooking" is to heat the food inside the heating chamber 6 using a gas burner (burner), and then move the food onto the top plate 3 and heat it again using a gas burner (burner) or an induction heating source to improve the cooking quality.

[0025] "Voice input mode" refers to a control mode in which the user inputs by speaking, without touching or pressing the buttons or operation surfaces of the input switches (input keys). In the following explanation, there are two types of "voice input mode": "voice input mode 1", in which voice is input directly into the cooking appliance 1, and "voice input mode 2", in which voice signals are input via an external information processing device such as an external server through an external input device such as a smart speaker.

[0026] In the following description, "setting information" refers to information that is given to the cooking appliance 1 to set the control details (of the heating means) according to recipe data CD, which will be described later. As will be described later, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 has at least cooking process 1 and cooking process 2. For convenience of explanation, the setting information for cooking process 1 may be referred to as "setting information A," and the setting information for cooking process 2 may be referred to as "setting information B."

[0027] In the following description, "recipe data" CD refers to data used in controlling the cooker 1 to cook one food item. One form of recipe data CD is an instruction that includes all of the data specifying the heating means, the data specifying the heating process and order, and the control conditions during heating (including, but not limited to, heat power, target temperature, heating and cooking time, etc.), and also a computer program for realizing the instruction.

[0028] Another form of the recipe data CD does not include data specifying the heating means or data specifying the heating process or order, but only includes some of the data required to execute a cooking menu (e.g., hamburger steak). For example, when cooking using the collaborative cooking mode KM1 described below, this does not include information specific to the heating means that executes one cooking menu (including information indicating the attributes of the heating means and information about the heating port, etc.), information about the cooking process, information indicating the order in which the heating means are driven, etc. In this case, the data mainly consists of instructions and data (hereinafter referred to as "commands" or "command data") that determine control conditions such as heating capacity, heating time, etc. In this case, if the recipe data CD held in the cooking appliance 1 is configured on the assumption that one serving of food is to be cooked, for example, the cooking appliance may be adapted to two or four servings, etc., by changing the control conditions (for example, one parameter, the heating time) using a built-in program in response to an external command.

[0029] Furthermore, in the following description, the recipe data CD for the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is mainly composed of two steps, for example, cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. state. For example, in the case where the first heating means HM1 is used in cooking process 1, the cooking device 1 acquires recipe data in two stages: a first part M1 that sets the operation content of cooking process 1 to be used in cooking process 1, and a second part M2 that sets cooking process 2 that uses the second heating means HM2. That is, it is composed of two parts: a first part M1 that sets cooking process 1 using the first heating means HM1, and a second part M2 that sets cooking process 2 using the second heating means HM2. Note that even in the case where the second heating means HM1 is used in cooking process 1, the cooking appliance 1 similarly acquires the setting information for cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 separately. Note that the first part M1 corresponds to the "setting information A," and the second part M2 corresponds to the "setting information B."

[0030] In the following embodiments, the above-mentioned forms of recipe data CD will not be particularly distinguished from each other. In addition, in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, an example in which there are two cooking steps will be described, but there may be three or more cooking steps.

[0031] The "display screen" in the following embodiments includes a liquid crystal display screen using a liquid crystal display element (liquid crystal panel) and a display screen using other light-emitting methods (organic EL panel, etc.). It also includes "pop-up screens" that automatically appear on the display screen. A "pop-up" is a separate window that automatically appears (starts up and begins displaying) on ​​the screen of an Internet browser (also called a "web browser"). For example, in the terminal side display unit (display screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200 described later, the first screen 216A, the second screen 216B, etc. will be described, but these may be configured as pop-up screens.

[0032] Embodiment 1 (1. Configuration of the cooking system) The first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. Referring to FIG. The cooking system of the first embodiment is configured to include a cooking appliance 1, a smartphone 200 (also called a high-function communication terminal, but collectively referred to as a "communication terminal" in the following description) having the function of performing two-way wireless communication between the cooking appliance 1, and a cloud server 300, which is a type of information processing means. Note that the communication terminal 200 may be a device other than a smartphone, such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer with a communication function. These devices are collectively referred to as the communication terminal 200 in the first embodiment.

[0033] The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication 202WF with a wireless router 201 (FIG. 2) installed in a house (not shown) in which the cooking appliance 1 is used, using a communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0034] The cooking appliance 1 can acquire at least the recipe data CD1 through wireless communication 330 with the communication terminal 200. Note that the recipe data CD2 acquired by the cooking appliance 1 via the cloud server 300, which will be described later, will be described later. The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication 202BT with the cooking appliance 1 using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (see FIG. 2).

[0035] The communication terminal 200 accesses the cloud server 300 in an external space via the wireless router 201 (FIG. 2) and a network NW such as the Internet. The cloud server 300 has at least one recipe data providing server 301.

[0036] The recipe data providing server 301 is equipped with a recipe DB (database) 302 that stores data on recipes for performing various cooking methods, and the communication terminal 200 accesses a recipe providing site operated by the recipe data providing server 301 and acquires (downloads) various recipe data CD1 from the recipe DB 302.

[0037] As will be explained in detail later, the recipe data CD1 includes commands (command data) that specify heating means and control conditions (including at least one of heat, heating time, temperature, etc., but not limited to these) so that a specific food item (e.g., "hamburger steak") can be cooked in the cooking appliance 1. However, as mentioned above, the recipe data CD1 may contain only unique data that identifies one recipe data CD1 for executing a specific cooking menu.

[0038] In the following explanation, recipe data may be referred to with symbols such as CD1, CD2, etc., but the contents of the recipe data do not necessarily differ depending on the symbol, and may even be the same. These symbols (CD1, CD2) are used based on the entity that sent the recipe data, making it easier to understand. When using a unified reference symbol for recipe data, "CD" is used.

[0039] The cooking device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first heating means HM1 arranged below a top plate 3 (described in Figure 2 and subsequent figures) covering the upper surface of the cooking device 1, a second heating means HM2 that supplies microwaves to a heating chamber 6 (see Figure 3) formed inside the cooking device 1, and a third heating means HM3 that is located inside or outside the heating chamber 6 and raises the temperature of the internal space of the heating chamber 6 to heat it.

[0040] If the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as a "first location," then induction heating means is used as the first heating means HM1 to heat an object to be heated (a pot, frying pan, etc. made of magnetic metal) placed in this first location. Alternatively, a gas combustion device equipped with a gas burner for heating a pot made of magnetic metal or non-magnetic metal corresponds to the first heating means HM1.

[0041] If a closed space located away from the first place is defined as a "second place," then the inside of the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) is the second place.

[0042] The cooking device 1 has three cooking modes (main cooking modes). The first cooking mode is the above-mentioned cooperative cooking mode KM1. The second cooking mode is the combined cooking mode KM2. The third cooking mode is the single cooking mode KM1.

[0043] The single cooking mode KM3 is a cooking mode in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven singly (independently).

[0044] The composite cooking mode KM2 is a cooking mode in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, or one of them is driven first and the other is automatically driven later, as a method for cooking one food item. Even when the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously, whether the heating ends at the same time or at different times is considered to be one operation pattern belonging to the "composite cooking mode" KM2.

[0045] The combined cooking mode KM2 has at least the following patterns: a pattern in which the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3 are driven simultaneously from the beginning (RG control mode 1); a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 starts to be driven after the second heating means HM2 (RG control mode 2); and a pattern in which the third heating means HM3 is driven first and then automatically switched to the second heating means HM3 (RG control mode 3). In these RG control modes 1 to 3, switching between the heating means is performed automatically when cooking begins in the heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3). Note that these RG control modes 1 to 3 are types of the sub-cooking modes.

[0046] Unlike the linked cooking mode KM1, the combined cooking mode KM2 does not have a "cooking menu" corresponding to a specific food item (e.g., hamburger steak). In other words, a "control menu" is provided for each pattern for driving the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3. One control pattern can accommodate multiple food items (e.g., thawing meat or boiling vegetables).

[0047] For example, one of the "control menus" is the "RG control mode 1." In the RG control mode (RG combined cooking mode), various foods can be cooked. One of the "control menus," for example, the "RG control mode 1," is controlled by recipe data that defines the control mode, but is not set for each specific food to be cooked.

[0048] In other words, the operation pattern in which two or more heating sources (the second heating means HM2 and the third heating means HM3) are operated in a predetermined sequence is the composite cooking mode KM2, which has multiple "control menus."

[0049] In contrast to this, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 with a cooperative cooking menu applies recipe data (corresponding to specific foods) to heat and cook foods placed inside the heating chamber 6 and above the top plate 3 in a predetermined order. That is, the contents of the recipe data differ between the combined cooking mode KM2 and the cooperative cooking mode KM1.

[0050] In the following description, when a type of control mode, such as a driving (energizing) pattern of a heat source, is indicated, it is called a "control menu." For example, "thawing" is one of the control menus. On the other hand, when specifying the food to be cooked, the name of the dish, etc., it is called a "cooking menu." For example, "hamburger steak" is one of the cooking menus.

[0051] The cooking device 1 has a function of executing an integrated cooking mode KM1 in which the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 are driven with a time difference determined depending on the operation of the user. In other words, between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, there is a "heating pause period" (also called a "transition period") that changes depending on the timing of the operation by the user.

[0052] The combined cooking mode KM1 has a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed by the first heating means HM1, and a pattern in which cooking step 1 is performed by the second heating means HM2. For example, to finish cooking step 1 using the first heating means HM1 and move on to cooking step 2, the food to be cooked is moved into the heating chamber 6, and then the second heating means HM2 begins to operate.Therefore, between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2, there is a ``heating pause period'' (transition period TR) during which no heating operation is performed.

[0053] In this cooperative cooking mode KM1, the recipe data CD is prepared for each specific food to be cooked (for example, hamburger steak, roast beef, or gratin). The recipe data CD specifies the heating means to be used, the order in which the heating means are driven, and the control conditions of the heating means (including at least one of heat power, heating time, temperature, etc.) for cooking step 1 (first part M1) and cooking step 2 (second part M2). In other words, setting information for cooking step 1 and setting information for cooking step 2 are transmitted to the cooking appliance 1.

[0054] The recipe data CD is stored in both the cooking appliance 1 and the recipe DB 302. The type of recipe data CD in the recipe DB does not have to be the same as the type of recipe data CD stored in the cooking appliance 1. For example, the recipe DB 302 may be configured such that recipe data CD for new cooperative cooking modes KM1 are sequentially added, and the recipe data CD for composite cooking menus are sequentially accumulated.

[0055] In the following description, the cooking menus that are initially stored (memorized) in the cooker 1 are called "basic menus." The cooperative cooking mode KM1 has a total of eight basic menus. In contrast, a cooking menu that the user acquires from the recipe data providing server 301 using the communication terminal 200 and provides to the cooker 1 as recipe data is called an "additional menu."

[0056] When the cooking appliance 1 acquires the recipe data CD for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1 from the communication terminal 200, the data is one cooking menu unit selected by the user on the communication terminal 200. In other words, it is one type of cooking unit. This is not limited to the cooperative cooking mode KM1, but is also common to the combined cooking mode KM2 and the single cooking mode KM3.

[0057] In other words, in the heating cooker 1, for example, a control menu (sub-cooking mode) called "warming" can be selected in the composite cooking mode KM2, but the recipe data CD provided to the heating cooker 1 from the communication terminal 200 is not in units of such control menus, but in units of the aforementioned "cooking menus." Therefore, although the control menu for microwave heating and the like includes various control menus such as "warm," "manual microwave," "pre-boil leafy vegetables," "pre-boil root vegetables," and "thaw meat," which will be described later, the communication terminal 200 does not provide recipe data CD for each of these control menus. For example, in the case of thawing, the communication terminal 200 provides recipe data (including identification information) such as "thawing XX," which specifies the object to be heated.

[0058] As described above, the communication terminal 200 requests the recipe data providing server 301 to provide the recipe data CD for the desired food to be cooked, and downloads the recipe data CD1 corresponding to the desired recipe (see FIG. 1).

[0059] The communication terminal 200 can transmit recipe data CD2 corresponding to one recipe, which is generated by the recipe data providing server 301 and acquired from the server 301, to the cooking appliance 1 (see FIG. 1). To use this recipe data acquisition function, a user of the cooking appliance 1 accesses the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301) and installs an application for selecting recipes (hereinafter referred to as the "recipe selection app") on the communication terminal 200.

[0060] When the user installs the recipe selection app, the user performs an operation to register "device identification information" (described later) such as the model name of the cooking appliance as an initial setting. This registration enables the user to obtain recipe data CD corresponding to the rated specifications of the cooking appliance 1 (such as the heating capacity of each of the heating means HM1 to HM3) from the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301).

[0061] Furthermore, the user uses the recipe selection application to pair the communication terminal 200 with the cooking appliance 1, thereby establishing direct wireless communication 202BT between the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1. Note that this wireless communication 202BT may use a near field communication (NFC) method.

[0062] 2 indicates wireless communication between communication terminal 200 and wireless router 201. The communication method of wireless communication 202BT between communication terminal 200 and cooking appliance 1 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards. Moreover, wireless communication 202WF between communication terminal 200 and wireless router 201 uses a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0063] 1, in the cooking system of this embodiment 1, recipe data CD (corresponding to one recipe) created by the user may be transmitted by the communication terminal 200 to the recipe providing site (recipe data providing server 301), temporarily stored in the recipe DB 302, and then provided to the cooker 1. In other words, even if the communication terminal 200 is located far away from the house in which the cooker 1 is installed (for example, when the user is out), the recipe data CD of the communication terminal 200 can be conveniently stored in the recipe data providing server 301.

[0064] Note that a wireless router 201 (see FIG. 2) may be interposed between the cooking appliance 1 and the cloud server 300. In the following description, when describing the network NW such as the Internet line, the unified symbol "NW" will be used.

[0065] The "device identification information" of the cooking appliance 1 is unique information for identifying the cooking appliance 1. Specifically, it is important information required for information communication, such as the MAC address, the manufacturer name of the cooking appliance 1, the type name (model name), the model number, the serial number, etc.

[0066] The cloud server 300 has a function of acquiring information about the current status of the cooking appliance 1, such as operation, stoppage, and standby state, via the network NW. The cloud server 300 is connected to the target cooker 1 using the device identification information.

[0067] In addition to the recipe database 302, the cloud server 300 also includes an information server (not shown) that transmits useful information to the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200. The cooking appliance 1 performs a process of wireless communication with the cloud server 300 periodically (e.g., repeatedly at 5- or 10-minute intervals) in addition to wireless communication with the communication terminal 200. If an abnormality is detected or determined in the "status information" (described later) on the cooking appliance 1 side during the periodic communication, this triggers a process of notifying or querying the cloud server 300 each time to obtain information for maintaining proper operation. If no abnormality is found, the cooking appliance 1 automatically returns to the process of repeatedly performing the periodic communication, and this process continues until the main power switch 20 (see FIG. 5), described later, is opened. This will be described in detail later.

[0068] The information providing server (not shown) may be, for example, a server installed by an external organization such as an earthquake information providing organization in a specific region or an electric power company, or may be a server provided by the manufacturer of the cooking appliance 1.

[0069] The cloud server 300 stores and memorizes control application software that enables remote control of the cooking appliance 1. The communication terminal 200, which will be described in detail later, can realize the remote control by accessing the cloud server 300 and downloading (reading) the control application software.

[0070] The communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving signals by short-range communication while being located within a few centimeters of (or may be in contact with) the input / output unit of the cooking appliance 1. Note that this short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0071] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the induction cooking appliance 1 side. On the other hand, it is also possible to send control data from the communication terminal 200 side to the NFC storage unit of the cooking appliance 1, and control the cooking appliance 1 in accordance with the control data.

[0072] Next, we will explain Figure 2. Reference numeral 400 denotes kitchen furniture in which the cooking appliance 1 and the like are installed. Reference numeral 400D denotes a water inlet for a water supply provided in the kitchen furniture 400. Reference numeral 201 denotes a wireless router capable of wireless communication with the cooking appliance 1. This wireless router 201 also serves as an access point to a network NW such as the Internet.

[0073] Reference numeral 260 denotes a monitoring device equipped with a human detection sensor that monitors the interior space of the kitchen (living space) 500 (not shown), particularly whether or not there is anyone within a predetermined range (for example, within 2 meters) in front of the cooking appliance 1. This monitoring device 260 checks the interior of the kitchen 500 continuously or repeatedly at short intervals (for example, every 5 seconds), and transmits a signal indicating the presence or absence of a person to the cloud server 300 and the cooking appliance 1. For example, a signal of the monitoring result may be sent to the wireless router 201 and provided to the cloud server 300. When the cloud server 300 receives a start-up signal from the cooking appliance 1, it continues to provide a monitoring signal until the cooking appliance 1 finishes operating, and when the cooking appliance 1 determines whether a specific condition is met, the monitoring signal is used as one of the basic data for the determination.

[0074] The cooking device 1 has an outer shell formed by a hollow, box-shaped main body 2 and a top plate 3 that covers the entire upper surface of the main body 2. An object to be heated (such as a pot made of magnetic metal) is placed on the top plate 3 and is induction heated by an IH coil 9 (reference numerals 9C, 9L, and 9R shown in Figs. 3 and 4). That is, the top plate 3 has heating ports 4 including a left heating port 4L, a right heating port 4R, and a center heating port 4C.

[0075] An exhaust port cover 5 is provided on the far side (rear side) of the top plate 3. The exhaust port cover 5 is made of a punched metal or lattice-shaped metal member with numerous small through-holes, and is breathable throughout with little air resistance. Exhaust air released from inside the main body 2 of the cooking appliance 1 passes through the exhaust port cover 5 and exits the cooking appliance 1.

[0076] A door (heating door) 7 that opens and closes the front opening of a heating chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) arranged inside the main body 2 is provided on the front of the cooking device 1. The door 7 is provided with a handle 8 for opening and closing the door.

[0077] (2. Detailed configuration of the cooking device) Next, a specific configuration of the cooking device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to Fig. 3, Fig. 3(A) is a plan view of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 3(B) is a front view of the cooking appliance 1. Fig. 3 does not show the kitchen furniture 400 described in Fig. 2. The cooking device 1 is a built-in IH cooking heater that is incorporated into kitchen furniture 400 that has a cooking table on top. The cooking device 1 has a main body 2 and a top plate 3 placed on the main body 2. The top plate 3 is exposed above the kitchen countertop that constitutes the top surface of the kitchen furniture 400.

[0078] The top plate 3 is composed of, for example, a heat-resistant crystallized glass plate and a metal frame attached so as to surround the glass plate. Three heating ports 4, namely, the left heating port 4L, the right heating port 4R, and the center heating port 4C, are provided on the upper surface of the top plate 3.

[0079] In the following description, the term "heating section" includes both the "upper surface heating section" described next and the heating chamber 6 described later. The reference symbol HP is used. The term "upper surface heating section", which is a type of heating section HP, refers to all or part of the left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R, and central heating port 4C. The reference symbol UH is used. As described above, if the upper surface of the top plate 3 is defined as the "first location," then the first heating means HM1 is configured to use induction heating means to heat an object to be heated N (a pot, frying pan, etc. made of magnetic metal, not shown) placed in this first location. The upper surface heating unit UH is the location where the heating operation is performed by the first heating means HM1. Note that the heating means of the upper surface heating unit UH does not need to be unified as a single type of heating means (e.g., induction heating), and may be a heating operation performed by multiple heating means with different heating principles. For example, an induction heating source and an electric heating source that emits radiant heat may be used in combination.

[0080] On the integrated display unit 15, the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R assigned to each of the three heaters 4L, 4C, and 4R are arranged in the same arrangement as the heaters themselves, but "the same arrangement" here refers to the positional relationship in the left-right direction, not the same positional relationship including the front-to-back relationship. For example, the center point of the central heater 4C is not on the line connecting the centers of the left heater 4L and the right heater 4R, but is slightly offset to the rear. However, even this arrangement is defined as "the same arrangement" as described above.

[0081] Individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R may be referred to as left (display) area 15L, center (display) area 15M, and right (display) area 15R, depending on their positions. In the following description, an area that can display information about two or more heating outlets or information about both one heating outlet and heating chamber 6 is referred to as an integrated display unit, but instead of this integrated display unit, dedicated display units for each individual heating outlet or heating chamber may be used.

[0082] The left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R, and center heating port 4C are locations where metal cooking containers (objects to be heated N) such as pots or frying pans are placed and heated. Guide marks (not shown) that serve as guides for the positions to place the objects to be heated are printed on the upper surface of the top plate 3, corresponding to the left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R, and center heating port 4C, respectively.

[0083] When the cooking appliance 1 is viewed from above, the IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C is disposed directly above a center line CL (see FIG. 6) in the front-rear direction that passes through the center of the top plate 3 from left to right. Further, on the center line CL, a central heating power display unit 16M, an integrated display unit 15, and a central operation unit 17 are arranged so as to be aligned in a straight line. In Figure 3(B), reference numeral 7 denotes a door 7 that can be opened and closed to cover the front opening of the heating chamber 6 (not shown) formed inside the main body 2. A handle 8 is provided at the upper end of this door 7. A viewing window 7W is formed in the center of the door 7 and is covered with transparent heat-resistant glass and a metal shielding plate (not shown) with numerous through holes for blocking microwaves.

[0084] The integrated display unit 15 has a horizontally long liquid crystal display screen. The left heating power display unit 16L, the center heating power display unit 16M, and the right heating power display unit 17R each display the heating power level using a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs, etc.), and do not have a display screen. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0085] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 3. Reference numeral 19S denotes a metal partition plate that divides the internal space of the main body 2 into two, upper and lower spaces. Above this partition plate 19S is a (first) installation space 19A for the first heating means HM1. Below the partition plate 19S is a (second) installation space 19B that houses the heating chamber 6 and the like.

[0086] In the installation space 19A, the IH coils 9 (9C, 9L, 9R) are housed at positions corresponding to (directly below) the three heating ports 4L, 4R, 4C. That is, a right IH coil 9R serving as a right induction heating means is provided below the right heating port 4R, and a central IH coil 9C serving as a central induction heating means is provided below the central heating port 4C. A left IH coil 9L serving as a left induction heating means is provided below the left heating port 4L.

[0087] In the following description, unless there is any particular contradiction, the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R and their drive circuits (referring to high-frequency power supply circuits such as inverter circuits, not shown) will be referred to as the first heating means HM1.

[0088] A temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 5) consisting of multiple temperature sensors (not shown) is mounted near the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R to detect the temperatures of the top plate 3 and cooking vessel (heated object N). One of the temperature sensors 30A (not shown) that makes up the temperature sensor group is a contact temperature sensor such as a thermistor. The other temperature sensor 30B (not shown) is a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0089] Heating chamber 6 in installation space 19B inside main body 2 is surrounded by a metal wall such as stainless steel, and is a space for heating the food (foodstuffs, ingredients) contained within heating chamber 6.

[0090] The food to be cooked may be placed on a heat-resistant plastic container, a porcelain or heat-resistant glass dish, or may be placed inside a container and placed in the heating chamber 6. In such cases, the dish or container may be called the "heated container." However, since these containers are not induction-heated by the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R, even if they are placed on the heating port 4 of the top plate 3, they are not called the "heated object" N of the IH coils 9C, 9L, and 9R.

[0091] A horizontally long (rectangular) opening (not shown) is formed in the front of the heating chamber 6 for putting in and taking out the food to be cooked. The opening in the front of the heating chamber 6 is covered by the door 7, which can be opened and closed freely. The door 7 is supported by the main body 2 so as to be rotatable via a hinge and an arm (not shown). This allows the door 7 to open forward to a horizontal position with its lower end serving as a fulcrum (center of rotation). The door 7 may be pulled forward integrally with a support member (a structure such as a shelf, not shown) that supports the container to be heated from below, by means of a slide rail (not shown).

