JP7756969B2 - heating cooking device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cooking device.

Cooking devices (e.g., toaster ovens) are widely used by users to cook food items (e.g., bread) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the cooking device described in Patent Document 1, the user checks the browning of the food item after normal cooking and performs additional cooking to brown it. This cooking device has pre-set additional modes for additional heating for each cooking type. The additional modes for each cooking type are, for example, heating modes that were executed during normal cooking or heating modes that were not included in the cooking process. Therefore, as the number of cooking types increases, the number of operating programs also increases, making user operation more complicated. Such complexity can prevent users from fully utilizing the functions of the cooking device.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-339444

An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional cooking device that is easy for the user to use and has multiple operating modes.

The heating cooking device of the present invention is a heating cooking device that heats an object to be cooked, and comprises a housing that accommodates the object to be cooked, a heater that heats the object to be cooked, a mode operation unit that allows a user to select an operating mode for the heater from among a plurality of modes, a setting operation unit that is operated by the user to set the heating time by the heater, a heating time setting unit that sets the heating time based on operation of the setting operation unit, and a display unit that displays the heating time set in the heating time setting unit, wherein the plurality of modes include a specific mode and a non-specific mode that is different from the specific mode, and when the specific mode is selected, the heating time set in the heating time setting unit is limited to a predetermined time limit, and the heating time displayed on the display unit does not exceed the time limit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multifunctional cooking device that is easy for the user to use and has a plurality of operation modes.

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cooking device according to the present invention; 2 is a front view of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 with the door closed. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the cooking device of FIG. 2 with the opening and closing door removed. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cooking device of FIG. 1 taken along line XX. 2 is an enlarged view of a mode operation unit provided in the cooking device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a time operation unit provided in the cooking device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the cooking device of FIG. 1 . 1. (a) shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the operation unit of the cooking device of FIG. 1. (a) shows a state in which the cooking device is set to a non-specific mode and a state in which a heating time is not set. (b) shows a state in which the cooking device is set to a specific mode and a heating time limit of 3 minutes or less. (c) shows a state in which the cooking device is set to a specific mode and a time limit of 3 minutes. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooking device of FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the operation of the cooking device of FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart showing a further continuation of the operation of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a cooking device according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the device") will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, "downward" refers to the direction of gravity when the device is installed, and "upward" refers to the opposite direction of "downward." Furthermore, "frontward" refers to the side from which food is placed and removed when the device is installed, and "rearward" refers to the opposite side of the front. When the device is installed, the left side of the device as viewed from the front is the "left side," and the right side of the device as viewed from the front is the "right side."

In the following description, the present device is a cooking device that heats and cooks food and browns the surface of the food. The present device can safely perform special high-temperature cooking of food with simple operations by the user.

A "user" is a natural person who uses and operates the device to cook food.
The "object to be cooked" is food or processed food (for example, bread, gratin, etc.) that is to be cooked by the device.

●Heating cooking device●
Configuration of the Cooking Apparatus FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the device.
FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the device.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line XX of FIG.
1 shows a state in which a door, which will be described later, is open, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the door is closed, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the door has been removed for convenience of explanation.

The device 1 includes a housing 10 , an opening/closing door 20 , an operation unit 30 , a control unit 40 , and a storage unit 50 .

The housing 10 accommodates food to be cooked. The housing 10 is a rectangular box with an opening at the front. The housing 10 is made of a metal with low thermal conductivity. The housing 10 has a top surface, a bottom surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, and a rear surface. The top surface is located above the bottom surface and facing the bottom surface. The left side surface and the right side surface are continuous with the top surface and the bottom surface, respectively, and are located opposite each other. The rear surface is continuous with the top surface, the bottom surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface, respectively, and is located behind these. Each surface is a wall surface with high thermal insulation to reduce heat loss to the outside of the housing 10. The top surface, the bottom surface, the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear surface form an internal space of the housing 10, and this internal space constitutes a cooking space S in which the food to be cooked is cooked.

The housing 10 includes a water tray 11 , a water guide channel 12 , a boiler 13 , a heater 14 , a temperature sensor 15 , and a grill 16 .

The water tray 11 is a tray into which cooking water is poured for steam generation by the boiler 13. The water tray 11 is located at the front center of the top surface of the housing 10. The water tray 11 is funnel-shaped, and its tip is positioned so as to penetrate from the outside of the housing 10 into the cooking space S.

The water guide path 12 is a passage through which cooking water poured from the water tray 11 flows. The water guide path 12 is cylindrical. The water guide path 12 is made of a heat-resistant metal. The water guide path 12 is arranged in the cooking space S on the inner side of the top surface and left side surface of the housing 10, running along these inner surfaces, so as not to narrow the cooking space S. One end of the water guide path 12 is connected to the water tray 11. The other end of the water guide path 12 is connected to the boiler 13.

The boiler 13 evaporates cooking water to generate steam for cooking in the cooking space S. The boiler 13 includes a boiler heater BH (see FIG. 7) that heats the cooking water and a boiler temperature sensor BS (see FIG. 7) that detects the temperature of the boiler heater BH. The boiler 13 is disposed in the cooking space S on the inner side of the bottom surface of the housing 10, below the grill 16, so as not to narrow the cooking space S. Cooking water poured from the water tray 11 flows into the boiler 13 through the water guide path 12, and steam is generated by the heat of the boiler heater BH.

