Heating control device, cooking appliance, heating control method, and heating control program

Abstract

To provide a heating control device, a cooker, a heating control method, and a heating control program capable of thawing an object to be thawed with high quality using steam regardless of the type of the object to be thawed.SOLUTION: A heating control device includes a supply processing part for supplying steam into a storage chamber for storing an object to be heated from a steam supply part, and a circulation processing part for circulating air in the storage chamber to which steam is supplied, by a circulation part. The supply processing part supplies the steam in a first supply amount from the steam supply part into the storage chamber in a first period in which a target temperature in the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature according to the object to be heated, and makes the supply amount of the steam supplied into the storage chamber from the steam supply part smaller than the first supply amount in a second period following the first period, in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating control device that uses steam to heat an object to be heated, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for heating and thawing an object to be heated such as frozen food in a cooking appliance are known.Means for supplying steam (superheated steam) into a storage chamber of a cooking appliance to heat and thaw an object to be heated are also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, there are various types of frozen foods, such as those obtained by freezing fresh foods and those obtained by freezing cooked foods. Since the appropriate temperature of the food after thawing varies depending on the type of these frozen foods, it is desirable to thaw each food at an appropriate temperature.Conventional techniques have a problem that it is difficult to thaw at an appropriate temperature according to the type of food, and there is a variation in the quality after thawing depending on the food.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heating control device, a cooking appliance, a heating control method, and a heating control program that can thaw with high quality using steam regardless of the type of the object to be heated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A heating control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a supply processing unit that supplies steam from a steam supply unit into a storage chamber containing an object to be heated, and a circulation processing unit that circulates the air in the storage chamber supplied with steam by a circulation unit. The supply processing unit supplies a first supply amount of steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber during a first period in which the target temperature in the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, and during a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the supply amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount.

[0007] A heating appliance according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a steam supply unit that supplies steam into a storage chamber for storing an object to be heated, and a circulation unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber. The heating appliance also comprises a supply processing unit that causes the steam supply unit to supply the steam into the storage chamber, and a circulation processing unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber supplied with steam by the circulation unit. The supply processing unit causes the steam supply unit to supply a first supply amount of the steam into the storage chamber from the steam supply unit during a first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, and during a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the supply amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit to the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heating control method in which one or more processors perform the following actions: supply steam from a steam supply unit into a storage chamber containing an object to be heated; circulate the air in the storage chamber supplied with steam by a circulation unit; supply a first supply amount of steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber during a first period in which the target temperature in the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated; and reduce the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber to less than the first supply amount during a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heating control program which causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: supply steam from a steam supply unit into a storage chamber containing an object to be heated; circulate the air in the storage chamber supplied with steam by a circulation unit; supply a first supply amount of steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber during a first period in which the target temperature in the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated; and reduce the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber to less than the first supply amount during a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heating control device, a heating cooker, a heating control method, and a heating control program that can defrost with high quality using steam, regardless of the type of object to be heated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a heating appliance with its door closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a heating appliance with the door open according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the main parts of a heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a key part of a cooking appliance, including an air intake unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the main components, including the exhaust unit, of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the main casing removed. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used in the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used in the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure of heating control processing executed by the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the procedure of heating control processing executed by the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of the heating control processing executed by the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the result of measuring the temperature change of food when thawing and cooking the food with the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the result of measuring the temperature change of food when thawing and cooking the food with the cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not have the character of limiting the technical scope of the present invention.

[0013] [Overall Configuration of Cooking Appliance 1] While referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the structure of the cooking appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration when the door of the cooking appliance 1 is closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration when the door of the cooking appliance 1 is open.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooking heater 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body casing 1a, a heating chamber 2 (an example of the storage chamber of the present invention) provided in the main body casing 1a and having an opening 2a on the front side, and a door 3 for opening and closing the opening 2a of the heating chamber 2.

[0015] An exhaust duct 5 having an air outlet 5a is provided on the upper side and the rear side of the main body casing 1a. A dew receiving container 6 is detachably attached to the lower part of the front surface of the main body casing 1a. The dew receiving container 6 is located below the door 3 and is capable of receiving water droplets from the rear surface of the door 3 (the surface on the heating chamber 2 side) and the front plate 55 of the main body casing 1a. Further, a water supply tank 26 is detachably attached to the lower part of the front surface of the main body casing 1a.

[0016] The door 3 is provided on the front side of the main body casing 1a so as to be rotatable about the lower side as an axis. A heat-resistant transparent outer glass 7 is provided on the front surface of the door 3 (the surface opposite to the heating chamber 2 side). Further, the door 3 has a handle 8 located above the outer glass 7 and an operation panel 13 provided on the right side of the outer glass 7.

[0017] The operation panel 13 has a display unit 13a and operation buttons. The display unit 13a displays information such as menus. Further, the display unit 13a has a touch panel function capable of receiving touch operations by the user, and receives, for example, menu selection operations by the user. The operation buttons include a cancel button 13b to be pressed when stopping heating, thawing, etc. midway, and a start button 13c to be pressed when starting heating, thawing, etc.

[0018] The heating chamber 2 houses the object to be heated M1 (the object to be heated). The heating chamber 2 is also configured to allow metal cooking trays 91 and 92 (see Figure 3) to be inserted into and removed from it. Upper shelf supports 16a and 16b for supporting the cooking tray 91 are provided on the inner surfaces of the left side 2b and right side 2c of the heating chamber 2. Lower shelf supports 17a and 17b for supporting the cooking tray 92 are provided on the inner surfaces of the right side 2c and left side 2b of the heating chamber 2, positioned below the upper shelf supports 16a and 16b.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of the cooking appliance 1. Figure 3 shows the heating chamber 2 viewed from the left side. In Figure 3, components identical to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals.

[0020] The cooking appliance 1 is equipped with a circulation duct 18, a circulation fan 19, an upper heater 20, a middle heater 21, a lower heater 22, a circulation damper 23, a tube pump 25, a water supply tank 26, a steam generator 70, and the like. The circulation duct 18 is an example of a circulation passage, and the circulation fan 19 is an example of a fan that agitates the inside of the heating chamber 2. The upper heater 20, the middle heater 21, and the lower heater 22 are each composed of, for example, sheathed heaters. The tube pump 25 can be any pump that can switch between water supply operation and drainage operation depending on the direction of drive. Note that the fan that agitates the inside of the heating chamber 2 may be provided separately from the circulation fan 19.

[0021] The upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2 is connected to the rear part 2d of the heating chamber 2 via an inclined section 2f that slopes horizontally. Multiple intake ports 27 are provided on the inclined section 2f so as to face the circulation fan 19 (see Figure 2). Multiple upper outlets 28 are also provided on the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2. Multiple first rear outlets 29, second rear outlets 30, and third rear outlets 31 are also provided on the rear part 2d of the heating chamber 2 (see Figure 2). Note that Figure 3 shows one of the multiple intake ports 27. Also, Figure 3 shows one of the first rear outlets 29, second rear outlets 30, and third rear outlets 31.

