JP2003133042A - Cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent safety from being impaired by abnormally high temperature of an operation part mounted on a top plate. SOLUTION: This cooker is composed of a heating part formed on the upper surface of the top plate 12 for mounting and heating a cooking container 20, the operation part 18 mounted on the upper surface of the top plate 12 for inputting conditions for cooking, and an attention attracting means 22 comprising an object detection means 21 formed with an infrared sensor installed below the top plate 12 and a light emission means 22a or a sound generation means 22b for attracting attention. By virtue of this structure, when the cooking container 20 is mounted throughout the region of the heating part and the operation part 18, the infrared sensor detects it and the attention is attracted by blinking of light or buzzer sound, so that a user can be urged to remount the cooking container 20 at a proper position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a heating cooker in which a region of an operating portion provided on an upper surface of a top plate is not affected by heat.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, as an induction heating cooker of this kind, there has been one described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-214677. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the conventional induction heating cooker described in the publication. In the figure,
Reference numeral 1 is a main body, 2 is a top plate provided on the main body 1, and a heating portion 3 is arranged on the front left and right sides and the center back side. Reference numeral 4 denotes an electrostatic capacitance type operation unit provided on the front side of the top plate corresponding to each heating unit 3.
Is a protrusion provided between the heating unit 3 and the operation unit 4. In this protrusion 5, a part of the heating and cooking container placed on the heating unit during heating is placed over the operation unit 4 or its vicinity, and the operation unit 4 is affected by heat and becomes abnormally high in temperature. It was provided to prevent burns when touching the operation unit 4 or its vicinity.

This is because the induction heating cooker used in general households in Japan is restricted to a width of about 600 mm and a depth of about 520 mm for use in a small kitchen. This is because it is not possible to secure a sufficient distance from the operation unit.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, since the protrusions 5 are provided on the top plate 2, the liquid easily accumulates around the protrusions 5 due to spillage during heating and cooking. , It was awkward to clean it. In addition, when moving a heating cooking container or the like before and after cooking, there is a problem that it is difficult to move due to catching on the protrusions 5, and the moving range is easily limited. In addition, when the protrusion 5 that can be freely attached and detached is provided, not only is the attachment and detachment troublesome, but it is lost or forgets to be attached when detached, and careless cooking is performed on the operation unit 4. There is a problem that the temperature of the operation unit 4 rises abnormally because a part of the container is heated while being placed.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heating cooker in which the operation portion area on the top plate is not easily affected by heat and the convenience is improved. .

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the heating cooker of the present invention has a heat source when the heating cooking container is placed over the region of the operating portion provided on the upper surface of the top plate. It was designed to disconnect or call attention. With this configuration, even if the user inadvertently places the heating and cooking container over the region of the operation unit, the power is cut off or the user is reminded to place it again and the operation unit region is It can prevent high temperature. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a protrusion on the top plate, the top surface of the top plate can be flattened.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION According to the first aspect of the invention, when the heating and cooking container is placed over the operation area of the top plate, the power is interrupted or a warning is issued. Since the heat source is cut off or the user re-places it with a reminder, it is possible to prevent the operating area from becoming hot and ensure safety. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a protrusion on the top plate, the top surface of the top plate can be flattened, which facilitates cleaning and movement of the heating and cooking container, thus improving convenience.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, at least one of a main body forming an outer shell, a top plate provided on the upper part of the main body, and a heating and cooking container provided on the top surface of the top plate are placed and heated. A heating unit, a heating unit provided below the top plate corresponding to the heating unit, an operation unit provided corresponding to the heating unit for inputting cooking conditions, and the heating unit according to the input operation. And an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the region of the operation portion provided on the top plate top surface and at least a part of the operation portion provided on the top plate top surface. With the configuration in which the alerting means for alerting the abnormality by the detection of the means is provided, it is possible to obtain the same operational effect as that of the first aspect. According to the invention described in claim 3, in particular, the abnormality detection means according to claim 2 is an object detection means for detecting that an object is placed in the area of the operation portion, so that cooking is performed at an illegal position. It is possible to easily detect whether or not the container is placed.