The heater 14 heats the food to be cooked. The heater 14 includes an upper heater 141 and a lower heater 142.

The upper heater 141 heats the food from above the food. The upper heater 141 is disposed in the cooking space S on the inner side of the top surface of the housing 10, along the inner surface.

The lower heater 142 heats the object from below the object. The lower heater 142 is disposed in the cooking space S on the inner side of the bottom surface of the housing 10 so as to follow the inner surface.

The temperature sensor 15 detects the temperature of the cooking space S. The temperature sensor 15 is disposed, for example, in the cooking space S, on the upper rear side of the inner left side surface of the housing 10. The temperature sensor 15 is, for example, a known thermistor.

Grill 16 is a grate on which food to be cooked is placed. Grill 16 is rectangular and made of heat-resistant metal. Grill 16 is positioned horizontally in approximately the center of cooking space S, between upper heater 141 and lower heater 142. Grill 16 is positioned in cooking space S so that it can move back and forth in response to the opening and closing of opening door 20.

The opening/closing door 20 is positioned to cover the opening at the front of the housing 10. A hinge-like connecting member is connected to the lower end of the opening/closing door 20 and the front of the bottom surface of the housing 10, so that the opening/closing door 20 can be attached to the housing 10 so as to be able to open and close. When the opening/closing door 20 is opened, the cooking space S is open to the space outside the device 1, and when the opening/closing door 20 is closed, the cooking space S is closed. The detailed configuration of the opening/closing door 20 will be described later.

The opening and closing door 20 includes a door body 21, a window 22, and a handle 23.

The door body 21 is a rectangular frame with an opening in the approximate center. The door body 21 is made of the same metal as the housing 10. A window 22, a handle 23, and an operating unit 30 are attached to the door body 21.

The window 22 is a viewing window for observing the state of the food being cooked in the cooking space S. The window 22 is substantially rectangular and is disposed at the opening of the opening/closing door 20. The window 22 is made of, for example, heat-resistant glass.

The handle 23 is a handle that is grasped by a user to open or close the door 20. The handle 23 is located at the top center of the front surface of the door 20 when the door 20 is closed. The handle 23 protrudes forward from the front surface of the door 20.

The operation unit 30 is a member that is operated by the user to operate the device 1. The operation unit 30 includes a mode operation unit 31 and a time operation unit 32.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the mode operation unit 31. As shown in FIG.

The mode operation unit 31 allows the user to select an operation mode for the heater 14 (see FIG. 1) from among a plurality of operation modes. The mode operation unit 31 is located at the lower left of the front surface of the opening/closing door 20 (see FIG. 2). The operation modes will be described later.

The mode operation unit 31 includes a mode dial MD. The mode dial MD has mode marks M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, and M8 arranged around it.

The mode dial MD is a dial that is rotated by the user to select an operation mode of the device 1. The mode dial MD is circular when viewed from the front. A selection mark Y indicating the selected operation mode is located on the front of the mode dial MD.

The mode marks M1-M8 are indicators that indicate the operating modes that the user can select. The mode marks M1-M8 are arranged along the outer periphery of the mode dial MD on the front surface of the opening and closing door 20. The mode marks M1-M8 include a mode mark M1 that indicates a specific mode, and mode marks M2-M8 that indicate non-specific modes that are different from the specific mode.

The "specific mode" is a dedicated finishing mode for browning the food to be cooked, and is an operating mode for high-heat treatment to brown the top surface of the food to be cooked (hereinafter referred to as "Salamander mode"). In Salamander mode, the cooking space S is heated with high output from only the upper heater 141. After the temperature in the cooking space S reaches a threshold temperature (e.g., 230°C), in Salamander mode, the upper heater 141 is controlled to maintain the threshold temperature until the end of the heating time. The mode mark M1 indicates the Salamander mode. The "non-specific mode" includes a dedicated cooking mode that is optimal for individual food items and a classic mode that can accommodate a variety of food items. The mode marks M2-M5 indicate dedicated cooking modes, and the mode marks M6-M8 indicate classic mode. The specific mode and the non-specific mode are examples of operating modes.

The dedicated cooking modes are operating modes that utilize the steam function optimally for each food item. The dedicated cooking modes include, for example, a toast mode, a cheese toast mode, a French bread mode, and a croissant mode. The mode mark M2 indicates the toast mode, the mode mark M3 indicates the cheese toast mode, the mode mark M4 indicates the French bread mode, and the mode mark M5 indicates the croissant mode. The dedicated cooking modes are well-known operating modes already installed in products by the applicant, so details of the heating process will be omitted.

The classic mode is a heating-only operating mode that does not utilize the steam function. The classic mode includes, for example, a 170°C mode, a 200°C mode, and a 230°C mode. The mode mark M6 indicates the 170°C mode, the mode mark M7 indicates the 200°C mode, and the mode mark M8 indicates the 230°C mode. The classic mode is a well-known operating mode already installed in products by the applicant, so details of its heating process will be omitted.