[0092] Door 7 is provided with an open / close detector 10 for detecting whether door 7 is open or closed. Open / close detector 10 is, for example, a microswitch or an infrared sensor. A microwave oscillator 11 is provided behind heating chamber 6 to heat the food placed in heating chamber 6. Microwave oscillator 11 is, for example, made up of a magnetron, and irradiates microwaves into heating chamber 6 to heat the food placed in the heating chamber, i.e., perform so-called range heating.

[0093] The heating means including the microwave oscillator 11 and its drive circuit (which refers to a high frequency power supply circuit such as an inverter circuit, not shown) may be called second heating means HM2.

[0094] An upper radiant heat heating means 12a and a lower radiant heat heating means 12b that heat the food from above and below are provided in the heating chamber 6. The upper radiant heat heating means 12a is arranged on the outer or inner ceiling wall surface of the heating chamber 6, and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b is arranged on the inner or outer wall surface of the heating chamber 6, and both are sheath heaters.

[0095] The upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b may be other types of radiant heat heating means other than sheath heaters. For example, mica heaters, carbon heaters, etc. may be installed outside the heating chamber 6. Figure 4 shows an example in which the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b are both installed in close contact with the outer wall surface of the heating chamber 6.

[0096] The heating means including the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b and their drive circuits (not shown) may be referred to as the third heating means HM3. The upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b may be collectively referred to as the "radiant heat heating means," in which case the reference numeral "12" is used.

[0097] The heating chamber 6 is provided with an infrared sensor 13 as a non-contact temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the food inside the heating chamber 6 without contact. The temperature range detected by this infrared sensor 13 is set to, for example, -20°C to 100°C. This makes it possible to detect the degree of heating of the food in real time with high accuracy, for example, in 1°C increments. This infrared sensor 13 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30 (see FIG. 5).

[0098] The heating chamber 6 is also provided with a contact temperature sensor (for example, a thermistor sensor) 14, which is an interior temperature sensor that detects the atmospheric temperature inside the heating chamber 6 or the wall temperature of the heating chamber 6.

[0099] The thermistor sensor 14 detects temperature by detecting changes in electrical resistance, and therefore the upper limit of the temperature that can be detected is approximately 250°C. This thermistor sensor 14 also constitutes one sensor in the temperature sensor group 30. Note that this thermistor sensor 14 may be installed in two locations, near the bottom and near the ceiling of the heating chamber 6, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0100] Next, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram showing the main functions of the cooking appliance 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the cooking appliance 1 includes a control device 22 that performs overall control of the cooking appliance 1.

[0101] The control device 22 is an electronic circuit board mounted with electronic components such as control circuits that control the operation of each component of the cooking appliance 1. The control device 22 individually controls the drive conditions of the left IH coil 9L, right IH coil 9R, and center IH coil 9C based on input signals from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18, as well as the temperature of the object to be heated on the top plate 3.

[0102] The control device 22 individually controls the driving conditions of the central IH coil 9C, microwave heating means 11, upper radiant heat heating means 12a, and lower radiant heat heating means 12b based on input commands from the central operation unit 17, the temperature of the heated object on the top plate 3, and the detection results of the infrared sensor 13 and the thermistor sensor 14.

[0103] In addition, based on input commands from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18, the control device 22 individually displays the input heating power values ​​on the left heating power display unit 16L, the central heating power display unit 16M, and the right heating power display unit 16R.

[0104] Furthermore, the control device 22 displays the open and closed states of the door 7 on the integrated display unit 15 based on the open signal and closed signal of the door 7 from the open / close detection unit 10.

[0105] The control device 22 has a storage device 21 that stores data such as various programs and parameters used to control the cooking appliance 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data"), and display control data (hereinafter referred to as "display condition data") that is displayed on the integrated display unit 15 and each heat power display unit 16L, 16M, 16R. The control device 22 also activates the audio notification unit 49 as necessary, and notifies the user of the operating status of the cooking appliance 1 by audio.

[0106] The control device 22 stores data in a specific format, which includes information such as various programs and parameters used for cooking control by the heating control unit 23 (described later), in the recipe data storage unit 21A of the storage device 21. This data is the recipe data CD described above. As will be described later, the cooking appliance 1 is initially provided with recipe data CD corresponding to each of a total of eight cooking menus (the "basic menus" described above) for executing the cooperative cooking mode KM1. The additional menus described above can also be additionally stored in this recipe data storage unit 21A.

[0107] In the following description, the setting information (including setting information A and setting information B) corresponding to the basic menu may be referred to as "setting information X," and the setting information corresponding to the additional menu may be referred to as "setting information Y" to distinguish them. That is, the setting information Y corresponding to the additional menu that the user has acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the like can be stored in the recipe data storage unit 21A. Therefore, if setting information Y is acquired, the number of pieces of setting information Y that can be stored in the recipe data storage unit 21A increases accordingly. That is, the number of cooking menus that can be implemented for cooking can be increased.

[0108] The recipe data CD relating to the "additional menu" and the "display condition data" can be acquired by the cooking appliance 1 from an external device such as the communication terminal 200 for each individual cooking menu, and if there are multiple cooking steps, for each cooking step.

[0109] Reference numeral 23 denotes a heating control section that performs integrated control of the overall heating operation of the cooking appliance 1, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer. Reference numeral 24 denotes a data acquisition unit, which is capable of acquiring the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 25. In addition, the display condition data may also be acquired from the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300 via the communication unit 25.

[0110] The communication unit 25 communicates wirelessly with the outside, and has a function of performing wireless communication 330 (330BT) with the communication terminal 200 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, it has a function of performing wireless communication with the cloud server 300 via the network NW. The communication section 25 has a first communication section 25A (not shown) and a second communication section 25B (not shown) that are compatible with at least two communication methods, as will be described later. First communication unit 25A is compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the communication method used with communication terminal 200. Second communication unit 25B (not shown) is compatible with a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) as the communication method used with wireless router 201 (see FIG. 2), and therefore has a function compatible with this communication method.

[0111] Reference numeral 26 denotes a permission condition determination unit that performs a process of determining whether cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 or the combined cooking mode KM2 is permitted. Reference numeral 27 denotes a power supply circuit, which supplies constant voltage power to the control device 22. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main power switch inserted into this power supply circuit 27, which has an operation button 20A that is opened and closed by the user. With regard to the recipe data CD relating to the collaborative cooking mode KM1, the permission condition determination unit 26 determines whether cooking is permitted at the stage of receiving the first part M1 that sets cooking process 1, as will be described later, and if permission is not granted at that stage, cooking process 1 cannot be executed, and the process does not proceed to the acquisition step of the second part M2 of cooking process 2.

[0112] A limiting unit 28 limits the acquisition of the recipe data CD. The restriction unit 28 has the function of restricting the data acquisition unit 24 from acquiring the recipe data CD via the communication unit 25 during the waiting period before starting cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 (i.e., before the "cooking process 1" described below).

[0113] Furthermore, the restriction unit 28 has a function of restricting the acquisition of new recipe data CD from the communication unit 25 until the cooking process of one cooking menu is completed, based on recipe data CD acquired from the outside. The limiting unit 28 may be realized by a single control program of a computer (not shown) that constitutes the control device 22, and it is not necessarily required that the limiting unit 28 be configured on hardware separate from the control device 22.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 5, the right operation section 18 has an input key 29 for selecting a voice input mode. Reference numeral 31 denotes a voice signal receiving unit that receives voice uttered by the user with a microphone (not shown) and converts the voice into a predetermined voice signal while the voice input mode is selected.

[0115] On the other hand, the control device 22 is provided with an audio signal analysis unit 32 that receives an audio signal from the audio signal receiving unit 31 and analyzes the content of the audio. The audio signal analysis unit 32 compares the content of the audio received by the audio signal receiving unit 31 with information in an audio database stored in the storage device 21, analyzes the content of the audio, and transmits the analysis results to the heating control unit 23.

[0116] Reference numeral 33 denotes an input processing unit. Upon receiving an input signal from the input keys 29 of the right operation unit 18, the input processing unit 33 switches its own input reception mode to "voice input mode 1." It also controls an input signal analysis unit 34. Furthermore, upon receiving the analysis result from the voice signal analysis unit 32, it transmits control data to the heating control unit 23.

[0117] In Fig. 5, 35 denotes a human presence sensor. This human presence sensor 35 also has a receiving unit (not shown) that emits an ultrasonic or infrared signal forward of the cooking appliance 1 and receives the reflected wave. Note that no dedicated circuit is provided for processing the signal received by the receiving unit, and the control device 22 analyzes the received signal to determine whether or not a person is present. When an infrared sensor is used as the human detection sensor 35, the infrared sensor is installed facing forward from the cooking appliance 1 and detects infrared rays emitted from a heat source present within a predetermined range from the cooking appliance 1. In other words, infrared rays emitted by a user can be detected even if they are not emitted from the infrared sensor 35 itself, and the control device 22 can determine whether a user is present within the predetermined range by receiving a detection signal from the infrared sensor (human detection sensor) 35. Note that the human detection determination by the human detection sensor 35 is normally repeated at regular intervals (for example, every 5 seconds), but in the case of the integrated cooking mode KM1, the determination interval may be set longer during the "heating pause period" described below.

[0118] As shown in the dashed frame in FIG. 5, the audio notification unit 49 and the integrated display unit 15 may be collectively referred to as the "notification unit," and in this case, the reference numeral 40 is used. The central heating power display unit 16M, the left heating power display unit 16L, and the right heating power display unit 16R are provided with a number of light-emitting elements 37A (not shown) composed of LEDs or the like. The light-emitting elements 37A are regularly arranged with two or more light-emitting elements of different luminous colors, and depending on the luminous state of these multiple light-emitting elements, the user is given the visual effect of seeing the luminous color change. This will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0119] The input signal analysis unit 34 individually analyzes the input signals transmitted from the central operation unit 17 and the right operation unit 18. Therefore, it has a determination function for determining whether or not the voice input mode switching command has been received from, for example, the input key 29. When it determines that the input mode switching command has been received, it issues a switching command to switch the input mode from the "touch input mode" to the "voice input mode."

[0120] As will be described in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, the central operating section 17 is made up of two sections: a front operating section 17F and a rear operating section 17B. As shown in FIG. 5, the input operation unit 36 ​​of this cooking appliance 1 is made up of three operation units: the front operation unit 17F, the rear operation unit 17B, and the right operation unit 18. Reference numeral 37 denotes a light emission control unit, which illuminates a main power on indicator 38 with red light from below while the main power is on to indicate whether the power is on or not. It also controls the light emission of the heat power indicators 16 (16L, 16M, 16R) and the central operation unit 17.

[0121] Reference numeral 39 denotes a timer circuit, which has the function of measuring the elapsed time from the start of cooking and reporting the measurement result in one-second increments. Note that this timer circuit may be realized by software of a microcomputer that constitutes part of the control device 22, and does not have to be a (dedicated) clock circuit configured separately on hardware.

[0122] Next, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of integrated display unit 15, central operation unit 17 (rear operation unit 17B, front operation unit 17F) and right operation unit 18 of cooking appliance 1. FIG. When the cooking appliance 1 is viewed from above, the center of the IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C is located directly above a center line CL in the front-rear direction that passes through the center of the top plate 3 in the left-right direction. Directly above the center line CL, the IH coil 9C of the central heating port 4C, the central heating power display unit 16M, the integrated display unit 15, and the central operation unit 17 are arranged in a straight line (in the front-to-back direction). A central operating unit 17M is disposed directly above the center line CL, and a left operating unit 17L and a right operating unit 17R are disposed on either side of the central operating unit 17M.

[0123] A right heating power display section 16R is disposed adjacent to the right side of the integrated display section 15. The right operating unit 18 is disposed slightly to the right of the front operating unit 17F, along a horizontal reference line (straight line) BL that crosses the front edge of the front operating unit 17F directly to the side. An operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is disposed at the rightmost end of the right operation section 18, and the input keys 29 are disposed adjacent to the left of the operation button 20A.

[0124] The integrated display unit 15 is a single LCD display in terms of hardware, but as shown in Figure 6, it has three display areas: a first display area 15L on the left, a second display area 15M in the center of the left and right, and a third display area 15R on the right, and it is possible to display different things in each of these display areas.

[0125] Furthermore, the three display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R may be linked together as needed to form a single (large-area) display area depending on the display situation, and may display one or more objects. In the following description, the first display area 15L will be referred to as the first area (left area) 15L, the second display area 15M will be referred to as the second area (center area) 15M, and the third display area 15R will be referred to as the third area (right area) 15R.

[0126] The first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R are basically displayed so that they have the same effective display area, as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the width W1 of the first area 15L, the width W2 of the second area 15M, and the width W3 of the third area 15R are all the same. In the first embodiment, the first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R are illustrated as being divided by a boundary line 15S, but such a boundary line 15S does not have to be displayed on the actual display screen. In other words, the user does not have to be able to strictly visually recognize the individual ranges (in a plan view) of the first to third areas 15L, 15M, and 15R.

[0127] The first area 15L basically displays various control information, sub-cooking modes, etc. for cooking performed using the left heating port 4L. Similarly, the third area 15R basically displays various control information, sub-cooking modes, etc. for cooking performed using the right heating port 4R. The second area 15M basically displays various control information and information on sub-cooking modes for cooking performed in the central heating port 4C and cooking performed in the heating chamber 6. However, this second area 15M does not simultaneously display information for cooking performed in the central heating port 4C and cooking performed in the heating chamber 6. The heating means of the heating chamber 6 (second heating means HM2, etc.) and the IH coil 9C, which is the heating means of the central heating port 4C, are integrally controlled by the control device 22 so as to be used exclusively.

[0128] The left operating section 17L for cooking using the left heating port 4L includes a left on / off switch 41L for starting and stopping cooking using the left IH coil 9L, and a pair of left shared switches 42L for setting the control conditions (heat power and cooking time during cooking) for the left IH coil 9L and for selecting a sub-cooking mode.

[0129] The right operating section 17R for cooking using the right heating port 4R includes a right ON / OFF switch 41R for starting and stopping cooking using the right IH coil 9R, and a pair of right shared switches 42R on the left and right that can set the control conditions (heat power and cooking time during cooking, etc.) for the right IH coil 9R and can also select a sub-cooking mode.

[0130] The central operating unit 17M, which is shared for cooking in the heating chamber 6 and the central heating port 4C, is equipped with a central on / off switch 41M that starts and stops cooking using the central coil 9C, and a pair of central shared switches 42M on the left and right that can set the control conditions (heat power and heating time during cooking, etc.) using the central IH coil 9C and can also select a sub-cooking mode. The central shared switch 42M can set the control conditions (heat power and heating time during cooking) of the heating means of the heating chamber 6 (second heating means HM2 and third heating means HM3).

[0131] The left cut / on switch 41L, the center cut / on switch 41M, and the right cut / on switch 41R will be referred to as a left cut / on key 41L, a center cut / on key 41M, and a right cut / on key 41R in the following description. The left cut / insert key 41L, the center cut / insert key 41M, and the right cut / insert key 41R may be collectively referred to as a "selection section." In this case, the reference symbol SK is used.

[0132] In addition, the left shared switch 42L, the center shared switch 42M, and the right shared switch 42R will be referred to as a left shared key 42L, a center shared key 42M, and a right shared key 42R in the following description. Furthermore, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, when selecting one cooking menu, the left shared key (42L) may be called the "left selection key" (42L), the center shared key (42M) may be called the "center selection key" (42M), and the right shared key (42R) may be called the "right selection key" (42R).

[0133] As shown in Figure 6, the left cut / in key 41L and the left shared key 42L that constitute the left operation unit 17L are arranged in a position near the front of the first area 15L within the width dimension W1 of the first area 15L so that the correspondence with the left IH coil 9L, which is the target of the operation input, is clear.

[0134] Similarly, the right cut / in key 41R and the right shared key 42R that constitute the right operating section 17R are positioned in a position near the front of the third area 15R within the width dimension W3 of the third area 15R so that the correspondence with the right IH coil 9R, which is the target of the operation input, is clear.

[0135] Furthermore, the central cut / in key 41M and the central shared key 42M that constitute the central operation unit 17M are positioned in a position near the front of the second area 15M within the width dimension W2 of the second area 15M so that the correspondence with the central IH coil 9C and heating chamber 6, which are the targets of operation input, is clear.

[0136] The right operation section 18 has various switches (input keys) arranged thereon for manual operation. Reference numeral 43 denotes a timer switch corresponding to a "timer operation unit," which can automatically stop cooking by any of the first to third heating means HM1 to HM3 after a desired time set by the user has elapsed. Therefore, for example, cooking by heating chamber 6 can be automatically stopped after the set time has elapsed. Reference numeral 44 denotes a setting key (hereinafter also referred to as the "time input unit") for changing the set time of this timer switch 43. The timer switch 43 has two setting keys, one of which can lengthen the set time by pressing or touching, and the other of which can shorten the set time by pressing or touching, and these are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right.

[0137] Reference numeral 45 denotes a function setting key (multiple function input switch) for setting various functions. For example, it is used to set various operations and displays of the entire cooking appliance 1 as desired by the user. When using the timer function (such as the off timer function) described below, this function setting key may also be called a "start key." When the function setting key 45 is pressed, the control device 22 switches to a "function setting mode" and displays the following "function setting menu" on the display screen of the integrated display unit 15. (1) Child lock setting (setting to disable operation of various input keys). (2) Setting the ventilation device to linked mode (ventilation device operates in conjunction with the operation of cooking appliance 1). (3) Cleaning guide setting (setting the automatic notification function for when to clean the heating chamber 6 and exhaust vent cover 5). (4) Peak cut setting (maximum power consumption can be selected from one of four levels: 5700W, 5000W, 4800W, and 4000W). (5) Audio guide audio settings. (6) Audio guide volume setting. (7) Settings to prevent forgetting to remove food, cooking utensils, etc. from the heating chamber 6 (whether or not to issue an alarm on the audio notification unit 49 and the integrated display unit 15). (8) HEMS registration settings (settings related to the power usage restriction function of the home power control device). (9) Time unit setting for timer cooking (change from 1 minute to 5 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.). (10) Switching between beginner mode and normal (expert) mode. (11) Setting the display priority (specific cooking menu to be displayed as default) of each cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. (12) Setting the display priority (the specific control menu to be displayed by default) of each control menu of the combined cooking mode KM2 (for example, "Grill in the microwave" or "Pre-boil leafy vegetables"). (13) Setting the cooking mode to be automatically displayed on the integrated display unit 15 when the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned “ON” (such as the display priority between the linked cooking mode KM1 and the combined cooking mode KM2). (14) Setting the "External Notification Mode" to notify the set time information to the outside when using the timer function (off timer function).

[0138] FG indicates the user's fingertips. As shown in Figure 6, if a user wants to use, for example, the right heating port 4R, they can perform input operations within the range of the right operating unit 17R, and the control conditions for cooking with the right heating port 4R, the input results for the sub-cooking mode, the progress of the heating cooking, etc. can basically be known in real time from the information displayed in the third area 15R.

[0139] The six (three sets of one pair) common keys 42L, 42M, 42R and the three sets of on / off keys 41L, 41M, 41R mentioned above may be push-button type input keys (switches), or may be configured as touch type keys such as a capacitance type that allows input by utilizing the change in capacitance when the user lightly touches them with their fingertip FG.

[0140] In FIG. 6, 70 is a cooperative cooking mode selection switch (key) provided on the right operation unit 18, and pressing it once selects the cooperative cooking mode KM1. In the following explanation, this will be simply referred to as the "selection key" 70. When this selection key is pressed, a cooking menu for the cooperative cooking mode ("cooperative cooking menu") stored in the memory device 41 is called up, and the cooperative cooking menu is displayed, for example, in the central area 15M, in a format where the display is switched one by one in sequence according to a certain rule. The types of cooperative cooking menu and cooking steps will be explained in FIG. 27.

[0141] Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit 17 (rear operation unit 17B and front operation unit 17F). A rear operation unit 17B is disposed in front of the integrated display unit 15, and a front operation unit 17F is disposed adjacent to and further forward than the rear operation unit 17B.

[0142] The integrated display unit 15 displays information about the entire cooking appliance 1 and alarm information, and is configured by a liquid crystal display. As shown in Fig. 7, the first area 15L of the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 displays the induction heating power value set by the user in nine levels from 1 to 9 when using the left heating port 4L that uses the induction heating means (first heating means) HM1. 48 is the heat power display section. This is the section that displays the heat power value itself and the magnitude of the heat power level. Reference numeral 63 denotes a remaining time display section that shows the "remaining time" of the heating time set by the user. In this Figure 7, it can be seen that the heating power is at the seventh level (for example, 2500W) and the remaining time is 7 minutes.

[0143] 7, the second area 15M of the integrated display unit 15 can display identification information 46 for a sub-cooking mode that uses at least one of the microwave heating means (second heating means) HM2 and the radiant heat heating means (third heating means) HM3. This identification information may be referred to as "identification information B." Furthermore, the second area 15M can also display information about cooking using the central IH coil 9C of the first heating means HM1 that corresponds to the central heating port 4C. 47 is a heating source display section that indicates cooking using the central IH coil 9C (single cooking mode KM3).

[0144] Reference numeral 46 denotes identification information (identification information B) for each sub-cooking mode, which is displayed individually at a predetermined position in the first area 15L, second area 15M, and third area 15R, i.e., in the center in the front-to-back direction. In FIG. 7, identification information 46, such as a name, abbreviation, or symbol, is displayed to identify the sub-cooking mode "grilling," which is a type of cooking using the heating chamber 6. However, when the start of cooking in one of the sub-cooking modes, "deep-frying," is decided with the right-on / off key 41R, as in the right area 15R shown in FIG. 7, the display position of the identification information 46 moves backward.

[0145] After one sub-cooking mode is selected, only the selected identification information 46 is displayed in one display area (e.g., first area 15L), and it is no longer displayed simultaneously with the identification information 46A described below (the display of identification information 46A disappears).

[0146] Each of the three areas 15L, 15M, and 15R may also display a cancel indicator 46C for canceling the selection of a heating means (first heating means HM1 to third heating means HM3). The sub-cooking mode or heating means identified by the information displayed at the position where the heat source indicator 47 displays "Central IH," i.e., the center of the second area 15M in the front-to-back direction, is selected. In other words, in the state shown in FIG. 7, it can be seen that cooking using the central IH coil 9C is selected.

[0147] As shown in Figure 7, the third area 15R of the integrated display unit 15 can display information about heating and cooking using the right IH coil 9R, which corresponds to the right heating port 4R of the first heating means HM1. 46A is unique identification information, such as a name, abbreviation, or symbol, for identifying the next sub-cooking mode candidate (belonging to the single cooking mode KM3) that uses the right IH coil 9R. In the example of Figure 7, the identification information 46A indicating the sub-cooking mode candidate is "frying." When the sub-cooking mode identification information 46A is displayed in the center of the three areas 15L, 15M, and 15R in the front-to-back direction, it is renamed to sub-cooking mode display area 46.

[0148] As can be seen from the above description, the identification information 46 (identification information B) is displayed in the center of each of the right area 15R, the left area 15L, and the center area 15M, one for each. When one of the identification information 46 is displayed in the center of the three areas 15L, 15M, 15R in the front-to-back direction by inputting the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R, the cooking mode of that identification information 46 can be determined as the cooking mode to be executed. This determination is made by the three on / off keys 41L, 41M, 41R.

[0149] Reference numeral 50 denotes a set temperature display. One example of this set temperature display 50 shows the target heating temperature for the preheating process set by the user. In FIG. 7, it can be seen that the temperature for "frying" is 180°C. Preheating is complete when the bottom surface of the heated object, such as a frying pan or deep fryer, reaches 180°C.

[0150] Six (three pairs of) left-hand shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are arranged on the rear operation unit 17B. The left-hand shared key 42L (left and right), which corresponds to the first area 15L, is used to set control conditions (heat power, temperature, heating time, etc.). For example, each time the right-side shared left key 42L is pressed, the set heat level increases by one level. Conversely, each time the left-side shared left key 42L is pressed, the set heat level decreases by one level. In other words, because these pair of left-side shared left keys 42L are up / down keys, parameters such as heat level, heating time, and temperature displayed in the first area 15L can be displayed in a specific order in the first area 15L. Also, multiple sub-cooking modes (described in detail in FIG. 17) can be displayed one by one in a specific order in the center of the front-to-back direction of the first area 15L.