The invention as defined in claim 4 is particularly defined by claim 2.
Since the abnormality detecting means described in 1 above is used as the temperature detecting means for detecting an abnormal temperature rise in the area of the operation portion, it is possible to compare the temperature rise pattern of the top plate obtained in advance by experiments, etc. It is possible to easily detect whether or not is mounted.

The invention according to claim 5 is particularly characterized by claim 2.
The attention calling means described in any one of 4 to 4 has a light emitting means and is configured to call the attention by changing the light emitting color or the light emitting pattern such as blinking, so that the abnormality can be easily visually recognized.

The invention according to claim 6 is particularly characterized by claim 2.
The attention calling means described in any one of 4 to 4 has the light emitting means, and the light emitting color or the light emitting pattern is made different between the normal time and the abnormal time, so that the abnormality can be easily visually recognized.

The invention according to claim 7 is particularly characterized by claim 2.
The attention calling means described in any one of 4 to 4 has a sound generating means, and when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, the abnormality is generated by a sound, so that the abnormality can be easily confirmed.

The invention as defined in claim 8 is particularly defined by claims 2 to 2.
In 4 above, when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the attention is given by the attention calling means and the input operation on the top plate is invalidated so that the operation portion on the top plate is not touched. Therefore, safety is secured.

The invention as defined in claim 9 is particularly characterized by claim 2.
In 4 to 4, when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality,
With the configuration in which the attention is given by the attention calling means and the power supply to the heating means is interrupted, the heating of the operation portion area is stopped, so that the safety of the user can be reliably ensured.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first to ninth aspects, the heating means has at least one induction heating means. Since the induction heating does not directly heat the top plate, the operating section does not receive heat directly from the heating means, so that the effect is particularly large.

The invention described in claim 11 is, in particular, in claims 1 to 10 in which two induction heating units are provided on the front side of the top plate, and the front side of the top plate and the two induction heating units are provided. By arranging the operation unit between the two, a large space for installing the operation unit is secured, and operability and safety of the operation unit can be improved.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the case where an induction heating cooker is used as the heating cooker will be described.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part of a heating cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the heating cooker is attached to a system kitchen.

The structure of the induction heating cooker as the heating cooker will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, a top plate 12 made of heat-resistant glass is provided on the upper surface of a main body 11 that forms the outer shell of the induction heating cooker, the outer periphery of which is covered by a top frame 13. Heating means 14 is arranged on the lower surface of the top plate 12 in the main body 11.

In the present embodiment, the heating means 14 is composed of induction heating coils 14a and 14b for heating a pan by induction heating to heat an object to be cooked, and a radiant heater 14c for heating using a pan which cannot be used in induction heating. Has been done.
A heating unit 15 is provided on the upper surface of the top plate 12 at a position where the heating means 14 is provided. That is, the induction heating units 15a and 15b and the radiant heating unit 15c. Further, an opening / closing storage type operation unit 16 and a display unit 17 for displaying various states in accordance with the operation are provided in front of the main body 11, that is, on the side surface of the user side of the heating cooker. On the upper surface, an operation unit 18 having operation keys that are frequently used, such as opening and closing the power source of the heating unit 15 and adjusting heat power, is provided.

In this embodiment, the operation unit 1 provided on the upper surface
8 is provided with operation parts 18a and 18b for induction heating corresponding to the induction heating parts 15a and 15b which are frequently used, and the openable / closable operation part 16 is provided with all keys necessary for operation. . Furthermore, the operating portion 18a for induction heating,
Reference numeral 18b includes an open / close key for controlling the energization of the heating units 15a, 15b, and an up key and a down key for adjusting the heating power. As these keys, a capacitance type key, an infrared sensor type key or a pressing type key is used. Further, 19 is a power supply opening / closing switch. In addition, a control unit (not shown) that controls the heating means 14 according to an input operation is provided in the main body 11.