The temperature in the cooking space is set to the same threshold temperature (e.g., 230°C) in the 230°C mode as in the Salamander mode. In this case, the upper and lower heaters are used in the 230°C mode, while only the upper heater is used in the Salamander mode. In the Salamander mode, the upper heater is controlled so that the thermal energy supplied to the upper surface of the food to be cooked is greater than in the 230°C mode.

The user selects an operation mode by aligning the selection mark Y of the mode dial MD with one of the mode marks M1-M8.

In the present invention, the operation modes are not limited to those described above. That is, various operation modes can be set in the device based on, for example, the use, function, and specifications of the device. Furthermore, the number of specific modes is not limited to one. Furthermore, the number of non-specific modes is not limited to seven.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the time operation unit 32.

The time operation unit 32 allows the user to specify the heating time by the heater 14. The time operation unit 32 is located at the lower right of the front surface of the opening and closing door 20 (see FIG. 2).

The time operation unit 32 includes a time setting dial TD, a plurality of indicator lights L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15, a switch P, and an ON/OFF indicator light PL.

The time setting dial TD is a dial that is rotated by the user. The heating time is set based on the amount of rotation of the time setting dial TD. The time setting dial TD has a circular ring shape when viewed from the front. A rotary encoder, for example, is used to detect the amount of rotation and rotation position of the time setting dial TD. The time setting dial TD is an example of a setting operation unit in the present invention.

The multiple indicator lights L1-L15 display the heating time set in the heating time setting unit 43, which will be described later. The multiple indicator lights L1-L15 use, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as display elements. The multiple indicator lights L1-L15 light up according to the set heating time and turn off as the heating time elapses. That is, the multiple indicator lights L1-L15 indicate the passage of time, such as the heating time and the remaining time of the heating time, by turning on and off their lights. That is, the multiple indicator lights L1-L15 have a timer display function. The multiple indicator lights L1-L15 are arranged on the front of the opening/closing door 20, along the outer periphery of the time setting dial TD. Symbols (such as numbers or black dots) that indicate the heating time are arranged on the outer periphery of the multiple indicator lights L1-L15. The multiple indicator lights L1-L15 are an example of a display unit in the present invention.

Indicator lights L1-L9 indicate heating times set in 30-second increments between 1 and 5 minutes. The printing on indicator lights L1-L9 consists of numbers 1 to 5 and black dots placed between the numbers 1 to 5. In other words, the printing on the outer periphery of each indicator light L1-L9 indicates heating times of 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3 minutes, 3.5 minutes, 4 minutes, 4.5 minutes, and 5 minutes.

Indicator lights L10-L14 indicate heating times that are set in one-minute increments between 6 and 10 minutes. The numbers printed on indicator lights L10-L14 are composed of numbers from 6 to 10. In other words, the numbers printed around the outer periphery of each indicator light L10-L14 indicate heating times of 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 minutes.

Indicator light L15 indicates a heating time set to 15 minutes. Between the numbers 10 and 15 corresponding to indicator lights L14 and L15, four black dots are placed, corresponding to heating times from 11 to 14 minutes. Indicator lights L1-L15 configured in this manner do not display heating times of 16 minutes or more. In other words, the maximum heating time of this device 1 is 15 minutes.

The switch P is a switch that operates the device 1. When the device 1 is not operating, pressing the switch P starts the operation of the device 1. When the device 1 is operating, pressing the switch P stops the operation of the device 1. The switch P is round when viewed from the front, and is located inside the time setting dial TD. An ON/OFF indicator light PL is located on the surface of the switch P.

The ON/OFF indicator light PL indicates the operating state of the device 1. The ON/OFF indicator light PL is lit when the device 1 is operating. The ON/OFF indicator light PL is extinguished when the device 1 is not operating. The ON/OFF indicator light PL is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED).

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the device 1.

The operation of the device 1 is controlled by the control unit 40. The control unit 40 executes a program for the operation of the device 1.

The control unit 40 controls the overall operation of the device 1. The control unit 40 is configured with, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a working area for the processor, and a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information such as the control program for the device 1. The control unit 40 is disposed inside the rear wall of the housing 10.

The control unit 40 is connected to the heaters 14 (upper heater 141, lower heater 142), the temperature sensor 15, the boiler heater BH, the boiler temperature sensor BS, the operation unit 30, the memory unit 50, and a commercial power source (not shown).

The control unit 40 includes a mode determination unit 41 , a mode setting unit 42 , a heating time setting unit 43 , a display control unit 44 , a heater control unit 45 , and a temperature determination unit 46 .

The mode determination unit 41 determines the operation mode based on the rotation operation of the mode operation unit 31 operated by the user. The specific operation of the mode determination unit 41 will be described later.

The mode setting unit 42 sets the operation mode based on the determination result of the mode determination unit 41. The specific operation of the mode setting unit 42 will be described later.

The heating time setting unit 43 sets the heating time based on the rotation of the setting operation unit (time setting dial TD) operated by the user. The specific operation of the heating time setting unit 43 will be described later.