[0151] The set of (left and right) central shared keys 42M corresponding to the second area 15M and the set of (left and right) right shared keys 42R corresponding to the third area 15R are also up / down keys, similar to the left shared key 42L, and are therefore used to set control conditions (heat, temperature, heating time, etc.) and to select the sub-cooking mode. The three sets of cut / insert keys 41L, 41M, and 41R are arranged near the front sides of the left operating section 17L, the central operating section 17M, and the right operating section 17R, respectively.

[0152] The three sets of ON / OFF keys 41L, 41M, and 41R described above have light-emitting elements (not shown) such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) below them so that the state in which each heating means is selected (ON state) and the state in which each heating means is not selected (OFF state) can be distinguished by looking at the ON / OFF keys 41L, 41M, and 41R themselves. The light-emitting operation of these light-emitting elements is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 described in FIG. 5.

[0153] Furthermore, for the three sets of common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R mentioned above, light-emitting elements (not shown) may be arranged below each of the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R so that it is possible to visually recognize whether the input function is enabled or disabled, and the light-emitting operation may be controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37.

[0154] Next, FIG. 8 will be described. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing input operation steps of the central operation unit 17. For simplicity of explanation, Fig. 8 explains the integrated display unit 15 in two cases: a first area 15L and a third area 15R. When the main power switch 20 is first turned ON, the control device 22 activates the integrated display unit 15. In the first step S1, the basic procedure is to display the "standby initial screen," which does not display any specific cooking modes. However, for the sake of convenience, Figure 8 illustrates an example in which the first area 15L and the third area 15R display the identification information 46 of the sub-cooking mode "Keep Warm," which is designated as the default display as one sub-cooking mode.

[0155] In the next step S2, if the user intends to use the right heating port 4R, the "Keep Warm" sub-cooking mode displayed in the third area 15R corresponding to the right heating port 4R can be changed using the right shared key 42R. The right heating port 4R has four sub-cooking modes, as will be explained in FIG. 17. Pressing the right shared key 42R on the left side changes the sub-cooking mode to "Heat," which is defined next to "Keep Warm." The state in which the display content of the third area 15R has been changed in this way is step S3.

[0156] Next, as in step S3, when the right ON / OFF key 41R is pressed (step S4) while the identification information 46 of the sub-cooking mode "heating" is displayed in the center of the third area 15R, the use of the right heating port 4R is confirmed, and the selection of the specific cooking mode corresponding to the identification information 46 is also confirmed. Then, the start of the heating operation is confirmed. The heating operation in this case is an induction heating operation, and induction heating is started at a predetermined heating power set as a default, for example, heating power 6 (for example, 2000 W). Since the heating power value can be changed within a certain period of time after the start of the heating operation, the user can increase or decrease the default heating power by pressing the right common key 42R (step S6).

[0157] Next, FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. FIG. 9 shows the state immediately after the heating operation is started at step S5 in FIG.

[0158] In FIG. 9, 53R is a change mark indicating that the control conditions can be changed, and may also be displayed in the first area 15L and the second area 15M, in which case the symbols 53L and 53M are used. In Figure 9, the induction heating power level for the right heating port 4R is shown to be "Level 6" (out of 9 levels). When the change mark 53R is displayed in this state, pressing the right shared key 42R of the pair of right shared keys 42R as shown in Figure 9 will change the heat level up by one level to 7, and conversely, pressing the left shared key 42R once will change the heat level down by one level to 5. Pressing it twice will increase or decrease the heat level by two levels.

[0159] The heat power display of the three heat power display units 16L, 16M, 16R is performed by light emitting elements 16RE such as LEDs arranged in a line. As shown in FIG. 9, the right heating power display section 16R displays the magnitude of heating power in nine stages depending on whether or not at least nine sets (18 pieces) of light emitting elements 16RE are emitting light and the color of the light they emit. For example, each light-emitting element is arranged in a set of two, one blue-emitting LED and one red-emitting LED, and a total of nine sets are arranged. Therefore, for example, a heat level of 6 is displayed by a light emitting area 55 of six light emitting elements 16RE that emit red light and a light emitting area 56 of a group (aggregate) of three light emitting elements 16RE that emit blue light. From the user's perspective, the six red light emitting elements displayed in a row make it easy to recognize that the heat level is 6. The light emitting operation of the light emitting elements 16RE is controlled by the light emission control unit 37.

[0160] Furthermore, the left heating power display section 16L similarly displays the magnitude of heating power in nine stages depending on whether or not nine sets (18 pieces) of light-emitting elements 16LE (not shown), which emit light in two colors (red and blue), emit light and the color of their light. Furthermore, the central heating power display unit 16M displays the heating power in five stages (up to 1500 W) based on the presence or absence of light from five linearly arranged light-emitting elements 16ME (five sets of five red light-emitting elements and five blue light-emitting elements) (see Figures 18 and 19) and the color of the light they emit. The light-emitting operations of the light-emitting elements 16ME and 16LE (not shown) are controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37.

[0161] Next, FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. FIG. 10(A) shows the state immediately after the heating operation shown in FIG. 9 is started, and FIG. 10(B) shows the state immediately after the heating operation is stopped.

[0162] The stage in which induction heating is being performed at the right heating port 4R at heating power level 6 is as shown in FIG. 10(A), and the right heating power display section 16R displays "heat power 6." At this stage, if the right ON / OFF key 41R is pressed, the drive to the right IH coil 9R is stopped and the induction heating operation is immediately stopped. If the temperature of the top plate 3 is high, for example, above 50°C, high temperature warning information 54 is displayed in the third area 15R. The warning continues until the temperature drops below 50°C.

[0163] Next, FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. As shown in Figure 11(A), we will explain what happens when the identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 for "heating" is selected as the sub-cooking mode using the right shared key 42R, and then the right shared key 42R on the left is pressed without pressing the right ON / OFF key 41R as described in step S4 of Figure 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the third area 15R displays the identification information 46 for "deep frying" (sub-cooking mode display section) instead of the identification information 46 for "heating" (sub-cooking mode display section). The right heating power display unit 16R is not displaying the heating power because the heating operation has not yet started. The light-emitting area 56 consisting of a group (assembly) of nine light-emitting elements 16RE emitting blue light indicates that the unit is in a "standby state" waiting for a heating start command.

[0164] Next, FIG. 12 will be described. 12 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the transition of the display operation in the right heating power display section 16R. The display operation in the left heating power display section 16L is the same. The right heating power display unit 16R and the left heating power display unit 16L can display the heating power in up to nine stages, and can also display the progress of the preheating process in stages as shown in Figure 12. Below, we will explain the display operation of the progress of the preheating process, focusing only on the right heating power display unit 16R.

[0165] 12, the progress of the preheating process can be displayed in five stages, from preheating process 1 to preheating completion. The controller 22 detects the temperature rise of the object to be heated and determines the progress as a stage from preheating process 1 to preheating completion according to the temperature rise.

[0166] When the preheating process starts, the progress of the preheating process is displayed on the right heating power display unit 16R by lighting up the light-emitting element 16RE, as shown in Figure 12. The heating power of the IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R is not displayed here. The heating power during preheating is automatically determined by the heating control unit 23.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 12, in preheating stage 1, the progress of preheating is displayed by a light emitting area 55 formed by one light emitting element 16RE emitting red light and a light emitting area 56 formed by a group of three light emitting elements 16RE emitting blue light. In the preheating stage 2, one light emitting element 16RE emits red light and one adjacent light emitting element emits blue light, so that a purple light emitting region 57 first appears. This purple light emitting area 57 gradually increases in the horizontal direction to the right as the preheating progresses from preheating stage 3 to preheating stage 4. When preheating is complete, only the purple light emitting area 57 appears in a long horizontal band, indicating the completion of the preheating process. As described above, the user can know the progress of the preheating operation by the change and size of the purple light emitting area 57.

[0168] Next, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. When the right ON / OFF key 41R is operated from the state shown in Figure 11(B) where "deep frying" is selected as the sub-cooking mode, the process proceeds to the scene where the heating operation starts, as shown in Figure 13. The heating operation starts with the set temperature for deep frying at 180°C. The right heating power display section 16R displays a red display area 55 and a blue display area 56. Reference numeral 50 denotes the set temperature display section described in FIG. 7. In FIG. 13, it is shown that the set temperature is 180°C.

[0169] Next, FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram 5 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. When "deep-frying" is selected as the sub-cooking mode and heating operation has started as shown in FIG. 13, operating one (right) of the pair of right shared keys 42R changes the screen to one shown in FIG. 14, where the set temperature is increased from "180°C" to "190°C." In this way, after heating operation has started, the set temperature for deep-frying can be set in 10°C increments within a certain range (for example, a range of 140°C to 200°C). Each time one of the pair of right shared keys 42R is operated, the temperature can be changed by 10°C. Even in this case, the right heating power display section 16R remains in the state shown in FIG. 13, and the red display area 55 and the blue display area 56 remain displayed.

[0170] Next, FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram 6 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. FIG. 15 shows a scene in which the right heating port 4R is selected first and the sub-cooking mode is selected. Even if the third area 15R displays one sub-cooking mode, "Heat," as in step S3 of FIG. 8, pressing the left-side shared right key 42R once can change the mode to "Keep Warm." That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the third area 15R displays the "Keep Warm" identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 instead of the "Heat" identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46. In this case, the display content of the right heating power display 16R remains unchanged from the state shown in FIG. 11, displaying only the blue display area 56. Therefore, it is not possible to check the heating power level on the right heating power display 16R, nor is there any need to do so. When the sub-cooking mode is "Keep Warm," the right IH coil 9R is automatically set to a maximum heating power of, for example, 150 W.

[0171] Next, FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram 7 showing the display states and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, the right operation unit 18, and the right heating power display unit 16R. When the right shared key 42R on the right side is pressed once while the sub-cooking mode is "Keep Warm" as shown in Fig. 15, the screen changes to an input screen where "Cancel" can be selected, as shown in Fig. 16. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, the third area 15R displays a cancel indicator 46C indicating that all sub-cooking mode settings will be canceled, instead of the "Keep Warm" identification information (sub-cooking mode indicator) 46. In this case, the display content of the right heating power indicator 16R returns to the state before startup, with neither the red indicator area 55 nor the blue indicator area 56.

[0172] Next, FIG. 17 will be described. Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of sub-cooking modes that can be selected using the central operation unit 15. As shown in Fig. 17, four pieces of identification information (sub-cooking mode display areas) 46 and a cancel display area 46C are displayed in the first area 15L and the third area 15R in forward and reverse order. When the right shared key 42R of the pair of right shared keys 42R is pressed, the sub-cooking modes can be selected sequentially in the forward direction R1 in Fig. 17. Conversely, when the left shared right key 42R of the pair of right shared keys 42R is pressed, the sub-cooking modes can be selected sequentially in the reverse direction R2 in Fig. 17. In other words, when the left shared right key 42R of the right shared keys 42R is pressed, the sub-cooking mode changes from "keep warm" to "heat," and then to "fry" or "grill," and when pressed again, the cancel indicator 46C is displayed (see Fig. 16).

[0173] Next, FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15 and the central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 when the central heating port 4C is used. FIG. 18(A) shows an example in which, as a sub-cooking mode using the heating chamber 6, identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 for "grilled whole fish" is displayed in the center of the second area 15M in the front-rear direction. FIG. 18(B) shows an example in which the heat source display section 47 indicating cooking using the central IH coil 9C (single cooking mode KM3) is displayed in the center of the second area 15M in the front-to-rear direction.

[0174] In the state shown in Figure 18(A), when the right central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 for "whole fish" in Figure 18(A) is changed to the display in the heating source display 47 that allows selection of the central heating port 4C. Conversely, when the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information (sub-cooking mode display) 46 for "fillet," which uses the heating chamber 6, can be displayed in the center of the second area 15M.

[0175] In the state shown in Figure 18(B), when the right-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the display in the second area 15M in Figure 18(B) changes to a display where the "Central IH" heat source display section 47 is displayed in the center. In other words, the display changes to a state where the central IH coil 9C can be selected. Conversely, if the left-hand central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 for "whole grilling," which uses the heating chamber 6, is displayed in the display position of the heat source display section 47 in Figure 18(B).

[0176] At the same time that the heating source indicator 47 "Central IH" is displayed in the center of the second area 15M, the blue light-emitting element 16ME of the five linearly arranged light-emitting elements 16ME (five sets of five red light-emitting elements and five blue light-emitting elements) in the central heating power indicator 16M lights up, indicating that the central heating port 4C is ready to start heating. Note that when the blue light-emitting element 16ME lights up in this way, the central IH coil 9C has not yet started actual induction heating operation.

[0177] Next, FIG. 19 will be described. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operation state of the integrated display unit 15 and the central heating power display unit 16M when using the central heating port 4C, and shows the case where heating operation is started in the display state of Figure 18 (B).

[0178] When the central ON / OFF switch 41M is pressed as shown in FIG. 19 in the display state of FIG. 18(B), the start of heating operation by the central IH coil 9C is confirmed. Then, the magnitude of heating power, which is one of the control conditions, is first displayed in the second area 15M as a default setting. Here, the default setting is, for example, "heat power 2," which is set to 500 W and induction heating is started. Induction heating operation is started with the heating power displayed in the heating power display unit 48. In the central heating display unit 16, two light-emitting elements 16ME emit light to display a red display area 55, and three light-emitting elements 16ME display a blue display area 56. This allows the user to clearly recognize that the heating level is set to "heat level 2" by viewing the red display area 55.

[0179] Next, FIG. 20 will be described. Fig. 20(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed in the display state of Fig. 18(B). It shows the display state and input operation state of the integrated display unit 15 and the central thermal power display unit 16M. As shown in Figure 20(A), in place of the heat source display section 47 that was displayed in the center of the second area 15M, identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 for "whole roasting" that uses the heating chamber 6 is displayed.

[0180] In the display state of Figure 20(A), if the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed once more, the state changes to that of Figure 20(B). That is, as shown in Figure 20(B), the identification information 46 (sub-cooking mode display) for "whole fish" that was displayed in the center of the second area 15M moves to a rear position, and the identification information 46 for "fillet" is displayed in the center of the second area 15M. 20(A)(B) cannot be selected simultaneously with cooking using the central heating port 4C. In other words, cooking using the heating chamber 6 and cooking using the central heating port 4C are mutually exclusive, and only one of them can be selected.

[0181] Next, FIG. 21 will be described. 21(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the input operation for starting the heating operation in the sub-cooking mode using the heating chamber 6. Specifically, it is a schematic diagram showing the change in the display operation of the auxiliary display unit 60 that appears in the second area 15M at appropriate timing. The auxiliary display section 60 displays the level of heat, the high or low of the set temperature, etc. after the heating operation has started. As shown in Figure 21(A), the magnitude of heating power in the heating chamber 6 is displayed in the form of a bar graph with five levels. As the position of the red display section 61 moves to the right, the heating power value increases in order from heating power 1 to heating power 5. Note that the heating power here refers to the driving conditions of the upper radiant heat heating means 12a and the lower radiant heat heating means 12b. In other words, it refers to the heating capacity of the third heating means HM3, and does not indicate the microwave output of the microwave heating means 11 (second heating means HM2). The higher the set temperature, the more the red display section 61 is displayed to the right, indicating that the temperature is set to a higher value.

[0182] FIG. 21(B) shows a scene in which cooking of "fillets" is started as a sub-cooking mode using heating chamber 6. In the state shown in FIG. 20(B), when the central ON / OFF switch 41M is pressed as shown in FIG. 21(B), the heating operation by the third heating means HM3 of the heating chamber 6 is confirmed. As shown in FIG. 21(B), the display in the second area 15M displays a sub-cooking mode display section 46 at the rear to indicate the identification information (sub-cooking mode) of "fillet." The change mark 53M is similar to the change mark 53R (see FIG. 13) and indicates that the control conditions for cooking in the second area 15M can be changed.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 21(B), when cooking in one sub-cooking mode is confirmed, heating intensity information 62 indicates the heating conditions of that sub-cooking mode in specific terms. In the identification information (sub-cooking mode) for "fillet" shown in FIG. 21(B), there are, for example, five types of heating intensity information, and the following indications are used in order of decreasing heating intensity: "weak," "slightly weak," "standard," "slightly strong," and "strong." Note that other types of heating intensity information may also be used, such as three or six or more types. For example, when there are three types of heating intensity, indications such as "weak," "standard," and "strong" may be used.

[0184] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of inputting heat power in one sub-cooking mode (fillet) using heating chamber 6. 21(B), the heating intensity is "standard," so it is still possible to increase or decrease the heating intensity. Therefore, change marks 53M are displayed on both the left and right sides of the heating intensity information 62. An example of a case where the user further increases the heating intensity from the "standard" heating intensity in Figure 21(B) is shown in Figure 22. By pressing the right central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M as shown in Figure 22, the heating intensity information 62 can be changed from "standard" to "strong." In the state of FIG. 22, it is not possible to further increase the heating intensity, so the deformation mark 53M is displayed only to the left of the heating intensity information 62.

[0185] Regarding Figure 23 In the "fillet" sub-cooking mode shown in Figure 20(B), pressing the right central shared key 42M once will change "fillet" to "grill." Furthermore, pressing the right central shared key 42M once will change "grill" to "oven." In the state shown in Figure 23(A), pressing the central on / off switch 41M will confirm the heating operation in the oven heating sub-cooking mode by the third heating means HM3 in the heating chamber 6. As shown in FIG. 23(B), the display in the second area 15M displays a heat source display section 47 at the rear to indicate the sub-cooking mode "oven."

[0186] Reference numeral 50 denotes a set temperature display section. One example of this set temperature display section 50 indicates that the target heating temperature for the oven preheating step set by the user is "180°C." In other words, it can be seen that in this state 23(B), the "oven" is in a state of being performed at 180°C. The heating chamber 6 is heated in one go by the third heating control means HM3 using the heating control unit 23 (see FIG. 5) and the temperature sensor group 30 until the atmospheric temperature inside the heating chamber 6 reaches 180°C. Once 180°C is reached, preheating is complete. When preheating is complete, a notification is given by the audio notification unit 49 of the notification means 40 or the integrated display unit 15. Then, in order to maintain the set temperature (e.g., 180°C), the heating control unit 23 automatically controls the power supply to the third heating control means HM3 for a certain period of time.

[0187] Regarding Figure 24 In the sub-cooking mode shown in Figure 24(B), the set temperature (180°C) can be lowered by pressing the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M once. Each time the central shared key 42M is pressed, the temperature is lowered by 10°C. Figure 24(A) shows a scene where the temperature has been changed to 170°C in this manner. In both Figures 23(B) and 24, the change mark 53M is displayed on both the left and right sides of the set temperature display unit 50, so it is possible to either raise or lower the set temperature.

[0188] Regarding Figure 25 FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing all the types of sub-cooking modes using the heating chamber 6 that can be selected by the central operation unit 17 of the cooking appliance 1. As is clear from Figure 25, there are five sub-cooking modes in total: "Central IH," "Whole Grill," "Fillet," "Grill," and "Oven." The sub-cooking mode display 46 is displayed in the second area 15M so that these five sub-cooking modes can be identified. Also, as shown in Figure 25, one cancel display section 46C, the sub-cooking mode display section 46 and the heat source display section 47 are displayed sequentially within the range of the second area 15M in the order of forward direction R1 and reverse direction R2.

[0189] Next, FIG. 26 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 at startup. 8, when operation button (key) 20A of main power switch 20 located at the right end of right operation unit 18 is first pressed and held down (for a certain period of time or longer), main power switch 20 is closed and commercial power is applied to power supply circuit 27. When power supply circuit 27 is in the ON state, pressing operation button 20A again for, for example, several seconds turns power supply circuit 27 OFF.

[0190] The operation shown in FIG. 26 is defined in the basic operation program of the control device 22. First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed (ST1), commercial power is applied to the power circuit 27. In the next step ST2, the heating control unit 23 determines whether or not there is an abnormality (hereinafter referred to as "initial self-check"). Furthermore, if the setting at this step ST2 is such that start-up information is transmitted from the cooking appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300, the start-up information (operating state data) is transmitted wirelessly from the communication unit 25 at this stage. Note that if an abnormality is detected as a result of the initial self-check, information on the abnormality detection may be included in the start-up information and transmitted to the outside.

[0191] In the next step ST3, if no abnormalities are found as a result of the initial self-check, the integrated display unit 15 is activated. On the integrated display unit 15, all display screens from the first area 15L to the third area 15R are activated simultaneously, and the display screens in the first area 15L to the third area 15R become the "initial standby screen." The initial standby screen here refers to a guidance screen that displays information such as "Cooking can now be started" and "Usage precautions." This information may be displayed individually in the first area 15L to the third area 15R, or the three display areas may be combined into one larger display area to display precautions, etc. At this stage, the heating control unit 23 also checks whether a setting command has been received from the input operation unit 36 ​​regarding the upper limit of the total power consumption of the cooking appliance 1.

[0192] At step ST3, the audio notification unit 22 also provides notification and audio guidance to prompt the user to select the heating means. In the next step ST4, the integrated display unit 15 displays a message prompting the user to perform an input operation. That is, information prompting the user to select the heating means to be used and the sub-cooking mode (hereinafter referred to as "initial input recommendation information") is displayed. Note that, in the step following the display of the initial input recommendation information, as shown in FIG. 8, the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 indicating "Keep Warm" as the default display of the sub-cooking mode may be displayed in all of the first area 15L to the third area 15R. Alternatively, the heating source display unit 47 indicating "Central IH" may be displayed in the second area 15M.

[0193] Then, the presence or absence of operation of the three pairs of input keys arranged on the rear operation unit 17B is checked. That is, it is determined whether any of the left common key 42L, the center common key 42M, and the right common key 42R has been operated (ST5). For example, as in step S2 described in FIG. 8, if the right common key 42R has been operated, step ST5 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step ST6.

[0194] In step ST5, the most recent input operation is checked. For example, it is determined whether the left common key 42L or the center common key 42M was operated before the right on / off switch 41R was pressed after the right common key 42R was pressed. The selection of the three heating means HM1 to HM3 is confirmed when the three on / off switches 41L, 41M, and 41R are pressed, so if any of the three pairs of common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R is pressed before this confirmation, the heating means corresponding to that common key can be selected.

[0195] In step ST6, the permission condition determination unit 26 checks whether the "permission conditions" are met. For example, it checks the usage status of the heat source used in the "cooperative cooking mode" KM1. For example, if the right IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R is already in heating operation for another cooking, the permission condition is determined to be "unusable," i.e., "No." In the case of FIG. 26, since the main power switch 20 has just been turned on, it is impossible that the appliance has already been used for another cooking operation, and therefore the answer is "available," i.e., "Yes."

[0196] In FIG. 26, step ST6 is a stage for determining "permission condition 1." Here, "Permission Condition 1" means: (1) The "peak cut value" that specifies the upper limit of the maximum power that can be used by the heating cooker 1 is 5000W or more. (2) When a power reduction command signal is received by the control device 22 via the communication unit 25 from the external cloud server 300 or the communication terminal 200, the peak cut value of the reduction command is 5000 W or more; If these two conditions are met, the result of step ST6 is "Yes."

[0197] The "permission condition 2" in the next step ST7 is the following four conditions. (1) In the first heating means HM1, the central heating port 4C is not in heating operation. (2) Either the second heating means HM2 or the third heating means HM3, or both of them, are not in heating operation.

[0198] (3) In the first heating means HM1, neither the right heating port 4R nor the left heating port 4L is being used for heating (or only one of them is being used for heating). In other words, neither the left IH coil 9L nor the right IH coil 9R is being used for heating. (4) The latest temperatures of the top plate 3 and the heating chamber 6 are not so high as to exceed a limit value (for example, 50°C).