In this embodiment, the operating parts are separately provided on the side surface of the cooking device and the upper surface of the top plate.
This is because, as described above, the depth of the kitchen is limited due to the small area of the kitchen in Japan, and a sufficient space cannot be provided between the heating part and the operating part.
This is because the number of keys of the operation unit 18 on the upper surface is reduced and a space is provided between the heating unit 15 and the operation unit 18. Particularly, in this embodiment, since the space between the induction heating parts 15a and 15b in front of the top plate 12 is the largest, the operation part 18 is provided in this part. By doing so, the operation key can be made large and easy to use. Of course, it is also possible to take measures against these and provide all the operation parts on the top plate surface.

When using the induction heating cooker with the above-described structure, the user mistakenly sets the heating cooking container 20 to the heating section 15
In case of improperly placed over the area of the operation portion 18, the area of the operation portion 18 is heated by the heating cooking container 20 heated during use and the temperature rises. At this time, if the user accidentally touches the area of the operation unit 18 or operates the operation unit 18, there is a risk of burns. This embodiment is intended to prevent such fears.

The area of the operating section 18 in the present embodiment is the area from the operating section 18 to the area of the heating section 15 from the operating section 18. The area of the heating unit 15 is a range in which the heating and cooking container 20 is properly placed corresponding to the heating means 14, and is usually shown in a circle on the surface of the top plate 12. In the induction heating cooker 20 as in the present embodiment, although it depends on the specifications, the inside of a circle having a diameter of 260 mm from the center position of the induction heating coil is the heating portion region (heating cooking container 20
Is often reserved as a space for placing. Then, when the heating and cooking container 20 is correctly placed in the area of the heating unit 15 and heated, the temperature of the area of the operation unit 18 is a temperature at which it is hard to burn even if touched.

A description will be given below with reference to the drawings. In the figure, an object detection means 21 for detecting that an object such as the heating and cooking container 20 is placed is provided as an abnormality detection means in the area of the operation portion 18 on the lower surface of the top plate 12. As the object detection means 21, an infrared sensor including a light emitting element 21a and a light receiving element 21b is used. Further, an alerting unit 22 that interlocks with the object detecting unit 21 is provided. As the alerting means 22, a light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) 22a or a sound source such as a buzzer 22b is used. It should be noted that in the figure, the alerting means 22 is provided at the lower portion of the operation portion 18, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be provided at a position that is easy to see and a position that is easy to hear. Also,
Although the heating part 14 is shown as a circle in FIG. 2, the inside of this circle corresponds to the heating part region.

The operation and operation of the operation unit structure configured as described above will be described below. Even if the user mistakenly places the high-temperature cooking container 20 out of the heating unit and erroneously places it over the region of the operation unit 18 during cooking, this is detected by the object detection means 21 such as an infrared sensor, and LED22a and buzzer 22 are interlocked
The alerting means 22 such as b can alert the user to remove the cooking container 20. That is, the cooking container 20 is provided in the area of the operation unit 18.
When is not mounted, the light emitted from the light emitting element 21a is not reflected, so the light receiving element 21b does not receive the reflected light, and the alerting means 22 does not operate. And the operation unit 1
When the heating and cooking container 20 is placed in the area of 8, the light emitted from the light emitting element 21a is reflected by the heating and cooking element 20 and the reflected light enters the light receiving element 21b, so that the control unit heats the operation area. When it is determined that the cooking container 20 is placed, the alerting means 22 is activated. Then, the light emitting display of the LED 22a, which is the alerting means 22, or the buzzer 2
The sound of 2b causes the abnormality to the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the region of the operation unit 18 from rising. It should be noted that either one of light such as an LED display and a buzzer sound may be used, but it is more effective if both are combined.

Further, the object detecting means 21 is the cooking container 20.
Since it is unknown in which part of the area of the operation unit 18 the bias is placed, it is possible to improve safety by providing it in several places in the area of the operation unit 18. At this time, when the range of the operation unit 18 is narrow as in the present embodiment, the object detection means 21
However, in the case of the method shown in the conventional example in which all the operating portions 18 are provided on the surface of the top plate 12, the number is large, which causes a cost increase. Therefore, it is necessary to keep this in mind. is there.