The display control unit 44 controls the display mode of the indicator lights L1-L15 based on the heating time set by the heating time setting unit 43. That is, the display control unit 44 turns on and off the indicator lights L1-L15 according to the heating time set in the heating time setting unit 43. The specific operation of the display control unit 44 will be described later.

The heater control unit 45 controls the operations of the upper heater 141, the lower heater 142, and the boiler heater BH based on the heating time set by the heating time setting unit 43, the operation mode, and the detection results of the temperature sensor 15 and the boiler temperature sensor BS. The specific operation of the heater control unit 45 will be described later.

The temperature determination unit 46 determines whether the temperature in the cooking space S (internal temperature) is equal to or higher than the limit temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 15 in the cooking space S. The specific operation of the temperature determination unit 46 will be described later.

The "limit temperature" is the upper limit temperature within the cooking space S at which cooking can be safely performed in the device 1. The device 1 is designed so that the temperature within the cooking space S does not exceed the limit temperature, and is set to a temperature that will not cause any problems even if the device is used repeatedly and continuously.

The storage unit 50 stores information necessary for the device 1 to execute the method described below. The storage unit 50 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory. The storage unit 50, together with the control unit 40, is disposed within the rear wall of the housing 10.

Example of Operation of Operation Unit Next, an example of operation of the operation unit 30 by the user will be described. In the following description, Figs. 5 and 6 will be referred to as appropriate.

8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the operation unit 30. (a) shows a state in which the operation mode is set to a non-specific mode and the heating time is not set. (b) shows a state in which the operation mode is set to a specific mode and the heating time is set to 1 minute 30 seconds. (c) shows a state in which the operation mode is set to a specific mode and the heating time is set (limited) within a time limit (3 minutes in this embodiment).

The "time limit" is the maximum heating time when a specific mode is selected. The time limit is preset to a time (shorter than the maximum time for the non-specific mode) that is different from the maximum time for the non-specific mode (15 minutes in this embodiment). The amount of radiant heat supplied from the upper heater 141 in the salamander mode, which is a specific mode, is greater than the amount of radiant heat supplied from the upper heater 141 in the non-specific mode, and therefore the amount of heat imparted to the surface of the object to be cooked is greater. Therefore, the time limit for the specific mode is set shorter than the maximum time for the non-specific mode. The time limit is set, for example, so as not to cause significant damage to the object to be cooked even if the user leaves the cooking area during cooking in the specific mode.

8A illustrates the state of the operating unit 30 before it is operated by the user. In the following description, the state of the operating unit 30 shown in FIG. 8A is a state in which the selection mark Y of the mode dial MD is set to the mode mark M2 indicating the toast mode, which is a non-specific mode, and the ON/OFF indicator light PL is off.

A user presses the switch P to turn on the power of the device 1. When the switch P is pressed, the ON/OFF indicator light PL lights up.

Next, the user rotates the mode dial MD to align the selection mark Y with one of the mode marks M1-M8 indicating the desired operation mode, thereby selecting the desired operation mode. In the example shown in FIG. 8(b), the user aligns the selection mark Y with the mode mark M1 corresponding to the salamander mode. At this time, the mode determination unit 41 determines that the operation mode is a specific mode, and the mode setting unit 42 sets the operation mode to the specific mode (salamander mode).

After an operating mode is selected, the user rotates the time setting dial TD to set the heating time of the device 1. When the user rotates the time setting dial TD clockwise, the indicator lights L1-L15 light up according to the amount of rotation of the time setting dial TD. The indicator lights L1-L15 light up in order, starting with indicator light L1. The user rotates the time setting dial TD clockwise until the indicator light L1-L15 corresponding to the heating time the user wants to set lights up. When the indicator light L1-L15 corresponding to the set heating time lights up, the indicator lights L1-L15 display the heating time.

If the user turns the time setting dial TD beyond the desired heating time, the indicator lights L1-L15 for the excess time will also light up. In this case, the user can adjust the display mode (on/off) of the indicator lights L1-L15 to match the desired heating time by turning the time setting dial TD counterclockwise. Figure 8(b) shows that the user has set a heating time of 1 minute 30 seconds, and that of the indicator lights L1-L15, the indicator lights L1 and L2 corresponding to the set heating time (1 minute 30 seconds) are lit.

As described above, when the operating mode is the specific mode, the heating time setting unit 43 controls the heating time so that a heating time exceeding the time limit (3 minutes in this embodiment) cannot be set. In this case, the display control unit 44 limits the display control of the indicator lights L1-L15 so that only the indicator lights L1-L5 within the time limit (3 minutes) can be lit. That is, for example, if the user rotates the time setting dial TD clockwise to add heating time from the state shown in FIG. 8( b), the heating time setting unit 43 sets the heating time up to the time limit according to the amount of rotation. Even if the time setting dial TD is rotated so as to exceed the time limit, a heating time exceeding the time limit will not be set. In other words, when the specific mode is selected, the heating time set by the heating time setting unit 43 is limited to a time up to the predetermined time limit.