[0022] The circulation duct 18 communicates with the inside of the heating chamber 2 via the intake port 27, the upper outlet port 28, and the first to third rear outlet ports 29 to 31. The circulation duct 18 is provided from the top to the rear of the heating chamber 2 and extends in an inverted L-shape. Furthermore, the width of the circulation duct 18 in the left-right direction is set to be narrower than the width of the heating chamber 2 in the left-right direction.

[0023] The circulation fan 19 is a centrifugal fan and is driven by a circulation fan motor 56. The circulation fan motor 56 is driven according to commands from the control unit 11 (see Figure 6). When the circulation fan motor 56 drives the circulation fan 19, air and saturated steam (hereinafter referred to as "air, etc.") in the heating chamber 2 are drawn into the circulation duct 18 from a plurality of intake ports 27 and blown out radially outward from the circulation fan 19. More specifically, above the circulation fan 19, the air, etc. flows diagonally upward from the circulation fan 19, and then flows from rear to front. On the other hand, below the circulation fan 19, the air, etc. flows diagonally downward from the circulation fan 19, and then flows from top to bottom. Note that the air, etc. is an example of a heat transfer medium. The circulation fan 19 is an example of the circulation unit of the present invention.

[0024] An internal temperature sensor 76 (see Figure 6) is positioned inside the circulation duct 18 and near the outside of the circulation fan 19. The internal temperature sensor 76 detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium drawn in from inside the heating chamber 2 through the intake port 27, i.e., the internal temperature, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 11.

[0025] The upper heater 20 is positioned within the circulation duct 18, facing the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2. The upper heater 20 heats the air flowing towards the upper outlet 28. The middle heater 21 is formed in an annular shape and is positioned to surround the circulation fan 19. The middle heater 21 heats the air flowing from the circulation fan 19 towards the upper heater 20, and the air flowing from the circulation fan 19 towards the lower heater 22. The lower heater 22 is positioned within the circulation duct 18, facing the rear part 2d of the heating chamber 2. The lower heater 22 heats the air flowing towards the second rear outlet 30 and the third rear outlet 31.

[0026] The circulation damper 23 is rotatably installed inside the circulation duct 18 and between the middle heater 21 and the lower heater 22. The circulation damper 23 is rotated by a motor for the circulation damper (not shown).

[0027] The steam generator 70 comprises a metal steam generating container 71 having an upper opening, a lid 72 made of heat-resistant resin (e.g., PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) resin) covering the upper opening of the steam generating container 71, and a steam generating heater 73 consisting of a sheathed heater cast into the bottom 71a of the steam generating container 71. Water supplied from the water supply tank 26 accumulates on the bottom 71a of the steam generating container 71, and the steam generating heater 73 heats the water via the steam generating container 71. The saturated steam generated by heating with the steam generating heater 73 flows through a resin steam tube 35 and a metal steam pipe 36 and is supplied into the heating chamber 2 via a plurality of steam supply ports 37 (see Figure 2). Figure 3 shows one of the plurality of steam supply ports 37. The steam generator 70 is driven according to commands from the control unit 11 (see Figure 6). The steam generator 70 is an example of a steam supply unit of the present invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the saturated steam in the heating chamber 2 is sent by the circulation fan 19 to the upper heater 20, the middle heater 21, and the lower heater 22, where it is heated to, for example, 100°C. In the thawing process of frozen foods and other items to be heated, the steam is used to thaw the items. Note that the temperature of the steam used for heating is not limited to 100°C, but may be below 100°C or above 100°C. In addition, the temperature of the steam can be adjusted to any temperature by controlling the heating of the heaters.

[0029] A water level sensor 75, consisting of a pair of electrode rods 75a and 75b, is attached to the lid portion 72. Based on whether or not electrical conductivity is established between the electrode rods 75a and 75b, it is determined whether or not the water level on the bottom 71a of the steam generating container 71 has reached a predetermined level.

[0030] The tube pump 25 uses rollers (not shown) to squeeze an elastically deformable supply and drain tube 40 made of silicone rubber or the like, and depending on the direction of the rollers' drive, it either flows water from the water supply tank 26 to the steam generator 70 or flows water from the steam generator 70 to the water supply tank 26.

[0031] The water supply tank 26 has a water supply tank body 41 and a connecting pipe 42. One end of the connecting pipe 42 is located inside the water supply tank body 41, and the other end of the connecting pipe 42 is located outside the water supply tank 26. When the water supply tank 26 is housed in the tank cover 43, the other end of the connecting pipe 42 is connected to the water supply and drainage tube 40 via a tank joint 44. In other words, the inside of the water supply tank body 41 is in communication with the inside of the steam generator 70 via the connecting pipe 42 and the like.

[0032] The water supply system is comprised of a tube pump 25, a water supply tank 26, water supply and drainage tubes 40, a tank cover 43, and a tank joint 44.

[0033] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the heating appliance 1, including the air supply unit 100. Figure 4A shows the heating chamber 2 viewed from the left side.

[0034] Multiple air inlets 50, which are opened and closed by an air supply damper 51, are provided in the inclined section 2f of the heating chamber 2 (see Figure 2). The multiple air inlets 50 and the air supply fan 54 are connected via an air supply passage 101. A cooling damper 52 is provided in the first cooling passage 102, which branches off from the vicinity of the air inlets 50 in the air supply passage 101. For example, the air supply fan 54 is a sirocco fan.

[0035] An infrared sensor unit 300 is positioned in a recess 110 located in the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2.

[0036] The air supply fan 54 also serves as a cooling fan for the circulation fan motor 56 (see Figure 3) and the infrared sensor unit 300.

[0037] The lower circular portion of Figure 4A schematically shows the configuration of the infrared sensor unit 300. The infrared sensor unit 300 includes a cylindrical holding member 301 mounted in the axial direction (front-rear and rear) and horizontal direction in a recess 110 provided in the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2, a substantially cylindrical movable member 302 rotatably supported within the holding member 301, and an infrared sensor motor 304 attached to one end of the front side of the holding member 301 to drive the movable member 302. The movable member 302 has an infrared sensor 303.

[0038] In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 303 is exemplified as an area sensor that detects the temperature of 64 regions arranged in an 8x8 grid. However, the infrared sensor 303 is not limited to this, and may be a line sensor in which the sensor units are arranged in a straight line.

[0039] The infrared sensor unit 300 rotates a substantially cylindrical movable member 302 by an infrared sensor motor 304, orienting the detection surface (not shown) of the infrared sensor 303 toward the inside of the heating chamber 2, and rotating the axis perpendicular to the detection surface of the infrared sensor 303 along the left-right direction and vertical plane of the main casing 1a within a predetermined angular range (e.g., 20 degrees). A sensor window portion 120 is provided in a recess 110 located in the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2. The infrared sensor 303 detects the temperature of the object to be heated inside the heating chamber 2 through the sensor window portion 120 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 11.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4A, when the air supply damper 51 is open, air sent from the air supply fan 54 is supplied into the heating chamber 2 through multiple air inlets 50. At this time, the first cooling passage 102 is closed by the cooling damper 52. In addition, excess air from inside the heating chamber 2 naturally flows out through the natural exhaust port 45 into the fourth air passage 204.

