JP5065378B2

JP5065378B2 - Induction heating cooker

Info

Publication number: JP5065378B2
Application number: JP2009507406A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 泰史森本; 敏弘慶島; 恵子磯田; 博富永
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2007-03-12
Filing date: 2008-03-11
Publication date: 2012-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-11
Also published as: CN101647315B; WO2008120449A1; JPWO2008120449A1; CN101647315A; HK1139815A1

Description

【技術分野】
【０００１】
本発明は、調理容器を誘導加熱するとともに赤外線センサを用いて調理容器の温度を制御する誘導加熱調理器に関するものである。
【背景技術】
【０００２】
近年、火を使わない調理器として誘導加熱調理器が広く普及している。この誘導加熱調理器は、加熱コイルの中央下方に赤外線センサを配置し、赤外線センサからの出力に応じて制御手段によりインバータ回路を制御して加熱コイルの出力を制御している（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【先行技術文献】
【特許文献】
【特許文献１】
特開２００５−３８６６０号公報
【発明の概要】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
【０００３】
しかしながら、上記構成の誘導加熱調理器においては、空の（被調理物が収容されていない）鍋等の調理容器を加熱すると、調理容器は、最も磁束密度が高く加熱時の発熱が大きい加熱コイル巻線の最外周と最内周の中間部の上方部分が急激に温度上昇するため、調理容器の高温部分に対する加熱出力制御の応答が遅れ、熱伝導が悪く熱容量の低い薄手のステンレス鍋等を調理容器として使用すると、鍋底が赤熱して鍋が変形したり、あるいは油等の少量の被調理物が高温となる場合があった。
【０００４】
赤外線センサを加熱コイルの中央でなく加熱コイル中間部や、あるいは加熱コイルの巻線内周近傍の調理容器の温度が測定できるように配置すれば上述した課題は解決できるが、トッププレートに載置された調理容器から赤外線センサへの赤外線入射領域は加熱コイルの中心を外した位置に配置されることになる。この場合、調理容器は必ずしも赤外線入射領域の上方に載置されるとは限らず、ユーザが無意識に赤外線入射領域を塞がないように調理容器を載置すると、赤外線センサで調理容器の温度を適正に検知できない。特に、誘導加熱調理器の周囲が暗い場合は、赤外線入射領域を視認しづらいという問題がある。
【０００５】
本発明は、従来技術の有するこのような問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、調理容器から放射される赤外線の赤外線センサへの入射領域を容易に視認できるようにして、確実に赤外線センサによる調理容器の温度制御ができる使い勝手の良い誘導加熱調理器を提供することを目的としている。
【課題を解決するための手段】
【０００６】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明は、外郭を構成する本体と、該本体の上部に取り付けられ調理容器を載置するためのトッププレートと、前記トッププレートに対向して前記トッププレートの下方に設けられ交流磁界を発生して調理容器を誘導加熱するための加熱コイルとを備えた誘導加熱調理器であって、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記赤外線センサに導くための第１の導光部と、前記赤外線センサの出力信号に基づいて前記加熱コイルの出力を制御する制御手段と、光を出射する発光体と、該発光体から出射された光を前記トッププレートまで導き前記トッププレートの下方から照射するための第２の導光部とを備え、前記赤外線入射領域は前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するように形成されており、前記第２の導光部を通り導かれ前記トッププレートを透過した前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の前記加熱コイル外縁部側近傍に光拡散層が印刷された発光領域で発光させユーザが視認できるようにしたことを特徴とする。
【０００７】
また、本発明の別の形態は、外郭を構成する本体と、該本体の上部に取り付けられ調理容器を載置するためのトッププレートと、前記トッププレートに対向して前記トッププレートの下方に設けられ交流磁界を発生して調理容器を誘導加熱するための加熱コイルとを備えた誘導加熱調理器であって、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記赤外線センサに導くための第１の導光部と、前記赤外線センサの出力信号に基づいて前記加熱コイルの出力を制御する制御手段と、光を出射する発光体と、該発光体から出射された光を前記トッププレートまで導き前記トッププレートの下方から照射するための第２の導光部とを備え、前記赤外線入射領域は前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するように形成されており、前記第２の導光部を通り導かれ前記トッププレートを透過した前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の前記加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で発光させユーザが視認できるようにするとともに、前記トッププレート上方から見て、前記発光体の発光領域の中心と前記加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が前記発光体の発光領域の中心と前記加熱コイルの中心の間で前記赤外線入射領域を横切るように構成することもできる。
【０００８】
また、前記トッププレート上方から見て、前記発光体の発光領域の中心と前記加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が前記赤外線入射領域を略等分割するように構成している。
【０００９】
また、本発明のさらに別の形態は、外郭を構成する本体と、該本体の上部に取り付けられ調理容器を載置するため光を透過する絶縁体を材料として板状に形成されたトッププレートと、前記トッププレートに対向して前記トッププレートの下方に設けられ交流磁界を発生して調理容器を誘導加熱するための加熱コイルとを備えた誘導加熱調理器であって、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記赤外線センサに導くための第１の導光部と、前記赤外線センサの出力信号に基づいて前記加熱コイルの出力を制御する制御手段と、光を出射する発光体と、該発光体から出射された光を前記トッププレートまで導き前記トッププレートの下方から照射するための第２の導光部とを備え、前記赤外線入射領域は前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するように形成されており、前記第２の導光部を通り導かれ前記トッププレートを透過した前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の前記加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で発光させユーザが視認できるようにするとともに、前記トッププレートは、前記赤外線入射領域の少なくとも一部を取り囲む領域を表示する赤外線センサ表示窓を備え、前記発光体から出射された光は、前記赤外線センサ表示窓が取り囲む領域内で視認できるようにしている。
【００１０】
さらに、前記トッププレート上方から見て、前記赤外線入射領域を前記加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるのが好ましく、前記赤外線入射領域を前記加熱コイルの中心を通り前記本体前面と直交する線上に位置させるのがさらによい。
【００１１】
また、前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向し調理容器から放射され赤外線センサが検知する赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域は１箇所とし、前記赤外線入射領域を前記加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるようにしている。
【００１２】
また、本発明のさらに別の形態は、外郭を構成する本体と、該本体の上部に取り付けられ調理容器を載置するためのトッププレートと、前記トッププレートに対向して前記トッププレートの下方に設けられ交流磁界を発生して調理容器を誘導加熱するための加熱コイルとを備えた誘導加熱調理器であって、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記赤外線センサに導くための第１の導光部と、前記赤外線センサの出力信号に基づいて前記加熱コイルの出力を制御する制御手段と、光を出射する発光体と、該発光体から出射された光を前記トッププレートまで導くための第２の導光部と、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する他の赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された他の赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記他の赤外線センサに導くための他の第１の導光部とを備え、前記赤外線入射領域は前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するように形成されており、前記第２の導光部を通り導かれた前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の前記加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で発光させ視認できるようにするとともに、前記トッププレート上方から見て、前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で発光する領域を１箇所のみとし、前記赤外線入射領域を前記加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させ、かつ近傍が発光する前記赤外線入射領域を近傍が発光しない前記他の赤外線入射領域よりも手前側に設けている。
【００１３】
また、前記加熱コイルの中心に対して前記赤外線入射領域の反対側に前記トッププレートの裏面温度を熱伝導で検知する第１の温度検知手段を設けるのが好ましく、前記加熱コイルの略中心に前記トッププレートの裏面温度を熱伝導で検知する第２の温度検知手段を設けるのがさらに好ましい。
【００１４】
また、前記第１の導光部と前記第２の導光部は樹脂で一体的に形成するのがよい。
【００１５】
また、樹脂で形成され前記加熱コイルを保持するためのコイルベースと、前記第１及び第２の導光部と一体的に形成された導光部保持部材をさらに設け、導光部保持部材を前記コイルベースに固定している。
【００１６】
また、前記第２の導光部に挿入され前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の近傍に導くための導光体を設けるのが好ましい。
【００１７】
本発明のさらに別の形態は、外郭を構成する本体と、該本体の上部に取り付けられ調理容器を載置するためのトッププレートと、前記トッププレートに対向して前記トッププレートの下方に設けられ交流磁界を発生して調理容器を誘導加熱するための加熱コイルとを備えた誘導加熱調理器であって、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるように前記トッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を前記赤外線センサに導くための第１の導光部と、前記赤外線センサの出力信号に基づいて前記加熱コイルの出力を制御する制御手段と、光を出射する発光体と、該発光体から出射された光を前記トッププレートまで導くための第２の導光部と、樹脂で形成され前記加熱コイルを保持するためのコイルベースと、前記第１及び第２の導光部と一体的に形成された導光部保持部材と、前記加熱コイルの下方に設けられた複数のフェライトコアと、を備え、前記赤外線入射領域は前記加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で前記加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するように形成されており、前記第２の導光部を通り導かれた前記発光体からの光を前記赤外線入射領域の前記加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で発光させ視認できるようにするとともに、該複数のフェライトコアの端部を前記導光部保持部材により保持している。
【発明の効果】
【００１８】
本発明によれば、赤外線入射領域は加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するトッププレートに形成されているので、加熱コイル中心の上方より温度の高い調理容器の底面温度を赤外線センサで測定して感度良く検知することができ、少量の油の発火や薄い調理容器の高温での変形を防止することができる。
【００１９】
また、トッププレートに赤外線が透過できるように形成された赤外線入射領域を通過した赤外線を第１の導光部を介して赤外線センサに導き、発光体から出射された光を第２の導光部を介してトッププレートまで導くとともに、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向するトッププレートに配置し、第２の導光部で導かれた発光体からの光を赤外線入射領域の加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で視認できるようにしたので、加熱コイルの中心部上方より高温となる調理容器の部分の赤外線を測定して調理容器の急激な温度上昇を応答性良く検知できることから、少量の油での調理時における油の発火を防止することができ、また薄い調理容器を使用した調理時に調理容器の高温での変形を防止することができる。
【００２０】
さらに、赤外線入射領域が中心からずれているが、調理容器底面の中心を加熱コイル中心に対して、できるだけ近づけながら発光領域を調理容器底面で覆うことにより、ユーザは容易に加熱コイルと加熱容器の磁気結合を大きくして加熱効率を高めつつ赤外線入射領域の上に調理容器底面が位置するようにさせることができる。したがって、赤外線センサの使用数を低減して赤外線センサによる調理容器の温度制御を確実に行うことが可能となり、調理容器の異常な発熱を抑制し安全性が向上するとともに、高温での調理を効率良く行うことができるので、使い勝手が向上し安価な誘導加熱調理器を提供することができる。
【００２１】
また、トッププレート上方から見て、発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心の間で赤外線入射領域を横切るように配置したので、発光体からの光を赤外線入射領域の加熱コイル外縁部側近傍で発光させた場合にくらべ、調理容器底面で発光体からの光を遮るように載置することによって調理容器底面で赤外線入射領域が覆われる確率を高めることができる。
【００２２】
また、トッププレート上方から見て、発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が赤外線入射領域を略等分割する（例えば、発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が赤外線入射領域の左右の対称軸となる）ように配置したので、発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心とを結ぶ直線が発光体の発光領域の中心と加熱コイルの中心の間で赤外線入射領域を横切るように構成した場合に比べ、調理容器をその底面が発光体からの光を遮るように載置することにより調理容器底面で赤外線入射領域が覆われる確率をさらに高くすることができる。
【００２３】
また、トッププレートは赤外線入射領域の少なくとも一部を取り囲む領域を表示する赤外線センサ表示窓を備え、発光体から出射された光は赤外線センサ表示窓が取り囲む領域内で視認できるようにしたので、ユーザは、発光体の発光領域での発光の意味、発光しない赤外線入射領域さらには赤外線センサの存在を、赤外線センサ表示窓で発光体の光による発光部分と赤外線入射領域を関連付けることにより、容易に認識することができる。
【００２４】
また、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるようにしたので、発光領域の上方に調理容器が位置していない場合に、発光領域が調理人側から見て調理容器の側壁で隠れにくくなり、調理人がより容易に発光領域を視認することができる。
【００２５】
また、加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向し調理容器から放射され赤外線センサが検知する赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域は１箇所とし、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるようにしたので、使用する赤外線センサの数を減らし安価とすることができ、発光領域を調理容器底面の縁部で覆う作業を行い易くし、調理容器底面で赤外線入射領域を覆う確率を高め、使い勝手を良くすることができる。
【００２６】
また、前記トッププレート上方から見て、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心を通り本体前面と直交する線上に位置させるようにしたので、発光領域の上方に調理容器が位置していない場合に、発光領域が調理人側から見て調理容器の側壁で最も隠れにくくなり、調理人が最も容易に発光領域を視認することができる。
【００２７】
また、加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で加熱コイルの中心とは異なる部位に対向し調理容器から放射され赤外線センサが検知する赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレートに形成された赤外線入射領域は１箇所とし、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるようにし、かつトッププレート上方から見て、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心を通り本体前面と直交する線上に位置させるようにしたので、使用する赤外線センサの数を減らし安価とすることができ、その場合に、調理人が最も容易に発光領域を視認することができるとともに調理容器底面で赤外線入射領域を覆う確率を高め、使い勝手を良くすることができる。
【００２８】
また、トッププレート上方から見て、赤外線入射領域を加熱コイルの中心より手前側に位置させるようにし、かつ加熱コイルの下方に設けられ調理容器から放射される赤外線を検出する他の赤外線センサと、調理容器から放射される赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレートに形成された他の赤外線入射領域を介して調理容器からの赤外線を他の赤外線センサに導くための他の第１の導光部とを備え、トッププレート上方から見て、加熱コイルの外縁部の内側で発光する領域を１箇所のみとし、近傍が発光する赤外線入射領域を近傍が発光しない他の赤外線入射領域よりも手前側に設けることにより、発光部の数を低減するとともに複数の発光部に惑わされることなくその位置を確認しながら調理人が調理容器を載置することが容易になる。
【００２９】
さらに、加熱コイルの中心に対して赤外線センサの反対側に熱伝導で検知する温度検知手段を設けると、調理容器のより高温部を測定する赤外線センサに加え、加熱コイル中心上部より温度の高くなる調理容器の部分の温度を熱伝導で検知する温度検知手段で測定することになるので、赤外線センサが故障した場合や、調理容器が赤外線入射領域を適正に覆っていない場合等、赤外線センサで調理容器の温度を検知できない場合でも、熱伝導による温度検知手段で調理容器の温度を検知できるので、安全性または使い勝手がさらに向上する。
【００３０】
さらに、加熱コイルの中心に熱伝導で検知する温度検知手段を設けると、加熱コイル中心上方の調理容器の部分より高温部を測定する赤外線センサに加え、調理容器の温度の加熱コイルの中心に対する調理容器の中心位置のずれに対して最も安定的に調理容器の底面温度を熱伝導による温度検知手段で測定することになるので、赤外線センサに外乱光が入射した場合、赤外線センサでの温度測定回路が故障した場合、または調理容器が赤外線入射領域を覆っていない場合等、赤外線センサで調理容器の温度を検知できない場合でも、熱伝導による温度検知手段で調理容器の温度を検知できるので、揚げ物調理時の油の温度など安定温度を精度良く制御することができ、使い勝手がさらに向上する。加熱コイルの中心に対して赤外線センサの反対側に熱伝導で検知する温度検知手段をさらに設けることにより上記の効果が加わり、さらに外乱光が赤外線センサに入射した場合や調理容器の位置ずれが起きた場合の信頼性を高めることができる。
【００３１】
また、第１及び第２の導光部を樹脂で一体的に形成したので、第１及と第２の導光部の相対的位置ずれがなく構成が簡素となり作製が容易である。
【００３２】
また、樹脂で形成され加熱コイルを保持するためのコイルベースと、第１及び第２の導光部と一体的に形成された導光部保持部材をさらに備え、該導光部保持部材をコイルベースに固定したので、加熱コイルと導光部との位置ずれの規制が容易で、コイルベースを本体に組み込むと同時に第１の導光部と第２の導光部を本体に組み込むことができ、赤外線センサによる測定及びその位置を示す発光領域を備えた調理容器の底面温度の測定構成が容易に実現できる。なお、第１の導光部または第２の導光部は、コイルベースと樹脂で一体的に成型してコイルベースに固定してもよい。
【００３３】
また、導光体を第２の導光部に挿入したので、発光体からの光を赤外線入射領域の近傍に効率よく導くことができ、かつ組立が容易である。
【００３４】
また、加熱コイルの下方に設けられた複数のフェライトコアの端部を導光部保持部材により保持したので、フェライトコアを機械的に保持すると同時に導光部保持部材を加熱コイルに固定することができ、構成が簡素である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【００３５】
【図１】図１は本発明にかかる誘導加熱調理器の概略断面図
【図２】図２は図１の誘導加熱調理器に設けられたトッププレートの部分平面図
【図３】図３は図１の誘導加熱調理器の要部分解斜視図
【図４】図４は図１の誘導加熱調理器に設けられた導光筒保持部材の分解斜視図
【図５】図５は図４の導光筒保持部材を下から見た場合の分解斜視図
【図６】図６は図１の誘導加熱調理器に設けられた赤外線センサ近傍の部分拡大図
【発明を実施するための形態】
【００３６】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図面を参照しながら説明する。
図１は本発明にかかる誘導加熱調理器Ｃの概略断面図であり、図１に示されるように、本発明にかかる誘導加熱調理器Ｃは、外郭を構成する本体２と、本体２の上部に取り付けられ鍋等の調理容器Ｐが載置されるトッププレート４と、トッププレート４の下方に設けられ高周波磁界を発生させる略円盤状の加熱コイル６とを備えている。
【００３７】
トッププレート４は光を透過する結晶化セラミック等の絶縁体を材料として板状に形成され、その裏面または表面に加熱コイル６上面に対向した円形状の領域が表示されるように印刷膜７ａ（図６参照）を形成することにより調理容器Ｐを載置する範囲が表示された加熱部５が設けられる（図２参照）。加熱部５の領域を表示する印刷抜き部４ｃは、印刷膜７ａが形成されていない部分により所定幅の線で円形に形成されており、印刷膜７ａの外側（下面）の層には、光透過率が略ゼロの黒色の遮光層７ｂ（図６参照）が印刷により形成されている。なお、線状の印刷抜き部４ｃを周囲と異なる色としても良い。例えば、図２に示すように加熱コイル６上部に印刷膜７ａで形成された円形状の印刷部４ｄ及び加熱コイル６上部以外の印刷部４ｅを銀色とし、印刷抜き部４ｃに透明または半透明の黒色、茶色等の印刷膜を形成してもよい。また、加熱コイル６の外周より外側（横方向）に放射状で所定の長さのスリット部４ｆを複数設け、加熱部５の領域を表示してもよい。スリット部４ｆを光透過可能に形成し、またはトッププレート４の加熱コイル６周囲を光透過可能に構成し、その下方に環状で線状の発光体（図示せず）を設け、スリット部４ｆまたは加熱コイル６周囲で発光させて加熱部５の領域を表示してもよい。印刷部４ｄ、印刷抜き部４ｃ、スリット４ｆの形状は、いずれも加熱部５の範囲を表示するものであり、任意に１つ以上選択して加熱部５の範囲を表示してよい。
【００３８】
加熱部５を表示するトッププレート４裏面の印刷部４ｄの一部には印刷膜７ａが設けられていない印刷抜き部で赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇ（図２参照）が形成されており、その平面形状は略長方形となっている。赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇは、その範囲内（内側）に後述する第１の導光筒４２ａ（図６参照）の上端の開口部に対向する領域であって調理容器Ｐから放射され赤外線センサ１０が受光する赤外線の入射領域である赤外線入射領域４ａと、後述する発光体１１から出射された光が視認できる範囲である発光領域４ｂとが含まれるように形成されている。なお、赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇは、外側から見て内部が見えにくくするための例えば白色、茶色等の半透明の印刷膜（図示せず）を設けても良い。また、赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇ全体を赤外線が透過できるようにしても良い。また、赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇ内の一部においてトッププレート４下面に遮光層７ｂを設けてもよい。例えば、赤外線入射領域４ａ及び発光体１１から出射された光の発光領域４ｂ以外の赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇの領域内の光の透過を、遮光層７ｂを設けることにより、赤外線センサ１０への外乱光の侵入を抑制することができる。
【００３９】
赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇの領域内において、第２の導光部４２ｂの端部の発光が視認できる領域である発光領域４ｂの手前側には「ＳＥＮＳＯＲ」の文字が表示され、ユーザは赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇが赤外線センサ１０による温度測定用の領域を示す窓であること及び発光領域４ｂが調理容器Ｐで覆うべき領域であることを容易に認識することができる。また、「ＳＥＮＳＯＲ」の文字を覆うようにすればさらに確実に赤外線入射領域４ａを調理容器Ｐの底面で覆うことができ赤外線センサ１０により調理容器Ｐの温度測定の精度を高めることができる。
【００４０】
加熱コイル６は耐熱樹脂等で形成されたコイルベース８に載置され、複数の棒状のコイルホルダ９が加熱コイル６の外周部でコイルベース８に螺着されることでコイルホルダ９の先端部により加熱コイル６の内周部が押さえられて保持されており、コイルベース８の下方には、加熱コイル６の中心６ａから手前側（調理人側から見て、以下同様）に位置する調理容器Ｐ底部の温度を検知する赤外線センサ１０とトッププレート４に向かって光を出射する発光体１１とが設けられ、赤外線センサ１０と発光体１１は基板（印刷配線板）１２上に設置され他の電気部品と電気的に接続している。
【００４１】
トッププレート４の赤外線入射領域４ａ（図６参照）は、加熱コイル６の内縁部の内側近傍において発光領域４ｂに対して加熱コイル６の径方向内側で加熱コイル６の中心６ａとは異なる部位に対向するように設けられており、赤外線センサ１０は赤外線入射領域４ａの真下に位置している。
【００４２】
なお、加熱コイル６を内コイルと外コイルの分割巻き構成とし、赤外線入射領域４ａ及び発光領域４ｂを加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃの内側で、内コイルと外コイルとの間の直下に配置することもできる。
【００４３】
また、赤外線センサ１０の上方には可視光の透過を抑制するための平板状のフィルタ１４が設けられるとともに、赤外線センサ１０の周囲にも可視光の透過を抑制するための側壁１６が設けられている。フィルタ１４は、赤外線センサ１０の周囲を囲繞する側壁１６を介して基板１２上の赤外線センサ１０を覆うように基板１２上に取り付けられており、赤外線センサ１０の真上に位置するフィルタ１４には赤外線センサ１０の視野を絞る、すなわち調理容器Ｐから放射され赤外線入射領域４ａから第１の導光筒４２ａ内面で反射せず直接赤外線センサ１０に入射する赤外線の量を増加させるための凸レンズ１８が一体的に形成されている。
【００４４】
