JP2005019178A - Induction heating cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly induction heating cooker allowing the easy recognition of a set level of heating electric power and allowing a grasp of actual input power while heating. <P>SOLUTION: The induction heating cooker comprises a control part 12 for controlling input electric power and so on, an indication part 13 that performs indication based on signals from the control part 12, and a level meter 14. While heating, the indication part 13 indicates the set level of the heating electric power in figures, and the level meter 14 indicates a level corresponding to the actual input electric power by the number of lightings of indicators. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display of an induction heating cooker.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An induction heating cooker drives a switching element at a high frequency to cause a high-frequency current to flow through the heating coil, generates a magnetic flux by this high-frequency current, and loads such as iron or stainless steel pans brought close to the heating coil via this magnetic flux. An eddy current is generated in the heater and heated by the heat generation action of the load itself.
[0003]
A conventional induction heating cooker displays a setting state of the heating power level on the display unit, and an example of this will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0004]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the setting level of the heating power and the heating power of the conventional example and one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the display unit of the induction heating cooker of the conventional example.
[0005]
In FIG. 5, the heating power is divided into 10 stages. When the heating power setting level is from 1 to 5, the heating power is set in increments of 100 W, and when the heating power setting level is 6 or more, the heating power is changed from 300 W to 500 W. .
[0006]
In FIG. 6, the display unit 13 is formed of a liquid crystal display element or the like, and includes a number unit 13a, a level meter unit 13b composed of a plurality of substantially rectangular elements having different heights, and a plurality of character units 13c. The setting level of the heating power is displayed numerically on the number part 13a, and the level meter element 13b is also illuminated with the number of level meter elements equal to the setting level of the heating power to display the setting level of the heating power.
[0007]
In the above configuration, when the level of the heating power is set, the display unit 13 displays the setting level of the heating power numerically on the number part 13a and the number of levels equal to the setting level of the heating power on the level meter part 13b. Turn on the meter element.
[0008]
Next, when heating is started, the display unit 13 continuously displays the set level of the heating power on the number unit 13a as a number, and lights up the number of level meter elements equal to the set level of the heating power on the level meter unit 13b. Let
[0009]
However, the induction heating cooker that displays only the set level of such heating power has the following problems.
[0010]
When the heating power level is set and heating of the load is started, the input power actually supplied to the load differs from the power corresponding to the set heating power level depending on the material and shape of the load. Even in such a case, since the displayed power level is the heating power setting level, the power supplied to the load is the power corresponding to the heating power setting level set by the user. There was a mistake.
[0011]
Thus, examples of dealing with this problem include the following.
[0012]
The example shown in Patent Document 1 is provided with a set current display unit that displays a set current to the heating coil and a consumption current display unit that displays a consumption current of the heating coil. It is possible to see the set level and the actual input power at the same time with a level meter, improving usability.
[0013]
In the example shown in Patent Document 2, the function shown in Patent Document 1, that is, the function of simultaneously viewing the set level of heating power and the actual input power with a level meter is realized with one display device, and the usability is improved. Is.
[0014]
In the example shown in Patent Document 3, the display unit does not display the set level of the set heating power at the time of heating, but displays the power linked to the actual input power with a level meter to improve usability. is there.
[0015]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-140663 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-5-326124 [Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-326065
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional induction heating cookers as shown in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 described above make it possible to see the set level of heating power and the actual input power with a level meter, Although it is easy to use, in such an induction heating cooker, if the number of stages for dividing the heating power increases, it becomes difficult for the level meter to recognize the setting level of the heating power, and the usability is insufficient. .
[0017]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an easy-to-use induction heating cooker that can easily recognize a setting level of heating power and can simultaneously heat while grasping actual input power. And
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, in an induction heating cooker provided with a control unit that controls input power and the like, a display unit that performs display by a signal from the control unit, and a level meter, The display unit represents the set level of the heating power with a number, and the level meter represents the level corresponding to the actual input power with the number of lighting of the display.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 is an induction heating cooker provided with a control unit that controls input power and the like, a display unit that performs display by a signal from the control unit, and a level meter. Sometimes, the display unit represents a set level of the heating power by a number, and the level meter represents a level corresponding to the actual input power by the number of lighting of the display.
[0020]
Thereby, it is easy to recognize the setting level of the heating power, and at the same time, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use induction heating cooker that can be heated while grasping the actual input power.