[0041] Furthermore, when the air supply damper 51 closes and the multiple air supply ports 50 are closed, and the cooling damper 52 opens the first cooling passage 102, a portion of the air sent out from the air supply fan 54 is supplied to the circulation fan motor 56 (see Figure 3) via the air supply passage 101 and the first cooling passage 102.

[0042] Furthermore, by closing the air supply damper 51, the second cooling passage 103 located near the air supply damper 51 opens, and the remaining air sent out from the air supply fan 54 is supplied to the infrared sensor unit 300 located on the top side. In this way, the air supply passage 101, the first cooling passage 102, and the second cooling passage 103 constitute a cooling passage for cooling the circulation fan motor 56 (see Figure 3) and the infrared sensor 303.

[0043] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the heating appliance 1, including the exhaust unit 200. Figure 4B shows the heating chamber 2 viewed from the left side. In Figure 4B, 201 is the first air passage, 202 is the second air passage, 203 is the third air passage, and 207 is the dilution area.

[0044] A natural exhaust port 45 is provided at the lower end of the rear 2d of the heating chamber 2 (see Figure 2). The natural exhaust port 45 is connected to the exhaust duct 5 via the fourth air passage 204 of the exhaust unit 200. When there is excess air inside the heating chamber 2, the excess air flows naturally out from the natural exhaust port 45 into the fourth air passage 204. In addition, a portion of the air blown out from the exhaust fan 47 is supplied to the front side of the main casing 1a (see Figure 1) via the third air passage 203.

[0045] The inclined section 2f of the heating chamber 2 is provided with multiple forced exhaust ports 48 that are opened and closed by an exhaust damper 49 (see Figure 2). The forced exhaust ports 48 are connected to the exhaust duct 5 via an exhaust unit 200.

[0046] Furthermore, a humidity sensor 53 is attached to the exhaust unit 200. The humidity sensor 53 outputs a signal to the control unit 11 (see Figure 6) indicating the amount of steam contained in the exhaust flowing through the second air passage 202.

[0047] In the case of steam cooking, the infrared sensor 303 of the infrared sensor unit 300 is rotated 180 degrees so that it faces away from the heating chamber 2, thereby preventing moisture from entering from the heating chamber 2.

[0048] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cooking appliance 1 from the rear and diagonally above, with the top plate 1b and rear plate (not shown) that cover the top and both sides of the main casing 1a (see Figure 1) removed. In Figure 5, components identical to those shown in Figures 1 to 4 are given the same reference numerals.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, an air supply unit 100 is provided on the rear and left side (right side in Figure 5) of the heating chamber 2. The air supply unit 100 has an air supply fan 54 located on the lower side, an air supply passage 101 extending upward from the air supply fan 54, and a first cooling passage 102 that branches off from the upper side of the air supply passage 101 and extends toward a circulation fan motor 56 located in the center of the upper rear of the heating chamber 2. The air supply unit 100 extends upward from the air supply fan 54 in an inverted L shape.

[0050] Furthermore, an exhaust unit 200 is provided on the rear and right side (left side in Figure 5) of the heating chamber 2. The exhaust unit 200 has a housing 210 including an exhaust unit cover 220 and an exhaust fan 47 located below the housing 210. An exhaust damper motor 60 is located on the upper right side (left side in Figure 5) of the exhaust unit 200. The exhaust damper motor 60 opens and closes an exhaust damper 49 (Figure 4B) located at the top of the exhaust unit 200.

[0051] A partition plate 104 is erected in the front-to-back direction at the upper part 2e of the heating chamber 2. The partition plate 104 blocks the cooling air flowing from the second cooling passage 103 (see Figure 4A), which is located near the supply air damper 51 (see Figure 4A), into the area of ​​the infrared sensor unit 300, from flowing to the left side inside the main casing 1a.

[0052] The cooking appliance 1 having the above configuration is equipped with the function of thawing and cooking frozen foods and other items to be heated using steam supplied from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2.

[0053] Specifically, during thawing and cooking, the supply air damper 51 (see Figure 4A) and exhaust damper 49 (see Figure 4B) are closed, and saturated steam generated by the steam generator 70 is supplied into the heating chamber 2 from the steam supply port 37 (see Figure 3). The saturated steam supplied into the heating chamber 2 is sent by the circulation fan 19 to the upper heater 20, middle heater 21, and lower heater 22, where it is heated. The heated steam is then sent into the heating chamber 2 by the circulation fan 19 through the upper outlet 28 and the first to third rear outlets 29 to 31 of the circulation duct 18, thereby heating the food to be heated on the cooking trays 91 and 92 and thawing and cooking it. At this time, the food to be heated is efficiently heated and thawed mainly by the condensation heat transfer of the steam. Thus, during thawing, the heating appliance 1 closes the air supply damper 51 and the exhaust damper 49 to create a sealed space inside the heating chamber 2, and heats the food to be heated using steam within that sealed space. In other words, the heating appliance 1 heats the food to be heated using steam as the main heat transfer medium without actively taking in outside air during thawing. This allows for thawing with a small amount of steam, thereby improving the efficiency of thawing.

[0054] Incidentally, in recent years, there are various types of frozen foods, including frozen fresh foods and frozen cooked foods. Since the appropriate temperature for thawing differs depending on the type of frozen food, it is desirable to thaw each food to the appropriate temperature. Here, "appropriate temperature" refers to a temperature at which the thawed food can be eaten immediately and at which the original flavor of the food can be brought out. For example, the appropriate temperature after thawing of roast beef, seared bonito, bread (e.g., cream bun), cake (e.g., cheesecake), and mochi (e.g., daifuku) are all different. When thawing these frozen foods, it is desirable to thaw each food to the appropriate temperature. With conventional technology, it is difficult to thaw food to the appropriate temperature depending on the type of food, resulting in variations in quality after thawing depending on the food. In contrast, with the heating cooker 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to thaw food to a high quality using steam, regardless of the type of food being heated, as shown below. The specific configuration of the heating process by the heating cooker 1 will be described below.

[0055] [Specific configuration of the heat treatment] As shown in Figure 6, the cooking appliance 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, an operation panel 13, a drive motor 14, an internal heater 15, a circulation fan 19 (see Figure 3), a steam generator 70 (see Figure 3), an internal temperature sensor 76, and the like. The drive motor 14 includes a motor for the exhaust fan, a motor for the supply fan, a motor for the circulation damper, a motor for the exhaust damper 60 (see Figure 5), a motor for the supply damper 61 (see Figure 5), and a motor for the cooling damper. The internal heater 15 includes an upper heater 20, a middle heater 21, a lower heater 22, and the like (see Figure 3).

[0056] The control unit 11 is a computer system comprising one or more processors and storage memory such as non-volatile memory and RAM. The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile memory that stores a heating control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute the heating control process described later (see Figures 9 and 10), and setting information described later. The control unit 11 is an example of a heating control device of the present invention.

[0057] Specifically, the memory unit 12 stores setting information D1 and D2. Figure 7 shows an example of setting information D1, and Figure 8 shows an example of setting information D2.