また、基板１２上には赤外線センサ１０からの出力信号を増幅する増幅器（図示せず）等も設けられ、赤外線センサ１０からの出力信号は増幅器で増幅されて、コネクタ２０に接続されたリード線２２と、増幅された赤外線センサ１０の出力信号を調理容器の温度に換算する温度換算手段２４ｂを介して制御手段２４ａに接続されている。制御手段２４ａと温度換算手段２４ｂは制御基板２４上で構成されている。なお、温度換算手段２４ｂは基板１２上に構成してもよい。さらに、制御基板２４の前方には加熱調理器Ｃを操作する操作パネル２８が設けられている。
【００４５】
また、赤外線センサ１０と発光体１１を載置する基板１２はアルミニウム、非磁性ステンレスまたは鉄板等の金属で形成された金属ケース２６に収容されており、金属ケース２６の上面における赤外線センサ１０の受光面と発光体１１の光の出射面に対向する部分には調理容器Ｐからの赤外線を通過させるとともに発光体１１から出射された光を通過させるための開口部２６ｃが形成されている。第１の導光筒(第１の導光部)４２ａの下端は、金属ケース２６の上面より下方に位置し、フィルタ１４に近接するようにして赤外線入射領域４ａからの赤外線が赤外線センサ１０に入射される比率を高めている。また、開口部２６ｃ周囲の金属ケース２６の上面が、金属ケース２６が固定される導光筒保持部材（導光部保持部材）４０の下面に密着して金属ケース２６と導光筒保持部材４０の間の隙間から光が侵入しないようになっている。金属ケース２６は、金属ケース上２６ａと金属ケース下２６ｂとを嵌合させることにより組み立てられる。金属ケース上２６ａと金属ケース下２６ｂは、それぞれ金属板を折り曲げて形成されている。また、金属ケース上２６ａの一部を外側に折り曲げて固定片２６ｄを形成している。また、金属ケース上２６ａの一部が内側に折り曲げられた係止片（図示せず）に、基板１２が螺着され固定されている。
【００４６】
また、発光体１１から出射された光が通過するトッププレート４の一部はユーザが発光体１１の光を視認できる領域である発光領域４ｂ（図６参照）となっており、発光領域４ｂは発光体１１の真上に位置し、ユーザが手前側から斜視すると視差により発光体１１の真上から手前側に位置することになり、赤外線入射領域４ａと隣接して赤外線入射領域４ａの手前側に設けられている。なお、トッププレート４の発光領域４ｂに光拡散層を印刷し、発光体１１からの光を下方から照射してもよい。
【００４７】
操作パネル２８を操作して加熱操作が指示されると、赤外線センサ１０からの出力信号は温度換算手段２４ｂにより調理容器Ｐの温度に換算されるが、温度換算手段２４ｂを設けることなく赤外センサ１０の出力信号を温度情報として制御手段２４ａに直接出力するようにしてもよい。換算された温度または赤外センサ１０の出力信号に基づいて制御手段２４ａは加熱コイル６に高周波電力を供給するインバータ電源３０を制御し、調理容器Ｐの温度を所定の温度または所定の温度以下に調節する。
【００４８】
図２及び図３に示されるように、コイルベース８に載置し保持された加熱コイル６の上方には、上から順に厚みが０．５〜１．５ｍｍ程度のアルミニウム製の板で形成され、アルミニウム製の調理容器Ｐを加熱した場合に調理容器Ｐに働く浮力を低減するための浮力低減板３２と、厚みが略２ｍｍでセラミックファイバー製の断熱材である断熱シート３４と、厚みが略０．５ｍｍの電気絶縁板であるマイカ板３６が載置されており、コイルベース８の下面には、加熱コイル６からその裏面側への磁束を加熱コイル６近傍に集中するため、平面視で加熱コイル６の中心６ａを中心とした放射状に延びる複数のフェライトコア３８が所定の間隔で取り付けられている。これらのフェライトコア３８の一部（後述）を除く殆どは側面視でＵ字状を呈し、その両端部は上方に折曲され、外端部は加熱コイル６の径方向外側に位置する一方、内端部は加熱コイル６の径方向内側に位置している。
【００４９】
また、コイルベース８の下面には樹脂製の導光筒保持部材４０が取り付けられており、この導光筒保持部材４０に形成された金属ケース固定部４０ｅ（図５参照）に上述した赤外線センサ１０が収容された金属ケース２６の固定片２６ｄを螺着することにより金属ケース２６は導光筒保持部材４０に取り付けられている。このとき、開口部２６ｃに導光筒(導光部)４２の下端を挿入し、導光筒４２の下部外壁４０ｆの下端と円環部４０ａの下面と、金属ケース２６の上面が密着することにより、開口部２６ｃから金属ケース２６内に導かれる光は導光筒４２を経路とするもののみとなる。
【００５０】
以下、導光筒保持部材４０の構成について図４及び図５を参照しながら説明する。
導光筒保持部材４０は所定の幅で環状に形成され加熱コイル６の下面に上面が当接する円環部４０ａを有している。円環部４０ａの下面の幅中間部には垂直下方に向かって設けられた凸状の補強リブ４０ｈが一体的に形成される。円環部４０ａの前部の内周側には導光筒４２、金属ケース固定部４０ｅ、及び導光筒下部外壁４０ｆが一体的に形成される。円環部４０ａの前部で導光筒４２の前方には外側径方向に所定の幅で配線係止部４０ｃが突設され、その先端近傍に配線係止片４０ｄが断面Ｌ形に一体的に形成される。円環部４０ａの下面には金属ケース固定部４０ｅが導光筒４２の近傍に下方に向け突設され、また導光筒保持部材固定部４０ｇが３箇所分散して設けられている。円環部４０ａの後部には第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４が垂直方向に一体的に形成されている。また、円環部４０ａの中央部、すなわち導光筒４２と第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４との間で、加熱コイル６の中心部の直下の位置には第２のサーミスタ保持部材５１の下部を覆う第２のサーミスタカバー４６が第２のサーミスタカバー４６と円環部４０ａとを連結する連結部材４８とともに一体的に形成されている。第１及び第２のサーミスタ保持部材４４，４６には第１及び第２のサーミスタ５０，５２がそれぞれソレノイドコイル状に形成されたコイルスプリング５３，５５とともに収容され（図１参照）、第１及び第２のサーミスタ５０，５２は、赤外線センサ１０と同様、コネクタ（図示せず）に接続されたリード線（図示せず）を介して制御手段２４ａに接続されている。
【００５１】
なお、第１及び第２のサーミスタ５０，５２は調理容器Ｐの温度を熱伝導で検知する温度検知手段で、第１及び第２のサーミスタ保持部材４４，５１にそれぞれ収容された第１及び第２のサーミスタ５０，５２はコイルスプリング５３，５５によりトッププレート４に向かって付勢されている。第２のサーミスタ保持部材５１は、コイルベース８及び連結部材４９とともに樹脂で一体に成型され保持されるとともに、第２のサーミスタカバー４６により下部を覆われ、冷却風が第２のサーミスタ保持部材５１の下面のサーミスタ５２の係止部を係止するための穴から第２のサーミスタ保持部材５１内に入り込み第２のサーミスタ５２を冷却しないようにしている。また、赤外線センサ１０の方がサーミスタ５０，５２より過渡的な温度応答性に優れていることから、例えば、炒め物調理のように油量が少ない調理の場合において調理容器Ｐ底面が急激に温度上昇するようなときでも、赤外線センサ１０の出力に応じて調理容器Ｐの底面の温度を高感度に測定でき、加熱コイル６の出力は油発火等が起こる直前に素早く低減されるとともに、野菜などの被調理物が投入され調理容器Ｐの温度が低下すると素早く出力を回復されるように制御される。しかしながら、赤外線センサ１０の上方に調理容器Ｐが載置されていない等の理由で赤外線センサ１０で調理容器Ｐの温度を検知できない場合や、赤外線センサ１０が故障した場合のバックアップとして加熱コイル６の中心６ａより後方の位置にサーミスタ５０は設けられ、揚げ物調理時の油温自動設定の際の温度調整用として加熱コイル６中央のサーミスタ５２は設けられている。
【００５２】
導光筒保持部材４０の円環部４０ａの内縁部には上方に向かって凸状のリブ４０ｂが一体的に形成されており、このリブ４０ｂがコイルベース８の裏面に接着剤によって接着保持された複数のフェライトコア３８の内端面に沿うように挿入され、導光筒保持部材４０の円環部４０ａに複数設けられた導光筒保持部材固定部４０ｇがコイルベース８に螺着されることで、フェライトコア３８の内端部底面及び側面は導光筒保持部材４０により保持及び位置規制されている。したがって、導光筒保持部材４０はフェライトコア３８の機械的保持部材としての機能も果たしている。
【００５３】
なお、導光筒４２と第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４はその一部がリブ４０ｂの外側に位置しているので、導光筒４２と第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４に対応するフェライトコア３８の内端部は導光筒４２と第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４と干渉しないように切り欠かれており、内端部が切り欠かれたフェライトコア３８は他のフェライトコア３８より短く、側面視でＬ字状を呈している。図３に示されるように、導光筒４２と第１のサーミスタ保持部材４４の上方に位置する浮力低減板３２、断熱シート３４及びマイカ板３６の一部は、少なくとも調理容器Ｐから導光筒４２の上部開口を通り赤外線センサ１０に入射する赤外線を遮断しないように、第１及び第２のサーミスタ５０，５２が貫通してトッププレート４裏面に接触できるように切り欠かれている。
【００５４】
また、導光筒４２は断面外形が楕円形に形成されており、その内部は２分されて、加熱コイル６の中心６ａ側に調理容器Ｐから放射される赤外線を赤外線センサ１０に導くための第１の導光筒４２ａが形成されるとともに、第１の導光筒４２ａに対して加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃ側近傍に位置し、さらに加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側に発光体１１から出射される光をトッププレート４に向かって導くための第２の導光筒（第２の導光部）４２ｂが形成されている。したがって、赤外線センサ１０と発光体１１を収容した金属ケース２６は、赤外線センサ１０と発光体１１が第１の導光筒４２ａと第２の導光筒４２ｂの下端開口部にそれぞれ対向するように導光筒保持部材４０に螺着されている。
【００５５】
なお、導光筒４２の上端部には上方に延びる馬蹄形のリブ４２ｃが導光筒４２の上端部外周に沿って形成されその外側に所定幅の段部４２ｄが配設されており、第２の導光筒４２ｂの内部には発光体１１から出射される光をトッププレート４近傍に効率的に導き発光させて視認しやすくするための導光体５６が収容されている。図３に示すマイカ板３６は、加熱コイル６の上に固定される際、マイカ板３６に設けられた穴３６ａにリブ４２ｃが嵌め込まれ図６に示すように段部４２ｄの上に穴３６ａの周囲の縁部が載置される。同様に半球容器状の第２のサーミスタ保持部材５１の上端部において上方に延びる略環状のリブ５１ａとその外側の段部５１ｂが形成されており、マイカ板３６は、穴３６ｂにリブ５１ａが嵌入され、穴３６ｂの周囲の縁部が段部５１ｂに載置される。冷却ファン（図示せず）により送風される冷却風Ａは、図６に示すように加熱コイル６の中央下方から送り込まれマイカ板３６の下面に当たりマイカ板３６の下面に沿って加熱コイル６の上面との間の隙間を放射状に流れる。冷却風Ａは、断熱シート３４やトッププレート４に直接触れることなくマイカ板３６の下面と加熱コイル６の上面を通過するので、効率よく加熱コイル６を冷却することができる。また、マイカ板３６が段部４２ｄを含む導光筒４２の上端面に載置されるので、高温の冷却風Ａが第１の導光筒４２ａの内部に送り込まれる経路を遮断する。したがって、冷却風Ａが赤外センサ１０の周辺に吹き付けられることにより赤外線センサ１０の温度を許容温度以上に上昇させるのを防止することができる。
【００５６】
図５及び図６に示されるように、導光体５６は円柱状に形成されており、その下部には第２の導光筒４２ｂの下端部に形成された一対の切欠４２ｆに嵌入し導光体５６を第２の導光筒４２ｂに係止するための一対の係止片５６ａが一体的に形成されている。この導光体５６は、金属ケース２６を導光筒保持部材４０に取り付ける前に第２の導光筒４２ｂに下方から挿入される。
【００５７】
以上のように構成された誘導加熱調理器Ｃについて、以下その動作、作用を説明する。
食材を調理容器Ｐに入れて本発明にかかる誘導加熱調理器Ｃで調理するに際し、誘導加熱調理器Ｃの電源スイッチ(図示せず)を投入すると、発光体１１が発光してその出射光が導光体５６に導かれてトッププレート４の赤外線入射領域４ａの近傍（加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側で赤外線入射領域４ａに対して加熱コイル６の径方向外側、本実施の形態では、トッププレート４上方から見て、加熱コイル６の中心６ａを通り本体２の前面２ａと直交する線上）の発光領域４ｂに照射される。したがって、ユーザは赤外線入射領域４ａに対して加熱コイル６の径方向外側に設けられた発光領域４ｂの発光を視認することができ、発光領域４ｂを塞ぐように調理容器Ｐをトッププレート４上に載置すれば赤外線センサ１０が調理容器Ｐの底面から放射される赤外線を確実に受光することができる。
【００５８】
操作パネル２８を操作して加熱開始が指示されると、制御手段２４ａはインバータ電源３０を介して加熱コイル６に高周波電流を供給する。加熱コイル６に高周波電流が供給されると、加熱コイル６は交流磁界を発生し、調理容器Ｐは誘導加熱によって温度が上昇する。調理容器Ｐの温度が上昇すると、ステファン・ボルツマンの法則に示されるように、調理容器Ｐは一般にその絶対温度の４剰に比例した赤外線エネルギーを放射する。調理容器Ｐから放射された赤外線は、赤外線入射領域４ａと第１の導光筒４２ａ内部を通過し、赤外線センサ１０を覆うように設けられ不要な光を除去するためのフィルタ１４を透過して赤外線センサ１０に到達する。
【００５９】
また、調理容器Ｐの温度が高くなると、赤外線エネルギーを受けた赤外線センサ１０の出力信号は大きくなり、上述したように、この出力信号は増幅器により増幅されて温度換算手段２４ｂに入力され、温度換算手段２４ｂで赤外線センサ１０の出力信号を調理容器Ｐの温度に換算する。制御手段２４ａは、換算された調理容器Ｐの温度があらかじめ設定された所定の温度を超えるとインバータ電源３０から加熱コイル６に出力される高周波電流の供給を停止しあるいは高周波電流を低減するように調節する。
【００６０】
赤外線入射領域４ａは加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃの内側で加熱コイル６の中心６ａとは異なる部位に位置するように設けられた、第１の導光筒４２ａ上端の開口面に対向するように形成されるトッププレート４の部分である。第２の導光筒４２ｂで導かれた発光体１１の出射光を赤外線入射領域４ａより加熱コイル６の径方向外側で発光させ視認できるようにしたので、加熱コイル６の中心部上方より高温となる調理容器Ｐの部分が放射する赤外線を、赤外線センサ１０に入射させることができ、かつ調理容器Ｐの中心を加熱コイル６の中心６ａに対して、可能なだけ近づけて発光領域４ｂを調理容器Ｐの底面で覆うことができる。これにより、加熱コイル６と加熱容器Ｐの磁気結合を大きくしつつ、すなわち加熱効率を高めつつ赤外線入射領域４ａの上に調理容器Ｐ底面が位置するようにさせることができる。したがって、加熱効率を高くしながら赤外線センサ１０による調理容器Ｐの温度制御を確実に行うことが可能となり、調理容器Ｐの異常な発熱を抑制し安全性が向上するとともに、高温での調理を効率良く行うことができ使い勝手が向上する。
【００６１】
また、図２に示されるように、トッププレート４上方から見て、発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａとを結ぶ直線６ｂが発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａの間で赤外線入射領域４ａを横切るように配置すれば、このような構成を採用せず、発光体１１からの光を赤外線入射領域４ａの加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃ側近傍で発光させた場合に比べ、調理容器Ｐ底面で発光体１１からの光を遮るように載置したときの調理容器Ｐの底面で赤外線入射領域４ａが覆われる確率を高めることができる。
【００６２】
また、トッププレート４上方から見て、発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａとを結ぶ直線６ｂが赤外線入射領域４ａを略等分割する（例えば、発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａとを結ぶ直線が赤外線入射領域４ａの左右の対称軸となる）ように配置したので、このような構成を採用せず、発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａとを結ぶ直線６ｂが発光体１１の発光領域４ｂの中心４ｈと加熱コイル６の中心６ａの間で赤外線入射領域４ａを横切るように構成した場合に比べ、調理容器Ｐをその底面が発光体１１からの光を遮るように載置したときの調理容器Ｐ底面で赤外線入射領域４ａが覆われる確率をさらに高くすることができる。
【００６３】
また、トッププレート４は赤外線入射領域４ａの少なくとも一部を取り囲む領域を表示する赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇを備え、発光体１１から出射された光は赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇの取り囲む領域内で視認できるようにしたので、ユーザは、発光体１１の発光領域４ｂでの発光の意味、発光しない赤外線入射領域４ａさらには赤外線センサ１０の存在を、赤外線センサ表示窓４ｇで発光体１１の光による発光領域４ｂと赤外線入射領域４ａを関連付けることにより、容易に認識することができる。
【００６４】
また、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側に位置させるようにしたので、赤外線入射領域４ａの近傍で加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃ側において発光させる発光体１１の光が、その上方に調理容器Ｐが位置していない場合に、調理人側から見て調理容器Ｐの側壁で隠れにくくなり、調理人がより容易に発光部分を視認することができる。
【００６５】
また、加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃの内側で加熱コイル６の中心６ａとは異なる部位に対向し調理容器Ｐから放射され赤外線センサが検知する赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレート４に形成された赤外線入射領域４ａは、発光体１１からの光を当該赤外線入射領域の加熱コイル外縁部６ｃ側近傍で発光させ視認できるようにした赤外線入射領域４ａの１箇所とし、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側（調理人側）に位置させるようにしたので、複数の赤外線センサを使用して、加熱コイル６の中心６ａとは異なる部位に対向した複数の場所で調理容器Ｐの底面温度を測定する場合に比べ赤外線センサの数を減らし安価とすることができ、発光領域４ｂを調理容器Ｐ底面の縁部で覆う作業を行い易くし、調理容器Ｐ底面で赤外線入射領域４ａを覆う確率を高め、使い勝手を良くすることができる。
【００６６】
また、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側に位置させるようにし、かつトッププレート４上方から見て、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａを通り本体前面２ａと直交する線上に位置させるようにしたので、赤外線入射領域４ａの近傍で加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃ側において発光させる発光体１１の光が、その上方に調理容器Ｐが位置していない場合に、調理人側から見て調理容器Ｐの側壁で最も隠れにくくなり、調理人が最も容易に発光部分を視認することができさらに使い勝手を良くすることができる。
【００６７】
また、加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃの内側で加熱コイル６の中心６ａとは異なる部位に対向し調理容器Ｐから放射され赤外線センサが検知する赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレート４に形成された赤外線入射領域は、発光体１１からの光を当該領域の加熱コイル外縁部６ｃ側近傍で発光させ視認できるようにした赤外線入射領域４ａのみの１箇所とし、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａより手前側（調理人側）に位置させ、かつトッププレート４上方から見て、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａを通り本体前面２ａと直交する線上に位置させるようにしたので、使用する赤外線センサの数を減らし安価とすることができ、その場合に、調理人が最も容易に発光領域４ｂを視認することができるとともに調理容器Ｐ底面で赤外線入射領域４ａを覆う確率を高め、使い勝手をよくすることができる。
【００６８】
なお、赤外線センサ１０以外に、加熱コイル６の下方に設けられ調理容器Ｐから放射される赤外線を検出する他の赤外線センサを設けてもよい。例えば、図２において、第１のサーミスタ５０に代え、赤外線センサ６０を設けても良い。調理容器Ｐからの赤外線を他の赤外線センサ６０に導くための赤外線入射領域４ｉ、他の第１の導光部４３等、赤外線を赤外線センサ６０に入射させるための周辺構成は、図６に示す赤外線センサ１０と同様の構成とする。このように、加熱コイル６の下方に設けられ調理容器Ｐから放射される赤外線を検出する他の赤外線センサ６０と、調理容器Ｐから放射される赤外線が透過できるようにトッププレート４に形成された他の赤外線入射領域４ｉを介して調理容器Ｐからの赤外線を他の赤外線センサ６０に導くための他の第１の導光部４３とをさらに備える場合に、上方から見て、加熱コイル６の外縁部６ｃの内側で発光する領域を赤外線入射領域近傍の１箇所のみとし、近傍が発光する赤外線入射領域４ａを近傍が発光しない他の赤外線入射領域４ｉよりも調理容器Ｐの側壁で隠されにくく見えやすい手前側に設けることにより、発光領域４ｂの数を低減するとともに複数の発光領域に惑わされることなく一箇所の発光領域４ｂを視認しながら（確認しながら）調理人が調理容器Ｐを適切な位置に載置することが容易になる。この場合、トッププレート４上方から見て、赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａを通り本体前面２ａと直交する線上に位置させるようにすると、さらに視認しやすくより確実に赤外線入射領域４ａの上に調理容器Ｐを載置することができる。
【００６９】
また、加熱コイル６の中心６ａに対して赤外線入射領域４ａの反対側にトッププレート４の裏面温度を熱伝導で検知する第１の温度検知手段である第１のサーミスタ５０を設けると、加熱コイル６の中心６ａ上部の調理容器Ｐの温度より高温部を測定する赤外線センサ１０に加え、加熱コイル６の中心６ａ上部より温度の高くなる調理容器Ｐの部分の温度を第１のサーミスタ５０で測定することになるので、赤外線センサ１０が故障した場合や、調理容器Ｐが赤外線入射領域４ａを適正に覆っていない場合等、赤外線センサ１０で調理容器Ｐの温度を検知できない場合でも、第１のサーミスタ５０で調理容器Ｐの温度を検知できるので、安全性及び使い勝手がさらに向上する。
【００７０】
また、加熱コイル６の略中心にトッププレート４の裏面温度を熱伝導で検知する第２の温度検知手段である第２のサーミスタ５２を設けると、調理容器Ｐの加熱コイル６の中心６ａの上方に位置する底面部分に比べより高温となる調理容器Ｐの部分を測定する赤外線センサ１０に加え、調理容器Ｐの温度の加熱コイル６の中心６ａに対する調理容器の中心位置のずれに対して最も安定的に調理容器Ｐの底面温度を第２のサーミスタ５２で測定することになるので、赤外線センサ１０に外乱光が入射した場合、赤外線センサ１０や温度換算手段２４ｂ等の赤外線センサ１０による温度測定回路が故障した場合、または調理容器Ｐが赤外線入射領域４ａを覆っていない場合等、赤外線センサ１０で調理容器Ｐの温度を検知できない場合でも、第２のサーミスタ５２で調理容器Ｐの温度を検知できるので、揚げ物調理時の油の温度などの安定温度を精度良く制御することができ、使い勝手がさらに向上する。加熱コイル６の中心６ａに対して赤外線センサ１０の反対側に第１のサーミスタ５０をさらに設けることにより、外乱光が赤外線センサに入射した場合や調理容器の位置ずれが起きた場合の信頼性を高めることができる。
【００７１】
また、第１の導光筒４２ａ及び第２の導光筒４２ｂを樹脂で一体的に形成したので、第１の導光筒４２ａと第２の導光筒４２ｂの相対的位置ずれがなく構成が簡素となり作製が容易である。
【００７２】
また、加熱コイル６を保持するための樹脂で形成されたコイルベース８と、第１の導光筒４２ａ及び第２の導光筒４２ｂと一体的に形成された導光筒保持部材４０をさらに備え、導光筒保持部材４０をコイルベース８に固定したので、加熱コイル６と導光筒４２との位置ずれの規制が容易で、コイルベース８を本体に組み込むと同時に第１の導光筒４２ａと第２の導光筒４２ｂを本体に組み込むことができ、赤外線センサ１０による測定及びその位置を示す発光領域４ｂを備えた調理容器Ｐの底面温度の測定構成が容易に実現できる。なお、第１の導光筒４２ａまたは第２の導光筒４２ｂは、コイルベース８と樹脂で一体的に成型してコイルベース８に固定してもよい。
【００７３】
また、導光体５６を第２の導光筒４２ｂに挿入したので、発光体１１からの光を赤外線入射領域４ａの近傍に効率よく導くことができ、かつ組立が容易である。
【００７４】
また、加熱コイル６の下方に設けられた複数のフェライトコア３８の端部を導光筒保持部材４０により保持したので、フェライトコア３８を機械的に保持すると同時に導光筒保持部材４０を加熱コイル６に固定することができ、構成が簡素である。
【産業上の利用可能性】
【００７５】
上述したように、本発明にかかる誘導加熱調理器Ｃは、鍋等の調理容器Ｐから放射される赤外線の赤外線センサ１０への赤外線入射領域４ａを加熱コイル６の中心６ａから異なる位置に配置することで、調理容器Ｐの高温部の温度を赤外線センサ１０により測定して感度良く調理容器Ｐの温度を制御することができるとともに、トッププレート４上に発光領域４ｂを容易に視認できるように配置したので、ユーザはこの発光領域４ｂを塞ぐように調理容器Ｐをトッププレート４に載置すれば赤外線センサ１０により適正に調理容器Ｐの温度を測定し加熱出力を制御することができ、家庭用または業務用の誘導加熱調理器として有用である。
【符号の説明】
【００７６】
２本体、２ａ本体前面、４トッププレート、４ａ赤外線入射領域、４ｂ発光領域、４ｃ印刷抜き部、４ｄ印刷部、４ｅ印刷部、４ｆスリット部、４ｇ赤外線センサ表示窓、４ｈ発光領域中心、４ｉ他の赤外線入射領域、５加熱部、６加熱コイル、６ａ加熱コイル中心、６ｂ発光領域中心と加熱コイル中心を結ぶ直線、６ｃ加熱コイル外縁部、７ａ印刷膜、７ｂ遮光層、８コイルベース、９コイルホルダ、１０赤外線センサ、１１発光体、１２基板、１４フィルタ、１６側壁、１８レンズ、２０コネクタ、２２リード線、２４制御基板、２４ａ制御手段、２４ｂ温度換算手段、２６金属ケース、２６ａ金属ケース上、２６ｂ金属ケース下、２６ｃ開口部、２６ｄ固定片、２８操作パネル、３０インバータ電源、３２浮力低減板、３４断熱シート、３６マイカ板、３６ａ穴、３６ｂ穴、３８フェライトコア、４０導光筒保持部材（導光部保持部材）、４０ａ円環部、４０ｂリブ、４０ｃ配線係止部、４０ｄ配線係止片、４０ｅ金属ケース固定部、４０ｆ導光筒下部外壁、４０ｇ導光筒保持部材固定部、４０ｈ補強リブ、４２導光筒（導光部）、４２ａ第１の導光筒（第１の導光部）、４２ｂ第２の導光筒（第２の導光部）、４２ｃリブ、４２ｄ段部、４２ｆ切欠、４３他の第１の導光筒（他の第１の導光部）、４４第１のサーミスタ保持部材、４６第２のサーミスタカバー、４８連結部材、４９連結部材、５０第１のサーミスタ、５１第２のサーミスタ保持部材、５１ａリブ、５１ｂ段部、５２第２のサーミスタ、５３コイルスプリング、５５コイルスプリング、５６導光体、５６ａ係止片、６０他の赤外線センサ、Ｃ誘導加熱調理器、Ｐ調理容器。【Technical field】
[0001]
The present invention relates to an induction heating cooker that induction-heats a cooking container and controls the temperature of the cooking container using an infrared sensor.
[Background]
[0002]
In recent years, induction cooking devices have been widely used as cooking devices that do not use fire. In this induction heating cooker, an infrared sensor is arranged below the center of the heating coil, and the output of the heating coil is controlled by controlling the inverter circuit by the control means in accordance with the output from the infrared sensor (for example, Patent Documents). 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2005-38660 A
Summary of the Invention
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0003]