In the specific mode, the display control unit 44 lights up indicator lights L5 corresponding to heating times within the time limit set in the heating time setting unit 43, but does not light indicator lights L6-L15 that exceed the time limit. In other words, the set heating time is only displayed up to the time limit (3 minutes), and the heating time is also only set up to the time limit (3 minutes). That is, as shown in Figure 8(c), when the operating mode is the specific mode and indicator light L5 is on, no matter how much the user turns the time setting dial TD clockwise, the heating time setting unit 43 limits the heating time to the time limit, and the display control unit 44 does not light indicator lights L6-L15.

In the present invention, when the operating mode is the non-specific mode, the display control unit turns on and off the indicator light up to the heating time that can be set with the time setting dial (maximum time 15 minutes). In other words, when the operating mode is the non-specific mode, the heating time setting unit can set the heating time up to the maximum time.

When the user rotates the time setting dial TD clockwise again to add more heating time from the state of the operation unit 30 shown in Figure 8(b), the display control unit 44 turns on the indicator light L5 indicating 3 minutes according to the amount of rotation. The heating time setting unit 43 also sets the heating time up to 3 minutes according to the amount of rotation. In other words, because the current operating mode is a specific mode (Salamander mode is selected), the heating time that is set is limited to the time limit (3 minutes), and the corresponding indicator lights L1-L15 also only display up to the time limit (3 minutes) (see Figure 8(c)).

Here, the multiple indicator lights L1-L15 can be divided into multiple specific indicator lights L1-L5 that light up in response to the heating time up to the limit when the specific mode is selected, and multiple non-specific indicator lights L6-L15 that light up in response to the heating time exceeding the limit. When the specific mode is selected, the display control unit 44 does not light the non-specific indicator lights L6-L15, but lights up all or some of the specific indicator lights L1-L5. In other words, when the specific mode is selected, the display control unit 44 operates to turn on and off only the specific indicator lights L1-L5.

After the user sets the heating time, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, the heater 14 operates and cooking begins. The elapsed heating time is indicated by the indicator lights L1-L15 going out as the heating time elapses. In other words, the print corresponding to the lit indicator lights L1-L15 indicates the remaining heating time.

The user can observe the browning of the food through the window 22 of the door 20 and add more heating time. That is, for example, the user rotates the time setting dial TD again while the set heating time is elapsed. The heating time setting unit 43 updates the set heating time in response to the rotation of the time setting dial TD. When a specific mode is selected, the updated heating time is limited to the time limit. In this embodiment, the time limit is three minutes. That is, when a specific mode is selected, the updated heating time does not exceed the time limit (three minutes).

In the present invention, when the operating mode is the non-specific mode, the heating time setting unit can set the heating time up to the maximum time that can be set (15 minutes in this embodiment). In other words, when the operating mode is the non-specific mode, the display control unit turns on and off the indicator light corresponding to the heating time that can be set with the time setting dial. Also, in the present invention, the maximum time when the operating mode is the non-specific mode is not limited to 15 minutes. This maximum time can be freely determined depending on the specifications of the device.

When the set heating time has elapsed, all the indicator lights L1-L15 are turned off, the operation of the heater 14 is stopped, and cooking ends.

Operation of the Cooking Device Next, the operation of the present device 1 will be described.
9 to 11 are flowcharts showing the operation of the device 1.
When the device 1 is electrically connected to a commercial power source via an outlet or the like, the operation of the device 1 described below begins.

When the user operates the device 1, the first operation is to press the switch P on the operation unit 30 to turn on the power of the device 1.

First, the control unit 40 determines whether the power of the device 1 is on (S1). When the control unit 40 determines that the power of the device 1 is on (ON) ("Y" in S1), the operation mode is determined and the operation mode in which the device 1 is to operate is set (S2). At this time, the mode determination unit 41 determines the current operation mode based on the rotation position of the mode dial MD last operated by the user. The mode setting unit 42 sets the operation mode in which the device 1 is to operate based on the determination result of the mode determination unit 41.

On the other hand, when the control unit 40 determines that the device 1 is not powered on ("N" in S1), the device 1 remains powered off and the operation of the device 1 is terminated. Such determination of S1 by the control unit 40 is periodically repeated.

Next, the user operates the operation unit 30 to cook the food according to the object of cooking. At this time, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has operated the operation unit 30 (S3).

When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has operated the operation unit 30" ("Y" in S3), the control unit 40 determines whether any of the mode dial MD, the time setting dial TD, or the switch P has been operated (S4: operation determination process). On the other hand, when the control unit 40 determines that "the user has not operated the operation unit 30" ("N" in S3), the operation of the device 1 returns to S2.

When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has rotated the mode dial MD" ("MD present" in S4), the operation of the device 1 returns to S2. When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has operated the switch P" ("P present" in S4), the power to the device 1 is cut off (power OFF, via D in S5, see FIG. 10), and the operation of the device 1 ends. When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has rotated the time setting dial TD" ("TD present" in S4), the mode determination unit 41 determines whether the current operating mode is a specific mode (Salamander mode) or a non-specific mode (S6).