[0058] Setting information D1 is information representing the operation details of the first operating mode performed during defrosting and cooking. For each menu, setting information D1 registers information such as "menu number," "menu name," "target temperature," "set time," and "circulation fan duty ratio." The menu is information indicating the type of food, such as roast beef, seared bonito, cream bun, cheesecake, or daifuku. The menu number is identification information for the menu, such as a number assigned in the order of registration. The menu name is, for example, the name of the food. The target temperature is the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 in the first operating mode. The temperature inside the heating chamber 2 (internal temperature) changes due to the supply of steam and the blowing of air by the circulation fan 19 and is detected by the internal temperature sensor 76 (see Figure 7). The set time is the target elapsed time after the internal temperature reaches the target temperature. For example, if the target temperature for food A is set to 50°C, the control unit 11 continues the first operating mode until 10 minutes have elapsed after the internal temperature reaches 50°C. Furthermore, the control unit 11 performs the heating process in the first operating mode during the set time so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature.

[0059] The aforementioned circulation fan duty cycle is information indicating the operating method of the circulation fan 19. For example, in the first operating mode, the control unit 11 causes the circulation fan 19 to operate intermittently (intermittently) so that the on time and off time for operating the circulation fan 19 are the same (circulation fan duty cycle: 50%) over a predetermined period of time.

[0060] Setting information D2 is information that represents the operation details of the second operating mode performed during defrosting and cooking. Similar to setting information D1, setting information D2 registers information such as "menu number," "menu name," "target temperature," "set time," and "circulation fan duty cycle" for each menu. The target temperature is the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 in the second operating mode, and the set time is the target elapsed time after the internal temperature reaches the target temperature. For example, if the target temperature for food A is set to 30°C, the control unit 11 will continue the second operating mode until 20 minutes have elapsed after the internal temperature reaches 30°C. Furthermore, during the set time, the control unit 11 will perform the heating process in the second operating mode so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature.

[0061] The aforementioned circulation fan duty cycle is information indicating the operating method of the circulation fan 19. For example, in the second operating mode, the control unit 11 operates the circulation fan 19 continuously (constant operation) (circulation fan duty cycle: 100%).

[0062] The setting information D1 and D2 are stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. For example, the setting information D1 and D2 may be stored in the storage unit 12 when the cooking appliance 1 is manufactured. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may store the setting information D1 and D2 in the storage unit 12 after the cooking appliance 1 has been delivered to the user. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may be able to add new menu information to the setting information D1 and D2 stored in the storage unit 12, or change the registered information. For example, if the cooking appliance 1 is equipped with a communication means, the control unit 11 may download the setting information D1 and D2 from a server (such as a cloud server) to the storage unit 12 via a network such as the Internet, or add or change menus.

[0063] In another embodiment, some or all of the setting information D1, D2, etc., may be stored on a server (such as a cloud server) accessible from the cooking appliance 1. In this case, the control unit 11 may acquire the information from the server and execute various processes such as the heating control process described later (see Figures 9 and 10). Alternatively, the user may use a mobile terminal to download the setting information D1, D2 from the server to the cooking appliance 1.

[0064] Based on the setting information D1 and D2, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the circulation fan 19 and the steam generator 70 to perform thawing and cooking (heating control processing) on ​​the object to be heated according to the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as a display processing unit 111, a reception processing unit 112, a setting processing unit 113, a supply processing unit 114, and a circulation processing unit 115. The control unit 11 functions as these various processing units by executing various processes according to the heating control program. Some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be composed of electronic circuits. The heating control program may be a program that causes multiple processors to function as these various processing units.

[0066] The display processing unit 111 displays various information on the display unit 13a (see Figure 1) of the operation panel 13. The reception processing unit 112 receives user operations on the operation panel 13. Specifically, the display processing unit 111 displays information such as menu number, menu name, temperature, time, and operating mode on the display unit 13a. For example, the display processing unit 111 displays an operation screen on the display unit 13a, and the reception processing unit 112 receives the user's menu (food) selection operation on the operation screen. Also, when the user is going to defrost and cook food (frozen food), they select the defrost mode, which is one of the operating modes, on the operation screen, and the reception processing unit 112 receives the selection operation for the defrost mode.

[0067] The setting processing unit 113 sets various setting items (parameters) related to the heating process. Specifically, the setting processing unit 113 sets the target temperature in the heating chamber 2, the set time, the operation method of the circulation fan (circulation fan duty cycle), etc., according to the type of food received by the receiving processing unit 112. For example, in the defrosting mode, the setting processing unit 113 sets the target temperature, set time, and circulation fan duty cycle corresponding to the first operating mode, and the target temperature, set time, and circulation fan duty cycle corresponding to the second operating mode.

[0068] The first operating mode is an operating mode that is executed immediately after the start of defrost cooking, and is an operating mode that raises the temperature inside the heating chamber 2 (internal temperature) to make it easier to transfer heat to the object to be heated (promotes defrosting). The second operating mode is an operating mode that is executed following the first operating mode, and is an operating mode that lowers the internal temperature to equalize the temperature of the entire object to be heated. In defrost cooking, the control unit 11 performs the heating process using two operating modes in which the target temperature, set time, and circulation fan duty cycle each differ.

[0069] For example, when a user selects food A and chooses the defrost mode, the setting processing unit 113 refers to the setting information D1 (see Figure 7) corresponding to the first operating mode to obtain the target temperature ("50°C"), set time ("10 minutes"), and circulation fan duty cycle ("50%") associated with food A, and sets the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 to "50°C", the elapsed time (set time) since the internal temperature reached 50°C to "10 minutes", and the duty cycle of the circulation fan 19 to "50%".

[0070] Furthermore, the setting processing unit 113 refers to the setting information D2 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the second operating mode to obtain the target temperature ("30°C"), set time ("20 minutes"), and circulation fan duty cycle ("100%") associated with food A, and sets the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 to "30°C", the elapsed time (set time) since the internal temperature reached 30°C to "20 minutes", and the duty cycle of the circulation fan 19 to "100%".

[0071] In this manner, the setting processing unit 113 sets the target temperature, the set time, and the circulation fan duty cycle corresponding to the first operating mode and the second operating mode, respectively, in response to the user's selection of food items for thawing and cooking.

[0072] The supply processing unit 114 supplies steam from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2. Specifically, the supply processing unit 114 controls the amount of steam supplied into the heating chamber 2 based on the target temperature set by the setting processing unit 113. The supply processing unit 114 also controls the amount of steam supplied based on the target temperature and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 76 (see Figure 6). For example, in the first operating mode, where the internal temperature is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the supply processing unit 114 supplies a first amount of steam from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2. In the second operating mode, where the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the supply processing unit 114 reduces the amount of steam supplied from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2 to less than the first supply amount.

[0073] The circulation processing unit 115 circulates the air and other contents inside the heating chamber 2, to which steam is supplied, using the circulation fan 19. Specifically, the circulation processing unit 115 controls the drive of the circulation fan 19 based on the circulation fan duty cycle set by the setting processing unit 113.