As a means for detecting an object, a light emitting element 21a such as an infrared ray is provided on one side of the top frame 13.
The light receiving element 21b may be arranged on the other side so that the light passes through the boundary portion of the region of the operation unit 18. At this time, if the heating / cooking container 20 is placed over the area of the operation unit 18, the passage of light is blocked, so the heating / cooking container 2
It is possible to detect that 0 is placed. This can prompt the user to remove the heating and cooking container 20 from the area of the operation unit 18, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a heating cooker according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described. Further, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the temperature detecting means is used in the second embodiment instead of the object detecting means 21 of the first embodiment. In the figure, the temperature detecting means 23 for detecting the temperature of the region of the operating portion 18 is shown as the top plate 1.
2 is provided so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the No. 2 and further provided with an alerting means 22 interlocking with the temperature detecting means 23. Then, in order to distinguish whether the temperature rise of the top plate 12 is due to heat conduction when the heating and cooking container 20 is placed at a normal position or due to being placed at an incorrect position, the present embodiment. Defines a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature gradient. The predetermined temperature referred to here is a temperature that does not cause a problem such as a burn even if the user touches the area of the operation unit 18 which is obtained in advance by experiments, and the predetermined temperature gradient is obtained in advance by experiments. Cooking container 20
This is the temperature gradient obtained when was improperly placed. The predetermined temperature or the predetermined temperature gradient is slightly different depending on the specifications of the heating cooker.

The operation and function of the operation unit having the above structure will be described below. If the user accidentally removes the high-temperature cooking container 20 while cooking and places the heating section 14 at an incorrect position over the area of the operation section 18, the temperature of the placed top plate 12 is affected by induction heating. It rises due to heat conduction from the heated induction heating container 20. Then, when the detected temperature or temperature gradient exceeds a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature gradient obtained in advance by experiments or the like, the control unit determines that the cooking container 20 is placed in the area of the operation unit 18. The LED 22a, which is the alerting means 22, or the buzzer 2
The sound of 2b causes the abnormality to the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the region of the operation unit 18 from rising. It should be noted that either one of light such as LED display and buzzer sound may be used, but it is more effective if both are configured. Further, for the same reason as in the first embodiment, if the temperature detecting means 23 is provided at a plurality of places, the safety can be further improved.

Further, a thermostat is used as the temperature detecting means 23, and the LED 2 as the alerting means 22 is used for this.
2a or the buzzer 22b may be electrically connected. In this method, when the thermostat attached to the lower surface of the top plate 12 reaches a predetermined temperature and operates,
The LED 22a or the buzzer 22b is turned on to emit an optical display or sound. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the region of the operation unit 18 from rising.

(Embodiment 3) This embodiment is the embodiment 1 or 2.
Since their basic configurations are almost the same, the same configurations as those of the first or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The difference between the present embodiment and the first and second embodiments is the operation of the LED as the alerting means.

In the first and second embodiments, when the object detecting means 21 or the temperature detecting means 22 detects an abnormality in the area of the operation portion 18, the cooker is informed of the occurrence of the abnormality by the emission color or the emission pattern such as blinking. Evoking means 2
2 is provided. For example, in a normal state where no object is placed on the area of the operation unit 18, green light emission is shown, and when the cooking container 20 or the like is placed and the object detection means 21 or the temperature detection means 22 detects it, green light emission is performed. By changing the emission color from red to red emission, the user is alerted to an abnormal condition. Alternatively, the abnormal state may be evoked to the user by continuously lighting the light in the normal state and changing to blinking in the abnormal state. According to this configuration, since the abnormal state can be visually indicated, the user can clearly recognize the abnormal state even when the sound or noise during cooking is bad.

(Fourth Embodiment) This embodiment is the first or second embodiment.
In addition, since the safety is further enhanced and the basic configuration is almost the same as that of the first or second embodiment, the same components as those of the first or second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Object detecting means 21 or temperature detecting means 23
When an abnormality is detected in the area of the operation unit 18, the caution ventilation device 22 calls attention and invalidates the input operation by the operation unit 18. That is, the input operation of the operation unit 18 is forcibly stopped or interrupted, and the main body 1
By operating the operation unit 16 provided on the side surface of No. 1, continuity of cooking and safety can be ensured.