[0199] If the above four conditions are met, the determination in step ST7 is "Yes." Then, the process proceeds to step ST9. That is, as explained in step S4 of FIG. 8, the selection of the three heating ports and heating chamber 6 is confirmed, and the process can proceed to the step of starting cooking. That is, in step ST9, for example, as explained in FIG. 9, the process can proceed to the induction heating cooking process using the right heating port 4R, and the control conditions such as heating power (heating power display section 48) are displayed in the first area 15R.

[0200] If the determinations in steps ST6 and ST7 are "No," the process proceeds to step ST8, where the integrated display unit 15 and / or the audio notification unit 22 notify the user that the selected cooking mode cannot be selected, and prompt the user to select another heating means or main cooking mode. For example, the user is notified that the permission conditions are not met unless the mode is changed from the cooperative cooking mode KM1 to the independent cooking mode KM3.

[0201] In this embodiment 1, the combined cooking mode KM2 selectable by the central operation unit 17M exceptionally includes, for example, "cooking rice" and "keeping warm" as cooking menus of the single cooking mode KM3 using the central IH coil 9C. For example, if the heating source display unit 47 for "central IH" described in Fig. 25 is selected, the identification information 46 for the sub-cooking modes "cooking rice" and "keeping warm" are displayed sequentially (one by one) immediately afterwards.

[0202] When the door 7 of the heating chamber 6 is opened after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON", the control device 22 detects that the door 7 has been opened. It is assumed that the user will be cooking using the heating chamber 6, and the initial standby screen has a function to automatically display identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 and heating source display section 47 in the second area 15M as shown in Figures 18 to 24. In other words, immediately after the main power switch 20 is turned "ON," the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 displays the aforementioned "standby initial screen." After that, immediately after the door 7 is opened, the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 and the heat source display unit 47 are automatically displayed only in the second area 15M, even if one of the pair (two) shared switches 42M on the rear operation unit 17B is not operated.

[0203] When both the left IH coil 9L of the left heating port 4L and the right IH coil 9R of the right heating port 4R are being used for cooking, the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 displays the sub-cooking mode display unit 46, the set temperature display unit 50, the heat power display unit 48, etc. in both the first area 15L and the third area 15R. Furthermore, in the first area 15L to the third area 15R, after the heating operation is completed, high temperature warning display information 54 as described with reference to FIG. 10(B) is automatically displayed.

[0204] Next, FIG. 27 will be described. Fig. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of all the types of cooperative cooking mode KM1 and cooking steps of the cooking appliance 1. What is shown in Fig. 27 is what is stored in the recipe data storage unit 21A of the cooking appliance 1 from the beginning and is provided, and does not include recipe data CD that is provided one by one from an external information providing means such as the communication terminal 200 in response to a user request. As is clear from Fig. 27, the cooking appliance 1 has a total of eight cooperative cooking menus, and eight pieces of identification information 72 are displayed in order in the central area 15M. These cooperative cooking menus are "basic menus" to be described later. This identification information 72 may be referred to as "identification information A." When the right central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the identification information 72 (identification information A) of the eight collaborative cooking menus is displayed one by one in the forward (R1) direction in the center of the central display unit 15M. Conversely, when the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the items are displayed one by one in the forward direction (R1) and then in the reverse direction (R2) in the center of the front-to-rear direction of the central display unit 15M. Note that, although "hamburger" is displayed as a default setting, this may be changed in advance using the function setting key 45 so that other identification information 72 is displayed.

[0205] Next, FIG. 28 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 22 when the combined cooking mode KM1 is executed in the cooking appliance 1. The operations shown in steps SA1 to SA12 are defined in the basic operation program of the control device 22.

[0206] For simplicity of explanation, the explanation will start from step SA1, which corresponds to step ST4 explained in FIG. In step SA1, a display is displayed to prompt the user to perform an input operation, that is, the initial input recommendation information is displayed, which prompts the user to select the heating means to be used and the sub-cooking mode. Next, when the user presses the selection key 70 for selecting the collaborative cooking mode provided on the right operation unit 18, the collaborative cooking menus (stored in the memory device 41) as described in Figure 27 are called up one by one and displayed in the central area 15M (step SA2).

[0207] When the right central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed (step SA3), the cooking menu candidate display sections 72A are displayed one by one in the forward direction (R1) in the central display section 15M from the collaborative cooking menu shown in Figure 27, and when the right central shared key 42M is pressed once more, it changes to the forward direction (R1) and is displayed in the center of the front-to-back direction of the central area 15M as the cooking menu display section 72 (step SA4).

[0208] If there is an objection to the contents of the cooking menu display section 72 displayed in the center of the front-to-back direction of the central area 15M, the right or left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is operated, and the process returns to step SA3 (step SA5). If step SA4 is judged "Yes," the process proceeds to step SA6, where the ON / OFF key 41L, 41M, or 41R corresponding to one of the first to third areas 15L to 15R is pressed (step SA6). This starts the heating operation (step SA7). If the device is left in step SA6 for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes), a warning is displayed on the integrated display unit 15 for safety reasons, and then the main power switch 20 is automatically opened.

[0209] On the other hand, if in step SA2, the selection key 70 is not pressed but one of the three pairs of shared switches 42L-42R is pressed (step SA8), a cooking mode other than the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected. Then, the sub-cooking mode corresponding to the operated shared switch 42L-42R is displayed on the integrated display unit 15 (step SA9). For example, as described in FIG. 11(A), the sub-cooking mode display unit 46 displays "induction heating" on the right heating port 4R.

[0210] Next, in step SA10, if the right common key 42R is not pressed but the right ON / OFF key 41R is pressed (step SA11), heating operation using the right IH coil 9R is initiated (step SA12). If the right common key 42R is pressed in step SA10, the process returns to step SA9, and another identification information (sub-cooking mode display section) 46 is displayed in the center of the front-to-back direction of the third area 15R. Note that in step SA8, the right common switch 42R of the three pairs of common switches 42L to 42R was pressed, but the left common switch 42L or the center common switch 42M may also be pressed.

[0211] Next, FIG. 29 will be described. FIG. 29(A) shows a scene where the user first operates the selection key 70 when cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. 29(B) shows the state in which the cooking menu display section 72 for "hamburger" is displayed as one of the cooking menus in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. The cooking menu candidate display sections 72A for "paella" and "tempura" are displayed in slightly smaller letters before and after the cooking menu display section 72.

[0212] 71L is a heating unit selection indicator displayed in the first area 15L. The cooperative cooking menu (hamburger) in FIG. 29(B) is set in advance using the function setting key 45 so that it can be performed using only the left heating port 4L. Therefore, for the cooking menu "hamburger," the heating unit selection indicator 71L is displayed only in the first area 15L, as shown in FIG. 29(B). However, depending on the cooking menu in cooperative cooking mode KM1, the heating unit selection indicator 71R may be displayed in the third area 15R. Furthermore, when identification information 72 is displayed in the second area 15M, the heating unit selection indicator 71M is not displayed in the same second area 15M as a general rule, but this may be changed so that it is displayed.

[0213] Next, FIG. 30 will be described. Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1.

[0214] FIG. 30 shows a continuation of the operations shown in FIG. 29(B), but the central operation unit 17 has been slightly improved to emphasize to the user the left-turn-on key 41L, which should be operated last. If "Hamburger" is not selected in the state of Figure 29(B) and the left central shared key 42M of the pair of central shared keys 42M is pressed, the cooking menu display section 72 for "Paella" is displayed in the center of the second area 15M as shown in Figure 30. Also, a heating unit selection instruction section 71L is displayed in the first area 15L. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30, the left turn key 41L corresponding to the first area 15L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (shown) via the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Figure 5), displaying a figure in, for example, blue or yellow, and emphasizing the operating portion of the left turn key 41L.

[0215] Next, FIG. 31 will be described. Figure 31 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. Figure 31 shows a continuation of the operation in Figure 29(B), but shows a different configuration from Figure 30. That is, in Figure 30, one linked cooking menu (hamburger steak) was set in advance with function setting key 45 so that it could be performed using only the left heating port 4L, and therefore the left-off key 41L, which should be operated last, was shown to the user by the heating unit selection indicator 71L in the first area 15L.

[0216] In contrast, Figure 31 shows an example in which one linked cooking menu, "paella," is not set in advance using the function setting key 45 so that it can be executed using only the left heating outlet 4L, but is instead set to the default state, so that it can be executed using either the left or right heating outlet 4L or 4R. In FIG. 31, 73L is a left heating port selection guide indicating that cooking of an integrated cooking menu (in this case, "paella") can be started using the left IH coil 9L. 73R is a right heating port selection guide indicating that cooking of an integrated cooking menu (in this case, "paella") can be started using the right IH coil 9R. In FIG. 31, the left turn-on key 41L and the right turn-on key 41R, which correspond to the left heating port selection guide 73L and the right heating port selection guide 73R, respectively, are illuminated from below by light-emitting elements (shown) from the light-emitting control unit 37 (see FIG. 5) to prompt operation. In this case, both the left turn-on key 41L and the right turn-on key 41R cannot be operated to input. Only the key operated first is recognized by the control device 22 as a valid signal.

[0217] Next, FIG. 32 will be described. Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. Fig. 32 shows an example in which the configuration shown in Fig. 30 has been slightly modified. That is, in Fig. 32, one cooperative cooking menu (paella) is set in advance using the function setting key 45 so that it can be performed using only the left heating port 4L. Then, in order to clearly display the left power-on key 41L, which should be operated last, a heating unit reception instruction section 74L is displayed in the first area 15L. That is, this heating unit reception instruction section 74L guides the user to operate the left power-on key 41L.

[0218] Next, FIG. 33 will be described. Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram 5 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1. FIG. 33 shows an example of a linked cooking menu in which cooking step 1 is performed in the heating chamber 6, for "fried chicken." That is, in FIG. 33, the linked cooking menu (fried chicken) requires a "preheating" operation in the right heating port 4R, as shown in FIG. 27, but cooking step 1 is performed by microwave heating in the heating chamber 6 (microwave heating). Therefore, the center ON / OFF key 41M must be operated to specify the second heating means HM2, which is the heating means for cooking step 1. In the example of FIG. 33, the heating unit selection indicator 71R is displayed in the third area 15R. After cooking of this "fried chicken" begins, preheating of an object to be heated, such as a frying pan, placed on the right heating port 4R is initiated by driving the right IH coil 9R. Concurrently, the door 7 in the heating chamber 6 is opened, and cooking step 1 in the heating chamber 6 is performed by microwave heating only when the control device 22 detects that the door 7 has been closed again. In other words, the preheating operation at the right heating port 4R and the cooking process 1 in the heating chamber 6 are carried out in the same time period.

[0219] Next, FIG. 34 will be described. FIG. 34 is a time chart showing, in chronological order, the main operations of the communication terminal 200 and the cooking appliance 1 when one piece of recipe data CD is acquired from the external communication terminal 200 in the cooperative cooking mode KM1. When cooking in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 using recipe data CD obtained from an external source, the communication terminal 200 and the cooker 1 operate sequentially as shown in steps SB1 to SB7 in FIG.

[0220] First, the recipe data CD to be provided to the cooking appliance 1 is determined from the recipe data CD held by the communication terminal 200 (step SB1). That is, one cooking menu is selected. Note that the recipe data CD (CD1: see FIG. 1) previously acquired from the cloud server 300 via the network NW may also be used. Next, before transmitting recipe data CD for a specific cooking menu from communication terminal 200 to cooking appliance 1, advance notice information 201 is transmitted so that cooking appliance 1 can identify in advance what kind of cooking menu data it is (step SB2).

[0221] The advance notice information 201 is information that includes identification information 72 that can identify the cooking menu. In addition to the identification information 72, the recipe data CD includes data such as the cooking process (cooking process 1, cooking process 2, etc.), the type of heating means and heating port (e.g., left heating port 4L) to be used, the order in which the multiple heating means are driven, and the standard control conditions of each heating means (parameters such as heat power and heating time). The steps SB1 and SB2 are operations performed by the communication terminal 200.

[0222] Next steps SB3 to SB5 are operations performed by the cooking appliance 1. First, in step SB3, in addition to analysis by the input signal analysis unit 52 of the cooking appliance 1, the data acquisition unit 53 analyzes the contents of the preview information 1 (201) of one piece of recipe data CD to identify the heating means and heating port for at least cooking process 1 to be performed. For example, it is determined that cooking process 1 is cooking process 1 to be performed using the first heating means HM1 and the left heating port 4R. Based on the analysis results, it is determined which of the left area (first area) 15L to the right area (third area) 15R is the display area in which the reception of the advance notice information 201 should be displayed.

[0223] In the next step SB4, the content of the advance notice information 201 is displayed in the display area (one of the first area 15L to the third area 15R) specified in step SB3. The user is then advised to operate one of the common switches (keys) 42L to 42R corresponding to one of the first area 15L to third area 15R. In parallel with this display, the audio notification unit 49 may provide audio guidance to perform the input operation.

[0224] In step SB4, if the correct common switch (key) 42L to 42R is operated, predetermined selection information (selection signal) 202 is transmitted from communication unit 25 (step SB5). When communications terminal 200 receives selection information 202, it analyzes the information, and if the selection information 202 is correct, it proceeds to a standby state for transmitting recipe data CD of the cooking menu (step SB6). When a transmission operation such as a predetermined touch operation is performed on the input screen of communications terminal 200, recipe data CD is transmitted to cooking appliance 1 (step SB7). The exchange of information between cooking appliance 1 and communications terminal 200 shown in Fig. 34 will be described in detail in Figs. 39, 44 and 45.

[0225] Next, FIG. 35 will be described. Figure 35 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heat display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 using recipe data CD obtained from an external source. FIG. 35 shows the stage of step SB3 explained in FIG. In the example of FIG. 35, the left area (first area) 15L displays reception standby information 80 to notify the user that the device is in the preparation stage for receiving recipe data CD from the outside.

[0226] In the operation of externally acquiring recipe data CD for one cooking menu (e.g., "Ratatouille") in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, in step SS4 (described in FIG. 52), it is necessary to operate the common key (e.g., 42L) (see FIGS. 34 and 35). In other words, if the recipe data CD determines that cooking step 1 of the cooking menu (e.g., "Ratatouille") will be performed using the left heating port 4L, it is necessary to press the left common key 42L corresponding to the left area 15L. FIG. 35 shows the state immediately before the left common key 42L is pressed in this way. In this example, the reception waiting information 80 does not include identification information 72 that identifies the cooking menu, but such identification information 72 may be included and displayed in the reception waiting information 80. In this case, since the communication terminal 200 can only transmit preview information 201 for one cooking menu, identification information 72 for multiple cooking menus will not be displayed simultaneously in the left area 15L.

[0227] Next, FIG. 36 will be described. Figure 36 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heat display unit 16R when cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1 using recipe data CD obtained from an external source. FIG. 36 shows the stage of step SB5 explained in FIG. 36 shows the stage where the left common use key 42L is pressed to transmit the selection information 202 corresponding to the advance notice information 201 in order to obtain recipe data CD from outside. After this, when the selection information 202 arrives at the communication terminal 200 and recipe data CD is transmitted from the communication terminal 200, the recipe data CD is obtained by the cooking appliance 1. Then, when the left ON / OFF key 41L is operated, cooking process 1 is started.

[0228] Next, FIG. 37 will be described. Figure 37 shows a series of operations from receiving advance notice information 201 regarding recipe data CD transmitted from an external communication terminal 200, etc., to transmitting selection information 202, and is a flowchart showing part of the control program stored in the control device 22. FIG. 37 shows the details of steps SB3 to SB5 described in FIG. In FIG. 37, the range indicated by the dashed frame indicates the range that can be input by voice in the "voice input mode" that can be set by operating the input key 29.

[0229] Steps SC3 to SC6 are for the case of recipe data CD for cooking using left heating port 4L corresponding to first area 15L. Steps SC7 to SC10 are for the case of recipe data CD for cooking using central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6 corresponding to second area 15M. Steps SC11 to SC14 are for the case of recipe data CD for cooking using right heating port 4R corresponding to third area 15R.

[0230] In step SC2 of Figure 37, the data acquisition unit 24 (see Figure 5) analyzes the "advance notice information" received from the communication terminal 200 or the like, and identifies one cooking menu from the identification information 72 included in the advance notice information 201. For example, the identification information 72 of the cooking menu "hamburger" above indicates that the right heating port 4R will be used in cooking step 1. Furthermore, the identification information 72 of the cooking menu "ratatouille" indicates that cooking step 1 will be performed in the heating chamber 6.

[0231] From the cooking process 1 determined by the judgment result of the identification information 72 in step SC2, it can be seen that the common key that needs to be input to transmit the selection information 200 in steps SC3, SC7 or SC11 is one of 42L, 42M, or 42R. That is, if the corresponding area is the left area 15L, the determination in step SC3 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SC4. In the first area 15L, the fact that the advance notice information 201 has been received is displayed by, for example, the reception standby information 80, so that the user knows that he or she needs to operate the left common key 42L.

[0232] A determination is made as to whether the user has operated the left common key 42L, and if so, the determination in step SC5 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SC6. In step SC6, the communication section 25 transmits the selection information 202. Step SC15 also supports a voice input mode that is set when the input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, when he / she utters "Select left IH" by voice), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analyzing unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is determined to be valid, it is treated as an input similar to the operation of the left common key 42L, and similarly, the selected information 202 is transmitted. Note that, in this voice input, in order to confirm that the voice input is not incorrect before transmitting the selected information 202, the operation program may be configured to display confirmation information such as "Confirm voice input" in the left area 15L, and then (within a certain period of time) automatically transmit the selected information 202.

[0233] Next, steps SC7 to SC10 in FIG. 37 will be described. If the analysis of the "notice information 201" in step SC2 reveals from the received notice information 201 that cooking process 1 will be performed in the heating chamber 6 or in the central heating port 4C, the judgment in step SC7 will be "Yes."

[0234] As a result of the determination of the advance notice information 201 in step SC2, it is found that the common key that needs to be input to transmit the selection information 200 is the central common key 42M, and therefore the process proceeds to step SC8. In the second area (central area) 15M, the fact that the advance notice information 201 has been received is displayed by, for example, the reception standby information 80, so that the user knows that he or she needs to operate the central shared key 42M.

[0235] A determination is made as to whether the user has operated the central shared key 42M, and if so, the determination in step SC9 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SC10. In step SC10, the communication section 25 transmits the selection information 202. Like step SC15, step SC16 also supports a voice input mode that is set when the input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, by saying "select center"), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analyzing unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is determined to be valid, it is treated as an input similar to the operation of the central shared key 42M, and similarly, the selected information 202 is transmitted. Note that, in this voice input, in order to confirm that the voice input is not incorrect before transmitting the selected information 202, an operation program may be configured to display confirmation information such as "Confirm voice input" in the central area 15M, and then (within a certain period of time) automatically transmit the selected information 202.

[0236] Next, steps SC11 to SC14 in FIG. 37 will be described. When the analysis of the "advance notice information 201" in step SC2 reveals from the received advance notice information 201 that cooking step 1 will be performed on the right heating port 4R, the determination in step SC11 is "Yes."

[0237] As a result of the determination of the advance notice information 201 in step SC2, it is found that the common key that needs to be input to transmit the selection information 202 is the right common key 42R, and therefore the process proceeds to step SC12. In the third area (right area) 15R, the fact that the advance notice information 201 has been received is displayed by, for example, the reception standby information 80, so that the user knows that he or she needs to operate the right common key 42R.

[0238] It is determined whether the user has operated the right common key 42R (step SC13), and if so, the determination in step SC13 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SC14. In step SC14, the communication section 25 transmits the selection information 202. Like step SC15, step SC17 also supports a voice input mode that is set when the input key 29 is pressed. That is, when the user inputs by voice (for example, when the user utters "select right IH"), the voice information is converted into a voice signal by the voice signal receiving unit 31, and the voice signal analyzing unit 32 determines whether it is a predetermined voice command signal. If the voice input is determined to be valid, it is treated as an input similar to the operation of the right common key 42R, and similarly, the selected information 202 is transmitted. Note that, in this voice input, in order to confirm that the voice input is not incorrect before transmitting the selected information 202, the operation program may be configured to display confirmation information such as "Confirm voice input" in the right area 15R, and then (within a certain period of time) automatically transmit the selected information 202.

[0239] Next, we will explain Figure 38. FIG. 38 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the cooking appliance 1 to acquire recipe data CD from the outside. In Fig. 38, step SL1 performs a process corresponding to the process of step SB3 in Fig. 34. That is, the advance notice information 201 is received, and the contents of the identification information 72 and the like are determined.

[0240] The next step SL2 performs processing equivalent to the processing of steps ST6 and ST7 described in Fig. 26. That is, even in the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it is determined whether or not the permission conditions 1 and 2 are met. That is, this is a process to determine whether carrying out the cooking of the received recipe data CD meets the predetermined permission conditions. As mentioned above, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, anything that does not meet "Permission Condition 1" and "Permission Condition 2" is not permitted as a cooking menu. Incidentally, in the combined cooking mode KM2, it is also determined whether a specific "Permission Condition 3" is met.

[0241] If it is determined in step SL2 that the permission conditions are not met, the communication unit 25 transmits a signal (data) to the outside to notify that the cooking of the recipe data CD cannot be performed (step SL7). Note that, although Fig. 38 shows the case where the recipe data CD of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is received, such a "non-reception message" is also transmitted for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the single cooking mode KM3 when the identification information of the recipe data CD is received from the outside.

[0242] If the permission conditions are met, the heating means and heating port for at least cooking step 1 to be performed are identified, as explained in step SB3 of FIG. 34. For example, it is determined that cooking step 1 will be performed using the first heating means HM1 and the left heating port 4R. This makes it possible to determine which of the first to third areas 15L to 15R is the display area in which the reception of the advance notice information 201 should be displayed, and reception standby information 80 is displayed in the corresponding one of the first to third areas 15L to 15R (step SL3). In addition, it is also preferable to display identification information 72, such as the name of the cooking menu.

[0243] In the next step SL4, the control device 22 enables the input functions of at least three pairs of common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R of the central operation unit 17. In other words, at this stage, when each of the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R is operated for the first time, a valid input signal can be transmitted to the control device 22. Therefore, even if the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R are operated by mistake before this, the "selection information 202" of the next step SL5 cannot be transmitted.

[0244] If the correct shared keys 42L, 42M, 42R are operated, the result of step SL5 is "Yes," and a predetermined selection signal 202 is transmitted from the communication unit 25 to the outside (step SL6), which is ultimately confirmed by the communication terminal 200.

[0245] If the correct common key 42L, 42M, 42R is not operated in step SL5, the process proceeds to step SL8. In step SL8, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SL4 has exceeded a preset time limit TX. If the time limit TX has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SL5. However, if the time limit TX has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SL9. Step SL9 is "automatic shut-off process 1," which automatically opens the main power switch 20 and forcibly shuts off the power supply.

[0246] Next, FIG. 39 will be described. In Fig. 39, steps SE1 to SE12 show the main operational steps from the start of the cooking menu search function in communication terminal 200. Fig. 39 mainly shows the operations up to the transmission of recipe data CD.

[0247] The user operates the input unit (touch operation unit) of communication terminal 200 to connect to cloud server 300 or to activate the search function (step SE1). Then, the user searches for cooking menus by operating search condition input keys, cooking menu name input keys, etc., displayed on terminal display unit 216 (described in FIG. 42) configured with an LCD screen or the like (step SE2). Note that cooking menus may also be searched for by voice using the voice input function of communication terminal 200. The user can touch the terminal display unit 216 to display the desired cooking menu on the terminal display unit 216 (for example, one or more cooking menu options are displayed on one display screen) (step SE3).

[0248] The terminal display unit 216 may be configured to simultaneously display a list of various cooking menus in a predetermined order or rule by default. For example, the cooking menus may be displayed in alphabetical order starting from the name of the cooking menu, or the user may use the search function to execute a search by vocalizing the name of the cooking menu, such as "hamburger steak."