However, in an induction heating cooker having the above-described configuration, when a cooking container such as an empty pan (which does not contain an object to be cooked) is heated, the cooking container has the highest magnetic flux density and generates a large amount of heat during heating. Since the upper part of the middle part of the outermost and innermost windings rises rapidly, the response of the heating output control to the high temperature part of the cooking container is delayed, and a thin stainless steel pan with poor heat conduction and low heat capacity When used as a cooking container, the pan bottom may become red hot and the pan may be deformed, or a small amount of food such as oil may become hot.
[0004]
The above-mentioned problem can be solved by arranging the infrared sensor so that the temperature of the cooking coil can be measured not in the center of the heating coil but in the middle of the heating coil or in the vicinity of the inner winding of the heating coil. The infrared incident area from the cooked container to the infrared sensor is arranged at a position off the center of the heating coil. In this case, the cooking container is not necessarily placed above the infrared incident area, and if the cooking container is placed so that the user does not unintentionally block the infrared incident area, the temperature of the cooking container is controlled by the infrared sensor. Cannot detect properly. In particular, when the periphery of the induction heating cooker is dark, there is a problem that it is difficult to visually recognize the infrared incident region.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and makes it easy to visually recognize the incident area of the infrared ray emitted from the cooking container, and reliably uses the infrared sensor. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use induction cooking device that can control the temperature of the cooking container.
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0006]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main body constituting an outer shell, a top plate mounted on an upper portion of the main body for placing a cooking vessel, and below the top plate so as to face the top plate. An induction heating cooker provided with a heating coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and induction heating the cooking vessel, wherein the infrared sensor is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel A first light guide unit for guiding infrared light from the cooking container to the infrared sensor through an infrared incident region formed on the top plate so that infrared light radiated from the cooking container can be transmitted; and the infrared light Control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and light emitted from the light emitter is converted into the top plate. And a second light guide for irradiating from below the top plate, and the infrared incident region is opposed to a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil. Light emitted from the light emitter formed through the second light guide and transmitted through the top plate is printed with a light diffusion layer in the vicinity of the outer edge of the heating coil in the infrared incident region. It is characterized in that light is emitted in the region so that the user can visually recognize it.
[0007]
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body constituting an outer shell, a top plate mounted on the upper portion of the main body for placing a cooking container, and provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate. An induction heating cooker including a heating coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and induction heating the cooking vessel, wherein the infrared sensor is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel; A first light guide unit for guiding infrared light from the cooking container to the infrared sensor through an infrared incident region formed on the top plate so that infrared light emitted from the cooking container can be transmitted; and the infrared sensor Control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on the output signal of the light source, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitted from the light emitter is guided to the top plate. A second light guide for irradiating from below the top plate, and the infrared incident area is formed to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil. The light from the light emitter that is guided through the second light guide and transmitted through the top plate is emitted in the vicinity of the outer side of the heating coil in the infrared incident area so that the user can visually recognize the light. As seen from above the top plate, a straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil defines the infrared incident region between the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil. It can also be configured to cross.
[0008]
Further, when viewed from above the top plate, a straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil is configured to divide the infrared incident region substantially equally.
[0009]
Further, another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body constituting an outer shell, and a top plate formed in a plate shape using an insulator that transmits light to place a cooking container mounted on the upper portion of the main body. An induction heating cooker that is provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate and that generates an alternating magnetic field and induction-heats the cooking vessel, and is provided below the heating coil. An infrared sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel and infrared rays from the cooking vessel via an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted. A first light guide unit for guiding the light source, a control unit that controls the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, A second light guide for guiding the light emitted from the light emitter to the top plate and irradiating from the lower side of the top plate, and the infrared incident area is inside the outer edge of the heating coil and the heating coil. The heating coil outer edge of the infrared light incident region is formed so as to face a portion different from the center of the light, and the light from the light emitter that has been guided through the second light guide and transmitted through the top plate The top plate is provided with an infrared sensor display window for displaying an area surrounding at least a part of the infrared incident area, and the light emitted from the light emitter is The infrared sensor display window can be visually recognized in an area surrounded by the infrared sensor display window.
[0010]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the infrared incident region is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil as viewed from above the top plate, and the infrared incident region passes through the center of the heating coil and is on a line orthogonal to the front surface of the main body. Even better.
[0011]
Further, an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so as to transmit an infrared ray that is emitted from a cooking container and that is detected by an infrared sensor is opposed to a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil. One infrared light incident area is located on the near side of the center of the heating coil.
[0012]
Still another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body constituting an outer shell, a top plate mounted on an upper portion of the main body for placing a cooking container, and below the top plate so as to face the top plate. An induction heating cooker provided with a heating coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and induction heating the cooking vessel, wherein the infrared sensor is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel A first light guide unit for guiding infrared light from the cooking container to the infrared sensor through an infrared incident region formed on the top plate so that infrared light radiated from the cooking container can be transmitted; and the infrared light Control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on the output signal of the sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitted from the light emitter is the top plate A second light guide unit for guiding the light source, another infrared sensor provided below the heating coil for detecting infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and the top so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted. And another first light guide for guiding infrared rays from the cooking container to the other infrared sensor through another infrared incident region formed on the plate, and the infrared incident region is an outer edge of the heating coil. The heating coil in the infrared light incident region is formed so as to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the unit, and the light from the light emitter guided through the second light guide unit The light is emitted in the vicinity of the outer edge side so that it can be visually recognized, and when viewed from above the top plate, only one area emits light inside the outer edge of the heating coil, and the infrared incident area is the front side. The center of the heating coil is positioned on the front side, and than the other infrared incident region near the infrared incident region near emits light does not emit light is provided on the front side.
[0013]
Moreover, it is preferable to provide a first temperature detecting means for detecting the back surface temperature of the top plate by heat conduction on the opposite side of the infrared incident region with respect to the center of the heating coil, More preferably, second temperature detecting means for detecting the back surface temperature of the top plate by heat conduction is provided.
[0014]
The first light guide and the second light guide may be formed integrally with a resin.
[0015]
Further, a coil base made of resin for holding the heating coil and a light guide holding member formed integrally with the first and second light guides are further provided, and the light guide holding member is provided. It is fixed to the coil base.
[0016]
It is preferable to provide a light guide that is inserted into the second light guide and guides light from the light emitter to the vicinity of the infrared incident region.
[0017]
Still another embodiment of the present invention is provided with a main body constituting an outer shell, a top plate mounted on an upper portion of the main body for placing a cooking container, and provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate. An induction heating cooker provided with a heating coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and induction heating the cooking vessel, an infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel; A first light guide for guiding infrared rays from the cooking container to the infrared sensor through an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted; and Control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on the output signal, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitted from the light emitter is guided to the top plate. A second light guide part for forming a coil base made of resin for holding the heating coil, a light guide part holding member formed integrally with the first and second light guide parts, A plurality of ferrite cores provided below the heating coil, and the infrared incident region is formed to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil. The light from the light emitter guided through the second light guide is emitted in the vicinity of the heating coil outer edge side of the infrared incident region so that the light can be seen, and ends of the plurality of ferrite cores Is held by the light guide holding member.
【Effect of the invention】
[0018]
According to the present invention, since the infrared incident region is formed on the top plate facing the portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil, the temperature of the cooking container having a higher temperature than above the center of the heating coil. The bottom surface temperature can be measured with an infrared sensor and detected with good sensitivity, and a small amount of oil can be ignited and deformation of a thin cooking container at a high temperature can be prevented.
[0019]
In addition, the infrared light that has passed through the infrared incident region formed so that infrared light can be transmitted through the top plate is guided to the infrared sensor through the first light guide unit, and the light emitted from the light emitter is transmitted to the second light guide unit. And the infrared light incident region is arranged on the top plate facing the portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge of the heating coil, and the light emitting body guided by the second light guide unit From the heating coil outer edge side of the infrared incident area, the infrared rays of the portion of the cooking container that is hotter from above the center of the heating coil are measured, and the temperature of the cooking container is rapidly increased. Because it can be detected with good responsiveness, it can prevent ignition of oil when cooking with a small amount of oil, and it can also prevent deformation of the cooking container at high temperature when cooking using a thin cooking container. Kill.