When the mode determination unit 41 determines that the set operating mode is a specific mode (Salamander mode) ("M1 mode" in S6), the heating time setting unit 43 determines whether the heating time corresponding to the rotation of the time setting dial TD has exceeded the time limit (S7). On the other hand, when the mode determination unit 41 determines that the set operating mode is a non-specific mode other than the specific mode ("other mode" in S6), the heating time setting unit 43 sets the heating time corresponding to the rotation of the time setting dial TD as the heating time for cooking (S8). Here, the maximum heating time that can be set is 15 minutes in this embodiment. At this time, the display control unit 44 lights up the indicator lights L1-L15 corresponding to the set heating time.

When the heating time setting unit 43 determines that "the heating time corresponding to the operation has exceeded the time limit" ("Y" in S7), the display control unit 44 causes all of the indicator lights L1-L15 to flash to notify the user that the time limit has been exceeded (S9). In this embodiment, the flashing is repeated twice (multiple times). After the indicator lights L1-L15 have flashed, the heating time setting unit 43 sets the time limit as the heating time (S10). In this embodiment, the time limit is three minutes. At this time, the display control unit 44 turns on the indicator lights L1-L5 corresponding to the time limit. In other words, when a specific mode is selected, the display control unit 44 displays the multiple indicator lights L1-L5 corresponding to the time limit so that the heating time displayed by the multiple indicator lights L1-L15 does not exceed the time limit set by the heating time setting unit 43.

On the other hand, when the heating time setting unit 43 determines that "the heating time corresponding to the operation does not exceed the time limit" ("N" in S7), the heating time setting unit 43 sets the heating time corresponding to the operation as the heating time for cooking (S8).

After setting the heating time (S8, S10), the control unit 40 determines whether or not the user operates the operation unit 30 again within a predetermined time (S11), which is three seconds in this embodiment.

When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has not operated the operation unit 30 again within the predetermined time" ("N" in S11), the control unit 40 starts cooking in the device 1 (S12 via A, see FIG. 10). That is, after the user turns the time setting dial TD to set the heating time, cooking in the device 1 automatically starts three seconds later.

After cooking starts, when the current operating mode is a specific mode (Salamander mode), heater control unit 45 operates only upper heater 141. At this time, heater control unit 45 operates upper heater 141 at an output corresponding to the specific mode. When the current operating mode is a non-specific mode (dedicated cooking mode, classic mode), heater control unit 45 operates both upper heater 141 and lower heater 142 at an output corresponding to each non-specific mode. Under the control of heater control unit 45, the output of upper heater 141 when a specific mode is selected is greater than the output of upper heater 141 when a non-specific mode is selected.

When the current operating mode is a dedicated cooking mode of the non-specific mode, the heater control unit also operates the boiler heater appropriately at the timing set in each operating mode.

As described above, the present device 1 is set with a limit temperature at which stable, continuous operation is possible. When the temperature determination unit 46 determines that the temperature in the cooking space S has reached the limit temperature, the heater control unit 45 stops (OFF) the operating heater 14. When the temperature determination unit 46 determines that the temperature in the cooking space S has not reached the limit temperature, the heater control unit 45 resumes operation of the heater 14. That is, for example, in the salamander mode, after the temperature in the cooking space S reaches the limit temperature due to heating by the upper heater 141, the heater control unit 45 controls the operation of the upper heater 141 to repeatedly turn ON and OFF, thereby controlling the temperature in the cooking space S to be approximately constant around the limit temperature.

On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the user has operated the operation unit 30 again within the predetermined time ("Y" in S11), the operation of the device 1 returns to S4 (S4 via C). In other words, if the user rotates the time setting dial TD, sets the heating time, and then operates the operation unit 30 again within three seconds, the operation determination process is executed again (S4). If the control unit 40 determines that the user has rotated the mode dial MD ("MD Yes" in S4), the operation of the device 1 returns to S2. If the control unit 40 determines that the user has operated the switch P ("P Yes" in S4), the operation of the device 1 returns to S5, and the operation of the device 1 ends (S5 via D, see FIG. 10). If the control unit 40 determines that the user has rotated the time setting dial TD ("TD Yes" in S4), the operation of the device 1 proceeds to S6.

Next, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the user has operated the operation unit 30 again within the heating time of the object to be cooked (S13).

When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has not operated the operation unit 30" ("N" in S13), the heating time setting unit 43 determines whether the heating time has elapsed (S14). When the heating time setting unit 43 determines that "the heating time has elapsed" ("Y" in S14), the control unit 40 ends cooking in the device 1 (S15). At this time, the heater control unit 45 stops (OFF) all operating heaters 14. If the boiler heater BH is operating, the heater control unit 45 also stops the operation of the boiler heater BH. After cooking in the device 1 is completed, the operation of the device 1 returns to S2 (S2 via B). On the other hand, when the heating time setting unit 43 determines that "the heating time has not elapsed" ("N" in S14), the operation of the device 1 returns to S13.

On the other hand, when the control unit 40 determines that "the user has operated the operation unit 30" ("Y" in S13), the control unit 40 determines whether the mode dial MD, the time setting dial TD, or the switch P has been operated (S16).