[0074] For example, in the first operating mode, the supply processing unit 114 drives the steam generator 70 at 100% operating rate (e.g., 60 seconds on / 60 seconds) until the internal temperature reaches the target temperature ("50°C"). When the steam generator 70 is driven, saturated steam supplied from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2 is heated by the upper heater 20, the middle heater 21, and the lower heater 22, and the internal temperature rises due to the heated steam.

[0075] Furthermore, when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature ("50°C"), the supply processing unit 114 controls the amount of steam supplied so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature until the set time ("10 minutes") has elapsed. For example, the supply processing unit 114 repeatedly turns the steam generator 70 ON / OFF at 100% operation rate (60 seconds ON / 60 seconds) to maintain the internal temperature at the target temperature for the set time. Specifically, the supply processing unit 114 stops supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 when the internal temperature exceeds the target temperature, and supplies steam to the heating chamber 2 when the internal temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first operating mode, the circulation processing unit 115 drives the circulation fan 19 at a duty cycle of "50%". Note that lowering the duty cycle of the circulation fan 19 (reducing the rotation speed) makes it easier for heat to be transferred to the object being heated, so it is also possible to stop the circulation fan 19 in the first operating mode (circulation fan duty cycle of "0%"). However, stopping the circulation fan 19 may result in uneven temperature distribution inside the oven. Therefore, in the first operating mode, the circulation processing unit 115 sets the circulation fan duty cycle to a value smaller than the circulation fan duty cycle in the second operating mode described later, and greater than "0%". This allows the control unit 11 to accurately detect the temperature inside the oven while promoting the thawing of the object being heated, and to accurately control the temperature inside the oven.

[0077] In contrast, in the second operating mode, the supply processing unit 114 drives the steam generator 70 at a lower operating rate (for example, 5 seconds on / 60 seconds) than in the first operating mode until the internal temperature reaches the target temperature ("30°C"). That is, the supply processing unit 114 controls the amount of steam supplied to the heating chamber 2 in the second operating mode so that the amount of steam supplied to the heating chamber 2 in the second operating mode is less than the amount of steam supplied to the heating chamber 2 in the first operating mode. The supply processing unit 114 may also stop supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 if the internal temperature is higher than the target temperature ("30°C"). In addition, in the second operating mode, the circulation processing unit 115 drives the circulation fan 19 at a duty cycle of "100%". In this way, in the second operating mode, the internal temperature can be lowered and the temperature of the heated object can be equalized by reducing the amount of steam supplied while promoting air circulation (agitation) by the circulation fan 19.

[0078] Furthermore, in the second operating mode, when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature ("30°C"), the supply processing unit 114 controls the amount of steam supplied so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature until the set time ("20 minutes") has elapsed. For example, the supply processing unit 114 repeatedly turns the steam generator 70 ON and OFF to maintain the internal temperature at the target temperature for the set time. Specifically, the supply processing unit 114 stops supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 when the internal temperature exceeds the target temperature, and supplies steam to the heating chamber 2 when the internal temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0079] In the second operating mode, once the set time has elapsed, the supply processing unit 114 stops supplying steam from the steam generator 70, and the circulation processing unit 115 stops driving the circulation fan 19. As a result, the thawing and cooking of the food to be heated is completed, and the user can take the thawed and cooked food out of the heating chamber 2 and eat it.

[0080] As described above, the control unit 11 includes a first operating mode in which it supplies a first amount of steam into the heating chamber 2 until the internal temperature reaches a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, and a second operating mode in which it supplies a second amount of steam, less than the first amount, into the heating chamber 2 until the internal temperature reaches (decreases) a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 11 switches to the second operating mode when the internal temperature reaches the first target temperature in the first operating mode. The control unit 11 performs the defrosting process of the object to be heated using the first operating mode and the second operating mode.

[0081] [Heat control processing] The following describes an example of the procedure for the heating control process performed in the cooking appliance 1, with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Furthermore, the following description will use a specific example shown in Figure 11. For example, the heating control process is initiated in response to a predetermined user operation on the cooking appliance 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention may be considered as an invention of a heating control method in which a control unit 11 executes part or all of the heating control process, or as an invention of a heating control program for causing the control unit 11 to execute part or all of the heating control method. In addition, the heating control process may be executed by one or more processors.

[0083] First, in step S11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the user to start the thawing and cooking of the food to be heated. For example, when a user places frozen food in the heating chamber 2, selects a menu (food) and a thawing mode on the operation screen, and presses the start button 13c, the control unit 11 receives the instruction to start the thawing and cooking. When the control unit 11 receives the instruction to start the thawing and cooking from the user (S11: Yes), it moves the process to step S2. The control unit 11 waits until it receives an instruction to start the thawing and cooking from the user (S11: No).

[0084] In step S12, the control unit 11 starts operation in the first operating mode. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the setting information D1 (see Figure 7) corresponding to the first operating mode and sets the target temperature, set time, and circulation fan duty ratio associated with the menu (food) selected by the user. Here, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 11 sets the target temperature to "d1", the set time to "T1", and the circulation fan duty ratio to "50%". The target temperature "d1" is an example of the first target temperature of the present invention, and the set time "T1" is an example of the first set time of the present invention.

[0085] Next, in step S13, the control unit 11 starts supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 and starts driving the circulation fan 19. Specifically, the control unit 11 drives the steam generator 70 at 100% operating rate (for example, 60 seconds on / 60 seconds) to supply steam (saturated steam) from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2. The saturated steam supplied from the steam generator 70 into the heating chamber 2 is heated by the upper heater 20, the middle heater 21, and the lower heater 22 (see Figure 3), so that, for example, 100°C steam is supplied into the heating chamber 2. The control unit 11 also operates the circulation fan 19 intermittently at a duty cycle of "50%".

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, at time t0, the control unit 11 turns on the steam generator 70 to start supplying steam to the heating chamber 2, and also drives the circulation fan 19 at a duty cycle of "50%". As a result, the temperature inside the heating chamber 2 (internal temperature) rises and the thawing of the object to be heated is accelerated.

[0087] Next, in step S14, the control unit 11 determines whether the internal temperature has reached the set temperature "d1". The control unit 11 obtains the internal temperature from the internal temperature sensor 76 (see Figure 6) and performs the determination process. If the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has reached the set temperature "d1" (S14: Yes), it moves the process to step S15 (corresponding to time t1 in Figure 11). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has not reached the set temperature "d1" (S14: No), it moves the process to step S13. The control unit 11 repeatedly performs the process in step S13 until the internal temperature reaches the set temperature "d1" (corresponding to times t0 to t1 in Figure 11).

[0088] In step S15, the control unit 11 stops the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2 and starts measuring time. Specifically, in Figure 11, the control unit 11 turns off the steam generator 70 and stops the supply of steam when the internal temperature reaches the set temperature "d1" (time t1). The control unit 11 also starts measuring the elapsed time from time t1.

[0089] Next, in step S16, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the set time "T1" has elapsed. That is, in Figure 11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the elapsed time from time t1 has reached the set time "T1". If the control unit 11 determines that the set time "T1" has elapsed (S16: Yes), it moves the process to step S21 (see Figure 10). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the set time "T1" has not elapsed (S16: No), it moves the process to step S17.