[0021]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display unit and the level meter further switch and display a setting level of heating power and a level corresponding to actual input power by operation.
[0022]
As a result, a display method that is easy for the user to use can be selected, and usability can be further improved.
[0023]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the actual input power is lower than the power corresponding to the set level of the heating power, the level meter blinks the indicator that lights up.
[0024]
Thereby, it can confirm easily that the load (pan) currently used is a thing which is hard to heat, and can improve usability further.
[0025]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a circuit block diagram of an induction heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the induction heating cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a level meter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the actual input power of one embodiment of the present invention and its level, and FIG. 5 is the diagram showing the correspondence between the heating power of the conventional example and one embodiment of the present invention and its set level. FIG.
[0026]
First, the overall configuration will be described.
[0027]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an AC power source. Reference numeral 2 denotes a rectifier circuit which connects an AC power source 1 to two input terminals and converts it to a DC power source. A smoothing capacitor 3 is connected to the output terminal portion of the rectifier circuit 2 and smoothes the power source converted into direct current by the rectifier circuit 2.
[0028]
Reference numeral 4 denotes a resonance capacitor, two of which are connected in series, one end of which is connected to the high voltage side of the DC power supply (the + terminal portion of the rectifier circuit 2, the same applies hereinafter), and the other end is connected to the low voltage side of the DC power supply. (The negative terminal of the rectifier circuit 2; the same applies hereinafter) and two series connection points are connected to the first terminal of the heating coil 5 described later.
[0029]
Reference numeral 5 denotes a heating coil, which generates a magnetic flux when a high-frequency current flows, generates an eddy current in a load 18 that is approached via the magnetic flux, and heats it by the heat generating action of the load 18 itself. Reference numeral 6 denotes a resonance circuit, which includes the resonance capacitor 4 and the heating coil 5.
[0030]
7 is a snubber capacitor, two are connected in series, one end is connected to the high voltage side of the DC power supply, the other end is connected to the low voltage side of the DC power supply, and two series connection points are connected to the heating The second terminal of the coil 5 is connected.
[0031]
Reference numeral 8 denotes a switching element having anti-parallel diodes, two connected in series, one end connected to the high voltage side of the DC power supply, the other end connected to the low voltage side of the DC power supply, The series connection point is connected to the second terminal of the heating coil 5. The gate parts of the two switching elements 8 are connected to the output part of the driving part 9 described later.
[0032]
Reference numeral 9 denotes a drive unit, which connects this input unit to the output unit of the control unit 12 described later, and connects the output unit to the gate unit of the switching element 8.
[0033]
A coil current detection element 10 is installed to detect a current flowing through the heating coil 5, and an output unit thereof is connected to an input unit of the control unit 12 described later.
[0034]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a primary current detection element which is installed so as to detect a current flowing between the power source 1 and the rectifier circuit 2, and an output part thereof is connected to an input part of the control part 12 described later.
[0035]
12 is a control unit, and its input unit is connected to a coil current detection element 10, a primary current detection element 11, a temperature detection element 15 to be described later, a power supply voltage detection circuit 20 to be described later and an operation unit 16 to be described later, and its output unit is connected to the drive unit. 9. It connects with the postscript display part 13 and the postscript level meter 14, and these, input electric power, etc. are controlled.
[0036]
Reference numeral 13 denotes a display unit, which is formed of a liquid crystal display element or the like. In this embodiment, the display unit 13 is formed of a liquid crystal display element. However, the display unit 13 is not limited thereto, and a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode may be used.
[0037]
Reference numeral 14 denotes a level meter which is connected to the output unit of the control unit 12 and is constituted by 10 indicators, for example, LED lamps. Each LED lamp is lit and displayed by a signal from the control unit 12.
[0038]
A temperature detecting element 15 is provided at the upper center of the heating coil 5 below the top plate 17 so as to detect the temperature of the top plate 17 to be described later, and its output is connected to the input portion of the control unit 12 to be described later.
[0039]
Reference numeral 16 denotes an operation unit which is connected to the input unit of the control unit 12 and sets the level of heating power and the like.
[0040]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a top plate, which is disposed above the heating coil 5 and on which a post-load 18 to be heated is placed.
[0041]
A load 18 is placed on the top plate 17 above the heating coil 5 and heated.