[0249] When a desired cooking menu is selected from the cooking menus displayed on the terminal display unit 216, the screen switches to a "dedicated screen" for that cooking menu. In other words, when only such a specific cooking menu is selected, the determination in step SE4 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SE5. Note that the "dedicated screen" in this case is, for example, the "first screen 216A" described in FIG. 42(A). On the other hand, on the terminal side display unit 216, the screen displaying the search results also displays input keys (icons) such as "Search for other menus" and "Search again," so if you touch these, this step SE4 will be judged as "No," and the display will return to the search input screen.

[0250] The central processing unit (not shown) of the communication terminal 200 displays identification information (such as the name of the cooking method) 72 relating to the selected cooking menu and information such as the heating method to be used on the terminal display unit 216. This display screen will be referred to hereinafter as the "first screen" 216A. When a specific confirmation key is touched or selected by voice input on the first screen 216A in step SE5, the recipe selection unit (not shown) detects that a command to transmit one cooking menu has been issued (step SE6), and then transmits the advance notice information 201.

[0251] The first screen 216A will be described in detail in Fig. 42(A), and multiple pieces of information such as information in the identification information display section 245 are simultaneously displayed. However, due to limitations on the display area of ​​the terminal side display section 216, not all of the information can be viewed in a list (all on one screen). Details will be described in Fig. 42.

[0252] When the user touches the confirmation key (icon) 237 (described in FIG. 42) for the cooking menu on the first screen 216A, the central processing unit receives the input from the touch operation and switches the display content from the first screen 216A to the second screen 216B (described in FIG. 42) (step SE7). If the user does not select the cooking menu displayed on the first screen 216A, the process returns from step SE6 to step SE2, where the user can search for and select another cooking menu.

[0253] In Fig. 39, step SE6A is shown by a dashed line because it is prepared as an optional function. This step SE6A is a step in which, when the confirmation key (icon) 237 (see Fig. 42) of the cooking menu is touched, the first screen 216A or the second screen 216B displays that the "advance notice information" (201) has been sent to the cooking appliance 1.

[0254] The advance notice information 201 is intended to indicate to the cooking appliance 1 that one piece of recipe data CD is in the preparation stage for transmission. This advance notice information (201) may only contain identification information indicating a specific cooking menu, and does not need to include information that can identify the three cooking modes: cooperative cooking mode KM1, combined cooking mode KM2, and single cooking mode KM1. For example, it is sufficient to be able to identify "hamburger steak" or "ratatouille." Note that, as will be described later in Figure 42(A), the advance notice information (201) may also include the number of cooking steps and cooking step information (including heating means and their control conditions, etc.) 226.

[0255] The second screen 216B, which starts to be displayed after the advance notice information 201 is transmitted, includes information requesting a decision as to whether or not to transmit recipe data CD relating to the selected cooking menu to the cooker 1 (details will be explained in Figure 42 and subsequent figures). Depending on the cooking menu, either the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L may be usable. In such cases, the advance notice information 201 includes recommendation information that prompts the user to select, on the cooker 1, whether to use the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L.

[0256] As will be explained in Figure 42 (B), upon receiving the advance notice 201, the cooking appliance 1 is required to press a common key (any one of 42L, 42M, 42R). In response to this action, the cooking appliance 1 transmits to the communication terminal 200 the "selection information 202" indicating that a specific cooking menu (for example, hamburger steak) and the heating outlet (any one of 4L, 4C, 4R) or heating chamber 6 to be used have been selected.

[0257] When recipe data CD from an external source is not used, if cooking process 1 of the linked cooking mode KM1 is performed using the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, the heating operation can be started by checking the identification information 72 etc. displayed in the central area (second area) 15M and pressing either the "on / off key" 41L or 41R.

[0258] On the other hand, when cooking using external recipe data CD, if cooking step 1 of linked cooking mode KM1 is performed using the right heating port 4R, identification information 72 etc. is initially displayed in the right area (third area) corresponding to the right heating port 4R, so all that is required is to operate the right shared key 42R to transmit the selection signal 202. In other words, by receiving advance notice information 201, it is clear that all that is required is to operate the right shared key 42R to transmit the selection signal 202. Furthermore, when cooking step 1 is performed using the left heating port 4L, the selection signal 202 can be transmitted by operating the left common key 42L corresponding to the left area 15L. Furthermore, when cooking step 1 is performed in the central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6, the selection signal 202 may be transmitted by operating the central common key 42M corresponding to the central area 15M. As described above, in the selection information 202 of this first embodiment, the reception of the advance notice information 201 is displayed in each display area corresponding to the heating port or heating means used in cooking step 1 of the cooperative cooking mode KM1. Then, transmission of the selection information 202 is determined in response to the operation of one of the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R corresponding to one display area.

[0259] When the communication terminal 200 receives the selection information 202 as described above, the determination in step SE8 is "Yes." In FIG. 39, steps SE6A and SE8 are shown with dashed lines because they are provided as optional functions. If the optional function is not used, the process proceeds to step SE9 while keeping the state of second screen 216B that started to be displayed at step SE6.

[0260] Step SE8 is for determining whether or not any one of the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R (for example, 42L) of the central operation unit 17 of the cooking appliance 1 has been pressed. If the correct common key 42L, 42M, 42R is pressed, the cooking appliance 1 transmits a signal indicating the result to the communication terminal 200, so the determination in step SE8 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SE8A.

[0261] Since the signal of the advance notice information 201 is transmitted to the cooking appliance 1 at step SE6, upon receiving the advance notice information 201 (step SE8), the control device 22 may start processing to prepare for cooking using the recipe data CD acquired from the communication terminal 200. For example, a warning message such as "Since recipe data will be received now, other cooking cannot be started" may be displayed on the integrated display unit 15.

[0262] On the other hand, the communication terminal 200 repeatedly checks at regular time intervals whether or not the selection information 202 has arrived from the cooking appliance 1, and if it has not been received, proceeds to time limit processing (step SE12). The time limit processing measures the time elapsed since step SE6, and when a certain time limit (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, error processing is performed and the operation in Fig. 39 is stopped. In other words, even if the user forgets to perform the transmission operation midway, the process automatically returns to the stage of step SE2.

[0263] If the selection information 202 is received from the cooking appliance 1, step SE8 is judged as "Yes", and the second screen 216B that began to be displayed in step SE6 is changed to second screen A (216B1) that displays different content, as will be explained in Figure 44 (B). Then, the user is advised to touch the input keys 240 for transmitting the recipe data CD displayed on the second screen A (216B1). This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0264] In step SE9, if the user touches the input key (icon) 240 on the second screen 216B, or touches the input key 240 on the second screen A (216B1) shown in Figure 44 (A), step SE9 becomes "Yes" and proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, the cooking menu (recipe data CD) selected in step SE6 is transmitted to the cooker 1.

[0265] Next, communication terminal 200 switches the display content from second screen 216B or second display screen A (216B1) to third screen 216C (step SE11). There are two types of third screen 216C (216C1, 216C2) as shown in Fig. 43. This will be explained later.

[0266] Next, FIG. 40 will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 after receiving the recipe data CD from the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200. In the control device 22, the communication unit 25, which is in charge of acquiring the recipe data CD, performs the operations of steps SF1 to SF11 described below in cooperation with the data acquisition unit 24 (see FIG. 5).

[0267] In the cooking appliance 1, at the stage of establishing an initial communication state with the communication terminal 200, data (also referred to as "preparation information 203") including unique "device identification information" for identifying the cooking appliance 1 is provided to the communication terminal 200 from the communication unit 25. This will be described in FIG. 45.

[0268] In the state where communication is established, when recipe data CD is subsequently received from the outside via the communication unit 25, the data is temporarily stored in a temporary memory (step SF1). The communication unit 25 first acquires overall status information of the cooking appliance 1. This status information is information indicating the status of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1. Therefore, for example, the status information is information confirmed by the heating control unit 23 of the first heating means HM1 to the third heating means HM3.

[0269] For example, the communication unit 25 acquires information such as the fact that the control conditions have already been set and that the heating is in a standby state immediately before starting, and that temperature detection signals are being received from the temperature sensor group 30 (step SF2).

[0270] The communication unit 25 repeatedly performs such a state confirmation operation for each component of the cooking appliance 1 at regular time intervals to collect the latest accurate data. In this way, information that can determine whether or not the cooking appliance 1 is in a state where it can transition to control in accordance with the contents of the received recipe data CD is collected by the communication unit 25. That is, the communication unit 25 of the cooking appliance 1 compares the contents of the data, including the device identification information, transmitted immediately before with the contents of the recipe data CD received from the communication terminal 200 in step SC1 (step SF3). Note that, as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 40, data collection and comparison are performed multiple times within a certain time limit.

[0271] If it is determined that there is no discrepancy between the content of the data transmitted from communication unit 25 and the content of the received recipe data, the determination of the status information is terminated (step SF4). Note that in this step SF4, it is also determined at the same time whether "permission condition 1" and "permission condition 2" such as the state of the "peak cut value" that specifies the upper limit of the temperature of heating chamber 6 and the maximum power consumption are satisfied.

[0272] If the determination result in step SF4 is "Yes", the data acquisition unit 24 receives the determination result from the communication unit 25 and stores the recipe data CD in a predetermined storage area, in preparation for the cooking that will be performed immediately afterwards (step SF5).

[0273] Next, the process proceeds to step SF6, where the data acquisition unit 24 transmits a signal (status check result) from the communication unit 25 to the communication terminal 200 that is the sender of the recipe data CD, indicating that the recipe data CD has been successfully acquired. The "status check result" here corresponds to the processing of step SG10 in Fig. 46. Upon receiving the information on the status check result, the communication terminal 200 determines that the transmission of the recipe data CD has been successful (step SG11 in Fig. 46).

[0274] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 24 displays on the integrated display unit 15 that the recipe data CD has been acquired (step SF6). An example of this display will be described later. At this stage, the "setting information" included in the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200 is the control conditions (for example, heating power of 1000 W, heating time of 10 minutes) that are prepared in advance on the communication terminal 200 side. In other words, since it includes the control conditions that are set in advance as defaults, it will be referred to as "pre-setting information A" in the following explanation.

[0275] Next, in step SF7, it is determined whether the user has agreed to the control conditions (for example, a heating power of 1000 W and a heating time of 10 minutes). If the user presses any one of the ON / OFF keys 15L, 15M, or 15R, the user is deemed to have agreed to the control conditions contained in the preset information A, and the control device 22 treats the preset information A as "confirmed setting information A" and stores it in the "confirmed setting information" storage area in the recipe data storage unit 21A (step SF8). Then, the heating operation is started, and an execution drive start signal is transmitted from the heating control unit 23 to the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, etc., and the state shifts to induction heating, microwave heating, etc. (step SF9).

[0276] On the other hand, if the user wants to change the control conditions displayed in step SF6, by touching the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R, a different control condition will be displayed in the corresponding first area 15L to 15R in accordance with the touch (step SF10). Then, since the user can return to step SF7, the user can agree to the modified control conditions and proceed to step SC8. In other words, some of the control conditions in the pre-set information A have been changed by the user's input, and the pre-set information A becomes the "confirmed set information A."

[0277] If the determination result of step SC4 is "No", the data acquisition unit 24 receives the determination result from the communication unit 25 and transmits a signal (non-permission notification) containing information indicating that the recipe data CD cannot be received from the communication unit 25 to the outside (the communication terminal 200, the sender) (step SF11). The "non-permission notification" here is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 at step SG10 in Figures 45 and 46. Note that although Figure 40 shows the case of the cooperative cooking mode KM1, such a "non-permission notification" message is also transmitted for the combined cooking mode KM2 and the single cooking mode KM1.

[0278] When communication terminal 200 receives the non-permission notification of step SF11 from cooking appliance 1, it displays that fact on terminal display unit 216. Note that communication terminal 200 may notify the non-permission by voice using a speaker (not shown) of communication terminal 200.

[0279] Next, FIG. 41 will be described. FIG. 41 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 after receiving data from the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200. Fig. 41 shows a modified example of the configuration of Fig. 40. In the control device 22, the communication unit 25 in charge of data acquisition processing operates in cooperation with the data acquisition unit 24 (see Fig. 5). The differences from Fig. 40 are steps SF7 and SF12, and these differences will be explained below.

[0280] The data acquiring unit 24 displays on the integrated display unit 15 that the recipe data CD has been acquired from the communication terminal 200 (step SF6), and in the following step SF7A, requests the start of the heating operation. That is, unlike the example in Fig. 40, it determines whether or not the on / off keys 41L, 41M, 41R have been operated, and if they have been operated, the heating operation is started. The control device 22 treats the pre-setting information A acquired from the communication terminal 200 as "confirmed setting information A" and stores it in a "confirmed setting information A" storage area in the recipe data storage unit 21A (step SF8).

[0281] That is, the heating operation is started without changing the control conditions included in the "preset information A" (for example, heating power of 1000 W, heating time of 10 minutes). Next, in step SF9, the heating operation is started, and an actual drive start signal is sent from the heating control unit 23 to the first heating means HM1, the second heating means HM2, etc., and the state transitions to induction heating, microwave heating, etc. (step SF9).

[0282] In step SF12, it is determined whether the user has changed the control conditions (for example, 1000W heating power and 10 minutes heating time). By pressing one of the common keys 42L, 42M, or 42R corresponding to one of the first to third areas 15L to 15R corresponding to the heating port or heating chamber 6 where the heating operation (cooking process 1) has started, the user can change, within a certain range, the control conditions for the cooking menu for which the heating operation has already started. However, the heating port and heating means cannot be changed. When the control device 22 determines that the input for changing the control conditions is valid, the control conditions are changed during the heating operation at a timing determined by the control device 22.

[0283] Next, we will explain Figure 42. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. 42(A) shows the first screen 216A, which shows the state in which the user has already found and displayed recipe information for one cooking menu that he or she desires.

[0284] In Fig. 42(A), 224 is a menu display section showing the type of display information on the first screen 216A. In Fig. 42(A), "IH Menu" is displayed to indicate that cooking step 1 is an induction heating cooking menu. The cooking menu belongs to the cooperative cooking mode KM1. On the first screen 216A, an image display section 235 such as a schematic diagram or a photograph (still image) that can clearly visualize the food to be cooked in the cooking menu is displayed in the vicinity of the name of the dish.

[0285] The first screen 216A simultaneously displays the following eight pieces of information, such as information in the identification information display section 245. However, due to limitations on the display area of ​​the terminal side display section 216, not all of the information can be viewed in a list (all on one screen). (1) Identification information 72 (for example, the name of the dish, "Aquapazza") (2) Image information of cooking menu (image display unit 235) (3) Cooking time (4) Serving size (2 servings, 4 servings, etc.) (5) Material (6) Preparation (7) Cooking method (cooking direction in cooking step 1, cooking step 2, etc. performed in cooking device 1, etc.) (8) Cooking process information (including heating means and its control conditions, etc.) 226

[0286] 226 is cooking process information that is part of the "how to make" mentioned above and indicates two types of heat sources and the order in which they are driven. Note that Fig. 42(A) shows only a part of first screen 216A. When first screen 216A is scrolled by touching it with fingertip FG and moving it upward, first screen 216A is displayed in a long vertical line, and detailed information such as ingredients and preparation is displayed. Details will be explained in Fig. 45.

[0287] 237 is a confirmation key (icon) for selecting one of the cooking menus displayed on this first screen 216A. This confirmation key 237 is the confirmation key (icon) for the cooking menu described in step SE5 of Figure 39. 238 is an input key (icon) for issuing a command to close this first screen 216A.

[0288] Next, FIG. 42(B) will be described. When the user touches the confirmation key (icon) 237 for the cooking menu on the first screen 216A, the central processing unit (not shown) receives the input from the touch operation and switches the display from the first screen 216A to the second screen 216B as shown in Figure 42 (B).

[0289] In the second screen 216B, 229 is transmission screen type information that indicates the type of display information of the second screen 216B. In Fig. 42(B), "Preparing to send IH settings" is displayed to indicate that the device is in the preparation stage for sending the setting information for induction heating cooking (setting information A indicating cooking process 1). Reference numeral 240 denotes an input key (icon) for issuing a command to send, and when this key is pressed, the recipe data of the cooking menu selected in FIG.

[0290] The second screen 216B shown in FIG. 42(B) is the "input screen for waiting for confirmation of the target recipe" in step SE6 shown in FIG. In this state of the second screen 216B, the user can recognize that they need to operate one of the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R in the central operation unit 17 of the cooking appliance 1. In the example of Fig. 42(B), cooking step 1 uses the left heating port 4L, so a display is displayed urging the user to press the left common key 42L. After that operation, the input key 240 on the second screen 216B is touched. Note that 241 is an input key for canceling, and by touching this, it is possible to return to the state shown in Fig. 42(A).

[0291] Next, FIG. 43 will be described. FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. Fig. 43(A) is a third screen 216C1 that displays the transmission result, and Fig. 43(B) is another third screen 216C2 that displays the transmission result. Either one of these third screens 216C1 and 216C2 is a dedicated screen that is always displayed on the terminal display unit 216 after the recipe data CD is transmitted from the communication terminal 200.

[0292] There are two types of third screens 216C1 and 216C2. The first screen is third display screen 216C1 shown in Fig. 43(A). The fact that the transmission was successful is displayed in text on display unit 244A. The other is a third screen 216C2 that is displayed when the transmission from the cooking appliance 1 ends in failure. As shown in FIG. 43(B), the third screen 216C2 displays in text a message that transmission from the cooking appliance 1 has failed and the reason for this.

[0293] Next, FIG. 44 will be described. FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display operation of the communication terminal 200. As explained in Fig. 37, the second screen A (216B1) as shown in Fig. 44(A) is displayed by the option setting function. 240 is the input key (icon) for sending explained in Fig. 42(B).

[0294] Figure 44(B) shows the second screen B (216B2). This second screen B (216B2) is displayed when the heating means or heating port (right heating port 4R in this Figure 44) used for the selected cooking menu is in use for another cooking method when the confirmation key (icon) 237 on the first screen 216 is pressed. As is clear from the second screen B (216B2) of FIG. 44(B), advice information is displayed indicating that the recipe data CD should be sent after the cooking currently being performed (right heating port 4R) is finished.

[0295] Next, we will explain Figure 45. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the display screen of recipe data and cooking steps of the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200. 45(A) is a schematic diagram of the first screen 216A, which shows the state in which the user has already found and displayed recipe information for one cooking menu item desired by the user (in this case, "Aquapazza").

[0296] 45(A), reference numeral 245 denotes a display area for identifying information (cooking menu name) of the recipe data CD, which is a portion for displaying, for example, the name or abbreviation of the cooking method. Reference numeral 235 denotes an image display section that displays a schematic diagram or a photograph (still image) that clearly shows the food to be cooked that is the subject of the cooking menu, and is displayed in a position close to the identification information display section 245 .

[0297] As explained in FIG. 42, the first screen 216A shown in FIG. 45(A) displays the information in the identification information display section 245 as well as the identification information 72, cooking time, cooking process information 226A, etc. In Fig. 45(A), as shown in the first display portion 251 and the second display portion 252 described below, default values ​​of the control conditions such as "IH optimum temperature 200°C" and "grill for 10 minutes" are shown. These default values ​​of the control conditions can also be included in the recipe data CD and transmitted. Therefore, the cooking appliance 1 can acquire data such as "preheat temperature 200°C" from the beginning as setting information A (for cooking process 1) for the control device 22.

[0298] The cooking process information 226A, 226B is displayed in one place for each cooking process. For example, in a cooking menu that has cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 (such as the above-mentioned "Aquapazza"), cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 are displayed in one place at the end of the display of the contents of cooking process 1 and cooking process 2. Only a portion of first screen 216A is shown in Figure 45(A). By touching first screen 216A with fingertip FG and moving it upward as indicated by the dashed line, the screen can be scrolled upward. In other words, first screen 216A continues vertically, and as the screen is scrolled upward, other related information is displayed sequentially from the bottom. This allows detailed information such as ingredients and preparation instructions to be displayed sequentially.

[0299] 237 is a confirmation key (icon) for selecting cooking step 1 of one cooking menu (for example, the above-mentioned "Aquapazza") displayed on this first screen 216A. This confirmation key 237A is the confirmation key (icon) for the cooking menu described in step SE5 of FIG. Reference numeral 251 denotes a first display portion in which an explanation about cooking step 1 in the cooking method (recipe) is displayed. As is clear from Figure 45(A), the first screen 216A has a screen configuration in which the input key 237A and the cooking process information 226A are located at the very end of the section displaying the "how to make" for cooking process 1, i.e., adjacent to the bottom end of the first display section 251.

[0300] Next, FIG. 45(B) will be described. Since Figure 45(B) is a screen that continues from the bottom end of the first screen 216A shown in Figure 45(A), neither the identification information (cooking menu name) display section 245 of the recipe data CD nor the image display section 235 is displayed, but they may be always displayed at the top of the first screen 216A. In the cooking instructions (recipe), the cooking step information 226B and input keys (icons) 237B are arranged adjacent to and below the second display portion 252 related to cooking step 2. As shown in Fig. 45(B), the cooking method for the "heating pause period P3" between cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 is also displayed. As shown in Figures 45(A) and (B), the first screen 216A displays information on the cooking method and ingredients for cooking process 1 through heating pause period P3, as well as information on control conditions such as heat and heating time, continuously from the top to the bottom of the screen in the order of the cooking processes.

[0301] Next, FIG. 46 will be described. FIG. 46 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200 and the cooking appliance 1 in the cooking system according to the first embodiment. Here, the "advance notice information A" refers to information in the recipe data CD that is necessary to execute cooking step 1. It is part of the advance notice information 201. If the cooking menu targeted by the recipe data CD is a cooking menu for the cooperative cooking mode KM1, it includes at least two parts: cooking step 1 and cooking step 2. When cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are acquired sequentially (in two batches) from the communication terminal 200, the advance notice information 201 for cooking step 1 is called "advance notice information A" (201A), and the advance notice information for cooking step 2 is called "advance notice information B" (201B). However, when the information for the two cooking steps is sent all at once, they are simply collectively referred to as "advance notice information." The example shown in Figure 46 is an example of a case where cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 are acquired sequentially (in two batches) from the communication terminal 200.

[0302] In FIG. 46, steps SG1 to SG12 indicate the main operation steps of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 and the associated operation steps of the communication terminal 200. SP1 is a "communication establishment step" (preparation step) after the communication state is established, in which information regarding specific recipe data CD is not transmitted or received.

[0303] The next step SP2A is a "key identification step" in which notice information A (201A) (for cooking step 1) is transmitted from communication terminal 200 and the content of notice information 201A is determined by control device 22. In this key identification step SP2A, the specific input key to be operated on cooking appliance 1 is determined from the information (including identification information 72) of the cooking menu specified in notice information 201A.

[0304] The next step SP2B is a "notification step" in which, based on the determination result of key determination step SP2A, the "specific input keys" that must be operated in advance to receive recipe data CD are displayed on the integrated display unit 15. Specifically, the "specific input keys" are selected from one pair of the three pairs of common keys 42L-42R. The correspondence between each cooking menu in the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and the three display areas 15L-15R of the integrated display unit 15 is stored as data in advance on the control device 22 side. For example, if the "specific input key" is determined to be the left common key 42L of the central operation unit 17, the control device 22 issues a command to display it in the first area 15L of the integrated display unit 15.

[0305] SP3 is a “confirmation step” in which the cooking appliance 1 confirms the contents of the advance notice information A (201A) and transmits a confirmation signal (selection information A) 202 (202A) to the communication terminal 200. SP4 is a "receiving step" for acquiring information on recipe data CD relating to one food to be cooked. SP5 is a "standby step" in which the cooking appliance 1 waits for a command to start cooking after successfully acquiring the recipe data CD. In FIG. 46, the following description will be focused on the process from the point in time (step SG1) when a communication state is established between the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200.