When an abnormality is detected on the operating portion 18 by the object detecting means or the temperature detecting means, the caution ventilation means 22
It is also possible to call attention to the above and stop energizing the heating means 14. According to this configuration, heating of the cooking container can be stopped or interrupted, and further safety can be ensured for the user.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the case of a so-called three-port stove having three heating sections as a heating cooker has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one or more stoves can be used. Of course, it is okay.

In the first to fourth embodiments, an example of heating by induction heating is shown as a heating means near the operating portion. However, since the induction heating directly heats the object to be heated, the top plate is almost heated. Since this is not done, it is most effective in carrying out the present invention, and if it is designed in consideration of this point, it goes without saying that other heating means such as electric heating may be provided in the vicinity of the operating portion.

Also, the case where all the keys necessary for the operation are provided in the openable and closable operation section provided on the side surface of the heating cooker is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation can be performed as necessary. The part may be divided into a side surface and an upper surface. Moreover, as described above, it is needless to say that all the operation portions may be provided on the upper surface.

Further, the operating portion provided on the side surface of the heating cooker is shown as an example of an open / close type, but it is not limited to this and a fixed type (for example, dial adjustment type) may be used. .

[0042]

As described above, according to the invention described in claims 1 to 9, it is possible to improve the operability by providing the operating portion on the top plate and to improve the safety during the operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a heating cooker according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the heating cooker is attached to the system kitchen.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a heating cooker according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a conventional heating cooker.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 body 12 top plate 14 Heating means 15 heating unit 16, 18 Operation part 20 Cooking container 21 Object detection means (abnormality detection means) 22 Attention means 22a LED (light emitting means) 22b Buzzer (sound generator) 23 Temperature detection means

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 3K051 AB06 AB14 AC02 AC33 AD14                       AD15 AD26 AD34 BD13 BD17                       CD10 CD46                 3L087 AA03 AC21 BB07 BC14 BC15                       DA21

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A heating cooker configured so as to turn off the power supply or call attention when a heating and cooking container is placed over the area of the operation portion on the top surface of the top plate. 2. A main body forming an outer shell, a top plate provided on an upper portion of the main body, at least one heating unit for mounting and heating a heating and cooking container provided on an upper surface of the top plate, and the top plate. A heating means provided below the heating unit corresponding to the heating unit, an operation unit provided corresponding to the heating unit for inputting cooking conditions, and a control unit controlling the heating unit according to the input operation. And at least a part of the operating portion is provided on the upper surface of the top plate, and an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in the area of the operating portion provided on the top plate and the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. A cooking device configured to provide an alerting means. 3. The heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein the abnormality detecting means includes an object detecting means for detecting that an object is placed on the operation portion area. 4. The heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein the abnormality detecting means comprises a temperature detecting means for detecting an abnormal temperature rise in the region of the operating portion. 5. The cooking device according to claim 2, wherein the alerting means has a light emitting means and is configured to alert the user by changing a light emitting color or a light emitting pattern such as blinking. 6. The cooking device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the alerting means has a light emitting means, and the light emitting color or the light emitting pattern is different between a normal state and an abnormal state. . 7. The heating according to claim 2, wherein the alerting means has a sound generating means, and when the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, the abnormality is generated by a sound. Cooking device. 8. When the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality,
A configuration in which an attention operation means is used to call attention and input operation on the top plate is invalidated.
The heating cooker according to any one of 4 above. 9. When the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality,
The heating cooker according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which is configured to call attention by the alerting means and interrupt the energization of the heating means. 10. The heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the heating means has at least one induction heating means. 11. The structure according to claim 1, wherein two induction heating units are provided on the front side of the top plate, and an operation unit is provided between the front side of the top plate and the two induction heating units. The heating cooker according to any one of claims.