When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has operated switch P" ("P Yes" in S16), the power to the device 1 is turned off (power OFF, S5), and the operation of the device 1 is terminated. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 determines that "the user has rotated the mode dial MD" ("MD Yes" in S16), the operation of the device 1 proceeds to S15, and the control unit 40 terminates cooking by the device 1 (S15 via E). When the control unit 40 determines that "the user has rotated the time setting dial TD" ("TD Yes" in S16), the heating time setting unit 43 determines whether the heating time corresponding to the operation is 0 (zero) (S17). When the heating time setting unit 43 determines that "the heating time is 0" ("Y" in S17), the operation of the device 1 proceeds to S15, and the control unit 40 terminates cooking by the device 1 (S15). On the other hand, when the heating time setting unit 43 determines that the heating time is not 0 ("N" in S17), the operation of the device 1 proceeds to S18 (S18 via F, see FIG. 11).

In the present invention, the heating time may be reset to increase or decrease the heating time. The increase or decrease in the heating time can be freely specified by the user. Furthermore, the heating time can be reset by operating the operation unit not only once. The heating time can be reset any number of times depending on the cooking of the food to be cooked.

As described above, when the heating time setting unit 43 determines that the heating time is not 0 ("N" in S17), the control unit 40 determines the current operating mode (S18 via F, see FIG. 11). At this time, the mode determination unit 41 determines whether the operating mode set by the user is a specific mode (Salamander mode) or a non-specific mode.

When the mode determination unit 41 determines that the set operating mode is a specific mode (salamander mode) ("M1 mode" in S18), the heating time setting unit 43 determines whether the heating time corresponding to the operation exceeds the time limit (S19).

On the other hand, when the mode determination unit 41 determines that the set operation mode is a non-specific mode ("other mode" in S18), the heating time setting unit 43 resets the heating time corresponding to the operation as the heating time for cooking (S20). At this time, the display control unit 44 controls the illumination of the indicator lights L1-L15 so that the display corresponds to the heating time.

When the heating time setting unit 43 determines that the heating time has exceeded the time limit ("Y" in S19), the heating time setting unit 43 resets the heating time to the time limit (S21). In this embodiment, the time limit is three minutes. At this time, the display control unit 44 controls all of the indicator lights L1-L5 corresponding to the time limit to light up. On the other hand, when the heating time setting unit 43 determines that the heating time has not exceeded the time limit ("N" in S19), the heating time setting unit 43 resets the heating time corresponding to the operation as the heating time for cooking by the device 1 (S20). The display control unit 44 controls the lighting of the indicator lights L1-L5 to display the time corresponding to the heating time.

After the heating time is reset (S20, S21), the operation of the device 1 proceeds to S14 (S14 via G, see FIG. 10). After cooking is completed, the operation of the device 1 returns to S2 (S2 via B, see FIG. 9). As mentioned above, the operation of the device 1 ends when the user turns off the power of the device 1 (S5).

●Summary●
According to the embodiment described above, the cooking device 1 for heating an object to be cooked includes a housing 10, heaters 14 (upper heater 141, lower heater 142), a mode operation unit 31, a time setting dial TD, a heating time setting unit 43, and indicator lights L1-L15. The housing 10 accommodates the object to be cooked. The heater 14 heats the object to be cooked. The mode operation unit 31 allows the user to select an operating mode for the heater 14 from among multiple modes. The time setting dial TD is operated by the user to set the heating time of the heater 14. The heating time setting unit 43 sets the heating time based on the operation of the time setting dial TD. The indicator lights L1-L15 display the heating time set in the heating time setting unit 43. The multiple modes include a specific mode (salamander mode) and a non-specific mode that is different from the specific mode. When a specific mode is selected, the heating time set in heating time setting unit 43 is limited to a predetermined time limit, and the heating time displayed by indicator lights L1-L15 does not exceed the time limit. With this configuration, when a specific mode is selected, the heating time is limited to the time limit, even if the heating time is selectable in a non-specific mode. Therefore, even if the user is unfamiliar with cooking in a specific mode, a cooking device that is easy to use for the user is provided.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when a specific mode is selected, only the upper heater 141, which heats the object from above, heats the object. With this configuration, the user can brown only the top surface (surface) of the object.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the device 1 includes a rotatable time setting dial TD. The heating time is set based on the amount of rotation of the time setting dial TD. This configuration allows the user to set the heating time with a simple operation.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the non-specific mode is selected, the upper heater 141 and the lower heater 142 heat the food to be cooked. The output of the upper heater 141 when the specific mode is selected is greater than the output of the upper heater 141 when the non-specific mode is selected. With this configuration, the user can brown the top surface (surface) of the food to be cooked in a short time by selecting the specific mode.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the cooking device 1 includes a display control unit 44 that controls the display modes of the indicator lights L1-L15. The indicator lights L1-L15 include a plurality of specific indicator lights L1-L5 that light up in response to the heating time up to the limit, and a plurality of non-specific indicator lights L6-L15 that light up in response to the heating time exceeding the limit. When the specific mode is selected, the display control unit 44 does not light the non-specific indicator lights L6-L15 as the heating time, but lights all or some of the specific indicator lights L1-L5. This configuration allows the user to visually understand that the heating time is limited. Therefore, operation is easy even for users unfamiliar with cooking in the specific mode.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, each of the multiple indicator lights L1-L15 lit by the display control unit 44 turns off as the set heating time elapses. When the time setting dial TD is rotated while the set heating time elapses, the heating time setting unit 43 updates the set heating time in response to the rotation of the time setting dial TD. When a specific mode is selected, the updated heating time is limited to the time limit. With this configuration, a user near the device 1 can extend the heating time while observing the condition of the food being cooked. On the other hand, even if the user is away from the device 1, the device 1 can safely heat and cook the food without overcooking it.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the cooking device 1 includes a temperature sensor 15 that detects the temperature in the cooking space S of the housing 10 where the food to be cooked is placed, and a heater control unit 45 that controls the operation of the heater 14 when the temperature in the cooking space S reaches a predetermined limit temperature. When the selected operating mode is a specific mode, the heater control unit 45 controls the temperature in the cooking space S to remain constant around the limit temperature after the temperature in the cooking space S reaches the limit temperature due to heating by the upper heater 141. This allows the cooking device 1 to operate stably and continuously.