[0306] The communication state is established by, for example, transmitting and receiving a preparation signal (preparation information) 203 for mutual authentication between the cooking appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200. Note that this preparation signal (preparation information) 203 is automatically transmitted when the cooking appliance 1 is started up, or is transmitted when a specific input key (for example, the selection key 70) is pressed. Preparation signal 203 is a unified signal regardless of the heating means or cooking menu, and includes at least the device identification information of cooking appliance 1. Furthermore, two-dimensional information for guiding communication terminal 200 to cloud server 300 is displayed on the initial standby screen that is first displayed on integrated display unit 15, and communication terminal 200 reads the two-dimensional code and is guided to cloud server 300, so preparations for obtaining recipe data CD from cloud server 300 can be easily made.

[0307] 46 illustrates the case where a cooking menu related to the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is executed. As described above, the communication terminal 200 cannot specify a sub-cooking mode and search for a single cooking menu by that sub-cooking mode. Since searching by cooking type (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, etc.), name, abbreviation, etc. is more efficient than searching by sub-cooking mode, the communication terminal 200 of this first embodiment employs a method for extracting cooking menus by cooking name, etc. In other words, the communication terminal 200 cannot extract a desired cooking menu by using the heating means or heating port to be used as a search keyword.

[0308] First, a cooking menu is searched for on communications terminal 200. Recipe data for the desired cooking menu may be obtained in advance from cloud server 300 (step SG2). At this point, terminal display unit 216 displays search screen 216P (not shown) that displays the search results for the cooking menu.

[0309] On communication terminal 200, when one of the cooking menus displayed on search screen 216P is selected by touch operation, only the specific (one) cooking menu that the user wants to cook can be displayed on first screen 216A (step SG3). At this point, setting information (setting information A) for executing the specific one cooking menu is read from cooking appliance database 217 (not shown) and temporarily stored in recipe selection unit 232 (not shown) of communication terminal 200.

[0310] First screen 216A at the stage of step SG3 is as described in Fig. 42(A). When the user touches enter key 237 on first screen 216A (step SG3A), a central processing unit (not shown) of communication terminal 200 receives input from the touch operation and displays second screen 216B on terminal display unit 216 instead of first screen 216A (step SG3B).

[0311] Meanwhile, advance notice information A (advance notice) 201A is transmitted to cooking appliance 1 (step SG3B). In this way, at the stage when confirmation key (icon) 237 of the cooking menu is pressed, advance notice information A (201A) regarding cooking process 1 is generated and transmitted in communication terminal 200.

[0312] As explained in Fig. 42(B), the second screen 216B displays information (selection request information) requesting a confirmation input operation on the cooking appliance 1 side (step SG4). This information includes the advance notice information A (201A). In the example of Figure 42(B), the operation of the left shared key 42L corresponding to the right heating port 4L is specified. In the example of Figure 46, the case is also the case of the linked cooking mode KM1, and the first cooking step 1 is induction heating, for example, using the left heating port 4L, so it is necessary to operate the left shared key 42L.

[0313] In this way, the cooking appliance 1 that has received the advance notice information A (201A) can identify the common key that is requested to be selected (in confirmation step SP3) in the central operation unit 17. That is, reception waiting information 80 and identification information 72 are displayed in one of the related display areas 15L to 15R in the integrated display unit 15 (step SG4).

[0314] In the next step SG5, pressing the left shared key 42L starts the "occupying state" of the heating means used in one cooking menu, as described above. In the case of the linked cooking mode KM1, since there are at least two cooking processes, the "occupying state" of the heating means used in cooking process 1 and cooking process 2 starts. In other words, unless some kind of cancellation operation is performed in the cooking device 1, it will be impossible to select another cooking menu that uses the occupied heating means.

[0315] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. In step SG5, for example, when the left shared key 42L is operated, data (selection information A) (202A) indicating the result of this input operation is acquired by communication terminal 200 (step SG6). Therefore, on terminal display unit 216 of communication terminal 200, as shown in Fig. 44(A), a message stating "The shared key (shared button) has been pressed" is displayed on second screen A (216B1) (if the option is set). If the option is not set, the state of second screen 216B shown in Fig. 42(B) is maintained.

[0316] Next, when the send key 240 on the second screen 216B shown in Fig. 42(B) is pressed, or when the send key 240 on the second screen A (216B1) shown in Fig. 44(A) is pressed, recipe data CD for executing one cooking menu is transmitted from the communication terminal 200 (step SG7). That is, the "command data" (setting information A for cooking step 1) for setting the cooker 1 to a specific state is transmitted all at once from the communication terminal 200. In this case, since only setting information A is transmitted, only the recipe data CD for cooking step 1 is transmitted, but as described above, all of the recipe data CD for cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 may be transmitted all at once.

[0317] In this first embodiment, the communication unit 25 of the cooking appliance 1 is attached to the outer wall surface or the like of the cooking appliance 1 in the form of an adapter, and therefore, hereinafter, the communication unit 25 will be referred to as a "communication adapter."

[0318] When the communication adapter 25 receives the command data (step SG8), it then acquires status information of the cooking appliance 1 itself, as will be described in Fig. 47. This status information is information indicating the status of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1. Therefore, for example, it is information ascertaining the status of the first heating means HM1 by the heating control unit 23. In this way, the status information of the cooking appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data are analyzed to determine whether there is any problem with the execution of cooking according to the received command data (see step SG9 in FIG. 47).

[0319] If the cooking appliance 1 determines that there is no problem with carrying out the cooking, the communication adapter 25 transmits the status check result to the communication terminal 200 (step SG10). This transmission process corresponds to the transmission of the "permission notification" in step SC5 described in FIG. 40. If the cooking appliance 1 determines that there is a problem with carrying out the cooking, the communication adapter 25 of the cooking appliance 1 transmits to the communication terminal 200 a signal (non-permission notification) containing information indicating that the recipe data CD cannot be received. This corresponds to the process of step SC11 shown in FIG. 40.

[0320] In communication terminal 200, a central processing unit (not shown) analyzes the content of the "permission notice" or "non-permission notice" from cooking appliance 1 (step SG11). Then, either the third screen 216C1 shown in FIG. 43(A) or the third screen 216C2 shown in FIG. 43(B) is displayed (step SG12).

[0321] If data for a specific cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") is acquired using the recipe data CD, the cooking menu cannot be changed to another cooking menu (for example, "fried chicken" or "pork cutlet"). Also, the cooking menu cannot be changed by voice input at this stage.

[0322] When cooking a specific cooking menu using the received recipe data CD, the user can change the control conditions (e.g., cooking time, target heating temperature, etc.) as needed using the input operation unit 36 ​​or voice input before cooking begins (see Figure 40) or after cooking begins (see Figure 41), but some cooking menus do not allow the control conditions to be changed. Also, the "allowable setting range" of the control conditions is set in advance on the cooking appliance 1 side, and the "allowable setting range" cannot be exceeded even when cooking a cooking menu obtained from the communication terminal 200.

[0323] By pressing one of the on / off keys (such as 41L) located in front of the shared key (such as 42L) that was operated immediately before transmitting selection information A (201A), cooking process 1 of the collaborative cooking mode KM1 can be started using the received recipe data (setting information A) (see step SG14 in Figure 47).

[0324] Next, FIG. 47 will be described. 47 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200 and the cooking appliance 1 in the cooking system of the embodiment 1. The time chart 1 in FIG. 46 is explained in more detail.

[0325] In FIG. 47, steps SG1 to SG16 indicate main operation steps of the control device 22 of the cooking appliance 1 and main operation steps related to the communication terminal 200. In FIG. 47, the same parts as in FIG. 46 are given the same reference numerals, and the following description will focus on the different parts.

[0326] In step SG9, the status information of the cooking appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data are analyzed to determine whether there is any problem with the execution of cooking according to the received command data. Here, the "status information" of the cooking appliance 1 is, for example, information such as "the power of induction heating is zero and the appliance is in a standby state immediately before heating starts," and the status and detected temperature upon receiving a temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor group 30, which is acquired by the communication adapter (communication unit) 25. Note that the communication adapter 25 repeatedly performs such status confirmation operations at regular intervals to collect the latest accurate data. In this way, the status information of the cooking appliance 1 and the contents of the received command data are analyzed to determine whether there is a problem with the execution of cooking according to the received command data. Note that this determination process has been explained in detail in step SC3 of Fig. 40, so details will be omitted here.

[0327] In the cooking appliance 1, when cooking can be started using the received recipe data CD, the light emission control unit 37 highlights the display of one of the related first (left) area 15L to third (right) area 15R to indicate to the user the input key to be operated. For example, it is also possible to change the background color from white to yellow, etc. Alternatively, only one of the common keys 15L, 15M, 15R to be operated is illuminated from below by a light emitting element (not shown) by the light emission control unit 37 so that it can be clearly distinguished from the other keys (step SG13).

[0328] As described above, in step SG13, the operation surface of a specific input key (shared key) in the input operation unit 17 selected in step SG5, or its vicinity, or the display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R themselves are made visually conspicuous by continuous illumination, blinking illumination, background color, etc. Next, the process proceeds to step SG15. In this step SG15, when the left ON key 41L located in front of the left shared key 42L is pressed, induction heating cooking is started. Immediately after the start of heating, the communication adapter 25 of the cooking appliance 1 again performs an operation to acquire status information at regular intervals and transmits it to the communication terminal 200.

[0329] In the cooking in the linked cooking mode KM1 that does not use the recipe data CD, even if cooking step 1 is the left heating port 4L, the cooking menu identification information 72 is displayed in the central area 15M. In contrast, when recipe data CD acquired from an external source is used for cooking in the collaborative cooking mode KM1, as is clear from the above explanation, the location where the identification information 72 and reception waiting information 80 (see Figure 36) are displayed changes based on information such as the heating port, heating means, and heating chamber 6 used in cooking process 1.

[0330] In the next step SG16, the communications terminal 200 acquires status information data from the cooking appliance 1, and can monitor on the terminal display unit 216 that cooking is being performed according to the recipe data CD set by the user. At this point, the third screen 216C is no longer displayed on the terminal display unit 216.

[0331] Next, FIG. 48 will be described. FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram that shows in a simplified format the display contents of the integrated display unit 15 corresponding to each of the main operation steps after the main power switch 20 is turned on. As shown in FIG. 48(A), when the main power switch 20 is turned off, the integrated display unit 15 is not activated and therefore does not display any information. When the main power switch 20 is turned ON, the control device 22 performs a self-diagnosis to check for any abnormalities, etc., as described above, and then displays the standby initial screen 1 as shown in Figure 48 (B) across the entire display screen of the integrated display unit 15.

[0332] In the display screen shown in Figure 48(B), 68A is a display message notifying that the power is on. 68B is two-dimensional information (two-dimensional code) for guiding (the communication terminal 200) to the recipe data providing server 301, which is a dedicated recipe posting site, via the network NW. 68C is text explaining the meaning of the two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as "two-dimensional information explanation text").

[0333] When the two-dimensional code 68B is optically read by the communication terminal 200, it can be guided and connected to the recipe data providing server 301 that stores information on various cooking recipes. This two-dimensional information explanation 68C and the display text 68A are one type of the standby common information 68.

[0334] After the standby initial screen 1 shown in Fig. 48(B) is displayed, the display automatically switches to the standby initial screen 2 shown in Fig. 48(C). On this standby initial screen 2, operation guide information 68D prompts the user to perform an input operation to select a heating source. The operation guide information 68D and the guide text 68E are a type of the common standby information 68. ...

[0335] The standby initial screen 1 and the standby initial screen 2 shown in Figure 48(B) and Figure 48(C) are collectively called the standby initial screen. Note that the standby initial screen may include other screens than these two. Figure 48(D) shows a state in which the reception standby information 80 is displayed on the display screen of the integrated display unit 15. Figure 48(D) shows a state after step SG1 of "establishing communication state" already explained in Figure 47, but before step SG5.

[0336] Figure 48(E) shows the state of the display screen of the integrated display unit 15, which has automatically switched from the state of Figure 48(D) to the displayed state. As shown in Figure 48(E), the reception waiting information 80 has received the advance notice information 201 transmitted from the communication terminal 200 and has changed to a content that prompts the user to operate the common key 42L corresponding to the left heating port 4L. The state in Figure 48(E) is the stage of step SG4 shown in Figure 46. The display content of Figure 48(E) may be automatically notified by voice by the voice notification unit 50. In this case, the voice message will be something like "If you are happy to receive the recipe data, please press the common key on the left."

[0337] 48(B) and (C), the standby common information 68 is displayed using the entire display screen. In other words, rather than being displayed partially in any of the first area 15L to the third area 15R, in order to secure as large a display area as possible, the first area 15L to the third area 24 are displayed in an integrated (combined) manner so that they cannot be distinguished from one another, and the display appears to the user as if it were displayed on the entire integrated display unit 15.

[0338] Next, we will explain Figure 49. Fig. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the recipe data receiving process in the integrated display unit 15. Fig. 49(A) and Fig. 49(B) show modified examples of the display examples in Fig. 48(D) and (E). 49(A) shows an example of a display that is displayed immediately after receiving advance notice information 201 from communication terminal 200. The state of FIG. 49(A) is the stage of step SG4 shown in FIG. Figure 49(B) is an example of a display screen that is automatically switched to and displayed within a short time (within a few seconds) from the time of displaying Figure 49(A). The state of Figure 49(B) also corresponds to the stage of step SG4 shown in Figure 46.

[0339] 49(A) and 49(B), 80A is a standby state display section before the start of the receiving process, and 80B is guidance information that prompts the user to operate the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R to receive the recipe data CD. 80C is a graphic representation of the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R to be operated. This is displayed in a shape that imitates the planar shapes of the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R. The standby state display section 80A, the guidance information 80B, and the graphic 80C are all types of the reception standby information 80.

[0340] The example in Figure 49(B) is for recipe data CD in which cooking step 1 can be performed using either the left heating port 4L or the right heating port 4R, and only one of the left shared key 42L or the right shared key 42R can be selected. Note that, in consideration of the possibility of an operational error, it may be possible to make it possible to immediately cancel the initial selection of left heating port 4L by pressing one shared key (left shared key 42L) within a short period of time (within a few seconds) by pressing the other shared key (right shared key 42R).

[0341] Figure 49(C) shows the display content immediately after the correct common key (for example, 42L) is operated. In other words, it shows the state after the operation of receiving recipe data CD has started. The state in Figure 49(C) is the stage of step SG8 shown in Figure 46. In Figure 49(C), 90A denotes a plurality of progress marks that appear according to the progress of the receiving operation. These progress marks 90A come in two types: black triangles and white triangles. A receiving operation display section 90 displays in text the fact that the recipe data CD is currently being received from the outside.

[0342] As shown in Figure 49(C), immediately after the start of the operation of receiving recipe data CD, one black triangular progress mark 90A is displayed. As the operation of receiving progresses, the number of black triangular progress marks 90A increases, and finally, five black triangular progress marks 90A are lined up. As the number of black triangular progress marks 90A increases, the same number of white rectangular progress marks 90A disappear.

[0343] The progress mark 90A may be a single graphic that changes size or color to indicate the degree of progress, or may be expressed as an animation. Next, FIG. 49(D) is a schematic diagram showing the result of the operation of receiving the recipe data CD. If the recipe data CD is determined to be "not permitted processing" based on the judgment of the permission conditions (permission condition 1, etc.), as shown in Figure 49(D), the reception operation display section 90 in Figure 49(C) changes to display non-reception information (not permitted information) 91 indicating that the reception operation failed. The state of FIG. 49(D) is the stage of step SG10 shown in FIG. 91A is reception support information. In this Figure 49(D), it is pointed out that the reason for the denial of the recipe data CD was that the peak cut power setting value, which is one of the permission conditions, was less than 5000 W. Therefore, a method for improvement is displayed. In the example of this Figure 49(D), it is recommended that the user operate the function setting key 45 to change the setting of the peak cut function of the cooking appliance 1.

[0344] In this embodiment 1, when cooking using two or more types of heating means and two or more cooking steps, such as in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, is performed by acquiring recipe data CD from outside, it has been explained that there are two methods: a method in which the cooking device 1 acquires the recipe data CD for both cooking step 1 and cooking step 2 all at once from outside (collectively acquired method), and a method in which the data is acquired sequentially at the cooking step 1 stage and the cooking step 2 stage (sequential acquired method).

[0345] When the latter "sequential acquisition method" is adopted, the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is convenient because it has a heating pause step (heating pause period P3) (see FIG. 45). That is, cooking process 1 ends when a set time has elapsed or when the user presses the end key (off / on key), and heating pause period P3 begins at the end of that time. During heating pause period P3, the user can make preparations before starting cooking process 2, and during heating pause period P3, the user can receive advance notice information 201 (201B) to acquire cooking process 2. After that, by pressing the correct input key (common keys 42L, 42M, 42R) to send a confirmation signal for cooking process 2, the recipe data for cooking process 2 can be acquired reliably and cooking process 2 can be started.

[0346] Since the control device 22 starts the heating operation for cooking process 2 when the user issues a start command by operating the on / off key (41R, 41M, etc.), the user can freely prepare for cooking process 2 during the heating pause period (P3) (however, there is a limit set, such as within 30 minutes from the end of cooking process 1).

[0347] Next, we will explain Figure 50. Figure 50 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used.

[0348] The timer operation unit 43, which inputs the "time limit conditions" for one of the upper surface heating units UH selected by the selection unit SK (for example, the left IH coil 9L that constitutes the left heating port 4), allows the user to input the heating operation time TA of the left IH coil 9L. Here, the time limit condition refers to a condition that limits the heating operation by a time element. For example, if the user inputs a condition of 30 minutes as the heating operation time TA, this time is the set time PT, and this "30 minutes" is also the time limit condition.

[0349] FIG. 50 shows the intermediate stage of cooking using the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, as explained in FIG. At the right heating port 4R, induction heating is being performed at heat level 6, and the right heat level display 16R displays "heat level 6." On the other hand, induction heating is performed at the left heating port 4L at heat level 2, but the heating is automatically stopped when the set time has elapsed by the timer function (off timer function).

[0350] Next, a case where the timer operation unit 43 is operated during the induction heating of the left heating port 4L and the induction heating of the right heating port 4R will be described. 50, when the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once, the control device 22 determines whether any upper heating unit UH is in use for a heating operation, and also determines whether the heating chamber 6 is in a heating operation.

[0351] As shown in FIG. 50, when the control device 22 determines that the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R of the upper heating section UH are in heating operation, candidate time information TX is displayed in the relevant display area according to a certain rule. That is, the display order is basically first area (left area) 15L, second area (center area) 15M, and third area (right area) 15R. Here, as in the example shown in Fig. 50, when second area 15M is not being used for heating operation, it is not displayed in that display area, but is displayed in the next third area 15R.

[0352] Furthermore, the timing at which the candidate time information TX is sequentially displayed in the first area (left area) 15L to the third area (right area) 15R is synchronized with the timing at which the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once. In other words, the candidate time information TX is preferentially displayed in the first area 15L at first, but the display area for the candidate time information TX will not be switched unless the user further operates the timer operation unit 43 after that display.

[0353] Incidentally, in the candidate time information TX that is displayed first, the default value is uniformly 15 minutes in all of the first area (left area) 15L to the third area (right area) 15R. Therefore, the set time display section 67 in the first area 15L initially displays a time of 30 minutes. The 30 minutes are increased or decreased not by the input key (common key 42L) corresponding to the first area 15L but by a pair of input keys (up / down keys) 44 arranged on the right operation section 18. If you want to set a longer time, you operate the time adjustment key 44 on the right. Conversely, if you want to set a shorter time, you operate the time adjustment key 44 on the left.

[0354] The timer cooking time is basically set in 1-minute increments, but can be set in 5-minute increments, 10-minute increments, 30-minute increments, etc. using the function setting key 45. In the following explanation, we will simplify the explanation by assuming that the time adjustment key 44 can be changed by 30 seconds each time it is operated. Note that if no input is made from the right operation unit 18 for five seconds or more after the display of one piece of candidate time information TX begins, the time of that candidate time information TX will be confirmed as the set time PT after five seconds have elapsed.

[0355] FIG. 50 shows a state in which the user operates the function setting key 45 without changing the default value of 30 minutes, and the time countdown starts, with the remaining time now being 15 minutes. 66A is auxiliary information accompanying the remaining heating time display section 66, and is displayed to indicate that the time displayed in the remaining heating time display section 66 is the remaining time based on the set time (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0356] The control device 22 has the function of executing one cooking menu selected by the user from multiple heating cooking menus, and when the timer operation unit 43 is operated while one of the heating units, for example, the left IH coil 9L of the left heating port 4L, is performing heating operation for one of the heating cooking menus, it determines whether to apply the off timer function to that heating cooking menu, and if so, displays the set time information for the off timer function (for example, 10 minutes) in the individual display area (for example, the left display area 15L) corresponding to the heating unit that is executing that heating cooking menu.

[0357] 50 shows an example in which a remaining time display section 66 is displayed below the heat display section 48. The set time for the off timer function (for example, 10 minutes) is displayed as "10:00". Sub-cooking mode identification information 46 (see FIG. 25) may be displayed instead of this heat level display section 48. Alternatively, cooking menu identification information 72 (see FIG. 27) may be displayed. In other words, the remaining time display section 66 and the identification information 46, 72 may be displayed simultaneously.

[0358] Next, we will explain Figure 51. Figure 51 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. FIG. 51 shows a case where, after candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) is displayed in the first area 15L, the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once more without operating the function setting key 45. Figure 51 shows a case where the heating operation of the right heating port 4R, which is performing induction heating at heat level 6, is continued for the set time PT using the timer function (off timer function). As shown in Figure 51, the remaining time is 10 minutes, so the heating operation of the right heating port 4L will automatically stop after 10 minutes have elapsed.

[0359] As can be seen from the explanations of Figures 50 and 51, in order to display the candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) in the third area 15R of the right heating port 4R as in Figure 51, the user must operate the timer operation unit 43 twice in succession, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. Note that if the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once more in the state of Figure 51, the display area for displaying the candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) will return to the first area 15L again.

[0360] Next, we will explain Figure 52. Figure 51 is an explanatory diagram 3 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. FIG. 52 shows the operation contents and display contents following the operation shown in FIG.

[0361] After the candidate time information TX (for example, 15 minutes) is displayed in the third area 15R, if the user wants to set a shorter time without operating the function setting key 45, the candidate time information TX can be changed to 10 minutes by operating the left time adjustment key 44 several times. Furthermore, from this state, by operating the left time adjustment key 44 once, the candidate time information TX can be changed to 9 minutes 30 seconds, as shown in FIG. 52. In this 9 minutes 30 seconds state, the auxiliary information 66A flashes the word "later," indicating that this is not a confirmed time.

[0362] Next, we will explain Figure 53. Figure 53 is an explanatory diagram 4 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15, central operation unit (rear operation unit / front operation unit) 17, right operation unit 18 and right heating power display unit 16R when the timer function (off timer function) is used. FIG. 53 shows the operation contents and display contents following the operation shown in FIG.

[0363] When the user operates the timer operation unit 43 once while the candidate time information TX (for example, 9 minutes and 30 seconds) is displayed in the third area 15R (as shown in Figure 52), the control device 22 adopts the time indicated by the candidate time information TX at that moment as the set time PT, and the set time PT is confirmed. As shown in FIG. 53, if the candidate time information TX is left displayed on the remaining time display unit 66 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the time indicated by the candidate time information TX will be adopted as the set time PT.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 53, the auxiliary information 66A showing characters in a blinking state changes to auxiliary information 66B in a continuous display state when the candidate time information TX is confirmed as the set time PT.

[0365] Next, we will explain Figure 54. FIG. 54 is a step explanatory diagram (time chart) of the control operation of the control device 22 when the timer function (off timer function) is used. Steps SD1 to SD8 are stored in the control device 22 as an execution program for the off timer function. FIG. 54 shows the operation in chronological order from the start of the heating operation to waiting for a command to start counting down the set time PT (standby state).

[0366] When a heating operation in one cooking mode (grill) is started using the heating chamber 6, the heat source display section 47, which also serves as identification information for the cooking mode (grill), is displayed in the corresponding second area 15M. Also, as shown in FIG. 25, information on control conditions such as heat level 1 to heat level 5 (see FIG. 25) is also displayed (step SD1).