[0020]
Furthermore, although the infrared incident area is shifted from the center, the user can easily cover the heating coil and the heating container by covering the light emitting area with the cooking container bottom while keeping the center of the cooking container bottom as close as possible to the center of the heating coil. The bottom of the cooking container can be positioned on the infrared incident region while increasing the magnetic coupling to increase the heating efficiency. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of infrared sensors used and to reliably control the temperature of the cooking container using the infrared sensor, thereby suppressing abnormal heating of the cooking container and improving safety, and efficient cooking at high temperatures. Since it can be performed well, usability can be improved and an inexpensive induction heating cooker can be provided.
[0021]
Further, when viewed from above the top plate, the straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil is arranged so as to cross the infrared incident region between the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil. Therefore, infrared light is incident on the bottom of the cooking container by placing the light from the light emitter on the bottom of the cooking container as compared to when the light from the light emitting body is emitted near the outer edge of the heating coil in the infrared incident area. The probability that the area is covered can be increased.
[0022]
Further, when viewed from above the top plate, a straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil divides the infrared incident region substantially equally (for example, the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil). The straight line connecting the center of the light emitting area of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil is the center of the light emitting area of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil. Compared to the case where the infrared ray incident area is crossed between the two, the probability that the infrared ray incident area is covered with the bottom surface of the cooking container is further increased by placing the cooking container so that the bottom surface blocks light from the light emitter. can do.
[0023]
In addition, the top plate has an infrared sensor display window that displays an area surrounding at least a part of the infrared incident area, and the light emitted from the light emitter can be viewed in the area surrounded by the infrared sensor display window. Easily recognizes the meaning of light emission in the light emitting area of the light emitter, the infrared incident area that does not emit light, and the presence of the infrared sensor by associating the light emitting part of the light emitter with the infrared incident area in the infrared sensor display window. can do.
[0024]
In addition, since the infrared incident area is positioned closer to the front side than the center of the heating coil, when the cooking container is not located above the light emitting area, the light emitting area is the side wall of the cooking container as viewed from the cook. It becomes difficult to hide, and the cook can more easily visually recognize the light emitting area.
[0025]
Also, there is one infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that the infrared rays emitted from the cooking container and transmitted by the infrared sensor can be transmitted inside the outer edge of the heating coil so as to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil. Since the infrared incident area is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil, the number of infrared sensors to be used can be reduced and the cost can be reduced, and the work of covering the light emitting area with the edge of the bottom of the cooking container can be easily performed. In addition, the probability of covering the infrared incident area on the bottom surface of the cooking container can be increased and the usability can be improved.
[0026]
In addition, since the infrared incident region is positioned on a line passing through the center of the heating coil and perpendicular to the front surface of the main body when viewed from above the top plate, the light emission occurs when the cooking container is not positioned above the light emitting region. The region is most difficult to hide on the side wall of the cooking container as viewed from the cook side, so that the cook can visually recognize the light emitting region most easily.
[0027]
Also, there is one infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that the infrared rays emitted from the cooking container and transmitted by the infrared sensor can be transmitted inside the outer edge of the heating coil so as to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil. Since the infrared incident area is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil, and the infrared incident area is positioned on a line that passes through the center of the heating coil and is orthogonal to the front surface of the main body when viewed from above the top plate, The number of infrared sensors to be used can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. In this case, the chef can most easily see the light emitting area and increase the probability of covering the infrared incident area on the bottom of the cooking container, improving usability. can do.
[0028]
In addition, when viewed from above the top plate, the infrared incident region is positioned on the near side of the center of the heating coil, and other infrared sensors that are provided below the heating coil and detect infrared rays radiated from the cooking container, Another first light guide for guiding the infrared rays from the cooking container to another infrared sensor through another infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that the infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted. When viewed from above the top plate, there should be only one area that emits light inside the outer edge of the heating coil, and an infrared incident area that emits light in the vicinity is provided in front of other infrared incident areas that do not emit light in the vicinity. This makes it easy for the cook to place the cooking container while reducing the number of light emitting units and confirming the position without being confused by the plurality of light emitting units.
[0029]
Furthermore, if a temperature detecting means for detecting by heat conduction is provided on the opposite side of the infrared sensor with respect to the center of the heating coil, in addition to the infrared sensor for measuring the higher temperature portion of the cooking container, the temperature becomes higher than the upper center of the heating coil. Since the temperature of the cooking container is measured by temperature detection means that detects heat, the infrared sensor cooks when the infrared sensor fails or when the cooking container does not properly cover the infrared incident area. Even when the temperature of the container cannot be detected, the temperature of the cooking container can be detected by the temperature detecting means by heat conduction, so that safety or usability is further improved.
[0030]
Furthermore, if a temperature detection means for detecting by heat conduction is provided at the center of the heating coil, in addition to the infrared sensor that measures the high temperature part from the portion of the cooking container above the center of the heating coil, the cooking of the temperature of the cooking container with respect to the center of the heating coil Since the bottom surface temperature of the cooking container is measured most stably with respect to the deviation of the center position of the container by means of temperature detection by heat conduction, when ambient light is incident on the infrared sensor, the temperature measurement circuit in the infrared sensor Even if the temperature of the cooking container cannot be detected by the infrared sensor, such as when the cooking container does not cover the infrared incident area, the cooking container temperature can be detected by the temperature detection means using heat conduction. The stable temperature, such as the temperature of the oil at the time, can be controlled with high accuracy, further improving usability. The above effect is added by further providing a temperature detecting means for detecting by heat conduction on the opposite side of the infrared sensor with respect to the center of the heating coil. Further, when disturbance light is incident on the infrared sensor or the cooking container is displaced. The reliability in the event of a failure can be increased.
[0031]
In addition, since the first and second light guides are integrally formed of resin, there is no relative displacement between the first and second light guides, and the configuration is simple and easy to manufacture.
[0032]
And a coil base made of resin for holding the heating coil, and a light guide holding member formed integrally with the first and second light guides, the light guide holding member being a coil Since it is fixed to the base, it is easy to regulate the positional deviation between the heating coil and the light guide unit, and the first light guide unit and the second light guide unit can be incorporated into the main body at the same time as the coil base is incorporated into the main body. In addition, the measurement configuration of the bottom temperature of the cooking container provided with the measurement by the infrared sensor and the light emitting region indicating the position can be easily realized. Note that the first light guide unit or the second light guide unit may be integrally molded with a coil base and a resin and fixed to the coil base.
[0033]
In addition, since the light guide is inserted into the second light guide, light from the light emitter can be efficiently guided to the vicinity of the infrared incident region, and assembly is easy.
[0034]
In addition, since the ends of the plurality of ferrite cores provided below the heating coil are held by the light guide holding member, it is possible to mechanically hold the ferrite core and simultaneously fix the light guide holding member to the heating coil. And the configuration is simple.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[0035]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an induction heating cooker according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a top plate provided in the induction heating cooker of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the induction heating cooker of FIG.
4 is an exploded perspective view of a light guide tube holding member provided in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is an exploded perspective view of the light guide tube holding member of FIG. 4 when viewed from below.
6 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of an infrared sensor provided in the induction heating cooker of FIG. 1. FIG.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0036]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an induction heating cooker C according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the induction heating cooker C according to the present invention includes a main body 2 constituting an outline and an upper portion of the main body 2. And a top plate 4 on which a cooking container P such as a pan is placed, and a substantially disk-shaped heating coil 6 provided below the top plate 4 and generating a high-frequency magnetic field.
[0037]
The top plate 4 is formed in the shape of a plate made of an insulating material such as crystallized ceramic that transmits light, and the printed film 7a (on the back surface or the front surface thereof is displayed so that a circular region facing the upper surface of the heating coil 6 is displayed. The heating part 5 in which the range for placing the cooking container P is displayed is formed (see FIG. 2). The print-out part 4c displaying the area of the heating part 5 is formed in a circle with a predetermined width line by a part where the print film 7a is not formed. A black light-shielding layer 7b (see FIG. 6) having substantially zero transmittance is formed by printing. In addition, it is good also as a color different from the circumference | surroundings for the linear printing extraction part 4c. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the circular printing portion 4d formed of the printing film 7a on the heating coil 6 and the printing portion 4e other than the heating coil 6 upper portion are made silver, and the printing punched portion 4c is transparent or translucent. A black or brown printed film may be formed. Further, a plurality of radial slit portions 4f having a predetermined length may be provided on the outer side (lateral direction) from the outer periphery of the heating coil 6, and the region of the heating unit 5 may be displayed. The slit portion 4f is formed to transmit light, or the periphery of the heating coil 6 of the top plate 4 is configured to transmit light, and an annular and linear light emitter (not shown) is provided below the slit portion 4f. The area of the heating unit 5 may be displayed by emitting light around the heating coil 6. The shapes of the printing unit 4d, the printing removal unit 4c, and the slit 4f are all for displaying the range of the heating unit 5, and one or more may be arbitrarily selected to display the range of the heating unit 5.