[0042]
Reference numeral 19 denotes an inverter circuit which includes a switching element 8 and a snubber capacitor 7. The inverter circuit 19 is a current resonance type in this embodiment, but is not limited to this.
[0043]
A power supply voltage detection circuit 20 is installed so as to detect the voltage of the power supply 1, and its output unit is connected to the input unit of the control unit 12.
[0044]
Next, the display configuration will be mainly described.
[0045]
In FIG. 2, there are three heating units, a left induction heating (hereinafter referred to as “IH”) heater unit 21 on the left side, a right IH heater unit 22 on the right side, and a central heater unit 23 on the substantially rear center. The left IH heater unit 21 and the right IH heater unit 22 are formed by the heating coil 5.
[0046]
As for the display, there is a display unit 13 for the left IH heater unit 21 and a display unit 13 for the right IH heater unit 22 which are formed of a liquid crystal display element, and this display unit 13 is formed and configured to display numbers. The setting level of the heating power is expressed by a number by a signal from the control unit 12 at the time of heating and heating.
[0047]
Further, there is a level meter 14 for the left IH heater unit 21 in front of the left IH heater unit 21 and a level meter 14 for the right IH heater unit 22 in front of the right IH heater unit 22.
[0048]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of the left or right IH heater sections 21 and 22, and the circuits of the left IH heater section 21 and the right IH heater section 22 are the same, and one of them is omitted. Further, the circuit of the central heater unit 23 is also omitted.
[0049]
In FIG. 3, the level meter 14 is composed of 10 indicators (LED lamps), and further displays characters and symbols as a guide for the thermal power, and the level corresponding to the actual input power during heating is indicated by the number of lighting of the indicator. Represents. The actual input power at the time of heating is calculated by the control unit 12 based on signals from the primary current detection element 11 and the power supply voltage detection circuit 20.
[0050]
FIG. 4 shows the correspondence between actual input power and the set level. That is, when the actual input power is 150 W or less, the actual input power level is set to 1. When the actual input power is 151 W or more and 250 W, the actual input power is set to 2 as shown in the figure. Corresponding to the input power level (1 to 10).
[0051]
The level meter 14 lights up as many indicators (LED lamps) as the number of levels of actual input power corresponding to the actual input power.
[0052]
For example, if the actual input power is a value within the range of 1351 W to 1800 W, the level of the actual input power is 8 due to the correspondence shown in FIG. 4, so the level meter 14 has eight indicators (LED lamps). Is turned on (see FIG. 3).
[0053]
FIG. 5 shows the correspondence between the setting level of the heating power and the heating power. In other words, the heating power is divided into 10 stages, the heating power is set in increments of 100 W when the setting level of heating power is 1 to 5, and the heating power is set in increments of 300 W to 500 W when the setting level of heating power is 6 or more.
[0054]
For example, when the user wants to heat at 2500 W, the user operates the operation unit 16 so that the number display on the display unit 13 becomes 10, and when the user wants to heat at 1600 W, the operation unit displays so that the number display on the display unit 13 becomes 8. 16 may be operated.
[0055]
The overall operation of the above configuration will be described.
[0056]
When the user places the load 18 on the top plate 17 above the heating coil 5 and turns on a power switch (not shown) in the operation unit 16, the AC power source 1 is supplied to the rectifier circuit 2. The power source 1 is converted into a DC power source and smoothed by the smoothing capacitor 3. The smoothed DC power is supplied to the resonance circuit 6 formed by the heating coil 5 and the resonance capacitor 4.
[0057]
In this state, when the user operates the heating power adjustment knob (not shown) in the operation unit 16 to set the heating power, the signal is input to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the setting level of the heating power. Is displayed on the display unit 13, and the display unit 13 displays the setting level of the heating power with a number by this signal.
[0058]
Next, when the user performs an operation to start heating with the operation unit 16, the signal is input to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 includes the coil current detection element 10, the primary current detection element 11, the power supply voltage detection circuit 20, and the like. In order to control the input power according to the level of the heating power set by the operation unit 16 while grasping the signal of the temperature detection element 15, a signal is output to the drive unit 9 and an inverter circuit is connected via the drive unit 9. 19. That is, the switching element 8 is driven.