[0367] As described above, when the timer operating unit 43 is next operated once while only the heating chamber 6 is in heating operation (step SD2), the control device 22 determines whether or not to apply the off timer function to the specific cooking menu during that heating operation. This determination may be made by providing a dedicated determination circuit, or by software constituting the operating program of the control device 22. If the determination result indicates that there is no problem with applying the off timer function, candidate time information TX is displayed in the second area (center area) 15M. Note that in Figure 54, for a specific cooking mode (grill), the time of the (default value) candidate time information TX that is initially displayed is "10 minutes," and the following explanation will be given. The remaining time display section 66 flashes the word "AFTER" and displays candidate time information TX of "10:00" next to it (step SD3).

[0368] Next, by operating the left time adjustment key 44 once (step SD4), the candidate time information TX can be changed to 9 minutes 30 seconds and displayed, as explained in Fig. 52. In this 9 minutes 30 seconds state, the auxiliary information 66A flashes the word "later" (step SD5). Furthermore, if five seconds have passed since step SD5 without any input operation, or if the timer operation unit 43 is operated once (step SD6), the set time PT is fixed at "9 minutes 30 seconds" as set in step SD5. Then, as explained in Fig. 53, the auxiliary information 66A, which was flashing, becomes continuously lit and changes to auxiliary information 66B (step SD7). Thereafter, the control device 22 goes into a standby state to detect whether the function setting key 45 has been pressed (step SD8).

[0369] Next, we will explain Figure 55. FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control device 22 when the timer function (off timer function) and the "external notification mode" are used. Steps SH1 to SH4 are stored in the control device 22 as an execution program for the "external notification mode of the off timer."

[0370] When a heating operation in one cooking mode (grill) is started using the heating chamber 6, the heat source display section 47, which also serves as identification information for the cooking mode (grill), is displayed in the corresponding second area 15M. As explained in step SD1 of Figure 54, information on control conditions such as heat level 1 to heat level 5 (see Figure 25) is also displayed (step SH1).

[0371] In the next step SH2, it is determined whether the "external notification mode" has been set in advance. If the external notification mode has been set, the process proceeds to step SH3. In step SH3, it is determined whether or not the user has started the timing operation (countdown) by operating the function setting key 45. If the countdown has started, the process proceeds to step SH4. In step SH4, the initial time information at which the countdown started in step SH3, i.e., the set time information (e.g., 10 minutes), is transmitted to a specific communication terminal 200 or external server (cloud server) 300 that has previously undergone mutual authentication.

[0372] When the set time information (for example, 10 minutes) is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 or the external server (cloud server) 300, the receiving communication terminal 200 or the like similarly starts counting down the time, and for example, a certain time before the set time PT ends (for example, 1 minute or 30 seconds), the communication terminal 200 issues a notification by voice or the like. As a result, even if the user moves away from the cooking appliance 1 for a while during timer cooking, the communication terminal 200 carried by the user or other people living with the user can be notified that the cooking is about to end, thereby making it possible to provide a cooking system that improves safety.

[0373] Next, we will explain Figure 56. Fig. 56 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. In Fig. 56, the timer operation unit (timer switch) 43 or function setting keys 45 are drawn near the integrated display unit 15, but this is drawn to make the explanation easier to understand, and does not mean that the timer operation unit 43 or function setting keys 45 are actually located in this positional relationship in a plan view.

[0374] Step SM1 in Figure 56 shows the same scene as in Figure 50. That is, it shows a state in which cooking is being performed in both the right heating port 4R and the left heating port 4L. Here, when the timer operation section (timer switch) 43 is pressed once, auxiliary information 66A and a remaining time display section 66 showing "10 minutes 00 seconds" are displayed in series in the first area 15L. Next, when the timer operation unit 43 is pressed once more, the remaining time display unit 66 in the first area 15L disappears, and the elapsed time display unit 69 is displayed in the second area 15M (step SM1A). 69T is the initial time, which is "0 seconds" as shown in this figure. Next, when the user operates the function setting key 45, the display content of the elapsed time display section 69 changes sequentially every second, and the initial time 69T (0 seconds) becomes the elapsed time (count-up time) and is displayed in 1-second units (step SM2).

[0375] Step SM3 shows the state in which the timer unit 39 has counted up the elapsed time to 1 minute 25 seconds, and if the timer operation unit 43 is pressed once more, measurement of the elapsed time will be temporarily stopped at this point. After this, when the timer operation unit 43 is pressed once more, the remaining time display unit 66 in the second area 15L returns to displaying the measured elapsed time. After this, when the user operates the function setting key 45, the display content of the elapsed time display unit 69 changes sequentially every second, and the elapsed time is displayed in one-second increments (step SM4). When the user further operates the function setting key 45 once, the measurement of the elapsed time by the timer unit 30 ends. Therefore, the elapsed time up to that point is displayed in the elapsed time display unit 69, for example, as "1 minute 30 seconds" (step SM5).

[0376] Next, we will explain Figure 57. FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between input operations and display areas in chronological order when selecting the off timer function and the simple timer function. FIG. 57(A) is an explanatory diagram of the off timer function, and FIG. 57(B) is an explanatory diagram of the simple timer function. 57(A) and 57(B), reference numeral 43 denotes a timer operation unit 43, and reference numeral 44 denotes a function setting key 45. Reference numerals 15L, 15M, and 15R denote individual display areas. That is, 15L denotes the first area (left area), 15M denotes the second area (center area), and 15R denotes the third area (right area). In Fig. 57(A), the operation of the timer operation unit 43 immediately before starting the countdown of the set time is not necessarily required, and is therefore indicated by a dashed frame. That is, as explained in Fig. 53, if the candidate time information TX is left displayed in the remaining time display unit 66 and a "standby period TY" of a certain time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, the time indicated by the candidate time information TX is adopted as the set time PT, and if left as is, the countdown of the "off timer function" by the timing unit 39 will automatically start.

[0377] Next, we will explain Figure 58. Figure 58 is an operation explanatory diagram 2 showing the relationship between the recipe data display screen 216 and cooking steps of the communication terminal 200 shown in Figure 39. An example of a cooking menu different from the collaborative cooking menu (aquapazza) of Figure 45 is shown. FIG. 58 shows an example of one combined cooking mode KM1 in which the central heating port 4C is used in cooking step 1 and the heating chamber 6 is used in cooking step 2.

[0378] 58(A), the first screen 216A simultaneously displays the following six pieces of information in addition to the information in the identification information display section 245 that shows the names of cooking menu items, etc. However, due to limitations on the display area of ​​the terminal side display section 216, not all of the information can be viewed in a list. (1) Cooking time (2) Quantity (2 servings, 4 servings, etc.) (3) Material (4) Preparation (5) Cooking method (cooking direction in cooking step 1, cooking step 2, etc. performed in cooking device 1, etc.) (6) Cooking process information (including heating means and their control conditions, etc.) 226A, 226B.

[0379] The cooperative cooking menu of this FIG. 58 is slightly different from the example of FIG. 45 in that the heating operation is stopped at the end of cooking step 1 to enhance the cooking effect of the food to be cooked with residual heat.

[0380] The preheating process PE starts when induction heating at the central heating port 4C is stopped. In this case, the duration of this preheating process PE is 15 minutes, which is one of the control conditions for cooking process 1, and the "15 minutes" is a default value. The default value of this control condition is also stored in advance in the recipe data storage unit 21A. Note that when the recipe data CD is acquired from the communication terminal 200, the recipe data CD may be received as part of the data for cooking process 1. In any case, on the cooking appliance 1 side, cooking process 1 basically includes this "preheating process (default time is 15 minutes)."

[0381] In the preheating step PE, when the driving of the central IH coil 9M of the central heating port 4C is stopped, the timer unit 39 automatically starts counting the elapsed time. The time elapsed from the start of this counting is displayed in one-minute increments in the second area (central area) 15M. This point will be explained in detail in the next Figure 59.

[0382] Next, we will explain Figure 59. Fig. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state of the integrated display unit 15 when the timer function (simple timer function) is used. Fig. 59 shows the display content of the preheating process stage at the end of cooking process 1 in the case of the linked cooking menu described in Fig. 58.

[0383] Step SN1 in FIG. 59 shows a scene at the end of cooking step 1 in the central heating port 4C, where driving of the central IH coil 9M is stopped and the heating operation is stopped. Since cooking step 1 was being performed using the central heating port 4C, the heat source display section 47 is displayed in the second area 15M, and text information 76 indicates that it has stopped. Additionally, the second area 15M also displays text information 77A indicating that the preheating process has started. If the object N used in cooking process 1 above the central heating port 4C is moved to another location, the temperature sensor group 30 will detect the absence of the object N from that point onwards, and the text information 77A indicating the preheating process will no longer be displayed.

[0384] Since the driving of the central IH coil 9M was stopped, the control device 22 measures (counts) the elapsed time using the timer 39, and displays elapsed time information 78A every minute (see step SN2). Then, it displays remaining time information 78B until the default preheat time (e.g., 15 minutes) is reached. The display contents are updated every minute. After that, when a specified time (15 minutes in the above example) has elapsed, advance notice information 78C is displayed to indicate that the preheating step is about to end, as shown in step SN3.

[0385] When the preheating step is completed, the second area 15M of the integrated display unit 15 displays text information 79 indicating preparation for automatically moving to cooking step 2, and progress information 79A for starting cooking step 2. 79B is information about the time elapsed since the preheating step of cooking step 1 was completed. In step SN4 of this Figure 59, the elapsed time information 79B indicates that one minute has passed since the preheating step was completed.

[0386] In Figure 59, elapsed time information 78A and remaining time information 78B are displayed in the second area 15M because the second area 15M is responsible for displaying the heating means (second heating means HM2, third heating means HM3) that perform cooking step 2 and the heating chamber 6. If cooking step 2 is performed using the right heating port 4R for a cooking menu, these will be displayed in the third area 15R.

[0387] As described above, in this embodiment 1, in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, the user can easily know the elapsed time (elapsed time information 78A and remaining time information 78B) during the transition from cooking process 1 to cooking process 2, and can smoothly proceed to cooking process 2. Furthermore, since the elapsed time is measured automatically without the user having to operate the timer operation unit 43 each time, there is no concern that this will impair operability for the user or force them to perform complicated input operations.

[0388] Summary of embodiment 1. As is clear from the above description, in the first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the first disclosure is as follows: A plurality of heating ports (left heating port 4L, center heating port 4C, right heating port 4R) arranged on the top surface of the main body 2; Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; A timer operation unit 43 that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; an integrated display unit 15 that displays cooking information related to the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; A control device 22 that controls the integrated display unit 15 and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; Equipped with In the integrated display unit 15, individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R assigned to the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged in the same arrangement as the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated while at least one of the heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R is in a heating operation, the control device 22 displays set time information 66 of the off timer function in any one of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the heating outlet 4L, 4C, or 4R in the heating operation. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0389] With this configuration, a cooking device 1 can be provided that can accommodate a wide variety of cooking methods using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and that contributes to improving the efficiency of input operations and reducing the burden on the user in order to utilize the timer function.

[0390] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, a communication unit 25 that communicates with external information processing means (such as a communication terminal 200); a first heating means HM1 for heating the upper surface heating unit; The cooking apparatus further includes a second heating means HM2 for cooking in a heating chamber 6 inside the main body 2, The control device 22 has a function of executing an integrated cooking mode KM1 for one cooking menu, which includes a cooking step 1 using either the first heating means or the second heating means, and a cooking step 2 using the other heating means, When the control device 22 acquires advance notice information 201 related to one cooking menu of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 from the communication unit 25, the control device 22 can transmit selection information 202 for requesting the provision of recipe data CD from the communication unit 25 to an external device by operating the left selection key 42L, the right selection key 42R, or the center selection key 42M (arranged in front of the first area 15L, the third area 15R, or the second area 15M) corresponding to one of the heating port (left heating port 4L, right heating port 4R) or the second heating means HM2 that can execute cooking step 1 of the cooking menu. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0391] With this configuration, recipe data CD for the collaborative cooking mode KM1 that uses the heating chamber 6 and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R can be reliably obtained, and a heating cooker 1 can be provided that contributes to improving the efficiency of input operations for each cooking menu by the user and reducing the burden on the user.

[0392] Furthermore, according to the heating cooker 1 configured in embodiment 1, the selection of at least the left and right heating ports 4L, 4R and the selection of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 can be concentrated in front of the left area (first area) 15L, right area (third area) 15R, and central area (second area) 15M of the integrated display unit 15, with one integrated display unit 15 at the center. Therefore, the user must choose (1) (Left and right) Heating ports 4L, 4R and heating chamber 6, (2) Collaborative cooking mode KM1 and its cooking menu (3) Various input switches for inputting control conditions (heat power, set temperature, etc.) (left shared switch 41L, right shared switch 41R, left on / off switch 42L, right on / off switch 42R), The correspondence between the two can be correctly and easily recognized based on the front-to-rear arrangement, and it is expected that erroneous operation can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide a cooking device 1 that is easy for the user to use.

[0393] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The input operation unit 36 ​​has the linked cooking mode selection switch (key) 70, When the cooperative cooking mode KM1 is selected by the cooperative cooking mode selection key 70, identification information 72 for selecting one cooperative cooking menu is displayed in a single display area (second area 15M in the first embodiment) unified among the first area 15L, the second area 15M, and the third area 15R (see FIG. 30). Regardless of the display area in which the identification information 72 is displayed (in embodiment 1, the central area 15M), the configuration is characterized in that the execution of cooking of the linked cooking menu can be confirmed by operating any one of the left cut-in key 41L, center cut-in key 41M and right cut-in key 41R corresponding to any one of the heating ports or heating means used in cooking process 1.

[0394] With this configuration, when the linked cooking mode is selected with the selection switch 70, the display area in which the identification information 72 is always displayed is the same (second area 15M in the first embodiment), so there is no confusion in checking the identification information 72. Furthermore, by operating the selection key (central selection key 42M in the first embodiment) corresponding to that display area (second area 15M in the first embodiment), it is possible to select another (linked) cooking menu, which simplifies the operation of selecting the cooking menu.

[0395] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, When the cooperative cooking mode is selected with the selection switch 70, the identification information 72 of one cooperative cooking menu and the identification information 72A of the next candidate cooperative cooking menu are simultaneously displayed in the same display area (second area 15M in the first embodiment) of the integrated display unit 15. The left selection key (shared left key) 42L, the right selection key (shared right key) 42R, etc. are configured to sequentially update the displayed cooperative cooking menu each time they are operated once.

[0396] With this configuration, the desired collaborative cooking menu can be easily displayed and selected.

[0397] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The device further includes a main power switch 20 that controls the supply of power to the control device 22, After the main power switch 20 is closed, if the left selection key 42L, the center selection key or the right selection key 42R is operated without selecting the collaborative cooking mode KM1 with the collaborative cooking mode selection key 70, the identification information 46 of one cooking mode and the identification information 46A of another cooking mode that is the next selection candidate can be displayed simultaneously in the first area 15L, the second area 15M or the third area 15R according to the operation.

[0398] With this configuration, when cooking without using the selection switch 70, the desired cooperative cooking menu can be selected by operating the left selection key (shared left key) 42L or the right selection key (shared right key) 42R, etc., which are located in front of the displayed identification information 46.

[0399] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The left selection key 42L, the center selection key 42M and the right selection key 42R each have a pair of keys, and these keys are characterized by a combination of an up key that displays the identification information 46 and the identification information 72 of the linked cooking menu in a specified order, and a down key that displays them in the opposite order to the specified order.

[0400] With this configuration, when operating the left selection key (shared left key) 42L or the right selection key (shared right key) 42R to select the identification information 46 and the cooking menu of the linked cooking mode, the desired cooking mode or linked cooking menu is displayed in sequence, allowing for easy selection.

[0401] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, A central heating port 4C (which is one of the upper heating portions) is further provided between the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, The integrated display unit 15 is characterized by having the function of alternatively displaying cooking information in the central heating port 4C and cooking information in the heating chamber 6 in the central area 15M.

[0402] With this configuration, the cooking device 1 has three heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, which increases the number of objects to be heated (such as pots) that can be used simultaneously, improving usability.

[0403] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The configuration is characterized in that the central selection key 42M and the central cut-on key 41M are shared by both the central heating port 4C and the second heating means HM2.

[0404] This configuration allows the cooking device 1 to be equipped with multiple heating ports and heating chambers without increasing the number of on / off keys, which increases the number of items to be heated (such as pots) that can be used simultaneously, improving usability and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the number of on / off keys is not increased, the individual keys can be spaced apart in a limited installation space, which has the effect of preventing accidental operation of adjacent keys.

[0405] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, When the control device 22 acquires the recipe data CD from the communication terminal 200, the control device 22 acquires setting information A for the cooking process 1 and setting information B for the cooking process 2 separately from the communication terminal 200, The control device 22 sequentially acquires the setting information A and the setting information B, When one of the input keys (e.g., the left selection key 42L) of the input operation unit 36 ​​is operated, the control device 22 proceeds to a step of acquiring the setting information A (see step SG5 in FIG. 47), When the input key different from the input key used when acquiring the setting information A is used (when the cooking process 1 This configuration is characterized in that when the operation is performed (during a heating pause period after the end of heating), the process proceeds to a step where the setting information B can be obtained.

[0406] With this configuration, the cooking appliance 1 can reliably acquire the external recipe data CD and use it for actual cooking. In other words, if the user has previously operated a specific input key (for example, the left selection key 42L) that should be operated on the side of the cooking appliance 1, the operation of obtaining the recipe data CD will proceed after the user has performed a confirmation operation (whether or not a specific operation was performed on the central operation unit 17), thereby preventing the user from making an operation error and improving usability. Furthermore, in the case of a cooking menu with multiple cooking steps, such as the collaborative cooking mode KM1, the entire recipe data CD can be reliably obtained through the stages of receiving setting information for each cooking step, such as the preview information 1, preview information 2, etc., and confirming the information using the specific input key (such as the left selection key 42L) (see steps SG4 and SG5 in Figure 46).This is expected to improve the reliability and operability of obtaining recipe data in a heating cooker 1 that can handle a wide range of cooking using multiple cooking steps.

[0407] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The left selection key (shared left key) 42L and the right selection key (shared right key) 42R are characterized by being configured as a combination of an up key 42M that displays identification information 46 of multiple sub-cooking modes and a cancel display section 46C that is selected when canceling the setting of a sub-cooking mode in a specified order, and a down key 42M that displays them in the opposite order to the specified order.

[0408] This configuration allows the user to easily display and select the desired sub-cooking mode. Also, the sub-cooking mode can be canceled by operating the same key, providing excellent operability.

[0409] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, The central selection key (central shared key) 42M is characterized by being configured as a combination of a heating source display section 47 that can exclusively select either the first heating means HM1 or the second heating means HM2, an up key 42M that displays identification information 46 of sub-cooking modes such as "grilled whole fish" and "fillet fish" in a specified order, and a down key 42M that displays the information in the opposite order to the specified order.

[0410] This configuration makes it easy to display and select sub-cooking modes related to cooking using the central heating port 4C and heating chamber 6. In addition, it is easy to select the first heating means HM1 and the second heating means HM2 exclusively, providing excellent operability.

[0411] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure is as follows: A plurality of heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R arranged on the top surface of the main body 2; Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; A timer operation unit 43 that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; an integrated display unit 15 that displays cooking information related to the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; A control device 22 that controls the integrated display unit 15 and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; Equipped with In the integrated display unit 15, individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R assigned to the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged in the same arrangement as the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated while at least two of the heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R are in heating operation, the control device 22 sequentially displays the set time information 66 of the off timer function for each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R within the ranges of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R in the heating operation each time the timer operation unit 43 is operated, This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0412] With this configuration, a cooking device 1 can be provided that can accommodate a wide variety of cooking methods using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and that contributes to improving the efficiency of input operations by the user to utilize the timer function and reducing the burden on the user.

[0413] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure, selection sections (on / off keys) 41L, 41M, 41R corresponding to each of the heating ports are arranged at the front position of each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R within the range of widths W1 to W3 of the individual display areas (see Figure 6).

[0414] This configuration makes it possible to correctly and easily recognize the correspondence between the selection parts (left-turn-on key 41L, right-turn-on key 41R) and the multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, 4R based on the front-to-back arrangement, and is expected to prevent operational errors. As a result, it is possible to provide a cooking device 1 that is easy for the user to use.

[0415] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure, common keys 42L, 42M, 42R are arranged at the front of each of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R within the widths W1, W2, W3 of the individual display areas as described in FIG. 6, and correspond to each of the upper surface heating sections, respectively, and can select at least two of the cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions such as heat power.

[0416] This configuration makes it possible to correctly and easily recognize the correspondence between the shared keys 42L, 42M, and 42R and the multiple heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R based on the front-to-rear arrangement, which allows control condition settings to be input to the correct heating outlet.

[0417] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure, When the heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R are selected by the selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R without operating the timer operation unit 43, the identification information 72 of the cooking menu or the identification information 46 of the cooking mode is displayed in the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the selected heating outlets. The cooking menu identification information 72 or the cooking mode identification information 46 can be changed to display other identification information by further operating the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R.

[0418] With this configuration, by operating the common keys 42L, 42M, 42R located in front of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R, respectively, the next cooking menu option and the next cooking mode option can be easily displayed for each individual display area, and the user can proceed to the cooking process.

[0419] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 according to the second disclosure, When the heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R are selected by the selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R without operating the timer operation unit 43, the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R corresponding to the selected heating outlets 4L, 4C, and 4R display the identification information 72 of the cooking menu or the identification information 46 of the cooking mode, and control conditions such as heat, heating time, and heating temperature. The control condition can be changed to another control condition by further operating the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R.

[0420] With this configuration, by operating the common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R located in front of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, and 15R, respectively, the control conditions can be displayed for each individual display area, and the cooking process can be started.

[0421] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the third disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the third disclosure is as follows: A plurality of heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R arranged on the top surface of the main body 2; Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating ports; a common operation unit 18 for inputting common information to the heating ports; an integrated display unit 15 that displays cooking information related to the heating port; A control device 22 that controls the integrated display unit 15 and the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R; Equipped with The common operation unit 18 has a timer operation unit 43 for selecting an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, a time input unit (input key) 44 for inputting a set time for the off timer function, and a start key 45 for deciding to start a timing operation, In the integrated display unit 15, individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R assigned to the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged in the same arrangement as the heating nozzles 4L, 4C, 4R, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated, the control device 22 displays candidate time information TX for the off timer function in any one of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R corresponding to the heating openings 4L, 4C, 4R that are in the heating operation (see FIG. 50 ), The configuration is characterized in that the display of the candidate time information TX is changed to the display of the set time information 66 in response to input from the time input unit 44, and the off timer function can be started by operating the start key 45.

[0422] With this configuration, a cooking device 1 can be provided that can accommodate a wide variety of cooking methods using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and that contributes to reducing the workload of the user, such as by inputting the set time and issuing a command to start the off timer function in order to utilize the off timer function.