[0038]
An infrared sensor display window 4g (see FIG. 2) is formed in a part of the printing part 4d on the back surface of the top plate 4 that displays the heating part 5 at a printing-out part where the printing film 7a is not provided. Is almost rectangular. The infrared sensor display window 4g is an area facing the opening at the upper end of the first light guide tube 42a (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, within the range (inside), and the infrared sensor 10 is emitted from the cooking container P. It is formed so as to include an infrared incident region 4a that is an infrared incident region for receiving light and a light emitting region 4b that is a range in which light emitted from a light emitter 11 described later can be visually recognized. The infrared sensor display window 4g may be provided with a translucent printing film (not shown) such as white or brown to make it difficult to see the inside when viewed from the outside. Further, infrared rays may be transmitted through the entire infrared sensor display window 4g. Further, a light shielding layer 7b may be provided on the lower surface of the top plate 4 in a part of the infrared sensor display window 4g. For example, the transmission of light in the region of the infrared sensor display window 4g other than the infrared light incident region 4a and the light emitting region 4b of the light emitted from the light emitter 11 is disturbed to the infrared sensor 10 by providing the light shielding layer 7b. Intrusion can be suppressed.
[0039]
Within the region of the infrared sensor display window 4g, the characters “SENSOR” are displayed on the front side of the light emitting region 4b, which is the region where the light emission of the end of the second light guide 42b can be visually recognized, and the user can display the infrared sensor. It can be easily recognized that the window 4g is a window indicating a region for temperature measurement by the infrared sensor 10 and that the light emitting region 4b is a region to be covered with the cooking container P. Further, if the characters “SENSOR” are covered, the infrared incident area 4 a can be more reliably covered with the bottom surface of the cooking container P, and the accuracy of temperature measurement of the cooking container P can be increased by the infrared sensor 10.
[0040]
The heating coil 6 is placed on a coil base 8 formed of a heat-resistant resin, and a plurality of rod-shaped coil holders 9 are screwed to the coil base 8 at the outer peripheral portion of the heating coil 6, whereby the distal end portion of the coil holder 9. The inner peripheral part of the heating coil 6 is pressed and held, and a cooking container located below the coil base 8 on the front side from the center 6a of the heating coil 6 (the same applies to the cooker side). An infrared sensor 10 that detects the temperature of the bottom of the P and a light emitter 11 that emits light toward the top plate 4 are provided. The infrared sensor 10 and the light emitter 11 are installed on a substrate (printed wiring board) 12 and other elements. It is electrically connected to electrical components.
[0041]
The infrared incident region 4a (see FIG. 6) of the top plate 4 is located at a site different from the center 6a of the heating coil 6 on the radial inner side of the heating coil 6 with respect to the light emitting region 4b in the vicinity of the inner edge of the heating coil 6. It is provided so as to face each other, and the infrared sensor 10 is located directly below the infrared incident region 4a.
[0042]
The heating coil 6 has a split winding configuration of an inner coil and an outer coil, and the infrared incident region 4a and the light emitting region 4b are arranged inside the outer edge portion 6c of the heating coil 6 and immediately below the inner coil and the outer coil. You can also.
[0043]
Further, a plate-like filter 14 for suppressing transmission of visible light is provided above the infrared sensor 10, and a side wall 16 for suppressing transmission of visible light is also provided around the infrared sensor 10. Yes. The filter 14 is mounted on the substrate 12 so as to cover the infrared sensor 10 on the substrate 12 via the side wall 16 surrounding the infrared sensor 10, and the filter 14 positioned directly above the infrared sensor 10 includes There is a convex lens 18 for narrowing the field of view of the infrared sensor 10, that is, for increasing the amount of infrared light emitted from the cooking container P and not directly reflected from the inner surface of the first light guide tube 42a from the infrared incident region 4a. It is integrally formed.
[0044]
An amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the output signal from the infrared sensor 10 is also provided on the substrate 12, and the output signal from the infrared sensor 10 is amplified by the amplifier and connected to the connector 20. 22 and a temperature conversion means 24b for converting the amplified output signal of the infrared sensor 10 into the temperature of the cooking container, and is connected to the control means 24a. The control unit 24 a and the temperature conversion unit 24 b are configured on the control board 24. The temperature conversion means 24b may be configured on the substrate 12. Further, an operation panel 28 for operating the heating cooker C is provided in front of the control board 24.
[0045]
The substrate 12 on which the infrared sensor 10 and the light emitter 11 are placed is housed in a metal case 26 formed of a metal such as aluminum, nonmagnetic stainless steel, or iron plate, and the infrared sensor 10 receives light on the upper surface of the metal case 26. An opening 26c for allowing infrared light from the cooking container P to pass through and passing light emitted from the light emitter 11 is formed in a portion of the surface facing the light emitting surface of the light emitter 11. The lower end of the first light guide tube (first light guide portion) 42a is located below the upper surface of the metal case 26, and the infrared rays from the infrared incident region 4a are applied to the infrared sensor 10 so as to be close to the filter 14. Increasing the incident ratio. Further, the upper surface of the metal case 26 around the opening 26 c is in close contact with the lower surface of the light guide tube holding member (light guide portion holding member) 40 to which the metal case 26 is fixed, and the metal case 26 and the light guide tube holding member 40. Light is prevented from entering through the gaps between the two. The metal case 26 is assembled by fitting the upper metal case 26a and the lower metal case 26b. The metal case upper 26a and the metal case lower 26b are each formed by bending a metal plate. In addition, a fixed piece 26d is formed by bending a part of the upper metal case 26a outward. Further, the substrate 12 is screwed and fixed to a locking piece (not shown) in which a part of the upper metal case 26a is bent inward.
[0046]
Further, a part of the top plate 4 through which the light emitted from the light emitter 11 passes is a light emitting region 4b (see FIG. 6), which is a region where the user can visually recognize the light of the light emitter 11, and the light emitting region 4b is If it is located right above the light emitter 11 and the user perspectives from the near side, it will be located from right above the light emitter 11 due to the parallax, and the near side of the infrared light incident region 4a adjacent to the infrared light incident region 4a. Is provided. Note that a light diffusion layer may be printed on the light emitting region 4b of the top plate 4 and light from the light emitter 11 may be irradiated from below.
[0047]
When a heating operation is instructed by operating the operation panel 28, the output signal from the infrared sensor 10 is converted into the temperature of the cooking container P by the temperature conversion means 24b, but the infrared sensor is not provided with the temperature conversion means 24b. The ten output signals may be directly output to the control means 24a as temperature information. Based on the converted temperature or the output signal of the infrared sensor 10, the control means 24 a controls the inverter power supply 30 that supplies high-frequency power to the heating coil 6, and the temperature of the cooking container P is set to a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature or lower. Adjust.
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an aluminum plate having a thickness of about 0.5 to 1.5 mm is formed above the heating coil 6 placed and held on the coil base 8 in order from the top. The buoyancy reduction plate 32 for reducing the buoyancy acting on the cooking container P when the aluminum cooking container P is heated, the heat insulating sheet 34 which is a heat insulating material made of ceramic fiber with a thickness of about 2 mm, and a thickness of about A mica plate 36, which is an electrical insulating plate of 0.5 mm, is placed, and the magnetic flux from the heating coil 6 to the back side thereof is concentrated near the heating coil 6 on the lower surface of the coil base 8. A plurality of ferrite cores 38 extending radially about the center 6a of the heating coil 6 are attached at predetermined intervals. Most of these ferrite cores 38 except for a part (described later) are U-shaped in a side view, both ends thereof are bent upward, and the outer ends are located on the radially outer side of the heating coil 6, The inner end portion is located inside the heating coil 6 in the radial direction.
[0049]
Further, a resin-made light guide tube holding member 40 is attached to the lower surface of the coil base 8, and the infrared sensor described above is attached to the metal case fixing portion 40e (see FIG. 5) formed on the light guide tube holding member 40. The metal case 26 is attached to the light guide tube holding member 40 by screwing a fixing piece 26d of the metal case 26 in which the housing 10 is accommodated. At this time, the lower end of the light guide tube (light guide unit) 42 is inserted into the opening 26c, and the lower end of the lower outer wall 40f of the light guide tube 42, the lower surface of the annular portion 40a, and the upper surface of the metal case 26 are in close contact with each other. Thus, the light guided from the opening 26c into the metal case 26 is only through the light guide tube 42 as a path.
[0050]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the light guide tube holding member 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
The light guide tube holding member 40 is formed in an annular shape with a predetermined width, and has an annular portion 40 a whose upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the heating coil 6. A convex reinforcing rib 40h provided vertically downward is integrally formed at the width intermediate portion of the lower surface of the annular portion 40a. A light guide tube 42, a metal case fixing portion 40e, and a light guide tube lower outer wall 40f are integrally formed on the inner peripheral side of the front portion of the annular portion 40a. At the front of the annular portion 40a, the front of the light guide tube 42 is provided with a wiring locking portion 40c with a predetermined width in the outer radial direction, and a wiring locking piece 40d is integrally formed in an L-shaped cross section in the vicinity of the tip. Formed. On the lower surface of the annular portion 40a, a metal case fixing portion 40e is provided so as to project downward in the vicinity of the light guide tube 42, and light guide tube holding member fixing portions 40g are provided in three dispersed positions. A first thermistor holding member 44 is integrally formed in the vertical direction at the rear portion of the annular portion 40a. In addition, the lower part of the second thermistor holding member 51 is located at the center of the annular part 40a, that is, between the light guide tube 42 and the first thermistor holding member 44, at a position directly below the center of the heating coil 6. A covering second thermistor cover 46 is integrally formed with a connecting member 48 for connecting the second thermistor cover 46 and the annular portion 40a. The first and second thermistor holding members 44 and 46 accommodate first and second thermistors 50 and 52, respectively, together with coil springs 53 and 55 formed in a solenoid coil shape (see FIG. 1). Similar to the infrared sensor 10, the second thermistors 50 and 52 are connected to the control means 24a via lead wires (not shown) connected to connectors (not shown).
[0051]