[0090] In step S17, the control unit 11 determines whether the internal temperature has fallen below the target temperature "d1". If the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has fallen below the target temperature "d1" (S17: Yes), it proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature is equal to or greater than the set temperature "d1" (S17: No), it proceeds to step S19.

[0091] In step S18, the control unit 11 resumes supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 and continues driving the circulation fan 19. Specifically, the control unit 11 turns on the steam generator 70 and restarts it at 100% operating rate (for example, 60 seconds on / 60 seconds). The control unit 11 also continues driving the circulation fan 19 (duty cycle "50%"). This raises the temperature inside the chamber.

[0092] Meanwhile, in step S19, the control unit 11 continues to operate the circulation fan 19 while keeping the steam supply stopped. This lowers the temperature inside the chamber. After steps S18 and S19, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S16.

[0093] In this way, the control unit 11 performs the heating process in the first operating mode during the period from time t0 to t2 (see Figure 11) (an example of the first period of the present invention). The control unit 11 also controls the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2 and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature "d1" during the set time "T1" (times t1 to t2) (an example of the first predetermined period of the present invention). The control unit 11 may supply a predetermined amount of steam to the heating chamber 2 if the internal temperature drops below the target temperature "d1" by a predetermined temperature or more during the period from when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature "d1" until the set time "T1" has elapsed (times t1 to t2). The control unit 11 may also set the amount of steam supplied during the period from time t1 to t2 to a smaller amount than the amount supplied during the period from time t0 to t1.

[0094] Furthermore, the control unit 11 switches to the second operating mode when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature "d1" in the first operating mode. More specifically, the control unit 11 switches to the second operating mode when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature "d1" in the first operating mode and a preset time "T1" corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 11 performs intermittent operation (for example, operation with a circulation fan duty cycle of "50%)" in the first operating mode during the period t0 to t2, which involves repeatedly alternating between periods in which the circulation fan 19 is driven and periods in which it is not driven.

[0096] In step S16, when the set time "T1" has elapsed (S16: Yes), in step S21, the control unit 11 starts operation in the second operating mode. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the setting information D2 (see Figure 8) corresponding to the second operating mode and sets the target temperature, set time, and circulation fan duty ratio associated with the menu (food) selected by the user. Here, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 11 sets the target temperature to "d2", the set time to "T2", and the circulation fan duty ratio to "100%". The target temperature "d2" is an example of the second target temperature of the present invention, and the set time "T2" is an example of the second set time of the present invention.

[0097] Next, in step S22, the control unit 11 stops the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2 and drives the circulation fan 19 (continuous operation). Specifically, the control unit 11 turns off the steam generator 70 to stop the supply of steam. The control unit 11 also operates the circulation fan 19 continuously at a duty cycle of "100%".

[0098] As shown in Figure 11, at time t2, the control unit 11 turns off the steam generator 70 to stop the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2, and operates the circulation fan 19 continuously at a duty cycle of "100%". This lowers the temperature inside the chamber.

[0099] Next, in step S23, the control unit 11 determines whether the internal temperature has reached the set temperature "d2". The control unit 11 obtains the internal temperature from the internal temperature sensor 76 (see Figure 7) and performs the determination process. If the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has reached the set temperature "d2" (S23: Yes), it moves the process to step S24 (corresponding to time t3 in Figure 11). On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has not reached the set temperature "d2" (S23: No), it moves the process to step S22. The control unit 11 repeatedly executes the process in step S22 until the internal temperature reaches the set temperature "d2" (corresponding to times t2 to t3 in Figure 11).

[0100] In step S24, the control unit 11 starts measuring time. Specifically, in Figure 11, the control unit 11 starts measuring the elapsed time from time t3, when the internal temperature reached the set temperature "d2".

[0101] Next, in step S25, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the set time "T2" has elapsed. That is, in Figure 11, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the elapsed time from time t3 has reached the set time "T2". If the control unit 11 determines that the set time "T2" has elapsed (S25: Yes), it terminates the heating control process. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the set time "T2" has not elapsed (S25: No), it moves the process to step S26.

[0102] In step S26, the control unit 11 determines whether the internal temperature has fallen below the set temperature "d2". If the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature has fallen below the set temperature "d2" (S26: Yes), it proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the internal temperature is equal to or greater than the set temperature "d2" (S26: No), it proceeds to step S28.

[0103] In step S27, the control unit 11 resumes the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2 and continues to operate the circulation fan 19 (continuous operation). Specifically, the control unit 11 operates the steam generator 70 at a lower operating rate than the first operating mode (for example, 5 seconds on / 60 seconds). The control unit 11 also continues to operate the circulation fan 19 continuously (duty cycle "100%"). On the other hand, in step S28, the control unit 11 continues to operate the circulation fan 19 (continuous operation) while keeping the steam supply stopped. After steps S27 and S28, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S25.

[0104] Thus, the control unit 11 performs the heating process in the second operating mode during the period from time t2 to t4 (see Figure 11) (an example of the second period of the present invention). Furthermore, during the period from time t2 to t4, the control unit 11 stops supplying steam to the heating chamber 2 during the period when the internal temperature is above the target temperature "d2" (time t2 to t3), and supplies a smaller amount of steam to the heating chamber 2 than the amount supplied in the first operating mode when the internal temperature falls below the target temperature "d2". In addition, during the set time "T2" (time t3 to t4) (an example of the second predetermined period of the present invention), the control unit 11 controls the supply of steam to the heating chamber 2 and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 so that the internal temperature is maintained at the target temperature "d2".

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 11 causes the circulation fan 19 to operate continuously (for example, with a circulation fan duty cycle of "100%)" during the period from time t2 to t4.

[0106] As described above, when performing defrost cooking of an object to be heated, the control unit 11 controls the amount of steam supplied to the heating chamber 2 and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 in the first operating mode to raise the internal temperature to the target temperature "d1" and maintain the internal temperature at the target temperature "d1" for a set time "T1". In the second operating mode following the first operating mode, the control unit 11 controls the amount of steam supplied to the heating chamber 2 and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 to lower the internal temperature to the target temperature "d2" and maintain the internal temperature at the target temperature "d2" for a set time "T2". The control unit 11 performs the heating control process each time it receives a command from the user to start defrost cooking.

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, the cooking appliance 1 supplies a first amount of steam into the heating chamber 2 during a first period (the first operating mode period (times t0 to t2 in Figure 11)) in which the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, and in a second period following the first period (the second operating mode period (times t2 to t4 in Figure 11)) in which the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied into the heating chamber 2 is reduced to less than the first supply amount. Note that in the second period, the cooking appliance 1 may supply a smaller amount of steam than the first supply amount into the heating chamber 2, or it may not supply any steam into the heating chamber 2 at all.

[0108] According to the above configuration, in the first period, by increasing the amount of steam supplied into the heating chamber 2 and rapidly raising the temperature inside the heating chamber 2, the temperature difference between the temperature inside the chamber and the object being heated (e.g., frozen food) becomes larger, which can promote the thawing of the object being heated. In the second period, by decreasing the amount of steam supplied into the heating chamber 2 and lowering the temperature inside the heating chamber 2, the temperature of the entire object being heated can be equalized.