[0423] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, a cooking system according to the fourth disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking system according to the fourth disclosure is: a cooking device (1) having an input operation unit (36), an integrated display unit (15), a communication function, and a timer operation unit (43); a communication terminal 200 connected to the cooking appliance 1 by wireless communication; The integrated display unit 15 has a function of dividing one display area into a left area 15L for a left heating port for cooking with the first heating means HM1, a right area 15R for a right heating port for cooking with the first heating means, and a central area 15M for a second heating means HM2 for cooking in the heating chamber 6, and displaying the divided areas; The communication terminal 200 (1) The terminal display unit 216 displays the recipe data CD relating to the food selected by the user, (2) When the recipe data displayed on the terminal display unit 216 is selected, the display content of the terminal display unit 216 is changed to a form in which the advance notice information A (201) of the recipe data is displayed; (3) The terminal display unit 216 displaying the advance notice information A (201) displays an input key 240 for transmitting the selected recipe data CD, (4) When the input key 240 is operated, the recipe data CD is transmitted to the cooking appliance 1; The cooking device 1 is When the timer operation unit 43 is operated during the execution of a heating operation, set time information 66 is displayed in the left area 15L, the right area 15R or the central area 15M corresponding to the left heating outlet 4L, the right heating outlet 4R or the heating chamber 6 during which the heating operation is being performed, and when a command to start a timing operation is received, the timing operation is started and the set time information 66 is transmitted to the communication terminal 200. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0424] With this configuration, a cooking device 1 can be provided that can accommodate a wide variety of cooking methods using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and that contributes to the efficiency of the user's input operation for setting the off timer function. Furthermore, external recipe data CD can be reliably acquired by the cooking appliance 1 and used for actual cooking. That is, on the communication terminal 200 side, the recipe data CD relating to the food selected by the user is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, and when a specific recipe data CD is selected, the preview information A (201) of the recipe data is displayed, so that the user can easily check the recipe data CD before sending it. Furthermore, when the user operates a specific input key (for example, the left selection key 42L) that should be operated by the user in response to receiving the advance notice information A (201) on the side of the cooking appliance 1, the operation proceeds to obtain the recipe data CD after the user has performed a confirmation operation (whether or not a specific operation has been performed on the central operation unit 17), thereby preventing the user from making an operation error and improving usability.

[0425] Furthermore, in the heating and cooking system according to the fourth disclosure, The configuration is characterized in that the left area 15L, the center area 15M or the right area 15R displays a reception operation display section 80, 80A (see Figure 49) indicating that the device is waiting to receive the recipe data CD.

[0426] This configuration allows the user to correctly understand the process of receiving the recipe data CD held in the external communication terminal 200, and prevents the user from making operational mistakes or misunderstandings when acquiring the recipe data CD.

[0427] Furthermore, in the heating and cooking system according to the fourth disclosure, The communication terminal 200 is characterized in that, when it receives the selection information 202 from the cooking appliance 1, it becomes possible to transmit the recipe data CD displayed on the first screen 216A to the cooking appliance 1.

[0428] This configuration allows the user to correctly understand the process of receiving the recipe data CD held in the external communication terminal 200, and prevents the user from making operational mistakes or misunderstandings when acquiring the recipe data CD.

[0429] Furthermore, in the heating and cooking system according to the fourth disclosure, The communication terminal 200 is characterized in that, when it determines that the recipe data CD has arrived at the cooking appliance 1 (see step SG11 in Figures 46 and 47), it displays transmission result information for the recipe data CD on the third screen 216C that is displayed after the second screen 216B (see step SG12 in Figures 46 and 47). This allows the user to check the transmission result information displayed on the communication terminal 200, thereby improving the user's sense of security and ease of use when transmitting the recipe data CD. In other words, the transmission results of the recipe data CD can be individually checked each time on the third screen 216C, allowing the user to accurately and easily check the communication status.

[0430] Furthermore, in the cooking system according to the fourth disclosure, The communication terminal 200 was characterized in that an input key 237A for transmitting the preview information 201 that identifies the recipe data CD was displayed at a position corresponding to the first display portion 251 on the first screen 216 that constitutes a touch-type input screen (see Figure 45 in particular). With this configuration, when the user checks the contents of the first display portion 251 of cooking process 1, he or she can operate the input key 237A displayed there to send the advance notice information 201 (201A) to the cooking appliance 1, thereby preventing the user from making operational mistakes and improving operability.

[0431] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the cooking device 1 according to the fifth disclosure is disclosed as follows. That is, one embodiment of the cooking device 1 according to the fifth disclosure is as follows: A plurality of heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R arranged on the top surface of the main body 2; Selection units 41L, 41M, and 41R that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R; A timer operation unit 43 that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R; an integrated display unit 15 that displays cooking information related to the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R; A control device 22 that controls the integrated display unit 15 and the heating ports 4L, 4M, and 4R; Equipped with The control device 22 has a function of executing a plurality of cooking menus or a plurality of cooking modes, In the integrated display unit 15, individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R assigned to the heating nozzles 4L, 4M, 4R are arranged in the same arrangement as the heating nozzles 4L, 4M, 4R, When the timer operation unit 43 is operated while at least one of the heating outlets 4L, 4M, 4R is performing a heating operation for one of the cooking menus, the control device 22 determines whether or not to apply the off timer function to that cooking menu, and if so, displays set time information 66 of the off timer function in any one of the individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R corresponding to the heating outlets 4L, 4M, 4R that are executing that cooking menu; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0432] This configuration allows for a wide range of cooking methods using multiple heating ports 4L, 4C, and 4R, and reduces the workload for the user in inputting the set time to utilize the off timer function. Moreover, with this configuration, the correspondence between the selection sections 41L, 41R and the plurality of heating ports 4L, 4R can be correctly and easily recognized based on the front-to-rear arrangement, and it is expected that erroneous operation can be prevented, thereby providing a cooking device 1 that is easy for the user to use. In addition, the system automatically determines whether the cooking menu is one to which the off timer function is applied, and if so, displays the set time information 66 for the off timer function in one of the specified individual display areas 15L, 15M, 15R, so that cooking time conditions are not mistakenly set for an inappropriate cooking menu.

[0433] Furthermore, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, unique effects can be expected as described below. That is, in the cooking device 1 of the first embodiment, As explained in Fig. 6, the right firepower display unit 16R is located immediately to the right of the integrated display unit 15. The right operating unit 18 is located a short distance to the right of the front operating unit 17F, along a horizontal reference line BL that crosses the front edge of the front operating unit 17F. The right operation section 18 has a timer switch 43, a setting key 44 for changing the set time of the timer switch 43, and an input key 29 for setting the voice input mode, arranged in a straight line.

[0434] With this configuration, whether cooking with the left heating port 4L, the central heating port 4C, the right heating port 4R, or the heating chamber 6, the user can efficiently perform various operations, such as managing the heating time of the timer function or switching to voice input mode, using the right operating unit 18 located next to the central operating unit 17. In other words, the central operating unit 17 and the right operating unit 18 allow the user to "concentrately" set the heating conditions for a total of four locations: the left heating port 4L, the central heating port 4C, the right heating port 4R, and the heating chamber 6. "Concentrated" here means that the user does not need to stretch their arms out to the left or right to perform input operations, but can accurately perform input operations within a relatively narrow range, as can be seen in Figure 6.

[0435] Embodiment 2 Fig. 60 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15 and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 of the cooking appliance 1 showing the second embodiment. Fig. 61 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the display state and input operation of the integrated display unit 15 and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 of the cooking appliance 1 showing the second embodiment. Fig. 62 is a flowchart showing the operation of acquiring recipe data CD from the outside in the cooking appliance 1 shown in Fig. 60. Fig. 63 is an explanatory diagram of the integrated display unit and central operation unit showing the state in which cooking is being performed in the cooking appliance shown in Fig. 60. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configuration of the first embodiment described in Figs. 1 to 59 are given the same reference numerals.

[0436] In the second embodiment, the configurations of the integrated display unit 15 and central operation unit 17 of the cooking appliance 1 are different from those in the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment 2, the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 is configured as a touch input panel, and the integrated display unit 15 is provided with touch input type (three pairs) common keys 42L, 42M, 42R, which is a major difference from embodiment 1.

[0437] Referring to Figure 60. FIG. 60 shows a state in which multiple cooking processes in one sub-cooking mode are being performed simultaneously in a mode other than the cooperative cooking mode KM1. At least the front half area of ​​the display screen of the integrated display unit 15 is configured by a touch panel, which is part of the touch panel input means. That is, in the front half area, detection electrodes (not shown) that detect touches by fingertips FG are arranged. As in the first embodiment, the display screen of integrated display unit 15 has a left display area (left area) 15L, a central display area (central area) 15M, and a right display area (right area) 15R, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. In other words, one display screen is divided horizontally into three areas, and the display operation is controlled accordingly.

[0438] The left area 15L is composed of two parts: a rear area 63B and a front area 63F adjacent to the rear area 63B. However, the rear area 63B and the front area 63F are not formed separately in hardware. Only the front area 63F has an additional configuration that accepts touch operations performed by the user, and has touch detection and input functions based on the touch. In this second embodiment, the left shared key 42L in the first embodiment is configured in the form of an icon that detects the touch of the user's fingertip FG. In other words, when the user's fingertip touches each of the pair of left shared keys 42L on the left and right, the touch operation is detected and information can be input.

[0439] Valid touch inputs in the front area 63F are limited to touching the portion of the left shared key 42L, and no valid input signal is generated if you touch a position other than the portion of the left shared key 42L or if you touch the rear area 63B. Note that not only "tapping," which is an operation of lightly tapping the surface of the front area 63F other than the left shared key 42, but also various touch gesture operations such as "flicking," which is an operation of flicking the surface with a finger, and "swiping," which is an operation of tracing the surface with a finger (sliding a finger), are not valid operations, and input by such fingertip operations is not possible.

[0440] The central area 15M, which is used for cooking using the central heating port 4C and the heating chamber 6, is also composed of two parts: a rear area 64B and a front area 64F adjacent to this rear area 64B. Like the left area 16L, the pair of central shared keys 42M are configured in the form of icons that detect touches with the user's fingertips FG. Furthermore, the right area 15R is also composed of two parts: a rear area 65B and a front area 65F adjacent to this rear area 65B. Like the left area 16L, the pair of right shared keys 42R are also configured in the form of icons that detect touches with the user's fingertips FG.

[0441] As shown in Figure 60, the left heating port 4L is in a state before induction heating cooking begins at "heat level 7." 67 is a set time display, and when the cooking time is set using the timer switch 43, the set time is displayed in 1-second increments. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 60, induction heating is set for 20 minutes. As shown in the central area 15M, the user can select either cooking using the central heating port 4C or cooking using the heating chamber 6 (the sub-cooking menu is "grilled whole fish"). If the left-side common central key 42M is pressed, a cancel display section 46C, which can be selected to cancel the sub-cooking mode setting, is displayed in the center of the central area 15M, allowing the user to cancel the previously set sub-cooking menu (for example, "grilled whole fish") and also cancel the selection of the central heating port 4C.

[0442] As shown in FIG. 60, for the right heating port 4R, "deep frying" is selected in the sub-cooking mode, the target heating temperature is set to 180°C, and the heating operation has started. As is clear from Fig. 60, when the control conditions (e.g., heating time) for the left heating port 4L are being set, the left common key 41L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED to indicate that the key is in operation. For example, the left common key 42L is illuminated with a yellow light to enhance its presence. In this case, the light-emitting element's light-emitting operation is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Fig. 5).

[0443] As is clear from FIG. 60, when the central heating port 4C or heating chamber 6 is in the process of selecting either the sub-cooking mode or the heating means (central IH coil 9M), the central common key 42M is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED to indicate that input is possible. For example, the central common key 42M is illuminated with a yellow light to enhance its presence. At the same time, since it is possible to decide to start the heating operation in this state, the central on / off key 41M is also illuminated by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED to indicate that input is possible. In this case, the light-emitting operation of the light-emitting element is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see FIG. 5).

[0444] Furthermore, as is clear from FIG. 60, the sub-cooking mode "deep-frying" has already been selected and heating operation has begun for the right heating port 4R, so the right ON / OFF key 41R is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown), such as an LED, indicating that an input is possible. That is, the right ON / OFF key 41R is illuminated, for example, with a yellow light, indicating that an input to immediately stop the heating operation is possible. In this case, the light-emitting element's light-emitting operation is controlled by the light-emission control unit 37 (see FIG. 5). Even after the heating operation has begun, the target heating temperature of the cooking oil for the sub-cooking mode "deep-frying" can be increased or decreased from "180°C" shown in FIG. 60 at any time using the right shared key 42R.

[0445] Reference numeral 75 denotes a recipe data acquisition key (switch). This has the function of permitting the acquisition of recipe data CD (CD1, CD2) from the outside via the communication unit 25 (see FIG. 5). That is, in the first embodiment, the switches (keys) that required input operation before acquiring recipe data CD each time depending on the type of cooking menu were the three common keys 42L, 42M, and 42R. In contrast, in the second embodiment, all of these are unified into the recipe data acquisition key 75.

[0446] The recipe data acquisition key 75 is located at the left end of the right operation unit 18, near the right end of the front operation unit 17F. When the control device 22 receives recipe data CD from the outside, the surface of this recipe data acquisition key (switch) itself is illuminated from below (by a light-emitting element such as an LED) to indicate that it is in an operable state. The light-emitting element is controlled by the light-emission control unit 37.

[0447] Reference numeral 51 denotes a function display unit whose lighting is controlled by the light emission control unit 37, and when the input function of the recipe data acquisition key 75 is valid, the light emitting element (shown) flashes or lights up to indicate that input is possible. In other words, when the recipe data CD can be received, the light emission control unit 37 causes the function display unit 51 to flash. 60, when another sub-cooking menu is already being executed for both the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R, the function display unit 51 does not flash. However, even if this recipe data acquisition key 75 is operated, the control device 22 does not allow the operation to acquire the recipe data CD, so the recipe data acquisition key 75 cannot actually function.

[0448] Next, we will explain Figure 61. Figure 61 is an explanatory diagram showing the display state and input operations of the integrated display unit 15 and central operation unit (rear operation unit and front operation unit) 17 when cooking is actually being performed in the heating cooker 1 shown in Figure 60.

[0449] The example shown in Figure 61 shows the intermediate stage of cooking using the left heating port 4L and the right heating port 4R. The example in Figure 61 does not involve cooking using recipe data CD for the linked cooking mode KM1 obtained from an external source. It also does not involve cooking using recipe data CD for one of the sub-cooking modes other than the linked cooking mode KM1.

[0450] Reference numeral 66 denotes a remaining time display unit, and when the cooking time is set using the timer switch 43, the remaining time is displayed in one-second increments as the cooking progresses, based on the set time 66T displayed in this remaining time display unit 66. From the contents displayed in this remaining time display unit 66, it can be seen that in the example of Fig. 61, cooking will be completed in seven minutes. As is clear from Fig. 61, when the left heating port 4L is in heating operation, the left ON / OFF key 41L is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED to indicate that the operation is in progress. In this case, the light-emitting element is controlled by the light-emitting control unit 37 (see Fig. 5).

[0451] Similarly, since the right heating port 4R is in heating operation, the right ON / OFF key 41R is illuminated from below by a light-emitting element (not shown) such as an LED to indicate that the key is in operation. For example, the right ON / OFF key 41R is illuminated with a yellow light to enhance its presence. In this case, too, the light-emitting element is controlled by the light-emission control unit 37 (see FIG. 5).

[0452] Furthermore, as can be seen from Fig. 60, during the period when input of control conditions such as heat level and temperature is possible for the left shared key 42L and the right shared key 42R, the color of the icon to be touched is clearly different from the color of the center shared key 42M (which cannot be input). This makes it clear when input is possible and when it is not possible. Such changes in display design are executed by the control program of the integrated display unit 15 itself upon receiving a heating operation status signal from the control device 22. The reason why the center heating outlet 4C and heating chamber 6 cannot be used is because the "peak cut value," which specifies the upper limit of the maximum power that can be used by the cooking appliance 1, is set to 4000 W. In other words, the control device 22 determines that there will be a power shortage because the right heating outlet 4R and the left heating outlet 4L will be used at the same time, and displays the prohibition of use display information 72N to indicate that they cannot be used.

[0453] Next, we will explain Figure 62. In FIG. 62, steps SS1 to SS8 are operational steps for "obtaining recipe data CD" in the cooperative cooking mode KM1, which are defined in the integrated control program of the control device 22.

[0454] First, when the operation button 20A of the main power switch 20 is pressed, the input function of the input operation unit 36 ​​is enabled in the next step SS1. Next, the integrated display unit 15 is started up, and the initial standby screen is displayed in each of the first area 15L to the third area 15R (step SS2).

[0455] The cooking appliance 1 may ask the user in advance to confirm whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of cooking recipe data CD to the communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300 that has been registered in advance, but if such automatic external connection is performed in advance using the function setting key 45 of the input operation unit 36, the connection operation will be performed automatically at a specified timing. In other words, pairing between the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1 is performed automatically, and wireless communication 330 between the smartphone 200 and the cooking appliance 1 can be established (step SS3). The audio notification unit 49 may perform an audio notification that an operation to obtain recipe data CD from an external device may be performed (step SS3).

[0456] The external connection in step SS3 involves alternately repeating transmission and reception several times between the cooking appliance 1 and an external communication device (such as the communication terminal 200 or the cloud server 300). For example, before initially transmitting recipe data CD for a specific cooking menu (for example, "hamburger steak") from communication terminal 200, advance notice information 201 for identifying the cooking menu is transmitted to cooking appliance 1. Then, cooking appliance 1 analyzes this advance notice information 201, and if it is confirmed that the information is recipe data CD for hamburger steak, integrated display unit 15 displays a message prompting the user to perform a recipe acquisition operation. For example, when cooking the hamburger steak, cooking step 1 must first be performed in the right heating port 4R or the left heating port 4L, so a message is displayed in both the left area (first area) 15L and the right area (third area) 15R to indicate that the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 should be operated.

[0457] When recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 is operated in cooking appliance 1 (step SS4), cooking appliance 1 transmits "selection information 202" indicating that a specific cooking menu (in this case, "hamburger steak") has been selected via communication unit 25 (step SS5). This selection information 202 is then recognized by communication terminal 200 or cloud server 300. The communication terminal 200 receives the selection information 202 and transmits the recipe data CD. Upon receiving this transmitted data, the cooking appliance 1 checks the internal state (for example, the set value of the total power consumption, etc.), and if there is no problem, executes a data acquisition process to proceed to the next stage (step SS6).

[0458] Then, finally, reception of the necessary "setting information" (which includes recipe data CD) from the external communication device (communication terminal 200, etc.) is completed. In other words, on the cooking appliance 1 side, after receiving a signal once, the cooking appliance 1 performs alternating communication several times, such as returning another confirmation signal immediately thereafter, and finally completes reception of the necessary "setting information" (step SS7).

[0459] In the next step SS8, the contents of the recipe data CD acquired from an external device such as the communication terminal 200, particularly the unique information 72 of the cooking menu (in the cooperative cooking mode KM1), are displayed on the integrated display unit 15. The audio notification unit 49 also notifies the user of the fact that the recipe has been received, for example, by saying, "A hamburger recipe has been received."

[0460] As is clear from the above description, when the control device 22 acquires the recipe data CD of the cooperative cooking mode KM1 and performs cooking, (1) a communication establishment step (SS3) of establishing a communication state with a specific communication terminal 200; (2) after the communication establishment step (SS3), a notification step (SS4) of notifying the notification means 40 of information indicating that the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 needs to be operated in accordance with the advance notice information 201 acquired from the communication unit 25; (3) A confirmation step (SS5) of transmitting selection information 202 when the recipe data acquisition key (switch) 75 notified by the notification means 40 is operated; (4) a reception standby step (SS6) for preparing to receive the recipe data CD after transmitting the selection information 202; The above steps are executed sequentially.

[0461] In the reception waiting step (SS6...

Claims

1. A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a timer operation unit that can select a timer function common to the heating unit; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with When the control device receives an input from the timer operation unit during a period in which a heating operation is being performed in at least one of the heating units, the control device displays set time information of the off timer function for each of the individual display areas within the range of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit that is performing the heating operation, A cooking device characterized in that a common key is arranged at the front position of each of the individual display areas within the width of the individual display area, and corresponds to each of the heating sections, and allows selection of at least two of the cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions.

2. 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the individual display areas are formed by dividing a single display screen.

3. 2. The cooking device according to claim 1, wherein the control device can activate a simple timer function that counts up elapsed time when the timer operation unit is operated and then receives a command from another input key.

4. A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can individually select the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; a timer operation unit that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating unit; a display unit that displays cooking information in the heating unit; a control device that controls a display operation of the display unit and a heating operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the display unit has an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units, When the timer operation unit is operated while a heating operation is being performed in at least two of the heating units, the control device sequentially displays set time information of the off timer function for each of the individual display areas within the range of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating units that are performing the heating operation in response to the operation of the timer operation unit, A cooking device characterized in that a common key is arranged at the front position of each of the individual display areas within the width of the individual display area, and corresponds to each of the heating sections, and allows selection of at least two of the cooking menu, cooking mode, or control conditions.

5. When the heating unit is selected by the selection unit, the identification information A of the cooking menu or the identification information B of the cooking mode is displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the selected heating unit, 5. The cooking device according to claim 4, wherein the identification information A or the identification information B can be changed to display another identification information by further operating the common key.

6. When the heating unit is selected by the selection unit, the identification information A of the cooking menu or the identification information B of the cooking mode and the control conditions are displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the selected heating unit, 5. The cooking device according to claim 4, wherein the control condition can be changed to another control condition by further operating the common key.

7. A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a common operation unit for inputting common information to the heating unit; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with The common operation unit has a timer operation unit that can select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of the heating port, and a time input unit that can input a set time for the off timer function, The control device (1) When the timer operation unit is operated, candidate time information for the off timer function is displayed in one of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit in heating operation, (2) receiving an input from the time input unit, changing the display of the candidate time information to display set time information; (3) The off timer function can be automatically started when a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of the candidate time information or the set time information. A heating cooker characterized by the above.

8. The cooking device according to claim 7 , wherein the selection unit is disposed in front of each of the individual display areas within a range of a width of the individual display area.

9. The cooking device according to claim 7, wherein the control device can start a simple timer function that counts up elapsed time when the timer operation unit is operated and then a start command is received from another input key.

10. a cooking device having an input operation unit, a display unit, a communication function, a timer operation unit for selecting an off timer function, and a plurality of heating units; a communication terminal connected to the cooking appliance by wireless communication, the display unit has a plurality of individual display areas corresponding to the heating units, The communication terminal (1) Displaying recipe data related to the food selected by the user on the terminal display unit; (2) When the recipe data displayed on the terminal display unit is selected, the display content of the terminal display unit is changed to a form in which advance notice information, which is information including identification information specifying the cooking menu of the recipe data, is displayed; (3) an input key for transmitting the recipe data is displayed on the terminal display unit that displays the advance notice information; (4) When the input key is operated, the advance notice information of the recipe data and the recipe data are transmitted to the cooking device, and the cooking device is caused to specify a cooking menu based on the advance notice information of the recipe data. The cooking device includes: The recipe data is acquired after the user confirms it by pressing a specific input key. The cooking device includes: When the timer operation unit is operated, set time information is displayed in one of the individual display areas corresponding to the heating unit that is performing a heating operation, and when a command to start a timing operation is received, the timing operation is started and the set time information is transmitted to the communication terminal; It is characterized by The communication terminal, upon receiving the set time information, starts counting down the time and issues an alert a certain time before the set time expires.

11. 11. The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein the individual display area displays a reception operation display section indicating that the cooking system is waiting to receive the recipe data.

12. The cooking appliance may transmit selection information to the communication terminal in response to receiving the advance notice information, The cooking system according to claim 10, wherein when the communication terminal receives the selection information, the recipe data displayed on the terminal display unit can be transmitted to the cooking appliance.

13. The heating unit has a first heating unit at a first location and a second heating unit at a location remote from the first location; a function of executing an integrated cooking mode having a cooking step 1 using either the first heating means or the second heating means and a cooking step 2 using the other heating means for one cooking menu; The heating and cooking system according to claim 10, characterized in that in the cooperative cooking mode, the cooking process 1 is performed in either the first heating unit or the second location, and the cooking process 2 is performed in the other location.

14. A plurality of heating units; a selection unit that can be operated by a user to individually select the heating units; a timer operation unit that can centrally select an off timer function that limits the heating operation time of each of the heating units; an individual display area assigned to each of the heating units; a control device that individually controls the heating operations of the heating units; Equipped with the control device has a function of executing one cooking menu selected by a user from a plurality of cooking menus, when the timer operation unit is operated while at least one of the heating units is performing a heating operation for one of the cooking menus, the control unit determines whether or not to apply the off-timer function to the cooking menu, and if so, displays set time information of the off-timer function in the individual display area corresponding to the heating unit currently performing the cooking menu; A heating cooker characterized by the above.

Images