The first and second thermistors 50 and 52 are temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooking container P by heat conduction, and the first and second thermistor holding members 44 and 51 are accommodated in the first and second thermistor holding members 44 and 51, respectively. The two thermistors 50 and 52 are urged toward the top plate 4 by coil springs 53 and 55. The second thermistor holding member 51 is integrally molded and held with resin together with the coil base 8 and the connecting member 49, and the lower portion is covered with the second thermistor cover 46, and the cooling air is supplied to the second thermistor holding member 51. The second thermistor 52 is prevented from being cooled by entering the second thermistor holding member 51 from the hole for locking the locking portion of the thermistor 52 on the lower surface of the second thermistor 52. Further, since the infrared sensor 10 is more excellent in transient temperature response than the thermistors 50 and 52, the bottom surface of the cooking container P is rapidly heated in the case of cooking with a small amount of oil, such as fried food cooking. Even when it rises, the temperature of the bottom surface of the cooking container P can be measured with high sensitivity according to the output of the infrared sensor 10, and the output of the heating coil 6 is quickly reduced immediately before oil ignition or the like occurs, as well as vegetables, etc. When the food to be cooked is charged and the temperature of the cooking container P is lowered, the output is controlled to be quickly recovered. However, if the temperature of the cooking container P cannot be detected by the infrared sensor 10 because the cooking container P is not placed above the infrared sensor 10 or if the infrared sensor 10 fails, the heating coil 6 is used as a backup. The thermistor 50 is provided at a position behind the center 6a, and the thermistor 52 in the center of the heating coil 6 is provided for temperature adjustment when the oil temperature is automatically set during frying.
[0052]
A convex rib 40b is integrally formed on the inner edge of the annular portion 40a of the light guide tube holding member 40, and this rib 40b is bonded and held to the back surface of the coil base 8 by an adhesive. The light guide tube holding member fixing portions 40g, which are inserted along the inner end surfaces of the plurality of ferrite cores 38 and are provided on the annular portion 40a of the light guide tube holding member 40, are screwed to the coil base 8. Thus, the bottom surface and the side surface of the inner end portion of the ferrite core 38 are held and regulated by the light guide tube holding member 40. Therefore, the light guide tube holding member 40 also functions as a mechanical holding member for the ferrite core 38.
[0053]
Since the light guide tube 42 and the first thermistor holding member 44 are partly located outside the rib 40 b, the inside of the ferrite core 38 corresponding to the light guide tube 42 and the first thermistor holding member 44. The end portion is cut out so as not to interfere with the light guide tube 42 and the first thermistor holding member 44, and the ferrite core 38 with the inner end portion cut out is shorter than the other ferrite cores 38. It has a letter shape. As shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the buoyancy reduction plate 32, the heat insulating sheet 34, and the mica plate 36 positioned above the light guide tube 42 and the first thermistor holding member 44 is from the cooking container P to the light guide tube. The first and second thermistors 50 and 52 are notched so as to pass through and contact the back surface of the top plate 4 so as not to block infrared rays incident on the infrared sensor 10 through the upper opening of 42.
[0054]
The light guide tube 42 has an elliptical cross-sectional outer shape, the inside of which is divided into two, and guides infrared rays radiated from the cooking container P toward the center 6 a of the heating coil 6 to the infrared sensor 10. A first light guide tube 42a is formed, and the light emitter 11 is positioned near the outer edge 6c side of the heating coil 6 with respect to the first light guide tube 42a, and further on the front side of the center 6a of the heating coil 6. A second light guide tube (second light guide part) 42b for guiding the light emitted from the head plate 4 toward the top plate 4 is formed. Therefore, the metal case 26 containing the infrared sensor 10 and the light emitter 11 is arranged so that the infrared sensor 10 and the light emitter 11 face the lower end openings of the first light guide tube 42a and the second light guide tube 42b, respectively. The light guide tube holding member 40 is screwed.
[0055]
A horseshoe-shaped rib 42c extending upward is formed on the upper end of the light guide tube 42 along the outer periphery of the upper end of the light guide tube 42, and a stepped portion 42d having a predetermined width is disposed outside thereof. A light guide 56 for accommodating the light emitted from the light emitter 11 efficiently in the vicinity of the top plate 4 so that the light is easily visible is accommodated inside the light guide tube 42b. When the mica plate 36 shown in FIG. 3 is fixed on the heating coil 6, a rib 42c is fitted into a hole 36a provided in the mica plate 36, and the hole 36a is formed on the step portion 42d as shown in FIG. The peripheral edge is placed. Similarly, a substantially annular rib 51a extending upward and an outer stepped portion 51b are formed at the upper end of the hemispherical container-like second thermistor holding member 51, and the rib 51a is fitted into the hole 36b of the mica plate 36. Then, the edge around the hole 36b is placed on the stepped portion 51b. Cooling air A blown by a cooling fan (not shown) is sent from below the center of the heating coil 6 as shown in FIG. 6, hits the lower surface of the mica plate 36, and the upper surface of the heating coil 6 along the lower surface of the mica plate 36. Flows radially through the gap. Since the cooling air A passes through the lower surface of the mica plate 36 and the upper surface of the heating coil 6 without directly touching the heat insulating sheet 34 and the top plate 4, the heating coil 6 can be efficiently cooled. Further, since the mica plate 36 is placed on the upper end surface of the light guide tube 42 including the stepped portion 42d, the path through which the high-temperature cooling air A is sent into the first light guide tube 42a is blocked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the infrared sensor 10 from being raised to an allowable temperature or higher by the cooling air A being blown around the infrared sensor 10.
[0056]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the light guide 56 is formed in a columnar shape, and a lower portion of the light guide 56 is inserted into a pair of notches 42f formed at the lower end of the second light guide tube 42b. A pair of locking pieces 56a for locking the light body 56 to the second light guide tube 42b are integrally formed. The light guide 56 is inserted into the second light guide tube 42b from below before the metal case 26 is attached to the light guide tube holding member 40.
[0057]
About the induction heating cooking appliance C comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.
When the food is put into the cooking container P and cooked by the induction heating cooker C according to the present invention, when the power switch (not shown) of the induction heating cooker C is turned on, the light emitter 11 emits light and the emitted light is emitted. In the vicinity of the infrared incident area 4a of the top plate 4 guided by the light guide 56 (the outer side in the radial direction of the heating coil 6 with respect to the infrared incident area 4a on the near side of the center 6a of the heating coil 6, in this embodiment, When viewed from above the top plate 4, the light emitting region 4 b on the line passing through the center 6 a of the heating coil 6 and orthogonal to the front surface 2 a of the main body 2 is irradiated. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the light emission of the light emitting region 4b provided on the radially outer side of the heating coil 6 with respect to the infrared incident region 4a, and the cooking container P is placed on the top plate 4 so as to close the light emitting region 4b. If placed, the infrared sensor 10 can reliably receive the infrared rays emitted from the bottom surface of the cooking container P.
[0058]
When the operation panel 28 is operated to start heating, the control unit 24 a supplies a high-frequency current to the heating coil 6 via the inverter power supply 30. When a high frequency current is supplied to the heating coil 6, the heating coil 6 generates an alternating magnetic field, and the temperature of the cooking vessel P rises due to induction heating. When the temperature of the cooking vessel P rises, the cooking vessel P generally emits infrared energy proportional to a quadruple of its absolute temperature, as shown by Stefan-Boltzmann law. Infrared radiation radiated from the cooking container P passes through the infrared incident region 4a and the inside of the first light guide tube 42a, passes through the filter 14 provided to cover the infrared sensor 10 and removes unnecessary light. The infrared sensor 10 is reached.
[0059]
Further, when the temperature of the cooking container P rises, the output signal of the infrared sensor 10 receiving the infrared energy increases, and as described above, this output signal is amplified by the amplifier and input to the temperature conversion means 24b to convert the temperature. The output signal of the infrared sensor 10 is converted into the temperature of the cooking container P by means 24b. When the converted temperature of the cooking container P exceeds a predetermined temperature set in advance, the control unit 24a stops the supply of the high-frequency current output from the inverter power supply 30 to the heating coil 6 or reduces the high-frequency current. Adjust.
[0060]
The infrared incident region 4a is provided so as to face the opening surface at the upper end of the first light guide tube 42a provided so as to be located inside the outer edge portion 6c of the heating coil 6 and different from the center 6a of the heating coil 6. It is a part of the top plate 4 to be formed. Since the emitted light of the light emitter 11 guided by the second light guide tube 42b is emitted from the infrared incident region 4a in the radial direction outside the heating coil 6 so as to be visible, the temperature is higher than above the central portion of the heating coil 6. The infrared rays emitted from the portion of the cooking container P can be made incident on the infrared sensor 10, and the center of the cooking container P is brought as close as possible to the center 6a of the heating coil 6 so as to bring the light emitting region 4b into the cooking container. The bottom surface of P can be covered. Thereby, the magnetic coupling between the heating coil 6 and the heating container P can be increased, that is, the heating efficiency can be increased, and the bottom surface of the cooking container P can be positioned on the infrared incident region 4a. Therefore, it becomes possible to reliably control the temperature of the cooking container P by the infrared sensor 10 while increasing the heating efficiency, thereby suppressing abnormal heat generation of the cooking container P and improving safety, and efficient cooking at high temperatures. Can be done well and improves usability.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from above the top plate 4, a straight line 6b connecting the center 4h of the light emitting region 4b of the light emitter 11 and the center 6a of the heating coil 6 is the center of the light emitting region 4b of the light emitter 11. If it arrange | positions so that 4 h and the center 6a of the heating coil 6 may traverse the infrared rays incident area | region 4a, such a structure will not be employ | adopted but the outer edge part of the heating coil 6 of the infrared rays incident area 4a Compared with the case where light is emitted in the vicinity of the 6c side, the probability that the infrared incident area 4a is covered with the bottom surface of the cooking container P when placed so as to block the light from the light emitter 11 on the bottom surface of the cooking container P can be increased. .
[0062]
Further, when viewed from above the top plate 4, a straight line 6b connecting the center 4h of the light emitting region 4b of the light emitter 11 and the center 6a of the heating coil 6 divides the infrared incident region 4a substantially equally (for example, light emission of the light emitter 11). Since the straight line connecting the center 4h of the region 4b and the center 6a of the heating coil 6 is the left-right symmetry axis of the infrared incident region 4a), the light emitting region of the light emitter 11 is not adopted. Compared to the case where the straight line 6b connecting the center 4h of 4b and the center 6a of the heating coil 6 crosses the infrared incident region 4a between the center 4h of the light emitting region 4b of the light emitter 11 and the center 6a of the heating coil 6. The probability that the infrared incident region 4a is covered with the bottom surface of the cooking container P when the bottom surface of the cooking container P is placed so that the bottom surface shields light from the light emitter 11 can be further increased.
[0063]