[0109] Furthermore, in the heating appliance 1, the target temperature inside the heating chamber 2 is set according to the type of food to be heated, and a supply amount of steam corresponding to the food to be heated is supplied into the heating chamber 2 to thaw it. Therefore, regardless of the type of food to be heated, it is possible to thaw it to a high quality using steam.

[0110] Furthermore, with the above configuration, since the thawing process is performed using only steam and not microwaves, it becomes possible to thaw food by steaming the entire outside of the food while suppressing the heating of the center of the food. As a result, it is possible to bring out the original texture and taste of frozen foods.

[0111] [Examples] Figure 12 shows the temperature change of food A (roast beef), a frozen food, when it was thawed and cooked using a heating device 1. Here, the measurement results are shown for food A when it was thawed and cooked while sealed in a predetermined packaging material. In the first operating mode, the control unit 11 controlled the steam supply and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 by setting the target temperature of the internal chamber to "50°C", the set time to "10 minutes", and the circulation fan duty cycle to "50%" based on the setting information D1 (see Figure 7) associated with food A. In the second operating mode, the control unit 11 controlled the steam supply and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 by setting the target temperature of the internal chamber to "30°C", the set time to "20 minutes", and the circulation fan duty cycle to "100%" based on the setting information D2 (see Figure 8) associated with food A, and performed the thawing process.

[0112] In Figure 12, the solid line graph shows the temperature near the center of the top surface of food A, and the dotted line graph shows the temperature near the center of the bottom (back) surface of food A. As shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that food A has been thawed to an appropriate temperature (approximately 20°C) that allows its original flavor to be brought out.

[0113] Figure 13 shows the temperature change of food B (daifuku), a frozen food, when it was thawed and cooked using a heating device 1. Here, the measurement results are shown for when multiple food B items were covered together with a predetermined packaging material and then thawed and cooked. In the first operating mode, the control unit 11 controlled the steam supply and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 by setting the target temperature of the internal chamber to "50°C", the set time to "4 minutes", and the circulation fan duty cycle to "50%" based on the setting information D1 (see Figure 7) associated with food B. In the second operating mode, the control unit 11 controlled the steam supply and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 by setting the target temperature of the internal chamber to "30°C", the set time to "26 minutes", and the circulation fan duty cycle to "100%" based on the setting information D2 (see Figure 8) associated with food B, and performed the thawing process.

[0114] In Figure 13, the solid line graph shows the temperature of the rightmost food B among multiple food B samples, and the dotted line graph shows the temperature of the leftmost food B among multiple food B samples. As shown in Figure 13, it can be seen that food B has been thawed to an appropriate temperature (approximately 25°C) that allows its original flavor to be brought out.

[0115] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the first operating mode, the food temperature rises as the internal temperature of the oven increases, promoting thawing. In the subsequent second operating mode, the internal temperature is maintained at a low temperature, allowing the food temperature to stabilize without significant changes.

[0116] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but may also be the embodiments shown below.

[0117] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may perform a heating treatment in a third operating mode following the second operating mode. Specifically, in the third operating mode, the control unit 11 sets the target temperature to a lower temperature than the target temperature in the second operating mode. For example, in the third operating mode, the control unit 11 reduces the amount of steam supplied (or stops the steam supply) compared to the amount supplied in the second operating mode, and operates the circulation fan 19 continuously (duty cycle "100%"). In other words, in the third operating mode, the control unit 11 promotes the equilibrium of the food temperature.

[0118] For example, if the temperature inside the heating chamber 2 rises and the food temperature rises due to the supply of steam in the second operating mode, the control unit 11 adds the third operating mode to lower the temperature inside the chamber using the circulation fan 19 and promote the equilibrium of the food temperature in order to prevent unevenness in the food temperature. The control unit 11 may pre-set whether or not to execute the third operating mode depending on the type of food. For example, setting information representing the operation details of the third operating mode for each food may be pre-stored in the storage unit 12. In addition, the control unit 11 may detect the food temperature when the second operating mode ends and execute the third operating mode if it determines that the detected food temperature is not within an appropriate temperature range.

[0119] As another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may control the supply amount of steam according to the state of the object to be heated. For example, even for the same type of food (frozen food), the temperature of the food at the start of the thawing process may vary due to factors such as the model of the freezer, season, and time zone. If the temperature of the food is different at the start of the thawing process, uneven thawing may occur for each food item if the steam supply amount is set uniformly. Therefore, the control unit 11 may detect, for example, the temperature of the food at the time of starting the thawing process (when the user selects a menu (food) and a thawing mode and presses the start button 13c) using the infrared sensor 303, and control the supply amount of steam in each operation mode based on the detected temperature. Further, the control unit 11 may control the target temperature, set time, DUTY ratio of the circulation fan 19, etc. in each operation mode based on the temperature of the food. For example, when the temperature of food A (roast beef) at the start of the thawing process is X degrees, the control unit 11 sets the steam supply amount to x1 and the DUTY ratio of the circulation fan 19 to x2. On the other hand, when the temperature of food A (roast beef) at the start of the thawing process is Y degrees (where X < Y), the control unit 11 sets the steam supply amount to y1 (where y1 < x1) and the DUTY ratio of the circulation fan 19 to y2 (where y2 < x2).

[0120] As another embodiment of the present invention, the cooking heater 1 may be capable of data communication with the user's mobile terminal (e.g., smartphone). For example, the user may operate the mobile terminal to perform a selection operation of the operation mode (thawing mode), a selection operation of the food to be thawed, etc., and the control unit 11 may acquire the operation information from the mobile terminal and execute the thawing process. Further, the control unit 11 may display various information during thawing on the mobile terminal.

[0121] Also, the control unit 11 may transmit a thawing end notification to the mobile terminal when the thawing process (the heating control process) is completed. Here, it is conceivable that the user may not be able to immediately take out the object to be heated (thawed food) from the heating chamber 2 when the thawing process of the object to be heated is completed. If the food after the thawing process is left in the heating chamber 2 and time passes, the quality of the food may deteriorate.

[0122] Therefore, the control unit 11 may send a message along with the defrosting completion notification asking whether or not to extend the defrosting process. If the user gives an extension instruction in response to the message on their mobile terminal, the control unit 11 extends the defrosting process. For example, the control unit 11 detects the internal temperature or food temperature and controls the amount of steam supplied and the rotation speed of the circulation fan 19 to execute an operating mode (extended operation mode) that maintains the food temperature. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may switch to the extended operation mode regardless of the user's extension instruction, provided that a predetermined time has elapsed since the defrosting completion notification was sent. This prevents a deterioration in the quality of the food.

[0123] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0124] <Note 1> A supply processing unit that supplies steam from the steam supply unit into a storage chamber that houses the object to be heated, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber to which the steam has been supplied by a circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. Heating control device.

[0125] <Note 2> The supply processing unit, when the temperature inside the storage container reaches the first target temperature during the first period, proceeds to the second period. The heating control device described in Appendix 1.