In the present invention, the mode operation unit is not limited to a dial type, and may be a button input unit, a touch panel, or the like, as long as it can select an operation mode.

In addition, in the present invention, the configuration of the time operation unit is not limited to a combination of a time setting dial and multiple indicator lights as long as it is capable of setting and displaying the time. For example, the time operation unit may be configured as a combination of button input and a liquid crystal display, or a touch panel.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the time limit in the specific mode (Salamander mode) is not limited to three minutes, but is determined appropriately depending on the performance (output, etc.) of the device.

1 This device (heating cooking device)
10 Housing 14 Heater 141 Upper heater 142 Lower heater 15 Temperature sensor 31 Mode operation unit 43 Heating time setting unit 44 Display control unit 45 Heater control unit 50 Memory unit MD Mode dial (mode operation unit)
TD Time setting dial (setting operation section)
L1-L15 Indicator light (display part)

Claims (8)

A cooking device for heating an object to be cooked,
A housing that accommodates the object to be cooked;
a heater for heating the object to be cooked;
a mode operation unit that allows a user to select an operation mode of the heater from a plurality of modes;
a setting operation unit operated by the user to set a heating time by the heater;
a heating time setting unit that sets the heating time based on an operation of the setting operation unit;
a display unit that displays the heating time set in the heating time setting unit;
a display control unit that controls a display mode of the display unit;
and
The plurality of modes include:
A specific mode,
a non-specific mode different from the specific mode;
Including,
When the specific mode is selected,
The heating time set in the heating time setting unit is limited to a predetermined time limit,
The heating time displayed on the display unit does not exceed the time limit,
the display unit is a plurality of indicator lights that light up in accordance with the heating time set in the heating time setting unit,
The plurality of indicator lights include:
a plurality of specific indicator lights that are turned on in accordance with the heating time up to the time limit;
a plurality of non-specific indicator lights that are turned on in response to the heating time exceeding the time limit;
Equipped with
When the specific mode is selected,
the display control unit does not light up the plurality of non-specific indicator lights, and lights up all or some of the plurality of specific indicator lights;
A heating and cooking device characterized by the above. The heater is
an upper heater that heats the object to be cooked from above the object;
a lower heater that heats the object to be cooked from below the object;
Including,
When the specific mode is selected, only the upper heater heats the food to be cooked.
The cooking device according to claim 1. the setting operation unit is a rotatable time setting dial,
The setting operation unit sets the heating time based on the amount of rotation of the time setting dial.
The cooking device according to claim 1. When the non-specific mode is selected, the upper heater and the lower heater heat the object to be cooked,
an output of the upper heater when the specific mode is selected is greater than an output of the upper heater when the non-specific mode is selected;
The cooking device according to claim 2. Each of the plurality of indicator lights turned on by the display control unit is turned off according to the elapse of the set heating time,
When the time setting dial is rotated during the lapse of the set heating time, the heating time setting unit updates the set heating time in response to the rotation of the time setting dial,
When the specific mode is selected, the updated heating time is limited to the time up to the time limit.
The cooking device according to claim 3 . a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cooking space of the housing in which the object to be cooked is placed;
a heater control unit that controls the operation of the heater when the temperature of the cooking space reaches a predetermined limit temperature;
and
The heater control unit
When the selected operation mode is the specific mode, after the temperature in the cooking space reaches a limit temperature due to heating by the upper heater, the temperature in the cooking space is controlled to be constant around the limit temperature.
The cooking device according to claim 2. the time limit when the specific mode is selected is shorter than the time limit when the non-specific mode is selected;
The cooking device according to claim 4. The heater can heat the temperature of the cooking space of the housing in which the object to be cooked is placed until it reaches a predetermined threshold temperature,
When the non-specific mode is selected, the cooking space is heated by the upper heater and the lower heater until the temperature of the cooking space reaches the threshold temperature,
When the specific mode is selected, the cooking space is heated by only the upper heater at an output greater than the output of the upper heater when the non-specific mode is selected, until the temperature of the cooking space reaches the threshold temperature.
The cooking device according to claim 4.