Further, the top plate 4 includes an infrared sensor display window 4g that displays an area surrounding at least a part of the infrared incident area 4a, so that light emitted from the light emitter 11 can be visually recognized in the area surrounded by the infrared sensor display window 4g. Therefore, the user indicates the meaning of light emission in the light emitting region 4b of the light emitter 11, the infrared incident region 4a that does not emit light, and the presence of the infrared sensor 10, and the light emitting region 4b by the light of the light emitter 11 in the infrared sensor display window 4g. And the infrared incident region 4a can be easily recognized.
[0064]
In addition, since the infrared incident region 4a is positioned closer to the front side than the center 6a of the heating coil 6, the light of the light emitter 11 that emits light on the outer edge portion 6c side of the heating coil 6 in the vicinity of the infrared incident region 4a When the cooking container P is not located on the upper side, the cooking container P is less likely to be hidden by the side wall of the cooking container P when viewed from the cooking person side, and the cooking person can more easily visually recognize the light emitting portion.
[0065]
Further, an infrared ray formed on the top plate 4 so as to transmit an infrared ray which is emitted from the cooking container P and which is opposed to a portion different from the center 6a of the heating coil 6 inside the outer edge portion 6c of the heating coil 6 and which is detected by the infrared sensor. The incident region 4a is a portion of the infrared incident region 4a in which light from the light emitter 11 is emitted near the heating coil outer edge 6c side of the infrared incident region so that the light can be seen. Since it is located on the near side (cooker side) from the center 6a, the bottom surface temperature of the cooking container P is used at a plurality of locations opposite to the center 6a of the heating coil 6 using a plurality of infrared sensors. The number of infrared sensors can be reduced and the cost can be reduced compared to the case of measuring the cooking temperature, making it easier to perform the operation of covering the light emitting region 4b with the edge of the bottom surface of the cooking container P. Increase the probability of covering the infrared incident region 4a, it is possible to improve the usability.
[0066]
Further, the infrared incident region 4a is positioned in front of the center 6a of the heating coil 6, and the infrared incident region 4a passes through the center 6a of the heating coil 6 and is orthogonal to the main body front surface 2a when viewed from above the top plate 4. When the cooking container P is not located above the light of the light emitter 11 that emits light on the outer edge 6c side of the heating coil 6 in the vicinity of the infrared incident region 4a, the cook When viewed from the side, the side wall of the cooking container P is most difficult to hide, so that the cook can most easily see the light emitting portion, and the usability can be improved.
[0067]
Further, an infrared ray formed on the top plate 4 so as to transmit an infrared ray which is emitted from the cooking container P and which is opposed to a portion different from the center 6a of the heating coil 6 inside the outer edge portion 6c of the heating coil 6 and which is detected by the infrared sensor. The incident region is only one infrared incident region 4a that is made visible by emitting light from the light emitter 11 in the vicinity of the heating coil outer edge 6c side of the region, and the infrared incident region 4a is the center 6a of the heating coil 6. Since the infrared incident region 4a is positioned on a line passing through the center 6a of the heating coil 6 and perpendicular to the front surface 2a of the heating coil 6 as viewed from above the top plate 4, it is used. The number of infrared sensors to be performed can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. In this case, the cook can most easily see the light emitting region 4b and the cooking container P Increase the probability of covering the infrared incident region 4a in terms, it is possible to improve the usability.
[0068]
In addition to the infrared sensor 10, another infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil 6 and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking container P may be provided. For example, in FIG. 2, an infrared sensor 60 may be provided instead of the first thermistor 50. FIG. 6 shows a peripheral configuration for making infrared rays incident on the infrared sensor 60, such as the infrared incident region 4i for guiding infrared rays from the cooking container P to the other infrared sensors 60, the other first light guide portion 43, and the like. The configuration is the same as that of the infrared sensor 10. Thus, the other infrared sensor 60 provided under the heating coil 6 and detecting the infrared rays radiated from the cooking container P and the top plate 4 are formed so that the infrared rays radiated from the cooking container P can be transmitted. When further including the other first light guide 43 for guiding the infrared rays from the cooking container P to the other infrared sensors 60 through the other infrared incident regions 4i, the heating coil 6 is seen from above. The region that emits light inside the outer edge portion 6c is only one location near the infrared incident region, and the infrared incident region 4a that emits light in the vicinity is less concealed by the side wall of the cooking container P than the other infrared incident region 4i that does not emit light in the vicinity. By providing it on the near side that is easy to see, the number of light emitting areas 4b is reduced, and one light emitting area 4b is visually recognized (without confirmation) without being confused by a plurality of light emitting areas. Cook is easy to place the cooking container P in place. In this case, when viewed from above the top plate 4, if the infrared incident region 4 a is positioned on a line that passes through the center 6 a of the heating coil 6 and is orthogonal to the main body front surface 2 a, the infrared incident region 4 a is more easily visible. The cooking container P can be placed thereon.
[0069]
When the first thermistor 50 as the first temperature detecting means for detecting the back surface temperature of the top plate 4 by heat conduction is provided on the opposite side of the infrared incident area 4a with respect to the center 6a of the heating coil 6, the heating coil is provided. In addition to the infrared sensor 10 that measures the temperature higher than the temperature of the cooking container P above the center 6a of the 6, the temperature of the portion of the cooking container P that is higher than the temperature above the center 6a of the heating coil 6 is measured by the first thermistor 50. Therefore, even when the infrared sensor 10 fails or when the temperature of the cooking container P cannot be detected by the infrared sensor 10 such as when the cooking container P does not properly cover the infrared incident area 4a, the first Since the temperature of the cooking container P can be detected by the thermistor 50, safety and usability are further improved.
[0070]
Moreover, when the 2nd thermistor 52 which is a 2nd temperature detection means which detects the back surface temperature of the top plate 4 by heat conduction is provided in the approximate center of the heating coil 6, it is above the center 6a of the heating coil 6 of the cooking container P. In addition to the infrared sensor 10 that measures the portion of the cooking container P that is hotter than the bottom surface portion located at the bottom, the most stable against the deviation of the center position of the cooking container with respect to the center 6a of the heating coil 6 of the temperature of the cooking container P Since the bottom temperature of the cooking container P is measured by the second thermistor 52, when the ambient light is incident on the infrared sensor 10, a temperature measurement circuit using the infrared sensor 10 such as the infrared sensor 10 or the temperature conversion means 24b. Even when the temperature of the cooking container P cannot be detected by the infrared sensor 10, such as when the cooking container P does not cover the infrared incident area 4a, the second Because it detects the temperature of the cooking container P by the thermistor 52, it is possible to accurately control the steady-state temperature, such as temperatures of the oil during frying, usability is further improved. By providing a first thermistor 50 on the opposite side of the infrared sensor 10 with respect to the center 6a of the heating coil 6, reliability when disturbance light is incident on the infrared sensor or when the position of the cooking container is displaced is obtained. Can be increased.
[0071]
In addition, since the first light guide tube 42a and the second light guide tube 42b are integrally formed of resin, there is no relative displacement between the first light guide tube 42a and the second light guide tube 42b. Is simple and easy to manufacture.
[0072]
In addition, a coil base 8 made of resin for holding the heating coil 6 and a light guide tube holding member 40 formed integrally with the first light guide tube 42a and the second light guide tube 42b are further provided. Since the light guide tube holding member 40 is fixed to the coil base 8, it is easy to regulate the positional deviation between the heating coil 6 and the light guide tube 42, and the first light guide tube is incorporated into the main body at the same time. 42a and the 2nd light guide cylinder 42b can be integrated in a main body, and the measurement structure of the bottom face temperature of the cooking container P provided with the light emission area | region 4b which shows the measurement by the infrared sensor 10, and its position is easily realizable. The first light guide tube 42a or the second light guide tube 42b may be integrally molded with the coil base 8 and resin and fixed to the coil base 8.
[0073]
Further, since the light guide 56 is inserted into the second light guide tube 42b, the light from the light emitter 11 can be efficiently guided to the vicinity of the infrared incident region 4a, and the assembly is easy.
[0074]
Further, since the end portions of the plurality of ferrite cores 38 provided below the heating coil 6 are held by the light guide tube holding member 40, the ferrite core 38 is mechanically held and at the same time the light guide tube holding member 40 is heated. 6 and the structure is simple.
[Industrial applicability]
[0075]
As described above, the induction heating cooker C according to the present invention arranges the infrared incident region 4a to the infrared sensor 10 for infrared radiation radiated from the cooking container P such as a pan at a different position from the center 6a of the heating coil 6. Thus, the temperature of the high temperature portion of the cooking container P can be measured by the infrared sensor 10 so that the temperature of the cooking container P can be controlled with high sensitivity, and the light emitting region 4 b can be easily seen on the top plate 4. Therefore, if the user places the cooking container P on the top plate 4 so as to close the light emitting region 4b, the temperature of the cooking container P can be appropriately measured by the infrared sensor 10 and the heating output can be controlled. Or it is useful as an induction heating cooker for business use.
[Explanation of symbols]
[0076]
2 Main body, 2a Front surface, 4 Top plate, 4a Infrared incident area, 4b Light emission area, 4c Print removal part, 4d Print part, 4e Print part, 4f Slit part, 4g Infrared sensor display window, 4h Light emission area center, 4i, etc. Infrared incident area, 5 heating part, 6 heating coil, 6a heating coil center, 6b straight line connecting the light emitting area center and heating coil center, 6c heating coil outer edge part, 7a printed film, 7b light shielding layer, 8 coil base, 9 coil Holder, 10 Infrared sensor, 11 Luminescent body, 12 Substrate, 14 Filter, 16 Side wall, 18 Lens, 20 Connector, 22 Lead wire, 24 Control board, 24a Control means, 24b Temperature conversion means, 26 Metal case, 26a On metal case , 26b Under metal case, 26c Opening, 26d Fixed piece, 28 Operation panel, 30 Inverter power supply, 32 Buoyancy reduction plate, 34 heat insulation sheet, 36 mica plate, 36a hole, 36b hole, 38 ferrite core, 40 light guide tube holding member (light guide part holding member), 40a ring part, 40b rib, 40c wiring locking part, 40d Wiring locking piece, 40e Metal case fixing portion, 40f Light guide tube lower outer wall, 40g Light guide tube holding member fixing portion, 40h Reinforcement rib, 42 Light guide tube (light guide portion), 42a First light guide tube ( First light guide), 42b second light guide tube (second light guide), 42c rib, 42d stepped portion, 42f notch, 43 other first light guide tube (other first light guide) 44) first thermistor holding member, 46 second thermistor cover, 48 connecting member, 49 connecting member, 50 first thermistor, 51 second thermistor holding member, 51a rib, 51b stepped portion, 52 second 2 thermistors, 53 coil springs 55, coil spring, 56 light guide, 56a locking piece, 60 other infrared sensor, C induction heating cooker, P cooking container.