[0126] <Note 3> The supply processing unit, when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches a first target temperature during the first period and a first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, proceeds to the second period. A heating control device as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0127] <Note 4> The supply processing unit, during a first predetermined period from when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature until the first set time has elapsed, supplies a predetermined amount of steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber if the temperature inside the storage chamber falls to a predetermined temperature or higher. A heating control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0128] <Note 5> The supply processing unit, during the second period, stops supplying the steam to the storage container when the temperature inside the storage container is above the second target temperature, and when the temperature inside the storage container falls below the second target temperature, supplies a second supply amount of the steam, which is less than the first supply amount, from the steam supply unit to the storage container. A heating control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0129] <Note 6> The aforementioned circulation processing unit, During the first period, intermittent operation is performed, which involves repeatedly alternating between periods in which the circulation unit is driven and periods in which the circulation unit is not driven. During the second period, the circulation unit is driven continuously. A heating control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0130] <Note 7> The operating mode includes a first operating mode in which a first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber until the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches a first target temperature, and a second operating mode in which a second supply amount of steam, less than the first supply amount, is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber until the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches a second target temperature. In the first operating mode, if the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature, the system switches to the second operating mode. A heating control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0131] <Note 8> The first operating mode is performed during the first period, and the second operating mode is performed during the second period. The heating control device described in Appendix 7. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 1:Heating cooker 2:Heating cabinet 11: Control Unit 12: Storage section 13: Control Panel 14: Drive motor 15: Interior heater 18: Circulation duct 19: Circulating fan 20: Top heater 21: Medium heater 22: Lower heater 37: Steam supply port 70: Steam generator 76: Internal temperature sensor 111: Display Processing Unit 112: Reception Processing Section 113: Configuration Processing Unit 114: Supply Processing Unit 115: Circulation Processing Unit D1: Configuration Information D2: Configuration Information M1: Heated object

Claims

1. A supply processing unit that supplies steam from the steam supply unit into a storage chamber that houses the object to be heated, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber to which the steam has been supplied by a circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. If the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature during the first period and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the process will proceed to the second period. During a first predetermined period from the time the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature until the first set time has elapsed, if the temperature inside the storage chamber drops to a predetermined temperature or higher, a predetermined amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. Heating control device.

2. A supply processing unit that supplies steam from the steam supply unit into a storage chamber that houses the object to be heated, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber to which the steam has been supplied by a circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. If the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature during the first period and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the process will proceed to the second period. During the second period, the supply of steam to the storage chamber is stopped if the temperature inside the storage chamber is above the second target temperature, and when the temperature inside the storage chamber falls below the second target temperature, a second supply amount of steam, less than the first supply amount, is supplied from the steam supply unit to the storage chamber. Heating control device.

3. A supply processing unit that supplies steam from the steam supply unit into a storage chamber that houses the object to be heated, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air inside the storage chamber to which the steam has been supplied by a circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. The circulation processing unit sets the duty cycle of the circulation unit for the first period to a value smaller than the duty cycle of the circulation unit for the second period. Heating control device.

4. A cooking appliance comprising a steam supply unit that supplies steam into a storage chamber for storing an object to be heated, a circulation unit that circulates air within the storage chamber, and a control unit that controls the operation of the steam supply unit and the circulation unit, The control unit, A supply processing unit that supplies the steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air in the storage chamber supplied with the steam by the circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. If the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature during the first period and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the process will proceed to the second period. During a first predetermined period from the time the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature until the first set time has elapsed, if the temperature inside the storage chamber drops to a predetermined temperature or higher, a predetermined amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. Heating cooker.

5. A cooking appliance comprising a steam supply unit that supplies steam into a storage chamber for storing an object to be heated, a circulation unit that circulates air within the storage chamber, and a control unit that controls the operation of the steam supply unit and the circulation unit, The control unit, A supply processing unit that supplies the steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air in the storage chamber supplied with the steam by the circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. If the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature during the first period and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the process will proceed to the second period. During the second period, the supply of steam to the storage chamber is stopped if the temperature inside the storage chamber is above the second target temperature, and when the temperature inside the storage chamber falls below the second target temperature, a second supply amount of steam, less than the first supply amount, is supplied from the steam supply unit to the storage chamber. Heating cooker.

6. A cooking appliance comprising a steam supply unit that supplies steam into a storage chamber for storing an object to be heated, a circulation unit that circulates air within the storage chamber, and a control unit that controls the operation of the steam supply unit and the circulation unit, The control unit, A supply processing unit that supplies the steam from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber, A circulation processing unit that circulates the air in the storage chamber supplied with the steam by the circulation unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned supply processing unit is During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, the first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is reduced to less than the first supply amount. The circulation processing unit sets the duty cycle of the circulation unit for the first period to a value smaller than the duty cycle of the circulation unit for the second period. Heating cooker.

7. One or more processors The steam supply unit is used to supply steam into the storage chamber where the object to be heated is stored, The air inside the storage chamber to which the steam is supplied is circulated by the circulation unit, During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, a first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is made less than the first supply amount. In the first period, when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the system proceeds to the second period. During a first predetermined period from the time the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature until the first set time has elapsed, if the temperature inside the storage chamber drops to a predetermined temperature or higher, a predetermined amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. A heating control method that performs this operation.

8. One or more processors The steam supply unit is used to supply steam into the storage chamber where the object to be heated is stored, The air inside the storage chamber to which the steam is supplied is circulated by the circulation unit, During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, a first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is made less than the first supply amount. In the first period, when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the system proceeds to the second period. During the second period, the supply of steam to the storage chamber is stopped when the temperature inside the storage chamber is above the second target temperature, and when the temperature inside the storage chamber falls below the second target temperature, a second supply amount of steam, less than the first supply amount, is supplied from the steam supply unit to the storage chamber. A heating control method that performs this operation.

9. The steam supply unit is used to supply steam into the storage chamber where the object to be heated is stored, The air inside the storage chamber to which the steam is supplied is circulated by the circulation unit, During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, a first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is made less than the first supply amount. In the first period, when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the system proceeds to the second period. During a first predetermined period from the time the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature until the first set time has elapsed, if the temperature inside the storage chamber drops to a predetermined temperature or higher, a predetermined amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. A heating control program to be executed by one or more processors.

10. The steam supply unit is used to supply steam into the storage chamber where the object to be heated is stored, The air inside the storage chamber to which the steam is supplied is circulated by the circulation unit, During the first period in which the target temperature inside the storage chamber is set to a first target temperature corresponding to the object to be heated, a first supply amount of steam is supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber. In a second period following the first period in which the target temperature is set to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature, the amount of steam supplied from the steam supply unit into the storage chamber is made less than the first supply amount. In the first period, when the temperature inside the storage chamber reaches the first target temperature and a preset first set time corresponding to the object to be heated has elapsed, the system proceeds to the second period. During the second period, the supply of steam to the storage chamber is stopped when the temperature inside the storage chamber is above the second target temperature, and when the temperature inside the storage chamber falls below the second target temperature, a second supply amount of steam, less than the first supply amount, is supplied from the steam supply unit to the storage chamber. A heating control program to be executed by one or more processors.

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