[0059]
When the switching element 8 is driven, the inverter circuit 19 generates a high-frequency resonance current in the resonance circuit 6 and heats the load 18 placed on the top plate 17 above the heating coil 5. At this time, the control unit 12 controls the input current and the like according to the setting level of the heating power set by the operation unit 16 and outputs an appropriate heating power.
[0060]
At the start of heating, the control unit 12 calculates actual input power based on signals from the primary current detection element 11 and the power supply voltage detection circuit 20, and outputs a calculation result signal to the level meter 14. Based on this signal, the level meter 14 represents the level corresponding to the actual input power by the number of lighting of the display (LED lamp), and the display unit 13 represents the set level of the heating power by a number.
[0061]
In the above description, the number of indicators constituting the level meter 14, the actual number of input power categories, and the number of heating power categories are 10 in this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. . Moreover, although the indicator which comprises the level meter 14 was used as the LED lamp, and the display part 13 was used as the liquid crystal display element, it is not limited to these. Further, the level meter 14 and the display unit 13 may be integrated.
[0062]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the setting level of the heating power can be displayed as a number, and the level corresponding to the actual input power can be viewed by the number of lighting of the display unit. It becomes possible to easily recognize the set level and the actual heating state of the load 18 simultaneously. If the input power actually supplied to the load 18 is lower than the set heating power setting level, the heating power setting level is set. It is possible to easily adjust the power by raising or lowering in the opposite case.
[0063]
Further, the display unit 13 and the level meter 14 are configured to switch and display the setting level of the heating power and the level corresponding to the actual input power by operation.
[0064]
That is, when the user operates a switch (not shown) in the operation unit 16, the setting level of the heating power displayed on the display unit 13 is switched to a level corresponding to the actual input power. Similarly, when the user operates a switch (not shown) in the operation unit 16, the level corresponding to the actual input power displayed on the level meter 14 is switched to the set level of the heating power.
[0065]
As a result, a display method that is easy for the user to use can be selected, and usability can be further improved.
[0066]
Further, the level meter 14 is configured to blink the indicator that is turned on when the actual input power is lower than the power corresponding to the set level of the heating power.
[0067]
For example, when the load 18 is a non-magnetic material that is difficult to heat and the heating power setting level is 10, the heating power corresponding to this is 2500 W (see FIG. 5), but the actual input power is, for example, 1801 If it is within the range of ˜2250 W, nine indicators (LED lamps) of the level meter 14 are lit and these are blinking.
[0068]
Thereby, it can confirm easily that the load (pan) currently used is a thing which is hard to heat, and can improve usability further.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the invention described in claim 1 is an induction heating cooker provided with a control unit that controls input power and the like, a display unit that performs display by a signal from the control unit, and a level meter. During heating, the display unit represents a set level of the heating power with a number, and the level meter represents a level corresponding to the actual input power with the number of lighting of the display.
[0070]
Thereby, it is easy to recognize the set level of the heating power, and at the same time, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an easy-to-use induction heating cooker that can be heated while grasping the actual input power.
[0071]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display unit and the level meter further switch and display a setting level of heating power and a level corresponding to actual input power by operation.
[0072]
As a result, it is possible to select a display method that is easy for the user to use, and it is possible to further improve usability.
[0073]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the actual input power is lower than the power corresponding to the set level of the heating power, the level meter blinks the indicator that lights up.
[0074]
Thereby, it can confirm easily that the load (pan) currently used is a thing which is hard to heat, and there exists an effect that a usability can be improved further.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of an induction heating cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the induction heating cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a level meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a correspondence between actual input power and its level according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a correspondence between heating power and a set level thereof in a conventional example and an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a display unit of a conventional induction heating cooker.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Control unit 13 Display unit 14 Level meter

Claims (3)

In an induction heating cooker provided with a control unit (12) that controls input power and the like, a display unit (13) that performs display by a signal from the control unit (12), and a level meter (14),
During heating, the display unit (13) represents the set level of the heating power with a number, and the level meter (14) represents the level corresponding to the actual input power with the number of lightings of the display. Cooking device. The induction heating cooker according to claim 1, wherein the display unit (13) and the level meter (14) switch and display a setting level of heating power and a level corresponding to actual input power by operation. The induction according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the level meter (14) blinks a lighted indicator when the actual input power is lower than the power corresponding to the set level of the heating power. Cooking cooker.

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