Claims

A main body constituting the outer shell, a top plate attached to the upper part of the main body for placing the cooking container, and an AC magnetic field that is provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate to generate a cooking container. An induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil for induction heating,
An infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted from the cooking vessel. A first light guide for guiding the infrared rays of the infrared ray to the infrared sensor, control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitter A second light guide for guiding the light emitted from the top plate to the top plate and irradiating from the lower side of the top plate, and the infrared incident area is inside the outer edge of the heating coil and the center of the heating coil The light from the light emitter that is guided through the second light guide portion and transmitted through the top plate is converted to the infrared light. Induction cooking device, characterized in that cause the heating coil outer side near the morphism region is the light-emitting region where the light diffusion layer is printed user to be visible.

A main body constituting the outer shell, a top plate attached to the upper part of the main body for placing the cooking container, and an AC magnetic field that is provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate to generate a cooking container. An induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil for induction heating,
An infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted from the cooking vessel. A first light guide for guiding the infrared rays of the infrared ray to the infrared sensor, control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitter A second light guide for guiding the light emitted from the top plate to the top plate and irradiating from the lower side of the top plate, and the infrared incident area is inside the outer edge of the heating coil and the center of the heating coil The light from the light emitter that is guided through the second light guide portion and transmitted through the top plate is converted to the infrared light. Along with the user to be able to visually emit light in the heating coil outer side near the morphism region,
When viewed from above the top plate, a straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil crosses the infrared incident region between the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil. An induction heating cooker that is configured as described above.

The straight line connecting the center of the light emitting region of the light emitter and the center of the heating coil when viewed from above the top plate is configured to divide the infrared incident region substantially equally. Induction heating cooker.

A main body constituting an outer shell, a top plate formed in a plate shape using an insulator that transmits light for placing a cooking container mounted on the upper portion of the main body, and the top plate facing the top plate An induction heating cooker provided with a heating coil for generating an alternating magnetic field and induction heating the cooking vessel,
An infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted from the cooking vessel. A first light guide for guiding the infrared rays of the infrared ray to the infrared sensor, control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitter A second light guide for guiding the light emitted from the top plate to the top plate and irradiating from the lower side of the top plate, and the infrared incident area is inside the outer edge of the heating coil and the center of the heating coil The light from the light emitter that is guided through the second light guide portion and transmitted through the top plate is converted to the infrared light. The top plate is provided with an infrared sensor display window for displaying an area surrounding at least a part of the infrared incident area, and emits light in the vicinity of the heating coil outer edge side of the irradiation area so that the user can visually recognize the emission area. An induction heating cooker characterized in that light emitted from a body is visible in a region surrounded by the infrared sensor display window.

3. The induction heating cooker according to claim 2, wherein the infrared incident region is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil when viewed from above the top plate.

There is one infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that the infrared rays emitted from the cooking container can be transmitted through the outer edge of the heating coil, opposite to the center of the heating coil, and detected by the infrared sensor. 6. The induction heating cooker according to claim 5, wherein the infrared incident region is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil when viewed from above the top plate.

6. The induction heating cooker according to claim 5, wherein when viewed from above the top plate, the infrared incident region is positioned on a line passing through the center of the heating coil and orthogonal to the front surface of the main body.

The induction heating cooker according to claim 6, wherein when viewed from above the top plate, the infrared incident region is positioned on a line passing through the center of the heating coil and perpendicular to the front surface of the main body.

A main body constituting the outer shell, a top plate attached to the upper part of the main body for placing the cooking container, and an AC magnetic field that is provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate to generate a cooking container. An induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil for induction heating,
An infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted from the cooking vessel. A first light guide for guiding the infrared rays of the infrared ray to the infrared sensor, control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitter A second light guide for guiding the light emitted from the top plate to the top plate, another infrared sensor provided below the heating coil for detecting infrared radiation emitted from the cooking container, and emitted from the cooking container. In order to guide the infrared rays from the cooking container to the other infrared sensors through another infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays can be transmitted. And a first light guide portion of,
The infrared incident region is formed so as to be opposed to a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge portion of the heating coil, and from the light emitter guided through the second light guide unit. While allowing the light to be emitted and visible in the vicinity of the heating coil outer edge side of the infrared incident region,
When viewed from above the top plate, only one region emits light inside the outer edge of the heating coil, the infrared incident region is positioned on the front side of the center of the heating coil, and the infrared light emitted in the vicinity. An induction heating cooker provided in front of the other infrared incident area where the incident area does not emit light in the vicinity.

10. The first temperature detecting means for detecting the back surface temperature of the top plate by heat conduction on the opposite side of the infrared incident area with respect to the center of the heating coil. The induction heating cooker according to item 1.

The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second temperature detecting means for detecting the back surface temperature of the top plate by heat conduction at a substantially center of the heating coil. .

The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first light guide unit and the second light guide unit are integrally formed of resin.

A coil base made of resin for holding the heating coil; and a light guide holding member formed integrally with the first and second light guides, the light guide holding member being The induction heating cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the induction heating cooker is fixed to a coil base.

10. The light guide according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide that is inserted into the second light guide and guides light from the light emitter to the vicinity of the infrared incident region. The induction heating cooker described.

A main body constituting the outer shell, a top plate attached to the upper part of the main body for placing the cooking container, and an AC magnetic field that is provided below the top plate so as to face the top plate to generate a cooking container. An induction heating cooker comprising a heating coil for induction heating,
An infrared sensor that is provided below the heating coil and detects infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel, and an infrared incident area formed on the top plate so that infrared rays emitted from the cooking vessel can be transmitted from the cooking vessel. A first light guide for guiding the infrared rays of the infrared ray to the infrared sensor, control means for controlling the output of the heating coil based on an output signal of the infrared sensor, a light emitter that emits light, and the light emitter A second light guide for guiding light emitted from the top plate to the top plate;
A coil base made of resin for holding the heating coil, a light guide holding member formed integrally with the first and second light guides, and a plurality of parts provided below the heating coil A ferrite core, and the infrared incident region is formed to face a portion different from the center of the heating coil inside the outer edge portion of the heating coil, and passes through the second light guide portion. The guided light from the light emitter is emitted in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the heating coil in the infrared incident region so that the light can be seen, and the ends of the plurality of ferrite cores are held by the light guide holding member. An induction heating cooker characterized by that.